Posts

Posted on

It’s coming but…not a second before the perfect time

hourglassEsther 2-8

How badly must it have hurt?

How deeply wounded must he have felt?

To have stuck out his neck so dangerously for the king

and yet have no reward for doing so sounds so unfair.

 

How tasking is it to stand for the truth?

Just imagine standing for what is right in the face of danger.

What if the plotters were more than two?

What if the other enemies of the king turn against him – the witness.

 

What will happen to me if I take the witness stand against evil?

What lies ahead if I expose a plot against the king?

Maybe the plot was even justified.

Could we argue that this must have been a wicked King

Who seemingly only cares about himself and his endless orgies?

 

Mordecai stood for the truth and exposed an evil plot and nothing was done in recognition of his loyalty.

Is it true that sometimes life seems so unfair?

You work so hard at your job or duties and you do your best and go over and beyond what is expected and yet get no recognition for doing so.

Yes you have done all that is required. You have learnt the trade and discipline, gone to school and got the education, yet the reward is still far fetched and out of reach.

You have stuck out your neck for the truth one way or the other, yet it appears life is not making any commensurate return to you.

 

Instead of being elevated Mordecai’s fate was turning from bad to worse.

An influential enemy had spotted him for a different reason.

Someone looking for worship had been infuriated by his defiance.

Haman demanded worship but he was not going to get it from Mordecai.

He plotted to wipe out Mordecai and everything he stood for, his entire race.

Everyone connected to Mordecai was to go down with him.

How the enemy hates you and all you stand for and care about.

 

Instead of being rewarded for his loyalty and dedication, the same King he risked his life to save had now signed his death warrant.

How terrible would it have felt?

How far below can a man get?

Mordecai wailed and cried at the news of the King’s decree, covered in ashes and robed in sack cloth.

The enemy seems to be winning.

 

Wait a minute.

Where is God in all these you ask?

Could it be that Mordecai’s act of bravery is like a seed which after being sowed needed some time to germinate, bud, grow to maturity before presenting a harvest?

Nobody ever plants a seed today and reaps the harvest the same day. The passage of time is required before the harvest.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3).

 

God never forgets.

God is a faithful God.

He is the righteous and just judge.

He sits in judgment over the affairs of life.

 

God knew the right time to introduce Mordecai’s reward,

even if He had to trouble the king and force Mordecai’s recognition.

He is the God of all the earth,

He is the King of Kings, the master of the entire universe.

The heart of every King is in His hands and He can control them how he wills when he chooses to.

 

God will always have the last say.

The King lost his peace and could not sleep.

More like, God withdrew his peace.

The King called for the books where every record is kept.

God drew his attention to Mordecai’s forgotten act of loyalty, the time for his harvest had come.

It had to be the right time, and God will be the judge of that.

Haman had to parade and sing before Mordecai proclaiming his honour,

What a victory for Mordecai,

What a shame for Haman.

It did not end there.

The timing was so perfect that Haman’s evil plot was exposed and eventually he hung on the same gallows he built to execute Mordecai.

What a turn of events?

 

Mordecai got his reward.

He was duly recognized and promoted, but not a second before the perfect time.

 

Galatians 6:9

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

Shalom

 

Olaolu Oyeyemi

 

Posted on

The Conspiracy

It’s a new year, yet the year is already getting old.

A question floats through my mind:

Where would an unbelieving generation push God?

Who will they replace Him with?

They hush and feel embarrassed when they undeniably cannot but allow His name slip through their lips.

Even the so-called believers apologize for mentioning God.

The fool pretends there is no God.

Posted on

Surviving the ‘In-Between’ (II)

4. You need Communication

By communication I do not mean chatting and speaking with your friends, family or spouse.

I am talking about genuine and sincere communication with God.

He is the designer and architect of your life. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Author and finisher of our faith.

He is the one who plants the idea of the journey in your heart, he called you to come.

There is a need to communicate with God every step of the way.

