PRAY FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
PRAY FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD

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Act 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. [KJV]

The 2015 Forbes' list of the wealthiest people on Earth has Christy, Jim, Alice and Robson - all of the Walton family - in the first 20.

Let us look into the Scriptures.

God wanted to destroy the earth with flood and would save anyone who entered Noah's ark. It turned out only Noah and his family - eight people in all - were the only survivors of that deluge.

God would raise a new nation on the earth called Israel. A nation of 12 tribes. And the 12 sons of Jacob alone grew to become the nation of Israel.

Jesus Christ would have 12 apostles, the Zebedee family had 2 slots and they were both in the leadership.

All of these instances show how God can do so much for one family that He is pleased with.

One desire of God is for all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:3-4). It should be our utmost desire and prayer that members of our family be saved. Losing a family member is very painful, compare the pain when that loss is forever. When a household is saved there is a reunion when Christ returns.

Go into today with a heart of prayer for members of your house who are yet to know the Lord Jesus. Pray that God draws their hearts to Himself.

Thank God in faith for answered prayers.

Not yet born again: http://po.st/QJ7qx3

-Pas Adeolu Olumodeji

YEARLY BIBLE PLAN: Proverbs 17-18

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THE GENERATION OF JACOB

THE GENERATION OF JACOB

Welcome to Septemper.

I was tempted to just repost a piece I wrote four years ago on this blog. Follow this link if you feel led. Warning; It is fairly long but of course, loaded to bless you. Have it http://adeoluolumodeji.blogspot.com/2011/09/e-m-b-e-r-s-of-fear.html?m=1

This is 2015. And just a few minutes to the months of Ember, as I was praying with my wife the Lord began to drop into my spirit the word for the months of Ember. We are in the Embers of God's Goodness.

My wife and I read from Psalm 46. Let me quote areas of emphasis.

Psa 46:7
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
(KJV)

Psa 46:11
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
(KJV)

Selah. The Hebrew word means 'Pause and Praise' or 'Pause and Think'. It appears in only two books of the Bible; 71 in Psalms, 3 in Habakkuk. In Psalm 46, it appears 3 times and two of which is verses 7 and 11 quoted above.

Now take note of what makes these two verses special. God was called the 'God of Jacob'. You know God is eternally known as the 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'. But the word 'God' and 'Abraham' appeared in the same Old Testament verse for KJV 36 times; 'God' and 'Isaac' 20 times; 'God' and 'Jacob' 54 times. The phrase 'God of Abraham' appears 17 times in all of KJV; 'God of Isaac' 8 times; 'God of Jacob' 25 times. 'God  of Jacob' appeared alone without 'God of Abraham' or 'God of Isaac' being mentioned in the same verses of KJV 19 times. None for Isaac, 4 for Abraham.

I should have tabulated this to make it more reader friendly. Forgive me. But take note that the Scriptures placed emphasis of the 'God of Jacob'. Partly because the nation of Israel got her name from Jacob. God changed Jacob's name to Israel and brought 12 tribes out of him to make a nation. Even after the encounter in Gen 32:28, the Scriptures still refer to him as Jacob even from the next verse (29).

The other reason is God just loved Jacob. For reason no human can explain God just preferred one child over another even before they were born.
See the following scriptures;

Gen 25:23
23 And the Lord said unto her,
Two nations are in thy womb,
And two manner of people shall be
separated from thy bowels;
and the one people shall be stronger
than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
(KJV)

Mal 1:2
2 I have loved you, saith the Lord.
Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?
Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the Lord:
yet I loved Jacob,
(KJV)

And the third reason I can find is that God wanted to show forth His purpose by election. In other words, God showed an example of His Grace in Jacob.

See this scripture;

Rom 9:10-12
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
(KJV)

So when Selah appeared in verses 7 and 11 of Psalm 46, you can see there is much to ponder upon especially as regards Jacob.

This is particularly relevant for the believer of my generation. Majority of God's children today are not Christians in the mode of Abraham. They do not even believe God enough for their righteousness.

They are not Christians in the mode of Isaac. Isaac made very few mistakes in his life. He did not go into a Hagar neither did he supplant anyone. How many believers in this age has such clean records?

We find many Christians now in the mode of Jacob. They are so crooked and so way off. They have every reason to be in Hell. They cheat, they lie , they do things too unrighteous for this blog. And yet they will make Heaven. They are elected by Grace. They are the Jacob Generation.

Let me stop here. Let me just say I prefer to be in the mode of Abraham. I just want to believe God for His righteousness. The Isaac Generation is too cosmetic for me. That was why he could bless Jacob thinking it was Esau. Jacob was too smart for that. (Don't be deceived, he knew it was Leah he slept with).  Still I would not choose Jacob. If I were God, Jacob would I hate...

