CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

INTRODUCTION

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” 1 Peter 4:12-16 

"The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his" George MacDonald

Suffering has to do with enduring pain, sorrow, distress, grief, travail, misery and anguish. It is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives in a way that would never occur without the trial or irritation. We may suffer persecution because of our faith, especially when we take a stand on biblical issues that is suffering for righteousness sake [2 Tim. 3:12]. It is through many tribulations that we shall enter into the kingdom [Acts 14:22]. Suffering is inevitable! “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto” [1Thess. 3:3]. Peter says that our sufferings have two components:  

First, we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Secondly, our suffering does not destroy us, but purifies us. It purges out the old leaven and make us pure and cleansed. Suffering transforms our inner man to become more like Jesus and conforms us to the standard of the scriptures. Godly suffering is purposeful, painful, purifier, perplexing, proves our faith in the ability of God to deliver us and it is a process that requires time and endurance [James 1:2-4]. Suffering provides opportunity for God’s glory, our transformation, testimony, better physical and spiritual abilities and even ministry.

SUFFERING, TRIALS, PERSECUTION, TEMPTATION AND TRYING OF OUR FAITH

Suffering requires the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. If you want the godly character and blessings that accrues, then you must first go through the suffering process. Trials simply give us the capacity to cooperate with the process, the proof of our faith is that despite all, we are still standing and fruit of the spirit like patience is developing in our inner man [James 1:4]. We must allow the process to work and experience inner peace and joy in the midst of the trials. Godly reward awaits those perfected through suffering. This make our continued dependence and walk to be on the grace, provision and the power of God, rather than on our own resources but unto His. [2 Cor. 11:24-32; 12:7-10]

“…comforts us in all afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

We must bear each other burden when another brethren is going through the valley of the shadow of godly suffering, encouraging and helping them as deem necessary per time. We are graced to comfort brethren suffering especially when we ourselves have suffered such affliction and now in a wealthy place. When you have gone through your own fiery trials, and God has gone through to deliver you, you have real help to offer to those going through theirs.

You have firsthand experience of both his sustaining grace and his resolute scheme. God has kept you through pain and agony; He has reshaped you through transformation to look more like his image. Suffering in itself does not remove the impurities in our lives, but is a tool God uses to cause us to exercise faith in the provisions of God’s grace to deny all ungodliness and have a Christ like nature [Titus 2:12]. Then we can give godly comfort that we are experiencing with increasing measure to others that needs to be comforted. We are learning both the tenderness and the clarity necessary to help sanctify another person’s deepest distress.  

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” Heb. 2:9-10 

Trials, temptations and sufferings should be understood from a temporary action stand-point. It will soon fade away no matter how hard or how long it is. Jesus was perfected through the act of suffering so shall we can be like Him if we endure like a good soldier. Grace is available in God to die to the old carnal nature so that like Jesus we can be perfected.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” 1 Cor. 10:13

First of all, we recognize that in God’s will, Jesus suffered. His sufferings were totally unlike ours in that he suffered not for himself, but for the sins of others. But now we are invited to share in Christ’s sufferings. Now, while this is mainly focused on sharing in the persecution Christ suffered, it is not limited to that. There is a suffering “according to the will of God” [1 Peter 4:19]. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution [2 Tim. 3:12]. If we suffer as Christ suffered, we shall also reign with Christ [2 Tim. 2:12].

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you“. Matt. 5:10-12

In other words, we should never choose suffering for suffering sake, but commit ourselves to doing the will of God, even if it means we suffer. And there are times when doing the will of God means that we will suffer. “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” [2 Cor. 1:5]. We partake of his sufferings not by sharing in his atonement, but by following Him in a sinful world where we will suffer in this world bearing his shame.  Suffering provides key opportunities to manifest and magnify the power of God through His servants in order to verify and confirm the messenger and his message. It provides opportunities to reveal our credentials as ambassadors of Christ [1 Kings. 17:17-24; John 11:1-45]. Those who have been trained by suffering learn to praise God more even in their adversity. We are hereby restored to fellowship and our sins are purged out if we erred. Our response in suffering must demonstrate faith, love for God and for others, Christ-like character, values, commitment, and godly priorities.

“In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other so that man may not discover anything that will be after him” Eccl. 7:14

COMPLEXITY OF SUFFERING

Suffering are multifaceted as Apostle Paul wrote “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not destroyed” [2 Cor. 4:8-9]. There are many types of suffering including mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Suffering is an instrument that God uses to get our attention and to achieve His purposes in our lives. It is intended to build our trust in the Almighty, but suffering requires the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. Suffering forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources.

