Monday, December 16, 2013
I Love Pregnancy.
I love pregnancy; its fascinating. One seed carried for months produces another cry of a child, first word, a smile, a prayer and many activities that without pregnancy would never happen. The question is why did she have to carry the seed for a while, why not the ATM style, you want it? Punch in the pin and kposaaa comes the cash or the baby as the case may be. God had his reason for using pregnancy to incubate a seed. Its a programming stage. Every seed needs to be properly calibrated to deliver the right results.
I love pregnancy;its fascinating. One seed carried for months produces another cry of a child, this cry unlike many is an announcement that a new addition to Gods purpose just arrived.
During pregnancy, the host goes through a lot of crises, swollen feet,nose,more weight(seemingly disfigured shape of host) vomiting, restlessness etc. However after a few months; she not only get herself back, she gets more. The result and reward of incubation is a life. Yes I mean a life. God rewards every act of incubation or waiting with a transformation; a life is added, value is added. Therefore my dear friends if you are pregnant, either with a dream or a child, be patient cos after all is said and done, you would have good value for your waiting.
Like I said before, I love pregnancy. We may vomit or even shit (pupu) on ourselves but when God is done with each of us, we would come forth as gold. The process of incubation requires long-suffering and patience. It would look like everyone is moving past you but trust me guys, when God is done with you, he would reveal something no one has ever dreamt of-YOU.
You are in his will if you are born again. Don't let the odds intimidate you. What you seek would come. Just be a little patient. The process is important for optimum delivery of required results.
I pray that God would assure you and keep you on this part of salvation regardless of the pressures you face daily. I wish you safe delivery.
God bless you.
Igonoh Godwin
18092012
Oil On Water
Heat it up and you'll get the liquid form of anything. That's the truth.
Everything has a temperature under which it would give.
Steel,rocks,etc. Everything can be melted under the right temperature
and so are you.
God does the same to us, he subjects us to situations that would reveal the true content of our character so as to purify and refine us as a church. The bible says he sits as a refiners of silver. The essence of the refiners fire is to bring out the best in us. Most often than not,the problem is not the dissolve-ability of the object but the ability of the object to blend into the new environment without loosing its nature. The essence of the trial is to make you better,not to become what you're being delivered from. Oil in water is an example. Both liquid can stay in one bowl but oil must be ontop. That's how we should operate. Everything the world does can be done by the church for the right reasons.
We should be fluid enough to standout. Blend out not blend in. Don't loose your identity to any system other than the Kingdom of God. Be young,stylish,successful and adventurous but know where to draw the line. If the line becomes blur then you are sinking already. Be sober and vigilant. Fashion is good,career is good,family is good but abuse of all things is bad. Paul said all things are yours,Appolos,life,death etc.... to be contd
Igonoh Godwin
God does the same to us, he subjects us to situations that would reveal the true content of our character so as to purify and refine us as a church. The bible says he sits as a refiners of silver. The essence of the refiners fire is to bring out the best in us. Most often than not,the problem is not the dissolve-ability of the object but the ability of the object to blend into the new environment without loosing its nature. The essence of the trial is to make you better,not to become what you're being delivered from. Oil in water is an example. Both liquid can stay in one bowl but oil must be ontop. That's how we should operate. Everything the world does can be done by the church for the right reasons.
We should be fluid enough to standout. Blend out not blend in. Don't loose your identity to any system other than the Kingdom of God. Be young,stylish,successful and adventurous but know where to draw the line. If the line becomes blur then you are sinking already. Be sober and vigilant. Fashion is good,career is good,family is good but abuse of all things is bad. Paul said all things are yours,Appolos,life,death etc.... to be contd
Igonoh Godwin
For the right reason
For the right reason. A few years ago I dates a lady who blamed me for
the right reasons on almost all things. It was first amongst many for me
as I soon started meeting people who just won't but blame for the right
reason. It got me worried and thinking too. The last event that
prompted me to write this article,I may not be able to share details of
the event but I assure you it got to me.
