QUOTE OF THE MOMENT

Aim For the MOON if you miss it you may hit the STAR

AphorismCity on Facebook

HIS WORD: Catching a Vision of Our Worth in Redemption! by Bishop David Oyedepo

Catching a Vision of Our Worth in
Redemption!
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a
book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned,
saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is
sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned,
saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned
(Isaiah 29:11-12) .
We understand from scripture that the vision of God for
everyone in the Kingdom is packaged in the Bible. For
instance, Jesus opened the Book and found this written about
Him:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed
me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal
the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are
bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke
4:18-19; see also Hebrews 10:5-7).
John the Baptist also discovered God’s plan for his life from
the Book (Matthew 3:3).
It is important to recognize that the Bible is God’s mirror that
shows us who we are and what redemption has made of us
(James 1:22-25).
Let’s examine our worth in redemption from the mirror of the
Bible
By redemption, our lineage has changed: Before we became
born again, we were sons of men but after our encounter with
Christ at new birth, we became sons of God. That means our
lineage changed.
As it is written: But as many as received him, to them gave
he power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name (John 1:12; see also 1 John 3:2).
Everyone who is born again is a son of God and according to
scripture, the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for
the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).
By redemption, every child of God has been disconnected
from his/her old family tree (natural/biological) and grafted
into a new family (spiritual). This makes every child of God a
member of God’s household. The Bible says:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God
(Ephesians 2:19).
The Bible also records: And if some of the branches be
broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in
among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness
of the olive tree (Romans 11:17).
For instance, in agricultural sciences, when the branch of a
tree is grafted into another, it begins to bear fruits according
to the new root. As we all know, everything bears fruit
according to its root. Therefore, the fruits of whatever
obtained in our old roots are not permitted to show forth in
our lives. That means since our roots have changed, our
fruits must also change.
Furthermore, since we have been detached from our old
family tree and grafted into the divine family tree, we are no
longer subjected to the woes and misfortunes of the old
family. Thus, whatever obtains in our natural family no longer
control our lives.
As it is written: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are
become new (2 Corinthians 5:17; see also Numbers 23:23;
Galatians 3:13-14).
However, until we have an understanding of our new position
and the worth of our salvation, we will continue to partake of
the woes and calamities of our biological families. That is
why salvation is not an ideology but an experience.
Interestingly, by God’s design, we and our households are
ordained to be saved. For instance, after Paul and Silas
engaged in high praises while in prison, and were freed by the
power of God, the Jailer said:
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house (Acts 16:30-31; see also Acts 10:24).
That is why our salvation must not stop with us but extend
to our households. Remember, Joseph found himself in the
palace to preserve lives. Esther was also in the palace for the
rescue of the Jews. Therefore, we have a covenant
responsibility to stand in the gap for the salvation, divine
interventions and breakthroughs of our lineage (Genesis
45:5-7; Esther 4:14-16; Ezekiel 22:30; Obadiah 1:21; 1
Timothy 5:8).
By redemption, we are seated in heavenly places with Christ
Jesus, far above the realms of torture and torments of life:
Redemption has repositioned us for sweatless triumph over
all circumstances of life.
As it is written: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
It is also written: Even when we were dead in sins, hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in
heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6; see also
Ephesians 1:20-21).
We need a consciousness of our new position in Christ to
command dominion, because our liberty is the product of our
insight.
We are redeemed to live in health and vitality: One of the
principal offers of redemption is health and vitality. This is
because health is one area the devil torments humanity most.
We understand from scripture that healing was a vital aspect
of Jesus’ messianic ministry. Wherever He went, He healed
the sick and delivered the oppressed, and His disciples did
same. The Bible says:
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and
with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that
were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts
10:38).
Moreover, Jesus Christ paid the price for our total health on
the cross and any resistance against it, is an assault on our
Redeemer.
As it is written: For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s
(1 Corinthians 6:20).
It is also written: 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 of our peace