The Apostle Paul saw his thorn in the flesh as an instrument allowed by God to help him maintain a spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord because of the special revelations he had seen as one who had been caught up to the third heaven. We often suffer to keep down or annihilate pride like Paul [2 Cor. 12:7]

There are plenty of examples: A Christian on break at work prays over his lunch and he was jested over by unbelievers. A school teacher is mocked and laughed at while at School because of his Christian stand and principles, a Christian football player prays before a game and all the guys are laughing and telling crude jokes about him. A young lady in college is mocked for her virginity. A young Muslim woman is threatened by her father that he will kill her if she doesn’t renounce her new found Christian faith.

APOSTOLIC SUFFERING

“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and BEATEN THEM, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” Act 5:40-42 emphasis mine [also Matt. 23:34] 

The God pleasing courage and faithfulness of the apostles in the midst of all these injuries and humiliations done to them is commendable. When they were dismissed, the Apostles departed from the council rejoicing counting themselves worthy to suffer for the cause of the Lord Jesus, and we do not find one word they said by way of the unjust treatment given to them. When they were reviled they reviled not again; and when they suffered they threatened not; but committed their cause to God who Gamaliel referred to, even to a God who judges righteously. All their heartbeat was to serve God in truth and in spirit, and to make full proof of their ministry, notwithstanding the opposition or cruelty meted to them; and both these they did to admiration and very commendable.

Christian persecutions is for our purification [1 Pet. 4:13]. These things are not limited to times we are persecuted, but include trials of many kinds. Peter uses a Greek word for burning “purosis” translated as the English word “fiery” trials, from which the word “purify” is derived. Peter is saying that God is using difficult and different trials for our purification. Peter says these things are coming upon us to “test us” or apply pressure to our Christian stand.

COUNT IT ALL JOY

James agreed with Peter: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” [James 1:2].

Paul also agreed with Peter:

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” Romans 5:3-4. 

Both of them said we must know something about our trials; God is using them to purify us, to change us, and to conform us to his holy image. Suffering acts as a pruning tool to eradicate dead branches from our lives (weaknesses, sins of ignorance, weight and sin, immature attitudes and values, sexual vices.) God wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us through the process called brokenness. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point. Our loyalty to the Lord is often tested in the fire of affliction. The desired goal is increased fruitfulness (John 15:1-7). Trials may become mirrors of reproof to reveal hidden areas of sin and weakness (Ps. 16:7; 119:67, 71). God can only enlarge us and make me grow wide by distresses we go through and the word of the Lord that we imbibe in order to be free from these trials. Trials test our faith and causes us to use the promises and principles of the Word, quickening of the Spirit and intense agonizing prayers to produce faith and mature Christian man and womanhood [Psalms 119:71, 92; Psalms 4:1].

That’s why Peter can tell us along with Paul and James that far from being brooding and disheartened about our trials, we should rejoice in them and thank God for them. First of all, they are evidence that we really belong to Jesus in that we are given to share in his very own sufferings. It’s not that He has his sufferings and we have ours; we are sharing in his very own sufferings. There is another reason we can and should rejoice in these things: they are preparing us for a far greater weight of glory to come, so said Apostle Paul.  

SUFFERING AND GLORY

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” 2 Cor. 4:17. 

Paul says it another way in the book to the Romans

”The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time and life are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!”” Romans 8:17-18.

There is a glory to be revealed in those who have suffered with Christ in this life. We are destined to bring glory to God (1 Peter 4.14-16). Peter tells us the ultimate reason we suffer; so that we can bring glory to God. Peter reminds us of what Jesus told us, that we are blessed when we are reviled for the name of Christ. Insults or abuses cannot drive the blessing of the Spirit from Christ’s disciples. Peter says when believers suffer because they are Christians, God is glorified. 

Peter tells us that suffering not only leads to glory one day, it tastes of glory now as the Spirit and glory of God is on us. Of course, the suffering that brings glory to God is never suffering due to crimes that we commit. “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). Suffering due to our own wrongdoing is not to be tolerated or permitted. But we may suffer as a Christian. Peter says rejoice because you glorify God in that name when you are being treated the way this world treated our Lord derogatorily.

PURIFICATION AND PURGING

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Malachi 3:1-3                                                                                                                                         

When God purifies he sends his fire. It starts with those in his own house. At new birth, we are like raw gold gotten from deep underneath the earth that must be heated up and purified with high intensity fire. These are the fiery trials that we must presently endure. You should thank God for these fiery trials; they will spare us the judgment to come. Paul says it this way: “When we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world” 1 Corinthians 11:32. 