It makes me wonder,what do you do when everything you did right becomes the reason you are discredited? What do you do when you love so much that you're dumped? You trusted so much that you were disappointed. You believe so much,you were disappointed? I am still discovering the details of this revelation but trust me guys, sometimes we are castigated and blacklisted for doing everything right. The sad thing is when there are scriptures used to backup the blame.... to be contd
It makes me wonder,what do you do when everything you did right becomes the reason you are discredited? What do you do when you love so much that you're dumped? You trusted so much that you were disappointed. You believe so much,you were disappointed? I am still discovering the details of this revelation but trust me guys, sometimes we are castigated and blacklisted for doing everything right. The sad thing is when there are scriptures used to backup the blame.... to be contd
More
Sinachi's song "I want more of you" is more than a song once you allow
God to take you through the process required to understand the concept
of more. All my life I have strived to do more to leave a legacy for my
family and the generation behind but as I get older,I begin to question
the essence of my pursuit as I soon discover that more is relative to
each individual.
Whereas in my initial understanding,the idea of doing more required achieving great success so I could live well and be a fulfilled man,my inability to feel fulfilled led to questions and later discovering of the paradigm that governs more.
As a man,one thing is certain,I can never get to a place where a "more" would satisfy me, that's because for every attempt to fill up the void within with one thing or the other, I realized how deep the pit is and how hard I need to work to be satisfied. Anyway that said,I'll like to talk about "more" from a new man in christ perspective. As I got older as a believer, I transferred by insatiable desires to God hence I just added God to my vanity thereby believing I had a license to seek and attain more. Anyway I guess you know the answer to that, I was disappointed, I learnt that we can rebrand our vanity by putting God ahead of vanity but all that can give us is godly vanity and that's not acceptable either.
Many of us are flogging a dead horse, we put faith on garbage hoping to grow holiness, the real essence of our acts of worship is to see if we can bend the hand of God to get want we once wanted as sinners. Its a painful reality I have come to see first in myself the in many who seem to seek God without actually seeking him. For many the frustration gets too much and we begin to device new schemes to force success by preaching and twisting scriptures to get people under our leadership to either give or enable us perpetuate ungodly acts. Its a sad story when pastors begin to interpret grace as a ticket for sin simply because he or she cannot seem to articulate the implication of "more". We don't seem to understand that a desire to get close to God comes with new heights of responsibilities, when we say I want more of you, its just another way of saying I want to you break me and remake me into what you can use. Now I guess it beginning to make sense to you! More is not a slogan for Guinness stout neither is it a song, more of God in you implies more work,more brokeness,that's because no one gets into the holies of holies without a set apart and dedication of self to God in a whole new way.
The predictability of the result of seeking more is not once sided, we often think that more should give us more money,more fame etc but don't be supreised if more turns your life upside down, God has promised us a good end but the route is not defined by us.
Sometimes more would unseat everything you currently enjoy just like Isreal leaving Egypt for a Cannan of more. I bet almost everyone swore that this journey was not of God, that's because the detail visible to everyone seem to imply all was not well with Isreal. In fact more people died on the Cannan journey of more than they did in Egypt of convenience which happens to be a city of bondage.
There would be pockets of hope on the journey of more that would give you succour but you'll would never be able to juxtapose the good events against the events that seem to crush our faith. Remember isreal in the wilderness, they had quails and mana and water from the rocks but they also had death by serpent and many horrific events.
Igonoh Godwin
7/12/13
Whereas in my initial understanding,the idea of doing more required achieving great success so I could live well and be a fulfilled man,my inability to feel fulfilled led to questions and later discovering of the paradigm that governs more.
As a man,one thing is certain,I can never get to a place where a "more" would satisfy me, that's because for every attempt to fill up the void within with one thing or the other, I realized how deep the pit is and how hard I need to work to be satisfied. Anyway that said,I'll like to talk about "more" from a new man in christ perspective. As I got older as a believer, I transferred by insatiable desires to God hence I just added God to my vanity thereby believing I had a license to seek and attain more. Anyway I guess you know the answer to that, I was disappointed, I learnt that we can rebrand our vanity by putting God ahead of vanity but all that can give us is godly vanity and that's not acceptable either.
Many of us are flogging a dead horse, we put faith on garbage hoping to grow holiness, the real essence of our acts of worship is to see if we can bend the hand of God to get want we once wanted as sinners. Its a painful reality I have come to see first in myself the in many who seem to seek God without actually seeking him. For many the frustration gets too much and we begin to device new schemes to force success by preaching and twisting scriptures to get people under our leadership to either give or enable us perpetuate ungodly acts. Its a sad story when pastors begin to interpret grace as a ticket for sin simply because he or she cannot seem to articulate the implication of "more". We don't seem to understand that a desire to get close to God comes with new heights of responsibilities, when we say I want more of you, its just another way of saying I want to you break me and remake me into what you can use. Now I guess it beginning to make sense to you! More is not a slogan for Guinness stout neither is it a song, more of God in you implies more work,more brokeness,that's because no one gets into the holies of holies without a set apart and dedication of self to God in a whole new way.
