by Jeanie | Jun 25, 2017 | Uncategorised
Elisha said, “Open the east window.” So he opened it. Elisha said, “Shoot! ” So he shot. Then Elisha said, “The LORD’s arrow of victory, yes, the arrow of victory over Aram. You are to strike down the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.” 2 Kings 13:17
Last time, we looked at the significance of the bow and arrows in the hand of the believer. Today, we will consider how to focus the bows (prayer, fasting, worship, giving, etc.) for maximum effectiveness.
The text says firstly that the bow was targeted at the Arameans based in Aphek. In the same vein, your bow ought to have a mark. You need some precision regarding the target of your shots! Target east, don’t fire aimlessly. More importantly, you must open the window; in other words, clear the atmosphere!
Secondly, Elisha’s decree was aligned to the assignment of the bow. It is pointless trusting God for financial blessings when you are currently unfaithful with what you have been given. And if you are believing God for a spouse or child, do your actions align with your confessions or vice versa? It is crucial that your faith and corresponding action work hand in hand for victory and breakthrough to ensue. Why don’t you take a minute to speak over your present situation? Decree that you will totally overcome. You will rise above. You will breakthrough and have complete victory. Now, seal it with a praise!
Elisha said, “Pick up the arrows and hit the ground with them.” Jehoash grabbed the arrows and hit the ground three times, then stopped. 2 Kings 13:18
After Jehoash had shot the arrows, Elisha advised him to strike. But why? To ensure total victory, a strike is necessary because it seals the deal – there is only so much a shot can accomplish. That’s why David didn’t just stop at slinging the stone, but picked up Goliath’s sword to cut off his head. Jehoash stopped at three strikes. This shows that it is possible for one to give up just at the edge of their breakthrough. Would God have bothered despatching Angel Mike to assist Angel Gab if Bro Dan had stopped praying? Selah!
The king needed at least 2 more strikes to completely destroy the enemy. But because he quit, his victory was limited to the number of times he tried. I don’t know about you but I want total conquest, not a one-time or two-time victory. Consequently, the man of God was angry with him. May God never be displeased with you due to your lack of faith in him! I pray for grace to continue in his will until he gives you a new focus or challenge.
I implore you today to be deliberate and consistent in spiritual warfare. Don’t stop at shooting, strike also. Jericho didn’t come down until 7 complete cycles of marching. March onward, Christian soldier! Pray without season, bless the Lord at all times, be not weary in doing good for your harvest is underway. Shoot and strike!
More in this series:
Shoot and strike 1
by Jeanie | May 29, 2017 | Uncategorised
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by Jeanie | Apr 14, 2017 | Uncategorised
As we remember Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection this season, I would like to for us to consider a singular act which made it all possible – SACRIFICE!
No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again. This is what my Father ordered me to do.” John 10:18
A sacrifice can be an act (surrendering or killing) or a thing (an animal or person). It is a complex term which involves presenting an offering or a gift as an act of worship to a deity or superior. It is an expression of thanks, love and faith. In some instances, people and objects themselves are sacrifices.
The story of Isaac mirrors that of Jesus in some ways especially in relation to sacrifice. Scripture shows Isaac was a shadow of Christ. I came across a beautiful summary of both lives:
Photocred: © Confident Faith
Scholars say that Isaac was man enough to resist Abraham as he proceeded to slaughter him but he did not react. Jesus by reason of his person and place with God could have at many times aborted the mission to die for humanity. However, he chose to lay down his life. The lesson here is that a sacrifice should be offered willingly not, grudgingly or forcibly. Give with the right heart.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11
Sacrifices should be made humbly, obediently and trustingly. This speaks to your posture in giving. Jesus is noted to have humbled himself even to death – not any kind but that of the cross. Would you still sacrifice when it feels uncomfortable?
