TRUTH REQUIRES YOU STAND ALONE UNAFRAID

 TRUTH REQUIRES YOU STAND ALONE UNAFRAID

June 10,  2023

Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

 

 Isa 51:1-2 NKJV "Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness,

  You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.   Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone,And blessed him and increased him."

   There are  no two callings from the lord that are the same and responding to a divine calling requires going through great preparations. The magnitude of the assignment determines the duration of the preparation process and it has to be done alone. Abraham was alone when God gave him the assignment of starting the family of faith from where everyone that is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ originates. It was an arduous task to embark on a journey of self actualization and faith while travelling through the desert with the attendant risks of death from heat and attacks from criminals. He did not allow any of such worries deter him; he was fully persuaded that He who had called him was able to keep him.

   The journey of the righteous often requires being alone and not many persons can endure the rigors of the waiting period. We should not be quick to conclude that being alone is an indication of not being blessed and called of God. That’s far from the truth .One with God is the majority .Sometimes it may require waiting longer than usual for the elements needed for one’s assignment to be in place. At such times we suffer abandonment but it is part of God’s plan for us . Jesus suffered the same    Luke 23:49 NIV  says “But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” You may loss followers , friends , relations while waiting for the next instruction from God  .King David describes this in Ps 38:9-16 TLB  “ Lord, you know how I long for my health once more. You hear my every sigh.  My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind.  My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance.  Meanwhile my enemies are trying to kill me. They plot my ruin and spend all their waking hours planning treachery…. For I am waiting for you, O Lord my God. ..” at the end he emerged victorious ,living a fulfilled life

      Part of Abraham’s long wait  for over 20 years was needed for Sarah’s growth in faith to receive the promised child Isaac  –the progenitor of those saved by grace (Heb.11:11) .God blessed and increased him in Isaiah51:2 .  Your long wait will result in testimonies of great victories and thanksgiving. Isa 49:8,16.19,23 NLT says "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you…See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind… Even the most desolate parts of your abandoned land will soon be crowded with your people. Your enemies who enslaved you will be far away….Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who trust in me will never be put to shame."  You shall not be disgraced .

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 grace to turn my disappointments in to testimonies of overwhelming breakthroughs.

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The Righteuos shall rule

 THE RIGHTEOUS  SHALL RULE 

July 9 , 2023

Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi  

Isa 32:1-5 NLT “  Look a righteous king is coming! And honest  princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert  and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land. Then everyone who has eyes will be able to see the truth, and everyone who has ears will be able to hear it.  Even the hotheads will be full of sense and understanding. Those who stammer will speak out plainly.  In that day ungodly fools will not be heroes. Scoundrels will not be respected.”

    This is a prophesy concerning the end time church just before the second manifestation of  Jesus Christ in bodily form. It predicts a paradigm shift in governance globally, were righteousness will be the fundamental quality that would determine a person’s success in an election.

There would be no room for those who have compromised on their righteousness by promoting the world’s selfish ideals. The body of Christ will go through a purifying process : no longer shall corrupt men and women be given titles in our churches as it is today. They would no longer be respected in our communities.  

   A person’s integrity will be the sole bases for which he would be honoured . Men of integrity would rule our communities. Politics shall no longer be for scoundrels and uninformed  hotheads, for they shall be willing to be educated and made wise by reason of the transforming power of the Holy Ghost.

    Jesus is coming for a glorious church with great global influence. This influence shall be achieved by a strong economic base.  God will raise great industrialists in whose heart He has deposited extraordinary creative genius. They are mandated to alleviate poverty from the nations of the earth through benevolence. Righteous governance cannot succeed in a weak economy, therefore , these  righteous economists and industrialist shall institute and vigorously pursue a very strong policy of cooperate responsibility wherever they are domiciled .  Isa 32:8 NLT Says “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity”.  

The righteous is generous, benevolent and passionate  , with an undying passion to help the poor. He is described in Psalm Ps 112:5-9 NKJV as  a good man who deals graciously and lends;  guiding his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken and not afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord .His heart is established; He will not be afraid of poverty because He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. The righteous are synonymous with a tradition of benevolence and it is for this reason that the lord will put them in positions of great political influence with more access to the wealth of nations  to ensure an equitable distribution of resources.  Poverty promotes sin and placing righteous men and women  in leadership is the cure to poverty. 

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 grace for uncommon promotion in Jesus name.