The predictability of the result of seeking more is not once sided, we often think that more should give us more money,more fame etc but don't be supreised if more turns your life upside down, God has promised us a good end but the route is not defined by us.
Sometimes more would unseat everything you currently enjoy just like Isreal leaving Egypt for a Cannan of more. I bet almost everyone swore that this journey was not of God, that's because the detail visible to everyone seem to imply all was not well with Isreal. In fact more people died on the Cannan journey of more than they did in Egypt of convenience which happens to be a city of bondage.
There would be pockets of hope on the journey of more that would give you succour but you'll would never be able to juxtapose the good events against the events that seem to crush our faith. Remember isreal in the wilderness, they had quails and mana and water from the rocks but they also had death by serpent and many horrific events.
Igonoh Godwin
7/12/13
Check yourself
Dear friends.
In the bible,it was said that the God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob did wonders. The phrase "God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob" was used to connote a transfer of knowledge and relationship of God from one generation to another. Hence each generation builds on the details of the encounters of the previous generation.
Surprisingly God seem to follow from Abraham to Isaac then to Jacob. As the people handover detail from generation to generation,God seem to follow the generations hence the diverse encounters recorded across the generations is an indication that each generation had a rhythm of fellowship with God. Each generation gave their all to knowing God and God seem to reveal a lot to the point that generations after used them as reference point to emphasise the consistency of God across the generations.
Guys,my point is, we are a product of what our fathers have done and refused to do. Some would not agree but there is a certain influence the previous generation is bound to have on the current generation. Deep calleth unto deep they say. Considering the powerful details of what we read in the bible that God did and promised to do in our time, one would want to ask where is the power we so much read about? Why do we live like there is nothing to be worried about? Don't we see the clear contradictions between the detail of the life of old testament people of God and the show of Gods power and our lives? Or should we not be concerned that Jesus promised that greater works than he's done we would do or is it the fact that John the baptist was so great amongst people on old yet in out dispensation he is so little;yet we seem to careless about the absence of depth and power without the church? Why is wickedness looking so colourful such that everyone is at home with evil? Why do christians die with unfulfilled dreams and visions? Why do church leaders preach words without power?
Guys, I'm just asking, I can't wrap my head around any answer? I keep wondering what we are doing wrong or what God really thinks of us as a people? I struggle through growth and wonder if my struggles invalidate my attempt to walk with God, I wonder if my works can put me down when the could not put me up? I wonder if grace through faith requires more than we are currently doing,yet I remember the words of Jesus saying that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains,people analyse that to mean the DNA of a mustard seed is wired to grow regardless of its size but from what I know,Jesus was talking to farmers and mostly peasants who knew nothing about DNA,Jesus was talking about size, that's why he juxtapose a tiny mustard seed with a mountain. Point being that we do not have to be prefect to attract that hand of God even as we work towards perfection. The bible says we are complete in him,that means outside him we are incomplete hence out baby steps are giant strides when Jesus is incharge. We my analyse God into a complex maize that portray a complex spiritual engineering but from what I see in the bible, God is a big God that can inhabit the praise of man. God is whole enough to let us choose freely to love him. God is not threatened by nothing hence when he says we'll have power after the holy spirit is come on us,he meant it,God does not manipulate us,his power does not run dry. Question is what is wrong? Again I ask,where is the power of God in our lives?
Many of us have an idea of what the devil can do through a babalawo(witch doctor) but are oblivious of what God can do. The words on the pages of the bible are not real to many of us. Testimonies are verge, we manufacture miracles by force. We see yet we don't find so we help God by concocting lies to show that God did it; yet when Jesus fed 5000people, it was clear everyone just had bread and fish. When the blind receive their sight,it was clear.
If God is always right then our current situation of lack of power as believers is our fault. Check yourself. Ask God again to reveal the weak areas that we have polished up with fashion brands and bogus academic qualifications. Check yourself again I say check. David said create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence of God. Take not your holy spirit from me,restore to me the joy of salvation.