 Psalm 37:23-24

Good News Translation (GNT)

23 The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him.
24 If they fall, they will not stay down,
because the Lord will help them up.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Good News Translation (GNT)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Enoch’s account: (Gen 5:21-24)

Abraham talks with God:(Gen 12:1-7, Gen 13:14-18, 18:17)

Jacob: (Gen 31:1-13, Gen 46:1-7)

Moses’ conversations with God every step of the way:(Exodus 3 – the call, Exodus 4:1-6: Exodus 6:1…Exodus 15:1).

David was a man after God’s heart – despite his numerous challenges and battles, he knew how to communicate with God.2 Samuel 5:24

Peter walking on water – communication established, Focus broken. Matthew 14:22-33.

Paul and God- shipwreck story – Acts 27.

It is key for the believer to remain in constant communication with the Lord as you continue on the Journey of life.

Prayer is a key communication pillar critical to surviving the in-between experience.

Jesus relied on the Father and depended on the streams of instructions from Him, his life exemplifies the lifestyle of prayer and communication with God.

(To be continued)

‘Laolu Oyeyemi

Posted on

Surviving the ‘In-Between’

Everyone faces the ‘In-between’ experience.

In-between Egypt and the Promised land, how do I survive the wilderness? The journey of the Isrealites from Egypt to the promised land typifies the Christian walk. We could draw invaluable lessons from the story.

wildernessThe ‘In-between’ experience is not always easy. Many give up on the way and fail to get to the desired destination. Hebrews 10:35

Hebrews 10:35-37

King James Version (KJV)

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Are you going through some in-between experiences in your health? Career? Marriage? Ministry? Etc.

Whatever you are in-between…there is the comfort of the Word of God to rest on.

What are the key factors that will help see us through the journey.

1. Vision

Matthew 4:4 ..”Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks….

What is Vision? Vision is defined as foresight, based on insight with the benefit of a hind-sight. It is having a picture of your destination in your heart and mind.

Having a picture of a glorious future -of what can be- is the foundation on which any journey is built. When Moses came and painted the picture of Canaan the promised land, it was easy for the Isrealites to embrace the vision and risk facing the Wilderness. Exodus 3:8, 13-22.

God had to make Abraham see the vision of offsprings and descendants by making him count the stars. Gen 15:1-6.

Where there is no vision, the people perish Proverbs 29:18

The first check is to be sure that your vision is based on the Word of God.

God will always make Pro-vision for His Vision. Jeremiah 1:12, Numbers 23:19

God’s holiness is based on His integrity.

What does the word of God has to say about your situation? Is there a promise of a glorious future, a possible destination you should begin to focus on?

One of the key strategies of the enemy is to bombard us with so many troubles that we are tempted to believe that there is nothing good left for us in God. Don’t you believe that lie of the enemy. He says he has nothing but good thoughts for you –

Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 40:5, Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 55:12

Receive a vision for a glorious destination.

 2. Refuse the trap:

Never stay mentally trapped to your problem. Leave.. Lazarus left dead folks alone.

John 11:43-44

Refusing to own your present predicament:

Exodus 18:3 – Consider yourself an alien to your present situation. (Gershom).

Refuse to own your problems. Do not allow your trouble define who you are.

As the Israelites prepare to depart- look at the attitude, the excitement in the air- God was setting their expectations. Building faith in them. They ate their food in haste. Exodus 12:10-12

The Prodigal son – the hindsight was the key to his future. But notice his resolve- I will arise.

Don’t call me Mara – but I won’t stay back here. I am not going to die here.

Blind Bartimeus – threw away his garment on the way to meet Jesus knowing this was his day.

Abraham and Sarah – agreed with God and changed their names.

Job – I know my redeemer lives.

3. Get ready for opposition.

Not everyone will agree with your decision to move to the other side.

Opposition awaits you. Make up your mind you will keep moving on to your destination in the face of opposition.

(1)  Pharaoh and his army – representing the old experiences and former lords trying to hold you back.  Exodus 14:5-9

Different other kinds of opposition in the wilderness. (Deuteronomy 7:1

(2)  Joseph envied by his brothers, lied against by Potiphar’s wife. Gen 37,39:11-15.

