CHINESE BAMBOO TREE

A Chinese bamboo tree takes five years to grow. However, once you plant it, you need to water, nurture and fertilize it every day. In the first, second, third and fifth year, there are no visible signs of development and no growth above the soil. Once it breaks through the ground, in 5 weeks it grows up to 90 ft. (27 meters). Persistence, faith and patience is the key.

The question is, what if the farmer stopped watering and fertilizing the ground where the Chinese bamboo tree was planted because there’s no visible growth? Why should the tree take so much time before breaking through the ground? What are the biblical implications?

If the farmer stopped taking care of the ground, the seed would have died. Moreover, if he  the farmer had gotten tired of waiting and always wanted to see if the seed was growing and dug up the seed, the seed would have died.  Patience, faith and persistence is the key in accomplishing one’s goals in ministry life and godliness. Keep on building yourself in the most holy faith, toil on in building strong character and Christian virtues, labour unrelentingly, keep focusing on your goal and what you need to do, there might not be visible growth or frustrating, be rest assured that activities are going on underground and you will soon emerge.

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12.

The sustainability of a tree in all kinds of weather and longevity is the function of the depth of it’s root. If the tree had not developed a strong unseen foundation, it could not have sustained its life as it grew. The life of a tree is it’s root neither the branches nor leaves, the life of a shoe is in it’s sole not the design and the life a house is in it’s foundation not the superstructure. The storm, flood and wind are the revealers of what the hidden man is made up. Remember Proverbs 24 verse 4, if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Matthew 7:25

The hidden man of a Christian is built in the secret place, not on stage. The real man is made a giant in silence not in noise. Chinese bamboo tree  grows silently, it is not always in a haste to grow out of ground until it has taken enough root, which takes as long as five years. Has God called you unto ministry? It takes a years for God to build a minister.  Don’t be in a haste to be on stage but take time to build strong foundation and take root in the secret place. 

How can one take root downward?

1. Set your eyes on things not seen: That’s the beginning of the journey into taking root. We should always love to be inside more than outside, that’s where peace, purity, power and communion are.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

2. Develop an unseen prayer life:  Prayer is the number unseen thing of a Christian that gets seen things affected. We should always love to be inside more than outside, that’s where power is.We should always love to be inside more than outside, that’s where peace, purity, power and communion are.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

3. Get alone with the Lord by studying your Bible: Remember, man shall not leave by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out if the mouth of God. It is impossible to leave the Bible out and grow. It is the water that our grounds need and without it, we can’t take root but wither away.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 1 Peter 2:2, John 6:63b.

If believers can have this understanding and practice those things, we shall not be barrren nor unfruitful.

Thank you for stopping by. Don’t forget to share if the article has blessed you.

THE NINE PROVEN CURRENCIES OF TRANSACTION IN HEAVEN: Episode 2

CURRENCY OF ENCOUNTER

Desire and hunger in the only approved currency for exchange of encounter. Without desire, you cannot discern, without hunger, you cannot be feed. Apostle John is our point of reference today.

John was on Patmos when he received the revelation, he was left alone. Those that will know God must learn how to be alone and be separated from distractions.

It is in seeking God we know Him and learn of Him. ‘It is called the Revelation, because they are the deep things of God which no man knows and can never have been sifted out by the reasonings of human understanding, but the Spirit of God, and those to whom he reveals them” MHBC. Proverbs 8:17 says, I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Revelation chapter verses 1 to 5. Verse 5 reads, “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon”. John was very disappointed with the situation, he wept greatly and was very desirous to really know more about God, his mind and will.

You will observe that John has seen the glory, yet he wanted to more more. He would have left the secret place when he saw the Alpha and the Omega, but he tarried until he saw what he has never seen before. I discover over time that, who don’t like eating often have little appetite for food. There’s probably of the little appetite they have to diminish over time. On the other hand, once you take a delicacy and it you enjoy it, you tend to crave for more and it results into increased appetite. Likewise, it is only those people who have seen most of God that are most desirous to see more and those who have seen his glory desire to transcend from glory to glory unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. HOW MUCH OF GOD HAVE YOU SEEN?

