THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

 

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

 "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain. ' So God granted him what he requested.“ - 1 Chronicles 4:10

1) MORE BLESSING
 “That you would bless me”  

Ephesians 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”.

JACOB AT PENIEL - Genesis 32:24-30

“Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Angel says, “let me go, for the day breaks.”

“I will not let you go until you bless me.” And the Lord blessed Jacob by changing his name to be Israel: for as a prince thou has power with God and with men and has prevailed.”

GOD IS ABLE

Eph. 3:20  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

2) MORE TERRITORY OR MINISTRY
“And enlarge my territory”

Enlarge The Territory - 2 Corinthians 10:15,16

… “not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preached the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.”

In his book “The Prayer of Jabez” Bruce Wilkinson does a great job of showing this prayer as a plea for God in increase us in ministry, not in wealth.  However if this prayer sits on our desk or hangs on the file cabinet, it becomes just another icon.  You can hang the Jabez prayer on the wall of every room in your house and nothing will happen.”

So you see, the prayer of Jabez is a good model prayer for “increasing in ministry”.  Our prayer is for the Zeal of the Lord and the Revival of God for our Churches and land.  Praying for Church members to be in the Intercession Ministry, Deliverance Ministry, Healing and Teaching Ministry, etc.

3) MORE POWER
“Let your hand be with me”

Isaiah 49:16 says this “… see I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”

Acts 11:19 - “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia.  The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”

Jabez knew his limitations and as a feeble person he needed help from God. He knew that God was all powerful so he asked God’s hand to be with him.

His hand guides us into all right path and protect us from our journey.  Without God’s hand and his leading the blessings would be a waste as they would not fulfil a good purpose.

So Isa. 49:16 says this “… see I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”  Your walls are hindrances or needs in ministry, daily provisions or a spiritual breakthrough.  His hands are hands of protections also and no one is able to pluck you up from His Almighty Hand. When His hand is upon you – His presence and anointing be upon you always. So let it be.

4) MORE PROTECTION
“Keep me from evil..”

PRAYING FOR PROTECTION - Psalms 91:3-8

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”

The Hebrew word for Jabez means “he causes pain”.  With this he renounced the awful meaning of his own name.  He asked God to free him from harm so that pain may not befall him.  Jabez needed strength of God to deliver him from all his pain.  Maybe his hurts, his brokenness and all his sore relationships with others.  He needs healing and even inner healing.

Covid 19 causes a lot of pain of body, pain of failed business, lost jobs, divorce emotional pain, there will be pain and more pain coming in the future but we can be free from all these pains. etc. Keep me free from all these pains. I COMMAND YOU TO BE FREE FROM ALL DEMONIC PAIN!

The Fire Had No Power - Daniel 3:27-30

27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

The story of Daniel and his three friends speak to us about another FIRE IN THE fire.

Many times in your trials and tribulation the fire you go through has no power to overcome you.  No evil power over your body, emotions, job, business, family but you can end up in promotion instead.   Promotion is Coming!  Breakthrough Miracles are coming!

Psalms 66:12 says “You brought us out to “Rich Fulfilment”.   God will bless you so much and satisfy your mouth with good things.

Through their obedience – they did not bow down to other gods.   They worship a Living God that acts on their behalf. God will deliver you in the fire.  The Son of Man was in the fire.

5) MORE SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
‘that I may not cause pain”

Ephesians 4:30 - And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free.

“So God granted him (Jabez) what he requested.“
The ending verse says, “keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain” The name Jabez literally means “born with pain”.  His own mother named him this because of the pain she endured in labor! When Jabez prays, he speaks against the testimony of his name and lets go of the shame it covered him in. When you pray, come to God vulnerable and ready for Him to turn your weakness into His glory.

We also read about grieving the Holy Spirit is in Ephesians 4:29-32. The apostle Paul writes:  To grieve means to make sad or sorrowful. It means to cause sorrow, pain, or distress.   But what makes the Holy Spirit sad or sorrowful? We need to be sensitive to God the Holy Spirit.

Praying Jabez’s Prayer in your Devotion

·         Pray through Jabez prayer every morning – pray your blessings out – be specific.

·         Write out your new vision.

·         Prayer for someone- healing/salvation.

·         Record your changes of prayer answered.

·         Pray the Jabez prayer for your family, friends, your church leaders.