(3)  David hated and pursued by Saul I Samuel 19.

(4)  Jesus was opposed (Matthew 2:7-15, Matthew 3:16,4:1-11, Matt 26:38-41, Heb 4:15)

(5)  The disciples faced the wind– Heb 4:35-41

(6)  Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12-13.

(7)  God is aware of your challenges and he will lead you to success.

Exodus 13:17-22. (If you will do your part, God will do his)

1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

(To be continued)

‘Laolu Oyeyemi

Posted on

Spiritual Warfare

One could argue that the picture of Warfare in scriptures is better painted and appreciated with graphic pictures as in the days of the old testament characters, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and his mighty men.warfare

However it is important to appreciate the fact that warfare for the believer is still as serious as it used to be, only it is more real in the spiritual realm than in the physical. The believer is engaged in a continuous spiritual warfare on a daily basis.

 The first truth we need to remember and understand is that we are spirit beings, made in the likeness and image of God and for those who have received the gift of God’s salvation in Jesus, now regenerated. 

Gen 1:26-27

26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”

27 God created humanity in God’s own image,
in the divine image God created them,[a]
male and female God created them.

John 4:24

New International Version (NIV)

24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

We must understand that everything that happens in the physical realm has its root in the spirit realm.

The spiritual realm controls the physical realm.

All the heroes of faith recorded in scriptures made their exploits by faith and faith has it’s root in the unseen realm. Hebrews. 11.

 As believers we have to realize that we are in a spiritual warfare:

 Ephesians 6:10-13

American Standard Version (ASV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

1 Timothy 1:18

The Message (MSG)

I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in.

Just as going to physical battles is not for the weak, fearful or doubtful person, Christianity is not a faith or lifestyle for the weak or wimpy-at-heart. You could come to Jesus weak and dead spiritually, the moment you become a child of God, a rebirth takes place and you become a new person, strong, bold and able to stand up in the name of Jesus. 2Cor. 5:17. 2Tim. 2:1-5, Luke 10:17-19

 There is a prize to be won:

 Nobody goes to war except there is a prize to be won.

Joshua 1:2-5

American Standard Version (ASV)

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given it, as I spake unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life. as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 JOHN 10:10

American Standard Version (ASV)

10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

The enemy is battling to thwart the will, integrity and purpose of God in the world. He is against anything that will promote the glory and nature of God.

The battle is against the seed of God in your life.

The seed is the word of God designed to bring forth much fruit in your life, but the enemy is out to prevent this and he will come in diverse ways, he will contest your productivity all the way.

Matthew 13:3-7

3 And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow;

4 and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them:

5 and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6 and when the sun was risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And others fell upon the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked them:

Matthew 13:18-24

American Standard Version (ASV)

18 Hear then ye the parable of the sower.

19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.

20 And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

21 yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

22 And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

.

How should you handle this?

Stand and Resist the enemy. You have to fight off the onslaught of the enemy. Like I said earlier, being on God’s side is not for the wimpy and weak at heart. 

1 Peter 5:8-11

The Message (MSG)

8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith……

1 Peter 5:9

King James Version (KJV)

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Message (MSG)

A Fight to the Finish

10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

The Battle is undoubtedly waged in your mind. Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23

Common English Bible (CEB)

23 More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.

Romans 12:2

Amplified Bible (AMP)

2 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].

Mark 11:22-24

Amplified Bible (AMP)

22 And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly].

23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.

24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Some of the major weapons of the enemy are fear, doubt and unbelief.

1 John 4:18

King James Version (KJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

2 Timothy 1:7

King James Version (KJV)

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

James 1:5-8

King James Version (KJV)

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

What are the weapons available to you?.

First, you need to realize and agree with the truth, that you are on the winning side. Being on God’s side is being on the winning side. You shall know the truth, and the truth you know shall make you free. John 8:32. Jesus had already procured the victory for us over two thousand years ago.