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah
53:4-5; see also Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:24).
By redemption, we are entitled to health and vitality. This is
because Jesus Christ is not only the Saviour of our soul but
our body also (Ephesians 5:23).
Concerning the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, the Bible
records:
Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot
swell, these forty years (Deuteronomy 8:4).
…and there was not one feeble person among their tribes
(Psalms 105:37).
According to scriptures, every redeemed child of God is a
spiritual Israelite and that entitles us to the same order of
health and vitality the Israelites enjoyed in the wilderness
(Exodus 15:26; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:29).
Moreover, as ambassadors of Christ, divine health is our
portion and we understand from scripture that a faithful
ambassador is entitled to healthy living (Proverbs 13:17).
But, who is an ambassador? An ambassador is one who is
involved in reconciling the world to God.
As it is written: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s
stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
As we engage in soul-winning and interceding for souls to be
saved, with zeal and zest, we are renewing our health
insurance with God and His integrity is committed to keep us
fit so we can keep bearing fruits (Exodus 23:25-26; John
15:2; Ephesians 6:6).
Therefore, for sustainable health and vitality, we must:
Live on the Word: It is written: My son, attend to my words;
incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from
thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are
life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh
(Proverbs 4:20-22).
The Word is the principal balm in Gilead and nothing
rejuvenates like revelation from the Word of God. Also, the
Word of God is the source of real joy. As it is written: Thy
words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto
me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy
name, O Lord God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:16).
We must, therefore, place ourselves on a daily dose of the
Word. That means, the Word of God must be our medication
every day. As we do so, it shall be health to our flesh
because God’s nature is immune to sickness. Thus, the more
addicted we are to the Word, the healthier we live (Job
33:21-25; 2 Peter 1:4).
Engage the mystery of the Communion: The Communion is
God’s toast for our total health. From scripture, we
understand that the life of the flesh is in the blood. Thus, as
we partake of Jesus’ Blood via the Communion, we imbibe
His life, which empowers us to live like Him (John 6:48-58; 1
Corinthians 11:23-30).
Engage the mystery of the anointing oil: The anointing oil
contains healing, health and wholeness virtues. When Jesus
called His twelve disciples, He gave them power against
unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of
sicknesses and diseases. That power represents the oil. The
Bible records that:
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many
that were sick, and healed them (Mark 6:13; see also Mark
6:7).
That means the anointing oil contains healing virtues that
keep our bodies healthy and strong. Also, inside the oil lies
the Spirit of the Lord in a mystery. David was anointed with
oil and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day.
The Bible says: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus
from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the
dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that
dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11; see also Isaiah 10:27;
Matthew 3:11-12).
The oil also contains quickening forces, ordained to keep the
organs of our bodies in perfect condition (Luke 3:16-17).
Keep speaking right: Death and life are in the power of the
tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof
(Proverbs 18:21; see also Psalms 81:10-14).
When we are filled with the Word, we speak right words
naturally, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth
speaks (Matthew 12:34).
Rejoice in the Lord always: Apostle Paul admonished, Rejoice
in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4;
see also 1 Thessalonians 5:16).
It is also written: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22; see also
Proverbs 18:14).
Maintaining the joy of the Lord in our lives is key to healthy
living. We must understand that until the devil tampers with
our joy, we cannot be afflicted. Therefore, the more joyful we
are, the healthier we live.
We must recognize that God sends us Apostles and Prophets
to open the seal of the Word to us by the Holy Ghost, so we
can see into God’s plan and purpose for our lives as
contained in His Book. Therefore, I decree the eyes of your
understanding to be opened to see your worth in redemption
as contained in the mirror of the Word in Jesus’ name!
Remain ever blessed!
Jesus is Lord!
Prophetic Blessings!
Every oppression of the wicked on your life and family
returns back to the sender!
That assault on your life ceases in Jesus’ name!
Every shame and reproach in your lineage is terminated!
I decree full restoration of your physical dignity!
Whatever has been tormenting your family from
generation to generation ceases today!
Henceforth, begin to live an oppression-free life!
The siege over your life and family is declared over in
Jesus’ name!
I declare your family and lineage blessed!
David Oyedepo Ministries