There is much sin in the Church today. But take note, there Grace abounds much, much more. The Church is the Jacob of God. Christ is the God of His Church. Amen.

Take this scripture home for your meditation.

Psa 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;
who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord,
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him,
that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
(KJV)

He is coming for a glorious Church without spot nor wrinkle. God will have to help Worm Jacob (Isa 41:14-15).

Read this for more understanding http://adeoluolumodeji.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-blogpost-opening-doors-of.html?m=1

Have a blessed September.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

ANOTHER LOOK AT PRAYER

ANOTHER LOOK AT PRAYER 1

Luk 9:28 (KJV)
28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

A lot has been said about Prayer. But surely, all is far from been said about Prayer. Nothing can be done outside Prayer as far as spiritual matter are concerned. One day the Lord Jesus took three of His disciples on a journey into Prayer. We shall learn a few things about that encounter and what it tells us about Prayer.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
In Luke 9:18, we were told Jesus was alone praying. But in verse 28 of same Chapter, He took some disciples along. And it is the only place where the Scripture captured so much glory. The prayer of the Church does more for the kingdom of God. The Church is wherever two or more believers are gathered in Christ's name. (Mat 18:20). Everyone needs a Prayer Friend. Someone with whom you pray Kingdom Prayers on a regular basis.

JESUS PRAYS WHEN WE PRAY
Luke 9:29 says as Jesus prayed, He was transfigured. Why was nothing said about the disciples' prayer? Compared to Jesus' prayer theirs were laden with sleep. But when we pray (in the Spirit) Jesus prays. Scripture said He ever lives to intercede for us. (Heb 7:25). Praying in the Spirit is not necessarily praying in tongues. But you cannot pray in tongues outside the Holy Spirit. When we pray in line with God's word and our hearts are involved, Jesus intercedes for us.

THE GLORY IN PRAYER
Luke 9:29 also tells us how Jesus was transfigure before their eyes. If only God opens our eyes to see what glory descends when we pray effectively. That glory is comparable to what Adam had before the Fall. It is spiritual but very real. That must be one reason Jesus prayed so often. That should be enough to make us want to pray. Just to bask in God's glory.

We shall conclude this series next time.

Take time out today to pray in this understanding of the glory in prayer. Find a believing friend qith whom you can pray.

Prayer: Father, Help me to enjoy prayer. Take me to new heights in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

Written for streamglobedevotional.com

ANOTHER LOOK AT PRAYER 2

Luk 9:28
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. (KJV)

The best way to learn is by practice. So the Lord Jesus often took some of His disciples along to pray. In this particular event commonly referred to as 'The Transfiguration', we shall learn one more thing that happens in the realm of the spirit when the Church prays.

Prayer has been likened to incense. (See Rev 5:8). Incense are traditionally spices that are burnt to produce sweet fragrance to make sacrifices acceptable to deities. We see much of this in the Old Testament. It is symbollic of effective prayers ascending to Heaven. Just like in the natural, a good fragrance draws attention of people, prayers draw attention of spirits. For instance, when it was time for Zechariah to burn incense in the temple in Luk 1:8-13, an angel appeared to him. And in our main text, as the Lord was praying, Moses and Elijah came to Him. There are many other instances where the burning of incense attracted divine visitation.

Even when we do not physically notice spiritual presence, we should be aware that we are not alone when we pray. Heb 12:.22-24  gives us an idea of the company we keep when we pray. It says 'But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel' (KJV).

Prayer is the master key that unlocks rhe supernatural. Prayer is one way we believers- though human, participate in the divine nature. We engage angels and other kingdom forces when we pray. What a great privilege we enjoy in prayer!

Do not wait for a crisis, start learning to tarry in prayer today.

Go into today seeking the opportunity within your schedule to pray effective kingdom prayers.

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray. Tell Him to help you find the time, place and most of all the passion to pray effectively.

- Adeolu Olumodeji.

Written for streamglobedevotional.com

THE SAINT. THE JEW. THE GENTILE

THE SAINT. THE JEW. THE GENTILE

This is a bit long, but I assure you it is worth it.

I pray God gives you and I understanding as we delve into this very important topic.

It is important that every man who comes to the earth get an idea of what this (earth - or creation) is all about. Please let me say what I have believed so far.

I will talk as if I have the Grand Plan with me. And you know that I do not. But I have the Bible and you will judge my words by your understanding of my expositions from the Book of Romans. Do we have a deal? Good.

A Brief Intro.

