Jun 19, 2016 |
“Then David gave Solomon the plans for the Temple and its surroundings, including the entry room, the storerooms, the upstairs rooms, the inner rooms, and the inner sanctuary–which was the place of atonement.’ 1 Chronicles 28:11
“So King Solomon finished all his work on the Temple of the LORD. Then he brought all the gifts his father, David, had dedicated–the silver, the gold, and the various articles–and he stored them in the treasuries of the LORD’s Temple.” 1 Kings 7:51
Today aswe celebrate another fathers day lets remind ourselves that God’s requirement of us as fathers is to leave more than enough legacies for our children so they can also add on and pass it down for their own children too. His pattern as we see from the Bible is for fathers to walk with God in obedience so that HE can prosper us and pass that prosperity down the generational line. Some cultures do task their children to produce for them and wrongly teach children that they are investments that must take care of them.
The truth we must remind ourselves today as we celebrate fathers day is that fathers must walk and work with God so that HE can bless us much that we will take care of our own responsibilities and have leftovers to pass down to the next generations. Abraham, Isaac and Israel did this. Even as Joseph was the Prime Minister his father Israel still had something to personally give him and bless him with before he passed on.
The Bible commands us to honor and respect our parents this we must do but must not be misinterpreted as enslavement for children to produce for their parent’s .In love we must continue to teach our children and not provoke them to wrongdoings. When we give as God has commanded us to do, the returns have a multiplier effect and true prosperity is manifested in every area of our lives.
Solomon unfortunately did not instruct and teach his own children like David did to him. The early fathers created time to teach God’s way to their children. This we must continue to do as fathers today in other to leave legacies behind.
We must as fathers take responsibilities for our own actions and decisions and not sacrifice our children to save our face. “Then the king of Moab took his oldest son, who would have been the next king, and sacrificed him as a burnt offering on the wall. So there was great anger against Israel, and the Israelites withdrew and returned to their own land.” 2 Kings 3:27. It was the king of Moab who had inordinate ambition but he sacrificed his son to get it .Do not spend all your time pursuing money with fame and neglect raising your children. Do not mortgage your children future with today’s deals. When king Hezekiah was also told of what would happen after his death to the next generation as a result of his action he did not care to intercede. That’s not being a good father.
What are your weaknesses in life today as a father? Please address it, do not pass down any generational curse in your family line. Let it end at the cross of Jesus Christ today and take possession of all the blessings that God has for you as a father. It is never too late to turn around.
Today as a father what legacy are you going to leave for your children?
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
Jun 14, 2014 |
“…the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent consolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle as far as their hips, and sent them away. When they told it to David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated. And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.”…2 Samuel 10, 3-5
This father’s day we want to remember the Fathers that hurt. Fathers who have been sent on assignment like David’s noble men but did not anticipate the disgrace they will receive in the course of their assignments. Fathers who literally at the initial stage of their assignments embraced the king’s instructions with all their hearts and got hurt or disgraced while they were on their mission.
Many fathers started out their lives to really be a true father but met unanticipated challenges in their life journeys and had their dreams shattered by unexpected results. As David responded to the men and kept them in a place until their beards grew back again God is saying to some fathers that I know you , I Know what happened, you may be in a hiding place now but it’s a place where your character will be perfected and God will vindicate and restore your honor .
Just like Joseph went through so many unanticipated challenges to realize his dreams, on this father’s day I encourage you to hold on to your dreams and at the end of the day you also will be a fulfilled father. I remember the story about the old man who was asked what was his favorite bible passage and he quoted “It shall come to pass” and when asked why he said there had been many troubles he had lived to see but one by one they got solved because God has said this challenge is not for ever it will surely come to an end that it will glorify HIM. This phrase “It shall come to pass” occurred about 120 times in the King James Version Bible. HE will never leave you nor forsake you.
You may say I got burnt by my bad choices it was not so much of the enemies’ ambushes but the bad choices I made. Like the prodigal son determine in your heart to turn away from sin and true repentance means knowing the way devil got you down in the first place and resolve never to fall for that sin again no matter how he improved, revised and redesign the sin. Put structures that will not make you fall again and know that the TRUE FATHER that we all belong to as illustrated in that parable is stretching out HIS hands to welcome you back. HE took Peter back after he betrayed HIM. HE will take you back if you like Peter truly repent and turn away.
For you men who biologically may not be a father yet He did it for Abraham at an old age and with HIM all things are still possible. This Father’s day look up with Hope and Faith and this challenging phase of your life will surely come to pass. Happy Father’s day!
