COVET SPIRITUAL GIFTS

COVET SPIRITUAL GIFTS 

Rev Michael Benson Ajayi. 

1 Cor 12:31 KJV "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." 

  The scriptures speaks of God’s love for mankind demonstrated in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.  No greater love has any man than he should lay down his life for another man. It was God’s desire for fellowship and family bonding in an atmosphere of unconditional love that necessitated the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

       Jesus Christ did not come to condemn but to save the world by reconciling us back to God . The process of reconciliation can only be attained when we value a relationship. You want to be as far as possible from someone you detest. Sometimes this could be as a result of not knowing the person enough to gain their trust and vice versa. Ironically, the average person tends to hate persons that we know little or nothing about. It would amaze you to know how loving some of the persons we despise are if we got a little closer to them in fellowship.

     Nature abhors vacuums that is why it is very easy to be suspicious of persons when there is a break in communication between us .  It is for this reason that many persons are afraid to make a commitment to serve God because of what religion portrays him to be : a person with no desire for a relationship whose only interest is to have humans as slaves and religion lacks the power to make a person righteous and stop him or her from  sinning , that's the reason behind repeated daily religious rituals . This is far from what Jesus Christ displayed during his earthly ministry. He shared in human emotions as proof that God is emotional, he enjoyed the company of friends, attended weddings , burials , wept and so on as example for us to follow.

     The human emotions is a gift from God designed to better appreciate creation and one another and should be employed in worshiping God . We tend to value what we are emotional about . It is for this reason that the scriptures says in 1 Corinthians 12:31 that we should covet spiritual virtues . This is how we bond with the father . The word  ‘covet’ is the Greek  word ‘Zeloo ‘ it means : to have warmth of feeling for or against. To give an idea of the meaning of this word : imagine what happens when you are hugged by someone you love, maybe a dear friend, parent , mentor, spouse etc . There is an emotional exchange that is beyond scientific description. You cannot deny the feeling, it is tangible, intuitive, volitional, magnetic . That’s is what keeps us yearning for the presence of such persons in our lives .

     It is  our yearning for spiritual values that unveils the beauty of God’s holiness and the resurrection power of Jesus Christ . This is how we overcome materialism and selfishness which is behind the chaos in the world . The revelation of God’s word to the believer should be as exciting as receiving financial riches  , Ps 119:14 says “ I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.”  Also Ps 119:162-163  TLB “I rejoice in your laws like one who finds a great treasure” . in our daily prayers we should ask the lord to help us become more heavenly minded , Colossians:3:2 NIV says  “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things .”  

   It easy to be heavenly minded when we realize that in reality God is not impressed by our earthly achievements , the word of God says in  Jer 9:23-24  TLB The Lord says: "Let not the wise man bask in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches.  Let them boast in this alone: That they truly know me, and understand that I am the Lord of justice and of righteousness whose love is steadfast; and that I love to be this way. “

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I  receive him as lord and savior and receive an ever increasing appetite for the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ .

+2348035536911 +2348098536911 email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

 

 

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

 

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

 

Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

  Matthew 14:12-13 " And  his disciples came, and took up the  body, and buried it, and went and told  Jesus. When Jesus heard  of it, he  departed thence by ship into a desert  place apart: and when the people had  heard thereof, they followed him on  foot out of the cities."

  Psalm 107:20 "He  sent his word, and healed them, and  delivered them from their  destructions."

 Jesus Christ's reaction to  the death of John the Baptist was unexpected and extraordinary. It was expected that he reacted as the average human being imbued with power will.

  John the Baptist humanly speaking was Jesus' first cousin . He was a righteous man and the forerunner of Jesus' earthly ministry . He introduced him to the world . The Bible says in John 1:29 -34,40-41 "The next day John seeth Jesus coming  unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb  of God, which taketh away the sin of  the world.  This is he of whom I said,  After me cometh a man which is  preferred before me: for he was before  me. And I knew him not: but that he  should be made manifest to Israel,  therefore am I come baptizing with  water. And John bare record, saying,  I saw the Spirit descending from  heaven like a dove, and it abode upon  him.  And I knew him not: but he that  sent me to baptize with water, the  same said unto me, Upon whom thou  shalt see the Spirit descending, and  remaining on him, the same is he  which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this  is the Son of God. One of  the two which heard John speak, and  followed him, was Andrew, Simon  Peter’s brother.  He first findeth his  own brother Simon, and saith unto him,  We have found the Messias, which is,  being interpreted, the Christ."