When God looks at the earth, He sees men classified only into any of these three categories. A man is either a Jew or a Gentile. When he accepts Jesus as Saviour and Lord, he becomes a Saint. So we have Israel (natural descendants of Abraham), the Church of Jesus Christ, and Every other person outside these two. You can argue all you can, tribes as created by God is for community, these three are the only families on earth. Okay a few Scriptures to back up that point;

Rom 2:9-10
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
(KJV)

Act 15:18-19
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
(KJV)


1Co 10:32-33
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
(KJV)

 Jn 7:35
35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
(KJV)


1Ti 3:16
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(KJV)


I know you have an opinion already about this. So let me share my own.

An Outlay of Romans.

Paul did a good job of laying out God’s universal plan in the Book of Romans.

Romans Chapter One and Two he dealt with how God handles those who sinned without the Law. You know, those who never knew there was a God of Abraham, who just followed their consciences in doing what was right. Read it yourself.

Romans Chapters (part of 2), 3,4,5, 6 shows how Sin is the Universal Leveler and Grace the Universal Lifter. And Faith the Universal Access.

2:17-29 shows how little an advantage a Jew has over a Gentile on the account of Righteousness. 3:10 says ‘There is no-one righteous’.

Vs 9 says both Jews and Gentiles are all under Sin.

Chapter 4 showed how Abraham  himself was justified outside the Law through Faith.

Chapters 5 and 6 shows that Adam started the Human Race; Abraham started the Jewish Race; Christ, the Christian Race (or the Church).

Romans Chapter 7 - 8 settles why we still seem to struggle with Sin even after Christ came and the way out. Jesus took away our Sin not our Flesh. The Holy Spirit is the way to enjoy what Christ delivered to us.

In Romans Chapter 9-11, Paul clarified where the Jew stands in all these. Let us just go straight to 11:28. (see, if all I achieve is to make you read the book of Romans with more attention, I am fulfilled).

Romans 11:28 now.

‘as far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the Patriachs’

You see, the Gospel came primarily for the Gentiles. (See again 1 Tim 3:16)  Israel had the Election. Are you still surprised that the Jew just cannot understand the Gospel? They have to be so deaf for this Gospel to be so loud to the Gentiles. That is the wisdom of God - not mine. I could think of a better way. Oh dear, did I say that? I must be very stupid.

So Paul told us, all Israel will be saved in 11:26 and this he had called a MYSTERY in 11:25. You can not accept it because of what it is - a mystery of God’s mercy. We must submit our self to His mysterious mercy upon us Gentiles and upon the Jews. He is God, we are not!

In Romans Chapter 12, Paul admitted that no one can accept God’s perfect plan (or will) except the mind is renewed.  (vs 2).

So what is the advantage of being in Christ  (the Church) over the Jew ?

We have the righteousness of God and not under pressure to establish our own. Rom 9:30-33

We know so much more than the Jew. We know the righteousness that comes from God and that is all there is to know. Rom 10:2-3

Romans 13, established what Romans 12 started. The Universal Commandment is Love. Let the Jew or Gentile or the Saint thrive to love.

Once again, the advantage of the Saint is that Love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit - not his. How easy it is for the Saint!

Who will go to Hell? The Gentile ?

Not exactly. He has two options only.

1.       Become a Jew. I do not mean ‘practise Judaism’.

2.       Accept Christ as Lord. I do not mean ‘practise Christianity’.

How hard it is to be a Gentile!

Not exactly. It is easier to accept Christ than to become a Jew. That is why the Gospel has been going so strong around the world.

Who is the Jew ? How about the hybrids?

‘Em... Em.. Apostle sir. How about the Americans with Jewish blood somewhere in their lineage? Are the Jews or Gentiles?’

The same could be said about Ishmael. He descended from Abraham too, did he not? But to Isaac belong the inheritance.

Well, Jesus is the way. The surest way.

I still want to say ‘The Only Way’. That is what I believe too.

- Adeolu Olumodeji.

CAN GOD COUNT ON YOU?

CAN GOD COUNT ON YOU?

Act 9:10
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. [KJV]

We shall use events from Scriptures to challenge ourselves today. Such that when Heaven looks at the earth and zeroes in on the location where we live, we can be the one trusted with that special assignment.

A CERTAIN DISCIPLE

The Lord Jesus Christ had recently ascended, the Holy Spirit had descended and the Church of Christ just began. God was about to raise a major apostle that would herald the gospel to the world of the Gentiles. After an encounter with the Lord near Damascus where Saul's sight was temporarily taken, the Lord needed someone He could trust to nurture Saul with the very foundations of his new faith. And God thought of a 'certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias'. What a glorious privilege to be God's man in Damascus - for the job!