The fiery trials the Christian endures are the refining fire of the Lord who has come to His temple who we are. If we, the righteous, barely survive these trials, what will happen to this world when God’s fire comes? Peter is not calling into question our security in Christ. The word translated “scarcely” is best rendered by the word “difficulty”. It does not imply uncertainty of the outcome, but the difficulty of the road that leads to it. One author responded that: “God’s purging of his people is not a process that takes place in purgatory after death, nor is it a punishment that atones for sin. Rather, his purging is the discipline of suffering and trials by which the faith of his people is purified, as gold in the furnace.”

There is only one thing left for us to do. It is to keep entrusting our souls to God knowing that he is faithful, and continue to do good without growing weary. That means you actively keep turning over your life and your life circumstances to God, knowing that if you are doing his will, then you can bear anything. And you view it all as an opportunity to bear your cross daily.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” 1 Pet. 1:6-7 

You are not meant to fail but to grow by the trials and be purified by it, trials that you go through in life will help you also to run your Christian race better.

DESPISE NOT CHASTENING

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speak unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord love he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receive. If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” Hebrews 12:2-8 [Check also Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 3:18, Heb. 10:33, 1 Peter 2:22, 4:14-16]

If Christ suffered we also should have the mind to suffer. The reward of Christ’s suffering was that he sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, He was exalted to a position of the highest honor, of the greatest power and influence; he is at the right hand of the Father. Nothing passes between heaven and earth but by him; he does all that is done; he ever lives to make intercession for his people.

We must aim high for the same kind of glory! We must continue to look at His works and live like He did, despising any shame or reproach. All Christians must set him continually before us as our example, and our great encouragement and reassurance; we must look to him for help, direction, assistance, and for acceptance, in all our sufferings. We must consider him, meditate much upon him, and reason with ourselves from his case to our own.

If we dare compare Christ's sufferings and ours; we shall find out that His sufferings far exceeded ours, in the nature and measure of them, so his patience far excels ours, and is a perfect pattern for us to imitate. It is called becoming like Jesus in all things. Focusing on Christ will be a means to prevent our weariness, exhaustion and fainting [Heb. 12:3]. If we don’t, we will be weary and faint in your minds under these trials and afflictions, especially when they prove heavy and of long continuance.

LAST WORDS

Faith in God and meditation in the scriptures will procure fresh supplies of strength, boldness, confidence, comfort, and courage; for Christ has assured us, if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him: and this hope will be our cover against the onslaught of our adversaries.

Suffering establishes us in the truth [II Peter 1:12], establishes us in our faith [Thess. 3:2-6], establishes our hearts in good words [II Thess. 2:16-17], establishes our hearts un-blamable in holiness [I Thess. 3:13], and establishes our hearts in patient waiting for the return of Christ [James 5:7-11].

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.” I Peter 5:10

Through suffering, God perfects, establishes, strengthens, and settles believers. Perfection in the above scripture means to complete thoroughly, to render fit, complete, to put a thing in its appropriate condition, or to mend aright. All brethren can only be perfected through suffering to become like Master Jesus

“The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master” Luke 6:40. 

FAITHFULNESS: SALVAGING THE MARITAL QUAGMIRE

FAITHFULNESS: SALVAGING THE MARITAL QUAGMIRE

“A faithful man who can find …” Proverb 20:6 

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” 1 Cor. 4:2 KJV 

“It is especially important that we are of fidelity and integrity” I Cor. 4:2 The Voice Bible

Faithfulness or trustworthiness is the total commitment to a cause, it is allegiance to a person, relationship or association unflinchingly with cords that cannot be broken. It is walking in agape love that knows no band that bind one’s obligation to the terms [1 Cor. 13] unwaveringly. It is showing fidelity, dependability, devotion or commitment to a person or a cause without failing. It is the looking away from assumed wrong or bad behavior of others while doing all that one is committed to. Furthermore, faithfulness is allowing God’s decree, ordinance, or laws to dictate one’s behavior even if our dearly beloved partner abuse the covenant that binds us together, It is to be realistic, truthful, and authentic [not carbon copy, unbranded product or double personality].

“Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!” Psalms 119:29-31 

Shame is automatically terminated and reproach driven far away from you if you correctly walk in total alliance with the fullness of the faith filled word of God that is revealed to you per time. The resultant effect is that when brethren see you, the fragrance of Christlikeness will flow to them from the virtues of faithfulness working in your inner man. Faithful brethren in marital relationship covers each other’s nakedness judiciously without any offence or exposure to third party marriage breakers.