·         Prayer for Holy Spirit leading and listening to His voice.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for every spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.  Thank you for spiritual power and authority you have given us. Thank you for enlarging us and your great love, protection and blessing over our lives. God, today enlarging our territory in all areas of life to claim it for your glory. Expand our borders and use our life to bring you honor and fame. Enlarge our influence in our workplace, our community and home. May we bring you praise for all that you have done. Help us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit today. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

BENEDICTION
Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and
be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace. May the Good Lord  bless you and your family.

 

GODLINESS  

Text: 2 Peter 1:4-7

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

A. WHAT IS GODLINESS?

The fifth is "godliness." "Godliness" is the Greek noun ‘eusebeia’, which we saw in 2 Peter 1:3 -- profound or "awesome respect accorded to God; devoutness, piety, godliness."

B. SAY NO TO UNGODLINESS!

The words godly and godliness actually appear only a few times in the New Testament; yet the entire Bible is a book on godliness. And when those words do appear they are pregnant with meaning and instruction for us.

When Paul tells us that God’s grace "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives" as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ  - (Titus 2:11-13).

C. WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF GODLINESS?

What are the marks of a godly person? How does a person become godly? "What do you think of when you think of godliness?"  Godliness certainly includes Christian character, but it is more than that.

1 Timothy 6:11 says to “pursue godliness,” to follow after it, which clearly indicates it won’t just happen upon us.  It won’t “find us.” We must make the choice to actively pursue it.

E) MARKS OF GODLINESS

Seven Marks of the Godly from Psalm 1:

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers...For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." v. 1-3, 6

1 Blessed Person in Life

His life is blessed - “Blessed is the one….” v. 1

He is blessed by God. He prospers. He is happy, he knows God has good in store.

Walking in Godliness

2. He keeps himself from evil - He “does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…”v. 1

He has a walk of integrity, humility, dependence upon God, and lives a life of self-control.  He chooses to set himself apart from sin, temptation, or those who walk contrary to God’s ways.

3. He has a love for God’s truth - He is the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” v. 2 -

 He has a heart and love for God’s word.  He immerses himself in the Word, spends time reading it, and thinking about it throughout the day. It is his very guide for life; he lives by it, leads by it, and seeks to know God’s wisdom.

4. He lives a life of strength – He “is like a tree planted by streams of water…” v. 3 -  

His character is strong. He is wise.  He knows where life is found, and knows where to plant himself. His roots dig down deep into the foundation of God’s truth. He soaks up truth to nourish his spirit.  The water he draws from is not stagnant or stale, but he receives a constant supply from the fresh flowing stream of living water that never runs dry. He depends on God for life itself.

5. He has a fruit-filled life - His life “yields its fruit in season…” v. 3

 There is good that comes from the life of the godly. He has positive, valuable, and fruitful, influence on the lives of those around him. The fruits of God’s spirit are evidenced in his life - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.  He trusts God through every season of life

6. God’s favor is with him - He is the one “whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” v. 3

He is prosperous. He works hard. He does not run dry, for God is with Him, equipping, filling, and blessing. His spirit is healthy, active, and growing. God’s favor is evident in his life, and he is successful in all that He calls him to do. It is not mere outward prosperity that is the true measure of God’s favor; but a deeper, more significant soul prosperity.

7. God watches over his way - “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous…” v. 6

He walks close to God. God protects him and knows, or watches over his way.  His eyes are towards him and His ears are open to his prayers. His future is secure and safe in God’s hands. No matter what he is up against, even in the face of death, God is with him, both in this life and the next.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father God,

We pray that you would raise up a mighty, new gathering of godly men and women for your Kingdom.  We pray that you would bless those who seek first after you, we pray that you would give wisdom and help keep our feet from evil influence, we pray that you would instil a love and fervour for your Truth, we pray that you would fill us with a life of strength as we depend on you, we pray that fruitfulness would be evident in our lives and others would know that it is only there by your good hand, we pray that your favor would shine over your people, we pray that your protection would guard our way and keep us safe.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 The Seven Churches

Revelation 2:1 - “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.

Revelation 3:1 - “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says, He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Ø  The Holy Spirit revealed the true condition of the Seven Churches in Asia to John. He never revealed Jesus the same way twice. Jesus was revealed by different names to each of the different churches.  However, to the church of Ephesus He revealed Himself as “He that holds the seven stars in His right hand” – Rev. 2:1  and to  the church in Sardis as “He that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” – Rev. 3:1

Ø  The stars represent the seven angels (messengers; agents) “messenger to tell or deliver a message, to announce, teach – of the seven churches.