THE WIDOW IN ZAREPHATH

Elijah had just prophesied famine upon the land of Israel without giving much thought to how he himself would survive the period. God had a plan to feed His man and the person for the job was a widow. Read the account in 1 Kings Chapter17 and what the Lord Jesus said about this widow in Luke 4:24-26. God found a woman who would be selfless even with her last meal. How glorious to be that person in Zarephath when God wanted hospitality for His servant!

These people were little known in their localities. But God knew them and trusted them with special assignments.

Go into today with a heart open for the Lord's call. Take out time to serve others as if God entrusted you with them.

Pray that God would make you relevant in His unique purpose in the town where you are.

- Pas. Adeolu Olumodeji

streamglobedevotional.com

Here is the unedited version (edited by Streamglobe Devotional for space)


CAN GOD COUNT ON YOU? 

Act 9:10 (KJV)
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Can God count you to carry out a special and strategic assignment ?

We will use three events from Scriptures to challenge ourselves today. Such that when Heaven looks at the earth and zeroes in on the location where we live, we can be the one trusted with that special assignment.

1. A CERTAIN DISCIPLE...

The Lord Jesus Christ had recently ascended, the Holy Spirit had ascended and the Church of Christ just began. God was about to raise a major apostle that would herald the gospel to the world of the Gentiles (Non Jews). After an encounter with the Lord near Damascus, where Saul's sight was temporarily taken, the Lord needed someone He could trust to nurture unto him the very foundations of his new faith. And God thought of a 'certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias'. What a glorious privilege to be God's man in Damascus -  for the job!

2. A MAN CARRYING A JAR OF WAR... AND THE GOOD MAN OF THE HOUSE...

The Passover was near, and the Lord Jesus must have a very important supper with His disciples.The setting and the location must be unique and the meal special. And the Lord had a man and his Master to do the job. ( Read this in Mar 14:12-14, Luk 22:8-11) First, the disciples were told to meet a man carrying a jar of water who would lead them to his master. This master would show them the guest room made ready for the Lord's Supper. How glorious to feature for the Lord when this very strategic meal was to be taken!

3. THE WIDOW IN ZAREPHATH...

Elijah had just prophesied famine upon the land of Israel without giving much thought to how he himself would survive the period. God had a plan to feed His man and the person for the job was a widow. Read the account in 1 Kings Chapter17 and what the Lord Jesus said about this widow in Luke 4:24-26. God found a woman who would be selfless even with her last meal. How glorious to be that person in Zarephath when God wanted hospitality for His man!

These people were little known in their localities. But God knew them and trusted them with special assignments.

Go into today with a heart open for the Lord's call. Take out time to serve others as if God entrusted you with them.

Pray that God would make you relevant in His unique purpose where you live or work.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

WHY DID YOU NOT PRAY TODAY?

WHY DID YOU NOT PRAY TODAY?

There are at most, 31 days in a month. So when you find you do not pray on a day, match the date with the number below, and find out if the reason is true.

1.       You were too busy to pray

2.      You were too lazy to pray

3.      You were too worried to pray

4.      You were too wise (in their own eyes) for prayer

5.      You were too stupid to pray

6.      You were too hasty to pray

7.      You were too ‘serious’  or meticulous to pray

8.      You were too privileged for prayer

9.      You were too ‘worded’ to pray

10.  You were too crowded to pray

11.    You were too doubtful to pray

12.  You were too sinful (in their own estimation) for prayer

13.  You were too hypocritical or pretentious to pray

14.  You were too faithless to pray

15.  You were too narrow - minded to pray

16.  You were too distracted to pray

17.  You were too callous, wicked, cold blooded and unfeeling to pray

18.  You were too protected to pray

19.  You were too ‘holy’ to pray

20. You were too ‘close to God’ to pray

21.  You were too unserious to pray

22. You were too ‘padded’ or ‘tush’  or arranged to pray

23. You were too short-sighted to pray

24. You were too at ease to pray

25. You were too advanced to pray

26. You were too disturbed to pray

27.  You were too defeated to pray

28. You were too depressed to pray

29. You were too excited to pray

30. You were to contented to pray

31.  You were too spiritual to pray

   

- Adeolu Olumodeji

SEE. BELIEVE. UNDERSTAND

SEE. BELIEVE. UNDERSTAND


No long intro this time. 


John Chapter 20 gave an account of the Resurrection Morning. Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb of Jesus first thing in the morning while it was still dark. She found that the tomb door had been removed and the tomb empty. She ran back to Peter and the other disciple to inform them of her discovery. ‘They have taken the Lord and we don’t know where they have put Him!’ she cried.