Romans 8:37

King James Version (KJV)

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 4:4

King James Version (KJV)

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Having known the truth, you hold to what you know by faith based on the Word of God. We have the authority of God in the name of Jesus, we go on the offensive in His name. and we have the whole armor of God working for us.( Ephesians 6:10-18).

2 Corinthians 2:14

King James Version (KJV)

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Halleluyah! We are always winners because we are on the winning side. The word of God says so. Your situation or circumstance may not look like it, you may not feel like a winner right now, but know it, you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. All things are working together for you good. Lift your head up. You are blessed. Weeping may endure through the night, but surely joy comes in the morning. It may look pitch black as midnight right now, but be rest assured, the darkness must give way to light. Your dawn is breaking. 

Ephesians 6:13-14

King James Version (KJV)

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

It is well with you. Be encouraged, stand up and stand your ground.

‘Laolu Oyeyemi

Posted on

Free Indeed

freedom1

John 8:36

King James Version (KJV)

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

Good News Translation (GNT)

36 If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free.

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

36 So if the Son frees you, you will really be free!

Amplified Bible (AMP)

36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

The Message

34-36 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.

Posted on

Letting go.. Not so fast!

Proverbs 3:5-6

King James Version (Ktug_warJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Every professing believer will be quick to claim that they trust God.

But the truth of this assertion begs some deep scrutiny.

Do you really trust God with your life?

How often do you argue when you sense God asking you to do something you find difficult or not so convenient?

When you pray for something and you do not get the desired result within the expected time frame, what is your attitude to God and the things of the Spirit?

When things are getting so seemingly difficult, how fast are you in dumping the true course of waiting on God and looking for alternative solutions?

Is God really in control? Or maybe you have wrestled the helm away from His hands.

What does it mean to ‘Let go’ and yield control to God?

Posted on

The Race to No-Where

ratrace stop

Perhaps the greatest problem we have as humans is this bane of competition and comparison between us which fuels envy, jealousy and pure pride. It threatens the strongest bond and separates families. It tears friends apart and even divides the body of Christ. Why can’t we just accept God’s unique course for our individual lives and quit looking over the fence at the other person’s yard?

It is interesting to note that It was competition and comparison that led to Lucifer’s rebellion recorded in heaven (Isaiah 14:13-15), It was also competition and comparison that led to the fall of man in the garden as engineered by the same Lucifer: (Gen 2:4-5)  Message Translation

4-5 The serpent told the Woman, “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil.”

Paul in his response to criticisms about his style of ministry in 2 Corinthians 10:12 said:

The Message 2Corinthians 10:12

12 We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.

Amplified Version

12 Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.

There is no way five friends who started out together in High School or even at College will end up the same way doing the same job, in the same city, living in the same type of house, driving the same type of cars, and all having the same lifestyle. It’s just not how life is wired.

We all have different lives and destinies in God and the earlier we realize this, the better for all of us, and the better for the church and humanity at large.

I am praying for God to help me, lest I fall into the same trap, this rat race everyone seems to be swirling in, and if I am already in it, that the Lord should help me drop out of such a fruitless and endless labour, running in circles against God’s will and purpose for my life.

What would make you not rejoice whole heartedly with a brother or sister when you get to hear of a blessing or breakthrough in their lives?

Have you ever caught yourself quickly scanning such news through your filter of comparison, trying to size yourself up with the other person in the light of their new elevation? Your reaction to the person then spins out of your assessment and how you view yourself compared to them. Such reactions are based on the flesh (sinful nature) and rooted in pride.

Most people would hardly own up to pride, but if you still harbor envy, malice or disdain and disrespect for others based on their status in life, then you may want to seek the help of the Holy Spirit in examining your heart again.
That is it, right there, some of the reasons our community will never be as powerful and blessed as God intended, why our families are falling apart, why our churches and ministries are growing weaker by the day, how we open up ourselves to the afflictions and attacks of the enemy on daily basis – competition and comparison.

