ONE DAY AT A TIME…..

One moment in time… One day at a time… More than a song lyric, it is a resolve to receive the contents of a day with gratitude and not to take with levity. The briefest second of a 24-hour has significance with purpose… As God would have us take thought of this and to lay hold on what is His will for us per time, the knowledge that He is the highest authority over what living encompass. He’s always got the whole world in His hands and can never lose His grasp! Coincidentally, it is my birth month and this time around, I get more settled with the reality that I have achieved nothing without Him …“apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing”. John 15:5 (AMP). I am confronted per second, of the truth about man’s helplessness without God- "Woe to the man who fights with his Creator. Does the pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!' or the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be!'?” Isaiah 45:9 (TLB). When the seas roared and the mountains threatened to blend me; when Dairus’ lions loomed and the furnace would have been my lot, your Covenant of Love stood sure for me. How do I reciprocate a love for me that had existed even before I was formed? For this, I know that having a human sketch of life expectations would warrant the kind of bombardment of questions God put to Job. Like a worm, my knowledge dare not explain how the hungers of lions get satisfied! "I know that you can do anything and that no one can stop you”. Job 42:2 (TLB) This time, I need only to know that your Grace be sufficient for every gift of 24 hours, you grant me! That your ways be higher than mine and your thoughts surpass mine! By Your Word and mine, I give orders to the mornings ahead and show the dawn its place of birthing your purpose of destination for me. That the womb of this new year be for all that you have ordered it to be LORD! Just hold my hand and lead me one day at a time! “I'm only human I'm just a woman Help me believe in what I could be and all that I am Show me the stairway I have to climb Lord for my sake help me to take one day at a time One day at a time sweet Jesus that's all I'm asking from You Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine Lord help me today show me the way one day at a time Do you remember when you walked among men Well Jesus you know if you're looking below it's worse now than then Pushing and shoving crowding my mind So for my sake teach me to take One day at a time One day at a time sweet Jesus that's all I'm asking from You Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine Lord help me today show me the way one day at a time” One Day At A Time {written by Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin} ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible Version) TLB (The Living Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

Identity Card…

It is amazing how a person’s identity can be a struggle to define. The question arises with different situations, directly or indirectly. A query as simple as ‘who are you?’ and one wonders how itgets a response that insinuatesan attack on the personality. Your identity can neither be clearly understood nor presented until you are properly positioned.Therefore, you cannot be confident of the consciousness you do not carry. “There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9 (AMP). That was the case with even a great man of God. He lost consciousness of all that God had invested in him, the moment he chose to be at a wrong location. A man loses sight of his destination when he gets de-focused off the goal he should aim. What are you doing here, with these strange people? What is the ark of God doing in dagon’s residence? There is a fact about being single-hearted withthe outline of your future. Run away from the lure to get ensnared in things that would not help you realize that goal. Do not be double-minded. Stay on track, remain stable and press towards your goal in the power of the Holy Spirit. A definite self-examination you need to practice frequently -You must be able to describe your own mission statement. You are an entity in itself - that should have an insight of who you are, what you are about and where you aim at reaching! You are the chief executive officer of the establishment called you- no other person should have an apt explanation of what you represent, better than you! Take hold of the pen by yourself and author your own story – your identity! You have been bought with a price; you are first a possession of Christ before any achievement in the world. The secret with maintaining your identity as a child of God is with your associations. “How blessed are those who reject the advice of the wicked, don’t stand on the way of sinners or sit where scoffers sit!” Psalm 1:1 (CJB). If you loaf around the wrong crowd, your good virtues diffuse into the negative energy they represent. You begin to think, reason, talk and behave like them. You cannot stand aloof; you become defined by the majority – that’s your identity! The world will describe you by the identity they recognize. It is by sustaining a relationship with Godthat helps the consciousness of who you represent in this world and your priority will not be misplaced. “For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character. But to obtain these gifts, you need more than faith; you must also work hard to be good, and even that is not enough. For then you must learn to know God better and discover what he wants you to do”. 2 Peter 1:3-5 (TLB). Henceforth, your delight should be in the things of God; His Word, as you meditate on these instructions day and night, He has promised that you will be like trees planted by streams — you will bear the fruitsof godliness in season and yourvirtues like fresh green leaves will never wither, everything you do will succeed. God that has promised is faithful to sustain you and bring your life to an expected attainment! Beloved, never lose your identity as God’s own! “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV).Work out your escape from the expectations of the enemy. The world is only taken by surprise when you succeed! Show us your identity card! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible Version) CJB (Complete Jewish Bible) TLB (The Living Bible) KJV (King James Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

The Remnant…

It bothers that very few people these days hold values in high regard. Sometimes one wonders at the boldness with which unlikely people deviate from the ideal. Not only is it that the society has become less of a community. Gone are the days that a child gets mentored by every adult in the neighborhood, but now, you must be doubly sure of who you entrust the care of your child to. “And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again only this once. Suppose ten [righteous people] shall be found there. And [the Lord] said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake”. Genesis 18:32 (AMP) Abraham had to bargain with God when he pleaded that Sodom be spared of destruction. There is always a remnant of people who have their values intact, regardless of the widespread moral decadence in a society. God has His ways of preserving His own. There is yet a seven thousand reserve whose knees have not bowed down to baal and whose mouths have not kissed him! Even though maintaining chastity be not of popular honor anymore, if it takes the obedience of only a few, it is a value that has earned the upholders of the practice, much honor and God’s rewards. It does not matter that it is no longer ‘in fashion’. Child of God, don’t compromise your identity; that is what truly matters. Your titles have no importance with God and do nothing to count for eternity! When you take a lone stand with God is when you must preserve your integrity and sign in the correct time at the workplace. Few people will dare to say ‘No’ to unevenness in any amount it shows. There is a remnant of those who grieve and lament over the detestable trends in our world- The likes of John the Baptist do not mind the disapproval and labeling but speak the truth about what God requires from us and what He disapproves of. “So too at the present time there is a remnant (a small believing minority), selected (chosen) by grace (by God's unmerited favor and graciousness)”.Romans 11:5 (AMP). The world harasses us when we refuse to conform to its standards. Even though they may intimidate us, with God, we will always emerge victorious. This is the attitude we ought to have towards those who try to pressurize us into disobeying what we know to be God’s Will for us. When there are life conflicts, we are sometimes tempted to belief that we are alone in standing for God and get discouraged. We must remember that God has His remnant even in difficult situations. The remnants are those who have genuinely turned to God and whose hearts are with Him. I must say that ‘the remnants’ are indeed few! God changes the lives of those who receive Jesus and are willing that God work in them. “What is left of Israel shall not do iniquity or speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they shall feed and lie down and none shall make them afraid”. Zephaniah 3:13 (AMP) Beloved reader, are you in the number saved by God’s Grace? Broad is the route to destruction, but narrow is the way to salvation - I beseech thee, get enlisted today! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

The 6th Sense!

The 6th Sense! You know that relief feeling when you open your device and the first message that pops at you is one that reads “God works miracles in the worst of circumstances”. To many, the first reaction would be of disregard and passing away for more ‘important’ activities to be done; For someone who has had positive hopes and carries a God-consciousness, is more expectant that even ‘random’ contexts include avenues for God to speak to him/her. The human mind is sensitive to words, as well as actions. They have a way of re-echoing over time. The most significant effect of this is that they affect our habits of perception - they are linked to our five human senses. Every bit of communication stretches some human sense, thus exaggerating that particular sense and influence human interactions. An extension occurs when an individual makes use of something in a way that gives the human mind and body a new sensitivity. The world is one of observable facts- the five human senses of sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing. But a 6th sense is the one of Faith. This sense is not a visible one; it contradicts the existence of the other five natural ones. Faith is a belief in, trust in or devotion to something or someone, especially without logical proof. I refer in this piece to Faith in God. It is an audacity to believe that something out of the norm will happen. Reducing an army of thirty-two thousand men to three hundred can be explained only by the 6th sense! “Then the Lord said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped water I will save you and hand Midian over to you. All the other men should go home." Judges 7:7 (GWT). Forwarding All Issues To Heaven, means that I am insensitive to negativity around me… Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness… Faith makes things possible, though not easy; it requires a good fight… Faith in God changes everything… Faith is dead to doubts, dumb to discouragements and blind to impossibilities… Without Faith, it is impossible to please God- that statement is more than a cliché. The weight of it comes with tests of the heart and mind – God checks your level of dependency on Him with your response to His instructions. "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food." 1 Kings 17:9 (NIV). The widow that was charged with the provision of food for Prophet Elijah, had suffered a major deprivation of food and should have ready excuses of her inability to cope with an extra responsibility. Only a sense of Faith can receive this kind of instruction in the light of reliance on God for provision. Faith is a test of your confidence in God. ....“humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2 (NLT). Do not throw away your great confidence – God is not slack concerning His promises for your life. “I am The Resurrection and The Life”, if you yet belief, Lazarus will come alive, though he be dead for four days! Your Glory will emerge! Activate your 6th Sense… ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: GWT (God’s Word Translation) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

No more Chastisement!

