THE MIGHTINESS OF GOD

Text: Genesis 1: 1-31, Exodus 6:1-3, Ephesians: 1: 19-20

To be mighty is to have great power, skill and strength. It is to be very great in extent and to have ability to exert great power. God is unlimited in might and power and He is exceedingly great and mighty. God demonstrates his mightiness in various ways: in creation, in battles, in deeds and in His name. He is just mighty and he is referred to as the Almighty God. God affirmed that He is Almighty. Gen 17: 1, "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." Ex 6:1-3, The LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country." God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty." God is so mighty that, "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. The psalmist knows that God is Almighty when he said in Ps 91:1-2, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Job acknowledged in Job 9:4 that God is mighty in strength." God promised to show us great and mighty things when we call on him (Jer 33:3), i.e. out of his mightiness, he created mighty things.

Let us consider His mightiness in areas of creation.
God is mighty in creation that He created the whole of the universe in six days and rested on the seventh day. He created the sun, the moon and the stars and gave each its own glory 1 Cor 15:41. He created greater light to rule over the day and the lesser light to rule over the night, animals of all kinds, vegetation and scattered flowers over the green, He allows plants to yield seeds and fruits according to its own kind. Ex 20:11. He created the earth by his power and established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. He created signs to indicate seasons, days and years. His mightiness is shown from the rising of the sun to its setting. Ps 113:3. He made the air and deposited precious stones and valuable minerals in the belly of the earth. He created man in his own image and gave them dominion over all other things and blessed them. Is only a mighty one that could accomplish such an enormous task in six days. What a mighty God! His mightiness is unlimited and unimaginable.

God's mightiness in language creation.-Gen11:1-9. The LORD showed his mightiness when He mixed up the language of the whole world which was one language and of one speech originally. When the people of the world tried to build a city and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven." But the LORD  came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, if as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them”. Come, let us go down and confuse their language, so they will not understand each other. Consequently, the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel -because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

Mightiness in His name.
The character of God is revealed in His name and because God has so many characters, it follows that He has so many names and all these names point to his mightiness. Some of these names will be examined.
I AM WHO I AM Exodus 3:14-15. God said to Moses "I AM WHO I AM." This is what you are to say to the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you."

"Abba Father". Mark 14:36. Our Lord Jesus addressed God as Abba Father. And Jesus said, "Everything is possible for you." Referring to God that with Him all things are possible.

Eternal God. Genesis 21:33.  “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God."

Jehovah Jireh - Our provider. Genesis 22:14. When God provided the ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac his son." So Abraham called that place The LORD will provide." And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Up till now God is still providing.

Mighty warrior- Exodus 14:25. "And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt." The israelites’ victory was so overwhelming that the Egyptians knew it could only be mighty God warring for them.

Mightiness in his deeds: Many mighty and great things God has done and He is still doing. A few will be considered in this sermon.
Jeremiah 31:35, "He appoints the sun to shine by day. He decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, He stirs up the sea so that it waves roar."

Exodus 14:21-22, God parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel and used the same Red Sea to consume their enemies with their chariots and horses." Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it in to dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right hand and on their left.

Ephesians 1:19-20, God demonstrated the mightiness of his power through the raising of Christ from the dead. "And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in heavenly realms."

Ephesians 6:10, He is mighty in power and strength. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29.

Brethren, you can only be strong in the strength of his mighty power. God is mighty to save. Zephaniah 3:7, "The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save." Surely the arm of the LORD is not short to save. The LORD even assured Moses when the LORD answered him, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you! Num 11:23. And the LORD saved the Israelites.

In conclusion, God is mighty in everything as it has been illustrated with the few examples given in creation, in his name and deeds. He is awesome and he is the sovereign power over the entire universe. A great king over all the earth and he reigns over all nations and sits on his holy throne in heaven.  His mightiness is incomparable and everything about him is mighty.

Prayer -Father in heaven, your mightiness is all round. May your mighty arm of protection be over me for ever; strengthen me in all areas of my weaknesses in Jesus' name I pray. (Amen)

WHO IS A DISCIPLE

A disciple is a learner and a follower of Jesus Christ. One who grows in Christ and holds to His teaching; believes His doctrine and abides in Him and His word. One who confesses Jesus as the Messiah; is set apart to learn, to imitate Jesus and remain in him. He models Jesus and teaches the precepts of the Bible, doctrine, Christian living, service and worship. One who proclaims the good news and disciples others .A disciple is one who is ready to forsake all for the sake of Jesus Christ and lives the Christian life in its fullness.

During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, He chose twelve disciples who were always with him. They learnt at his feet for a period of time. They left their families and abandoned all just to follow Him. He gave them specific assignment to do, such as to preach the word and he gave them power to heal and to cast out demons. He finally instructed them to disciple others. Mk 16:15 and Matt 28:18-19. As it was, so it is today.

Jesus said in Luke 14:27, "And who so ever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." Though we cannot literally walk with him as the first set of disciples, through fellowship with him, reading the word and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we feel him and act like him. John 13:14-17.

Brethren, there is a price to pay for being a disciple. It involves sacrifice, total commitment, obedience, determination, consistency, perseverance, doggedness, ability to imbibe Christ' spirit and imitate him.