Apostle Paul, a man of like passion, who was giving the testimony of the faithfulness of God in 2 Corinthians 4:9 saying “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” the same Paul came to Philippians 3:10 and cried aloud, “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Logically reasoning, which fellowship of the suffering of Christ does he want to know again all after this, “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep. 2 Corinthians 11:25. Apostle Paul was giving the accout in 2 Corinthians 12:2 how he was caught up into third heaven. Yet he was panting to know Christ as the deer pants after the water brook. Never reach a point you’ll be satisfied and have the feelings that you have known enough of God. DEEP CALLS FOR DEEP.

Someone may say, I don’t even observe my quiet time regularly, I can’t even hear God for myself. Maybe the problem is that you don’t have the desire to hear Him and hunger to fellowship with him. ” Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

Have you ever read a passage of the Scripture and you didn’t understand. Did you ask him to open your eyes of understanding to understand the scripture and what His wills are? Then you are not like John and you may not be able to receive revelations.

Hunger is the prerequisite for greater encounters. Encounter is the Jabbok where our theological knowledge becomes reality. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die… Revelation 3:2

To fuel your hunger for God, they following are very essential:

1. Pray for it and develop a consistent prayer life.

2. Think about God and establish a cordial relationship with Him.

3. Study Bible regularly never forget to visit soul enriching books that will stir you up.

4. Abstain from fuel suppressing men, materials and activities.

No hunger, no food. No appetite, no feeding. No hunger no encounter!

THE NINE PROVEN CURRENCIES OF TRANSACTION IN HEAVEN

The currency in which the transaction originated is reffered to as transaction currency. For example, in Nigeria, if you need food, Naira is the currency of exchange for food in the market. Between British firm and American, US dollars (USD) is the transaction currency. There can’t be an exchange without currency. Naira is useless in United States while USD is not recognized in Nigeria as acceptable currency. In the same manner, if there will be a transaction between man and God, there is a generally acceptable currency to get whatsoever you need.

Episode one

Currency For The Fulfilment of Promises

Patience is number one currency a believer must have for the fulfilment of promises. Isaac and Rebekah is our point of reference for today.

Isaac was the one and only son, the very person from whom the promised seed was to come. Yet, he made no hast to marry. Isaac was forty years old when he got married to Rebecca. However, he was sixty years old when his sons were born (Genesis 25:26). That is to say, after getting married, he had no child for twenty years. Although there was no Bible to read during his own generation, no teacher to teach him about patience, yet this Scripture describe his life; “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3

As you journey this year, be rest assured that the accomplishment of God’s promise is very and all time sure. Yet it is often slow, and seems to be crossed and contradicted by Providence, that the faith of believers may be tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for may be the more welcome when they come. (MHBC)

While waiting, there are some things that must be done because waiting is not the same as spending time in idleness. Let’s learn few lessons from Isaac.

 PRAY: Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife (Genesis 25:21). Although God promised to multiply his family but he prayed for it too. Many people make a mistake of keeping mute to God on the basis of he has promised. Can you do that to your earthly father, after promising, don’t you ask again or remind him ?

 BE IMPORTUNATE: He prayed for mercy very often, and continued unrelentingly in his supplication for many years, and it was not granted. You know what, he did not leave off praying for it because men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1), men are to pray without ceasing, and knock importunately till the door be opened.

 KEEP YOUR GARMENT: An adage says beheading is not an antidote for headache. Loosing something eternal for superficial thing is foolishness. Don’t be like Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Isaac did not approach to a handmaid’s bed, as Abraham did, but for he loved Rebekah, Genesis 24:67

I don’t know what you are facing or facing you. God knows your every need, don’t see yourself as an orphan, you there’s a promise concerning that particular thing. Stretch out your patience and recieve the fulfilment of the promise. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3,4

Thanks for stopping by. Wait for the remaining eight currencies. God bless you.

CONTEST BETWEEN GRACE AND CORRUPTION

There is a contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers, who are sanctified but in part. The war between them is a long one, the flesh lust against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. However, as the work of sanctification is carried on, corruption grows weaker while grace grows stronger until a believer becomes a perfect man.

I’m going to use the house of Saul and house of David as an illustration of the contest between corruption and grace. This is the race of man, the house of Saul is the corruption, which grew weaker and weaker; the house of David is grace which grew stronger and stronger, till it  came to a perfect man, and judgment was brought forth unto victory.

1. David struggled with the house of Saul before the completion of his settlement in the throne as a king.

There’s no prize without price. There are some battles that are inescapable. It’s a must we face it and win it. Yes, David has received the prophecy that he will become the king and was even anointed as an approval of his office but he couldn’t get to the throne until the battle is won.