No more Chastisement! Permit me a description of the masterpiece of the human body - consists of parts called organs; these include tissues that are made up of cells. The account of the human anatomy has been depicted over a long time, by a persistent development in the understanding of the functions of the body components, none of which play a passive role but contribute in different magnitudes to the functioning of the body. Whatever approach is adopted at studying the composition of the human body, always equates with the universal notion that the object of investigation definitely is one that possesses the characteristics of a living thing, no feature will ever match with those of any non-living thing. Let us agree here that the characteristics of the human and animal bodies are parallel – for instance movement, reproduction, nutrition, growth, excretion. The body is organized by levels; the smallest elements of the human cells to the largest organ and its relationship with other organs. My body is a framework of functions, the Creator never makes mistakes- “God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28 (AMP). That is the first rule of the most sacred book of God, regarding humans. Any rule otherwise is abnormality, therefore unacceptable! Human science is not capable of sustaining the human body. With no expression of guilt, human medicine is very limited at offering a completely valid explanation and cure for illnesses – this explains the maxim, ‘we care, but God heals’. Beloved Pilgrim, in what then lays our hope? Will we also observe helplessly as our bodies continuously get ravaged in this passage? This canker worm having a claim on God’s temple, eating deep into its base, giving ill-feeling, a hold in the body….. No more chastisement! “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” Isaiah 53:5 (AMP). Yes, Jesus Christ, bore so deep sorrow in my place! He left His everlasting throne of Glory and came down in a body for an agenda of sorrow for my sake! “Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it].” John 12:27 (AMP). He preferred the lowly, hopeless, sick and embattled with sorrow. He came, never for pageantry of a worldly welcomed King. In fact, there was nothing impressive about His looks on the cross, but worthy of note is how He looks at His beloved! Hey, let not your hearts be troubled, for He came to bear all the pain for this beloved! He bore it all and took the fall, the shame, the ridicule and thought of me above all! He consciously gulped down the contents from the cup of suffering, He submitted Himself like a lamb meant for the slaughter – He willingly represented a curse, for scriptures teach that cursed is he who hangs on a cross – Jesus, I am the ransomed, healed, restored and forgiven, Twas me, you referred when you said Talitha koumi, Ephphatha, Arise, take up your bed and walk, Come forth from your graves, Go and sin no more, thy faith hast made thee whole, for there is NO MORE CHASTISEMENT! Jesus, the chastisement of my healing was mercilessly upon you. These times we look to thee, in payers and fasting, we beseech that the old order be restored and “Everything touching the water of this river shall live. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will be healed. Wherever this water flows, everything will live.” Ezekiel 47:9 (TLB). ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible Version) TLB (The Living Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530. AyotundeAyanfe

Jerusalem MAY triumph!

Jerusalem MAY triumph! MAY: a modal verb indicating that something could be true, or could have happened, or will possibly happen in the future; also indicates permission or someone’s strong wish- Encarta English dictionary. MAY: The fifth month in a year; mid-month of the second quarter of the year… It varies in meaning to several people but the common connotation herewith presented. “But I have chosen Jerusalem, that My Name [and the symbol of My presence] might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel”. 2 Chronicles 6:6 (AMP). “And the Lord said, I will remove Judah also out of My sight as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city, Jerusalem, which I have chosen, and the house, of which I said, My Name [and the pledge of My presence] shall be there”. 2 Kings 23:27 (AMP) Even though the first Scripture reference affirms a statement of approval and an election of Jerusalem by God, the second one cancels out the initial promise. The fulfillment of God’s Word in the life of an individual or a nation bases upon obedience. The Bible is consistent that the punishment of rebellion is death – both physical and spiritual alienation from God. Therefore, the remedy for sin is repentance i.e complete change in attitude to sin. Individually and corporately, God requires that our response to Him be a sacrifice of a broken spirit and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin, humble and sincerely penitent]; this is the attitude that Jesus expected of Jerusalem ….."Eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down," he wept”….. Luke 19:42 (TLB). Jesus weeps because He compassionately regards mankind; God’s graciousness has afforded us the sacrifice of Jesus for our redemption. He became a man of sorrows, accustomed to humiliation for the sake of the elect. Jesus weeps over the future fate of the city He loves. “Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David”. Isaiah 55:3 (AMP) God’s promise is not a blank cheque. He clearly spells out the conditions that obedience is required if this dynasty is to continue. Jerusalem may triumph… God’s beloved Ephraim must take delight in His restoration. Only when the prodigal son realized the state of his mess did he seek for a reunion with the father. It is a willingness to break loose the chains of the captive, a yearning to be at liberty to sing the victory song! As was the situation of South African Soweto, nightfall refused to bring the rest that is common and deserved. The enemy barks like a rabid dog, the manifesto of the evil one is to steal, kill and to destroy. But sin is a reproach to the people called by the name of the Lord. Beloved, you have a role to play for the reality of your liberation. Even though the altar of God awaits your sacrifice of praise and all things has been placed under the authority of the Christ, the Church will only triumph when God’s principles are adhered to. Meanwhile, remember that these too have a universal applicability- Covenant Child, if a herd of swine could have the Master relocate them to the place of their choice because they worshiped, you must recognize this season as yours for God’s visitation. “So wake up! ….Up on your feet, Jerusalem! You've drunk the cup God handed you, the strong drink of his anger. You drank it down to the last drop, staggered and collapsed, dead-drunk....You've been hit with a double dose of trouble…..Your Master, your God, has something to say, your God has taken up his people's case: "Look, I've taken back the drink that sent you reeling. No more drinking from that jug of my anger! I've passed it over to your abusers to drink, those who ordered you, 'Down on the ground so we can walk all over you!' And you had to do it. Flat on the ground, you were the dirt under their feet." Isa 51:17-23 (THE MESSAGE) This May, as many as will run under the shadow of the Almighty, MUST triumph! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible Version) TLB (The Living Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

THE OLD TIME RELIGION....

THE OLD TIME RELIGION… Many funny images play on mind when one thinks about the concept ‘old’. It could be an old flame, old song, old rhythm, old school, old life, whatever thing it is, some feelings of nostalgia mixes with appreciation for old experiences. Whether pleasant or not, the devotion of time for the thought is always the same long as it is in the past tense. Various events explaining old pictures usually play on one’s mind bringing their near-life performances on thoughts. Howbeit, the original state of anything is mostly given a positive reception than when reordered… The originator of an idea approves of the condition in which it was created and would have none of its revised variant. When God gave specifications to Moses on rules regarding worship, He insists that any altar built to Him be in a natural state, made either of earth or simple stones. "The altars you make for me must be simple altars of earth. Offer upon them your sacrifices to me ….Build altars only where I tell you to, and I will come and bless you there. You may also build altars from stone, but if you do, then use only uncut stones and boulders. Don't chip or shape the stones with a tool, for that would make them unfit for my altar. Exodus 20: 24 & 25 (TLB). None of the stones are to be dressed; they are not to have any embellishing. The sacredness of the pure state is also evident in the command to sacrifice a year old lamb without blemish - …“Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb — both a year old and without defect — for a burnt offering,”… Leviticus 9:3 (NIV) The faith in God as of old… Abraham had faith in God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. He left his country, his people and his father’s household to move to a foreign country that he never had a clue about. He refused to calculate the implication of sacrificing his only son. For this, he became the ‘father of faith’. This kind of faith that makes one to just take the first step without seeing a reality of any stairway! It does not insist on knowing the future but trusts in God, keeps going and living like a stranger in a foreign land while looking ahead for an everlasting city… The faith of our fathers! Living faith as of old- It helps the beloved to closely walk with God. Enoch walked with God for 300years in the midst of the perversions of his time without wavering in his faith! His uprightness pleased God that He decided to have him in heaven without death. This kind of undiluted faith made Noah to act on God’s warning- he spent many years building an ark to save his people from flood. The unbelieving people of his time treated his action with contempt. All those who had rejected God were totally unprepared when the flood came and swept them away. It was an ‘unreasonable’ faith…. as of old. Moses’ parents perceived him to be an extraordinary child- they realized God’s purpose for his life and kept him from death… risking death itself. Moses gave up his royal prestige and wealth because he saw a glorious future of reward- Israel walked through the Red Sea. Whatever made a ‘defenceless’ multitude believe that a shout would bring down a fortified city wall was old faith! I see people analysing that instruction if it were to be for year 2013. The devotion as of old… Joseph would have had sessions with Mrs Pharaoh but he would rather be imprisoned for not compromising. Daniel would not defile himself with the king’s meet nor did he fear for his death verdict! Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were left with no option of life if they disagreed with King Nebuchadnezzar’s order. ...“if you do not worship it (this image), you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Daniel 3: 15 (NIV).When Queen Esther resolved to see the king at an ‘awkward’ time, she risked a death decree, but turned out to be a signatory to the death warrant of the hunter of her soul. The Shepherd boy (David) ignored that he was not equipped with physical war kit, he aimed at Goliath, having on mind that …“but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” 1Samuel 17: 45 (NIV). Old Old times that brides were stoned to death for not staying virgin; little wonder Joseph wanted to secretly put away Mary when she was found with a child. Cultural values have been perverse; many cannot afford to remain chaste till marriage. It is now ‘old school’ to hold a value that earns the upholder of the practice, much honour and God’s rewards. That love as of old… The disciples were devoted ….to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer... many amazing things and miraculous signs happened through the apostles…believers kept meeting together, and they shared everything with each other...The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other's homes and shared their food. At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group. Acts 2:42-47 (GW) That religion as of old… It is a winning principle; it is the champion’s recipe. Lord, like you did as of old, right from creation, brood over our lives. The fiery furnace of life’s battles loom but we arise on the pedestrian of faith and absolute confidence in our God. Give us that old time religion; it is good enough for us… ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) TLB (The Living Bible) GW (God’s Word) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

