Crowned with glory

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor Psalm 8:5

Man is next to God in creational order crowned with glory and distinct from all other creatures. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the psalmist declared "what is man that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor" Psalm 8:4-5. He further reiterated this in Psalm 144 verse 3 "Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! In particular, psalm 8 verse 5 reveals that God's glory is for terrestrial use and this is the portion he has given to men. Also, Job acknowledged and remarked "What is man, that thou should magnify him? And that thou should set thine heart upon him? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment? Job 7:17-18. As dear children of God, we must know that we are his replica and carriers of his divine glory here on earth. God clearly stated this through his servant the Prophet in Isaiah 43 verses 7 and 21 "Everyone who is called by name, Whom I have created for my glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise (glory)."

The word glory has been widely defined as a full expression of a thing, a source of honor, beauty, magnificence or great fame, admiration, and respect. It has also been described as distinction bestowed by common consent. We are created for glory and indeed this is the main essence of creation and existence. It is the sincere desire and expectation of our heavenly father that we are crowned with glory while here on earth. It is also noteworthy that the purpose of God's glory is to establish divine order on earth. Hence, we are crowned with glory mainly to exercise dominion, enforce the mind of God on earth, and issue decrees on behalf of God against the activities of darkness to which they must bow. In psalm 8 verses 6-8, that is why the psalmist said "For thou madest him to have a dominion over all the works of thy hands: thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth  through the paths of the seas."

However, glory has three phases (cycles) before its  crowning. The phases are: glory restored-(salvation), glory revealed-(trials, sufferings, persecution, etc.,) and the glory reflected-(manifest glory of God in a believer's life). The glory restored is what salvation is all about. Until you know Christ through genuine salvation, there will be no crowning with glory. No, there will be no crowning until the original glory man lost through Adam and Eve is restored. For every glory in destiny to be revealed, suffering must accompany it. No one wants to suffer though God intends to use these unpleasant circumstances to cleanse, refine, prune and purge us from every contaminant that may pollute or interfere with his glory yet to be reflected in and through us. Besides, God speaks to us and uses tribulation, affliction, and persecutions undesirable though as aspect and instrument of maturity to make us fit and to perfect us. For example, in  1 Peter chapter 5 verse 10, Apostle Peter encouraged the believers and informed them about the outcome of their suffering "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." God deliberately permit some of the troubles we have to draw us closer to him, it is not always the devil that is responsible for those experiences but God. If Jesus our Lord and savior suffered, the saints of old, the great apostles even Apostle Paul suffered we cannot be exempted.

Prophet Isaiah  in Isaiah 54 verses 11-12 revealed the mind of God for a glorious ending after suffering "O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair color and lay thy foundation with Sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones."  Hence, Christians must not look for a better life but a better resurrection, however, unnecessary sufferings must be eliminated. We are broken, yielded and malleable in God's hands when we are crushed through suffering. As we become weak and seemingly powerless during trials and persecutions, God wants us to absolutely depends on him for power and might. There is power in weakness, for in it is the awesome power of God and those who understand God dare not go to him full! It is the revelation of God's glory that meet needs but the only key to the revelation of God's glory is obedience to God's will even if it entails suffering.

Divine glory is reflected as we are emptied of self and delight ourselves in God. There is no short cut to it, willful submission to divine process is a necessity and the process (phases or cycles) must be completed before crowning. It is a futile effort to seek an easy way out. To enjoy divine backing we  must earnestly pursue divine glory. Hence, there is the need to strive for divine glory in its fullness. The glory reflected is acquired in the presence of God.  A good example is Moses as recorded in Exodus chapter 34 verse 30 "And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him." Jesus Christ, God incarnate also exemplify the manifest glory at the mount of transfiguration because while he was here on earth he walked in the fullness of the spirit and was never in flesh. As it is normal and natural for a king to be crowned, so is the divine desire for us. God still crowns with glory and his delight is that by all means we reign as kings here on earth for he has made us kings and priests unto himself ! Revelation 1:6

Who is this Jesus?