A disciple is set apart for a specific role. Having been a disciple, he should be ready to disciple others. Be prepared to learn through the help of the Holy Spirit and be prepared to teach others and preach the word and make disciples after the like of Jesus Christ. Once a disciple, you cannot look back. Luke 9:62. But Jesus said to him, "No one having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." 

Determine to be a disciple till the end. A disciple is to love God more than anyone or anything else. Be ready to forgo whatever will dull your desire to serve, quench your hunger for the word and thirst for prayer or whatever will make the world more attractive to you. It is expected of you to live a sinless life and live a holy life. For you are an ambassador of Christ and you have to represent him very well. Walk continually with God without blemish and pray without ceasing. Always present your body as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. Go about doing good works according to the ability God gives you and exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23.

It is rewarding to be a disciple because your labour will not be in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of  the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." Jesus gave an example of what he expected from his disciples when he washed their feet. John 13:14-15. He said in verse 17, "if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." A disciple will surely be blessed.

Brethren, to be a disciple is a blessing. You are counted among the wise as you win souls and bear fruit that remain for the Lord (Proverbs 11:30) and eternal reward is promised. 1 Corithians 9:24-25.

Prayer.

Dear Lord, I want to be one of your disciples. Kindly equip me with all I need to be and let me be in Jesus' name.  Amen.

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF TURMOIL

Text:  John 14:27

Peace is freedom of mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, obsession and inner turmoil.
It is a state of stillness and serenity, a state of freedom from agitation and anxious thoughts. It is a condition of harmony within self and others. It is lack of anxiety in the face of trials and tribulations.
Turmoil is a state of great confusion or disturbance or agitation and disquiet. Everybody needs peace in all spheres of life.

Peace can be found in the Word of God. Jer 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  Eph 2:14, "For he is our peace, who hart made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." Rom 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." Ps 72:7, "In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth." Isa 55:12, "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Brethren, real peace can really be found in the Word of God. The assurance is sure because the peace giver has assured us. You are also admonished to follow peace with all men. Heb 12:14.
That you should let the peace of God rule in your hearts. 3:15a. Peace is a benefit of the kingdom of God. It is one of the nine-fold fruit of the Holy Spirit which must primarily be on display in all situations and circumstances in a Christian. In the deepest of storms and trials, the peace of the Lord is promised. John 14:27.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and he has come to give us peace. He says we should not let our hearts be troubled. Phil 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing." When we are born again, peace is our possession. The life of a Christian is that of peace because Christ is our peace and he has come to give us peace. Because you have Him, his peace is yours.

Let us examine those who have experienced peace in times of turmoil.
The peace of the Lord was upon Paul and Silas encouraged them to praise God even while in prison. Acts16:25, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them."

The peace of the Lord around Stephen made him calm and not agitated when he was being stoned. Instead of being restless and anxious he looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God He prayed to God not to charge those who stoned him with the sin. Acts 7:55-60.

The peace of the Lord with Paul gave him courage to say in 2 Tim 4:4-8,"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” He sensed that the end was near yet he was not afraid. Paul was so much at peace with himself then that he was just awaiting a crown of righteousness. During challenging times, he had peace. This was evidenced by the momentum he kept by preaching the gospel of peace - the gospel of Jesus Christ. He confidently said in 2 Cor 4:8-9, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed." He was not falling apart, even though in adversity, he manifested peace with faith and was able to speak out the Word of God.

Horatio G  Spafford  the composer of the hymn, "It is Well with My Soul", experienced the peace of the Lord. It was during the time he lost his only son, his mansion got burnt down to rubbles, his four daughters perished in mid-Atlantic and on his way to meeting his wife who survived it, the Holy Spirit ministered to the song,  “When peace like a river attendeth my way." Brethren, it is possible to have peace in the midst of turmoil.

Who are those that will experience the peace of the Lord in the midst of turmoil.

• Those that have Jesus Christ: Eph 2:14.
• The Righteous: Ps 72:7.
• Those walking by faith and not by sight: 2 Cor 5:7.
• Those that quickly return to the Lord in repentance after a fall: Ps 51.
• Those that put their trust in Him and never allow situations and circumstances to control them: Isa 26:3.
• Those that carry everything to God in prayer: Phil 4:6-7.
• Those who hold on to the Word of God in faith, believe it and act on it: 2 Chron 20.
• Those that are spiritually minded and focus on Christ: Rom 8:6.

Dearly beloved, Jesus offered us peace that passeth all understanding. Make up your mind to stay and remain peaceful during trials, tribulations and storm of life. Make positive confessions with the Word of God. As you profess, so shall it be in Jesus's name.

Outside of Christ there is no peace. He is the Prince of peace. Refuse to be pressured. Remain calm and still in trials because it is in stillness that you know God's will. God enjoins us to do just that. Ps 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." You are admonished to surrender to the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Part of the fruit of the spirit is peace. Gal 5:22. Ask the Holy Spirit for help to manifest this.

