In patience possess your soul

In your patience possess ye your souls Luke 21:19

It is a common phenomenon that before significant testimonies manifests in the life of a Christian, he or she might have gone through unpleasant circumstances, tests, trials, troubles, traumas and afflictions. Troubles are bound to come; we are not immune to it, as Christians, we are not exempted for the god of this world (Satan) is dishing it out to everyone. It seems especially difficult to understand why the righteous people should suffer. But Job did, the saints of old suffered one problem or the other. For the bible says, "Many are the affliction of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him from them all."  In the book of Acts chapter 14 verse 22, Paul the Apostle, in one of his routine visit to Antioch where disciples were first called Christians, met with them and encouraged them, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." These experiences though unpleasant but are certain as long as we are in this world. At times, they may not be apparent to people around but very real to those experiencing them.

Even Jesus Christ our Lord and savior suffered, and the bible says of him in Hebrews chapter 5 verse 8, "Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered."  As children of God, we must know that the moment we set out to do God's mandate, we will meet opposition for it is Satan's strategy to thwart and destroy God's plan. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Romans encourages us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." The problems of life may even be a symptom of deeper spiritual reality. We shouldn't be ignorant of God's provision, but rather disregard what the Satan is doing and look into the scriptures, for it takes time to make a true man or woman of God. Remember 2 Timothy 2 verse 2, "If we endure, we shall also reign with him, if we deny him, He also will deny us." 

Oftentimes, testimony starts with a crucial problem. No wonder the saying, no test no testimony, no trial, no triumph; this invariably implies that there is hope for the desert! And with great assurance we can take solace in God's promise according to Jeremiah in Lamentation chapter 3 verses 31-33, "For the LORD will not cast off forever, Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion. According to the multitude of His mercies, For He does not afflict willingly, not grieve the children of men." Another scripture of interest is Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 17-19 which says, "The LORD your God in your midst, The mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly. Who are among you to whom its reproach is a burden, Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who are driven out: I will appoint them for praise and fame, in every land where they were put to shame." Also, God says in Isaiah chapter 49 verses 15-16,"Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the sons of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands: Your walls are continually before Me." In addition, in Isaiah chapter 62 verse 4 God says, "You shall no more be termed forsaken, Nor shall your land anymore be termed Desolate; But you shall called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married."

Naomi (God's delight), with her husband Elimelech (My God is King) and their two sons Mahlon and Chillion went to Moab because of the famine in Bethlehem Judah. They went there full but she came back empty. Unfortunately, she lost her husband and her two sons there. When she heard that God has visited her people, she decided to return to Bethlehem. On her arrival, the city was moved because of her and the women said, "Is this Naomi? But sadly, she requested that the women call her Mara instead of Naomi. In Ruth chapter 1 verse 20, "And she said unto them, call me not Naomi call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." They went to Moab simply because of impatience. Their best excuses for leaving Bethlehem Judah can only attract pity, sympathy, tolerance and sorry from her neighbors and the people of the land but cannot undo the evil that has already been done. No one is crowned for failure however genuine the excuse may be!

We are losing thousands of people, mostly young men and women with great potentials and wonderful future, who in quest for a greener pasture have lost their lives prematurely. The voyage embarked upon to these seemingly wonderful places of good life, fortune and great opportunities turned deadly for some while some were lucky to make their journey successfully. It is very sad and disheartening because for some their attempt to seek for a better life eventually turned out to be an illusion, a dream that never come true. It is a normal and reasonable thing to envision, plan and actually take steps towards one's betterment, in the face of mounting pressure, troubling and failing national economy, political instability coupled with policies that have little or no agenda for the teeming youths. However, in a pursuit for a better life divine counsel must be sought as to where and when. Psalm 37 verse 5 says, "Commit thy way unto the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."  Even though men are obsessed with speed, God is not, for He our God is a God of patience. Isaiah 28 verse 16 says, "Therefore thus says the LORD God: "Behold, I lay a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not act hastily." If you ask for quick solution, you may not have a permanent solution. impatience often blind our eyes from seeing what we have that God wants to use to give us what we don't have. In other words, the importance of patience in our journey here on earth cannot be overemphasized. Hence, we need to heed God's counsel in Psalm 37 verses 7 and 34, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Desperation to operate on someone else's impulse indicates immaturity, foolishness and lack of trust in God. If God doesn't do something fast, don't do anything foolish or stupid!