And this is eternal life that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou have sent John 17:3

The bible is littered with unique claims and remarkable assertions of Jesus which span through the Old Testament to the New Testament. Numerous testimonies abound and attest to facts about the personality, deity, character, and mission of Jesus. God himself and others such as priests, prophets, apostles, saints, sinners, and the seemingly unbelievable, unthinkable, and unexpected personalities

(angels and demons) also affirmed who Jesus was. Despite these notwithstanding, a lot of people though unfortunately are still ignorant of who Jesus is. They lack spiritual understanding and cannot fully comprehend the reality of his deity. However, here are few examples of powerful declarations and statements about Jesus which I believe will change your contrary opinion about him.

God...Then a voice came from heaven, You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:11

Angel-For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

And she shall bring forth a son, and you  shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Saint (Simeon)-For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles. And the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32

Prophet Isaiah's record...and his name shall be called wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

...a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief: and we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised and we esteem him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did  esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4b-6

Prophet Micah's account...But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the one to become ruler in Israel, whose going forth are of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Apostle Paul- but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of  a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father. Philippians 2:7-11

Apostle John...for this purpose the son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of  the devil. 1 John 3:8

Sinners-So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the son of  God" Matthew 27:54

Demon's claim..."I know who you are" the holy one of God Mark 1:24 

when he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, what have I to do with you Jesus, son of the most high God? I beg you, do not torment me! Luke 8:18

So now if I may ask, who is Jesus to you? Do you know him? Who is this Jesus? Is he a celebrity? Is he just the reason for the season, a baby born in a manger (mere Christmas story)? Or is he truly the Lord and Savior of your life? Have you encountered him (where, when, how)? I want to plead with you to consider this and acknowledge him as your Lord and savior if you have not done so. Please, do!

A song writer gave a vivid picture of Jesus and I think this is worth noting.

Fairest of all the earth beside,

Chiefest of all unto his bride,

Fullest divine in the I see,

Beautiful man of Calvary!

Refrain:

That man of Calvary

Has won my heart for me

And died to set me free

Blest man of Calvary!

Drinking a dire and dreadful cup

Crucified Jesus lifted up

Bearing our guilt and misery

Sorrowful man of Calvary!

Granting the sinner life and peace

Granting the captives sweet release

Shedding his blood to make us free

Merciful man of Calvary!

Comfort of all my earthly way,

Jesus I'll meet thee some sweet day

Center of glory thee I'll see

Wonderful man of Calvary

But where are the nine

And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? Luke 17:17

Many Christians allowed presumption to deprive them from receiving wholeness. As depicted by the incidence recorded in the book of Luke chapter 17 verses 11-19, Jesus on the way to Jerusalem met ten lepers who stood afar off and pleaded for mercy, desiring to be healed, he commanded them to go and show themselves to the priest. On their way they were healed but only one, a stranger, came back to show appreciation. And Jesus pronounced wholeness on the Samaritan who returned to give thanks.

The nine are those who received miracles from God but their blessings were short-lived because they lack God's seal and are consequently prone to satanic assault and attack. No wonder their lives are filled with imperfection and its quite unfit to reflect God's glory on earth. Many are in haste to show up themselves without knowing Jesus intimately. Because it is until we turn back, draw closer to him, acknowledge and worship him that we can receive wholeness and be able to talk to others about him.

God is denying even the so called "spiritual" blessings, goodness and miracles because they have such a heart found in the nine. He knows that they will not accord him the glory but behave as if they got it by their own effort. On the other hand, insincere gratitude cannot be equally accepted or command the wholeness that the body of Christ needs. The church of Christ is stinking because of ingrates who are not reflecting God's glory and causing his presence to be deeply felt. We must know that the real scent of the saints is the aura that exudes as we worship him. Divine beauty and radiant glory are reflected in his presence when we engage in true adoration.