   Jesus Christ rated John as being greater than all before him Matthew 11;11' Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: .." Despite his spiritual status ,, John the Baptist was murdered in cold blood because he spoke against immorality ( Matthew 14:3) 

   Jesus Christ instead of a swift revenge which would have worked in Satan's advantage  was moved with compassion and healed those who came seeking for healing . He maintained focus as the Messiah who came to save and not condemn ( John 3;17) He came to save us from sins not to destroy us. The enemy becomes confused anytime we do the unexpected. 

 Believers in Christ will suffer persecution and be killed for their belief .Jesus Christ said in Matthew24;9 'Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. " and John16:2 says "For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. "  The lord says  "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. " Matthew 10:28

  In the face of persecution we should maintain our focus on why we are here, which is to help people discover God in Jesus Christ this is what makes life worth living and keep on doing good ." Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12;21

Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and  receive him as lord and saviour and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and power to promote the message about your kingdom. Amen.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email .michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

HOPING AGAINST HOPE

 HOPING AGAINST HOPE  

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

 "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be."  

  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:" Romans 4:18-19

   The just shall leave by faith . Faith is our total unreserved dependence in God , this requires unalloyed loyalty to his Holy Spirit . Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as "... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." An example of this is the making of ice using an ice making machine . Liquid water in containers is the evidence that ice will be produced. We do not need to see the ice to believe . 

    Likewise, the word of God and the required action demanded by the word is proof that a miracle will come to pass. The word of God is perfect and contains the components for the creation of anything .The universe is sustained by the word of God . The word of God is Spirit therefore, one has to have spiritual perception to receive the miracle contained in God's word .

   It is this spiritual perception that gives birth to hope . Hope is an earnest expectation .This hope is not dependent on physical circumstances . Just as the making of ice does not start with ice but a shapeless water likewise , we should not expect our circumstance to be appealing before we can trust in God . 

Hope gives no room for shame . We cannot be promised say a billion dollars by a reliable source and be ashamed of being recipients of the money . The scriptures says in Romans 5:3-4 ." ... we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:" 

 " And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5.  Being  in a state of gratitude and love for God and man is an indication of hope in God at work. 

    Abraham was not moved by the physical circumstances of the health status of Sarah and himself but hoped in hope against the hope of failing. 

  Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were not discouraged by the fact that their deliverance did not come when most  persons would have expected it to. It came at the worst state of their circumstance :right in the middle of a superheated furnace ( Dan 3:20-26) . Just when many persons may think all hope is gone , you will be "...saved by hope but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? " Romans 8:24

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation. Amen.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

VICTORY IN THE FACE OF APPARENT DEFEAT (2)

 VICTORY IN THE FACE OF APPARENT DEFEAT  (2)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; " 2 Corinthians 4:6,8-9

   "Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire." Daniel 3:26 Bible 

    God's way of doing things is diametrically opposed and mutually exclusive to the world's view. There will always be stiff opposition against promoters of God's righteousness in the world. 

  Jesus Christ said preachers of truth shall hated with some killed by persons who think that by so doing they are pleasing God. It is under such such circumstances that we have the opportunity of seeing the power of God manifested through our victorious faith.

   Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were condemned to die by incineration by the highest authority in the land for refusing to succumb to a corrupt system of government epitomised by idol worship . 

  The kings decree prescribed a death sentence to anyone who refused to bow to his corrupt god. Imagine being faced with a similar situation were you are told to compromise your faith in God for survival. The truth remains that Satan does not give anything for free. Whatever you get from false religious devotion will cost you your peace with God. You will not enjoy the wealth gotten from error due to the constant fear of losing it . This fears  results in being restless. The corrupt knows no peace. 

  In Christ we find rest even in times of crisis . All fear is gone , haven overcome the fear of death which is Satan's greatest weapon of choice through which many are in bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15). Fear torments. The born again believer has already died and is resurrected in Christ so he does not fear death but sees it as a means to a glorious . "And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power." 1 Corinthians 6:14

  This was the understanding  these three Hebrew boys had  when they said  "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Daniel 3:17-18

    Those who allow themselves to be intimidated by the fear of death by Satan cannot make good progress in their walk of faith . The more deadly a situation is , the  more profitable are its potential when properly harnessed , example of this is space shuttles with astronauts sitting on tonnes of explosives while fighting gravity and launched in to space .

 God waited for the worst thing to happen before showing up for the Hebrew boys. It may seem we have failed but eventually we shall win. Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were promoted and succeeded in changing the corrupt system of governance in Babylon. Dan.3:29-30 

 Prayer: Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to heal the sick. 

+2348035536911 , +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

VICTORY IN THE FACE OF APPARENT DEFEAT (1)

 VICTORY IN THE FACE OF APPARENT DEFEAT  (1)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

" And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:"  Revelation 2:26

Daniel 6:26-27

" I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.'

