Congratulations and welcome to the seventh month! A month in which all the loose ends in your life becomes tightened. It’s coming together, bone to bone – Piece by piece. God is re-arranging and fixing things for you. I decree an end to dispersion and confusion! The puzzle has been solved! Receive the peace of God! Today’s word is a bit lengthy but I know it will bless your heart! I heard a word – Arise!
And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take your journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give unto them. Deuteronomy 10:11
There is a higher calling – a call to greatness, to become more than you presently are- Arise! Usually, one would rise from a sitting, kneeling or lying position. Friend, It doesn’t matter which one of these postures you’re in, the word has gone out, God has issued a decree that you arise and that you will in Jesus Name!
The word also means to stand! Literally, to stand means to get on one’s feet, hold one’s ground; maintain a position; be steadfast or upright. In the name of Jesus, I judge anything that hitherto has caused you to not be firmly or solidly positioned! You will hold your ground! Touch your feet, open up your mouth and declare -I will hold my ground! I will not be bowed down! There’s a lifting up for me. I arise. I stand in Jesus’ Name. Amen
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:2
Metaphorically, that word means to occupy a place or location. There is a place for you, a particular purpose which only you can fulfil, a role no one else but you can play, a designated position you only can fill! Find that place and occupy it – arise!
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
In the scripture we read, God commanded Moses to arise and take his journey. That’s the word for you today! A quick background to this event:
Moses in anger broke the tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments and God in his mercy gave him a second chance! God said to him -I will again write on the tables however you too must play your part – hew the stones! Second-chance. Oh how he loves us!
Aaron died and was buried in Moserah, and his son Eleazar succeeded him as priest. God was here closing the gap, filling the void and ensuring there was no vacuum. Aaron must have a successor. Israel ought to have an intercessor, a worshipper – a chief priest!
All truth is parallel. Events in the natural are parallel to some happenings in the spirit. God bridged the gap in the natural so Israel would not be without an ordained representative and begin to lack or slack in worship. Have you lost someone or something lately?
Look around you carefully, there’s a replacement! He did it before and has done it again! Good God! Great God!! Gracious Lord!!! Can you just take a moment and worship him – He’s worthy!
God said to Moses “Arise, take your journey before the people”. Note the emphasis – his journey. One of the greatest tragedies in our time is people running, travelling and living not for themselves but for others! There is a time and place to give preference to others however scripture is clear that you need to continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12). That responsibility is yours and cannot be fulfilled by another. Yes, there are helpers, pastors and fathers but in the race of life – You must run for yourself! Run to win your prize! (1 Corinthians 9:24). Arise and run!
Moses was told to take his journey and lead the people on their way. If you never knew, know it now – It’s not just about you! Yes, the grace might be evident and the anointing so strong. You have been given enough for yourself and others. Arise and lead!
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
Why must I arise? Friend, there are prophetic words and destinies that may go unfulfilled except you arise! What if the survival of a nation depended on you? Selah! There is someone, a team, a company, a country dependent on you. If you doubt me, go on your knees!
From the text, we know God made a promise which he was willing and able to fulfil, yet without Moses, the people would not have gone in let alone possess the land. Hence, the command – Arise!
It really doesn’t matter where you are or what you’ve done. If you are willing, God is waiting – Arise!
Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33
When I woke up this morning, I read John’s account of the woman caught in adultery. (John 8:1-11 ). Although the woman was bound to face death by stoning according to the Law of Moses; when the scribes and Pharisees presented her to Jesus – the just judge, they dispersed following the words he spoke. Friend, God has for you released a word resounding in the ears of the enemy and it’s a word of deliverance.
In verse 10, Jesus asked the woman ‘Where are your accusers?’ Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ She simply answered ‘No one, sir.’ Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Jesus herein declared her not guilty.
Friend, no one can bring a charge against you! Satan – the accuser of the brethren has failed through the ages in his attempt to incriminate God’s people. His ploy to condemn Job – the blameless, resulted in Job’s double increase and restoration. His charge against Joshua, the High Priest who put on “filthy garments” got him a rebuke from The Lord and shame as Joshua’s filthy garments were changed right there and then, conferring righteousness upon him.
It really doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, if the lawful captives can be freed, then equally, the justly accused can be justified. Make up your mind today to walk in the fullness of what Jesus has procured for you. You have been justified through faith, and have peace with God. You have been justified by his blood, thus saved from God’s wrath. When Jesus said “Go”, he really meant it. What is it that has brought you to a halt? Selah!
If anything is interfering with your peace, it’s not from God and you need to judge it. Do it right now, you only need a word!
The one who vindicates me is close by. Who dares to argue with me? Let us confront each other! Who is my accuser? Let him challenge me! Isaiah 50:8
I was encouraged by reading this passage of scripture and thought I’d share it with you.
Gen 1 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
During the dark or night seasons of life; oftentimes it seems there isn’t any light. Light to provide illumination and produce a visual sensation. Light to give perspective on the entirety or part of the situation. Light to reveal information set-off invigoration, and find direction. Light to overshadow the darkness. Light! Light!! Light!!! Let there be light!