Free  Prayer/ counseling +2348098536911,+2348035536911, email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com   

GENDER EQUALITY BEFORE GOD

  .GENDER EQUALITY BEFORE GOD

July 7. , 202$

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:28 NLT

The theology that says that women are inferior to men is illogical and not scriptural given that we all came from the womb of a woman. These teachers often misrepresent the scriptures in 1 Tim 2:11-13 which says “ Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve”.KJV . this scripture is not saying it is a sin for a women to teach a man , if that was the case then female lecturers in universities and teachers should quit teaching , female medical doctors and nurses should not instruct  male patients on drug usage and mothers should not instruct their grown sons on life’s issues, and female police traffic wardens should not give  instructions to men on traffic patrols also female bankers should not give instructions to men on banking procedures, the teaching that says women are inferior leads to underdevelopment , marital failure and poverty in a nation: it is equal to saying  the tree that bore the fruit is inferior to its fruit. The teaching that a woman is inferior to men is the major reason behind the under development of the African continent where such teachings thrives . 

        The word ‘teach’ as used by Jews in Paul's era is the Hebrew  word ‘lamadh’ which means to discipline ,to beat with a rod of correction , it is a term which describes the process of disciplining and training men in war, religion and life (Isa 2:3; Hos 10:11; Mic 4:2) teaching being a condition and an accompaniment of disciplining (2 Chron 17:7; Ps 71:17; Prov 5:13). The glory of teaching was its harmony with the will of God, its source in God's authority, and its purpose to secure spiritual obedience (Deut 4:5,14; 31:12-13) (ISBE). What Paul meant was that women should not usurp the divine authority of their husbands; this is to ensure order and peace in the society. Whenever authority is not well defined in a home, it leads to chaos and the destruction of the family unit. 1Tim.2:11-13 was written to the married

     The role of women in society building cannot be overemphasized. In the Old Testament, Miriam -  Moses’ older sister, was a primary participant in the deliverance of Israel from their oppressors. She saved Moses’ life in a perilous time through her courage. Exo.2:3-4, Exo. 2:7-8. She was also a worship leader and prophetess. Exo. 15:20-21. Music ministry is most effective when led by a person with a prophetic anointing such as Miriam. She was a leader with Moses and Aaron( Mic 6:4.) and was as important to the Jews just as Moses and Aaron.

     She was afflicted when she attempted to usurp  Moses’ authority. Acting beyond one’s spiritual office and anointing always spells doom. When our confidence is based on something that’s unproven, it leads to disaster.(Num. 12:1, Num 12:10, Num. 12:13-15 exercising leading authority can lead to arrogance and pride which is destructive.

      Despite his office as a leader, when Moses was afflicted with a deadly illness, it was the quick priestly  intervention of his African wife Zipporah  that saved him from death( Exodus 4:24-26): a proof that there is no such thing as a husband being more anointed than his wife; this type of thinking leads to the oppression and marginalization of women in the church .We are equally anointed in Christ (John15:16,1John 2:27) however, our roles differ administratively and should be treated with dignity and respect .

       Another woman of honour is Deborah: a married woman who held two offices ( political leadership and a prophetess) Under Deborah's leadership, the Israelites were delivered from a twenty-years long occupation through  a woman- led army. She was the chief judge of the supreme court of her time ( Judges 4:4-5)she fulfilled God’s purpose of coregency of the sexes (Judges5:13). Another example of a woman who was able to balance the pendulum of divine authority was prophet Isaiah's wife: she was a mother and prophetess.( Isaiah 8:3) her presence in Isaiah's life gave him a distinct advantage over other prophets. This explains why Isaiah so accurately foretold the sufferings of Jesus Christ over 735  years earlier (Isaiah53:2-9)

  Women should be given equal rights and privileges just as their male counterpart for this is the will of God for humanity.

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for 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 grace to overcome oppression in Jesus name .

Prayer /counseling +234 8098536911(whatsapp).+2348035536911 email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

FROM GRACE TO .MORE GRACE

GROWING IN GRACE

July 6, 2023

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

  Luke 19:17”And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” KJV

       This parable illustrates the relationship between promotion and accountability.  Grace  is often defined as an “unmerited favour” this implies to an extent that the outcome of our decisions on earth excludes any form of impute from us. By this theology, fellow who ran the fastest in a 100 meter Olympic  race should not necessarily be given the gold medal even if he ran according to laid down rules and regulations. This belief has led to a lot of mediocrity among God’s people and corruption in society. It gives no room for accountability, probity and transparency which are a sine qua non for  positive development in any community. God’s mercy is neither merited nor unmerited however; its acknowledgment by the recipient is what warrants its validity in a person’s life .Therefore,it is through gratitude that we gain access to the provisions of God's grace.  