In the same manner, believers have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father. We’ve received grace for holy and righteousness living as the ticket to get to heaven. But, there’s is a contest between the old man and the new man, and until the flesh is conquered, grace will not have his full expression in us because he’s not fully on the throne.

Without the destruction of the outward man, there wouldn’t be release of the inward man. The outward man, flesh and self is like the outermost part of coconut, until it is broken, the content inside cannot flow out.

Without this battle is won, a Christian will recieve the grace of God in vain and he will be as though he is without grace, because there’s no full manifestation of grace, whereas he has a portion of grace.

Likewise, the promise of the crown of life will not the fulfilled until the we. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

2. What are the things that represent corruption in one’s life?

Self-gratification, self-sufficiency, self-exhortation, self-pride. For grace to get ground, self must be crucified, He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30. The I in you and me must not live.

Flesh- cravings for satisfaction of the body, eyes, belly, eyes, and mouth. Flesh only has cravings but doesn’t have conscience. The body only longs for sex, when you commit the sin, you conscience is being grieved. Belly for food, no conscience. When the Holy Spirit within you tells you to take a fast, your body yarns for food. Flesh must be crucified. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

3. How can I win the contest?

We all know that David’s side got ground. The house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker, lost places, lost men, sunk in its reputation, grew less considerable, and was foiled in every engagement. Likewise, in order to allow grace get ground in our lives, flesh must the crucified, self lose it’s place, self must be suppressed, flesh must be starved until it becomes weak, and self must lose his reputation and place in our lives.

Number one weapon is faith. This is not self faith/confidence but faith in God, in that He is your Mighty Captain. Believing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Number two, consciously mortify the deeds of the body, determine to walk in the spirit, make it intentional. Thereby, corruption succumbs, flesh and self will come into the interest of the spirit that grace has won the battle. Christian discipline cannot be over emphasized, such as prayer, fasting, self control, strong conviction, proper perception of Christian liberty, diligent study of the word, setting boundaries in relationship with the world are very essential, if you desire grace to be full on the throne in your life.

4. What’s the time line of the contest?

“2 Samuel 3:1 1. Both sides contested. Saul’s house, though beheaded and diminished, would not fall tamely. It is not strange between them, but one would wonder it should be a long war, when David’s house had right on its side, and therefore God on its side; but, though truth and equity will triumph at last, God made for wise and holy ends prolonged the conflict. The length of this war tried the faith and patience of David, and made his establishment at last the more welcome to him.” MHBC. As long as you live, guard your salvation jealously, so that no man takes your crown. FIGHT MANFULLY ONWARD!

PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER’S GRACES NOT PASSION

Grace a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b : a virtue coming from God
c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

Passion:

• a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something
• : a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way

Definition by Merriam Webster

I’m going to explain the subject using a Bible character, Jonadab.

JONADAB

Jonadab was Amnon’s friend, not only that, he was his cousin. Jonadab was more than just anybody. When “Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her”. (KJV:II Samuel 13:2). Jonadab was the most available relative he could discuss the matter with.

Hear what Jonadab said, “Go to bed and pretend you are sick; and when your father David comes to see you, say to him, Let my sister Tamar come and give me food and prepare it in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.” (AMP: II Samuel 13:6). Instead of him to affirm and strengthen Amnon’s graceful thought “Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her”. (KJV:II Samuel 13:2), he rather provoked his lust and fuel his sexual urge. You know the end of the story, Amnon was killed by Absalom for defiling his sister and the same way, judgement came upon Absalom the murderer and he died. That single counsel brought division and bitterness in the family of David their father.

LESSONS

Many today are like Jonadab. They cut people’s head as an antidote for headache.

A brother approached you and said, “I’m lusting after so and so.” The first thing you said is call her now and express your feelings. Eh! Christian brother you’re an assassin hired by the devil at that point. You can’t even remember to tell him about the second work of grace that deals with inward sin, sanctification. How far desire that Christian experience by faith and importunate prayer until it’s done. Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

A lady approach you and told you about her uncontrollable sexual urge. Instead if you to tell her about about Jesus, the power at the cross to cancel and destroy power of sin. You taught her how to watch pornography, and have sinful partner (popularly called boy friend relationship). Is that the ministry God has given you? Yourself need a write spirit within you.

