I Die Daily Part Two

Photo Credit: https://www.slideshare.net/larrypasley/the-word-of-god-54342359

So we introduced this very essential topic at the last post and gave a background knowledge of what it means to die daily. We understood that dying daily is the only way we can live a victorious life as believers. Its the way we can live above sin and temptations.

In this post we would look at how a believer can die daily. 

Firstly, let me reemphasize that dying daily does not entail always answering the altar call, nor does it mean self condemnation, but rather it entails the total yielding of our selves to the Holy spirit.

A believer can die daily by: 

Studying the Word Daily: 

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" Joshua 1:8

The constant meditation of the word daily is the secret to daily victory over temptations. Read and meditate!!!  Reading lifts up the WORD into your mind but meditation takes it inside your heart, where it begins to produce faith.

I have hidden thy WORD in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11. Here we see the psalmist say he has HIDDEN the WORD in his heart. This is a great key. You see the much of the WORD you keep in your heart the more transformed your life becomes; the more you begin to obtain victory over temptations. A believer rich of the WORD is wealthy. Such has an ancient treasure that have proven to stand sure and true.

It takes diligence to HIDE the WORD in your heart. Why must it be hidden? Couldn't it just be on my heart or in my head alone? Seeds are hidden inside the soil for them to bring forth fruits. This is because the birds of the air can feed on seeds found on the soil, men can trample on seeds found on the soil. But that is not the same for seeds hidden inside the soil. 

It's easy to be swayed and discouraged by challenges and temptations, when the Word you have heard  or read has not yet sank into your heart. 

 Practically, when studying the WORD, come as a little child...come with openness. This makes your heart receptive to the WORD. Don't be in a hurry...be free to ask questions..That would help you engage with the Holy Spirit who will make meaning of every thing you read and ask.

       The WORD is meant to be inside your heart not just your head.

In the next post we would understand the importance of  Prayers in dying daily.

Don't forget to ask your questions and leave your comments below. We would give a quick reply.

Shalom!

I Die Daily Part One

So these thoughts inundated me............

"I assure you, believers, by the pride which I have in you in [your union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily [I face death and die to self]" I Corinthians 15:31 AMP.

The very essence of Christ's death was to repair a relationship long broken by the axe of disobedience, cunningly sponsored by the old serpent. God's mission was to raise up a new breed from the risen nature of Christ, that He can now, confidently call Mankind, such that every man takes up the similitude of the very nature of the One who began the new race...Christ Jesus. 

Apostle Paul in the text above reiterated the very fundamental process that transposes Man from his fallen nature into the redeemed nature. A sinner who accepts Christ is a new creature, that is, a new spirit has been given to that man which is the Holy Spirit, that sponsors a new life in him. Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. 2 Corinthians 5:17. AMP.

The Holy Spirit in that new man begins to awaken the consciousness of a reality of distaste to unrighteousness. Such that the man's sensitivity to sin is heightened. A new consciousness has now been sparked up in that mans' life.

These consciousness stirs up a contention between the new man and his sinful nature which has began undergoing transformation. "For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do." Galatians 5:17. AMP.

Then how can this new man in Christ overcome this battle against the very nature that Lorded him in time past? We hear Apostle Paul cry out "I die daily!" 

The nature of sin still dwells in the flesh. Such that any Man that needs victory over the flesh must be ready to die daily. This does not imply that we answer every altar call on Sundays, but that we sustain a tempo that enables us, after been saved to begin to grow  and obtain victory over the strength of self.

I know of a friend who held a distinction in fighting. This friend had cultivated the act of fighting such that, it became somewhat of an addiction. Anyone who got in my friend's way, was in for a lifetime scar. Shockingly this was a female friend. 

One of those days in school she had a brawl with a fellow classmate and everyone was expecting a wrestle at any moment. Soon my friend got a slap from this person....It dawned on everybody that two heavyweights champions were about to clash. But to the shock of the entire class and likewise the demons in hell, my friend gently walked away. How did that happen? Have you experienced that before? 

Upon questioning, she had recently got born again. This is an example of one whose life has been exchanged with Christ. Rather than retaliate, she sought peace because her flesh has been mortified. Saying No to the desires of the flesh daily practically means to die daily.

How can one die daily?

Lookout for the part 2 of this post, as the Holy spirit would help me point out how a believer can die daily. 

Don't forget to ask your questions and leave your comments below. We would give a quick reply.

Shalom!

Woow!! I finally got the VISA

What could be more exhilarating than getting a VISA approval, especially when it is to the place where you've always longed to be. It's such a sweet experience.

The effort it takes to get a VISA can be demanding. All the documentations and scrutinizations, the anxieties, the sleepless nights preparing for the interview (especially for the study VISA) and so on,  summates to being a daunting experience. Though daunting, it can't over ride the joy of  a VISA approval.

