Background Music by Dee Barker “Got Any Rivers (He’ll Do It Again)”
Hello Friend,
It’s been a while since I connected with you and I’ve missed that and you even more. As always, there is a word from the Lord but first allow me to testify!
Last year, God said he’d blow my mind and he did over and above that. I am still in awe not only of what he did, but also of how he did it! The long and short of it is that with the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a postgraduate degree. Although it took me a while, my ‘one-thing’ is done! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
Here’s a quick word of encouragement for someone who may have been on a long journey, keep at it and don’t lose heart. Your salvation is nearer than when you first believed. You will reach your expected end. It shall come to pass. Your word will come and become flesh! All you need to do is maintain focus and alignment with God and your goals. Let’s clarify these terms.
Focus is the ability to clearly define something (usually visually) or to pay attention, or make something your center of attention or interest. Identify just one thing and stick with the task until it is accomplished.
Alignment has to do with the arrangement, organisation, placement, or readjustment of imperfectly or badly placed things in order to make them compatible and harmonized with one another. This involves getting rid of curves, contortions, and conflicts as well as deviations, distractions, and distortions. Take a look at your prayer life, health, or finances. If things are not as they should in the stage of life you are in, it might just be that something needs to be aligned.
While I just talked about 2022 and shared some helpful tips that got me through, you might wonder what’s in store for 2023. Glad you are keen because God said he’d bring out water from the rock! Sounds impossible right? But God has done it before and he can do it again. Let’s explore different instances where God did it and how he did it:
Water from the rock
Strike – to deliver a sharp, strategic, and offensive blow to a target.
At some point in the Israelites’ journey after they crossed the Red Sea, they arrived at a place called Rephidim and became thirsty. They had been wandering in the wilderness of Sin but somehow progressed to this place of refreshment at the command of the Lord. This is good news, friend and demonstrates that God is still in the business of ordering steps. He can bring you out of danger into safety, detangle you from whatever web or maze you may be in, lift you up if you’re sinking in the sea of sin, loneliness, anxiety, depression, stagnation, self-doubt, sickness, debt, joblessness, or bankruptcy. No matter how stinky or sticky your situation might be, God can help you!
In response to Israel’s grumbles and murmurs (which is not recommended), God gave Moses an instruction on how to deal with the problem.
I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So, Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on. Exodus 17:6
I am encouraged by the fact that God was present and standing throughout their ordeal. Also, the emphasis on the word ‘gushed’ indicating a torrential flow as opposed to a drop, especially when coming out of a rock, blesses me immensely. Another thing is that he did it while they watched. #hollaapraise to Jehova sharp sharp! Friend, do you see how loving and amazing he is?
As the Israelites’ arrived the wilderness of Zin near the southern part of the Dead Sea and camped at Kadesh, Miriam died and no water was available, so the people rebelled against Moses and Aaron. God saw this and in his providence gave directives.
You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. Numbers 20: 8-11
Unfortunately, Moses defied God’s instruction to speak to the rock and struck it instead – an action which shortened his life and ministry, especially the unique privilege of leading the people of God into the Promised Land. This underscores the importance of remaining aligned with God in order to complete what he’s started in, through, and with you.
Although Moses didn’t adhere to God’s instructions, God in his faithfulness provided for his people. Once again, water gushed and they drank to their fill – they and their livestocks. This is nothing but goodness, mercy, and overflow.
Sing – to produce musical tones and/ or melodious sounds.
Having passed through ‘Zin’, the Israelites’ pilgrimage was almost over but they had to go through yet another wilderness on Moab’s eastern border and camped by River Arnon. This is after a long detour due to the Edomites’ (descendants of Esau) refusal to allow them passage through their town. As a result, they grew impatient and started to complain not only about water but food also. God dealt with this by sending poisonous snakes that bit and killed many of them.
Shortly afterwards, he redeemed and restored all who obeyed a simple instruction – look up and live! Continuing the journey was a remnant thirsty and without any water in sight, but sang anyway!
From there the Israelites travelled to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Assemble the people, and I will give them water.” Then Israel sang this song about the well: “Make your water spring up! Sing to the well. The well dug by princes, dug out by the nobles of the people with their scepters and staffs.” Numbers 21:16-18
It is generally believed that ‘spring up’ is a prophecy or prayer that God would cause water to flow out of the earth as it did from the rock when Moses struck it with his rod; hence, they struck the earth with their scepters and staffs. Another popular belief is that the people and leaders used their scepters and staffs to dig the holes from which God caused water to spring up. Either way, there was a shift in their posture and behaviour -they became proactive, purposeful, prophetic, prayer warriors, and praisers. In any case, a miracle took place! You might as well take a praise break.