Alexander Maclaren says, “Peace comes not from the absence of trouble but from the presence of Christ." Eph 2:14a For he is our peace. If you have him, you have peace. When we keep our mind fixed on the Lord of peace, He gives us his peace of mind. May his peace reign supreme in our lives. Amen

Prayer.
Father in heaven by your grace, cause my heart to be still and continually grant me peace in every situation and ability to focus on you always, and not on the situations. Enable me to say prophetically that it is well with my soul always in Jesus's name. Amen.

PUTTING OUR TRUST IN GOD.

Text: Jeremiah 17:5-7, Romans 3:5.

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability of someone. It is believing that the person who is trusted will do what is expected. To trust is to rely and to depend on someone. It is to have or to put confidence in someone or something.

God is the creator and the ruler of the universe; the author and the finisher of our faith; the one who rules the affairs of all individuals; the one who knows our beginning and our ending. He formed us and knitted us together in our mother's womb. Ps 139:13. Putting our trust in God is to rely and depend absolutely/totally on the one that created us, and rules over our lives and controls our destiny. Pro 16:1-4. God is sovereign, supreme and is all in all. The Bible enjoins us to put our trust in the Lord.

Ps 118:8, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man or in princes."
Ps 146:3, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in who there is no help."
Pr 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Brethren, do not put your trust in man but God. We already have contract of covenant with God through the blood of Jesus Christ as He had with our father Abraham. All we need do is to believe and have faith in the Word and put our trust in Him. His Word will never go void and He is faithful to His word. In suffering, affliction and during storms of life, remain steadfast, look unto Him and put your trust in Him.

He is unlimited in power and unrivalled in majesty. He is in control of all circumstances. He is the Lord of host and a mighty warrior. He is always fighting battles for us. He will always provide for us and meet our needs for his name is Jehovah Jireh. He is our healer for he heals all our diseases for his name is Jehovah Rapha. Ps 103:3. He is a God of miracles, a God of signs and wonders. He reverses the otherwise irreversible. He will bless us if we put our trust in Him. .Jer 17:7, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."

Brethren, you will surely be blessed as you put your trust in Him. Let us consider some characters who put their trust in the Lord in the Bible.

Abraham - Gen 22.
Abraham’s trust in God made him set out to the region of Mount Moriah in order to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham was tested by God and he passed the test. Gen 22:2, "Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will show you." Abraham obeyed. On the way to sacrifice, Isaac asked his father but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham answered; “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son”. And God really provided the ram and Abraham named the place ‘The LORD Will Provide’. Abraham demonstrated his absolute trust in God with faith and obedience.

David – 1 Sam17.
David had so much trust and confidence in God that facing giant Goliath would be a victory. David said in v37, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." In Ps 25:1-2 he said, "In you, Lord my God I put my trust, I trust in you, do not let me be put to shame nor let my enemies triumph over me." Despite his small stature and discouragement from his senior brother Eliab, he faced giant Goliath in the name of the Lord Almighty whom he put his confidence and trust in. Without a sword, David triumphed over the Philistine and killed Goliath with a sling and stone.

Gideon – Judges 6:33-7:1-23.
Gideon’s absolute trust in God made him obey God's instruction and reduced the thirty two thousand men he prepared for war against the Midianites to three hundred men. He faced the vast army of Midian with three hundred men carrying trumpets with empty jars in their hands with touches instead of arms and ammunition. God gave the Midianites into his hands and he won the battle.

Jehoshaphat - 2 Chron 20.
King Jehoshaphat put his trust totally in God when he had to face the three nations that rose against him in Judah. He said in v9, "If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgement or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress and you will hear us and save us." He had so much confidence and trust in God that He would save them. He said in v12, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you." He did not lean on his own understanding. In obedience to God's instruction and absolute trust in Him, he led the army with songs, praises and thanksgiving. And the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who invaded Judah and they were defeated. God really fought for Jehoshaphat as He proclaimed that the battle was not his. (v 15).

Brethren, you are admonished to put your trust in God with faith and obedience. The above characters demonstrated these qualities and it was well with them. Whatever you are trusting God for, remain steadfast and do not waver. For those who put their trust in Him are never put to shame and they are like Mount Zion which can not be shaken. Ps 125:1.

Prayer.
Dear Father, grant unto me the grace to put my trust absolutely in you in all situations and circumstances and not to waver in Jesus' name. Amen.

THE SPECIAL MEAL

Text: Mark 26:26-28, 1 Cor 11:23-34.

Holy Communion was instituted by Jesus Christ during his last supper with his disciples. He commanded his followers to do it in remembrance of him and he referred to the bread as his body and the wine as his blood.1 Cor 11:23-26. Taking the meal is like receiving Christ into one's body. John 6:53-58. It is like grafting his body into one's body so that one becomes like him and be united with him.1 Cor 10:16-17. Taking it is an expression of faith and obedience to Christ's instruction. 1 Cor11:23-24.