But we need to know that there is a set time for everything and God has appointed time. According to His plan, purpose and program for us, He will do what He promise when, where and how He chooses. He'll surely make good his promise for He is too big a God to lie. No one can coerce Him or unduly hasten Him when it is not yet His set time to work. On the other hand, enemies cannot hinder, stop or delay His dear children. He has his name to defend in our lives because of His unfailing love and faithfulness. For God's name cannot be put to disrepute, and because of the awesomeness of His power and glory, He will constantly reveals Himself as the Almighty God who never fails or falter. He is committed to keeping His covenant promises as He has once said, " I will work and who shall let it (reverse it)." So, in patience possess your soul.

Therefore, His purposes for our lives are still intact for we are part of His almighty plan. God is  not yet through with our lives, we are indeed still in His making process and when He's done, then it will be our turn to blossom. God has gone far with us and He has invested so much in us, so He cannot abandon or forget us. We needs not to help Him, for we are not creature of circumstances but of purpose. Therefore, we need not to be intimidated, troubled, disturbed, embarrassed or fed up with our present situation because God has never failed and can never, He is faithful to His promises!  Be in touch with God and in patience possess your soul. Entering into God's rest is a panacea for this world's heartache and when overwhelmed by the prevailing unpleasant circumstances, the best thing is to look up to him. Just as the song writer rightly put it we need Jesus more than ever in this present evil world.

In times like these you need a savior

In times like these you need an anchor

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

Refrain

This rock is Jesus, Yes He's the one

This rock is Jesus, the only one

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

In times like these you need a bible

In times like these o be not idle

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

In times like these I have a savior

In times like these I have an anchor

I'm very sure, I'm very sure

My anchor holds and grips the solid rock

Whom should we blame ?

Multitudes, multitude in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

God has permitted us to live in the most exciting days of all human history when the Holy Spirit is readily available to make people respond to God and to all that He is doing. But it's unfortunate that little or no importance is attached to spiritual things by many nowadays. There's prevalence of spiritual weariness, weakness, emptiness, dryness, lukewarmness, boredom, worldliness, and hypocrisy. While some are drowsy, sluggish and lethargic towards the things of God, others are rising and falling. Many are dull in the spirit, lack the innate drive and sincere passion for God. Low spiritual energy now characterizes the lives of once vibrant saints of God. It speaks from our innermost being when we give excuses like "I have some things I need to attend to urgently so I can't work for God or  fellowship with him now. In our days we see Jesus prophesy that "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" coming to fulfillment. Seeing all these happening, whom should we blame? When our love for God dwindles because of the current economic situation and the prevailing circumstances in our world, whom should we blame? When it is very hard to generate excitement and zeal for the things of God despite the fact that the scripture says "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

When negligence, looseness, carelessness, frivolity, high-mindedness, talkativeness, laziness takes over lives, and the word "watch" seems to have lost its import, having no serious meaning to nowadays Christians because the word "liberty" has been grossly misconstrued, whom should we blame? Jesus repeatedly admonishes us to "watch and pray" and quite interestingly the word "watch comes before pray. I believe there's a reason for this because if it wasn't that important to watch Jesus wouldn't have instructed us to watch. No wonder David, the psalmist said, "Who can understand his error, cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright and be innocent from the great transgression." Everyone says and does what he or she deems fit, and unbelievably our world is just like it was in the days when there were no judges in Israel, "in those days there was no king in Israel: everyone did what was right in his own eyes"

When a Christian becomes indecisive, untruthful, and undetermined about his commitment to God's word, work and kingdom, whom should we blame? Many are busy engaging themselves in activities that generate self-satisfaction, self-love, self-praise, self-aggrandizement and self-gratification. There is no retreat in God's service, yet, there is apathy towards soul winning, boredom, eye-service and fruitless evangelism. With emerging signs of the last days, our world is becoming more dangerous to live in. Sins and evils ravaging every society, and thousands are dying from landslide, floods, blasts, plane crashes, vehicle accidents, terrorist attacks to mention a few. These unpleasant and disastrous occurrences abounding around us notwithstanding, we do no longer have passion for the dying souls. The iron of church is getting blunt, yet, God's program cannot fail and the nations of the world are waiting to feel our impact! Just as Jesus asked Peter, He is asking again, "lovest thou me more than these ?"