The EXODUS...

THE EXODUS… Twas sheer cruelty in display on the streets of Goshen….. …..Goshen; a place that used to symbolize joy, peace and abundance. The twelve sons of Jacob and their entire families had thought to escape the famine of Canaan and went to settle in Egypt. There in Goshen; the best part of the land, they grew to a great multitude to the alarm of the Egyptians. After the death of Joseph, there arose a new Egyptian king who didn’t know Joseph. He maltreated Israel, enslaved them, ordered the death of all male Hebrew babies and forced the people to build cities. Months went into years, then decades and over four centuries, Israel slaved! …..Goshen; Horror became the norm; harmless babies qualified for death by just being males. "A cry is heard in Ramah— deep anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children,… for her children are gone." Jeremiah 31:15 (NLT). Every day, Israel’s heart broke because at least one got helplessly hacked down and dragged to the graves. Israel became constantly dominated by terror that gnawed at their weakened hearts- the once hopeful and settled people trembled in Egypt- now a strange land. They became eroded of their ‘God- people’ nature, the culture and even the gods of Egypt became the rule. Ten generations of slaves- And Israel wailed! ….."I have seen the deep sorrows of my people in Egypt and have heard their pleas for freedom from their harsh taskmasters. I have come to deliver them from the Egyptians and to take them out of Egypt into a good land, a large land”…. Exodus 3:7-8 (TLB). The release of the nation of Israel from Egypt’s firm grip was an impossible charge from human viewpoint, but the exodus in reality, strikes God’s manifestation of His sovereignty. King Pharaoh was very reluctant to let his Israelites slaves depart which led to Egypt’s experience of ten most terrifying plagues- they were God’s miracles to express the overruling providence of Israel’s Yahweh. One would expect a release after these episodes- Pharaoh with his vast army pursued Israel and ended up drowning in the red sea. God prevailed with Israel! If only we are not a bunch of forgetful people! If only that we remember various instances of God’s help in the past…. Israel, if only you have not gotten over the dramatic means by which you were set free! I split the red sea and Pharaoh could not get you back, even with the arsenal of Egypt, I grounded them all in the red sea! I did terrible acts just to prove that you are mine- I transferred Egypt’s wealth into yours, I had you plunder your cruel slave masters. Have you quickly forgotten that my holy right hand opened the ways and brought you out? If we could just remember, then our faith for today and tomorrow would not dwindle… It is no easy matter to be delivered, yet in one sense, it is simplicity itself -- "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"… Acts 16: 31 (KJV). To believe is not mere child's play. All things are possible to him who believes. The reason is not far-fetched- “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it” Matthew 11:12 (NIV). In the midst of all troubles, God’s desire prevails only with this beloved that would not give up, for He sits above the circle of the earth and controls all affairs of men! The day of liberty is just as normal as any day- the cock will crow at its time, the courses of nature will take place, all things will take their usual ways; only the violent in the spirit will prevail despite devil’s distractions. Beloved covenant child, this is your season to march! The exodus! Advance persuasively and drop off every strings of Egypt- walk away from their gods, their culture, hate the taste of their pomegranates and choice foods. March out of that unholy accord! “Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers (they do not love the Lord). Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever? Can God's temple contain false gods? Clearly, we are the temple of the living God”... 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (GOD'S WORD). Come, we that love The Lord, join in with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne of mercy! Let us march on to Zion, the place of our delight, the place where we will worship God without hanging our harps. The kingdom of our God is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Let our songs abound and every tear be dry because we are marching to the beautiful city of God- our deliverance. We are marching through Immanuel’s ground. Jesus was that rock that followed Israel to victory! He was the same and is the same forever. I know whom I’ve believed… I know who holds my hands… I know who holds my future... “Praise him with a clash of cymbals; Praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalms 150:5-6 (NLT). For death could not hold Him captive! This exodus! ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) KJV (King James Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530. -- AyotundeAyanfe

RESCUE FROM THE GRAVE…

-- RESCUE FROM THE GRAVE… Even though an illustrative description of a grave might not be explicit enough to anyone that had never had the experience, the sure knowledge is that it is a place or situation devoid of life. Whatever life entails also explains the quantity of one’s expectation of survival. To some, life equals daily experiences while there exists an opinion out of so many, that life is all about the circulatory activities of the human anatomy. To this writer, life connotes surviving- that is, a continued resolute existence in the glare of deviance. “For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life that makes purification possible”. Leviticus 17:11 (NLT) Scriptures often record God’s provision for life in the context that we are exploring. When Israel was entangled in Egypt, they slaved in that very hostile land, they were to be sorted but had to be marked first. The precaution for their rescue was to be their identification with the blood - “The blood you have placed on the doorposts will be proof that you obey me, and when I see the blood I will pass over you”... Exodus 12:13 (TLB). You may wonder that God demands a blood identity. That does not mean a literal painting of the body with blood. It is the spiritual surgery that God does in the human heart with your willing surrender! It explains that the mortal nature is sin-stained but it takes a deliberate wash by God to truly qualify you for His rescue! Yes we know of the “mercy drops” of goodness over all shades of people, but fact still remains that whatever did play into the passion with which “The Master” reacted to the pains of physical death of His “beloved” Lazarus tells me that they had a living relationship initiated by this same blood in perspective! Job at some point in his travails still hoped for God’s rescue from the grave situations he was soaked into. He said “Oh, that you would hide me with the dead and forget me there until your anger ends; but mark your calendar to think of me again!” Job 14:13 (TLB). He had made a comparison of hope for a dead plant just for the slightest track of water, whatever convinced him that even though God permitted him to stay in the grave, He would still rescue him, explains the reality of extreme solitude but hope – the world abandons those in the grave, a man is left for decay with all his desires wrapped up, even his feet and hands are tied effectively that it takes a calling-forth and losing him – a grave resident gets stripped of companions, he is confined to a very dark tunnel, no ray of light! He can never hear the voice of any man that calls! But JEHOVAH sits on His unprecedented throne of mercy; the royal diadem describes the adornment on His head. He is not seated like He will ever be wearied out of position, His great hands rests at His sides and functions at will. Jesus sits at the right hand side of this everlasting throne. What fascinates me most about my King is His Word! Not only that it is powerful, it was the first active participant for creation ...“and God said let there be light and there was light” Genesis 1:3 (NIV). His Word travels faster and performs His biddings. “So powerful is his voice; so full of majesty. It breaks down the cedars. It splits the giant trees of Lebanon. It shakes Mount Lebanon and Mount Sirion…! The voice of the Lord thunders through the lightning. It resounds through the deserts and shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. Psalms 29:4-8 (TLB) My King carved out the earth to function as His footstool and never runs out of ideas on how best to position this either. His Word prompts the attendant cherubims and seraphims of their next lines of action. Not only is this voice prominent in His palace, it dictates the pace of the seas “He calms the storm and stills the waves” Psalm 107:29 (TLB). It not only guides the boundary of the sun, calls forth Lazarus out of his grave, it is the only Word that the deaf comprehends when He says “Ephphatha”. Whichever way it comes, it is always committed to acting in accordance to purpose! “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave”. Psalms 107:20 (NIV). The confidence a covenant child has is that God’s Word restores the soul of who perpetually looks up to Him for help. It does impress deeper than medical diagnosis can reach! Even the lawful captives of the mighty, receive mercy! Peace, Be still, even in the grave! “because you will not abandon me to the grave,”… Psalms 16:10 (NIV) ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

EVERLASTING LOVE....