 It seems each of those churches had an angel of heavenly messenger who was held directly accountable to Jesus Himself for “the happenings” of and within their respective churches.  Jesus held them in His right hand. That’s close!

 Hear what the Spirit Says!

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Every Church was commanded to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches” rather than what the angel says. (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17,29; Rev. 3:6, 13, 22). That includes each of us individually.  We are accountable to the Holy Spirit the “angel” of the church is accountable to Jesus Himself.

We have to tune in our spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to our modern churches today!  What is God saying to you today?

Prov. 20:12 - The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

I (Jesus) Know Your Works!

“works” means “ergon” meaning “deeds, doing, labour, work and trade.”

Nothing is hidden! The Lord Jesus knows every thing that has been done.  If we don’t tune our spiritual ears into hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying today we will not be acceptable to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is to help us to know Jesus “in the Spirit”

There Is No Substitute

Galatians 5:25 - “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit”

Walking is action! Move in the Spirit!

Knowing Jesus is all about being “in the Spirit” and hearing and seeing from the Living Jesus for ourselves.

·         There is no substitute to being “in the Spirit.”  Everything else produces religiosity, legalism, formalism, coldness and spiritual death.

Unless we Christian re-discover the truth and power of living “in the Spirit” we will continue to see our churches losing their impact in society. It is the Spirit that gives life! It is the Spirit that liberates! It is in the Spirit where God’s answers are found. It is in the Spirit battle victories are won.

Rev. 3:20 Jesus is saying today “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Jesus is telling the Church about Relationships here. He wants you and me to hear His voice and sup with Him. Eat some spiritual food.  Knowing Him and His Character life in us.  Jesus is able to reveal Himself to us in the Spirit however He chooses.

Jesus is the Lamb of God

John 1:29 – “The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.”

Many people know Jesus in their head. Modern Christianity does not want to accept Jesus and his work at the cross. It’s their head knowledge. But unless we come to Jesus the Bible way, we will never ever know the real Jesus Who is only heard and seen “in the Spirit” by John and others.

Conclusion

 Where is it for you right now?

 Who is the Jesus you are serving?

 Is He the Jesus of the Bible?

 Are you filled with the Holy Spirit of God?

 The choice is yours.

 Live and Walk “in the Spirit” - (hear the knock at your spiritual door)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we desire to know you more in the Spirit. We ask you to help us to know your voice as you speak to us as a church. Help us to know and recognise this Jesus in the bible as John knew.  We want to learn to live and walk in the Spirit correctly as the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us daily.  God open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear your voice. Father show us the revelation of Jesus in His glory and power as never before.

In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

BENEDICTION

May the peace of God our heavenly Father

And the grace of Christ the risen Son and the fellowship of God the Spirit

Keep your hearts and minds within His love.

 

 

KNOWING JESUS IN THE SPIRIT

How well do we know Him?

Jesus returned to the Father in heaven, so the Holy Spirit could be sent to us (John 16:7-15).  It is the Holy Spirit ministry to reveal Jesus to us.  In fact we cannot really know Jesus except through the Holy Spirit.

That is why it is so important that every believer on Jesus needs to go on and be filled with the Holy Spirit as Jesus command to His followers that they “go no further” until they be endured with power (dunamis) from on high.” -  Luke 24:49

Worship Jesus in the Spirit 

1 Corinthians 5:16

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Jesus Christ can no longer be known through natural or intellectual means (2 Cor.5:16). He can only be known “in the Spirit.”

God is a Spirit. Worship is in the spirit.  When we worship Him in the Spirit we can connect to God and even hear His voice and witness in our hearts.

The Book of Revelation

Apostle John in the isle of Patmos was a barren, sterile island that never saw any fruitfulness of anything that was planted there. John was sent there to die a slow, cruel death by starvation. He had the Holy Spirit and instead of giving to the natural circumstances and believing there was no hope, no rescue, no future but to die. His choice was between yielding to the flesh or yielding to the Spirit within him. He chose to yield to the Holy Spirit.

The Power of Choice

CHOOSING TO BE IN THE SPIRIT

Revelation 1:10 - “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, I heard behind me a loud voice” John testified two things that happen when in the Spirit. He hear a voice (Jesus)   He see Who the voice comes from (Jesus)

When we are “in the Spirit”  that voice is the voice of revelation right from the heart of God.  It is the voice of truth and it always reveals more of the real Jesus to us.  We know the true Jesus only by the Holy Spirit. So John in the Spirit had a revelation of Jesus Christ. He saw Him as He really is!