Many have sinful ambition today, their passion is driven by the old man that is needed to be crucified. Which effort are you making to strengthen their weak hand and confirm their feeble knees?

PLEASE DON’T

Don’t provoke others passion, provoke their purity.

Don’t fuel others gratification, fuel the grace in them.

Don’t teach people how to conform to the world but to Christ.

Don’t lead others to comfort zone in the flesh, lead them to the cross where the flesh is crucified.

Don’t show people the way of carnality but to spirituality.

Don’t explain what the world can offer your friend, elaborate on the packages the Word of God(Christ) has for them, both here and the world to come.

I pray that God will open our eyes and enable us to do that which is right to people around us.

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to share if it has blessed your soul.

ESTUARY BELIEVERS

“Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and maritime environments known as ecotone. Estuaries are subject both to marine influences such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water and to riverine influences such as flows of freshwater and sediment.” Wikipedia.

Paul the Apostle made an illustration in the book of James, chapter 3 verses 11 and 12, “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” Even in the natural, it is impossible for a single fountain to send forth fresh and salt water, hence, it can be a transition zone.

Let’s consider the factors that influence and birth such an estuary water and the way out.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Psalms 137:1. The land of Babylon was a house of bondage to that the daughters of Zion, as Egypt had been in their beginning. They remembered the former glory of Zion and the satisfaction they had and the present desolation of Zion, the holy hill on which the temple was built. So, they sat down by the river of Babylon where there tears could flow with the stream and wept.

Just like estuary is influenced by environment, man can be influenced by what is going on in his environment. However, the Bible didn’t say weep without season, the Scriptures says pray without season. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” James 5:13. Don’t allow what you are passing through raise your voice against God and men.

For some persons, when things are not right with them, they begin to raise accusations on people around them, they become so touchy and even go to the extent of speaking graceless words. We are not just men, we are regenerated souls. It is expected of us to always speak words seasoned with grace, no matter what happens.

Let’s learn from Job. He passed through a lot, yet, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22. Let’s learn to bridle our tongues and be master over our own body, not many masters.(James 3:1).

Paul and Silas are examples of new testament believers. They were thrown into the prison because of the he Gospel. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

Observe, that, not even in hard times does God support our fountain sending forth bitter water, talk less of making , cursing, jestings that are not convinient, abusesive words, foolish talking and such graceless and idle words our lifestyle as it is in the world (Matthew 13:36, Ephesians 5:4, 1Corinthians 6:9).

Some call themselves Christians, yet they curse their neighbours, curse their children, curse their husbands and wives. Many do it stylishly, wether you do it directly or indirectly, it still means the same. All the worldly slangs and idle words shall be judged. Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10. Come to think about it, you have conquered the works of the flesh, such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings BUT cursing, foolish talking, jesting and such still rule over you, you’ve made yourself a transgressor. No fountain can send forth bitter and fresh water.

Unbridled tongue hinders answers to prayer, dispirits believers, causes believers’ light to burn dim and makes their mirror a dirty mirror. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:6

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. James 1:26. Can you see how serious the matter is? Of course, no man can bridle his tongue, but one thing I know, where sin abound, grace much more abound and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, because GRACE IS HERE. Hallelujah!

Thank you for always stopping by to learn at the feet of the Master together. Don’t forget to share the post with others. God bless you richly.

RAISED UP UNDER THE APPLE TREE

“…I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.” SOS 8:5. Under the apple tree is a place of devotion, meditation and prayer. For better understanding, we are going to consider some Bible characters.

NATHANIEL UNDER FIG TREE

When Nathaniel was retired under the fig-tree in his garden, and thought that no eye saw him, Jesus had His eyes upon him. “It is possible that Nathanael under the fig-tree was employed, as Isaac in the field, in meditation, and prayer, and communion with God. Sitting under the fig-tree denotes quietness and composedness of spirit, which much befriend communion with God.” MHBC. If Nathaniel, yet to be acquainted with Christ understood the power of prayer and meditation in a solitary place, and Jesus rewarded him openly, affirmed him as an Israelite indeed, how much more will he do to Christians.

DISCIPLES IN THE SHIP

He is raised up, to help us and comfort us,” as the disciples raised him up in the storm in the gospel according to st. Mark, chapter four, saying, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Let’s be encouraged to continue steadfastly in our addresses to him, without fainting or wearying, striving more earnestly. As much as we know by our past experience, with the readiness of Christ to yield to the importunities of both our faith and prayer.