   Believers in Jesus Christ are mandated by God to advance the message of God's righteousness in all the nations earth. We are to use our skills, talent , experience wherever we find ourselves to spread the message of God's righteousness. Jesus Christ told the disciples to say " repent , the kingdom of God is at hand meaning , the righteousness of God within reach . 

   Daniel was a prophet , teacher of God's word and politician in a very corrupt government that was given to worshipping o man-made idols (gods) . We have a responsibility to enforce God's righteousness wherever we find ourselves .This will come with stiff opposition that could be life threatening. Daniel was thrown into the lions den for standing for truth and God delivered him .  

  The word 'overcometh' in Rev 2:26  is the Greek word 'nikaō' : it means , subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer overcome prevail get the victory..God promises to help you despite being faced with the possibility of defeat (Isaiah 41:10). Faith in God has nothing to do with with whether the circumstance is pleasant or not. Jesus Christ demonstrated this on that old rugged cross , the devil thought he has defeated him but he had another thing coming. Jesus Christ's death and resurrection marked the end of Satan's dominion over God's children .

. Faith guarantees victory in the face of defeat Do not be intimidated by the enemy , God is not with them ( Psalm 94:20) despite their false religious devotion. He will deliver you.

   Eventually, Daniel prevailed and the laws of the land was changed in favour of God's people . Righteousness prevailed through one man who took a stand for God in the face of defeat. 

   Regardless of  what would have happened Daniel had victorious faith ,therefore, whether dead or life he knew that one with God is majority. The bible says in 1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.'

  The irony of Daniel's situation was that the king knew that Daniel was a servant of the living God. He prayed for Daniel  (Dan 6;16) He was religious but did not know God. Religious folks are easy tools in the hands of the devil.

     Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and faith for signs and wonders 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi @gmail

   

YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER TODAY.

A BETTER LIFE IS POSSIBLE 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

God wants the best for us , His plan is for His goodness and mercy to be part of our lives daily. However, it would require our working with Him through His word  that would lead to our seeing the manifestation of His will in our lives.  The word of God says in Mark 4:26-29. "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

 The  Word of God is a seed (Mark 4:14) which when planted into the soil of the human heart grows.  This process involves two main processes.
First, God’s Word has to be planted like a seed in our hearts. Just as a seed doesn’t release its life until it is planted into the ground, God’s Word will not set us free until we get it in our hearts. 
Second, the man who sowed the seed slept and rose day after day. It takes time for a seed to germinate. You can’t plant a seed one day and expect to see it growing the next day. Just because there’s nothing visible above ground doesn’t mean the seed isn’t growing. If you dig it up every day to see if anything is happening, it will be destroyed . That's what murmuring leads to :the death of dreams. Do not allow natural circumstances override your commitment to God's word. 

A farmer has to leave his seed in the ground and believe that it is growing even though he cannot see it. Likewise, you have to have faith that the seed of God’s Word will do what it was designed by God to do: produce its fruit in its time. 
    When we meditate in God’s Word, we are undergoing effortless change! We may not see ourselves growing, but we are-just like that planted seed is growing under the ground even though the farmer can’t see it!

Effortless change is possible and it is happening all around us even as you read this now,  your hair and finger nails would have grown . We receive effortless change by taking the seed of God’s Word and sowing it in our hearts. Then the Word will produce all the change we need.

The  orange tree does not travail to produce an orange, it just comes naturally and effortlessly. It may take  time, but it comes effortlessly. Likewise, it is natural for all true born-again believers to be like Jesus. This can only happen when we plant the seed of God’s Word in our hearts .

Growing means to change to an improved version. Plant make constant changes as they grow . For the plant, it’s effortless; it just grows, and the change is evident to everyone. Your life should be just like that—green, growing, changing, and evident to the world. The plant never resolved to do anything. It just grows and produces fruit because of what it is. The Word of God is the same. When planted, it just produces—effortlessly.

Prayer, fasting, and giving offerings are no substitute to God's word in your heart.  Prayer and fasting are like water and fertilizer to a seed. A seed needs those things. But it is the seed that has the miracle of life in it.

The only effort on your part is to put God’s Word in your heart and protect and nurture it. Then God’s Word will produce the change.  