Jun 14, 2014 |
This Mother’s day we want to talk about Big Sister Mi., Yes Big Sister Miriam. We first met her in Exodus 2 v 4 “4 His sister stationed herself at a distance to find out what would happen to him” she was watching over baby Moses who could no longer be hidden at home and was placed in a floating basket on the river . Miriam had that great sense of responsibility to watch over Moses and quickly with a rare wisdom and courage helped to get their mother to become the official nurse to raise baby Moses on behalf of Pharaoh’s daughter .From this introduction we also discovered that Miriam also had a younger brother Aaron about 3 years older than baby Moses at this time which possibly put her own age about 6-7 years. When God later on visited HIS people by sending Moses back as their deliverer we find out that Big Sister was there too supportive of this vision and was totally committed to the vision. It was a unique privilege for this family for the trio sister and brothers to be prophetess and prophets of God Indeed they carried out this great assignment very well till we see in Numbers 12 “12:1 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married (for he had married an Ethiopian woman)” and because of this God rebuked and judged her but Moses, the meekest man as the Bible describes him interceded and God healed and restored her.
Today we want to salute the Miriam’s in our mothers. Many mothers today have had the unique roles of been there all the way for their younger brothers and even sisters. They have played different roles in the lives of their sibling I recall seeing a young girl every morning on the Bus going to work who will take care of her two brothers ensure they get on the bus wake them up when it’s time to get to their bus stops, She will ensure that they do not forget anything on the bus. However one day she was quite sick and she was vomiting her two brothers could only watch helplessly as she got a plastic bag to vomit into, in spite of being sick she still pulled herself together to make it to school that day.
I am privileged to be married to beautiful and charming wife, Olutoyin who also happened to be the first born big sister of her family. I do salute her courage and sacrifices she has made on behalf of her siblings. Many mothers hearing or reading this today you too can tell your stories and experiences of you being there for your own family. Many had to do two three jobs to assist the family because like Miriam you are sold into the vision and purpose of God for your family.
Today we can learn from Miriam and not play the role of God in any situation. We would take matters up with God since we have the privilege of talking with HIM rather than join a group or other family members to gang up against one another. As we could see the God of mercy, healing and restoring Miriam so also HE will heal and restore you if you have taken a step outside God’s will. Many of you by the grace of God did not falter where Miriam stumbled .We do thank God for your challenging life . Even though we never read of Miriam having her own biological children but she played the role of mother from her childhood. So we salute mothers like Miriam today who has not had physical children of their own but has raised a lot of children.
Today You should rise like Miriam did in Exodus 15 to worship and praise God for not only being a mother but also a big Sister who had or who is and will play her role well.
Happy Mother’s day Big Sister Mi.
Jan 9, 2013 |
All men fall:the great ones get back up.You should never complain about what you permit.Your decision today determine tomorrow’s destiny.”Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”Lamentations 3:22-23. Rise today above your past mistake.God has not changed HIS mind about you!. Rise today with a new you.He remains faithful.Since HE has not given up on you ,you can not give up on yourself.You can make it.You will makeit.Receive the empowerment to suceed today in Jesus name.
Jan 9, 2013 |
The Changing Face of Christianity. Traditional or Modern Approach?
What do you really believe? The traditional way or the modern approach to Christianity? In my years at the high school I once saw a church bulletin and after the elders name that coordinated the program they printed the tittle JP which I initially I thought it meant Justice of Peace but the fellow told me it was Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) .He then went on to explain that one of the lofty goals a good Christian should attain is to visit the Jerusalem and see the Holy land yourself and for years I thought you can not reenact the holy land .You have to be there life to feel the full impact . I was surprised some years ago when I went to Amsterdam and not too far from the city was a model of Jerusalem .Much more recently I have seen the Television adverts of Jerusalem in Orlando Florida where all what you can see in the actual Jerusalem pilgrimage has been recreated in Florida. So you don’t really need to go to the actual holy land in Jerusalem.
Years ago a normal church service will include Hymns, Scripture reading and a balanced sermon of about one hour duration. Today church service is compressed into an average of two hours especially when there is more than one shift. Sermon and Brevity are now synonymous .Soul lifting Hymns are being replaced by appealing and body moving choruses. The Bible reading is now the short texts of where the preacher is preaching from .You are fortunate if the preacher refers to that text otherwise that’s the only Bible reading for the service. Yet a generation loves this “takeaway “service.
Today you do not have to wait for hours to get the front seat in a large crusade or convention center of your denomination or favorite preacher. You can seat by your computer or your TV and watch the telecast live as those who are actually seated in the auditorium. And truly I have also heard testimonies of people getting healed while by their TV sets or computers .Once you believe you can connect with God and the preacher via the telecast or the internet depending on your belief.
