The Calling
Bear in Mind: The first call of any Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher or pastor is a calling to minister which literally means to be a servant. It is a calling to serve. Let your light so shine that you can actually be a blessing to many through the grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Diakonos; Leitourgos: Doulos are related words to servanthood.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
The gifts and the calling is to Equip the saints so that they can make a difference in their place of calling.
Diakonos; Leitourgos: Doulos are related words to servanthood.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
The gifts and the calling is to Equip the saints so that they can make a difference in their place of calling.
April -May 2016: Immanuel; We Pray Your Presence Remain With Us
When God chooses to walk with us, this will be periodical but when his presence remains with us, then we are constantly under grace coverage and all that we do seems effortless because he overshadows all your affairs and prosper our ways.
First of all we need to know the ways of God: Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, Thy compassion and Thy loving kindnesses, for they have been from of old (Ps. 25:4-6; read also Psalm 1: 1-3)
In the beginning God also made His rules of fellowship known to Adam and periodically He came down to walk with Adam until He fell from grace due to sin of disobedience.
Imbedded sin contributes to reasons why we may not be experiencing God’s presence, so we need to confess our sins and acknowledge the Lordship of Christ Jesus before we can come to a place of rest in God.
God promises to hear and forgive those who come into his presence with humble repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51).
***Repentance is Key***
Asa and his armies led the triumphant procession back to Jerusalem, a prophet named Azariah met them at the city gate with this message from God: "Hear ye me, Asa...The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God...But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them" (2 Chronicles 15:1-4). (Read also 2 Chronicles 14:11-12).
The Lord orders the steps of the righteous and He commands his angels to take charge over them (See Psalm 91)
Song: Your presence is heaven to me by Free Chapel
In the presence of God there is fullness of Joy and God does not share His glory with anybody but through the grace in Christ, God’s glory can burst forth from within us. God is omnipresent and that is why we call Him Immanuel. (God with us)
The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim, which is also translated "face,” implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon has the same syntax range.
God's presence is a place where prayer is heard. David sought the Lord's presence when Israel faced a three-year famine (2 Samuel 21:1)
When God’s presence is with us, we have habitual rest and peace in our heart that surpasses all understanding and at that moment we come to a realisation that nothing can shift us from God’s purpose and fulfilment.
Exodus 33:14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
The Hebrew word for "rest" here is "a comfortable, quiet rest." God was saying, "No matter what enemies or trials you face, you'll always be able to find a quiet rest in me!” This brings us into a place where we can bask in His glory and when God is present in our situation we encounter breakthroughs, favours, grace, mercies and all forms of fulfilment even in unusual places and surroundings.
1 Samuel 3:19 Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail.
Take note: When Samuel prophesied, The Lord took delight in making sure that all he said came to pass, for he found not only favour with the Lord but the presence of God was visible in His life.
In the presence of God, our enemies are also at peace with us
Deuteronomy 12:10-11. “When you cross the Jordan and live in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies around you so that you live in security, then it shall come about that the place in which the LORD your God shall choose for His name to dwell, there you shall bring all that I command you: ...”
The Lord words are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, for He said even in times of trouble I shall never leave nor forsake you, He makes even your enemies to be at peace with you but not only that, He causes you to overcome and put you in a position to feed them and also their children. Wow what a Great God we serve.
Genesis 50: 20-21 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good… Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them
When God presence is with us it calms all our fears as He made known to prophet Isaiah in 43:1-15 "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God...and I have loved thee...Fear not: for I am with thee..." God was saying, "With my presence abiding with you, you can go through any flood or fire and survive. Yet you won't merely survive. You'll be blessed and favoured through it all, because my presence is with you!"
Daniel 3: 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
The King had no choice but to bow down before God almighty and passed a decree that everyone should worship the Lord our God and instantly gave promotion to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the province of Babylon.
When God's Spirit is present with us, we can be strong and courageous - because no enemy can harm us!
"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage..." (Joshua 1:5-6). God promised, "...they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee..." (Jeremiah 15:20). God was saying, "It doesn't matter if the whole country turns against you, Jeremiah.
"...Abimelech...spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest" (Genesis 21:22). This heathen king was saying, "Abraham, there's something different about you. God guides you, preserves you and blesses you wherever you go!"
God's presence is also a place of blessing and joy. David counted it a joy to experience the Lord's presence (Acts 2:25 Acts 2:28), and Peter described it as the source of blessing for all who place their faith in Christ (Acts 3:19). To experience God's presence is to experience the shining of God's face (Psalm 67:1). In his presence we experience him in the heightening of his reality in our lives.
When God manifests himself or his presence in a fresh new way, stunning things just objectively happens in the world.
Psalm 114:7–8: “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water
Now: Jesus has become the intermediary which we can enjoy the Father’s presence via the guidance of the Holy Spirit before the Israelites put their confidence in that visible cloud of God's presence. "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). Like the Israelites who lived under the cloud of God's presence, we're constantly under the covering of God's grace
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me
Hebrew 10: 19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…..