The above is not a song, its a prayer of a man that understands the implication a sinful life. David knew it would cost him everything;including God taking his spirit from us because of sin. If our fathers were lukewarm.chances are we'll be but God said come now and let us reason together,though your sins be as scarlet or as red as crisom,he'll forgive when we heed his call when he said if my people who are called by my name,would humble themselves and pray,and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and I'll heal their land.
If you are willing and obedient,you'll eat the fruit of the land says the lord. God would love to hear from you today.
Igonoh Godwin
28th Nov 2013
Lagos,Nigeria
In the bible,it was said that the God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob did wonders. The phrase "God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob" was used to connote a transfer of knowledge and relationship of God from one generation to another. Hence each generation builds on the details of the encounters of the previous generation.
Surprisingly God seem to follow from Abraham to Isaac then to Jacob. As the people handover detail from generation to generation,God seem to follow the generations hence the diverse encounters recorded across the generations is an indication that each generation had a rhythm of fellowship with God. Each generation gave their all to knowing God and God seem to reveal a lot to the point that generations after used them as reference point to emphasise the consistency of God across the generations.
Guys,my point is, we are a product of what our fathers have done and refused to do. Some would not agree but there is a certain influence the previous generation is bound to have on the current generation. Deep calleth unto deep they say. Considering the powerful details of what we read in the bible that God did and promised to do in our time, one would want to ask where is the power we so much read about? Why do we live like there is nothing to be worried about? Don't we see the clear contradictions between the detail of the life of old testament people of God and the show of Gods power and our lives? Or should we not be concerned that Jesus promised that greater works than he's done we would do or is it the fact that John the baptist was so great amongst people on old yet in out dispensation he is so little;yet we seem to careless about the absence of depth and power without the church? Why is wickedness looking so colourful such that everyone is at home with evil? Why do christians die with unfulfilled dreams and visions? Why do church leaders preach words without power?
Guys, I'm just asking, I can't wrap my head around any answer? I keep wondering what we are doing wrong or what God really thinks of us as a people? I struggle through growth and wonder if my struggles invalidate my attempt to walk with God, I wonder if my works can put me down when the could not put me up? I wonder if grace through faith requires more than we are currently doing,yet I remember the words of Jesus saying that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains,people analyse that to mean the DNA of a mustard seed is wired to grow regardless of its size but from what I know,Jesus was talking to farmers and mostly peasants who knew nothing about DNA,Jesus was talking about size, that's why he juxtapose a tiny mustard seed with a mountain. Point being that we do not have to be prefect to attract that hand of God even as we work towards perfection. The bible says we are complete in him,that means outside him we are incomplete hence out baby steps are giant strides when Jesus is incharge. We my analyse God into a complex maize that portray a complex spiritual engineering but from what I see in the bible, God is a big God that can inhabit the praise of man. God is whole enough to let us choose freely to love him. God is not threatened by nothing hence when he says we'll have power after the holy spirit is come on us,he meant it,God does not manipulate us,his power does not run dry. Question is what is wrong? Again I ask,where is the power of God in our lives?
Many of us have an idea of what the devil can do through a babalawo(witch doctor) but are oblivious of what God can do. The words on the pages of the bible are not real to many of us. Testimonies are verge, we manufacture miracles by force. We see yet we don't find so we help God by concocting lies to show that God did it; yet when Jesus fed 5000people, it was clear everyone just had bread and fish. When the blind receive their sight,it was clear.
If God is always right then our current situation of lack of power as believers is our fault. Check yourself. Ask God again to reveal the weak areas that we have polished up with fashion brands and bogus academic qualifications. Check yourself again I say check. David said create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence of God. Take not your holy spirit from me,restore to me the joy of salvation.
The above is not a song, its a prayer of a man that understands the implication a sinful life. David knew it would cost him everything;including God taking his spirit from us because of sin. If our fathers were lukewarm.chances are we'll be but God said come now and let us reason together,though your sins be as scarlet or as red as crisom,he'll forgive when we heed his call when he said if my people who are called by my name,would humble themselves and pray,and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and I'll heal their land.
If you are willing and obedient,you'll eat the fruit of the land says the lord. God would love to hear from you today.
Igonoh Godwin
28th Nov 2013
Lagos,Nigeria
Heathen's Rage!