Why has the Church resorted to operating without glory? Why has she become complacent and adjusted to service without the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit? Why is God's glory not a priority issue in our days? Why is it that there are so many sycophants and alarmists in the church of God? Whom should we blame when everything seemed turned upside down. When the clergy is weak and the laity are feeble, whom should we blame? When the pulpit is defiled and the pews are polluted, whom should we blame? When the bride of the Lord is defiled and adorned (clothed) with filthy garment, whom should we blame? When the altar of the Lord is polluted and desecrated, whom then do we blame? Yet, God expressly commands, "Let your garment always be white and let thy head lack no oil."

When spiritual giants who have once snatched souls of men from hell now fall into the same error they delivered others from, whom should we blame? The wisest king Solomon chose to fragrantly disobey God by worshipping idols with his wives and concubines, he was polluted and became the greatest fool in the land of Israel. He broke record and surpassed his predecessors (the only king with 700 wives and 300 concubines-what a madness!).Whom should we blame for sinners who are going en masse to Christ-less eternity while the bride of Christ (Church) who is supposedly mandated to rescue them is not yet washed and cleansed from her stains and therefore cannot reach out to them. We need to recall the penitent prayer of Job's friend and cry out to God,"that which I see not teach thou me, and if I have done any iniquity I will do no more."

When our prayer altar is weak and feeble and cannot bring down the power of God to destroy the activities of darkness, whom should we blame? When there is spiritual defeat and Christians cannot possess the gates of their enemies, whom should we blame? When captors become captives, whom should we blame? When believers are constantly under the attack of the enemy and it seems God has no power to give victory, whom should we blame? Remember, the bible says in Romans 8 verse 32, "He who did not spare his own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?"

The young prophet from Judah was sent by God to prophesy unto the altar at Bethel. After delivering his message, instead of embarking on his journey back to where he came from as instructed by God, he was found resting under the oak tree. So, the old prophet successfully persuaded him and  he consented to follow him to his house. He presumably believed the old prophet who spoke with precision though but he lied to him. The young prophet ate, drank and eventually set off on his journey. On his way, according to the prophesy of the old prophet, the young prophet was killed by a lion. It's quite unthinkable, unbelievable and surprising to know that the same old prophet who lied and turned him back from his way that was the first to accuse him when he was found dead. The Old prophet said that the young prophet died because he disobeyed God. So, whom should we blame? Satan is the accuser of God's children and he accuses us before God every moment. For the bible says, "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."

Ahab, the king of Israel spoke harshly against Elijah and called him the troubler of Israel. But Elijah proved to him that he was not the troubler of Israel but servant of the living God. Elijah raised an altar unto God, he called upon the Almighty God who brought down fire that consumed the sacrifice and licked the water around the altar. After his death, Ahaziah his son became the king of Israel. During his reign as king in Israel, Ahaziah fell and was injured, so he sent his messengers to inquire from Baalzebub, the god of Ekron if he would recover. Elijah met his messengers on their way and gave them God's verdict that the king would not recover. In anger, Ahaziah sent his soldiers to bring Elijah down from the top of a hill where he was sitting because he desired to deal with him. One would have thought that Ahaziah should have known Elijah too well not to have dared him. Unfortunately, two batches of soldiers with their leaders sent to Elijah never returned but were consumed by fire. It was only the third batch of soldiers and their leader who were spared; else they would have been consumed like the other two batches. For those who died foolishly on king's errand, whom should we blame? The leader of the third batch acted wisely and pleaded for his life and that of others because he realized the truth about the scripture "he maketh his angels spirit and his ministers flame of fire."

In fact, the list is endless. The bible is littered with instances and events where the question whom should we blame becomes inevitable. Aside the scriptures, daily events in our world; happenings in  the political scene, economic, religious, and other sectors of government leaves us with the question whom should we blame. Our world is becoming chaotic, a lot is going on every day and many are troubled, perplexed, worried, and fearful.  Nonetheless, everyone will be held responsible and accountable for decisions made or actions taken. For any failure in life, no one is to be blamed but you. We need to look inward first before passing the blame to others. In the bible, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent but the serpent had no one to blame or perhaps felt there is no need to blame anyone.

Beware of Mutilation

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! Phillippians 3:2

Mutilation is a term often used to describe an act of inflicting violent and disfiguring injury on a person. Simply put, it means to maim, ruin, cripple, damage, destroy, desecrate, trash, make imperfect by removing or irreparable damaging parts. It has a wide array of dictionary meaning which also imply to deform, adulterate, batter, amputate, crush, distort, expurgate, lame, spoil, weaken, alter and to wreck -havoc on. It is needful and very important to know the gravity of this expression used by Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Phillippians. We need to know that he wouldn't have used the word of caution "beware" if  it was not possible for them to be mutilated. He strictly warned, "beware of mutilation" More than ever before we  need to heed this warning now because there is a serious rampage, and the host of darkness is at rage against the children of God. It is sad to note that the church of Christ is in trouble today because of the infestation of these mutilating forces who have secretly crept into the fold. The most vulnerable unfortunately are the carefree, frivolous and careless believers.