I have gotten my VISA approval finally!... So i'm going to this beautiful country where everything seems to just be perfect. No pains, No wars, No Famine, No economic issues, No Political toggles...Nothing bad at all happens there.

I actually got it in 2011... Yes i mean when i gave my Life to Christ, i got the VISA to eternal Life!!!

I got my VISA to heaven!!!! Halleluyah!!!

Wow! Such great opportunity i received from the Lord JESUS CHRIST, to be accepted amidst all my faults and weaknesses that demanded a refusal, yet He stood by me with His word in John 3:16.

He said in Jeremiah 29:11, that HE knows the plans and thoughts He has towards me, good plans and not bad, to give me a future and a hope.

What better place can i be than to be where my Lord is. This world is not my home, but a passing through country... Everything here seems permanent, but they are vague.

You too can have this VISA, like i have, and you'll get to enjoy the countless benefits of eternal life in God's presence. And, you start enjoying this benefits here on earth. This is the true LIFE TIME investment.

To get this VISA, follow these steps:
1. Acknowledge you are a sinner.
2. Make this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
3. Congratulation, Your heaven bound VISA is approved!
 4. Join a bible believing church, and be fervent with your walk with God.

God bless you!

No! I've Lost Appetite

Photo credit: Irish Examiner

"...And the winner is ...uhmmm the winner is... erhmm yes yes the winner is Ramsey Rogers!!!" the anchor announced. 

Instantly there was a loud cheer in the auditorium. "RR!! RR!! RR!!" they all chanted. They continuously cheered until the anchor found it difficult to hear his voice. Finally after a short while that seemed like a never ending while, the crowd decided to heed to the anchor's plea. 

RR!! or better still Ramsey Rogers is the first child of Charlotte and Nnamdi Alexandria Rogers. 'He  has always been this way.. Just like i am'... that's his father's description of him whenever he's been asked about his son's excellent academic performance.

Well.. up until his demise he never said otherwise. His death was like the end of the world for the family. The cold sullen hands of death had earlier taken two of their kids in what seemed to be a normal childs play. Only when they heard a scream from the kitchen and there they were in the pool of their own blood... So what really happened?

Fast forward to the grand finale of the national essay competition. Charlotte couldn't hold back her tears. Her son has consoled her yet again!... She felt she's gradually becoming free from the years of pain and grieve. 

"Oh my boy! you've made mummy proud again!" she whispered to him and gave him a quick hug and bathed him with kisses. The seventeen year old Ramsey struggled to pull out of her hands ...well not because he was unhappy about it... but " Mum! mum! it's enough.. i'm in front of my mates... mum! mummy!" he insisted!! .Charlotte smiled... knowing how shy he could be. But on the flip-side, Ramsey felt relieved.

She began noticing it when he was still tender. He hardly could relate with other children his age. He was so reserved even to the point of eating. He's usual response when it's time to eat was..." No, I've lost appetite". He hardly ate. Well to a large extent that resulted to his lanky appearance. "You've lost what! my friend pick up your spoon and do justice to that meal right now... I mean where on earth did you initially keep your appetite...and why are you're always loosing it?, can't you keep it where you can easily find it?" Nnamdi would always respond this way when he is in the happy mood, and the whole family would get  soaked up in laughter.

Maybe if he was agile enough he could have saved his siblings. The deed was done right in front of him. He was only seven, the twin were just three.. The perpetrator was seven and was the next door neighbor. The quads were all playing together in the kitchen when Eugene picked up the newly bought knife and playfully pierced it into the stomach of the twin. He just did it laughing because he  had just done exactly what his favourite movie star did in the last episode of his favourite series and saw the same red liquid come out of  them as he saw on the screen. Ramsey was there, quiet and startled. Suddenly he heard himself scream until he collapsed!

"Mummy!! Mummy!! so you still have the video with you? Look at my lean cheeks... well i was just seventeen" the twenty five year old Ramsey said while taking a sit with his mum, who had been watching the video of his national essay competition. "just seventeen," she muttered. "look at the way you were struggling with me when i came to wash you with kisses and hugs" she jested.. " Oh my!!" Ramsey bursted into  a thunderous laugh... such that comes once in a blue moon. 

Charlotte tried fighting back her tears at the sight of this rare moment, but unfortunately she lost the  fight. Tears freely flowed from her eyes as she began sobbing. Ramsey quickly reached out for her hand.."it's well mum! Next week, i'll start my first job at the Bureau in Abuja. I'll make sure i offset outstanding  debts. " Ramsey said as he susccesfully fought back his tears. Just together the duo sat at the balcony of the apartment. 

ahhh!! Ahh!!....  JESUS!!! JESUS!!!

It has happened again!!! 

what happened?