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
Jesus has modeled sacrificial living for us and so we have some tips on how to offer up our lives – not in death but in praise and holiness.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
God wants our bodies because it is the vessel he works through on earth. We worship with our Spirit but our flesh is what keeps us relevant on this side of eternity. God also desires praises. God formed us for the singular purpose of praising him. Isaiah says we are people ‘custom-made’ to praise.
Through Jesus we should always bring God a sacrifice of praise, that is, words that acknowledge him. Hebrews 13:15
by Jeanie | Mar 26, 2017 | Uncategorised
But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came. Mark 5:33a
Very recently, the denomination I grew up in faced some challenges which resulted in lawsuits. The outcome at best depicts a disunited assembly – a congregation with dissimilar agendas – physically assembled but mentally and spiritually apart – outwardly connected but inwardly disconnected. There’s really nothing wrong with that except that working towards a common goal would be a challenge for this particular group which is driven and motivated by different things.
Hundreds working in a corporation have diverse reasons for taking up an opportunity, so do thousands of worshippers who flood various sanctuaries weekly.
In our text, Mary – who had been sick for a long time having exhausted all her avenues and resources, came to Jesus. She came to see him like everybody else but her purpose was different.
For she said If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. Mark 5:28
Now that’s the reason she came. Not for another diagnosis, prognosis, temporary treatment or intervention. If you are Christian, she didn’t go for a word of knowledge, prophecy or direction; rather, peace and healing. In that moment, her position changed from that of a chronic patient to a survivor – case-study. The next time she showed up at the temple, she wouldn’t be connecting her seed to her need instead she would give a thank-offering, offer prayer of thanksgiving and not do spiritual warfare. That’s why she went!
The moment it happened for her was profound because 
the disciples couldn’t quite figure out why Jesus was asking such a ‘ridiculous’ question- Who touched me? Come on Jesus, are you for real? Yes, I was touched! This indicates that out of the many congregants who gather, only a few actually have an encounter. After the woman came – to testify (glorify and give account), knowing what had happened to her, Jesus said:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:34
Now that’s why she came. To praise the one who had turned her world around. Her private business may have become public knowledge, but she knew. Nobody would understand why she was teary, ecstatic and spinning around like she lost her mind, but it really didn’t matter to her because she ‘knew’ what had happened to her. What Jesus said shows you can have the breakthrough and remain in turmoil and pain.
Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine– where are they? “Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 17-19
Where are they? Who touched me? There is a blessing connected with thankfulness. I dare you to thank God right now. Yes even in your mess…. in the middle of your trail and while in the furnace. Don’t lose your praise!
Never go into God’s presence without showing gratitude for how far he’s brought you, He is a covenant –keeping God: What he did in the bible days and what he is doing in and around you can happen for you too. Your thank-offering can be praise other gifts or money. Have great expectations that it is your day even if all are by-passed; you would be visited, touched and healed. That’s why you should go!
by Jeanie | Feb 14, 2017 | Uncategorised
Last year, we looked at the stories of 3 women whose rendezvous’ by wells transformed their lives. One of the ladies actually took to live broadcasting, beckoning an entire city to come and see the man. Dude must have rocked, can I get a witness? 
Today, the scene of our story line is in the water. What’s water got to do with love someone may ask? Let get into the word!
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Matthew 3:16-17
The first thing to note is that Jesus was obedient to the call. Although he was equal to God, he did not deviate from their original plan. Imagine if Jesus allowed John to talk him out of getting baptised, would the heavens have opened? Could the Spirit have descended? Would the voice have spoken? Maybe, maybe not! I am sure John like some of the people you know meant well, but good intentions are neither here nor there – it could be one’s single ticket to heaven or hell. I couldn’t agree more with Tim Walberg when he says “good intentions can often lead to unintended consequences”. People do crazy things for love and it is even more difficult when being influenced by family, a friend or partner. However, It is important that you stay true to yourself and life purposes. There’s nothing wrong with saying ‘NO’ every now and again. That’s tough love!