In the passage above, you would notice the lights exist to serve different purposes. While one shines bright, dispels all darkness, and brings clarity; the other emits small and narrow rays to enlighten the darkness. One might deem the latter insignificant, but the value is priceless.
Friend, no matter how dazzling or dark your circumstance seems, you have the light! The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish or overcome it. The light is Jesus; He shines always and all over but specializes in shinning in the dark places.
In verse 19 of the above passage, we read that evening passed and morning came. This means your night will not last long. It won’t extend beyond its time. Just as evening precedes morning, night precedes day. When it’s the day, the lesser light gives way for the greater light to rule. Paul in writing to the Romans said “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here”. Similarly, 1 John 2:8 says “The darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining”.Why don’t you release your faith with these confessions?
The night is nearly over
The day is almost here
The darkness is disappearing
The true light is already shining
I pray you are filled with light, having no part dark, so your whole life becomes radiant as though a floodlight were filling you with light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Last month we looked at God’s instruction steering us towards an onward motion – to march forward amidst difficult situations and obstacles. Today, we will proceed to learn how we can overcome with the use of ‘The Rod’.
Lift up your rod …Exodus 14:16a
The rod symbolizes the word of the Lord. The word to a Christian is what the rod is to a shepherd. It is a weapon, a heritage from God and the believers mark of authority. In ancient times, the rod was an implement that functioned to provide correction and gentle guidance. No wonder Apostle Paul said:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
In an earlier dialogue regarding the rod, God said to Moses:
You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs. Exodus 4:17 (WEB)
So, the rod is a vital tool in the believers’ arsenal. It is necessary for ruling, fighting, handling and executing. The word is what enables you to rule over and in the midst of your enemies. With the word, you can ward off and combat every evil attack on your life. The word will teach you how to effectively navigate and manage the various challenges facing you. Only by the word can you bind and loose, execute judgments, and perform miracles.
When the Israelites were faced with a problem, God told Moses to lift up his rod and He’s telling you the same today Friend, will you obey? You could be one step away from your miracle but if you don’t have the word to strengthen your faith Friend, what will become of your desires, promises and life, ultimately?
Why don’t you try this one thing? Lift up your rod!
There comes a time in one’s life when it becomes necessary to move forward or else death will ensue following long periods of inactivity.
Had the Israelites not moved forward, they would have been captured by the Egyptians, starved to death in the desert or perhaps drown by the overflowing Red Sea.
Life is about growth, gradual improvements and developments. It was William S. Burroughs who said that ‘When you stop growing you start dying’. Similarly, when you cease to advance in life, you begin to relapse.
God desires that you go forward, take this challenge and watch your life change for the better.
Love is truthful……. Love is faithful……. Love is beautiful…….Love is wonderful……. Love is powerful……. Love is…….Can you complete the blank?
If you have it, you ought to give it, if you’re not receiving it, go get it! I believe everyone deserves to be loved although in actual fact, that’s not the case. What could be the reason for this?
Perfect As human beings, due to the many imperfections and corresponding consequences we have been exposed to, there is a desire to almost be flawless – attain a level of excellence or assume a state of perfection. Everyone puts their best foot forward; afraid their true colours would be revealed, they project their strength and conceal their weaknesses – Why should my frailty be known, they ask and think?
Jesus in responding to the scribes of the Pharisees, who sought to condemn him for eating and drinking with sinners, said:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV)
So, if you need love Friend, you can have it regardless of your state; however, there is an action for you. You may have to “Go down to the threshing floor” or simply ask ”A certain lady out.” In any case, do something but don’t be limited to these.
Generally, it is patients who consult their doctors for advice, check-up, surgery, prescription, etc. Seldom do doctors visit patients without a request or consent but in the above passage, we can see Jesus did, why?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Romans 5:8, Ephesians 5:2
Friend, when love comes to town, be sure to jump that train and catch that flame!
Love A lot has been seen, said, sung, portrayed and written about it. Some believe it’s just a feeling, others, a way of living; an invariable on all viewpoints remains “Love is giving”. Love has both saving and staying power, it impacts, hence, God gave, Jesus gave, you give and I too give!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Anyone can and that includes you Friend.
Merit So, you think he doesn’t deserve you because his pockets are not heavy, he thinks you’re not worth it since you’ve been ‘over spun’ and they think you lack potential, will amount to nothing, therefore not to be reckoned with. Friend, whatever your background, just know that you qualify!
Paul’s Letter to the Romans reads:
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8
While we were yet sinners… when there was no cause for him to befriend let alone visit us, he came and died for our redemption. I encourage you Friend to ponder on this scripture the next time you’re tempted to put a premium on your love for someone or underplay another’s love for you. After all, not all you are or have is by merit only; or else, you would be and have nothing.
You don’t have to be perfect to stand a chance; quit wallowing in your pain and shame, let someone love you, better still, Let Jesus love you! The love you give, refuse to give or receive today is bound to impact for better or worse, so think and ask yourself what outcomes you desire?
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
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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