I ought to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and might, then I ought to love myself appreciating and thanking God for where I am today and looking ahead to what is in store. The next task is to love the people of God and appreciate God’s goodness in their lives. I do not want what belongs to someone else – that would be covetousness, all I want is what God has for me and that would be just be sufficient for me.

I have come to understand that before I can effectively love other people the way God wants me to love them, I need to first of all love and accept myself, the way God made me, the gifts and abilities he gave to me and the unique course my life is meant to take. Diversity is one of the principles on which God founded the universe. God made everything perfectly and beautifully yet not one creature is exactly the same as the next. Even when animals are of the same species, they each have their unique signatures (DNA), plants may look alike, but they have their differences. Human beings are meant to be unique, even when they share the same womb and come into the world at the same time as twins, they still have their individuality.

In the wise words of my parents and my grand parents before them

 “We do not time ourselves, working with someone else’s time-piece”

That would be foolhardy.

It is time to stop looking over the fence trying to be someone’s duplicate, it is time to look within, find out and appreciate what makes you ‘the you’ you are meant to be and indeed shine.

 

“Man is not man’s idea

Man is God’s idea

Man’s success is not Man’s idea of success

Man’s success is God’s Idea of Man’s success.”  (Author unknown)

 Shalom

Laolu Oyeyemi.

_______________

Beloved,  I am excited you are reading this piece and I hope it was not a waste of your time.

I’ll like to know you read this and I’ll appreciate you dropping a note. Thank you.

Posted on

Words Kill, Words make alive

Paragraph

words

Words are so powerful; you cannot fathom how everything depends on them. I saw a movie a long time ago in which an illiterate king was astonished at a young man’s ability to write – this was his first time of seeing someone write his words – which he described as being able to ‘draw the wind’. Yes, words are as powerful as the wind; they could be as gentle and comforting as a breeze or as violent and destructive as the hurricane.

God reveals Himself to mankind as a speaking God. God’s creative ability and expressions are packaged in words, and God is perfect in its usage. In actual fact the second person of the God-Head is actually known as ‘The Word’.

John 1:1

King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

God is represented by His word and He cannot be separated or divorced from His word. At creation as described in Genesis chapter 1, all things were created through the vehicle of God’s word.  As God pronounced and painted His intentions by His word, the Spirit of God went ahead moulding into reality the pictures in the mind of God.

Hebrews 11:3

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

God created everything using words and we as God’s children also have an ongoing perpetual privilege of continuing the act of creation by using our words also.

God is not careless with His words. His integrity is staked on performing everything He says. He is Holy because His words are infallible.

Imagine the weight of responsibility on Jesus while He walked the face of the earth. He is the Word now become flesh. Every word he utters and every action he carries out will be recorded, quoted and remembered. He is responsible for every word he speaks and his integrity will be judged based on these words. Despite this weight, He did not fail; neither did He make any mistake. John 14:30. He never had to apologise, recant or regret anything He said. He walked perfectly and so we can rely on His words. From age to age he remains the Lord.

Words are powerful. They are creative and constructive yet could also be damning and destructive. Nations have been built and revolutionized by the power of words. Kingdoms have also been destroyed by words.

James 3

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 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.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

The Word is in your Mouth

Just as God created the earth and filled it up by the power of His words, we can also create a world around ourselves by the words we say.

Words can make or break.

Words can make alive and words can kill.

Words can uplift and words can bring distress.

Words can bring peace and words have caused wars.

You can destroy people with your words, just as you can give them life with words.

The choice is yours how you want to use yours.

 

‘Laolu Oyeyemi

 

Posted on

The Joy of the Lord is your Strength

man-on-a-moun

A thief is only there to steal, kill and destroy.. John 10:10 MSG.