At once, Peter and that other disciple ran to the tomb. Peter went in first, and he saw the strips of linen lying on the tomb floor, the burial cloth folded up by itself. This is evidence that the body of Jesus came out of those clothes without unfolding them. But Peter merely saw. John came in after him and saw too. The Scripture said in Joh 20:8 ‘He saw and believed’. That was enough evidence for John. At least, he believed what Peter merely saw. But the next verse recorded that neither of them understood. These are the three levels of realities in the Kingdom of God. Let me add quickly that Peter and John- sorry, the other disciple- returned. One saw, another saw and believed. But Mary wanted more. She wanted to understand. How did I know? Take note of how she modified the statement of the problem (compare Jn 20:2 and Jn 20:13). '... Because they have taken away MY Lord and I do not know where they have put Him'. 


Jesus said ‘Except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’. (John 3:3). Take being born again like the natural birth of a child. The child sees, but does not understand what he is seeing. Then there comes a time when you help the child define what he is seeing and whatever you tell him he accepts. That is faith. ‘my daddy says...’ ‘my aunty says...’. And gradually he grows to begin to understand more of what he sees and have believed. Let me warn here, be careful what your child sees now, he will later understand. And be careful who teaches your child, that is what he will believe and may never understand. Faith stronger than Understanding. It second only to Love in the Divine Nature. 


Without faith it is impossible to please God. That is found in Hebrews 11:6. In verse 3 of same Chapter, you find ‘By faith we understand...’ To understand is the goal of having faith. But many believers stop at believing. Which is okay. Faith is all you need to be righteous. Understanding only makes you appreciate it. Solomon said though wisdom is supreme, we should get understanding at every point (Prov 4:7). Do you understand what you see? Do you understand what you believe? Jesus told us in the Parable of the Sower that our fruitfulness in the Kingdom is a function of our understanding. The ‘good soil is the man who hears the words and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown’ Matt 13:23 (NIV).


Hear this and see if you understand it. ‘We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true - even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life’. 1 John 5:20 (NIV). You need to understand your reality as a child of the kingdom.



‘Do you really understand all these ?’ Jesus would often ask His disciples.


Indeed, do you?


- Adeolu Olumodeji

WORKING FOR A DENARIUS

WORKING FOR A DENARIUS

I look for every excuse to read the Bible. Or I should say every opportunity. I believe the Bible is enough for any man to live on earth. Did I hear someone say ‘More than enough?’. And I heard the one who said ‘You need some other knowledge to enrich your Bible knowledge’. I agree with both of them. Let me just say, very few books get read more than once - or ever,  like the Bible. At least for the Christian. I guess, we all agree on that. I am a Christian.

I became a Christian and was told I should read my Bible daily. I found that funny. It is like being told to eat daily. Who needs a reminder to eat? Okay, someone might need a time table. Or a diet plan. But definitely not a reminder. Well, unlike the natural food, the Holy Spirit ensures we do not get over weight. Christ said He (the Holy Spirit) would bring things to our remembrance. Ours is to expose ourselves as much as we can to the food (Word of God), He would regulate our intake (assimilation and understanding). So if I tell you I have a time table for my Bible Reading, I lie and the truth is not in me. But I get more than enough opportunities every day to study, than I could ever plan. I like the early morning devotion. But at times, I have slept too late praying to wake up that early to study. Those not-necessarily-planned chances I use to make up usually happen at the point when Heaven’s illumination touches the Earth. I have found some of my planned studies dry. Oh, there is a place for discipline. For instance, if I will teach a topic, I will take out time to really prepare.

This is my problem, I leave the topic and spend too much time on introduction. But I like to connect with the audience. Please let me conclude this introduction first. Thank you.

One excuse I use to study the Bible is this. Any day for any reason I miss my daily (or nightly) prayers, the next few days I am conscience - bound to study the chapters of the Bible for that date I missed. Okay, I will talk from Matthew Chapter 20 today. That gives you an idea. Thank you for your patience.

That Chapter opens with a parable of the Workers in the Vineyard as rendered by Jesus Christ. Have you noticed Jesus used parables a lot? Parables are short stories with moral lessons. Do you think Jesus conjured most of those stories from His imagination? I hope to ask Him someday. But I think they were real life events. Too many stories happen everyday for anyone to task his mind. That is how we know an experienced teacher for a theorized one. I think Jesus was a very practical teacher.

Workers were waiting to be hired by the Land owner. Early morning, third hour, sixth hour, ninth hour, eleventh hour. Please just go straight to Verse 13-15 of Matthew 20 (NIV). ‘But he (the landowner) answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you, Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

Typical organization. You have been there all these years and the guy just came and he is getting all the favour - or at par with you. Or some policies seem to further alienate you on the job. You are offended. But see the attitude of your employer; ‘Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my money?’ And guess on whose side Jesus is? On your employer’s side. Laughs. Sorry.

I hope I did not spoil your day.

But did you get the message? You are either the Landowner or you agreed to work for a denarius.  