"Pastor X of Ever faithful Ministries just bought a Lexus jeep. His wife
travels abroad 5 times a year. His children wear very expensive
clothes. Do you know many mansions he has in Lagos? As for me, that is
why I don't pay tithes o. Offering ke? So that it will enter his pocket?
Me, am still trying to feed my family."
What is the contention? "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?" Ps 2:1 Caution! I say, caution!
You see, it is very easy to deprive yourself of the blessings of God, simply because you choose to place your eyes on the wrong things. Peter began walking on water, as soon as He took his eyes off the Master, he began to sink.
There are so many distractions in and around the body of Christ. We must strive to fix our eyes on Jesus and cut off all distractions.
There are so many dimensions to this message but I choose to focus on the call to obedience.
Now, who said christians should pay tithes and bring offerings to the church? Was it the pastor? Or was it the Lord?
Why pay to the pastor? In the old testament, the people paid their tithes(10percent of earnings) to the priests, and the priests paid 10percent of all they received to the High Priest. That was the order of things.
"The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household." Ezekiel 44:30
You see, you don't get to choose what to obey in the Word of God, which is what so many people do.
" I am fornicating, but at least I don't commit murder"
"I will give offerings once in a while, but 10percent of my income? I don't think so. I will rather give to the poor"
The bible clearly states
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10
"Obedience is better than sacrifice." 1 samuel 15:22
You would rather give to the poor and offer humanitarian service than pay tithes.
It is a spiritual principle and like every spiritual principle, you do not logicalise, you don't apply the wisdom of the world. This is why God chose to use the foolishness of the world to confound the wise men of this world.
"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the ascribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"1 cor 1:19-20
Yes, you have a Ph.D and you studied economics. But you don't understand why you should give 10 percent of your earnings to the Lord and how that principle works.
I once heard a christian ask sarcastically, "is tithe paying like ATM? Will it double my money? Nonsense"
You analyze the fact the pastor receiving the tithes is wealthier than you are and you feel cheated. Giving your tithes looks so foolish in your reasoning. You are the wise men of this world, choosing to disobey kingdom principles because you must know better than the God who created you.
Every man will give account on judgment day. Have we really thought about what that day would be like?
You will say to the Lord that you didn't pay tithes because your pastor didn't not build schools and hospitals with the money, but instead his clothes became more expensive and his garage increased in size.
What do you think His response will be?
"If you love me, you will obey/keep my commandment." John 14:15
It is not up for negotiation.
Friends, can you not trust the Lord to know that He has good intentions for you? Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Eph3:20
What is that power that works in us? The same power that raised Christ from the dead. The power of the Holy Spirit.
Choose to obey the word of God because your faith is in Christ. That is the very essence of your christianity. Faith in Jesus Christ is the reason why you are saved and Abraham's blessings are yours.
It is that same faith you profess when you obey the Lord even when it seems foolish and you don't understand.
Stop looking at your pastor and fix your eyes on Jesus. Take your eyes off his lexus jeep. Don't count how many pieces of chicken he eats. Pay your tithe and see if God will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessings there will be not enough room to contain it.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God but without works, it is dead. You are holy and righteous by virtue of your faith in christ which worketh love. "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" Gal 5:6
If you love me, you will obey my commandments.
Choose the way of obedience.
God bless you.
Adaora Igonoh
What is the contention? "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?" Ps 2:1 Caution! I say, caution!
You see, it is very easy to deprive yourself of the blessings of God, simply because you choose to place your eyes on the wrong things. Peter began walking on water, as soon as He took his eyes off the Master, he began to sink.
There are so many distractions in and around the body of Christ. We must strive to fix our eyes on Jesus and cut off all distractions.
There are so many dimensions to this message but I choose to focus on the call to obedience.
Now, who said christians should pay tithes and bring offerings to the church? Was it the pastor? Or was it the Lord?
Why pay to the pastor? In the old testament, the people paid their tithes(10percent of earnings) to the priests, and the priests paid 10percent of all they received to the High Priest. That was the order of things.
"The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household." Ezekiel 44:30
You see, you don't get to choose what to obey in the Word of God, which is what so many people do.
" I am fornicating, but at least I don't commit murder"
"I will give offerings once in a while, but 10percent of my income? I don't think so. I will rather give to the poor"
The bible clearly states
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10
"Obedience is better than sacrifice." 1 samuel 15:22
You would rather give to the poor and offer humanitarian service than pay tithes.