        Grace means God’s help .The Greek word for 'grace' is the word ‘Charis’ and it means: a divine influence .It is by this influence that humanity was unilaterally pardoned by virtue of Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. Even at that, until a person accepts this provision by faith (with its corresponding work), it remains of no effect to that individual. There is a co-relationship between what a man does and how grace work. That’s why the scripture says, faith without work is dead. The theology that downplays the importance of work in our salvation experience is not logical and is counterproductive to the development of any society. It encourages laziness and leads to poverty (James2:17-18). Most African Christians have been thought that exemption from work in order to become a preacher (full time ministry)  is a virtue to be celebrated thus farms , companies and factories are being converted in to church buildings resulting in an  increase in poverty and political imbalance in the land. 

    The parable in  Luke 19:11-27 teaches that Jesus Christ has given talents and gifts to His disciples to advance God’s kingdom agenda: the winning of souls (John15:16) on earth pending when He shall return.

            Those who are faithful (trustworthy) in using their skills, experience, finances, talents, and knowledge in the expansion of the kingdom of God will be given more positive socio-political influence among men. They will have access to power ;that's the meaning of  the clause “occupy till I come” and in Luke 19:17 “have thou authority over ten cities”. One of the ten servants had served himself ;not His master. He loved money more than God.  He was unproductive with what his lord had given him. Persons who do not consciously invest in the expansion of God’s kingdom are investing in the expansion of Satan’s kingdom : that's why they are described as being wicked. The excuse often given is that of not having enough. Nobody has enough,that's why the rich still work.  It is a matter of where one’s passion lies: money or God? A Christian isn’t successful in business or work until souls are saved through that business or job (Matt.9:36-38, Matt.12:30).

     God’s angels are only obligated to give protection to businesses or jobs whose owners are committed to the propagation of God’s kingdom (Zechariah 1:17-21, Haggai 1:6-11).” How much of my talent, skills, experience, knowledge and finances are expended on the expansion of God’s kingdom on a daily bases?” is a question that every born again Christian should ask themselves daily. Jesus instructed that the one talent of the wicked servant be taken from him and given to the faithful servant. Serving Christ is a commitment that requires conscious calculated, active participation and God expects us to grow in this relationship with Him. We are to use God’s money wisely. May you never lose your place to another in Jesus name. 

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 grace for steady growth , stability and development in your vineyard in Jesus name. 

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GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR FINANCE

 

GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR FINANCES.  

YOU CAN BE RICH AND YET ANOINTED
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

   “…And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he  also is a son of Abraham….” Luke 19:2-9 

          In Mark 10 : 17-21 Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and give to the poor, the reason being that he had more value for material wealth than for God. Money had become his god. That is the condition of every person that easily takes offense whenever money is mentioned for the purpose of benevolence and missionary work.   Zacchaeus was very rich and was despised by the poor , probably because he was a tax collector, an occupation that attracts more foes than friends . It is also common to see the rich being relegated to the background in church activities, they are considered as ‘not being spiritual enough’ as though poverty is a virtue to be celebrated in the church of Christ. It is God’s will that we prosper materially (3John1:2). Sin is no respecter of one’s financial status. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Possessing a lot of money is not a sin ,it is being possessed by it that is a sin .

        Unlike the case of the rich ruler in Mark 10:17-21, Zaccheaus had a spiritual disposition that was in tandem with a repentant soul. His climbing the tree was humbling, the social implication of a rich man hanging on top of tree while trying to catch a glimpse of a preacher is best left to one’s imagination. Therefore,as an acknowledgement of his approval before God , Jesus insisted that He would lodge in Zacchaeus’ house.  

         True benevolence devoid of egoism is a major indicator of a truly repented soul as demonstrated by those who came to Jesus seeking for forgiveness , examples includes : Mary’s very expensive alabaster perfume  gift to Jesus Christ (luke7:37) and  the woman at the well who  evangelized her community at her own expense: She hosted Jesus and his ministry team for days in Samaria ( John4:19-43) she was not poor.
         The Holy Spirit destroys the selfish sinful nature in man at salvation. Therefore , Zacchaeus was already prepared in his heart to do benevolence to the poor without being told to do so therefore Jesus did not command him to give to the poor unlike the rich young ruler in Mark10.