Conjugal faithfulness can be exemplified by the caring for one another devotedly just like a mother cares for a suckling child, Couples must honor one another preferring other above self. The wife allowing the man to take his place of “crown prince” until the affection is reciprocated by him loving her so dearly that he dots on her like a pet dog nudging and all over her affectionately. The man should show his wife loving compassion and treat her as the best thing that ever happens to him after his salvation. She will begin to dot on him, submitting to him without any cajolement nor forcefully lording over her like a monster. No Tom and Jerry relationship please. Your lives is meant to complement one another, make room for transformation in an attitude that will help the peace and harmony of your blessed home.

Faithfulness is handling frictions with the spirit of love knowing that your partner mean no harm though his or her behavior veers off the standard of the scriptures just like all of us are not perfect and have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Bear it in mind always that when you look at the little speck in his or her eyes there is always a big log in your eyes that you failed to acknowledge and deal with, therefore stop being judgmental always. Mortify, kill or crucify every works of the flesh in your mortal body [Col. 3:5-10]. Kill earthly corruption and be celestially glorified.

There is no way that strife, bitterness, offenses, wrath, unforgiveness, all manner of complexes, ungodly disagreements and other vices will not want to show their ugly head but you must rise up above all evil characters and kill them.  If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE … Disassociate from all evil! No space here for evil antics anymore in Jesus mighty name.

When anger wants to rise up or show its ugly face, even if you are truly aggrieved or mistreated… take a deep breath and tell him [anger] … You don’t dwell here anymore! Anger gets you out of the spirit led life into fleshly, carnal, evil behavior and life style. Anger rests in the bosom of fools. You will say words that should not be uttered at all and you are ensnared by it or you will release a demon infested atmosphere in your home by it. Kill every joy killers before they kill your matrimonial peace and joy.

You owe one another the duty of lifting up holy hands before God and praying for one another fervently until manifestation of a better lifestyle is seen. The powerful word of God must be resident in your hearts and powerfully uttered in prayers continually committing one another to God daily who is able to save, heal, deliver and bless at all times. Both joint prayers and “aloneness with God” is essential so that you can always hear what the Spirit is saying for your next level and use it as weapon to “deny ungodliness” looming in the dark wanting to creep in to cause havoc. Furthermore, we must commune habitually with both God and our partner to keep both relationships going smoothly and in a happy joyous mood. We must be friends first before we become lovers in true essence!

“Ahimelech answered, "David is the most faithful officer you have! He is your own son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and highly respected by everyone in the royal court“1 Sam. 22:14 GNB

Beloved male partner in marriage, the above will be your testimony in Jesus mighty name. You will apply your heart to wisdom, have a godly caring attitude, you will be compassionate towards your darling wife. I decree that you are a faithful man and you will abound with blessings [Prov. 28:20] and grace of a leader shall rest upon your shoulder in Jesus mighty name. Be slow to speak, slow to wrath and quick to listen! Women talk and want to be heard; listen even if what she started to say seems to be nonsense, hear her out before you conclude on that matter! Be blessed!

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend” Prov. 27:6 KJV 

Beloved female partner, if your “Prince Charming” say things that causes pain in your heart but you find out that it’s the truth, stop stalling or rationalizing self, accept the engrafted words from him that is able to save your soul. Delete every negative thoughts! Satan is a liar! Quickly agree after every disagreement! Submit to God. Give no place to the Devil!

“Friends mean well, even when they hurt you“. Prov. 27:6 ESV

Even if he hurt you sometimes which is bound to happen, know that he loves you dearly, he meant well and he is not out to cause you grieve or pains. Quickly agree with one another and do not let the sun go down on your wrath or fierce anger. “I AM SORRY” goes a long way in defueling or nullifying arguments, bickering and incessant quarrelling. End up in praying together every night and your life together will be forever blissful.

LEAVE ALL OTHERS & CLEAVE TOGETHER! IT IS CALLED ONENESS AND BONDING! GEN. 2:24

Cleaving symbolizes oneness and bonding of spouses portrayed by the fusing of the egg and sperm or embryo formation. Great mystery here is called “meiosis” whereby the fused zygote multiplies abundantly until the eyes, legs, arms and even heart become visible in the fetus. Hear me, except husband and wife fuse together, they cannot abundantly multiply in all areas of life. Fusing involves one mind, one hope, one thought pattern and goal and in one ceaseless pursuit of serving and obeying God. None cleavers have slow progress, stagnation, poverty and ill luck!    Choose right and live heaven on earth!