The meal contains unleavened bread; it represents Christ's body and the wine represents his blood. When the ordinary bread and wine are blessed with thanksgiving in the name of Jesus, they become holy, special and miraculous. Jesus said you will live if you eat “my body and drink my blood”. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever: this bread is my flesh which I will give for the live of the world. John 6:51. The Holy Communion is the blood uniting Christians as individuals and groups with each other and with Jesus Christ. It involves sharing and fellowshipping with Christ and believers. It is a joyous time to eat and drink with believers and thereby remembering what Jesus accomplished for us by his death and resurrection. 1 Cor 11:17-34. It is a time believers commune with each other as well as commune with God. As we partake we are proclaiming that Jesus died for our sins and we are remembering him and also proclaiming his death until he comes. 1 Cor 11:26.

With the words,” Do this in remembrance of me." He gave the disciples the commission and the authority to celebrate it the same way as he himself had done it. Matt 26:26-28. He said in John 6:48-58, "I am the bread of life. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, which one may eat of it and not die. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. For my flesh is food in deed and my blood is drink in deed." With these statements of Jesus, it is explanatory that when you gather to take Holy Communion, you are spiritually eating his body and drinking his blood in remembrance of him.

Who should partake in it?
Only believers who have been baptised by water immersion should partake. However it should not be taken in an unworthy manner. The following should be exempted: anyone who is backsliding or who has backslidden; one with un confessed and un repented sin; any one disobedient to God's laws and instructions; any one keeping malice; any form of unforgiveness or any form of crime. 1 Cor 11:27-28,"So then who ever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." It is good to thoroughly examine oneself, make a good confession and truly repent of all sins so that one won't be guilty. 1 Cor 11:28-30. The Lord's table must be approached in holiness and humility.

How should it be taken?
When the bread is being blessed with thanksgiving, broken and served, partakers should eat it, focusing on the cross. When the cup of wine is served, all partakers are to drink it in unison in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. And immediately after drinking, the brethren are to commence prayers referencing God and giving thanks. As you eat the bread, you receive Christ into your body, soul and spirit. You receive physical, mental and spiritual healing (1 Peter 2:24) and you become a carrier of the Holy Ghost. As you drink the blood you receive forgiveness from sins (Matt 26:28) and you obtain grace, mercy, help, power and life. Heb 4:16. The blood cleanses you from all sins and makes you whole. You are sealed with the blood and the blood marks you out for signs and wonders. Yoke is broken, reproaches are rolled away and you are washed and made whole. As you become a carrier of the Holy Ghost, you have supernatural strength to resist temptation and you are enabled to be conscious of sin. It gives you spiritual joy in the service of Christ as you remain in him and him in you. John 6:55".

What follows?
After receiving it there is a period of silence with a proper thanksgiving and you celebrate it with hymns, songs and prayers. Matt26:30.

How often should it be taken?
The meal should be taken as often as possible (1Cor11:25) and since it is also referred to as the Lord's Supper it is advisable to take it after 6pm or in the evening. Some believers organise it monthly and some quarterly. But however frequent it may be, it has to be taken with reference and in a worthy manner.

Who should administer the Holy Communion?
The Holy Communion service must be done in an orderly manner. It should be anchored by someone who is knowledgeable about it. Ordained pastors or clergy men who are officials in the church are to administer it. The Holy Communion service involves songs of hymns and worship. Partakers should be reminded of what the Holy Communion is all about. Prayers are also offered with thanksgiving before the unleavened bread is broken and served to follow the example as Jesus did in 1 Cor 11:24. He blessed and gave thanks before he broke the bread. Taking the Holy Communion helps to carry out deep self-examination as one prepares to be at table with Christ. It encourages one to live holy and be at peace with oneself and others.

Prayer.
Father in heaven, I love to commune with other believers and Jesus Christ as the Lord’s Supper. Grant me the grace to be a worthy partaker of this special meal as often as possible in Jesus' name I pray. Amen

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

Text: 2 Cor 1:3-5

The word comfort means relief from affliction and freedom from pain. To comfort is to soothe and to console. Comfort is: a release from suffering, to be at peace, shift from hardship to peace and from a state of inconvenience to convenience. Few of the characteristics of God are: to bring comfort to his people, release one from affliction and suffering, soothes one's pains. God's comfort is unique, everlasting and it is available at all times. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Cor 1:3-5) Our God is always ready to comfort us. He loves us, gave us everlasting consolation, good hope through grace and always ready to comfort our hearts. "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you, and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isa 66:13) All comfort come from God and our sweetest comfort are in him.

Our Lord Jesus Christ like his Father was a comforter to his disciples while on earth and he extended this to us. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. I will not leave you comfortless." (John 14:16, 18). The ministry of comfort was shared among God, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We receive comfort through God's written and spoken word by meditating on them especially when passing through specific situations to re-emphasise, strengthen and activate our faith and draw from God.

Examples are:

Ps 23:1. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

Isa 41:10. Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 
Ps 27:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Ps 34:19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Rom 8:31. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Phil 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice.
1 Peter 5:7. Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.
John 14:18. I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.

There are still many of these in the Bible that bring solace and comfort to us. Through the comfort Paul experienced from God, he was able to comfort and encourage believers to a large extent. God alone is the source of real and lasting comfort. True comfort comes through the word of God. His comfort is not based on uncertainties of life. When we are in the midst of the turbulent waters of life, His word is available. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isa 43:2)  His comfort is to lift us out of discouragement, sorrow and disappointment. He is not indifferent to our needs; He cares for us.