          Jesus’ visit to Zacchaeus was contrary to the expectations of the religious folks .They expected Jesus to avoid the so called “rich sinners”  .We are the light of the world and light has no value in the absence of darkness. The scriptures are replete with accounts of wealthy personalities who did well in their ministry to God. An example is Cornelius (Acts 10).   The world needs compassionate preachers who are not deterred by antagonists in their bid to win lost souls for the kingdom of God especially the rich who desire to serve God wholeheartedly as

FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION -2

         John 11:5 "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."John 11:5

          No matter how dysfunctional a child may be, no loving parent would be glad to see their two-year old drown in a swimming pool ,instead, they would do everything necessary to rescue that child.Usually those at the forefront of our church activities are usually those we consider better behaved with good education and reputation in society .  Martha was the exact opposite of this  that’s why the scriptural reference of Jesus’ love for Martha is note worthy in Luke 10:38-42  Martha was caught up with serving instead of devotion time to Jesus and her priorities were misplaced.

       In that event Jesus chastised Martha  for her own good. When the Lord points out our errors even when it hurts, it is ultimately for our own good and it eventually brings out the best in us  - We should  not consider it as an act of  punishment, hate or  rejection. God convicts and disciplines us when we sin but never condemns us.

         Discipline or correction  is solely for our interest  with no hatred or malice while condemnation includes punishment and hatred. Satan  is behind the condemnation of the Christian and by the anointing of the Holy Spirit we can break the yoke of  rejection and condemnation. Whenever we are corrected we go through reorientation by the calm voice of the Holy Spirit in our subconscious and He does this through a positive affirmative approach to living a quality life in accordance with God’s will .  By helping us concentrate on our positive virtues the Holy Spirit encourages us to turn from self abuse to a life of righteousness, dignity and truth. He does not condemn us for sin. The feeling of condemnation is from  the devil and leads to self destruction. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is the key to overcome guilt and condemnation ( Rom8:1-3 ).

        A speed- boat driving through a river experiences a resistance from the water that seeks to bring it to a standstill and when the engine is turned off it loses forward thrust and soon comes to a standstill , The spirit of life in Christ is the driven force behind a victorious Christian life and whenever we become less interested in God's word , selfishness takes over and using the law of sin and death ,Satan afflicts us with guilt and condemnation which eventually leads to a shameful fall.
   God always seeks for ways to rescue us from the harmful effect of guilt and condemnation through His word .
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 grace and freedom from guilt and condemnation in Jesus name. prayer/counseling +2348098536911,+2348098536911(whatsapp)

email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION (PART 1

 FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION (PART 1)

June 04,  2023

By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

 “But when Peter came to  Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong.  When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who don’t bother with circumcision. But afterward, when some Jewish friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these legalists would say” Galatians 2: 11-12 TLB

           Peter was invited to a dinner party hosted by Gentiles, which  involved participating in religiously unclean foods (by old testament standards ) including pork , and lots of alcohol , and as soon as some religious legalist and so-called ‘super Christians’ appeared, he was thrown in to self condemnation and withdrawal . Satan often attacks God’s precious people with guilt and self condemnation resulting in withdrawal and isolation .You cannot give your best under such conditions. Jesus Christ will never take sides with the accuser to condemn you . It’s time to get out of the woods in to the spotlight.

  Romans.8:1 NKJV says  “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” the word condemnation is the Greek word  kataginosko , it means: to have by experience an information which could be used against you, it also means to think ill about yourself or someone else, it also means to condemn or set something aside for destruction .

         Poor guidance at childhood results in many persons being victims of drugs, sex, emotional and physical abuse and if not properly counseled eventually could lead to self condemnation , the loss of self esteem ,suicidal tendencies and death; condemnation is often manifested in the form of a carefree, dangerous , withdrawn and reckless lifestyle. It is the by -product of a deep sense of rejection and only a strong personal conviction of God’s unconditional love for us can free a person from that bondage.    

             Persons living under self-condemnation are very pessimistic , disrespectful , judgmental, hypercritical, cynical and melancholic, reckless with money  . They are more fixated on the failures of others. This is a major obstacle in marriages: condemnation manifests itself in the fear of rejection.  True love does not rejoice at people’s faults but conceals and seeks for ways to make amends. Condemnation is the spirit of the accuser of the brethren  {Rev. 12 :10} its target is to frustrate our fellowship with God and the brethren. Moses was a victim of this : he married an Egyptian which was against the law and as a result of self condemnation he could not lead his followers into the promised land.

         Like Moses, a lot of people are on the verge of missing their promised missionary appointment , marriage, money , health, promotion etc, because of self condemnation , receive  your deliverance now in Jesus name. Amen , Romans8:1 says  “  So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  For the power * of the life-giving Spirit has freed you * through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” and  1 John 3:20-21   “ even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.  Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence” We have an advocate in Jesus Christ.

     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 grace to overcome guilt and condemnation in Jesus name.

Free prayer/counseling +234-0803-553-6911, +234-0809-853-6911, email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com