A song writer wrote;

There is peace in Christ
When we learn of Him
Feel the love He felt for us
When He bore our sins

Listen to His words
Let them come alive
If we know Him as He is
There is peace in Christ

There is peace in Christ
When we walk with him
Through the streets of Galilee to Jerusalem
Mend the broken hearts
Dry the tear-filled eyes
When we live the way He lives
There is peace in Christ

He give us hope
When hope is gone
He give us strength
When we can’t go on
He give us shelter
In the storms of life
When there’s no peace on earth

JACOB AT JABBOK

“Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” Genesis 32:24. Jacob was in pain, yarning for comfort and travailed in pain with great sorrow. Hallelujah! Jacob travailed in convictions at last and brought forth in consolations, the pain was forgotten for joy of his new birth, a change of name from Jacob to Israel.

Do you desire an encounter with God, a total turn around, transformation, and rest on every side? Go to Jabbok. Of course, I’m not asking you to travel to Jabbok, but saying, have a quality time with God, to possess your inheritance among they that are sanctified.

It is under the apple tree success is born, exploits in life and ministry emerge and breakthroughs break forth.

In time like this, you need to raise up an apple tree. Before going out in the morning, receive fresh air under the apple tree. After the day work, retire to the apple tree for renewal of strength.

Thank you for reading through. God bless you.

MY INDUSTRY IN HEARING

This article is based on the parable of the sower, in chapter eight of the gospel according to st. Luke. Today, we are going to learn the necessary and excellent rules in hearing the word of God. The cautions for hearing the word is not left out. This article entails proper and better explanation on the different grounds as stated in the parable.

OUR PRIVILEGE TO HEAR

“And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” Luke 8:10. We can see here that, it’s a great opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the mystery of word of God, which others have not.

“Those who would receive instruction from Christ must know and consider what a privilege it is to be instructed by him, what a distinguishing privilege to be led into the light, such a light, when others are left in darkness, such a darkness. Happy are we, and for ever indebted to free grace, if the same thing that is a parable to others, with which they are only amused, is a plain truth to us, by which we are enlightened and governed, and into the mould of which we are delivered.” MHBC.

THE CAUTION

Christ put forth a parable in Luke chapter eight, verses five to eight. The disciples were very inquisitive to know the meaning of it. We may be perfect in the heart, but not perfect in knowledge. At one point or the other in life, we may be confused about some things in some areas, it’s normal. “We should covet earnestly to know the true intent, and full extent, of the word we hear, that we may be neither mistaken nor defective in our knowledge” MHCB

Observe here that, the disciples didn’t go to the Pharisees and Sadducees to ask their questions. Believers must be careful of who they walk up to to clear the doubts. In the multitude of RIGHT counselors, there is safety. Counsel from WRONG counselors is dangerous and will lead to destruction.

SEED THAT FELL BY THE WAY SIDE

“A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” This is likened to those that wilfully shut their ears against the word. They make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Isaiah 6:10.

These are the people that trample it under their feet and despise the commandment of the Lord. It is not possible to be saved without believing, and since they shut their ears, lest they believe, that means their sins remain with them. “The word of the gospel will not be a saving word to us, unless it be mixed with faith.” MHBC.

SEED ON THE ROCK

The word makes some impressions on some persons but they are not deep. Just as the seed sown upon the rock, which gains no root because of lack of moisture, the experience will not last. When the journey is rosy, they believe, but when it’s mealy with temptations and trials frown at them, they fall away from their good beginnings.

You may ask, how do I get moisture, to gain root? My answer is, getting moisture should be a priority, as long as it’s a rock, no moisture will be supplied to the plant to survive.

Here is what to do. Seek the second work of grace, sanctification. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26. Replacement is the key.

SEED AMONG THORNS

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” Luke 8:14.

There’s no joy for a mother that carried a pregnancy for 9months and the infact died right in the labour room. Neither is there celebration for a man that took care of a child but buried the child at old age. It is not enough to bear fruit, but more important that the fruit abide and ripe for harvest. If it be not, it is as if there was no fruit at all brought forth and it still unfruitful, because it brings forth none to perfection.