Review: Jesus love you ACCEPT him into you life

Historical View on Babylon 1

The empire of Hammurabi: 18th century BC
Babylon is just one among many small kingdoms in
Mesopotamia when Hammurabi becomes its ruler in about
1728 BC. He defeats his rivals in the region, and establishes
a society based on the rule of law (famous also for the skill
of its astronomers and mathematicians ). By the end of his
reign the whole of Mesopotamia is under central control for
the first time since the empire of Sargon, 500 years earlier.
The society over which Hammurabi presides is vividly
reflected in the famous code of laws, the Code of
Hammurabi , which towards the end of his life the king
orders to be inscribed on a stele, or upright stone pillar -
the only way, at the time, of publishing them.     

Facebook

Opinion/Article: My Wish For Nigeria At 55, By Joe Igbokwe

My Wish For Nigeria At
55, By Joe Igbokwe
This is our chance to prove to the
world that we did not go to school
to learn how to accumulate what
we do not need. This is not the time
to stand and stare. This is not the
time for bedtime stories and
frivolities. This is the time for us to
tear ourselves away from primitive
accumulation of wealth to service
delivery. This is the time to grow
up. This is my wish for Nigeria at
55.
Make no mistake about it, there is a finger of God in the
coming of President Buhari at this critical moment in the
nation’s history after making attempts at the presidency
in 2003, 2007, and 2011, before eventually clinching it at
the Saturday March 28, 2015 election. If one is not deep
in the knowledge of how God works, one might not
know the full meaning of President Buhari’s emergence
at a time like this to do what he is doing presently.
There was nothing PDP and its massive followers, with
deep pockets, did not do to stop him but their efforts
were not enough to stop an idea whose time had come.
Those who did not follow the campaigns fully may not
have known what the wreckers, the ruiners and
destroyers of Nigeria did to stop him, but the grace of
God and the love of God for Nigeria stopped them. Huge
amounts of money in various currencies were deployed,
mercenaries were hired to execute the worst form of
hate campaign ever known in the history of Nigeria, the
instrumentality of the full weight of the federal
government was fully deployed, the full weight of
Nigeria’s security forces were fully and maximally
employed to stop President Buhari but God had other
plans for Nigeria. Despite these onslaughts and
desperation to change the will of God for Nigeria, this
will of God prevailed. I may not have been a Reverend
Father, Prophet, an Evangelist, General Overseer, Bishop
or General Superintendent etc. but I saw it coming. God
has not finished with Nigeria and this I know. Promotion
does not come from the East, West, North or South. God
is the judge. He chooses whom to lift up and whom to
bring down, thus says the Holy Book.
Since Buhari came to power, I have seen a lot of deep
changes which ordinary eyes may not see. The 2015
election losers may not see this because they are still
very angry. Inordinate ambition and hate have
beclouded their senses of reasoning as they continue to
curse the day President Buhari was born. But a deep
look into Nigeria’s political landscape shows evidence of
change to new ways of doing things. Saboteurs who
have sworn that our power sector and the downstream
energy sector will never work have distanced
themselves from the vandalisation gas pipelines, power
plants and refineries. Looters of our common patrimony
are now thinking twice because a new sheriff is in town.
The fear of President Buhari is now the beginning of
wisdom. Yes, they have stolen enough for the real
owners to take notice but they have not stolen our
brains and ideas. With brains and ideas, we can start
the process of rebuilding Nigeria. I am told that ideas
are better than money at high levels of offices.
It is historic and prophetic that the new ministers’ list
will be out when Nigeria is clocking 55 on Thursday,
October 1, 2015. My late father once told me that you
will never get up unless you have fallen down. I have an
idea of the kind of people who will make the ministers
list in a Buhari-led government, and I know that 70
percent of them know that we have to build Nigeria now
or never. We have the political will to recover every
kobo stolen and use it effectively to rebuild our
dilapidated infrastructure, create jobs in millions,
rebuild our institutions, feed our teeming population
and provide maximum security for all Nigerians. This is
not the time to eat but time for work and work for the
good of the commonwealth.
The massive flow of Refugees from
Libya, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Africa
into Europe should serve as
teachable moments for Nigerian
leaders. Boko Haram insurgents,
MASSOB and Niger Delta Militants
remain a big challenge to all of us,
especially our leaders. We must rise
above ethnic sentiments in order to
confront these threats and build a
new Nigeria of our dream.
Last week, I took a tour of the Tin Can Island and
Apapa, Lagos, where the federal government makes
trillions every year via the seaports. One only needs to
see the state of the roads in these gold mines to know
the state of minds of those who serve as managing
directors of companies at the Tin Can Island, the Apapa
Wharf, the flour mills, banks, oil companies, etc. There
is no law that prevents them from building roads that
lead to their premises. What stops them from doing the
needful by mounting pressure on the Federal Ministry of
Works to use part of the huge amount they cart away
every year to fix those roads? Roads in Apapa and Tin
Can Island remain not only an eye sore, but a head sore,
a mind sore, a soul sore and a heart sore.
The incoming ministers must know that it is not business
as usual. President Buhari has a mission and time is not
on his side. It therefore behoves all of them to key in to
the president’s vision of zero tolerance for corruption.
They have no choice. Nigeria has gone full cycle in
stupidity and selfishness and this is the time to rebuild
or we all perish.
Nigeria at 55 with Muhammadu Buhari as President
provides a new window for all of us to sit up and be
smart in re-ordering the way we do things in Nigeria.
The massive flow of Refugees from Libya, Iraq, Syria,
Yemen, Africa into Europe should serve as teachable
moments for Nigerian leaders. Boko Haram insurgents,
MASSOB and Niger Delta Militants remain a big
challenge to all of us, especially our leaders. We must
rise above ethnic sentiments in order to confront these
threats and build a new Nigeria of our dream. Diversity
remains our greatest assets in this country and should
we bungle it as a result of greed, selfishness, ethnic
preoccupation and political irresponsibility, woe betide
us.
President Buhari’s team should be our first eleven for
the first time in 55 years, and we demand nothing less. I
pity any minister who will go there to mess up when
the need is greatest. I pity any minister who will go
there to think it is business as usual. I pity any minister
who will go there to betray the president and the
country. This is our chance to prove to the world that
we did not go to school to learn how to accumulate what
we do not need. This is not the time to stand and stare.
This is not the time for bedtime stories and frivolities.
This is the time for us to tear ourselves away from
primitive accumulation of wealth to service delivery.
This is the time to grow up. This is my wish for Nigeria
at 55.
Joe Igbokwe is Publicity Secretary of the Lagos
Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).