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..."
When God revealed to Moses all these things about his nature, he also gave him the full revelation that he "...will by no means clear the guilty..." (Exodus 34:7). Azariah prophesied to King Asa in his most prosperous hour, "If you despise God's glory - if you excuse your sin and neglect the Lord - he will not cleanse you!" "...The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you" (2 Chronicles 15:2).
When Jesus revealed Himself to the three disciples, God's glory wasn't in Moses or Elijah or in the spectacular light. Rather, his glory was in Jesus: "...his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light...behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:2-6).
God was saying, "Here is my glory personified - in Christ!" Indeed, Jesus is the fulfilment of all God said he was to Moses - gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sins. And now the Lord was saying, "Here's a living picture of my glory. It is all embodied in my son!"
"...the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18). He's saying, "All the glory I revealed to Moses is embodied in my son. And now I have given him to you as your inheritance. You have a right to know him in all his glory!" "In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).
If you have Jesus' presence in your life, you will experience God's divine order. You'll have a peace and a calm, with no fretting or anxiety, no running to and fro to seek guidance, no sense that the bottom is falling out. You'll live at rest, knowing God has everything under control!
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
In the Person of the Holy Spirit, God dwelt not only among His people, but within them. The Holy Spirit thus mediates the presence of God in this age and gives us closeness to God when we allow him to take the leading role in our lives.
1 Corinthians 3:16"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
God's promises never fail. But some - like the covenant of his presence - are absolutely conditional. They require more than merely our cooperation. Of course, God will never abandon us nor stop loving us. But if we remain in sin, his presence will not be with us - and our lives will no longer be an instrument of his powerful presence. We will be living according to the flesh - striving, floundering, with no power or guidance!
In the age to come, God's presence will be the ultimate blessing, for believers will see him face to face (1 John 3:2). His immediate presence will render a temple unnecessary (Rev 21:22). It is the anticipation of this presence that should motivate
Christians to faithful service in this present age (1 Thess 2:19; 2 Peter 3:10-11).
Believers always live in God's presence, and he notes all their deeds (Mal 3:16)
May Yahweh; El-shaddi; Immanuel’s presence be felt in all things you do in this season and may His mighty hand deliver you from all adversaries and present you worthy of grace and His glory in Jesus Name. Amen
Yomi and Bola Olowo
Serving under God’s grace, guidance, love and peace
Prayer and counselling line: +44 7803813247
Blog: http://alfayomiolowo.blogspot.co.uk
Email: alfayomiolowo@gmail.com
First of all we need to know the ways of God: Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, Thy compassion and Thy loving kindnesses, for they have been from of old (Ps. 25:4-6; read also Psalm 1: 1-3)
In the beginning God also made His rules of fellowship known to Adam and periodically He came down to walk with Adam until He fell from grace due to sin of disobedience.
Imbedded sin contributes to reasons why we may not be experiencing God’s presence, so we need to confess our sins and acknowledge the Lordship of Christ Jesus before we can come to a place of rest in God.
God promises to hear and forgive those who come into his presence with humble repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51).
***Repentance is Key***
Asa and his armies led the triumphant procession back to Jerusalem, a prophet named Azariah met them at the city gate with this message from God: "Hear ye me, Asa...The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God...But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them" (2 Chronicles 15:1-4). (Read also 2 Chronicles 14:11-12).
The Lord orders the steps of the righteous and He commands his angels to take charge over them (See Psalm 91)
Song: Your presence is heaven to me by Free Chapel
In the presence of God there is fullness of Joy and God does not share His glory with anybody but through the grace in Christ, God’s glory can burst forth from within us. God is omnipresent and that is why we call Him Immanuel. (God with us)
The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim, which is also translated "face,” implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon has the same syntax range.
God's presence is a place where prayer is heard. David sought the Lord's presence when Israel faced a three-year famine (2 Samuel 21:1)
When God’s presence is with us, we have habitual rest and peace in our heart that surpasses all understanding and at that moment we come to a realisation that nothing can shift us from God’s purpose and fulfilment.
Exodus 33:14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
The Hebrew word for "rest" here is "a comfortable, quiet rest." God was saying, "No matter what enemies or trials you face, you'll always be able to find a quiet rest in me!” This brings us into a place where we can bask in His glory and when God is present in our situation we encounter breakthroughs, favours, grace, mercies and all forms of fulfilment even in unusual places and surroundings.
1 Samuel 3:19 Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail.
Take note: When Samuel prophesied, The Lord took delight in making sure that all he said came to pass, for he found not only favour with the Lord but the presence of God was visible in His life.
In the presence of God, our enemies are also at peace with us
Deuteronomy 12:10-11. “When you cross the Jordan and live in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies around you so that you live in security, then it shall come about that the place in which the LORD your God shall choose for His name to dwell, there you shall bring all that I command you: ...”