“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal…” 1 Cor. 13:4-8 GNB  

BEHOLD JESUS CHRIST THE KING

BEHOLD JESUS CHRIST THE KING

“Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” Isaiah 32:1-2 

Looking at the natural setting of the days that this prophecy was delivered by Prophet Isaiah it will seem that it was directed at king Hezekiah but it was an allegory to look at the Messiah and King of kings Jesus Christ who reign both as king on earth and in heaven eternally [Coll. 2:15-19]. He is the Head of the Church of God and was set by His Father as the King over Mount Zion after being exalted to the right hand of the Father and declared Lord of lords. There He will be and reign until all His enemies are put under His feet reigning with great pomp, power and glory before His ancients in Jerusalem.

“Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously” Isa. 24:23

Jesus Christ is part of the Godhead and He is holy, sinless, blameless and a righteous King. Christ reigns in a righteous manner, according to the rules of uprightness, fairness and equity: all his laws are just; his ways and methods of government are right; his scepter is a scepter of righteousness: righteousness is the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

In the New Testament, Christ now rules in the hearts of his people by his Spirit [Holy Spirit] and grace. His spiritual reign will more manifestly appear in the latter day; but here it is to be understood of his reign on earth. Remember all powers in heaven and on earth has been given to Him and He spoil principalities and powers making an open show triumphing over them.  

Christ is the Prince of Peace that “shall rule in judgment”, the fivefold ministers of the Gospel, pastors of churches, are the “princes” under the Prince of Peace who are set over the Church of God in the Lord, and have the rule over them; and who rule as under-shepherds, in judgment and righteousness, when they rule according to the word of God; when they preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances, and do all the business of Christ's house, according to the instructions, laws, and rules Christ has given.

Christ is the one described as “And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest”. The King Messiah agreed to become man, though He had often appeared in a human form, was to be incarnate, and now is; though he is not a mere man; were he, he could not be what is here said of him, "as a hiding place, and covert from the wind and tempest".

Christ is our hiding place from His Father's wrath. We were raised in sin; and which all men are deserving of punishment, and on whom it must fall, unless secured or redeemed from it by Christ; who bore it on the Cross and in the stead of His people, He turned away sin, and delivered us all from it, and all the effects of it, so that nothing of it comes upon us. We are free from guilt and consequences of sin.

Christ endured the whole force of the storm Himself as He died on the Cross of Calvary for the remission of our sin; and his righteousness, blood, sacrifice, and intercession, hereby screening his people from sin. He also hides and covers us from Satan's temptations, the blast of the terrible ones, which is as a storm against the wall, so that we shall not be destroyed by them.  Christ prayed and interceded for us, and supplied us with His grace.

Likewise Christ protects us from the rage and fury of our persecuting enemies, when they come like a "whirlwind" to "scatter" us; we have rest in Christ. When troubled by men and we are secured by him, when these winds and waves beat upon us; and when we are tossed with the tempests of afflictions of various kinds, Christ bears us up and gather us under His wings, and carries and delivers us through these life afflictions, and brings us at last safely to the harbor of glory.

“Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” Isa. 32:15-18 

Jesus the King is “as rivers of water in a dry place”; which are very delightful, refreshing, fruit bearing and harvest producers. This denotes the abundance of grace in Christ, and the freeness of it, which flows from the boundless ocean of divine love, and which greatly comforts and refreshes the souls of the Lord's people in this dry and barren land, and makes us cheerful and fruitful, revives our spirits, makes glad our hearts, and causes us to go on our way rejoicing.

Christ is “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” to travelers in it, who passing through a desert in hot countries and sultry climates, are glad when they find a rock which casts a shade, under which they can sit a while, sheltered from the scorching sun. He is our Spiritual guide and we are the pilgrims carousing through the earth looking for rest that only Christ can give.

Such a weary land is this world to the saints, who are wearied with sins, their own and others, with Satan's temptations, with afflictions and troubles of various sorts.

Christ is the "Rock" that is higher than us who the Holy Spirit leads us to for season of refreshing. To Christ we are directed and led when our hearts are overwhelmed within us; on whom not only our souls are built, and our feet are set. He is our shelter; His breath is reviving and refreshing. The entrance of His word under which we sit with delight and pleasure gives light and understanding to the simple. He acts as our guide and makes our traveling through this wilderness comfortable knowing that we will soon cross River Jordan by the Spirit into the Promised Land.

GOD OUR HELPER

GOD OUR HELPER

“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron” Psalms 115:9-12

David's boast is in Jehovah, the only living and true God [1 Chron. 14: 1, 17-18, 21]. Others trusting gods or self, do vaunt their impregnable castles, placed on inaccessible rocks and secured with gates of iron like the Jebusites in Jerusalem; but God is a far better refuge from distress than all these: and when the time comes to carry the war into the enemy's territories, the Lord stands his people in better stead than all the valor of legion soldiers or the boasted strength of chariot and horse.