It is a spiritual principle and like every spiritual principle, you do not logicalise, you don't apply the wisdom of the world. This is why God chose to use the foolishness of the world to confound the wise men of this world.
"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the ascribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"1 cor 1:19-20
Yes, you have a Ph.D and you studied economics. But you don't understand why you should give 10 percent of your earnings to the Lord and how that principle works.
I once heard a christian ask sarcastically, "is tithe paying like ATM? Will it double my money? Nonsense"
You analyze the fact the pastor receiving the tithes is wealthier than you are and you feel cheated. Giving your tithes looks so foolish in your reasoning. You are the wise men of this world, choosing to disobey kingdom principles because you must know better than the God who created you.
Every man will give account on judgment day. Have we really thought about what that day would be like?
You will say to the Lord that you didn't pay tithes because your pastor didn't not build schools and hospitals with the money, but instead his clothes became more expensive and his garage increased in size.
What do you think His response will be?
"If you love me, you will obey/keep my commandment." John 14:15
It is not up for negotiation.
Friends, can you not trust the Lord to know that He has good intentions for you? Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Eph3:20
What is that power that works in us? The same power that raised Christ from the dead. The power of the Holy Spirit.
Choose to obey the word of God because your faith is in Christ. That is the very essence of your christianity. Faith in Jesus Christ is the reason why you are saved and Abraham's blessings are yours.
It is that same faith you profess when you obey the Lord even when it seems foolish and you don't understand.
Stop looking at your pastor and fix your eyes on Jesus. Take your eyes off his lexus jeep. Don't count how many pieces of chicken he eats. Pay your tithe and see if God will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessings there will be not enough room to contain it.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God but without works, it is dead. You are holy and righteous by virtue of your faith in christ which worketh love. "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" Gal 5:6
If you love me, you will obey my commandments.
Choose the way of obedience.
God bless you.
Adaora Igonoh
Still thinking of a title!!!help!!
Have you ever gone to write an exam and realized you forgot to buy your pen? Can you imagine the panic that would cause?
Can you go into a battle unprepared and expect to win? That, my friend, is madness. Many christians are fighting without their swords. Some misplaced theirs. While some never had theirs.
We are continually engaging in battles.
The Word of God rightly says "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this worlds, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12
I must confess that when I first got born again, I was told that that was the end of the long fight between the devil and I to take me to hell and that Jesus has already won the battle. And that everything would be rosy from now on. Halleluya!!! I shouted "Amen" with so much joy.
Ahh, so amazing to hear that I would not 'struggle' any more.
Was I deceived? Yes! Because infact, from the moment you decide to take a stand for God, the enemy will not be pleased with you at all. He has just lost a soul and he would do just about anything to get that soul back.
So while you scream halleluya and go to bed, he is plotting his next move.
But why do you think the bible says "be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
That is his aim. He seeks to devour.
Friends, brothers and sisters, we must not be ignorant of his devices. Christianity is not a walk in the park like you think. That is the reason why we have people who have been Christians for many years still struggling with milk. They can't chew bread, they will choke. Meat? Don't even go there. They will require resuscitation. It is what I call "spiritual kwashiokor", but that is a matter for another day.
Just like any other battle, spiritual battles must be prepared for. You must have your tools and armours.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.....stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Eph 6:11-17 KJV
I would love to talk about all the elements of the whole armour of God, but I want to focus on the sword of the Spirit.
The sword is the weapon of warfare that is used to pierce the enemy during battle. This weakens the enemy and ensures that he would have to nurse his wounds for a while.
How can you then go to battle without your sword, child of God, seeing as it is so important?
The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is not enough to read your bible sometimes, or when you feel like. You must have it in you. Ready to use it as the slightest opportunity. But you can not use what you don't have.
When the enemy tells you you can't succeed, you tell him you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Aha! You just shut him up.
When he tries to remind you of your past sins and lies to you that you can't come before God, you tell him you can go boldly to the throne of grace. You tell him there is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH." Romans 8:1. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2cor5:17
You know what you have just done? You told him to shut his mouth and he did.
So many christians come to church without a bible. And if we want to be honest, most don't even open the bibles until we get to church, if we do go to church.
Some may argue the need to take a bible to church when the verses would be displayed on the church screens.
Do you know that searching your bible for scriptures helps you to know your bible more?