EVERLASTING LOVE… "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you”. Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV). No one can fully grasp the core of God’s promise of Everlasting Love if same is in a shallow relationship with Him. In fact, several Bible verses are easily recited by all ages of people without getting an understanding of their impact on life and eternity. Right from kindergarten, many get accustomed especially to certain Psalms of the Bible. As if it is not shallow enough to merely recite these verses religiously, many still do for purposes other than to nourish the spirit, soul and body. “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us”. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (THE MESSAGE). The Bible is a sacred book of instructions for living. God speaks to His own through this and other means. God’s Word fits into every situation; we are exposed to the ultimate hope we have of heaven, the joy of Christian fellowship here on earth and the indispensability of the Holy Spirit of God who especially in this dispensation guides us into all truths about God, the world and all eventualities. Every child of God must be conscious of the truth that he carries God inside of himself- “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's”. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) In the Old Testament days, the physical temple was the holy place where the people met with God to worship; Jerusalem was the city of God- the Great King. It stood high up in the mountains in a beautiful spot- “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth”… Psalms 48:2a (NASB). For Zion was the place where Israel felt the Living and True God was especially present. Yahweh, Jehovah was beyond all other ‘great kings’ and Jerusalem was the city of Him who was most worthy of praise. In our time, God is present whenever and wherever people meet to hallow His name - there I AM in the midst of them. There is no one place on earth that is special beyond all others for knowing God’s presence and worshiping Him, true worship is rooted in the knowledge of The Truth (Jesus) and in Spirit; your connection with God’s Spirit living within you- “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:24 (NIV). The Holy Spirit lives in you if you are in Christ, the fellowship of the people that God dwells within them is called Church- it is now God’s city on earth! We belong to a universal fellowship of all who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God who is the Anointed Messiah. This honor also lays on us the obligation to live holy lives for we are the Church being adorned to inherit the heavenly Jerusalem of God! Friend, come let us look closely at this- Everything about God is Everlasting. Starting with His utterances, they carry creative powers even in series beyond when they were spoken. Not a jot of His Word will go unfulfilled. Another aspect is that life exist forever- beyond these passing routines and rat-chasings that we all do, we all have everlasting continuation of our existence especially after ‘death’. Everlasting bliss with God in His city awaits those that have lived their physical lives obeying God, while everlasting pains will be the lot of those that disregard His laws. Whether human logics can make sense of God’s reassurance of His Everlasting Love, mostly, you have been confronted with the reality that your time in that desert helped your fellowship with God; Pharaoh’s fighting host, physical hunger and various stokes of pain all lashed at you. Those times that you interpreted the ‘solitude’ in your soul to mean that the ‘golden calf’ was an option! You sinned! But God in His Everlasting Mercy came to your rescue. Even though you yearned for ‘Egypt’s cucumbers and pomegranates’ that the devil generously gave you in exchange for the substance of your destiny, God courted you despite your whoring, He has been loving ever since He formed you in His own image and breathe life into you! He did not just recently start loving you! Everlasting Love, Everlasting Peace, Everlasting Joy, Everlasting Favor, Everlasting Everlasting are ALL in the place of rest with God. Everlasting Fellowship- aloneness with God “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt”. Hosea 2:14-15 (NIV). The aftermath of this is that God will thoroughly transform the situations of the beloved whose head had rested on His Everlasting Heart and with Loving-kindness, He will draw their lives out of prostration and they will yet be found among the throngs that truly cheer. The captives of great Babylon wept as they were forcefully exiled, but they will yet weep for joy- “Those who sow tears shall reap joy”. Psalms 126:5 (TLB) “Those who mourn …. shall be comforted”. Matthew 5:4 (TLB). This year 2013, God’s Everlasting Love will gently lead His beloved, God will bend down like a Great Shepherd to feed His sheep and calm their pains- complete fullness and satisfaction, perfect comfort that only comes from God- “For the Lord has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them. They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the Lord's good gifts— the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone”. Jeremiah 31:11-12 (New Living Translation). “For the Lord loves justice and fairness; he will never abandon his people. They will be kept safe forever; but all who love wickedness shall perish”. Psalms 37:28 (TLB) “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work”. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NKJV) HAPPY YEAR 2013 OF HIS EVERLASTING LOVE! ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) ESV (English Standard Version) AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) NASB (New American Standard Bible) NKJU (New King James Version) KJV (King James Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

SILENT NITE...

SILENT NITE… The extraordinary was destined to happen- a virgin birth! Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by The Holy Spirit! "You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28 (GOD'S WORD). That was angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary when she was told about God’s intention for her exaltation. What conflict would have gone on her mind- she was troubled because God’s choices create human conflict. She would have looked forward to becoming Joseph’s bride someday soon, a bride in spotless white bridal attire, adorned as a beautiful gift for her husband; a bride untainted, untouched, a complete gift! Now, there seems to be a division- God’s call. “For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:22-25 (NIV). Mary must have felt ‘messed up’. She was planning her wedding; God’s assignment must have looked like a completely different plan for her life- Now that is conflict! Can you imagine being Joseph? Accepting to still go ahead with marrying a woman who claims that The Holy Ghost got her pregnant! Would you even have been patient enough to seek God? Would you have trusted Mary enough to consider her? Beloved, God’s agenda usually ‘messes up’ man’s plans. Mary was not planning to have a baby at that time; she looked forward to a honorable and glorious wedding! Is it not funny how you can be asking God for one thing and He gives you something completely different? It is for you to understand that His promises are birth in your life through His Word. You cannot have God’s fruit in your life, if you don’t have His Word in your heart. Regardless of how contrary to your expectations that God’s Word sounds, it is the seed that germinates life! It is that semen necessary to impregnate your human spirit with the promises of God! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV). If you are a chosen of God, you are to bring forth life; this life must be a fruit that abides! This life is Jesus! Nightfall suggests permission for nature to recline. Everything in creation, jointly agree that there is a connection between the night time and rest. Silence takes over the boisterous activities of the long day. This is divine arrangement and in fact, started with creation. “As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night." Genesis 8:22 (TLB). But while shepherds watched their flocks by night, in that ancient town of Bethlehem of Judea, an angel appeared to them in the fields. The angel announced: “Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David's city. This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!" The angels left them and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:11-15 (GOD'S WORD) Great things are wroth by God at nights. “Rise in the night and cry to your God. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord; lift up your hands to him; plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.” Lamentation 2:19 (TLB) The situation of our beloved country requires the passion of your supplications to God. Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be a year devoid of all politics to further enslave us. We are the people called by your name, for Mercy sake; rescue us from the claws of ‘Pharaoh’. “Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt...” Exodus 12:42a (NIV). God will by Himself, guide His people on a route that He has chosen, to ensure that the journey will be safe. He does not lead His people by the most direct road; He knows the route through the wilderness of life. That night, God led the Israelites through the deserts, away from places that they could encounter battles and get discouraged. Another reason why God leads is to keep that relationship with you, en-route! God manifests in His permanent presence with His people in a pillar of cloud that guides them by day and a pillar of fire that guides them by night- this is a symbol of God’s presence hovering over the Tent of Meeting (The Tent of God in your heart) and signaling the pace of His people on their journey to Canaan- the land of fulfillment of God’s promises. This silent night, lift up your hearts to the God of Heaven and earth and bless the Lord, O ye saints! Exonerate Him from the pains of your journey; stand this night as watch in the house of the LORD! His anger will arouse against the nations that added to your agonies, while He (God) was just a little angry with you. “Therefore, thus says the Lord, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the Lord of hosts,” …My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem. "Zechariah 1:16&17 (NASB) O that Jesus be birth this holy night in your heart. He is Christ, the LORD! “The Lord will be a mighty warrior, full of fury toward his foes. He will give a great shout and prevail. Long has he been silent; he has restrained himself. But now he will give full vent to his wrath; he will groan and cry like a woman delivering her child. He will level the mountains and hills…He will bring blind Israel along a path they have not seen before. He will make the darkness bright before them and smooth and straighten out the road ahead. He will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols and call them gods will be greatly disappointed; they will be turned away… The Lord has magnified his law and made it truly glorious. Through it he had planned to show the world that he is righteous. Isaiah 42:13-21(TLB). God’s Light is about to dispel the darkness in your life. This Silent night, the LORD will show Mercy to His beloved! I know my thoughts towards you! I know you exist in a world that opposes truth and righteous living. I see that your being (spirit, soul and body) is being heated, I know that you have been wearied! But with me, BELOVED you will prevail! This Silent night, angels shall minister unto you, just like I sent to Mary and even to Jesus while He was tempted in that wilderness. Lord Jesus, this lonely night, you are my guiding star. For me, the angels clad in white shall sing their “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].” Luke 2:14 (AMP). I have seen His star. I have seen His Glory. O wondrous thought for me He careth! It’s MORE THAN CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL… MERRY ON! ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) ESV (English Standard Version) AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) NASU (New American Standard Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