By reversing losses and making it recoverable. Job 42:10 &12, "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him twice as much as he had before. The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first." God is able to bring comfort to one through restoration of all losses. Paul was comforted and he shifted his focus back to his calling. Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

I pray I will be able to enjoy and benefit from all the comfort you make available in various ways to mankind. Grant me the grace to be in constant personal relationship with you and to live a sinless life so that I will not be separated from you in Jesus name I pray. Amen. David wrote in Ps 119:50, "This is my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me." The word of God brings solace to sorrowing hearts and peace to those in great turmoil. David knew this as an attribute of God. Apostle Paul, through first-hand experience recorded in 2 Cor 11:24-27, wrote about this characteristic of God in 2 Cor 1:3-5. He knew God comforts in all our tribulations, sorrows and afflictions.

He comforts us in different ways:

By turning his anger away - Isa 12:1,"In that day you will say, I will praise you, O, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me". If God is angry with an individual for any reason, such an individual will be uncomfortable. May He not be angry with us. Amen.

By putting an end to warfare our lives and fighting battles for us. He is the Lord of Host. "Listen King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, butGod's." 2 Chron 20:15

By showing His goodness - God comforted David by showing him his goodness when he was in distress. "Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me." Ps 86:17.

By making us to be in abundance - Isa 44:3, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." He can really turn our wilderness into Garden of Eden and make us swim in abundance. He comforts us in all troubles, afflictions, sorrow and states of despair. Paul, in despair, cried to God thrice to take away the thorn in his flesh when tormented by a messenger of Satan. God encouraged him and comforted him by saying. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor12:9

Through Jesus Christ our comfort overflows and through the Holy Spirit we enjoy his comfort. What are the discomforting, troubling circumstances that you are in today? Suffering from financial incapacitation, frustration from business, failure, hate and resentment by society, loneliness, sorrow from failure, breakdown in relationship, delayed fruitfulness, hopelessness due to a chronic ill health?

Brethren, for you to enjoy His comfort, make sure you are not separated from Him. Do not allow sin to separate you from Him and have a personal relationship with Him always.

Prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being God of comfort.

DRAWING FROM THE POWER OF RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

Text Matt 27:50-53, Rom 1:4, Phil 3:10.

Power is the ability to do things or to act. It is having authority. Resurrection is the act of rising from dead. The rising of Jesus Christ after his death and burial is beyond human comprehension.
It is the miracle of all miracles. God the Father raised Him up from dead after he has been buried.
He was raised up the third day and given eternal life. Acts2:24. His resurrection has a lot of power and implications. Death had no more dominion or conquest over him. Rom 6:9. Hence
death could not hold him captive and the grave could not contain him. Jesus Christ has been declared the son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Rom1:4.

Without his resurrection, there could not have been the gospel. It is this power at work that makes us to be Christians and our sanctification lies in this power. His rising has enormous power. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this." John 11:25-26. Because He is the resurrection and life, this power was manifested (Matt 27:50-53), "Jesus, when he had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose. And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city and appeared unto many. "The power was so enormous that the veil of the temple gave way, the earth did quake, rock rent, graves opened and those that slept in The Lord arose out of the graves. Apostle Paul knew there is power in his resurrection hence he said in Phil 3:10, "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection." This power is able to destroy the veil that covers our hearts so that our spiritual understanding can blossom. His power at work in us gives us faith to call upon his name with authority and makes us to have dominion over Satan. It gives us the grace to be what we are and it has a quickening power to quicken our spirit. Rom 8:11.

Brethren, if there is anything to desire, it is to desire to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made comfortable unto his death. This power can restore and can bring back life. Jesus utilised this power to raise up the dead.

Let us consider some examples.
Widow's son of Nain.  Luke 7:11-16. 
Jesus used the power of resurrection to raise up the widow's son at the city of Nain. The dead man, only son of the widow, was being carried out at the city's gate when Jesus saw the widow weeping with some sympathisers. He had compassion on her and he said unto her, "Weep not." Jesus touched the bier and said, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And Jesus delivered him to his mother."

Jairus’ daughter. Luke 8:49-56.
Jairus daughter was reported to be dead but Jesus went in, "He put them all out, and took her by the hand and called saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again and she arose straightway and he commanded to give her meat. "The parents of the girl were astonished.

Lazarus. John11:17-43.
Jesus used this power to call out Lazarus, who had lain in the grave four days already, out of the grave. "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth."

This power (1 Cor 15:51-52) makes believers who are in Him to complete at His second coming. Then the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. In Him, we shall have victory over death and in Him lies our justification (Rom 4:25) and His resurrection entitles us to walk in the newness of life. Rom 6:4.

Prayer.
Father in Heaven, I want to know Jesus and experience the power of His resurrection. Grant me the grace to do so and endow me with all it takes. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

QUIET TIME

Text: Matt 6:6, Mark 1:35, Luke5:16.6:12.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed”. Mark 1:35.