The Bereans in the bible were known because they would always go back and research all that they were taught. You must realize that even pastors make mistakes sometimes. When you go back and study the word for yourself, you will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Read the word for yourself.
Dear friends, study the word of God, read it, eat it, chew it, meditate upon it day and night. Joshua 1:8
For when the enemy strikes, you may not have the time and patience to go through your bible trying to locate scriptures that you have no clue about in the first place. There is a word for every situation we may face.
Let us get to know our bibles more. Let's get familiar with the scriptures.
For the Word is living. And the Word is God.
Perhaps, you don't know where to start from. It's alright. You can decide to use a devotional with a well laid plan on how to study your bible. Or you can decide to go book by book. It is an exciting journey.
You may know the word, but it has lost its meaning and power to you, or it was just something you memorized without understanding.
Remember that the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword. Heb 4:12
The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the Word. He is ever willing to teach.
Dear brothers and sisters, let's get the dust off our bibles and go on an adventure with the Word.
You can thank me later :)
God bless you
Kim Adaora Igonoh
Can you go into a battle unprepared and expect to win? That, my friend, is madness. Many christians are fighting without their swords. Some misplaced theirs. While some never had theirs.
We are continually engaging in battles.
The Word of God rightly says "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this worlds, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12
I must confess that when I first got born again, I was told that that was the end of the long fight between the devil and I to take me to hell and that Jesus has already won the battle. And that everything would be rosy from now on. Halleluya!!! I shouted "Amen" with so much joy.
Ahh, so amazing to hear that I would not 'struggle' any more.
Was I deceived? Yes! Because infact, from the moment you decide to take a stand for God, the enemy will not be pleased with you at all. He has just lost a soul and he would do just about anything to get that soul back.
So while you scream halleluya and go to bed, he is plotting his next move.
But why do you think the bible says "be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
That is his aim. He seeks to devour.
Friends, brothers and sisters, we must not be ignorant of his devices. Christianity is not a walk in the park like you think. That is the reason why we have people who have been Christians for many years still struggling with milk. They can't chew bread, they will choke. Meat? Don't even go there. They will require resuscitation. It is what I call "spiritual kwashiokor", but that is a matter for another day.
Just like any other battle, spiritual battles must be prepared for. You must have your tools and armours.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.....stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Eph 6:11-17 KJV
I would love to talk about all the elements of the whole armour of God, but I want to focus on the sword of the Spirit.
The sword is the weapon of warfare that is used to pierce the enemy during battle. This weakens the enemy and ensures that he would have to nurse his wounds for a while.
How can you then go to battle without your sword, child of God, seeing as it is so important?
The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is not enough to read your bible sometimes, or when you feel like. You must have it in you. Ready to use it as the slightest opportunity. But you can not use what you don't have.
When the enemy tells you you can't succeed, you tell him you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Aha! You just shut him up.
When he tries to remind you of your past sins and lies to you that you can't come before God, you tell him you can go boldly to the throne of grace. You tell him there is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH." Romans 8:1. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2cor5:17
You know what you have just done? You told him to shut his mouth and he did.
So many christians come to church without a bible. And if we want to be honest, most don't even open the bibles until we get to church, if we do go to church.
Some may argue the need to take a bible to church when the verses would be displayed on the church screens.
Do you know that searching your bible for scriptures helps you to know your bible more?
The Bereans in the bible were known because they would always go back and research all that they were taught. You must realize that even pastors make mistakes sometimes. When you go back and study the word for yourself, you will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Read the word for yourself.
Dear friends, study the word of God, read it, eat it, chew it, meditate upon it day and night. Joshua 1:8
For when the enemy strikes, you may not have the time and patience to go through your bible trying to locate scriptures that you have no clue about in the first place. There is a word for every situation we may face.
Let us get to know our bibles more. Let's get familiar with the scriptures.
For the Word is living. And the Word is God.
Perhaps, you don't know where to start from. It's alright. You can decide to use a devotional with a well laid plan on how to study your bible. Or you can decide to go book by book. It is an exciting journey.
You may know the word, but it has lost its meaning and power to you, or it was just something you memorized without understanding.
Remember that the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword. Heb 4:12
The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the Word. He is ever willing to teach.
Dear brothers and sisters, let's get the dust off our bibles and go on an adventure with the Word.
You can thank me later :)
God bless you
Kim Adaora Igonoh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