APOCALYPSE The revelations of St. John; an exposition of the truth of God which is revealed by Christ, who Himself is the Truth. The Apocalypses goes across the entire of human experience and beyond; the revelations of events to occur at the end of time and the hope of a future salvation. It is a literature of hope and consolation. What is at present an age of suffering will be transformed into the joys of paradise; a land dominated by the devil will become a world rewarded with the Glory of God! No doubt, we are in those times that the Bible talks about! “Another horse appeared, this one red. Its rider was off to take peace from the earth, setting people at each other's throats, killing one another”... Revelations 6: 4 (THE MESSAGE). “And the voice said to the sixth angel who held the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River. Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth”. Revelations 9:14&15 (NLT). Research confirms that the river Euphrates flows through Iraq, which is in the Middle East. There are lots of conflicts around Iraq in these last days. No twenty-four hours go freely without the news media transmitting flashes of bombings and slaughters there. These have overtime duplicated in different regions of the world, Nigeria inclusive. These bloods will no longer be spilled when all prophesies are fulfilled. Bible Prophesies explain the accuracy of God’s message, there is guarantee that none of them is mere babble. They will no doubt manifest in reality. The Word of the Lord came to the Prophet Ezekiel: "Son of man, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision he {Ezekiel} sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future. "Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 12:27&28 (NIV) The gospel of St. Mark chapter thirteen records the prediction of Christ’s second coming- the rapture to take away true followers of God, but this will be only after the sufferings and conflicts we see in our days. Surely, no one has God’s permission to predict when exactly this phase we experience will end! Then will be the harvest of judgment- a contrast to the harvest of souls commanded by Jesus. …“The harvest is ripe and waiting... for it is full to overflowing with the wickedness of these men. For the Day of the Lord is near, in the Valley of Judgment" Joel 3:13&14 (TLB) The same three and a half years of Jesus’ ministry on earth will be duplicated by the satanic trinity- satan, the anti-Christ and the false prophet to dominate the earth and torment ‘the church’ that will be left behind unto death - this will be the great tribulation. After this will be the New Jerusalem descending from Heaven – the millennial reign. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared… I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them” Revelations 21:1-3 (NLT) Also, those who have been through the great trial and prevailed with the price of their lives will wash their robes white again in the blood of the Lamb. They will not hunger or thirst again because the Lamb will be their shepherd and guide them to the springs of life and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. “Everyone who conquers will inherit all these blessings, and I will be his God and he will be my son” Revelations 21:7 (TLB). Have you heard what The LORD has done? Who can reveal the true meaning of what God has prepared? There is none in Heaven, on earth or under the earth, worthy to reveal the true meaning of what God has prepared. Behold, The Lamb! Behold, the throne of Heaven, on it is the scroll sealed with seven seals. ONLY The Lamb on the throne of Heaven is worthy to break and open the seven seals of the scroll. The secrets of all things are protected in God’s hands; all that is to life, deliverance and breakthrough are detailed in that scroll. Because Christ lives, this beloved of God has hope for life! There is a tomorrow! Only the love of Christ, who gave His life for our REST, can stop these series of pain, worthless wages, hunger, misery and injustice- the fruits of selfishness that we experience. All evil shall be defeated forever. Death will not have the last word, for God’s victory over evil is the word of our faith! “And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it… I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books… Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire” Revelations 20:11-15 (NLT). Secrets will be opened; it is only you that have Jesus will your records be blank! "Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book." Revelations 22:7 (TLB). Let the dew of Heaven fall upon my thirsty soul. Let the dew of Heaven fall on me. Blessed Holy Spirit, come and take control. Let the dew of Heaven fall on me … O Lamb of God! Impact these souls with your truth! …“Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. Revelations 19:10 (ESV) ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) ESV (English Standard Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

THE ISRAEL OF GOD Funny how people; Christians especially, grab at blessings written in the Bible and are quick to reject curses marked in the same verses. Blessings and curses are an important part of Bible teachings. We need not live in a world of turmoil, but we can know the good things that God delights to give. On the other hand, evil will not go unpunished. All of God’s promises are firmly rooted in a covenant setting. Every child of God is in a state of blessedness only by a covenant relationship with The Father. What usually disrupts this status is the issue of identity. In his letter of exaltation to the Church in Rome, Apostle Paul points out, “Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God's people!” Romans 9:6 (NLT).Being physical descents of Abraham do not guarantee God’s blessings. No one becomes God’s children through human parentage but only by faith. God’s election is His invitation, for humans to enter His promises- He requires your response, whether you are ‘Pastor’s kid’ or not! The Jews were the most prepared than any other nation to receive Jesus Christ- they had plenty of the Torah and other religious books; they had a chain of prophets like you have Sunday services, Bible studies, Discipleship programs, prayer meetings, every emphasis is laid of this message of salvation- Of course, people fill up Churches for various reasons. It is only the chosen that are distinct. God calls us to salvation, only those that have received Jesus by faith are not part of the mixed multitude. To those who apply to God’s teaching, “Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and regulate their lives by this principle], even upon the [true] Israel of God!” Galatians 6:16 (AMP). Every physical Church has a mixed multitude- the passion with which ministers of God give God’s message is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their stubborn way to perdition. Only those that are the true Israel of God, receive as God’s manifestation of His power. Jesus is God’s Wisdom personified- a wisdom that was very different from what the philosophers of the time thought to be. Righteousness, Redemption and Holiness are definitions of what Wisdom is and the accompanying qualities. Christ embodies all three! The Israel that God is referring to as His own are those that their hearts had been a highway for the gospel of salvation; the good ground; those who hear the Word and bear good fruits of Righteousness! The faithful remnant; whether Jew or Gentile is the chosen of God to occupy and dominate this Promised Land. Same descents that were privileged of the Law at Mt. Sinai, they were called to be a blessing to all the rest of the human race and the Torah was the collection of instructions by which they would work out this calling. Those that had the guts to sing even though they were held captives in a strange land, by the rivers of Babylon, they saw their faith in the One God as that which should be propagated among other nations. Only the true Israel of God is the Church that Christ is coming for, those that will never compromise their stand on things of God, those that do not care what benefits they stand to forfeit would look eyeball to eyeball at their tempters and say NO, act it and mean it! SELAH…. Not all that ever had Abraham as their grandfather, but the true Israel of God, who will put God’s divine plan into effect. The Church of God universal are inheritors of His covenant promises, with the vocation to be a blessing to all mankind. Abraham’s true sons are not Jews who claim relationship with him, yet live by the law (for mere knowledge of the Word kills), but Christians who live by faith, those that God’s Spirit has given life. “Know and understand that it is [really] the people [who live] by faith who are [the true] sons of Abraham” Galatians 3:7 (AMP). …“do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ' We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham”. Matthew 3:9 (NASU). Hath thou an Israel of God? I am not contesting that you are an offspring of Abraham, neither is Moses available to go bring tablets from God. Grace has made God to write His instructions on our hearts. There is no pretense before God that you cannot tell between good and evil. “It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it”. Deuteronomy 30:12-14 (NIV) Are you an Israel of God? The Truth that you already know will set you free and will nullify those malicious facts of your life. “It's written, I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense?” 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 (THE MESSAGE) Are you an Israel of God? Whatever state you are, sing the songs of the Lord. Even while in a foreign land, Sing only the songs of Zion, do not hang your harps, never allow any form of distraction from giving God your true worship. 'The nations will realize that I, God, make Israel holy when my holy place of worship is established at the center of their lives forever.'" Ezekiel 37:28 THE MESSAGE "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT) To the twelve tribes scattered in every nation of the world: Greetings! ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible) NASU (New American Standard Bible)