 Prayer; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you ,I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation , I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power for victorious living. .Amen 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

NOT CURSED WITH POVERTY

 

YOU ARE FREE FROM THE CURSE OF POVERTY

May 16, 2022

      

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

Hebrews 7:4-10 “Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle.  Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham.  But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God.  And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed. The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on.  In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. For although Levi wasn't born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham's body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him”

   The believer in Jesus Christ is saved by the same principle of faith by which Prophet Abraham got saved. He existed before the law of Moses therefore, it was not by the observance of the laws of Moses ( Tithing inclusive ) that Abraham was saved . The believer in Jesus Christ was in the loins of Abraham when he was declared righteous by God , just as the Levites of the tribe of Levi were not yet born when Abraham demonstrated loyalty to God outside the laws of Moses by giving a tenth part of his wealth to Melchizedek . He received the blessing from God before he gave the tithe , therefore , it was not the tithe that brought about the blessing but the other way round .Tithe was a proof of his faith in the blessing for faith without work is dead .

        We tithe as an acknowledgment of God’s ownership of our resources and His blessing upon us , it is also a demonstration of our love for his work on earth. We do not tithe as prescribed by Moses however ,the Apostle Paul by the leading of the Holy Spirit shows us  how Abraham gave his tithe . The scriptures says  1 Cor 16:1-2 NLT “Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people .. You should follow the same procedure.. you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned…” You determine how you give and it is not by compulsion but necessary. A church is only as obligated to a church member as much as they are obligated to the church; we should not expect so much from a ministry we do not help to build through our resources (Luke6:38)  ,  everyone has something (time, money, skills etc) to give for the furtherance of the gospel.

    ERROR IN THE INTERPRETATION OF MALACHI 3:8-10 . God did not place a curse on the people for not tithing: that will be contradicting himself  , Gal.3:13 says we are redeemed from the curse of the law of Moses (tithing inclusive) . The original text reads  Malachi 3:8 “ ye cursed with a curse for me you have robbed , the whole nation of you” meaning the issue about tithe leads to worshipers cursing each other as a result of the improper approach  (read Malachi chapter1 ) to tithing .it was used as a means of robbery through threats by the clergy as it is today . Preachers have often used this scripture to extort money from worshipers and as a result many do not give cheerfully but under fear and compulsion, this should not be . The born again Christian was in the body of Abraham just like Levi when he gave tithes to Melchizedek  , therefore , we already possess the blessing of tithing even when we fail to tithe  . This is no excuse to be selfish ,the Lord is against stinginess ,  worshippers who habitually complain about giving are found to be selfish towards their immediate and extended families. This is a major reason behind marital failure. Ask the lord for the enablement to give as he prospers you ,wisely and cheerfully and not out of fear or compulsion or seeking praise from men. Ask your pastor to show you how to partake in the Abrahamic tithing also request prayers for divine assistance . This is a sure way to develop faithfulness in our relationships ( Deut.14:23)

Prayer :Heavenly Father , forgive me of my sins against you , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation , I receive him as Lord and savior and a  receive the Holy Spirit and  grace to be a distributor of wealth in Jesus name.   

+2348035536911 , +2348098536911michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

THE OR-ELSE FACTOR

THE OR-ELSE FACTOR 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

 "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him." 1 Kings 1:5 

  "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured." Proverbs 13:18

    Animal trainers recognize the importance of using stimuli in getting an animal  to behave in a desirable manner . One of them is the use of a reward system to encourage the animal to respond in an acceptable way.

  Pain is used to prevent the animal from behaving in an undesirable manner .king David had a son who was not trained in  distinguishing of good  from evil . He was pampered from childhood . Children with such an upbringing tend to become selfish adults  Adonijah usurped power against God's plan and was destroyed .

   God does not want us to suffer destruction from self ambition. For that reason the Bible contains or-else factors ( rules and regulations ) to guide our actions for our good.

    Any organization without rules and regulations is doomed to fail. The British premier league is very popular to football fans worldwide . This is made possible by the rules and regulations in the British FA .

   Nobody wants to watch a football match  without referees operating with or -else factors ( the red and yellow cards) . It is the players fear of being booked that makes the game beautiful. Relationships without rules end in disaster.

   Rules and regulations add value and virtue to our lives  . Without ' Or-Else Factors' an organization lacks value and virtue .

   This is what happens when the rule of law is disregarded by political leaders  ; it results in chaos . The deliberate abuse of the 'or- else factor ' opens the doors to impunity and an escalation of insecurity .

The bible says Ecclesiastes 8:11  "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."

  Nigeria has witnessed an increasing deterioration in the electoral process due to the absence of the Or- else factor. The consequence of this if allowed to persist is a culture of rebellion against authority by citizens. Children rebelling against parents is becoming the order of the day because government is an integral part of the formation process of human character. 

  An example of the violation of the 'or-else factor' is found in  Judges 21:25 " In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." There are countries that have been overrun by gangs ( E.g Haiti) due to the absence of the 'or else factor' in governance .

   The early church under apostle Peter's leadership used the 'Or -else factor' effectively and the bible says in 

Acts 5:11,13-14  "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them." 