Let’s celebrate! The well has given us water (CEV) Wells, produce your water; And we will greet it with a song (GNT) Erupt, Well! Sing the Song of the Well (MSG)
Water signifies a number of things including Spirit, life, refreshing, cleansing, or the end of drought. Friend, God wants to restore and give you times of refreshing, irrigate your dry places, and break up your hard and fallow grounds. You can also consider water to be a metaphor for your desire, while rock refers to your difficulties. God is the only potentate who in his infinite power can meet your needs in many ways at the right time. Stop worrying about when or how what he has purposed, established, and completed for you will manifest.
To summarise this epistle:
Before there was a ‘gushing out’ or ‘welling up’, the people had to assemble or if you will, align. Trust and obey, friend.
God has and is the ultimate answer and willing to meet you at the point of your needs. When it comes to your part in the process, asking is better than complaining.
Different approaches may be needed at different times for the same situation. Know when to strike, speak, or sing.
Today marks 30 years since our mum transitioned to glory. For some days, I have been musing on a hymn she’d oft sing – In the hollow of his hands written by Saint A.I.
With my Saviour ever near to guide me, I am safe, whatever may betide me; From the storm and tempest, He will hide me In the hollow of His hand!
In the hollow of His hand! In the hollow of His hand! I am safe, whatever may betide me, In the hollow of His hand!
In His arms of love He doth enfold me; Words of peace His voice Divine hath told me I am safe, for God Himself doth hold me In the hollow of His hand!
He will guard my soul, and leave me never; From His love no power on earth shall sever; And I know He’ll keep me now and ever In the hollow of His hand!
According to Maslow, one of man’s greatest needs is that of safety and security. We move to certain neighbourhoods, put locks on our doors/gates, mount up CCTVs, wear protective clothing, purchase life insurance, develop strategic relationships, send our children to renowned institutions, put away savings, contribute to pensions, and make investments to ensure our future wellbeing. These strategies and systems are useful, but they cannot act as a substitute for or as a saviour.
There is another life after this one, and its quality depends on who you have, not what you have. May I introduce you to Jesus – the way truth, and the life whose name reflects his sole purpose of delivering and rescuing humanity from poverty, sickness, and death.
For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10: 9,10
Having covered the basics of safety and security, let’s move onto a few lessons I have learned since Mum’s transition:
Life happens and nothing can ever prepare you for that moment. Don’t worry, you’re never saddled with more than you can handle. The corporate world will say you have the capability or capacity, but in Christendom, they will say you have the grace. Whichever way you look at it, you’ve got what it takes! You are able!
There is no standard or rule for dealing with grief. Some may brave it over time, while others crumble at the slightest reminder. Similarly, some recover quickly while others take longer. Allow yourself the time to heal but do not become depressed. It is imperative that you find the strength and courage necessary to rise above the situation, and move ahead in faith.
Whatever your faith or belief, you need a saviour and anchor to help you navigate those trying times. For me and mine, it is Jesus, Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
Humans are subject to erring and failing, unlike God. Do not misplace your trust. Learn to forgive and release those who offend you. Sometimes, God uses them as tools to thrust you forward such that what they meant for evil works for your good. As opportunity presents itself, ‘heap coals of fire’ on them by repaying evil with good.
You owe everyone love, not a like, and it is not enough just to say it; your actions must reflect that. On the other hand, it is ok to maintain boundaries that promote your wellbeing and minimize unpleasant emotions.
God will never leave you comfortless or alone; he will always send you destiny helpers along the way. They may not arrive in the package or size you expect. However, they are definitely God-sent. My Sisters and I have been privileged to come across such people whose names are too numerous to mention. We love and appreciate you all.
The purpose of instructions, discipline, and values is to your benefit. By following them, you will achieve much more quickly and efficiently. The consequences of not adhering to them can be dire. Never let yourself stay down for too long, instead, learn to bounce back fast. Once you realize your mistakes, take action towards correcting them. There’s always mercy and grace to help when you need it.
Develop the habit of thanksgiving, and all you need to do it is to remember and reflect. My siblings and I do this often. We are so grateful that against all odds we made it this far. We don’t have stones like Samuel to highlight our ‘Ebenezer’ but rest assured between Abakaliki and the different places we’ve traversed, there are marks, milestones, and memorials that attest to the faithfulness of God.
There are many more lessons and stories to share. That’ll probably be a book but until the time comes, thank you for reading this journal in honour of my mum – Late Mrs. Kelechi Winifred Ebuzor (Nee Ezeigbo).