Quiet time is a time set aside in a certain place where one can be alone and draw near to God.
It is a specific time in which one seeks the face of the Lord to know him personally; to worship him and to understand him better. It is a time of concentrated and uninterrupted fellowship with God in a solitary place where no one can disturb or interrupt. It is a time to turn to God in faith and call on him through Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Having a quiet time with God involves deeper friendship and intimacy with him. It involves thanksgiving, praise, worship, adoration, confession, supplication, scriptural meditation, prayer and intercession.

It is advisable to have a regular time, a fixed place and a bible reading plan for an effective quiet time.

As regards timing, it depends on you but early in the morning can be most suitable. Psalm 5:3, "My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." If your quiet time is early in the morning it enables you to start the day with God. Just make it a priority and be consistent. The duration depends on you but as much as possible, spend quality time with God. But do not let the time erode into other things.

It is advisable you choose a place where you will be able to pray aloud if you like to. A place where there will be no distraction of any form or kind. Jesus did this severally. Mark 1:35. He separated himself from the crowd into a solitary place and moved to God to seek him and pray and to hear from him. Jesus admonished us in Matt 6:6, "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." Brethren, rewards are even attached to having a quiet time, therefore give it a priority.

It is also advisable to have a Bible reading plan. Scriptural reading can either be chapter by chapter or topic by topic or using a daily devotional or any bible based daily guide.  List what you intend to pray about as the Holy Spirit directs. A reading plan will really help you to be focused. You also need some materials for your quiet time such as the Bible, a hymn book, a devotional book, note book and a pen to write with.

As you meditate, you may need to record what comes out of your meditation. You have to focus on Christ alone and be mentally alert. Don't go into quiet time when you are already exhausted because you may not be able to concentrate and flow very well.

Some processes are involved. You may start with thanksgiving, and move on to praise, worship and adoration, confession and scriptural reading. Read slowly and with understanding and ask the Holy Spirit to interpret what you read for you. After reading, you have to spend time meditating on what you have read. List the areas in which the word has touched you and pray on them. You need to be still before God, and as you wait quietly, God may want to speak with you. So be patient.

Record whatever God says to you and obey what he tells you. As you meditate and listen to God, there may be a command to obey, kindly obey it or a promise to claim, claim it. You may be reminded of a sin to avoid, avoid it and repent of it. There will always be a lesson to learn. Pay attention to it and live by the word. Do not rush out on God. Wait and pray aloud and pour your heart to him. As you pray along, just believe he has heard you and avoid doubt. Remember to intercede for others, families, leaders and nations. End your quiet time with thanksgiving and faithfully believe your prayers have being answered. Go over whatever you have written down as the Lord speaks to you and work on it accordingly. Quiet time is a daily exercise, give it a priority and always go with expectation.

Benefits.
It enables you to be focused.
It builds in you perseverance and endurance.
It moulds you into Christ like character.
It enables you to study the word, meditate on it and have more knowledge of the word.
It creates an atmosphere for dialogue between God and you regularly.
It helps you to ignite your faith and depend totally on God .
Rewards from God await you as promised in Heb 11:6.

Brethren, always look forward to your quiet time because it is an opportunity to have a bond of love with God through Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Always go with expectation because you won't live the place as you went in. Your quiet time is personal and should not be substituted with the family altar. It is very important to create time to be with God alone and be faithful to doing it.

Prayer.
Heavenly Father, as Jesus was always withdrawing himself from the crowd to a solitary place to seek you and commune with you, grant me the grace too to be able to seek you diligently and on daily basis. I want to commune with you Lord and have a bond of Christ love with you on daily basis. Father, let it be so, as my dependency is on you totally. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

BE A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR

Text: 2 Timothy 2: 20-21

A vessel unto honour is a person regarded as a carrier of good tidings. He or she is someone who is set apart for special purpose, someone precious in the sight of God and preserved for specific assignments. He or she is meant to deliver God's messages. The Bible says, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour." Some vessels are more precious than the others. Some are for special purposes and others are for common use. The vessels unto honour are for specific purposes, carrier of specific messages. As gold is more precious than silver likewise are vessels unto honour in the hand of God.
God places honour on such and gives him or her specific things to do in the kingdom assignment.

Few examples of vessels unto honour in the bible are Gideon, King Cyrus, King Hezekiah and Paul.

Gideon (Judges 6:12-14).

God sent him to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. God supported and empowered him to carry out the assignment successfully.

King Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-6).

The special assignments God gave him were to allow Jerusalem to be rebuilt and to set the exiles free without expecting anything in return. He became a very useful vessel as he carried out these assignments according to God's instructions.

King Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:18-24).

He devoted himself to the re-establishment of the testimony of God. God used him mightily to deliver Jerusalem from the King of Assyria.

Paul (Acts 19:11-12).
Paul was mightily used as a vessel and it was recorded that God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul such that the sick that touched his handkerchiefs or aprons were healed and the evil spirits went out of them.

I pray I will be a vessel unto honour in Jesus name. The prerequisites to be a vessel unto honour are:

Sanctified: To separate yourself from all that is evil, sinful, unholy and impure; it is to dedicate your whole heart and life to doing the will of God; to surrender totally to Him and be broken completely. When you do these God will cleanse you and accept to use you.