So “in the Spirit” God trusts us with information that enables us to hear and see things as they really are.  They are not polluted with man’s interpretation and man’s  understanding of Biblical truth.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ - Rev. 1:1  

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place.”

Many Christians view the Book of Revelation as mainly a book of end-time events. But the Book of Revelation is first and foremost “the revelation of Jesus Christ”  Rev.1:1. We must never by-pass the Person of Jesus and focus on “events”. Nothing must ever be allowed to take the place of Jesus!

Jesus Reveal to John His Names. When Jesus reveals Himself to John He reveals all His Names in Revelation.

I Am - Rev. 1:8; 1:18

The Alpha – Rev. 1:8; 1:11; 21:6; 22:13

The Omega

The Beginning

The Ending

The Faithful Witness – Rev. 1:5;3:14

The First Begotten of the Dead – Rev. 1:5

The Prince of the Kings of the Earth 1:5

The Word of God 1:2, 9; 6:9; 20:4

The Amen – 3:14

The Lion of Judah 5:5

The Lamb of God 5:6; 5:12

Kings of Kings, Lord of Lords 17:14; 19:16

Kings of Saints 15:3

The Tabernacle of God & the Bright and Morning Star

When John got in the Spirit God showed him truth that he could not learn or know in any other way.  He received revelation of the Spirit  and saw Jesus as He had never been seen before (that we know of).  Jesus was revealed “by the Spirit” to John by at least 75 different names in the book of Revelation. If you have a pen write down all the names by which Jesus was revealed to John.

 Some Names of Jesus:  75 names.  It was in the Spirit these names were revealed to John in his exile.

QUESTIONS!

How well do we know Jesus (Bible Jesus)

How filled are we with the Holy Spirit?

How often do we choose to be “In the Spirit”?

Do we so know the Holy Spirit of Truth that Jesus can reveal Himself to us with any name He desires?

We only recognize and know Jesus by a few names. Each of His Names gives us a different revelation of His Person and Character.

 

THE OVERCOMERS PROMISES

 

SEVEN PROMISES FOR THE OVERCOMERS    

Scriptures:

• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
• I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:14)
• He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Revelation 2:7)
• You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:3-4)
• Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:4-5)

THE TREE OF LIFE

The 1st extraordinary promise: The tree of life

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7.

a.   WHAT IS THE SYMBOLIC MEANING  OF THE TREE OF LIFE?

In this way, the tree of life is a symbol of a fresh start on life, positive energy, good health and a bright future. As a symbol of immortality. A tree grows old, yet it bears seeds that contain its very essence and in this way, the tree becomes immortal.  It is a symbol of growth and strength.

b.   THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL

Adam and Eve disobeyed, choosing their own will over God’s good and perfect will, and through that simple act, sin also entered the world.  So, God cut off access to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24) They lost their opportunity for eternal life.

But because of what Jesus did for you, now you live in a time where you again have the opportunity to “eat” of the tree of life. What does that mean? Every time you watch documentaries or read news reports about a certain topic or problem, you’ll realize that often, no real solution is actually offered. Earthquakes, violence, someone won a championship.  Sometimes it gives you fear and doubts.

My advice to you is to spend your time feeding on Jesus, who is the tree of life. When you feed on Him through His Word, you will find His wisdom, understanding, peace, joy and unmerited favor flowing in your life.

The 2^nd Promise: You will not be hurt by the second death

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:11.

The second death is the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). This is the judgment over everything that is tainted by sin. When someone has not used the opportunities in their life to overcome sin, they will be hurt by this second death, because nothing that cannot stand the fire of judgment will be allowed into eternity.

The 3rd extraordinary promise: Hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name

“To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17

The white stone and a new name

At the time the book of Revelation was written, a white stone was equivalent with innocence. If you were to be tried for a crime, a white stone signified acquittal, and a black stone signified guilt. To receive a white stone means that you are free from condemnation. You have been tried and have been found worthy.

The white stone is a symbol of whom you have become through your faithfulness and your determination to rule over sin. It is rock-hard faith and purity. Here on earth your faith is being tested – there in eternity it will have been proven; it’s withstood the testing. Written on this stone of flint-hard faith will be your new name.

The 4th extraordinary promise: Power over the nations, a rod of iron, and the morning star

“And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ –  as I also have received from my Father; and I will give him the morning star.” Revelation 2:26-28.