There is a divine protocol for entering into the presence of God and no one is exempted. We are to enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Judah means praise, and that's why God said that the scepter shall not depart from Judah. Also, according to Psalm 114:1-3, When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language. Judah was is sanctuary, and Israel is dominion. The sea saw it and fled: Jordan was driven back. When the presence of God is present there is no power or problem that can stand. Jesus is still asking the church "but where are the nine" those who have received from him, whom he desperately longed for and in whom he wants to reflect his glory. Remember, the Church of Christ must not be a weakling but must receive wholeness!

Another Generation

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Joshua, the successor of Moses who brought the children of Israel into their inheritance, around the time of his departure, warned them and told them about the consequences of the action they were about to make. He saw their evil passion for idolatry, self-will and tendency to depart from the worship of the living God. He made them realize the implication though and asked them to choose between the almighty God and the gods of the land. And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, Choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served  that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

God commanded and warned us that he will not tolerate idol worship along-side with his worship. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down thyself  to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, Exodus 20:3 & 5a. Halloween has become another god worshipped and celebrated every October ending and it has also become a special national day for many countries of the world. This evil act is not now limited to the unbelievers but Halloween is now recognized and celebrated in churches. Think of it, the costume and the attires of vampire put on by the young and old, the display of darkness and transference of demonic spirits to loose, ignorant and innocent souls. This is confusion and pure idolatry!

It is a sin and gross rebellion against the holy God who hate all forms of idolatry. If Satan is worshipped directly or indirectly during Halloween in October,  a day of thanksgiving is declared to the almighty God in November and the birth of Jesus is celebrated in December, can't you see that this is serious confusion. This generation wants to have it all, a taste of darkness and light. It is abnormal and unholy! There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. Proverbs 30:12.

Remember, the singular act of idolatry made God to abhor and detest Israel. God's own people and nation was rejected by a jealous God who cannot be co-worshipped with any other thing. If  God rejected and judged the nation of Israel because of idolatry, certainly, he will do likewise for anyone or nation who engages in such. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19 You cannot sit on the fence, it is either you are solely for God or for Satan.



Let there be light (b)

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16

The Lord's prayer is very simple but well loaded. Jesus taught his disciples as part of the Lord's prayer to say thy kingdom come, and automatically when the kingdom of God (light) comes, the kingdom of Satan (darkness) disappears. We, the saints are the rebel holder of power to curb the excesses of Satan and his agents in the nations of the world. The true children of God are the sole determinant of whose kingdom will be here on earth. The choice is ours to make if we want the rule and reign of God (light) or if we want the power of darkness to pervade and dominate our land. Unfortunately, the Church is yet to awake to her responsibility as the enforcer of the reign and rule of Christ-the light of the world. I see a church weakened by sin and spiritually asleep!

While the church is lingering to establish the kingdom of light, Satan in his subtlety continues to keep the entire world and even the children of God in perpetual darkness so that the glory and light of God does not reflect through them. Most especially when believers commit sins against God, sins gives Satan the legal ground to attack the light of God in us. Therefore, in order for us to bear our true identity as agents of light, we must henceforth adhere strictly to the command Jesus gave to his disciples and followers in Luke 11:35, "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."

For those who will not allow sins to defile them, Satan and his hosts devise, organize and arrange afflictions to keep them in his dark room. No wonder the psalmist says many are the affliction of the righteous. Job in the bible is a good example. After he had been battered by Satan, he said in Job 7:4, "When I lie down, I say, when shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossing to and fro unto the dawning of the day." Satan also create unpleasant situations particularly for serious and devoted children of God to weaken their faith and make them turn their back against God. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, sun of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" Isaiah 14:12

But God is faithful, He will deliver us from every grip of darkness and bring us into His glory and light. The psalmist spoke of his omnipotence and almightiness being able as our sun and shield to give grace and glory (radiance, beauty and light) in place of darkness and affliction. Prophet Micah also gave us an assurance of the light of God coming to replace every long standing and hovering of darkness. "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." There is true joy and gladness when there is light. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour Esther 8:16. As long as we are in this world, we are the light that cannot be submerged or suppressed by darkness HALLELUYAH!!!