TALITHA KOUMI… Death is presumed when all signs of the natural human life have ceased to exist. Jesus rebuked the mourners in Jairus’ house - “The child is not dead but sleeps”. Death is but ‘sleep’ to the believer; for the body rests until the time of resurrection- This truth is great encouragement to all of us who have had Christian loved ones depart in physical death. Arise from the sleep of death! When the Master of life gives forth a verdict for life, there is nothing the recipient of the message can do but to comply! And having laid hold of the hand of the child, he says to her: Talitha Koumi (Mark 5: 41); which is interpreted, Damsel, I say to thee, arise. It was easier for Jairus to trust God while his daughter was still alive, and whilst Jesus was still walking with him to his house. But Jairus was just about to lose his faith when Jesus stopped to heal the woman with the blood issue, and someone from his house came with the bad news of his daughter’s death. Fear is an enemy of our Faith in God. What we experience is beyond our understanding but long as we trust Him, The Lord “delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken” Psalms 34:19-20 (NIV). The presence of mourners in Jairus’ home is proof that the girl was actually dead, for the family would not have called them if there had been even the slightest hope that she was still alive; the professional Jewish mourners were always summoned when a death occurred. It was traditional for them to wail loudly and lead the family and friends in a dirge. We have probably given way to doubts when circumstances overwhelmed us. Sometimes God has delayed and we have wondered why. "The child is not dead but sleeps!" were Jesus' Words of hope to Jairus and his wife. Now, we need that special "Word" from God; we only receive it as we spend time in His Word. Unbelief laughs at God's Word, but faith lays hold of it and experiences His power. The Word of love and power- Talitha Koumi! Jesus added, "I say unto thee". It was by His authority that her spirit returned to her body. Jesus holds authority over all conditions of life that threaten peace! The girl not only came back to life, but was also healed of her sickness, for she was able to get out of bed and walk around. God is the conqueror over danger, demons, diseases and death. This illustrates and assures us that He is able to help us today. This does not mean that God always must rescue His people from danger or heal every affliction but it does mean that He holds the ultimate authority and that we need never fear. God seeks to re-establish a covenant relationship with Nigeria, the reason that He has led us to this point in history again. We remember our independence, same time that our amalgamation as a nation was initiated 52 years ago! This valley of Achor, of troubles, death, scarcity and travails will hence become our door of hope (Hosea 2:15)! Nigeria will be utterly transformed; even our nature will work agreeably. "On THIS DAY, I will answer your prayers," declares the Lord. "I will speak to the sky, it will speak to the earth, and the earth will produce grain, new wine, and olive oil. You will produce many crops, (Nigeria)”. Hosea 2:21 &22 (GOD'S WORD). The light that God has graciously given to her will blend with His Glory to form a light that will banish the entire stigma that the world has known Nigeria with. God will cleanse her of the reproach of corruption, terrorism and all these stains from hell! With the blood of Jesus, this beloved will be given a brand new slate. But "Come, let's talk this over!" says the Lord; "no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!” Isaiah 1:18 (TLB). God’s promise results into prosperity, peaceful faithfulness to God and His absolute defense. Like the Heavenly Jerusalem, God will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones (Isaiah 54: 11-12). O (Nigeria), you suffering, helpless city, with no one to comfort you, “All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings”. Psalms 36:7 (NLT). Nigeria, "ARISE, my people! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the Lord is streaming from you” Isaiah 60:1 (TLB). Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded her helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for her deliverance! Beloved, ARISE from this sleep of death! ARISE from the depression that circumstances have kept you! Be radiant, for your light has come, God’s Glory rises upon you! Jesus is saying to you in your language: Tashi ka haska! Dide tan imole! Bilie Chakee! Talitha koumi! ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible)

The Comforter Then came that spectacular moment at the River Jordan, when Jesus, coming up out of the baptismal waters, looked up and saw the Holy Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove! The Christ had come to earth with a mission to save the world; born in a manger and grew to manhood with the same commission, yet He was powerless even though, the very son of God! Now at the Jordan, He became endowed with power from on high, to heal the sick, minister hope to the down-hearted and to establish the manifestation of the power of God in the lives of men- it was a time for miracles, in the variety of signs and wonders. For three years, they never seized and at the end, He fulfilled His earthly mission, surrendered Himself in the ultimate sacrifice for mankind as a supreme proof of God’s love. The Bible accounts that He gave up the ghost and the Spirit returned to the Father (John 19: 30). The mighty third person of The Trinity; The Holy Spirit returned after Jesus was in the grave for three days. Jesus gave the greatest promise of all the Bible- it was the promise of The Comforter! The same Holy Spirit who lived in Jesus would return to live in all who open their lives to His power. The same things Jesus had done, even greater would God perform through those who belief- The Holy Spirit would be free to enter all those that receive Him. The essence of The Comforter is to glorify Jesus and the fact of His personality is crucial to every child of God. Ours is the age of The Holy Spirit- His core is to represent The Trinity on earth until Christ returns. The surety of our salvation is represented by the indwelling of The Holy Spirit- …“repent, and be baptized… in the name of Jesus…and ye shall receive the gift of The Holy Ghost” Acts 2: 38 (KJV). He also dwells in our collectiveness- He is the Light of The Church; The Spirit of Truth- He stays only in gatherings where the Word of God is strictly adhered to. He is the agent of the missionary zeal of the Church. He is Paraclete (Greek) - advocate, comforter, defending counsel to promote our understanding of the Truth concerning Christ (John 14: 26), God’s power by which He created the universe, He enlivens the community with hope; the ultimate hope of the New Covenant! …“you will be rebuilt, O (TNCBC), again you will… dance with the joyful… The time is coming, declares The LORD, when I will make a new covenant”… Jeremiah 31: 4, 31 (NIV). The Bible beats through with the influence, the power, the workings and the ministry of The Holy Spirit, from the opening chapter to the closing verses of the Scriptures. No Christian can go very far in achieving anything without His power; He guides and endows individuals with a diversity of gifts for service- ignorance of the subject will result in serious weakness and failure in endeavors. This comfort we have received has long been God’s agenda for us- His pardon for sin, preservation and the direction He provides at life’s cross-roads, a highway for our God, that is devoid of all of satan’s deliberate confusions. Long as a beloved of God allows his heart to be the good soil for God’s counsels, He makes his ways plain, for He will instruct and teach him (Psalms 32: 8) and God will be glorified. The Comforter soothes the wearied; when life seems dark and dreary, when you meet with great temptations, when your heart is overburdened, when your soul is bowed in sorrow and sore trials come upon you, He rests the weary! When you are convinced that you are all alone, He is closer to you than your skin! Even while the words are not yet formed, He bears the scorching effects of the fire with you. Perhaps the situation is milder than fire, you are bathing against the waves of a river, He won’t watch you drown! The Comforter! He breathes life into dry-bones! Is there any sick among you? The river of the water of life flows freely from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22: 1). Dead bones will yet live; all you need is a breath, just a breath! Are you yet a trespasser of God’s laws? You cannot escape the influence of His Spirit. Take a cue from Jonah! He could not flee from God’s long hand. Also did David confess that he had no hiding place from God. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? …If I say, ‘surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me’ even the darkness will not be dark to you”… Psalms 139: 7-12 (NIV). God wants to fellowship with His creature, come back home. Quit paying the price of unhappiness and eventual hell. There is that void in you that The Comforter wants to fill. Great Comforter, just as I am without one plea, no defenses, no excuses! My walls are continually before you! This day, I approach your throne of grace so that I will receive mercy for comfort, O Lamb of God, I come! ayanfeLAMPROS.