These demonic forces are at large with fundamental evil agenda to infiltrate, penetrate, pollute, contaminate, harass, infirm, mutilate, dominate, and destroy. These forces of deception, demotion and destruction target believers, they seek to interfere and compete with God in their lives, deflate them and ensure that they are sensual, carnal and superficial. The universal plan of their master "Satan" has not changed,  he is desperate to steal, kill and destroy. His utmost desire is to puncture and drains out every good thing that true children of God carry, for he passionately hates anything of God. He wants to steal our hearts away from God, kill spiritual vibrancy and eventually destroy gullible souls in hell (John 10:10). While the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring the sons and daughters of God to glory, on the other hand, Satan's ministry is to alter the divine design, pervert (mutilate) it, thus, rendering unfit the instrument of glory. Satan and his agents desire to tarnish the glory of God we bear and carry, so beware!

It is unfortunate though programs of mutilation are well organized and arrayed everywhere to contaminate and pollute the children of God in these last days. Demonic instruments, agents and agencies are strategically arranged and positioned to distort and thwart the plan of God on earth, yet, many Christians are not aware of it. In genetics, research studies reveal and confirms that acquired (somatic) mutation in human genes caused by environmental factors results into genetic disorder, and often disrupts development. When it occurs, it causes permanent alteration of the DNA sequence that makes up the gene. Invariably, as it happens in the human body (physically), so it does in the spiritual

because all the allurement of this polluted world aim at mutilating and altering the spiritual configuration of the children of God. Hence, as Christians, we must heed warning and take caution. God has spoken through Apostle Paul and He is still warning us today, Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! (Phillippians 3:2).

Furthermore, Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Ephesians admonished us to stand against the wiles of the devil (subtlety, manipulations, machinations and schemes) because the rulers of the darkness of this age are constantly in battle against the saints of God (Ephesians 6:11-13. Hence, the clarion call to consecrate ourselves, be holy, and untarnished by the defilements of this world. God commanded Moses to speak the Israelites, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, "Yo shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). And for us to be assured that this is not just only an old testament issue, note that it was reiterated in the new testament  (1 Peter 1:16). God has spoken to us repeatedly demanding our separation from the world, "Ye shall be holy unto me for I the Lord am holy. And you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy for I am holy. For I will walk among you and I will be your God , and you shall be my people."

A Christian who cannot receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit in the time of trial, temptation and affliction is a bastard. Paul the Apostle in his epistle to the Hebrews exhorted, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:22 & 26). We, believers of these last days must be careful not to allow present discomfort and affliction to lure us to seek comfort and satisfaction from the camp of darkness. You dare not cross the line because anything received from Satan will bring you harm. Satan has no free gift! His seemingly good gifts and blessings are to maim, deform, defile, mutilate and ultimately bring destruction. Remember, nothing unclean will carry the glory of God and that's why James the Apostle said,"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their troubles, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

To the saints beware of mutilation! "Therefore strengthen the hands which hangs down, and the feeble kneels, and make a straight path for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:12-13). Our heart cry must henceforth be the prayer of the psalmist in psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord I will walk in your truth: Unite my heart to fear your name." And to those who have surrendered their will to serve Satan, repent and forsake your evil ways before it is too late because judgement is coming!

There is a thin line between spirituality and carnality beware!

Judah, the Lion's Whelp

Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up; he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion: who shall rouse him up? Genesis 49:9

Lion is a ferocious animal (very fierce and violent), dread and feared by men and beasts, and often referred to as the king of the forest. In proverbs chapter 30 verse 30, the bible establishes this fact, "A lion which is the strongest among beasts, and turneth not away from any." Jesus is indeed the true Lion and we are his Whelps. According to revelation chapter 5 verse 5, Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Satan is a fake lion, no wonder the bible says in 1 peter chapter 5 verse 8, " the devil, as a roaring lion" but not a real lion.