Wind may blow, flood may come. See a seed that finds it’s root rooted deep down the soil, it’s not moved by any of these things. “perseverance is necessary to the perfection of a work.“

THE GOOD GROUND

“The good ground, which brings forth good fruit, is an honest and good heart, well disposed to receive instruction and commandment (Luke 8:15) a heart free from sinful pollutions, and firmly fixed for God and duty, an upright heart, a tender heart, and a heart that trembles at the word, is an honest and good heart, which, having heard the word, understands it (so it is in Matthew), receives it (so it is in Mark), and keeps it (so it is here), as the soil not only receives, but keeps, the seed and the stomach not only receives, but keeps, the food or physic.

Where the word is well kept there is fruit brought forth with patience. There must be both bearing patience and waiting patience patience to suffer the tribulation and persecution which may arise because of the word patience to continue to the end in well-doing.

We ought to take heed how we hear (Luke 8:18) take heed of those things that will hinder our profiting by the word we hear, watch over our hearts in hearing, and take heed lest they betray us take heed lest we hear carelessly and slightly, lest, upon any account, we entertain prejudice against the word we hear and take heed to the frame of our spirits after we have heard the word, lest we lose what we have gained.” MHBC

Thanks for visiting. I really appreciate you for always stopping by.

CITIES OF REFUGE

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

City of refuge

“And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.” Joshua 20:7-9

“Kedesh signifies holy, and our refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong-hold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high or exalted, for him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy or exultation, for in him all the saints are justified, and shall glory.” Matthew Henry Bible Commentary.

In every despensation, God always show His mercy and make a way of escape. For the despensation without the law, the Ark of Noah was their safety. For those with the law, God appointed cities of refuge for them. Our own despensation is not left out, Jesus is our rock and anchor.

For better understanding, let’s consider a story in the book of John, chapter eight.

THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY

In John chapter 8, verses one to eleven, there’s a story of a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisee brought the woman to Jesus, saying “…Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?”

Lessons:

The woman was doing works of darkness, in the dark buy suddenly, it was brought to light. This is to remind those that take pleasure in secrete sin that they are only deceiving themselves. ” For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.” Luke 8:17.

When the sins of sinners are brought to light, it’s counted as a form of mercy. Do you know why? If this woman was not caught in the very act, she might have continued fooling around in the same path and that may result in her heart been more hardened. It is far better for a sinner to expose that sin to God in genuine repentance, than for the sin to expose that sinner whether this life or at the judgement throne unto damnation and condemnation.

PRISONERS PASSING JUDGEMENT

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and Jesus said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” The Pharisees seemed to have a great zeal against the sin, by their attitude toward the offender. At the end, they themselves appeared not to free from from sin. they were within full of all uncleanness, Matthew 23:27,28.

Lesson

“It is very absurd for men to be zealous in punishing the offences of others, while they are every whit as guilty themselves, and they are not better than self-condemned who judge others, and yet themselves do the same thing.

Whenever we find fault with others, we ought to reflect upon ourselves, and to be more severe against sin in ourselves than in others. Those that are any way obliged to animadvert upon the faults of others are concerned to look well to themselves, and keep themselves pure (Matthew 7:5).

We ought to be favourable, though not to the sins, yet to the persons, of those that offend, and to restore them with a spirit of meekness, considering ourselves and our own corrupt nature.” Matthew Henry Bible Commentary.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips. mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways. And the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:10-18.

Every man is guilty before God. Every man is meant for judgement. No one deserve mercy. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. And of course you know, that the wages of sin is death.

THE REFUGE FOR THE PENITENT

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Lessons

“Jesus is the refuge for penitents. The law which accuses us, and calls for judgment against us, is by the gospel of Christ made to withdraw its demands are answered, and its clamours silenced, by the blood of Jesus. Our cause is lodged in the gospel court we are left with Jesus alone, it is with him only that we have now to deal, for to him all judgment is committed let us therefore secure our interest in him, and we are made for ever. Let his gospel rule us, and it will infallibly save us.” Matthew Henry Bible Commentary.

A song writer wrote:

“Mercy said no
I’m not gonna let you go
I’m not gonna let you slip away
You don’t have to be afraid
Mercy said no
Sin will never take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no “CeCe Winans

Hallelujah, the offender was pardoned, the prisoner was discharged; “Neither do I condemn thee go, and sin no more.”