The Lord words are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, for He said even in times of trouble I shall never leave nor forsake you, He makes even your enemies to be at peace with you but not only that, He causes you to overcome and put you in a position to feed them and also their children. Wow what a Great God we serve.
Genesis 50: 20-21 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good… Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them
When God presence is with us it calms all our fears as He made known to prophet Isaiah in 43:1-15 "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God...and I have loved thee...Fear not: for I am with thee..." God was saying, "With my presence abiding with you, you can go through any flood or fire and survive. Yet you won't merely survive. You'll be blessed and favoured through it all, because my presence is with you!"
Daniel 3: 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
The King had no choice but to bow down before God almighty and passed a decree that everyone should worship the Lord our God and instantly gave promotion to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the province of Babylon.
When God's Spirit is present with us, we can be strong and courageous - because no enemy can harm us!
"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage..." (Joshua 1:5-6). God promised, "...they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee..." (Jeremiah 15:20). God was saying, "It doesn't matter if the whole country turns against you, Jeremiah.
"...Abimelech...spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest" (Genesis 21:22). This heathen king was saying, "Abraham, there's something different about you. God guides you, preserves you and blesses you wherever you go!"
God's presence is also a place of blessing and joy. David counted it a joy to experience the Lord's presence (Acts 2:25 Acts 2:28), and Peter described it as the source of blessing for all who place their faith in Christ (Acts 3:19). To experience God's presence is to experience the shining of God's face (Psalm 67:1). In his presence we experience him in the heightening of his reality in our lives.
When God manifests himself or his presence in a fresh new way, stunning things just objectively happens in the world.
Psalm 114:7–8: “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water
Now: Jesus has become the intermediary which we can enjoy the Father’s presence via the guidance of the Holy Spirit before the Israelites put their confidence in that visible cloud of God's presence. "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). Like the Israelites who lived under the cloud of God's presence, we're constantly under the covering of God's grace
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me
Hebrew 10: 19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…..
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..."
When God revealed to Moses all these things about his nature, he also gave him the full revelation that he "...will by no means clear the guilty..." (Exodus 34:7). Azariah prophesied to King Asa in his most prosperous hour, "If you despise God's glory - if you excuse your sin and neglect the Lord - he will not cleanse you!" "...The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you" (2 Chronicles 15:2).
When Jesus revealed Himself to the three disciples, God's glory wasn't in Moses or Elijah or in the spectacular light. Rather, his glory was in Jesus: "...his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light...behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:2-6).
God was saying, "Here is my glory personified - in Christ!" Indeed, Jesus is the fulfilment of all God said he was to Moses - gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sins. And now the Lord was saying, "Here's a living picture of my glory. It is all embodied in my son!"
"...the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18). He's saying, "All the glory I revealed to Moses is embodied in my son. And now I have given him to you as your inheritance. You have a right to know him in all his glory!" "In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).
If you have Jesus' presence in your life, you will experience God's divine order. You'll have a peace and a calm, with no fretting or anxiety, no running to and fro to seek guidance, no sense that the bottom is falling out. You'll live at rest, knowing God has everything under control!
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
In the Person of the Holy Spirit, God dwelt not only among His people, but within them. The Holy Spirit thus mediates the presence of God in this age and gives us closeness to God when we allow him to take the leading role in our lives.
1 Corinthians 3:16"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
God's promises never fail. But some - like the covenant of his presence - are absolutely conditional. They require more than merely our cooperation. Of course, God will never abandon us nor stop loving us. But if we remain in sin, his presence will not be with us - and our lives will no longer be an instrument of his powerful presence. We will be living according to the flesh - striving, floundering, with no power or guidance!
In the age to come, God's presence will be the ultimate blessing, for believers will see him face to face (1 John 3:2). His immediate presence will render a temple unnecessary (Rev 21:22). It is the anticipation of this presence that should motivate
Christians to faithful service in this present age (1 Thess 2:19; 2 Peter 3:10-11).
Believers always live in God's presence, and he notes all their deeds (Mal 3:16)
May Yahweh; El-shaddi; Immanuel’s presence be felt in all things you do in this season and may His mighty hand deliver you from all adversaries and present you worthy of grace and His glory in Jesus Name. Amen
Yomi and Bola Olowo
Serving under God’s grace, guidance, love and peace
Prayer and counselling line: +44 7803813247
Blog: http://alfayomiolowo.blogspot.co.uk
Email: alfayomiolowo@gmail.com
May 2016: A season of God’s Presence
Genesis 39:2-3 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.
Exodus 6: 6-7 ….‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
Daniel 3: 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
May Yahweh; the El-shaddi presence be felt in all things you do in this season and may His mighty hand deliver you from all adversaries and present you worthy of grace and His glory in Jesus Name. Amen
Exodus 6: 6-7 ….‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
Daniel 3: 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
May Yahweh; the El-shaddi presence be felt in all things you do in this season and may His mighty hand deliver you from all adversaries and present you worthy of grace and His glory in Jesus Name. Amen
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