Fit for the Master's use: “Fit” means to be devoid of pride, selfishness, worldliness and other hidden evils known to you only. It is to have the likeness of Jesus Christ and to exhibit godly character.

Prepared unto every good work: To be ready for any assignment in the kingdom of God. It is to desire to make a good work of whatever is given to you to do and to do it as unto the Lord in the best and most perfect way with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Diligence: To be very hard working and committed. God will only use someone who is diligent and has zeal for his work. He will not entrust special assignment into the hands of a lazy person/sluggard or anyone who procrastinates. Prov 22:29 says a diligent man shall stand before kings and not mean men. For you to qualify, you just have to be very diligent.

To have a good character: Your behaviour must be excellent and Christlike. Meekness and humility are necessary ingredients you need to be able to handle kingdom assignment. Prov 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, it brings peace." It is rewarding to be gentle towards others with your words and actions. Our Lord Jesus Christ is meek and lowly in heart. The measure of your character is related to the measure of your success. You may have to work on your character to qualify for a vessel unto honour.

Willingness, availability and obedience are attributes that play a role too. If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the fruit of the land. God will use someone who is readily available, willing and obedient for his assignment not someone who is worldly, complains and grumbles. God will use somebody like Isaiah, who says, "Here am I send me." When God said in Isa 6:8, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Isaiah willingly said, "Here am I send me."

Brethren, it is honourable to be a vessel unto honour. Are your secular engagements standing in the way of God's assignments? As you try to obey all the conditions listed above God himself will cleanse you, make you whole and use you in Jesus Name. Amen

Matt 9:37-38 says, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of harvest therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field." Ask God to send you to his harvest field. You are preserved till this day for a purpose and I pray you fulfil it in Jesus Name. Amen

Jesus said in John 9:4-5, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work." In other words tomorrow may be too late.

Brethren, consider all it takes to become a vessel unto honour and ask the Holy Spirit to fill and prepare you for it. Benefits of being vessels unto honour:

It enables you to live a life of purity and holiness.
It helps you to be focussed as you will always be waiting on God for the next assignment to carry out.
It singles you out from the multitude because you are more honourable.
You become special and useful in God's hand.
He backs you up and supports you because it is his assignment you are carrying out just as He backed up and supported Gideon.
He makes you a victor and a winner.

Prayer
Father, create an opportunity for me to be readily available, willing and obedient. Grant me the grace to live holy and to be fit for your work. Help me to surrender myself and to submit totally to you so that I can be a vessel unto honour in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Text: Matt 6:25-34, Col 3:5-10.

Discipline is training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behaviour. Spiritual discipline is a component of the Christian life. It involves behaviours that augment ones’ spiritual growth and enables one to mature spiritually. It involves taking off the "old self" and putting the "new self". Col 3:9-10, that is, moving away from sin and putting on the nature and character of God. It is a necessary practise to foster spiritual health and awareness of God.

To excel in life, discipline is required. Equally spiritual discipline is necessary to be spiritually fulfilled; it is like a tool that aids you in your spiritual walk. The activities involved in spiritual discipline must be geared towards developing your faith and having total dependency on God. They are to enable one achieve spiritual maturity, excellence and to be fully established in Christ; over time the benefits of these activities help the individual to be spiritually disciplined which ultimately builds a strong faith. Also, they transform the individual into a good disciple and ambassador of Jesus Christ.

Some activities involved are: 

1. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matt 6:37

2. Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men. Col 3:23.

3. Studying the word and meditating on it day and night. Josh 1:8

4. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17

5. Give thanks in all circumstances; live a life of thanksgiving. 1 Thess 5:18.

6. Fasting to seek the face of the Lord. Matt 4:2.

7. Cultivate the habit of waiting to hear from the Lord after your personal quite time. Ps 37:7a.

8. Love others as Jesus loved you. Jhn 13:34.

9. Intercede for others despite personal needs and overwhelming challenges. 2 Cor 1:11.

10. Think not too highly of yourself more than any other person. Rom 12:3.

11. Have a regular self-audit/examination. 1 Cor 10:12.

12. Live by faith. 2 Cor 5:7.

13. Devote yourself to the ministry of the word and live by it. Acts 6:4

The benefits of the above are:

1. Being spiritually disciplined helps you to keep your relationship with God and to seek greater intimacy with Him.

2. It helps you to overcome a sinful nature.

3. It helps you to grow in grace.

4. It brings about a positive change in you and aligns you with God's purpose.

5. You need the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit to be spiritually disciplined.

However, you are admonished to avoid spiritual arrogance and self-righteousness as these can work against your being spiritually disciplined and ultimately destroy your spiritual life. Out of self-righteousness you may be "playing God" and wanting to share His glory. Jesus said we should not practise our righteousness before others to get noticed. Matt 6:1. Do not boast in your own righteousness but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Spiritual arrogance is spiritual pride and this can lead to total downfall and rejection by God. Hence you are admonished against them.

Prayer.

Dear Lord, kindly release your grace unto me so that I can be spiritually disciplined. Make it easy for me to be able to carry out these activities in Jesus' name I pray. Amen

BE ZEALOUS FOR GOD

Text: John 2:13-17, Gal 4:18, Phil 4:8.