Judah, typified as a lion's whelp carried a significant prophetic destiny to express, manifest and operate on earth. No wonder the bible says in Genesis chapter 49 verse 8, "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow before thee." Judah had always been positioned for battle and he is a symbolism of the church today. For example, in Judges 1:1-4, he was the first to go up in battle against the Canaanites on behalf of the children of Israel. He contended with the enemies, dispossessed and disinherited them. Aside this, Judah is also a law giver, "The scepter shall not depart from  Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, unto Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Genesis 49:10. Remember God's instruction to the children of Israel in Jeremiah 21:21a &  22:3a, "O house of David, thus saith the Lord; Execute judgment in the morning, deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire" Hence, this mandate is for every true child of God and no one is exempted.

Balaam, the man with an open vision, on a mission to curse the children of Israel as ordered by Balak realized that God will not curse them, however, prophesied when the spirit of God came upon him "And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the man of Beor  hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.  He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed  is he that blessed thee, and cursed is he that curseth  thee." Numbers 24:3-4, 8-9. Note also what God said of them through his prophet in Micah chapter 5 verse 8, "And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, In the midst of many people, Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, Like a young lion among the flocks of the sheep, Who, if he passes through, Both treads down and tears in pieces, And none can deliver,"

As God delighted in Jesus, so He wants to be glorified in our lives as we take our divine destiny position in this sensitive and crucial prophetic season. While Jesus was here on earth, he fulfilled his divine purpose. After gaining mastery and victory he ordained and established the law, truth and divine order. The bible is littered with several instances both from the old and the new testament, one of such is a notable account of him found in Isaiah 42:1, 13. The tenacity, zeal and the passion with which he operated and executed the divine mandate was part of his prophetic destiny. Indeed all these culminate and reveals him as a true representative of God. But unfortunately, we, the children of God today are taken up with far too small things. Our prayers is intended to release the mighty acts of God knowing fully well that prayer is the harbinger of revival. Prophet Isaiah lamenting said, "And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isaiah 64:7.

God will have to take us outside this human realm in order to do something supernatural. Apostolic power is coming back to the church. However, God is looking for yielded vessels. Our level of surrendedness will determine our manifestation. No consecration no spiritual gifting. For a man to establish the glory of God and challenge princes of this world is to make oneself a man different from others, for no one gains position in the kingdom without opposition. Hence, there is the need to disregard every form of molestation, criticism or distraction but to push for the gate. No divided loyalty, no retreat, no surrender but rather be bold as lion." The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as lion." Proverbs 28:1 Therefore, as the scripture says," Watch, stand fast in faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.

It is imperative that we impact the kingdom of God and contribute our quota!

The stronghold of the strongman

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope, even today I declare that I will restore double unto you." Zechariah 9:12

The contest at Mount Carmel is an evident demonstration, a replica of an ongoing battle today against the kingdom of God by the kingdom of darkness. This interesting event recorded in 1 King chapter 18 verses 23-29 depicts actions taken by the disobedient, adamant, and rebellious prophets of Baal. Their ungodly and evil passion for idolatry had no bound. They manifested folly, leaped about the altar which they had made, prophesied, cried, cut themselves and shouted from morning till the time of evening sacrifice. Unfortunately, despite their loyalty and efforts to show their devotion by afflicting themselves, there was no response and their god could not bring down fire even on dry wood.

Afterwards, Elijah raised an altar to the almighty God to protest and challenge these prophets of Baal. In like manner, altars must be raised everywhere. In these last days, it is pertinent to know that both personal and cooperate altars must be raised to undo satanic activities in our lands. Why raising altars? We need to raise altars to the Lord God almighty in order to destroy evil powers and negate energies generated on satanic altars against the counsel of God.  God has a counsel and his counsel must stand Isaiah 46:10. Note that altars are raised to access and generate either satanic or godly powers which invariably constitute a stronghold. Similarly, as godly stronghold exists, on the other hand, satanic strongholds (marine, occult, ancestral witchcraft, territorial, continental etc.,) also exists.  Hence, it becomes imperative to raise altars because of the increased rage of the powers of darkness against the light. Our enemy (Satan) and his cohorts are formidable, it is presumptuous to combat their fierceness unequipped, even God did not undermine theses forces we are to meet. So Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, he silenced them during the time of the evening sacrifice, and he repaired the altar. In 1 King chapter 18 verse 30, Then Elijah said to all the people "come near to me "And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down."

Thereafter, fire came down from heaven on the wet wood after he had repaired the altar. This incidence in verses 31-38 shows the significance of an altar. A consistent, unbroken relationship with the almighty ensures a real fortification against the onslaught of the enemy and provides avenue for demonstration of signs and wonders. In verse 39, "Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" These are the days of manifestation of power and wisdom necessitates that we deal with the strongholds of darkness fortified by evil altars. In Proverbs chapter 21 verse 22, Solomon said "A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the trusted strongholds." God has also issued a decree in the book of Jeremiah chapter 10 verse 11 "Thus you shall say to them,"The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from earth and from under these heavens."