 "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) ]There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." Read Acts 5:1-16

 We should daily pray for orderliness in our communities and families. Miracles and prosperity are the reward of the or- else factor in our families.

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as my lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to embrace orderliness. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

    

 

   

UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WILL FOR AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP .?

 UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WILL FOR AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP.

"For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!" MARK 3.35 AMP
The word 'Will ' is the Greek word " thelema " which means "a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination:-- desire, pleasure.
God's ways are not our ways. As He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9 ;
  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
  This is simply saying that God's ways of doing things are often completely opposite to
what we would do, and thus, can be very confusing to our own rational and logical mind.
  In 1 Peter 4:2 , it tells us that we are to "live the rest of [the] time... [no longer for] the lusts of men, but to the will of God." The question is: How can we live according to God's will unless we know what it is?
The  Bible, reveals four different aspects to God's Will: which could be safely categorised as :
1) His Sovereign Will - God's ultimate redemptive goals and purposes that are often hidden from mankind.
2) His Revealed Will - God's will already disclosed through His Word, the Bible.
3) His Will For Humanity- Salvation: union with Christ and thus, freedom from sin.
4) His Will For Believers - Sanctification: purification of the body, soul and spirit.
   Understanding what the will of God for us eliminates what setbacks we may encounter during our times of trials and temptations.

God Sovereign Will. (His ultimate redemptive goals and purposes) Ephesians 1:9-10 says; "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in
Himself; That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in Him."

  This Scripture tells us that God's sovereign will is not only "a mystery," but also the redemption of all things. In other words, mankind does not understand how God is guiding the universe and the human race toward His ultimate goals.
Thus, much of God's sovereign will is still a mystery and hidden from us.
A case in study is Samson's passion for a women of less virtue as revealed in the  scriptures . We see God's military strategy to legally execute his judgement against the Philistines through what the ignorant may have termed Samson's  excesses. Judges 14:3-4 MSG

  "His parents said to him, “Isn’t there a woman among the girls in the neighborhood of our people? Do you have to go get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the one I want—she’s the right one.” (His father and mother had no idea that God was behind this, that he was arranging an opportunity against the Philistines. At the time the Philistines lorded it over Israel.)"
Could some marriages be like that of Samson, though not popular to many but strategic in bringing about the manifestation and fulfillment of God's purpose for a particular people.?  The purpose of a marriage could be for the birth of a special child who will change the world's perspective about God. An example is king Solomon , a product of a murderous and adulterous relationship between king David and Bathsheba (2Samuel.11)

 Regardless of the situation God works all things according to the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1;11) and all things work out for the good of the saints in Jesus Christ.(Rom8:28) God turns ugly situations into masterpieces. 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as my lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and stability in my dealings. Amen.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email. Michaelbenainajayi@gmail.com 

    

HOLDING FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE

 HOLDING FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

1 Timothy 1:19 " Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:'

  "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth" .1 Timothy 4:1-3

   The word 'conscience' as used in this scripture is the Greek word  'suneidēsis' it means : co-perception that is moral consciousness , the human conscience is the voice of the human spirit . It is that part of man that communicates with the Spirit of God.

    The scriptures speaks of a good conscience and a seared conscience. The word 'seared ' in the Greek is 'kautēriazō' it means to brand  (cauterize) that is (by implication) to render unsensitive. This describes the heart of those persons  indulged there brands of man-made religion.  They seek to appear as good before God and man but unfortunately their hypocrisy and inconsistencies are visible for all to see.

  The seared conscience is not sensitive to the Holy Spirit and thus addicted to pain. They enjoy hurting others . Religion is injurious to the human soul this is the reason why religious folks are full of bitterness . A hurting person delights in inflicting pains on others , that's why a religious extremist screams , God is great !! in ecstasy while taking the lives of his innocent victims 

   Man-made religion is an express ticket to a life of unending misery . This misery is the result of the absence of the joy of salvation that comes when a soul and the conscience recognises that he or she is truly saved. The religious fellow carries the burden of sins and cannot experience the joy and love of the father . He has a master-slave mentality with regards to his relationship with God while the born again Christian has a father-son relationship founded on family love. 

    Religion cannot give a person a good conscience. It is overwhelmed with the consciousness of sin. Religious folks do not love themselves and cannot preach on God's love. To them everything is sinful , the  bible describes them in Titus 1:15 "Titus 1:15 " Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."  It is difficult to see the good in others under this circumstance. 

   The religious seeks to clean the conscience through animal sacrifice and other rituals . This is not possible Hebrews 10:2-4 "For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."