The second key point is that the heavens opened. Open heavens allow for divine exchange – heaven’s resources to enrich the earth – for human weaknesses to be exchanged with God’s strength – for the supernatural to invade and transform the natural as in Jacob’s dream. Isaiah speaks of the impact of rain and snow on the soil. Three things happen: first it waters, secondly it causes grains to grow, and thirdly it produces on 2 levels – seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. What does this mean for you and I? Open heavens can release favours, abundance and blessings to cancel out disfavour, lack and any residual curse on our lives. One of the ways an open heaven is activated is through obedience. Another is willingness. During the days of Noah, the bursting of the deep springs triggered the opening of heaven’s floodgates. This speaks of desire, thirst and hunger. How badly do you want God? How deeply do you yearn for his presence? What lengths are you willing to go? To have this moment, Jesus walked to the river and found John. He went all the way! The power of devotion is incredible. When you wholeheartedly commit to serving your partner, you’ll be amazed how much of your needs would be met without you demanding. Not only would you be watered, but you’ll also bud, flourish and produce.
The next thing that happened is that the Holy Ghost descended and rested on Jesus. This is remarkable because the first time we see him in action, he was hovering, moving…literally surfing but this time, he took the form of a dove, alighted, perched and rested. No doubt God was with Jesus, but he was about to embark on a journey into the unknown – the wilderness (where he’d never been) and to fast (something he probably hadn’t done before) and ultimately die (which is an experience he’d never had). The dove-like descent of the spirit was a symbol of peace to fortify Jesus even against the turbulences ahead. It also symbolized companionship and touch. The ministry of reconciliation was a solo mission but Jesus had some support along the way. 
We all need somebody – a shoulder to lean on – someone to talk to and share our burdens with. The strongest, most independent, and introverted of us do. So reach out and encourage someone – it may mean you getting out of your comfort zone.
Lastly, scripture says that a voice spoke from heaven. I don’t know about you but when I am at crossroads, in a tight corner or a low place, I need a voice from above. The psalmist speaks of looking to the hills for help and being lifted to a rock when overwhelmed. Herein, there seems to be a Trinity party as in the beginning; only Jesus is listening while the father is doing the speaking with the Holy Spirit resting on him. The voice from heaven occurred at three key points in Jesus’ ministry: at his baptism, at his transfiguration, and before the cross – emphasizing the importance of God’s word. The word is a lamp, light and life; it transforms, empowers, preserves, guides, heals and delivers.
Have you ever been in love with somebody but it seemed your affair was secret until your partner started introducing you to friends, family and colleagues. Boy, did your head swirl? I can only imagine how Jesus felt as the father spoke about him: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The word ‘beloved’ in Greek means to be well or dearly loved, highly esteemed, a favourite and worthy of love. It is someone you cherish, value and respect. A beloved is your sweetheart, heartthrob, babe, or whatever you call them. By publicly announcing Jesus as his beloved, the father also reveals their bond and intimacy, and the extent. He went on to say he was well pleased in Jesus. Look at the adjectives the father uses to describe how he feels about the son. Jesus is dearly loved and well revelled. What are you saying to your partner? Are you calling them names that will uplift or dispirit them? The power of death and life lie in your tongue. Be creative and say something sweet but if you are struggling, look them in the eye, imagine a perfect state, and then prophesy!
I am concious of the fact that not everybody has someone to celebrate valentines with. You are not unloved. You have been accepted in the beloved which means the father loves you as he loves Jesus. Relish in that love today and respond however appropriate.
Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned. My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. He brings me to the banquet hall, and everyone can see how much he loves me. Song of Solomon 8:7;2:10; 2:4
Other Valentine Editions
Love at the Upper Room – You Showed Me
Come and see the man!
Love conquers all…
Will you be mine?
His Love, My Salvation
Because He Loved Me
Endless Love
You qualify!
I Love You