And if you are still waiting to be hired, good luck to you.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

ANCIENT OF SECONDS

ANCIENT OF SECONDS

I can’t even believe I am 35. So don’t worry if I don't look it to you. Because of my stature, many people argue about my age. I just smile in amusement at the guess work. Then, when I got married, it became a bit easier to convince people since I have a ring in my hand. And this August, I clocked 35. Just like that! Pheeeew! 5 years to 40, and I can talk about 10 years ago, 15 years ago, even 25 years ago with a clear memory.... I can’t even believe it.

Whenever I see old people - I mean people who have the fingerprints of old age all over them; like wrinkles, grey hair, tired limbs, bent back, weak eyes and the likes- when I see such people, I have great respect for them. One name we call God is ‘Ancient of Days’, these ones are Ancient of Seconds. Laughs. I will explain later.

But those features are not why I respect old people. Culture has little influence in my motivation to respect old age. Religion does not do much either. There is a thinking in my mind when I behold old men and women. These are the ones who have navigated every second of the minutes that make up the hours of the days in their long years. For instance, an 80 year old. By the way, I consider 70s still growing. 80s aging. 90s old. Some people have faith for 120, me I do not see the need. If it is God we are going to meet, we should not be in a hurry - and we should not shy away either. Anyway, that is me. Where was I?

An 80 year old man for instance has witnessed 80 multiplied by 31,536,000 seconds in his life. When you consider how many things can take a man’s life in a twinkle of an eye, then you might understand a little. Jesus Christ told us not to worry about a day, because one day has sufficient virus to crash that day. Sorry, it is the generation of Applications. Worry is an App that crashes lives. Okay this is how Jesus said it;  Matthew 6:34 (NLT) “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today".

So when you see an 80 year old, he has escaped 2,522,880,000 death opportunities. Now that is Two Billion, Five Hundred and Twenty Two Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand Seconds on Earth. Who ever has survived that much is an Ancient of Seconds. Just so you can appreciate it more. Think of God as Ancient of Days and He has lived 2,522,880,000 days so far. Hey! I know He is eternal, it is just an illustration. So if you convert that to Years it is 6,912,000. Even if you are not eternal and you live six million years, you are Ancient of Days.

Sorry, I am just fooling around with numbers. But what does that Scripture mean; ‘Teach us (how) to number our days’? Well, this is one way maybe. The Mathematical Model.

Okay. I have said I won’t be writing long pieces any more. People don't have time. Every second counts. Moreso, Old Age is coming and there is so much to do.

Thank you for your time.


- Adeolu Olumodeji.

IRENE AND I

IRENE AND I

Irene is my daughter, our second child. Family members have warned me not to call her 'our last born' any longer. They want us to have more- maybe just one more. Anyway, we have Daniel and Irene today and I tell you; God gave us the topmost among the best; Children that know God and make us happy round the clock. Daniel is four Irene is two. Today I will talk about Irene.

The name came by revelation as that of Daniel. Only this time, the revelation came to my wife and not me. I had wanted her to be called 'Hadassah' the Hebrew name for Esther the Queen. When my wife told me how the name Irene came I knew we should make that stick.

Irene is Greek for Peace. We had a number of confirmations about that time. My mum had  told us she received Peace as her name in a dream. This is Africa where everyone in the family has a name for the child. My wife had just secured a job in Salem  (after she left her very promising job in KPMG because of marriage). Salem is Hebrew for Peace. Words from many pulpit also confirmed her name to us. Prominent was a teaching by Joseph prince on Psalm 91 where he specifically mention 'Irene'. Hadassah had to allign with Irene. Okay, Hadassah represents her assignment, Irene her essence. Amen.

Why did I bore you with all that? Maybe just to say children come from somewhere deeper than the scrotum. They come from eternity and you must have a glimpse into God's heart to see them before they show up. I had been and I am still engulfed by the glory that brought Daniel, but Irene came with amazing uniqueness. Let me just go straight to the point of this piece.

I began to notice a strong affinity between my daughter and I. First I noticed her broad, heartfelt smile whenever she sees me. Then I noticed she would leap with excitement at her hearing of my voice. I also noticed it was 'daddy' she first began to call before she said 'mummy'. Okay let me say this; her first recognizable phrase was 'Halleluyah'.
So I began to carry her more and pay more attention. I realised just how beautiful she is. Did I see a dimple? There is a glitter in her eyes when she smiles. It seems she took the best from her mum and I. No doubt, she would grow up into a very beautiful girl. And intelligent too.