Through the blood of Jesus Christ we have access to God's heart and with him as our high priest and mediator we can boldly ".. draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22

Prayer; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation i receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and overflowing joy .Amen

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

RELIGION ALIENATES US FROM THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

22/5/23

RELIGION ALIENATES US FROM GOD ,WE CAN'T BE SAVED BY IT

John 6:28, "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?"JOHN 6:24-29

    All  mankind has throughout history been seeking ways to do the works of God. Man was created with a part in us which latently seeks for a superior authority. We were created to worship and be worshipped . Undeniably, everyone has a consciousness within them of the reality of God (Rom. 1:18-20), and a desire to be right with Him. However, just as with the religious folks in the above verse, very few agree with the Lord as to how to perform this duty .                    Many people today like these religious folks are willing to do something to obtain salvation, but they are not willing to commit themselves to Jesus and accept His gift.This is one of the reasons why man finds it hard commit to a lifetime relationship. The major difference  between the born again Christian and the religions of the world is that while the religious is willing to make sacrifices to obtain right standing with God, the born again Christian recognizes how impossible it is to save ourselves and this calls for total dependence and reliance on the messiah Jesus .

     If a religious duty ( hajj, pilgrimages , sacrifices, offerings , sacraments, programs etc ) can totally save a man then once performed it should not be repeated as seen in the world's religions.  Salvation cannot be deserved or earned by anybody . Religious duties only make us more guilty and sinful through the pride in doing them. The Bible refers to them as "dead works" (Heb. 6:1; 9:14). Dead works include all religious activities, good deeds, or charity that one may do as a means of being justified before God .Religion is man's attend to appear as good and righteous before God and man. Jesus Christ rejects religion in its entirety because it seeks to attain perfection through imperfection (read Matthew 23) he came to show us how to have a father -son relationship with God by being born again ( John 3:5-8) .Perfection can only be attained through a perfect process that agrees with logic and truth. 

   Having Faith towards God and the justification we have through Christ Jesus is the only logical means of receiving God's free gift of salvation. He only asks us to believe. Receive peace as you accept Jesus as your saviour now.

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I  receive him as lord and saviour and recieve the Holy Ghost and power to overcome  guilt and condemnation. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi @gmail.com 

THE CURE FOR SIN

 DOES YOUR RELIGION HAVE ANY CURE FOR SIN? IF NOT, YOU NEED A SAVIOUR.

God did not create religion , he desires a personal relationship with each person . Religion is man's formula to appear righteous before God and man. It is premised on subjective reasoning with data which can't be substantiated with logical , empirical evidence and thus open to discrepancies. 
   The three major monotheistic religions namely Christianity, Islam, Judaism all lay claim to the faith of the Patriarch Prophet Abraham from whom we derive Isaac the father of Christianity and Judaism and Ishmael the father of Islam.
  One would expect the three religions to have a common denominator with respect to the subject of salvation but on the contrary it is the subject that has pitched them at loggerhead against each other.
Christianity preaches about the need for a saviour in Christ, while Judaism believes in a saviour but do not believe in Jesus Christ as the saviour. Islam on the hand does not believe in salvation through a messiah but believes that salvation can be attained through human effort as demonstrated in the Five Pillars consisting of:1) Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith.2) Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day.3) Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy.4) Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan.5) Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca.
LOGICAL FAITH AND REASONING AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SALVATION.
Truth is absolute and objective, by this I mean truth is provable and constant , it does not seize to be truth at some future date. For instance, 1+1=2, this is the truth and it will never change. Therefore , salvation should be provable, logical, objective, absolute anything outside this would be illogical. One can either saved or not, their are no middle grounds.
It also follows that a saved person should possess those divine qualities or attributes found in heaven since a saved person is already qualified to be in heaven. Therefore it is safe to say that a saved person is justified ( without sin ) , sanctified ( set apart for God's use ) and glorified ( honoured, favoured and empowered by God) and be free from Guilt . One can't be justified and at the same time be guilty . It is either one or the other. Ones conscience should bear witness that one is saved since the conscience serves to either condemn or aquit us.
Muslims are faced with these logical questions requiring answers 1)  would they stop sinning and become perfect after fulfilling the five pillars of Islam for a year . 2) if no , does that mean that one is still not saved and what would be the faith of the Man who died while under this condition, 3) will he still go to Allah's heaven in that state of sinfulness or 3) will Allah overlook his sins ? if yes under what circumstances or is there a righteousness outside the Muslim religious code. ? 4) If a Muslim stole three oranges and a Christian one orange is he a higher or lesser sinner, and how many sins does a man commit before he becomes a sinner. If one sin makes a man a sinner , is it impossible that one act of righteousness can make a man righteous like the born again Christians professes .
5) what guarantees does Islam offer a man with respect to salvation given that man is prone to err. is it a legal instrument and what are the bases for such guarantees if any? 6) By what name did prophet Abraham call know God by, 7) Is prophet Abraham in heaven? if yes was it by the observance of the 5 pillars of Islam even when Mohammed was not yet born or was it by a principle outside the 5 pillars of Islam. If yes , is it possible to enter heaven outside the observance of Islamic laws just like Abraham did.?
The same questions goes for the Jew. If the breaking of one of Moses law makes one a sinner since a strict Observance of ALL the law is demanded by Moses, is it possible that one act of righteousness by equity can make a person right with God . What is Judaism's cure for sin , has it ever produced a sinless, perfect man. If not what are the guarantees that a Jew can be saved without a saviour?
The possibility of being saved by the two  religions leaves a person in doubt and uncertainty. Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ took the punishment for our sins( present, past, future) and in exchange gave us peace with the heavenly father.
It reinforces the fact that we are God's children , members of His household. Statements accredited to Jesus Christ himself says,[NLT] John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. THEY WILL NEVER be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
This statement can only be valid when the aforementioned questions posed to the Muslim are answered in the affirmative by the follower of Christ.
let's look at them from the biblical point of view. By faith ( total reliance on God) the born again Christian believes :
  1) if one would stop sinning and become perfect after receiving Jesus Christ as saviour for more than a year .
Born again Christian reply :
No , we do not stop sinning because of our weak human nature neither are we proud of sins , but we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who haven been tempted has declared us justified knowing that by the observance of the Mosaic law no man can be right with God. He fulfilled the demands of the law.
THE ONLY LOGICAL CURE FOR UNILATERAL SIN IS A UNILATERAL PARDON. The born again christian is a recipient of the forgiving power of God through Jesus Christ. A vicarious atonement .
   Violation of the law demands a death sentence, but if someone was willing to take the place of an offender then the guilty was declared innocent Leviticus16:.8 -10 "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer him for  a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall  be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let  him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." Jesus Christ is the scapegoat sent to atone for the sins of the world.( Read Isaiah 53)
The born again Christian is therefore justified, sanctified and glorified by reason of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to overcome sin 
+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