Ramsey is dead! Yeah just right there at the balcony.... just there. Euguene again!!   yes. The same Eugune. He shot ramsey twice at the head. 

Euguene couldn't run far before he was caught... "madam !! madam!! give us a go ahead before the police comes!!" requested the mob... They didn't know she couldnt hear them ...she wasn't deaf ... but she was taken far back to memory lane... Right before her eyes her husband died in the hands of Eugene!... he was only twelve then! They said it was an accidental discharge! for her twins , they said she was careless to leave the kids in the kitchen. Now what would they say?

well, now they are saying vengeance. 

"Madam!! madam!" they called out.... Charlotte looked at her son's lifeless body. No more tears again... She just couldn't cry again! she had lost it.... with a shallow grin , she looked at them and muttered Ramsey's iconic response  " No...I've Lost Appetite...I've lost appetite for vengeance...I've lost appetite for anger... I've lost appetite for sin. Let him go, the police will take it from here..."

She lost appetite for revenge and anger hmmnn...

Have i lost appetite for sin? Even though born again and transformed yet, have we truly lost appetite for sin? 

What do we still give in to in secret? 

  "And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with it's passions and appetites and desires." Galatians 5: 24 (AMP)

Brethren it's clear, until we get to the point where we've completely lost appetite for sin...we truly do not belong to Christ Jesus!

Shalom!

The True Light. By Apostle Arome Osayi

Photo credit: knowing-jesus.com

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…That was THE TRUE LIGHT which gives light to every man coming into the world.

(John 1:1, 4-5, 9 NKJV, emphasis added)

The United Nations is seen as a force for good as it has its operational tentacles in almost every facet of human endeavour today. It has visible structures and systems built in order to combat the multifarious challenges plaguing mankind. From wars to hunger to disease and natural disasters, the United Nations deploys enormous resources to take on these challenges. 

The United Nations was officially set up in the aftermath of the Second World War in order to among many things, maintain peace in the world. Many interest groups joined forces in order to forge the United Nations. 

There were, however, silent but salient forces that helped breathe life to the United Nations. One of such forces is called the Lucifer Publishing Company which was founded in the early 1920s to spread the teachings of Alice Bailey: a magnificent occultist, theosophist and above-ground apologist of Satan. The name of the company was changed to Lucis Trust which to this day remains on the United Nations Economic and Social Council where they provide high profile consultancy services to the United Nations. The United Nations charter was framed from the teachings of Alice Bailey. Lucis Trust has a hand in the design of United Nations social and economic programmes that are executed in the nations of the world. 

WHY LUCIFER AND LUCIS?

Why did Alice Bailey use the appellations Lucifer and Lucis to name her organisation? Simple, Lucifer means light bearer. Lucis means of light. 

Of course Lucifer was once the consummate embodiment of celestial refulgence –he was an anointed Cherub, and son of the morning whose frame bore and exuded God’s light. After going rogue and getting cast out of heaven, Lucifer became the devil forever losing the capacity to bear God’s light. So the best he can do now is masquerade and/or transform himself into an angel of light. The Bible says,

For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14, NKJV)

Since Satan has lost the capacity to bear God’s light, which by the way is the true light, he has built and perfected his capacity to present counterfeit and/or false lights.

COUNTERFEIT AND/OR FALSE LIGHTS

Any light that does not have Jesus Christ (who is the word of God, bearer of God’s life and the only true light) as its source is counterfeit and/or false.

ALL LIGHTS SHINE BUT NOT ALL LIGHTS ARE TRUE

There are so many systems out there in the world that seem to shine some kinds of lights. They shine lights through humanitarian programmes (like those of the United Nations and several NGOs whose core agenda is to obliterate God from society); beautifully crafted philosophies that espouse dependence on oneself instead of God (as contained in many self help and motivational books and tapes today), arts, entertainment and culture etc. 

All lights shine but not all lights are true. Truth is one: Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only true light that bears the substance of God’s reality and life and can dispense the same to whoever believes in Him. Actually any light that does not hail from Jesus Christ will yield nothing but wholesale, full-scale darkness!

THREE AREAS GOD’S LIGHT MUST SHINE ON DAILY

i. The feet (Psalms 119:105) for direction. You walk in the direction of your feet. In the journey of faith direction is key.

ii. The path (Psalms 119:105) for spiritual progress. The path of spiritual progress continually leads you to places in God. 

iii. The heart (2 Corinthians 4:6) for the continual knowledge of the glory of God. The heart must be flooded by God’s light in order to be filled with the living, functional knowledge of God that can produce fruits in the believer.

The light of God is always produced when the word of God gains entrance in the depths of man (Psalms 119:130). This can only happen when the believer enlarges their appetite for God’s word. To consume more and more and more and more and some more…

The question begging for answer therefore is: WHAT LIGHT DO YOU CONSUME DAILY?