I noticed Irene loves book. Unlike what is common to toddlers, I can not remember her ever tearing a page. And  she lives in a house where books are everywhere. Two shelves overflowing with books and then the dailies. Irene would take a book and open each page meticulously. She would pay attention. Then one day I saw her hold a pen. Oh, she held it so well. Things I remember teaching Daniel, I wonder who teaches Irene. That's my girl. I'm talking about my girl. My girl.

Then this morning, there is this feeling I also got when I carried her in my arms. A feeling of repentance. One day, this little girl of mine will become big. All the depths of beauty only me can see now would be there for all to admire. One day, some guy would want to get her to like him. Oh dear, it is too early to think like this! But then, it is not too early to pray about it.

Just before I prayed, I remembered a few of my own encounters with other men's daughters. Some of the ways I handled them came rushing at me. Well, do not judge me, I never abuse women.  Just take note that every memory I had where I treated a girl less than I would want my girl treated made me sober. I looked at Irene as she pointed something to me; "Daddy, look!" (In the voice of a 2 year old), tears welled up in my eyes and prayers in my heart...

'My God will bless you and keep you (I emphasied the 'keep', you know).
My God will keep you from all wickedness, from abuse, from rape, from every subtle manipulations...
My heavenly Father will keep you for the king...
In Jesus' name.'

I dropped her on her chair as I stepped out to go to work. Her mum and Daniel still in bed, Irene was alone watching Barney...

Again I thought of days neither I nor the mum and not even her big protective brother will be near...

As I shut the door, I rested in my prayers... Knowing I can trust God to keep what I commit into His hands.

Amen.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

HOPE FOR THE REJECTED

HOPE FOR THE REJECTED

Jn 9:35
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? [KJV]

The Lord Jesus had performed a miraculous sign. It is possible the man had no eye socket considering the furor that attended the event. Jn 9:32 says 'Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind'.

If it was a thing never seen since Creation, then only the Creator could do it. This the man that was healed attested to. And for that, he was cast out of the Synagogue. To be cast out of the Synagogue in those days was to be excluded from the cherished privileges of a Jew. It must be very painful.

Indeed the pain of rejection is much. Scientists say the same part of the brain activated when the body is inflicted with physical pain is the same when he feels rejected. Man was created for fellowship. He is a social being and there is a deep need to belong. Many social vices are traced to a feeling of rejection that was not met. Many have resorted to dangerous habits in the bid to satisfy their longing for acceptance.

Here in our main text, the Lord found the rejected man. He 'found' must mean that He searched for him. Jesus is still seeking the rejected. Have you been living in rejection? Do you know people who feel rejected? In Jesus is fulfillment.

Go into today with a message to the rejected. Jesus accepts them. Help rejected people find the embrace of Jesus.

Pray for someone you know who feels rejected. Ask Jesus to fill his heart. Amen.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

Source: streamglobedevotional.com

BEAUTIFUL STORY

What you are about to read was written on the 14th of July 2004. Eleven years ago, I was a student of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. It was on that Campus I accepted Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
At this point in time, my spirit was low...

Please read on...

BEAUTIFUL STORY

"Every life is a beautiful story only if somebody would write it' - Adeolu O. V

No one appears interested in mine, so I decided to write it myself. Every one has a story to tell and very few has the time to write. And it is amazing how fewer people show interest in reading them these days. Well, if you happen to read this, thank you.

Have you ever seen a balloon - a full blown balloon? Have you ever watched it struggle when the air inside it is released? That is the picture of a life that is fast losing substance. That is the story of a  man of many papers and little or no action. That is my story. Beautiful story?

Life took a dramatic turn towards the end of 1999 when I offered my life to Christ. It was an experience I will never forget. In as much as I recognized the soveriegnty of God in drawing me to Himself, I also realised that I had few options. The other alternative was to refuse Christ and die a few days after. Oh yes. The way life was going for me then, it was either death or an empty life that was ahead. Something inside of me still wanted to live- but I would rather die than live empty. So if Jesus was offering a full, satisfying life, I was willing to give it a try. I am being honest  please.

That encounter with Christ was dramatic. It was an encouragement to many. I was so passionate about my new found life to the point I had thought I would not marry. Christ was all there is to me.

I had lived all those years seeking for the will of God. And dear, though I have not found the will of God, I did lose mine. I do hope you understand I am not talking of marriage. I am talking of the full and satisfying life I so much coveted. It is as if the empty life I had dreaded is where I suddenly find myself. And the truth is, I do not know what to do.

What is the life I count as empty? Not the life without Christ as I once thought. It is a life without a passion for a purpose. I know now that passion for anything at all is better than no passion at all. It is now that I realised that all my confessions were not convinctions and like the mist that clears of when the sun rises, I am left void. The picture of the earth in Genesis 1:2 may be better than what my heart presents to me about myself. I only wonder if God will speak now the way He did in Genesis 1:3.