“IF ANY MAN SIN”

Now, let’s look at the remedial law from another angle. This is for those that are already in the faith. There’s a possibility of doing some things wrongly, pass wrong judgement due to our inadequacies in knowledge and understanding. It is only God that is all knowing and cannot make mistake. If peradventure, as a Christian, you are seeing some inadequacies in yoir Christian journey as a result of your level of growth. Don’t allow the devil to put you down.

This is the promise, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1. Therefore, shake yourself from the dust, repent and appropriate the grace of God in your life.

Note here, that the Bible is talking about wilfully sinning here. In those times of error and mistakes, Christ is your city of refuge that you can run to. Bible admonish us that we should come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy in time of need.

In conclusion, the city of refuge, is all encompassing. It’s not on meant for our Spiritual security. In times like this, run to your refuge for preservation and abide. Even in time of pandemic and disasters, we have a In crises, trials, persecutions, tribulations, temptations, infirmities, sickness, and even when you walk through the shadow, fear no evil, because JESUS IS OUR CITY OF REFUGE. I repeat, God is our refuge anf our remedy. Hallelujah.

Thank you for reading through, I appreciate your time. God bless you.

MY FIRST LOVE

Attributes of The First Love.

1. There’s so strong bond of love.

2. There’s always zeal to pray and passion to learn more about Christ.

3. Fasting was more than just a necessity but as a token of consecration, you denied yourself of meal.

4. The burden of love of God to sinners usually wake you in the middle of the night, where you agonize for their conversion.

5. There’s so much peace, strength, purity, and pleasure

6. There’s much comfort in lieing down and sleeping at night. As well as much cheerfulness to wake up in the morning.

7. It’s easy to bear afflictions, temptations and trials.

8. The hopes and desires of heaven was strong and you sing, ‘oh happy place, when shall I be my God with thee, to see thy face.’

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE LOST THE FIRST LOVE?

In the preceding verses of verse four of the second chapter of the book of revelation, Jesus commended the church at Ephesus for their diligence in duty: I know thy works, and thy labour, Revelation 2:2. He also declared their patience in suffering, and their zeal against what was evil.

We can see that, it is very possible not to leave and forsake the object of love, whereas the first love is no more there.

Yet, Jesus Christ rebuked this church, saying; Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love, Revelation 2:4.

“The first affections of men towards Christ, and holiness, and heaven, are usually lively and warm. God remembered the love of Israel’s espousals, when she would follow him withersoever he went. These lively affections will abate and cool if great care be not taken, and diligence used, to preserve them in constant exercise. Christ is grieved and displeased with his people when he sees them grow remiss and cold towards him, and he will one way or other make them sensible that he does not take it well from them.” Matthew Henry Bible Commentary

How To Get The First Love Back

A song writer wrote: “Take me back Lord to the place where I started. Break the chain and let me go free. Lord, I can’t stay, away, any longer. Take me back Lord to Calvary.”

1. REMEMBER: One must remember whence they he/she has fallen. Remember those things that licked away the grace of God in you. Remember those things that competes with the love of God in your heart and divided your heart. ” Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty..”Hosea 10:2. Remember those things that drifted away your focus from God and heaven. Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. Hosea 10:1

2. COMPARE: Compare your present state with your former and acknowledge how much better it was with you then than now. Think about the bliss, the comfort and the tenderness. “Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these?” Ecclesiastes 7:10. I urge you to make enquiry wisely and find out the WHY and HOW.

3. REPENT: Repentance is a must. One must be inwardly grieved and ashamed for the sinful deterioration. Be ashamed and accept self blame they must blame themselves. With humility and sincerity, confess to God. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

4. RETURN: Just as step by step, one slide back from the first love, the same rule governs retuning. It’s important to go back step by step, till one comes back to the place where he/she took the first off-base step. Put on the language of love back. Talk to Him always(pray without ceasing). Cultivate a listen hear(give diligence to reading His Word). Tell your neighbours, friends and family about Him, to come to the love of God (do the work of an evangelist).

5. STRIFE: Deliberately take actions to revive and recover the first commitment, consecration, seriousness, tenderness and zeal. You will see what will happen and how you will regain the bliss as it was, when you first set out your foot in the ways of God. Only if, you will watch skillfully and diligently and pray fervently.

Thank you for reading through. Don’t forget to like, comment and share with your family and friends. God bless you.

Ogunlade Adekemi Boluwatife

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