Good people are remembered long after they are gone, but the wicked are soon forgotten. Proverbs 10:7
This theme has been stirring in my heart since Dec 2020 and perhaps longer, and it has been repeatedly confirmed. If you are wondering if I have ever had any doubts about it, I haven’t. Like Jacob and Mary, I just decided to keep the matter in mind😀
As challenging as 2021 was, I did find strong pieces of evidence of God’s goodness and abundance. His goodness provides such a rich harvest that wherever he is – which is around the world, above, and beneath including every aspect of your life, there is abundance. Abundance describes a situation in which there is an excess of something. This instantly addresses the issue of lack and difficulty in your life, since God causes hard places and things to not only soften but also become fluid to the point of overflowing. Now, this is a good reason to holler a praise🥁🙌💃
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11
From the get-go, God has always been clear about his intent for mankind. His first interaction with Adam and Eve involved a benediction – He blessed them and ever since, he has been blessing humanity. Here’s what he said:
… Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Genesis 1:28b
Let’s look at this in more detail:
Prosper speaks about making steady progress, attaining the peak in your academics, career or business and being an icon. I understand that life happens, but where are you on your journey towards fulfilment? Keep making those strides, you’ll soon be a reference point!
Reproduce refers to increase by multiplication. What are you doing with your talents? Are you a faithful or wicked servant?
Fill earth is a mandate to top up something that has been previously emptied. Do you understand your assignment? The world is waiting for the wall-builder, gap-filler, or breach-restorer in you to manifest!
Take charge implies assuming responsibility and having things under control. Friend, are you on top of things or crumbling under pressure?
Whatever your circumstance, know that God is at work and he is about to blow your mind. Can you sense or see what he is doing?
I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert. Wild beasts, jackals, and owls will glorify me. For I supply streams of water in the desert and rivers in the wilderness to satisfy the thirst of my people, my chosen ones, so that you, whom I have shaped and formed for myself, will proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:19-21
Did you catch that, Friend? God’s making a way for you and meeting your needs even now. He’s doing something new, unprecedented, inexistent, hot off the press, and out-of-the-box. Seems like what he did for Mary.
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
Getting pregnant without the ‘laying on of hands’ before the wedding while engaged is not the norm, and was uncommon in that culture and era. But God did it! Therefore, we can deduce that:
God fast-tracked and accelerated things for Mary. By skipping the normal process, her mission was accomplished faster than normal.
He redeemed and restored times by bringing an event planned for the distant future to a much earlier time.
God made it possible for Mary to become pregnant even though she was incapable of that without sexual relations or assisted reproduction at that point in her life.
God essentially made an exception to the rule and he’s about to do the same for you, if only you believe.
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20
I don’t know what you’ve been praying, dreaming, or thinking about but I know God will achieve infinitely more and outdo them all – that’s abundance and overflow! You may be wondering and asking, “how can these things be?” Can I encourage you to ditch all limits and worry regarding when and how God will do what he promised? Instead, pray and trust in his miraculous power which is the same as the power of the Holy Spirit to work something out. Here’s what happened when Mary asked the ‘how’ question –I find this instructive and pertinent to what God wants to do in and through your life.
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35
Again, let’s break this down:
The angel replied: You have sowed in tears and it’s time to reap in joy. Why? Because God has heard your pleas and there is a messenger en route with your answers. Answers that will address all your questions and cause you to laugh perpetually as Zion did. Did you know that the popular verse “When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion?” can also be rendered as ‘When the Lord answered Zion’s prayer’. God has filled your mouth with laughter and you’re about to laugh like you never have!
The Holy Spirit willcome upon you: This speaks of an encounter as recorded in Acts 1. Jesus also foretold that the disciples would receive power after the Holy Spirit had come upon them. When the Holy Spirit eventually descended, they received impartation that led to remarkable transformations in their lives and surrounding regions. Friend, you’re about to have an experience that will change every area of your life including the way you shop, walk, and talk, and it will not be by might or power, but by the Holy Spirit!
The power of the Most High will overshadow: For something to be overshadowed, a superior overpowers the inferior and Increases in prominence or importance. This is what happened in the beginning when the Holy Spirit hovered over the formless, dark, and empty deep surface. Soon afterwards, darkness became light, or if you like, emerged from darkness. Friend, God is doing the same for you right now. Lack is turning into abundance, sickness will give way to health, desire into fulfilment. A shift is happening right now!
Baby to be born: The seed and dream you have long-carried and developed is now mature and ready to be birthed. God will neither bring a baby to the moment of birth without allowing it to be borne nor will he bring it to the point of delivery and then hold it back. You’re fully dilated. It’s time. Push!
Holy: The word ‘Holy’ refers to something sacred, sanctified, set apart or a cut above the rest. Friend, this means that you’re about to birth something spectacular and significant. It won’t be the everyday or regular stuff, this will be different in scale, size, and status!#privatejetcometh#fulfilmentcomes#Godwillblowyourmindoverandover#hollaapraise
Friend, get ready for overflow because God’s doing a new thing! The Holy Spirit is coming on you afresh and releasing favour, abundance, acceleration, restoration, and resolution to long-standing issues. This year, God’s going to blow your mind over and over.
This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Instrument of Praise is a Music Ministry which operates on a national and international scale ministering physical, emotional and spiritual healing to the afflicted....
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