Zeal is a desire. To be zealous for God is to have a burning desire to please God, to do his will, to extol his glory in the world in every possible way and to live according to his purpose. It is to be ardently active, devoted, full of enthusiasm and to be passionate. It compels you to make any sacrifice for the sake of the gospel and Christ. It is enthusiastic diligence. It is a fuel that drives people, their passion and purpose and what they live for.

Zeal was a defining character of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. He said in John 4:34, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." Also in John 5:17, "My father is always at his work to this very day and I, too am working."  Jesus’s zeal for God made Him eager and committed to do the Father's will. It was in declaration of His great zeal for God's house that made him jealously protect the place of divine worship; He challenged the money changers, cattle, sheep and the doves sellers. John 2:15 He was so evidently angered that he whipped them all out of the temple courts. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves, He said, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my father's house into a market."

God, the Father, is passionate and zealous. He said of himself when He said to Moses in Num 25:11, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honour among them as I am." It was with zeal that God relentlessly created the heavens and the earth within six days. Gen 1:1-30-2:1-2.

You are admonished to pursue a zealous relationship with God. Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Rom 12: 11. That what so ever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto man. Col 3:23.  Jesus gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14. He said in Rev 3:19, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, be zealous therefore, and repent."

Zealousness for God must be your priority if you want to accomplish. Be zealous in devotion, worship, prayer, giving, evangelism, digging deep into the word, meditation on the word, living by the word, obedience, winning souls, in teaching if you are a teacher of the word, supporting the ministers and work of God and setting others an example of doing what is good. It is when you are zealous that you will have passion for the lost souls. The zeal will make you do all things within your capacity, through Christ that strengthens you. The zeal will propel you to do exploits and help you to harvest souls and stand up for Jesus no matter the situation. It will propel you to bring every soul you come across to the knowledge of the gospel.

Brethren, your zeal must be real and be based on the knowledge of God's word. God considers the heart and motive of doing things. It must be generated from true motives and you must have desire to please God. Generally, people are zealous about career, wealth, position and power while these are good, it is more honourable and rewarding to be zealous for God. Gal 4:18. Let the zeal of the Lord consume you as it consumed Jesus. Be zealous for good works and good purpose.

Let us consider a few examples of people who demonstrated great zeal for God.

Paul in Phil 3:1-14. He started as one of Christianity's most zealous enemies persecuting the church; zealous for the tradition of his fathers but he converted after a divine encounter with Jesus Christ, and he towered as one of the all time giants of Christianity. He was full of the zeal which propelled him to make missionary journeys through the Roman Empire planting churches, preaching the gospel and writing letters of encouragement to early Christians even while in prison. He authored about thirteen books of the Bible and always advanced in faith for the sake of the gospel. He was in chain for Christ, he preached the gospel out of love and was so committed. He said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I desire to depart and be with Christ. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." He was all out for the gospel and Christ.

Anna in Luke 2:36-38. She was zealous for God; she sacrificed her physical comfort for her spiritual intimacy. She continually lodged in the temple after she became a widow. "She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment she gave thanks to God and spoke about the 'Child ' to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." Her life was full of worship, prayer, fasting, thanksgiving and spreading the news about Jesus to all who were around in the temple.

Phinehas in Numbers 25:5-11. He took a stand for God and his zeal for God was remarkable.
The Lord said to Moses in v11, “Phinehas has turned my anger away from the Israelites.
Since he was as zealous for my honour among them as I am. I did not put an end to them in my zeal. Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honour of his God and made atonement for the Israelites." He was involved in eliminating idolatry in the land.

 Epaphras in Col 1:7, 4:12-13. Paul vouched for the zeal of Epaphras.
 "He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis". He had great impact in Colosse. He was a teacher of the word and was described as a faithful minister of Christ. You can develop the kind of zeal Epaphras had so as to have impact in the kingdom assignment.

Other characters that can be described as being zealous for God are Stephen, Moses, Aaron, Hur, Caleb, Hezekiah to mention just a few. Brethren, what are you zealous about? It is more honourable to be zealous for God, to let it be for a good purpose, with good intentions and motives and all in the knowledge of Him. It is never late, you can start now. You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.

To be zealous, you must be in Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
You must be as hot as you were when you first believed. Rev 2:5
You have to move with believers that are zealous for God; iron sharpens iron. Pro 27:17
You have to devote yourself to prayer. Col 4:2
Your zeal must be based on the knowledge of God and his righteousness. Rom 10:3
You must know whom you believe and follow him wholeheartedly. Josh 14:14

Advantages of being zealous for God are:

God will make a covenant of peace with you. Num 25:12.
Your labour will be rewarded. Heb 6:10
You will grow spiritually.
You will be protected from sin.
You will not be ashamed of the gospel.
You will be bold to stand for the gospel.
When you are zealous for God you should expect discouragement and aspersions from people,
but never be discouraged, just move on and be focused.

Prayer:
Father, I want to be zealous for you, to do more and more until I am spent in the service of your kingdom on earth. To have more knowledge of you and to be able to stand up for the gospel no matter the situation. Father, help me by your grace to do so in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.