The past couple of weeks have been challenging with the enemy unleashing an attack on my mind. All kinds of arrows shot at my soul aimed at crippling me by sowing seeds of offense and discouragement. ‘Don’t you see you are not appreciated?’.’Nobody cares, even if you kill yourself trying…’ The odds are against you..’ I noticed myself becoming overtly sensitive to every look, comment and actions of people around me. As unbelievable as it sounds a heavy weight was beginning to hover around me. I could feel the weight and somehow I just was not ready to fight it. As if to add insult to injury, I was involved in a car accident and I crashed my beloved vehicle. I was at fault, my licence and Insurance cost will be rising…. Let me spare you the long details…

I was turning down invitations and opportunities to be with people and I just did not realise the effect of what I was going through until my wife said to me ‘you are withdrawing yourself from people and you’re no longer the blessing you used to be’.

It suddenly dawned on me – this is another of the devil’s typical and tactical style of attack against the believer, to shut me in and block the flow of the nature and es

one-happyface

sence of God through me.  The enemy wants to rob me of my joy and stop me from being my real self. ‘He wants you to cease being the real you’.  I wondered, could this be what is popularly referred to as depression?

I need to share this, if only it will help someone from falling into the same trap of the enemy.

One thing I know for sure the enemy comes after your joy. He bombards you with all kinds of reasons to stifle your joy from bubbling forth from within your spirit, if he is able to succeed, then he has robbed you of your strength. That exuberant flow of joy, that is divine; it is the key to the victorious and triumphant life of the believer.

Joy is different from happiness.

Happiness is largely dependent on circumstances and events around you. You may be happy for a moment if your favourite team wins the football game or you made some extra bucks from some business deals. You may be happy if you got a raise at your place of work or something good happens to you. It is great to be happy and everyone wants to be. However, feelings of happiness are temporary. Let something negative happen the next moment and you quickly forget you were happy just a moment ago. Happiness depends on happenings.

Joy on the other hand is supernatural. It is a fruit if the Spirit. Galatians 5:22. It is part of the evidence that the Spirit of God resides in your human spirit. ‘….Out of his heart shall flows rivers of living waters John7:38’. Joy is part of that divine flow.

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength’ Nehemiah 8:10.

We need to understand how important joy is to the believer. Joy is also a weapon for battle, you need strength to fight. We are admonished to fight the good fight of faith. When the enemy robs you of your joy or the manifestation of it, he weakens you and robs you of the will to fight.

Joy is a key resource in your day to day life. Joy emanates from the core of your spirit, when the darkness of negative circumstances closes in; joy is meant to be the glow that illuminates your being keeping you going.

Isaiah 12:3 says:

3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

You need strength to draw water from a well. Joy provides that inner strength needed to draw out your blessings in God. Begin to access your wells of blessing, healing, favour, prosperity and all the other advantages promised in God’s salvation package with joy providing you the strength.

Why did Paul give a candid instruction in Philippians 4:4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

How often did Paul say to Rejoice? Always!

It takes a conscious effort to leave the gates open and allow that flow of exuberance from within. Even in the face of trials and troubles, Paul admonishes us to count it all joy.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds.. (James 1:2)

We should never allow the enemy rob us of our joy in spite of the situation.

While the devil cannot destroy the source of your joy, he tries to rob you of the manifestation and effect of that fruit in your life. He battles and wages war in your mind to dampen your spirit where joy flows from. A free mind and a right attitude is needed to manifest joy. Joy emanates from the spirit but it needs the cooperation of the mind to come to full manifestation. ‘Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.’ Out of it are the issues of life.

Paul did not only advice us to rejoice always, he tells us the secret: It’s what you allow rest in your mind, what you are focusing on:

Paul admonished that we strain our thoughts through several sieves:

Philippians 4: 8-9

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

For those couple of days I was the target of the enemy, I was not careful of the kinds of thoughts I allowed thrive in my mind. I believed the lies of the enemy and wallowed in self pity and I can assure you that is the shortest route to depression.

God wants us to live in victory and blessings, a life that is exuberant and energetic, a life that is contagious, full of praise and worship. When we focus on God and allow his nature flow through us, others will recognise this life force in us and they will be drawn towards us and the Christ in us – the hope of Glory. Col.1:27.

Rejoice.

Laolu Oyeyemi.