Power over the nations – the rod of iron

All authority and powers are going to be transferred to the Church of Jesus Christ.  The nations of the world will have no more power to administrate the whole world. The righteous will rule with the rod of iron with power from God.

The morning star

Peter describes the morning star as “the prophetic word…that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart.” 2 Peter 1:19.

The prophetic word is the Word of God, and when you allow that word to shine into the dark areas of your life and bring to light the sin that dwells there, and you are humble to take that grace and use it to overcome the sin that you find, then the morning star rises in your heart. Light replaces darkness, and your entire being becomes light. As more and more areas of your life are cleansed from sin, you will shine brighter and brighter until that morning star is yours. The fullness of light is in your being. (Proverbs 4:18)

The 5th extraordinary promise: White garments and the Book of Life

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5.

WHITE GARMENTS & BOOK OF LIFE

As a result of your obedience, your faithfulness and patience in being an overcomer, you have the right to walk together with Jesus in white. (Revelation 19:8)

Revelation 3:18  - I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

The Book of Life

It speaks of two heavenly tablets or books: a Book of Life for the righteous, and a Book of Death for those who are unrighteous and there are the Book of Remembrance.

To begin with, everyone’s name is written in the Book of Life

The pathway to overcoming sin “Victory over sin” means that you do not commit conscious sin – that which you know would be sin at that time when you are tempted. It doesn’t mean that you are without sin, but that temptation is overcome before it can become sin. (Romans 8:37;1 Corinthians 15:57; Revelation 2:7)

Each day the blood washes you and sanctifies you with the water of the Word – Eph. 5:25-27. 

The 6th extraordinary promise: A pillar in the temple of My God

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12.

How to become a pillar?

Pillars can bear the weight of any temple; they are immovable. It is the same for you who overcome. You will be made into a pillar. No matter what life sends you, what trials. Tribulations or trials refer to any event or situation that comes your way that tempts you to sin. God will be your stronghold.  (Psa. 144:12,13)

But there is more to it than winning one victory, and then you become a pillar. No, it is “He who overcomes I will make a pillar.” This is a process. It is he who overcomes, and overcomes again, then again. It is a victorious life

The 7th extraordinary promise: Sit with Me on My Throne

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21.

Reigning with Jesus

Ephesians 3:5-7  - Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Conclusion:

THE SEVEN OVERCOMERS PROMISES:
The 1^st extraordinary promise: The tree of life.
The 2nd extraordinary promise: You will not be hurt by the second death.
The 3rd extraordinary promise: Hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name.
The 4th extraordinary promise: Power over the nations, a rod of iron, and the morning star.
The 5th extraordinary promise: White garments and the Book of Life.
The 6th extraordinary promise: A pillar in the temple of My God.
The 7th extraordinary promise: Sit with Me on My throne.

PRAYER  : Heavenly Father, thank you that your grace is beyond measure. Throughout eternity, you have been working for my good and the good of all your people. May I know your power and grace to overcome the obstacles in my life. May the things that stand in my way become examples of your limitless power. Clothe me with power as I live my life in your righteous name. May I prosper and bring you glory on the earth. May I be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

THE GRACE WORSHIPERS

 "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” – Rev.3:7

Philadelphia church had a remarkable gift or worship.  The ‘key of David’ was mentioned in Rev.3:7 is a reference to the unique anointing of intimate worship that marked King David’s life and made him an effective man of God.

Grace Worshipers possess the keys that unlock many difficult doors.  Doors closed will be opened by worshiping Christ.  Those who have corrupted worship will come and learn true worship from the church at Philadelphia. They could be called the pillars in the temple of God releasing the fire of worship in that place. 

The Lord has open a door for you and me in ministry this year 2023 and beyond.  Doors locked us up.  Like Paul and Silas they praised and sang songs and worship God and the prison doors were opened.  A door is an opportunity and favour and blessings is to come into your lives an family.  Do not fear trouble there is a door of hope for you. The Lord will open the door and no one can shut.  “For you have a little strength and kept My Word.” The Lord knows they have no strength yet one thing they kept “hold fast My word.”  You find strength by holding fast the Word of God in this end times. – in times of famines, wars, pestilences and many adversary that will hinder us.

In these last days, we need an ABUNDANCE OF GOD'S GRACE. And God's grace is abounding towards us and is amazing. God’s grace is unstoppable towards us who believe. God is able to do exceeding abundantly and beyond what we think or pray or say with His Grace. His Glory Grace has fallen upon us unconditional today! God is pouring out His Abundance of Grace to His Church.  