There is something to take note of, however. I may have lost all other convinctions, but I still have one. That is, there is God and He is still very much in charge of His creation. That convinction happens to confuse me too, because if God is very much in charge, why does He watch me lose charge of my life? I just wonder.

I do not hate myself. I only hate my state. I had longed for character until I lost all my charisma. I lost all my skills. I thought God would do some things for me only to realise I was meant to do them myself. I do not hate God. Who would dare? I only agree that I do not know Him enough. All the things that used to give me confidence are now  sources of doubts. I fear that I am sailing into oblivion.

I could conceal these emotions and pretend all is well. After all that is what Christianity has come to mean. But I fear my void would soon be known. I cannot imagine the shame. Did I not confess Jesus was all I ever needed? But I still do not prefer death. Like Job, all the days of my life will I wait until my change comes. I want to live. I want to live full. Is there anything you can do for me? Would you talk to God about me? Would you talk to me about me? If you could do more than talk- the better. But what can that be? What can take me off this roller coaster?

This is my problem. I still trust this God- so foolishly. You will see when my story changes. By then you might get really excited, willing to write my story for what it would turn out to be- a beautiful story.

Thank you for reading.

A CALLING

Dear Readers,

I think it is rude to just return without an explanation.

I should have greeted first of all.

Good afternoon. Good to know you are there.

Now back to the explanation. Or excuse?

I think I should just relax. I have a feeling I am forgiven. 

One thing I know is; I love to write. One thing I have to accept is; Writing is my calling. 

Once I get that, there will be no excuse not to write.

I will create the time.

I will get the skills.

I will find resources.

I will stay committed.

Please accept me once again. 

I promise to keep it coming.

And to keep it simple.

God bless you.

- Adeolu Olumodeji.

GRACE TEACHES US 2

GRACE TEACHES US 2

[NIV] Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Tayo struggled with Further Maths in School until his last semester. When he saw that he scored A, he wondered why then he had failed this same subject all those years. Then suddenly, it dawned on him; they had a new teacher that semester.

Tayo realised he never really liked Mr. Timo. Tayo saw him as arrogant and saucy. This, unknown to Tayo affected his understanding of Mr. Timo's lectures. Mr. Kola, the new teacher was approachable and humble. He smiled at students and made sure they understood his lectures.

Let us take Messrs Timo and Kola to mean the Law and Grace. The Law is the teacher of the Old Testament follower of God. Grace is the Teacher of the New Testament follower of God. Scriptures tell us that those that were under the Law were under 'tutors and governors' until the time appointed. (Gal. 4:1-5). And Tit. 2:11-12 tells us that the Grace of God that brings Salvation teaches us now. Remember that the Law came through Moses, Grace came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

In our main text today, the Lord Jesus tells us He is gentle and humble in heart as He encourages us to come and learn from Him. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher is also the Comforter (Joh 14:26).

When the Law teaches, it leaves you with a feeling of dread and helplessness. Grace deepens your understanding and makes power available to do what is right. Scriptures said in Rom 8:3-4 that what the law could not do, God did by sending His own Son (Grace personified).

Go into today, ready to learn from Grace. If you have a besetting sin, ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and empower you to overcome.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I desire a better walk with God. Teach me by your Grace. Make it easy for me, O Lord for Your yoke is easy and Your burden, light. Amen.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

Devotional written for http://www.streamglobedevotional.com

GRACE TEACHES US 1

GRACE TEACHES US 1

[NIV] Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Harry got himself a new phone. He was eager to get it out of the pack and begin to use. While unwrapping the device, he saw a booklet on which was written 'How To Enjoy Your New Device'. He threw it aside and proceeded to fix the device to the best of his understanding and began to use it.

Some months after, Harry met Ted who had been using the same phone as his. He noticed Ted was doing far more with the device than Harry had thought possible. Ted was enjoying his device far more than Harry because he had taken time to study the Manual.

It is very unfortunate that the story of the average Christian is that which seems far below even the worst of the Old Testament follower. It is God's plan that in the New Covenant, the weakest among us would be as strong as David (Zech 12:8) and the least of us greater than Elijah (Mat. 11:11-15). Potentially this is true, but we must learn to walk in that reality.

The Grace of God is the difference between the follower of God in the New Testament and the follower of God in the Old. The Grace of God is the reason why a believer in Christ should find following God more enjoyable than the best of the Old Testament followers did. To do this we must pay attention to the teachings of Grace. There is a better way to overcome flesh than your self will if we learn from Grace.

Go into today, knowing that your walk with God can be far better than it is now.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me Your ways. I want to walk better with You. Amen.

- Adeolu Olumodeji

Devotional written for http://www.streamglobedevotional.com