HE NAILED IT. IT IS FINISHED

 HE NAILED IT AND IT IS FINISHED 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

" And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke 23:42-43

    "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." John 19:30

"It is finished" is the English translation of the Greek word Tetelestai, which was the last thing Jesus Christ said before dying on the cross at calvary . Tetelestai comes from the verb teleo, which means "to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish." to over pay or perform , discharge a debt. Jesus Christ fulfilled the demands of the law on the cross.

  The statement " It is finished." was regarded as the perfection of oratory by the ancient Greeks who boasted of being able to say much in little - "to give a sea of matter in a drop of language"

  The laws of Moses and Judaism were the most prominent symbol of religious devotion in Jesus' time . The Jews were referred to as God's people and as such they were better at interpreting God's laws with regards to the process leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

  Salvation could not be achieved through the  observance of the 613 laws as they were nearly impossible to keep . Failure in one aspect of the law meant failure in all aspects; the bible says in James 2:10 " For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Failure in one aspect of the law attracted a curse.

Moses placed a curse on any human being that fails in one of the laws ,the scriptures says Deuteronomy 27:26 "Cursed be he that confirmeth not ALL the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen." It is in the strength of this that Apostle Paul says in Galatians 3:10 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." 

 Likewise ,  persons who are ignorant and cannot memorise all 613 laws are under a curse , John 7:49 "But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed." Our best efforts at piety fell below God's righteous standards according to the laws of Moses . Therefore, we conclude in Romans 3:23 " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

    Religion could not make man righteous because it involved using sacrificing  something lesser than man ( goats, sheep) . Only a sacrifice that was higher than man sufficed. So God provided a body for himself and Isaiah 53:6  says "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Jesus overpaid with a Worthy sacrifice being his body .. 

  Salvation is a gift and not a wage as religion seeks to tell us  Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

  Jesus nailed all religious barriers on the cross and confirmed that salvation was a gift by the instant , unilateral admission of the guilty thief into Paradise . Religion is of no value to our salvation .

  Receive the gift of salvation : believers in Jesus Christ have an express ticket in to heaven like the condemned man on the cross. Jesus said John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. " 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation and I receive him as lord and savoir and receive the Holy Ghost and power to preach the gospel.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

FAITH FOR EXTRAORDINARY LIVING

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

 FAITH FOR EXTRAORDINARY LIVING .

John 20:25 "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe."