For Christians, God is indeed our stronghold. God is our sure place of defense and security, our fortress,  shield, and source of strength. David acknowledged this in Psalms 18 verse 2, and the new King James renders it this way "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and deliverer, My God, my strength in whom I trust. My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. David was ever mindful of God-his stronghold and his potency, he exclaimed in Psalm 71 verse 3 "Be thou my strong habitation whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save ; for thou art my rock and my fortress." No wonder David the King ruled and reigned over Israel for forty years, fought many battles, never lost any and had victory over all his enemies because of his dependence on God-his stronghold. As believers, we must also turn to our stronghold as we repair the altar of prayer and worship.

Furthermore, God gave assurance of double for as many that will return to the stronghold. According to Zechariah chapter 9 verses11-12 "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoner free from waterless pit. Return to stronghold, ye prisoners of hope, today I declare that I will restore double unto you." God is speaking on behalf of the church, his bride, his intention and provision for as many that will return to the stronghold. When God speaks of double it means deliverance and restoration. Remember that Prophet Isaiah also reveal the counsel of God while declaring to the children of Israel in Isaiah 40 verses 1-2 "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, and her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hands double for all her sins. The blessings came, rain descended, in verse 41 "And Elijah said unto  Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is sound of abundance of rain." All this happened because of the new altar that was raised unto God.

There is a lot to gain and nothing to lose as we return to the stronghold. God is still in dire search of people today like Elijah who will disgrace satanic altars!

I will do a new thing

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it ? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

According to Isaiah 43:19, God wants to do a new thing. Over and over again he reveals his intention and reiterates his plans through his servants. God desires to prepare the saints for the return of Jesus Christ and indeed this is the next thing in his calendar. More importantly, execution of this divine agenda is now paramount in the heart of the Almighty. God will do a new thing though two things will be happening simultaneously. At the same time, as things will be getting worse and shakings all over the world, glory will burst out in the church. There is coming a glorious dawn that will follow the dark hour that the church is going through. God is bringing new anointing that we have never experienced and he wants the church to get ready for this explosion. This is going to be the finest hour of the church and we must be ready for this great events.

There is going to be a revival of holiness and power. Really, we are at the brink of this great revival and it will sweep across the body of Christ for as many as are ready because it will not be peculiar to denomination or race. The revival that is coming will be more than has ever been and at the close of it Jesus will come. God is about to give the church a new beginning because the church today is in the wilderness. In verse 19, God says "I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" this implies that there will be great giftings and ministry in the seeming wilderness (church), mighty prophetic anointing and  apostolic power is also coming back to the church. This mighty move of God  will usher in great revival as it happened before during the time of Smith Wigglesworth, John Evans Roberts (Welsh revivalist), Maria Woodworth Etter, William Booth, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Wesley, D. L. Moody and John Wesley just to mention a few.

Many are already expectant, anticipating and desirous of this glorious move of God. The tangible anointing is coming to the church and when it comes, the counterfeit will become irrelevant. We need to get the tangible anointing in order to experience the glory of God more in this generation. In  Isaiah chapter 41 verse 19, Oil tree represent the anointing and God promised to plant the oil tree in the wilderness. Let's note also what God said in Isaiah 32: verses 15-50 "Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgement shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.  And the work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of  righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet places; when it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place. Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of ox and the ass."

According to Isaiah 41:19, God also promised to plant the pine tree and box tree in the wilderness. The pine and box tree both connote prosperity. It is a real miracle to find waters in the desert, yet, God promise rivers-plenty of blessings in the desert. Why must God do this? God will bless the church because a crash is coming on the economy of the world. God's main purpose for blessing the church will be for the gospel. Plenty of blessings will be released to the church so that there will not be any excuse for reaching and evangelizing the unreached before Jesus returns. As of August 2016, it was estimated that of the 7.4 billion people alive in the world today, more that 3.02 billion  constituting  6,647 people group and 40.7 % of the world's population are yet to be reached with the gospel. Though significant work has been done by our spiritual leaders, ministers and missionaries in breaking grounds and taking the gospel to nations of the world, yet, we still have many lands to cover.

Hence, everyone must bear responsibility for revival and restoration, and ensure right positioning to be a partaker of this great outburst!

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