Psa. 84:10- 12 - The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

THE BARRENNESS OF RACHAEL

 RACHEL BARRENNESS -  LESSONS IN JEALOUSY

2 Cor. 10:12 – “comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise”  Envy and jealousy are two arsenal that the enemy uses against the saints.  Let’s see Rachel picture:

Gen. 30:1,2 “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her Leah”..

Give me children or else I die”

 Rachel was trapped with jealousy and envy demanded from Jacob what he could not give to break the bands of barrenness.  Rachel threatened Jacob with her demand, “Give me children lest I die.”  Jacob was angry and said “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”  Gen. 30:2

Jacob knew he could not stand in God’s place as the source of divine plans, changing people, ruling over the womb of the barren or providing the miracle of conception.

 Today there are people who like Rachel demand to change or control the circumstances – be it jealous of others – demanding them for fruitfulness.  It’s their carnal ambition.  Jealousy burns like fire and is the rage of man – Prov. 6:34.  Jealousy is cruel and it consumes character and destroy the potential for true spiritual fruitfulness.

 The bible describes jealousy in two ways: good and bad. For the barren Rachel church it’s the fire of jealousy.  Good jealousy is referred to in Exod. 20:5 “For I the Lord they God am a jealous God” 

2 Cor. 11:1,2 Paul ..for I am jealous over you with godly jealousy” KJV.  The God-kind of jealousy is a zeal of love and of right perspective. Not a self- love but a devotion.

 We must never feed on others’ failures, weaknesses or destructions.

If a person is criticized do we become secretly glad? Do we secretly murmur if a person is blessed?

 (A famous fable – devil crossing the Libyan desert where he met a group of small fiends who were tempting a holy hermit.  They tried seductions of the flesh; they sought to attack his mind with doubts and fears and tell him – he was worth nothing. It was of no use – the holy man was immovable.  The devil stepped forward.  Your methods are too crude. Let me do it. And he went to the hermit and said “Have you heard the news? Your brother has been made the Bishop of Alexandria”.  And instantly there was a scowl of jealousy over his face of the holy man.)

 Rachel had to be set free from this hellish jealousy that was ruining her life and her future.

Quote: Jealousy distorts our personalities, ruins our characters and floods our souls with hell torment.”

 Is there a  Rachel who torment you in your school or working place or in church.  It may be a worship leader or even a business deal , etc.

 Today Rachel church board  are crying over their pastors - “Give us children or we die” – because the church down the road had many converts.  There is competitive spirit.  There is envy and jealousy.  There is an enormous amount of pressure on the pastor to produce and give them children.  The answer is same as Jacob, the pastor could answer them. Am I in the place of God.  The pastor can position, but God provides and produce. Sheep produce sheep the other way around.  Like Jacob sheep can be spot and speckles – position the sheep to produce healthy ones.

Barren churches, barren communities and barren ministries must soaked in intercessory prayer and let God intervene and God produce the fruits in us.  God only chooses to allow barrenness for a season.  He is working according to his perfect plans.

We can be like Rachel crying to God “God give me children or I die in desperation”  We often feel as if God has left us the child bearing responsibility. 

Gen. 30:22 reads, “Then God remembered Rachel and God listened to here and opened her womb.”  The bands of barrenness dropped to the ground when the timing of God was perfect.  God did a complete work in Rachel and who came out “Joseph”  - a type of Jesus.  We did not expect it – it happened - Revival happens!  Those who don’t seek it.  That is Grace! You don’t deserve it – you got it.

 Gen. 30:22-24 recorded Rachel’s testimony:

·         God in His time hearkened to my voice – prayers she uttered

·         God in His mercy has taken away my reproach; sorrow, suffering

·         God has added to my life what was indeed impossible

·         God has used my barrenness as a lesson in brokenness.

·         God has used Joseph for Kingdom purpose, far above our petitions.

 The lessons in School of Barrenness we learn about increased faithfulness, a greater love and dependence upon God, a purified heart, an overflowing sense of joy, a deep-seated peace, long-suffering, a renewed sense of worship. 

Rachel reaped not only the fruit of the womb but also the fruit of the Spirit. Kingdom spirit

Always rules and bless others.   If God is allowing barrenness in your life today, it is only to deepen the level of your fruitfulness for tomorrow.  -  By Frank Damazio