   Like Thomas most people would only believe only when they have evidence . Our five senses were given to us by God to aid in our interaction with earthly life. However , if we do not reprogram our way of thinking to acknowledge the limits of our five senses, they will keep us from believing. Faith can perceive things that the senses cannot (Heb. 11:1). For instance, someone could be in love with you without you knowing it. Love exists but cannot be seen with the physical eyes .

   There are two kinds of faith , the first , human  and the second  supernatural or God-kind of faith. Human faith is based on physical things that we can see, taste, hear, smell, or feel. God's kind of faith believes independently of physical circumstances. To receive God's gift of salvation, we have to use the supernatural, God-kind of faith which isn't limited by our five senses but yet logical. This is because, to be saved, we must believe that things that we cannot see or feel exist. We haven't seen God or the devil. We haven't seen Heaven or Hell. Yet we have to believe that these things exist. Human faith can't believe what it can't see, that's why there is so much disaster in the world claiming the lives of people who were warned through dreams and visions but the never believed it and paid dearly for it.

Man is so incapable of believing  the gospel on his own. To receive God's gift of salvation, we have to receive the supernatural, God-kind of faith first. Where does this faith come from and how do we get it?

Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." God's Word contains His faith. As we hear the Word of God about salvation, We receive God's faith so that we can believe the good news of our salvation. We actually use God's faith to get saved.

This God-kind of faith does not leave us after our born-again experience.

God's faith becomes a fruit of the Spirit which is in our hearts. We never lose this supernatural faith , we grow in it as we daily learn how to use it. The more you expose you expose yourself to the teaching of God's word the more you grow in faith. Receive grace as you read this now for an extraordinary breakthrough in Jesus name.

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgibe me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation and I receive him as lord and saviour and  receive the Holy Ghost and faith to do miracles in Jesus name.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED , PREACHERS ACCOUNTABILITY.

 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

TOUCH MINE ANOINTED. NO PREACHER IS ABOVE THE LAW .
The doctrine of "touch not mine anointed" is the bane behind the insanity and gargantuan impunity among the clergy. The tales of abuse emanating from the pulpits is so overwhelming that most parishioners would rather stay away than be exposed to such mayhem.
Satan has infiltrated in to the Christian circle with the purpose of discrediting God's word. The strategy is to impersonate preachers of the gospel and create make the church unsafe and very obnoxious to the world. There are reports of heinous crimes being perpetrated by these charlatans under a non-existent immunity. Very often, they quote 1chronicles 16:22" Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." but that statement isn't referring to a prophet without the requisite discipline.
PROPHETS ARE NOT FOR HIRE AND DO NOT DEMAND MONEY BEFORE EXECUTING A DUTY
Prophet Abraham recognized the place of the integrity of the prophetic office when he said to the king of Sodom in  [NLT] Genesis 14:23 "that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ Abraham was a businessman who's business generated him immense wealth. Genesis13:2 "And Abram  was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in  gold." He was a billionaire.
Prophet Elijah maintained his integrity and that of God's word by letting men know , MIRACULOUS HEALING IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD. [NLT] 2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” False prophets.  demand for so-called "miracle seed "in advance.They collect, houses, jewelry, cars etc from unsuspecting victims.
JESUS CHRIST NEVER DEMANDED "MIRACLE SEED" FROM ANYONE NEITHER DID HIS DISCIPLES.
Offerings under the new testament are an expression of one's faith or loyalty and love for God. It is to be prayerfully and wilfully given. When you give a love gift you do it without expecting a payback from the recipients for that would negate the purpose of the gift which is to create a cordial and intimate relationship between the giver and the receiver. THE CHURCH IS DRIVEN BY LOVE THEREFORE GIFTS SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A BARGAINING TOOL. [NLT] Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!  MIRACLES ARE FOR FREE, YOU DO NOT PAY ANYTHING BEFORE AND AFTER A MIRACLE. Jesus expressly told His disciples not to collect money . He never intended a healing ministry to be a money making venture given that poor persons may not be able to pay.
GOD'S SERVANTS DO NOT PRAY AND DEMAND MONEY FROM THOSE PRAYED FOR. In 1 kings 17.13 Elijah was hungry and needed food and prayed that his hosts will not lack food and they never did. It was a singular case that should never be used as a general formula , for that will be illogical. Example, if giving  food to a preacher results in the multiplication of the food then why do we need farms then?
The preacher is expected to render spiritual service without a price . Isaiah 45.13 "I will raise [Cyrus] up in righteousness [willing in every way that which is right and proper], and I will direct all his ways; he will build My city, and he will let My captives go, not for hire or for a bribe, says the Lord of hosts".

Prayer  : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you  I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to live in integrity. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail : michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com