Let there be light (a)

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3

Whenever the glory of God is reflected there is light. The presence of God connotes his glory, his beauty and light. The radiance and the brightness of God's light (that luminous intensity) is what we otherwise call the glory of God. Light is synonymous to glory, and anywhere there is light there will be the glory and the presence of God. Hence, light and glory are two inseparable partners. Jesus Christ is the sun of righteousness, an embodiment of light, and in him is no darkness. The bible says "in him was life; and the life was the light of men." He is the life that gives light. We receive life and light in the brightness of his shinning and he has assured us that when the light comes, darkness has to leave. "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:4-5

However, Satan the god of this world hates light because he is an embodiment of darkness. As soon as he lost his position, he desperately and passionately hates to see anyone bearing the glory and light of God. And his utmost desire is to hinder such from living in the light. But we are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1a), saints who have gone ahead of us are watching us, seeing how we are allowing darkness to take over our world. As children of God we must arise and declare "Let there be light." There is proliferation of darkness in our land and we are to curtail.it.

If God our father commanded and decreed let there be light and there was light, we are to enforce it in our generation by destroying every trace of darkness continuously as we issue the same decree everywhere and every time "let there be light." The Psalmist in Psalm 80:1 declared "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth." No more place for darkness for it cannot coexist with light. Let us also decree  "thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth."

We welcome the kingdom of light!!!

Thy kingdom come o Lord

Thy rule, o Christ begin!

Break with thy iron rod

The tyrannies of sin!

0'er heathen land afar

Thick darkness broodeth yet

Arise, o morning star,

Arise, and never set!



A great nation under siege

Because I have called, and ye refused: I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity: I will mock when your fear cometh; Proverbs 1:24-26

From the simple dictionary meaning of a siege, we all know that it is a stubborn and continuous effort to win or gain control of something. It is also an act or instance of surrounding a city, fort or a nation by an enemy army in an attempt to capture it. My own concept of a siege is a fortified stronghold laid by the enemy to capture and inflict punishment on the captor. An individual, people, or a nation under siege experiences perpetual terror, torment, attack, oppression, lack and several other terrible things inflicted on them by their captor. To be released from a siege, there is need for assistance and aid from a higher power, superior  and  potent enough to subdue the contending or controlling power, that is the captor.

I see a nation under a terrible siege of darkness that only the power of God can remove. America has given the enemy cause to blaspheme the name of God and mount a siege against her because of blatant disobedience to God's laws and commandments. The land is filled with defilements and deadly pollutions, iniquities abound everywhere, the spiritual atmosphere is dense, there is thick darkness hovering over the land, unthinkable  and unimaginable evil going on every minute of the day. There is terrible demonic infiltration and contamination in the land. The enemy has permeated the country with immorality, occultism, satanic temples and worship, evil programming of people, witchcraft activities and so on.

Satan has fully gained entry and has successfully mounted a siege against this nation because of sins, abominations and evil indulgences. Everyone is free to do what he or she deems fit. There is freedom for all, freedom to do anything, even to sin against God. No wonder there is deception, delusion and seduction even on the pulpit. Who are we deceiving? God cannot be mocked, for whatever a man sow that he will reap.

God hates sin with passion, he detests it. He is God of righteousness and his standard has not change and cannot change for anyone or group of people. And that is why God will not save or deliver anyone or people under the siege of the enemy particularly those who allowed the enemy to mount a siege against them because of their sins and evil ways. God said he would laugh them to scorn when evil comes.

And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

Therefore thus says the Lord God; "Behold, my anger and my fury will be poured out on this place place-on man and on beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground. And it will burn and not be quenched." Jeremiah 7:13, 20

But thou, O LORD, shall laugh at them: thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Psalm 59:8