THE OLIVE... Olive tree is an ever-green tree, bearing edible fruits that are often crushed and squeezed, oil extracted and stored in vats. It is still used today for the finest cabinetwork. The tree grows very slowly, but it attains a great age. The Mount of Olives is a hill to the East of Jerusalem and the Kidron Valley. The mount gained its name from extensive olive groves, which were famous in the ancient world. Olive Oil is a substance most commonly produced from the olive berry. Oil was used primarily in cooking, but additionally as a cosmetic for the body, for medicinal purposes, as a source of light and for anointing kings and priests. Governor Zerubbabel of Jerusalem had started to rebuild the temple, so God had a Word of encouragement for him through Prophet Zechariah’s vision: The first object that he sees is a solid gold lamp stand with a bowl on its top in which seven lights are burning. The lamp burns continuously because it has unlimited reservoir of oil. Standing on either side of the lamp stand are two olive trees! Noteworthy is the processes that olive goes through before extracting oil. Despite the uphill task that your accomplishment must require, God’s message is “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit”... Zechariah 4: 6b (NIV). Where the press was used, the pulp initially produced by the press was often subjected to further extensive pressing. Stone presses were set up to process the quantities of berries available at the Mount of Olives. The word for “oil press” was gatt-semen, hence the name Gethsemane. This building task seems like a mighty mountain that cannot be levelled with mere human strength or resources. There is a hand of God working out the strength of a child of the kingdom. In every situation, Zerubbabel can be assured that no height is so great that God cannot level it with the workings of His Spirit. The task will be accomplished despite all difficulties and oppositions he had encountered in the past. “Then the people around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building” Ezra 4: 4 (NIV). No aim at true accomplishment can by-pass the process therewith- Jesus Christ is the process! His sacrifice, His tears, His pains, His denials at Gethsemane is the process! Jesus signifies the bowl that has the graces and the oil: There is no alternative to godliness- the graces to accomplish godliness leads to divine favour! These graces must be processed in your life on a daily basis. The more you are able to submit to discipleship, the more you progress in godliness. The more you behold the teachings at the feet of Christ, the more The Lord’s glory is being transformed in your life into His likeness. Christian, you must allow God through spiritual leadership to massage these graces into you; only by these processes will the spices from the olive trees beautify your life. These graces produce ...“perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint you”...Romans 5: 4&5a (NIV). Friend, human efforts without The Holy Spirit will burn itself out. He alone provides power for the Church, for the individual in ministry. The image of a lamp stand reminds us that we are called to be light bearers as witnesses of God in our world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.... let your light shine before men”... Matthew 5: 14-16 (NIV). I summon God’s process to be fulfilled in the life of this reader! I summon God’s Word to be sure and His prophesies to come into reality! The workings of heaven for you are coming to manifestation. A life is truly a life when it affects others! Lord, make me a channel of graces. God is the source of the two anointed olives- Your source is divine because at Gethsemane, Christ settled this with the Father! If you have not known Jesus, let Him find you to rescue- He is the bowl. All that pertains to life and godliness is in Him! He is Jesus! ...“there is hope for a tree...yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant” Job 14: 7-9 (NIV). Any man found in Christ receives the true gifts that their glory fades not. ...“Because You will not abandon me to the grave nor will You let your Holy One see decay” Acts 2: 27 (NIV). ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: TNCBC (The New Covenant Baptist Church) NIV (New International Version)

MY REDEEMER LIVETH! Heavenly Father, whatever got you to choose to wake me up from sleep this morning shows that you love me and have an agenda enough not to ignore me. It is grace defined that affords me the possibility of the ransom that Christ handed down for my redemption. “He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.”Galatians 1:4. (NLT) This idea of redemption required the payment of a set price or the substitution of one life for another. The death of Christ is atonement for sin; a mystery to redeem me from the curse of sin and death- not only eternal death but His pronouncement at Golgotha means to me an end to hopelessness. When He said: “It is finished”, without an addition of any other thing, He seized me out of the hollow, I had long struggled to break free... “In that day, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight” Amos 8: 9 (NIV). Then, all of God’s creation were at ease and attentive to bear witness between that sixth and ninth hour. And Christ in a show of strength, cried out loudly and gave up His spirit- no one took His life from Him, He gave it as a ransom for mine, He conquered death- Alas! The veil of that curtain had to give way and victory was handed down to me! When God in the Old Testament is spoken of as “redeeming,” he redeems through His might and power. “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments” Exodus 6:6. (NLT). The hope of redemption was very strong during the time when Israel was captive in Babylon. The prophets constantly spoke of God as Redeemer or Deliverer. “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41: 14. (NLT). This hope was to be fulfilled ultimately through The Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. The messianic hope grew stronger during the periods when Israel was exiled and persecuted. John the Baptist described Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s redemptive kingdom and hence, the Messiah of Israel. He came to give Himself as a ransom for many. The concept of redemption has deep meaning for God’s people. In the Old Testament, it illustrates the truth that God is the Saviour of His people. Although Israel fell into sin by denying God’s law, God did restore them to favour when they repented. In the prophets, especially, God’s redemptive work was to be completed through the Messiah and His redemptive sacrifice. Paul expresses the thought that Christ is the sin offering to the Father. He redeems us by giving up His life for the Church of God. Jesus Christ fulfilled the redemption promised in the Scriptures and by His sacrifice provided for our redemption even while we were yet sinners. Along with this, is the motivating force of divine love as the basis for our restoration. Those who believe will be freed from the bondage of sin and find favour again with the redeeming God. “He is not here, He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay” Matthew 28: 6 (NIV). He is alive! There were no witnesses to the actual resurrection though; there is indeed an empty grave and the empty shell of the grave cloths that showed the shape of His body …. “The linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.”John 20: 6 & 7 (NLT). Beloved, let us go to Galilee: the place of new beginnings and fruitful ministry- there, He will give us a new commission to launch in His continuing mission to the world. Job, in his distress had to affirm that “I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end, He will stand upon the earth” Job 19: 25 (NIV) Like Job, I dare to believe that this redeemer will vindicate me. Because He lives, He makes me see a brilliant tomorrow; with His blood, He will wash off this slimy mire, this contempt, this sting! This is an echo of a Martha reading this piece- I believe that you are the Christ who was to come into the world, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, but NOW, I know: My Redeemer lives and forever, I will proclaim, I will testify.... “My Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead my cause, that He may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.” Jeremiah 50: 34 (NIV). ayanfeLAMPROS.

ALL on the ALTAR, I LAY... Elisha A. Hoffman wrote in his song “You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase, And have earnestly, fervently prayed; But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest until all on the altar is laid... till our body and soul He doth fully control.... of the fellowship sweet we shall share at His feet, when our all on the altar is laid” As places for sacrifice, altars were charged with a sense of holiness where people approach God and in some cases, also seek refuge. Altars might be stone, either shaped or natural or of earth or of metal as was the altar of incense. The essence of a physically constructed altar in the Old Testament was for a meeting place with God. When the altar is complete and installed in the tabernacle, the priests must burn special incense on it every morning and evening. This symbolises prayers ascending to God. “Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” Psalms 141: 2 (AMP). The continual burning of it symbolizes a frequent gratefulness and dependence on God. ...“and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” Revelation 5: 8 (NIV). The gift of God for mankind; His ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the redemption of our souls; that the resurrection of Jesus affords us a repositioning with Christ and before God; this rebirth allows us a direct right of entry henceforth to the Throne of Grace. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4: 16 (NIV). The beauty of this grace freely given us is that we no longer need a priest for the purpose of access to God as it was in the Old Testament times. The practical implication of this must be translated into action in the lives of those who have experienced salvation in Christ. The best required of us is to consciously present all of ourselves continually before God. Apostle Paul was very passionate about the response of a believer to God’s mercies. “I appeal to you therefore brethren and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties) as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship” Romans 12: 1 (AMP). The offering of the living bodies of believers as sacrifices contrasts with the Old Testament offerings of dead animals. Here, the “body” represents far more than just our belongings or money- in very practical terms; it means the totality of our lives, plans and daily activities. This offering of ourselves is the spiritual act of worship that we can give to God, it goes far beyond our physical Church attendances, when we are at school, at home, at work, or at any place, God expects that the totality of ourselves be always committed to Him. We are to commit our thoughts, what we have, how we live, our time, energy, efforts, also our physical bodies, heads, hands, tongues, even our minds, emotions and attitudes. Invite God to think and speak through you, let Him touch lives using you. This sacrifice refers to the renewing of our minds “Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to its external superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)” Romans 12: 2 (AMP). This renewing is an internal process, a reorientation of our world view as we seek to live the way Christ lived and to think as He would have us think. Therefore, God wants us to be purified by Him until His reflection shines through us and allow the fire of His holiness to destroy sin in our lives so that we can carry out His work in the right spirit and then, God will accept our offerings. “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?” Psalms 24: 3 (NIV). God requires four things: Clean hands that do no evil; A pure heart- not only must our actions and words be right, but so must be our thoughts and motives, we must harbour no selfish ambitions or worldly goals in our lives. This is what is meant by not lifting up our souls to what is false. Our values and ideals must not be based on worldly patterns of thoughts, reasoning, fashions, rather than by God’s Word. We must be truthful and honest in speech at all times. Aside the spiritual cleansing we get as we place our all on God’s altar, our fears, pains, lack, hopes and aspirations are not by-passed by God in this process. Our dependence on God allows for His intervention even when we find ourselves within stormy seas of life experiences. Friend, the challenges that life presents are overwhelming- you cannot handle your life as effectively as placing its totality on the altar of God and allowing Him in your issues of decision making and living. He must be ultimate and His Word must shape all of your actions and attitudes. God demands absolute surrender to Him. “Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Your heart, does the Spirit control? You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest, as you yield Him your body and soul”. ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: TNCBC (The New Covenant Baptist Church) AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version)

THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE!

THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE!

“He has been dead and in that tomb for four days now. If only Jesus had been here, my brother would not have died; If only Christ had responded to our invitation on time, the one that He loved would still have been alive and with us now. But he is gone... So far the counting of days confirms the painful reality that Lazarus is very dead! Could this really be happening to us? Will I ever recover from this? Now, everyone knows that my beloved brother is irreversibly dead”... These were probably the statements that echoed words that two sisters had said to each other again and again, first as they waited for Jesus to show up when their brother ailed and as they mourned his death.

Countless emotions would have ran through their minds: pain mixed with disappointment, regrets and a feeling of hopelessness. It is demanding enough to look after someone that has been unwell, but for all efforts at nursing him back to health to end up in death is heart-breaking. Worse would have been hearsays in the neighbourhood about circumstances relating to the bereavement, news flying all over the place on conceived notions about the absence of Jesus who had been a good friend of the family. Some might have scoffed at Mary and Martha. In fact, this unpleasant situation could have led to the risk that their belief in Jesus be perverted.

But Martha’s faith had not been shaken; for when Jesus showed up with His disciples, four days past Lazarus’ death, she was in the affirmative when she said “and even now, I know that whatever you ask from God, He will grant it to you” John 11: 22 (AMP). Though she was not referring to any hope that Lazarus would be revived, she yet attested to her faith in Jesus that He is the Messiah, He says; “Blessed are you who takes no offence at me and finds no cause for stumbling... and is not hindered from seeing the Truth” Matthew 11: 6. (NIV). Jesus assured her that her brother would live again, though she had no idea that He spoke about the then physical, she thought Jesus referred to resurrection at the last day.

Natural laws and medical assertions are not falsehood in themselves. It is just that, in comparison with spiritual laws, they cannot stand the test of time, so they should not form a basis for final judgement. A covenant child keys into the law of the Spirit of life and he/she is set free from the laws of nature!

Jesus said to Martha “I AM {Myself} The Resurrection and The Life. Whoever believes in {adheres to, trusts in, and relies on} Me, although he may die, yet he shall live;” John 11: 25 (AMP). This is an audacious self awareness; “I AM”… An assurance in firm resolve of the idea that initiated the whole of existence! Eternal and One who has been and always will be! There is a lot of significance in that description than anyone can realize. Yahweh; Jehovah, The Ever present and Living One. There is no single way to explain God appropriately!

A description that is extremely rich in meaning: “I AM {Myself} The Resurrection and The Life”... It expresses the truth of the Omnipotence of God, who is the Living Spring- the Everlasting Life Source. If you believe, Martha??? That these bones that are beginning to rot; that the internal organs of our beloved Lazarus, though already taken over by maggots, would yet live at my command? Only that Martha got a revelational knowledge of Jesus’ assertions and not about His ability to deal with her present situation. Jesus was stating that He has authority over life and over death! …“Yes Lord, I have believed (I do believe) that you are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), the Son of God…. That the world has waited” John 11: 27. (AMP). The raising of Lazarus to life serves as a kind of prediction of the resurrection of Jesus and it signifies the power of resurrection and life that God had given to Him. But the raising of Lazarus was a return to the ordinary mortal existence, until eventual natural death, Jesus’ risen life depicts a transfiguration, a prophetic rather than a historical event. No act of the matchless God can be open to scrutiny as though it was just another event in the course of history!

…“but Lord, by this time, he {is decaying and} throws off an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days!” John 11: 39b. (AMP). This in fact about the hopelessness of this situation, an obstacle to faith but Lord, despite my unbelief; glorify your name in me, that my life may conform with the Prophesy of Jesus. Let the living standing here recognize your resurrection command, this 21-day waiting period, let your Word move me from the sphere of death into life!

I need no other plea… I need no other evidence… It is enough that “The Resurrection and The Life” died and rose again for me! For at Calvary, there is great mercy that surpasses judgment, pardon there still flows and is multiplied to me… My burdened self comes to You, Lord, breathe new life into me and permit no deadness around me!



ayanfeLAMPROS…

MURDER SHE WROTE!!!

MURDER SHE WROTE
Religious observance of the law is slavery because human laws understate the seriousness of slavery. Right from the times of Moses, law in the narrowest sense has been the basis for the administration of justice by human efforts. God handed down a set of rules to give them a prescription of behaviour and guide; the guides against sin pending the fulfilment of the covenant of justification by faith which led to adoption into God’s family. No human effort ever led to perfection in obedience, so this created a system that led to the strengthening of several codes in the law. The codes transform to rules governing slavery, murder and theft together with various provisions concerned which are mere rituals.
The adherence to the law was wrongly interpreted to be conditions of the covenant; to break the law meant the violation of God’s will. However, the coming of Jesus was not to stop the law. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave a comprehensive reinterpretation. Apostle Paul did not so much, oppose the Jewish perception of law but did reject the view that its observance was the means of salvation for Christians. “If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from Grace (from God’s gracious favour and unmerited blessing)” Galatians 5: 4 (AMP). The law was basic to membership of the Jewish community. Observance of the law was not in the real terms to gain favour with God but to remain faithful within His covenanted people, so Paul’s aim was to detach the Churches from this belief.
The problems popular in the world today traces back to the consequence that wrong choices produce long-lasting regrets. Abraham had first been given a covenant promise by God that regardless of his old age, a generation as numerous as the stars in the sky would start from him. After waiting keenly for the fulfilment of God’s covenant, he got convinced by Sarah his wife that an inheritance could start from a child that Hagar bore him. The result of this was Ishmael, a son born outside God’s covenant promise. Even before the fulfilment of the promise child, Ishmael had also been given a commission. “And He (Ishmael) will be as a wild ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him, and he will live to the east and on the borders of all his kinsmen” Genesis 16: 12 (AMP).
For every manifestation of sin are the works of death. The human nature cannot stop committing sin outside total dependence on God’s help. Here, the works of the flesh strives continuously against reliance on God’s grace for obedience. Ishmael represents our human efforts at pleasing God; our conceived idea of “pass-mark” in God’s eyes; this reveals human working for self righteousness. Ishmael translates into murder! The workings of the Egyptian slave girl meant to replace God’s promise of life with its counterfeit! It tried everything to qualify for the promise; even when the legitimate son (Isaac) came, Ishmael hated him; he was in a contest to replace him, so does our human nature fight our reliance on God’s Spirit to please God. “Yet (just) as at that time the child (of ordinary birth) born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him (who was born remarkably) according to (the promise and the working of) the (Holy) Spirit, so it is now also.” Galatians 4: 29 (AMP). Replacing faith in Christ with rules and regulations is murder of the soul, we cannot be justified (pardoned by God) for observing the law. The deeper a person has consciously mastered the procedures of rules and regulations, the more the seriousness of the danger of spiritual slavery and death. The result of a human struggle at pleasing God is “For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am (ever) doing” Romans 7: 19 (AMP). But God had aforetime prescribed the covenant as the only means to reach Him. Isaac had been a promise of eternal reward; ultimately, Jesus Christ is our link to God. In practical terms, He requires that we receive Christ in faith so that we become justified for adoption into His eternal family.
Beloved, a practice of rules and regulations is good in that they serve as guides to proper conduct as Christians but that cannot secure a relationship with God- this is achievable only by faith through Christ. This covenant brings life- the sure way out of the grip of sin and ultimate death. ...“for God’s nature abides in him (his principle of life, the divine sperm remains permanently within him) and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God” 1 John 3: 9 (AMP). Faith in Christ is superior to a legislated life because the more our efforts at keeping the commandments, the more the reality that sin still prevails in our lives, thus the result of sin-guiltiness. The same law still condemns the fellow because the law writes out murder. The promise of Jesus is to set us free from the entanglement of the law and our faith to make us heirs of God through Christ.
This is a parallel. There is an eternal conflict between Isaac and Ishmael. “But what does the scripture say? Cast out and send away the slave woman and her son, for never shall the son of the slave woman be heir and share the inheritance with the son of the free woman” Galatians 4: 30 (AMP). Let us not again be burdened by the yokes of slavery for the need to obey rules is a state of slavery because it is for true freedom that we receive Christ. Rest in the benefits of “sonship” through Christ; maintain the rights of sonship. This is not a freedom to take satisfaction in sin that God’s grace may “rescue” us; it is a drive into deeper relationship with God which results into eternal rest!
ayanfeLAMPROS.
NOTE:
TNCBC- The New Covenant Baptist Church, Agege Lagos.
AMP- Amplified version of The Holy Bible.