Saints of God, remember this, and count yourselves safe, and make yourselves strong in God. Forget not the personal possessive word “our;” make sure each one of your portion in God, that you may say, “He is my refuge and strength.” Neither forget the fact that God is our refuge just now, in the immediate present, as truly as when David penned the word. God alone is our all in all. All other refuges are refuges of lies, all other strength is weakness, for all power belong unto God: but as God is all-sufficient, our defense and might are equal to all emergencies or needs.

“Our soul wait for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee” Psalms 33:20-22 

 “A very present help in trouble,” or in distresses God has so been found, He has been tried and proved by his people. He never withdraws himself from his afflicted. He is our help, truly, effectually, and constantly; he is present or near us, close at our side and ready for our succor, and this is emphasized by the word “very” in our version, he is more present than friend or relative can be, yea, more nearly present than even the trouble itself. To all this comfortable truth is added the consideration that his assistance comes at the needed time, never late! He is not as some parent or friends that forsake us in the time of need; he is a friend in need and a friend indeed who hides us in His pavilion and covers us under His everlasting wings when the enemy swoops in for a kill.  

“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help… Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God” Psalms 146:3, 5 

Art you weak? God will strengthen you. Art you destitute of friends? God will help thee in the time of need. Art you ready to sink, ready to fall? God will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. You will not drown in the storms of life nor will the fire of affliction burn you. God will arrive right early to help you. Do not go down to Egypt for help! The help of man is vain. Hope in the divine ability of God to save, heal and deliver you.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness…For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” Isa. 41:10, 13-14 

We must continually set our focus on Jesus Christ the author and the finisher of our faith. He dwells on Mount Zion where there is deliverance and where we will possess our possessions. He will do as He had promised to help us!

“will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” Psalms 121:1-2 

Whatever you do in life, vocation or even in ministry, learn to trust in the Lord who alone is able to be your every present help in the time of need.

Faith is the currency that is able to pay for our escape from evil in the day of trouble. We must believe strongly in the ability of God to get us out of life problems and do great and mighty things in our lives. “Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled.” When all things are excited to fury, and reveal their utmost power to disturb or cause havoc, but faith in God smiles calmly knowing the ability of God to deliver in the time of trouble. Faith is not afraid of noise, nor even of real force. Faith is convinced that the Lord will still the raging of the sea, and holds the waves in the hollow of his hand. 

“Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Alps and Himalayas may tremble, but faith rests on a firmer basis, and is not to be moved by swelling seas. Evil may ferment, wrath may boil, and pride may foam, but the brave heart of holy confidence in God trembles not, he is immovable trusting in the Lord. Great men who are like mountains may quake for fear in times of great calamity, but the man whose trust is in God needs never be dismayed. Hope thou in God, He will sustain and bring you out of life problems.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early” Psalms 46:1-5 

Latch on the grace or unmerited favor of God that believers enjoy so that you will be guaranteed to obtain mercy from the throne room of grace in the time of need.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16 

“The throne of grace!” What a beautiful expression. A throne is the seat of a sovereign; a throne of grace is designed to represent a sovereign seated to dispense mercy and pardon. God is seated on a throne of mercy. The great High Priest of the Christian calling, having shed his own blood to make expiation, is represented as approaching, God and pleading for the pardon of people. To a God willing to show mercy he comes with the merits of a sacrifice sufficient for all, and pleads for their salvation. We may, therefore, come with boldness and look for pardon. We come not depending on our own merits, but we come where a sufficient sacrifice has been offered for human guilt; and where we are assured that God is merciful. We may, therefore, come without hesitancy, or trembling, and ask for all the mercy that we need.

Grace is the unmerited favor, strength, help, counsel, direction, support, for the various duties and trials of life. This is all that we need. Even when pardoned, we need grace to keep us from sin, to aid us in duty, to preserve us in the day of temptation. And feeling our need of this, we may come and ask of God “all” that we want for this purpose. Such is the assurance given us; and to this bold approach to the throne of grace all are freely invited.

RESTORATION: GRACE FOR BEGINNING ANEW

RESTORATION: GRACE FOR BEGINNING ANEW

And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel Zechariah 3: 1-3 KJV

I sense deep in my spirit that the mercy and the grace of God which God made available for Joshua the high priest who retrogressed is present today to save, deliver and restore our disconnected relationship with God the Father. It is evident that “grace for new exploit” is being released to us in this dispensation.