Long ago you would feel more blessed to actually walk into the church sanctuary , kneel down and drop your tithes in the tithe box connecting to God in that moment of giving. Today you don’t have to do that .In actual fact some churches and ministries prefer you to send your tithes and offerings electronically to God via the internet or telephone giving whereby your card numbers are given and right away your money gets to church account faster than the person kneeling down at the church sanctuary to drop his or her tithes and offerings. It has to do with your belief .As you click on the tithe electronically you connect with God as well as those in the sanctuary.
Prayer meetings is one of the poorly attended church programs in most churches, now church members dial in to prayer lines which connects more people together than those who are actually physically present in the church to pray. Again some Christians do testify to answered prayers via the telephone ministry
Holy Communion the sacred sacrament traditionally has to be given by the priests in the sanctuary but now with the knowledge of God that you are a priest and King ,some Christians now take the scared communion at home and no longer in the church sanctuary especially in house fellowships .
In this season of greetings to celebrate the Christmas and usher in the new year ,traditionally Christmas cards selection and giving were part of the celebrations .Today E Cards are been sent by a growing number of people , gradually doing away with the printed cards.
Much more the Bible itself has been transformed into the electronic format .Gone are the days when a big bible characterizes your level of faith, but now your phone handset has all the translations and different versions of Bible. Your character and life has to show it now. So what do you belief? Traditional or modern approach to Christianity
What is working for you ?
Oct 3, 2011 |
The way to Mount Moriah is always a difficult one. I was on the way to give out an amount the Lord has asked to be given to one of HIS servants and as I was going it was raining heavily and the human traffic also was quite much. The wind was blowing too and it was getting uncomfortable. I wanted to turn back and find another convenient time to go. That was when I heard the Holy Spirit tell me that the road to Mount Moriah is not always convenient and once you are sure you truly heard from God the sacrificial giving you should make, and then you must overcome that temptation not to do it or to turn back. The man of God later confirmed to us that the money was timely and met a specific need which confirmed the faithfulness of God to him again and again.
Many at times God will instruct us to make some sacrificial giving like HE told Abraham to go and sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah but it was not a convenient journey. It was going up on the mountain for almost 3 full days up on the hill. There could have been many inconvenient reasons for Abraham to turn back too. The terrain, the distance and much more the great value of the sacrifice. We too sometimes face that challenge of giving sacrificially and as we embark on the journey the enemy makes us see all the inconveniences that is associated with the giving and we sometimes take the easy way out by easily turning back and telling ourselves God understands and we end up not giving the “Isaac sacrifice “that will confirm and seal our breakthrough. Your discouragement can come in any form ranging from the physical to outright lie from the enemy about the person, ministry or church that God wants you to sow that sacrifice into .There was a situation where the man of God to herald me to another level of ministry was wrongly reported in the media and if I was to go by that report it would be convenient not to give the sacrificial sowing. However God helped me to ignore those reports and I reaped the blessing of obedience. Don’t miss your promotion to your next level or breakthrough by finding it convenient not to go all the way to sacrificially give what the Lord is asking you to do today. Tune to the Holy Spirit that has given you the instruction and don’t turn back your great blessing by listening to a “friend’s” report about that ministry, church or the person. The road to Mount Moriah is always rough and sometimes long but God’s blessing and breakthrough that awaits you is what the enemy is trying to rob you off. Even though it was wet and cold I still made it .So also I pray and encourage you today not to discard the instruction God has given you about your sacrificial giving.
Your challenge may be about giving out love to those you love and you are committed to. It always requires you to stay focused and not be easily discouraged. I remember an instance when I wanted to demonstrate to my wife that my love for her could enable me drive her to a place she wanted to go without her requesting for it. I set aside what I had planned doing and assured her that she need not to get there by herself. We got into the car with the confidence that the GPS would direct us there. Lo and behold the street name as we had it in the address was not available. Time was going; she needed to get there for an appointment. Thoughts came to me that I need not have put myself into this spot, if she had set out the way she knew to, she would be there in good time. We now had to key in the nearest address that we knew .We both resolved not to give up. As we set out racing against time and traffic I was saying to myself I need not to have taken this challenge to show my love and care. After getting near the location and asking directions here and there we found the place and got there on time. To our surprise the street name had been changed and that was why the GPS did not detect the old street name yet the business contact still carried the old address. Again it turned out to be both day and night trips at my wife’s request. My initial thought when making the offer was just during the day! Her kind and tender show of love and gratitude following this gesture however made the sacrifice well worth it. I felt we connected in a special way. I was glad the challenges that came up did not discourage me in demonstrating my love to my wife. What about you? Don’t get discouraged .Whatever God has impressed on you to do carry it out and your break through blessings awaits you .Abraham never regretted embarking on that trip up the mountain. So you too must repent and obey what God has instructed you to do.