Joshua the high priest situation used to be pathetic and the hedge of God’s protection removed because his relationship with the Lord was negatively affected because he backslid. His right standing with God was corroded and the bellows has mangled his peace and there was agitation in his soul.

HAVE A SPIRITUAL CHECK ON YOURSELF

Are you in the same situation today? Are you still the prayer warrior that you used to be? Can we count on your prophetic utterances as authentic as before when the light of God shine on your life? How is your study life? Can we expect the glory of God to come down as you lead the worship session as before? Do you still pray and study the word of God with diligent tenacity? Do your teachings still bring in a convicting presence of God as we hear you teach? Do you still prosper as a righteous business man or you now have bad success? Are you known and still known as a man that love God or your love for Him has waxed cold?

DO YOU STILL FEEL THE PRESENCE OF GOD WHEN YOU SEPARATE YOURSELF UNTO THE PLACE OF ALONENESS WITH GOD OR YOUR WOOD IS SO BURNT OUT AND YOUR FIRE HAS GONE OUT?

Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt be made plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings crying, Grace, grace unto it… (He) have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it…Zechariah 4: 7-9 KJV

Take advantage of the GRACE available today in Christ Jesus and be reconciled back to God. All God is asking is for you to repent (Acts 3: 19) and be reconverted to your former spiritual estate [if you backslid] so that times of refreshing can come to you from the PRESENCE of the Lord. God is able to crush any mountainous afflictions, problems or stumbling block in the way of you fulfilling kingdom mandate.

Repent so that times of refreshing can come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 KJV

Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him, he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Zech. 3: 4 KJV

RESTORATION

When you do the above, God will help and restore you. Glory will be your covering and grace and truth in its fullness shall be bestowed upon you. Your season of positive change will show forth. You will have to take away the filthy garments before God can give you a change of raiment but surely your forgiveness has been set in place two thousand years ago when Christ nailed our sins to the cross at Calvary.

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:25-27 KJV 

At last! Restoration has come! We are being changed into Christ’s image, covered with the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and a fair miter of Holiness (v. 5) is set upon our head again as the covering glory of God in our lives!

When restoration has been effected, we shall enjoy times of refreshing from the Presence of God and we will link up with the grace that God releases in this dispensation when we have encountered the light of the gospel of truth that sets free and enforce liberty from the law of bondage.

Grace will re-fire us such that we can pick up abandoned projects for the Lord again and by divine grace and provision complete the divine assignment given to us to do in His stead.

DIVINE COMPETENCE AND GRACE [GIFTS]

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Zech. 4:10

The Lord has superbly used Zerubbabel to depict the expertise and the grace gifts [divine ability] that will be given to the New Testament saints and workers who will be involved in building the Church of the Lord in this dispensation. The plummet is building instruments used by masons to build houses and only used by experts while the “seven with him” are the seven spirits of God given to us to divinely help us in building the body of Christ.

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:   Isa. 11:2-3 KJV 

Seven Spirit of God above are listed below

a. The Spirit of the Lord                                b. The Spirit of Wisdom

c. The Spirit of Knowledge                           d. The Spirit of Understanding

e. The Spirit of Might                                      f. The Spirit of Counsel

g. The Spirit of Fear of the Lord

There are many allegory of this seen in the New Testament epistles just like the nine gifts of the Spirit [1 Cor. 9:1-11] and the grace gifts in the book of Romans [Romans 12:6-8]; we must not fail to mention that God has also endowed men both as fivefold ministers [Eph. 4:11-12] and non-pulpit workers in His vineyard like deacons [Acts 6:1-4] and exhorter like Barnabas [Acts 4:36].

Nine Gifts of the Spirit  are the vocal gifts [Gift of Prophecy, Gift of Giving a message in tongues and the Gift of Interpreting messages given in tongues], Power Gifts [Gift of Faith, Working of Miracles and the Gifts of Healing] and the Inspirational Gifts [Gift of discernment, Word of Wisdom, and the Word of Knowledge].

The unified working together of these spiritual and natural grace gifts [including men and plummet] helps to keep our spiritual fire aglow and make for the oneness of the spirit and militant force against the strategies of Satan to keep a mountain in the path of building for God such that we can say… Who art thou O mountain, you shall be leveled and grounded!

It becomes easy to do the work assigned to us and keep our spiritual fire burning when the restraining force or mountain [hindrances] in our path has been crushed and we have been given divine aids that help to do the work effectively and ensure the fulfillment of the work of God committed into our hand. Grace be unto you!

Tap into the grace that God have made ready for restoring the glow of the Spirit in our lives and ministry in this season! Divine competence has been made available to us all!

HE WHO HAVE EARS, LET HIM HEAR

HE WHO HAVE EARS, LET HIM HEAR!

“… in the SIXTH MONTH, in the FIRST DAY of the MONTH, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet… saying …This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built ... CONSIDER YOUR WAYS. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; …ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earn wages earn wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus says the LORD of hosts; CONSIDER YOUR WAYS. Go up to the MOUNTAIN, and BRING wood, and BUILD the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, says the LORD. Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? Says the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house” Hag 1:1-9 [Emphasis mine]

Man created by God is a spirit being that lives in a body and possesses a soul. Many times he cares for what gratifies the outward man that is the clothes he wears, the kind of padded and luxurious house that he lives in and the taking care of the human body hygienically, make up, polishing nails or even the kind of cars he drives to the neglect of the inner man who is the real us. However believers must understand that they are the New Testament TEMPLE OF GOD! God expects us to build our inner man patterned after the nature and character of Christ Jesus.

It is with this inner-man that we fellowship with, and commune with God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and eventually mature spiritually. We are expected to study, read, meditate and be a doer of the word of God such that we can behold the mirror and be translated into the glory of God through putting on more and more the image of the Lord Jesus Christ as we are transformed, renew our minds and present our body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service unto God [2 Cor. 3:16-18, Romans 12:1-2]

We will have spiritually imbalanced growth called “kwashiorkor” if we are not feeding on the word of God, cleaning up our acts by mortifying the works or the deeds of the flesh, and develop our spirit man such that we can become one with Christ. Many have the spiritual gifts developed adequately by reasons of use but lack growth in holiness and right standing with God, not minding the word of God to live holy nor do they know the fact that there is the need for progressive holiness as we understand the need to do away with the weight and sin that easily beset us [Hebrews 12:1].  

“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them” Ezek. 36:24-27 

God promised to put His law in our hearts [Jer. 31:33] but it is not automatic, positive godly change happens as we study to show ourselves approved unto God a workman who need not to be ashamed rightly dividing and living by the standard of the word of Truth that sets free from the old lifestyle. Also God does not force Himself upon us, we must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior; we must be baptized in the Spirit so that the Holy Ghost can now reside in us, and we must agree that when the choice of right and wrong, or good and evil is presented to us, we will choose right and only then can God cause us to walk in His statutes. God cannot dwell where the new heart is not in place!

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” 2 Cor. 6:16-18 

God do not dwell in tabernacles made with bricks, stones and earthly ornaments anymore but in the heart of men. So it is our responsibility to prepare our hearts as vessels where the Holy God can reside. Therefore we must be separated from the carnally minded Christians and be estranged from unbelieving corrupt lifestyle else pollution will come to our spirit and we shall become unholy vessel not fit for the Master’s indwelling because uncleanliness has crept in and we are defiled.

“Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob” Psalms 132:3-5 

David covenanted to prepare a holy and righteous living quarters for the Ark of God and we must in like manner prepare our hearts for a habitation of God in the Spirit. Your body can be compared to an old residential apartment that was bought over by a new owner who now takes his time to systematically take out the old junk and renovated it to a lovely and orchard like dwelling such that many prospective buyers or tenants are looking forward to lease or buy it.

What? Know ye not that he which is joined to a harlot is one body? For two, says he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commit fornication sin against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. 6:16-20 

We were bought with a price which is the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the tree of Calvary and we must henceforth glorify God in our bodies. We must flee or cut off all the Old sinful lifestyle associated with Satan our former boss when we were unbelievers and hereby cultivate the character and nature of God in Christ which was created in holiness, righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” 2 Cor. 4:16 

“Blessed is the man that walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper“ Psalms 1:1-3

We must let go carnal behavioral pattern and lifestyle by letting those outward and carnal deeds of the flesh perish, get away from the counsel of the ungodly, not partake of sinful lifestyle nor seat where those who disrespect God sits anymore so that our lives can be fruitful and we may prosper like the tree planted beside the river side!

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” Col 3:1-10 

Then our spiritual container where the Spirit of God resides will be holy, righteous and sanctified vessel fit for the Master’s use and entitled to be blessed by the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, says the LORD. [Read Micah 4:1-2]

The time is ripe for us to get back to Mount Zion where God has prepared the Spirit led teachers to teach the Word of God so that we can understand need to be carriers of the Kingdom of God in our inner man [Luke 17:11] who is God the Spirit and henceforth live lives of holy vessels in who God the Spirit resides! The Word of God is the WOOD! Where no wood is, the fire goes out! [Prov. 26:20].

CONSIDER YOUR WAYS!