JESUS BEING WITH YOU!
The disciples of Jesus Christ encountered many difficulties before and after His crucifixion. They were treated very unkindly everywhere they went and they were sore afraid and unsure of what the future had in stock for them. Essentially, they were like sheep without a shepherd. However, reprieve came their way on the third day with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He gladdened their hearts, allayed their fears, encouraged them and gave them the great commission with the assurance of His perpetual presence with them. He said ‘’…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of age’’ (Matthew 28:20). That was the impetus they needed to face challenges, subdue them and become positive role models till now.
To some extent, the situation of the world as it is today can be likened to some of those encountered by the disciples. As a result of our present excruciating Economic, Social and Political climates, a lot of people are battling untold hardship while fear cum uncertainty has become a regular feature of our lives. Governments are panicking, grown-ups are moaning, children are crying, hope is receding and time is going. Without doubt, we need help and Jesus Christ is the only one who can provide it on a platter of gold (Psalm 121:1) and today, He is saying ‘’…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of age’’. So, cheer up!
As we know, Jesus being with people is replete with several benefits some of which I’ll like us to consider for encouragement in this write up. They are:
1. Direction. In his confused state, Apostle Paul, mindful of the presence of Jesus Christ, asked for direction and He gave it to him (Acts 9:1-18). And that marked the beginning of his success story which is the envy of all Christians up to now. It sounds reasonable therefore, that if you desire success in any area of your life and become the envy of all then, you must be prepared to ask Jesus Christ for direction and He’ll give it to you. Prophet Isaiah strengthened this stance when he said: ‘’Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying ‘’this is the way, walk in it’’ (Isaiah 30:21).
2. Peace. Peace is an essential universal commodity and Jesus Christ possesses the ability to give it to you freely if you ask Him. Please note that you don’t need any special prowess before taking this step; all you need is the audacity to do so. Remember that Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6) hence; He is best suited to dish it out and His brand of peace is available for all at all times. He confirmed this in John 14:27 by saying ‘’Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you…’’. So, go for it right now!
3. Security. Jesus Christ is the only person who can guarantee the world a foolproof security and the Psalmist proved this view to be true in Psalm 127:1. He said: ‘’…Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain’’. So, if you want foolproof security in various areas of your life as from now on then, ask Jesus Christ and He’ll organize it for you (John 10:27-28).
4. Salvation. Zacchaeus was a notorious tax collector and a first class sinner but salvation came his way the day Jesus went to his abode. And immediately, his odious past became unimportant and he went on to become a very decent person and an excellent candidate for heaven (Luke 19:1-10). You too can obtain salvation from Jesus Christ today if you ask Him and you’ll be able to enter the Kingdom of God unencumbered at the right time (John 3:3).
How then can Jesus Christ be with you such that you’ll be able to enjoy the abovementioned benefits and more? Well, first, you must seek Him diligently and you’ll find Him (2 Chronicles 15:2). Invite Him to take charge of your life as your personal Lord and Saviour; that is, you must be born again (if you aren’t yet). When you are through with this step then, He’ll dignify you with His presence and shower you with His mind blowing blessings (John 15:4-5). Friend, this is a step that is worth taking and by the grace of God, you will not lose out and your joy will be full in Jesus name. Amen.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Direction, Encouragement, Jesus, Peace, Salvation, Security
The Name of Jesus: The Strong Tower
In Proverbs 18:10, the wise King Solomon said: ‘’The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe’’. This is a very popular and reassuring biblical passage which I will like us to examine more closely today. But before then, let us look around the word ‘tower’ so that we can understand the import of this write up better.
In general, Towers are breath-taking edifices which are used to support electric power transmission, radio and television antennae, rockets and missiles prior to launching etc. They are highly visible and in most cases, they exhibit greatness, power, dignity and magnetism amongst other qualities. Examples are the Eiffel Tower (Paris), the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy) and the Tokyo Television Tower (Japan).
A lot of people, institutions and governments worldwide are also called ‘towers’ figuratively speaking because they exhibit some of or all the qualities mentioned above and because the survival of many people depends on them. However, the name of Jesus outshines all of them as extraordinary benefits are churned out (Mark 16:17-18, Philippians 2:9-11) each time people run to it (i.e. each time it is invoked). No wonder it is specially called a ‘strong tower’! Now, let’s us consider some of such benefits beginning with safety.
1. Safety. Proverb 18:10 shows that safety is a prominent outcome of invoking the name of Jesus Christ. It says: ‘’The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe’’. So, if you are keen on having watertight safety from now on, please call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do not hesitate!
2. Healing. If you need total healing in your body or in your family set up, business, career, ministry, education etc then, call on the name of Jesus Christ and you’ll have it at some point. Prophet Isaiah confirmed this fact in Isaiah 53:5 when he said: ‘’But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed’’.
3. Freedom from bondage. Jesus Christ released and still releases loads of people from bondage till today (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, if you think you are in bondage of any kind and you want to be free from it then, stir Jesus Christ into action right away; call on His name and He will oblige you. Apostle John strengthened this view in John 8:36 by saying ‘’… if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’’.
4. Forgiveness of sins. Sins are dreadful shortcomings which all self respecting Christians must flee from because they hinder prayers (Isaiah 59:1-2) and eventually, they kill (Romans 6:23). Nevertheless, if you want to be free from them, then invoke the name of Jesus without delay; ask Him to forgive you and He will. He established this viewpoint through Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43:25 as follows: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins’’.
Friend, the only way by which you can invoke the name of Jesus Christ’s with good results is through being righteous (Proverbs 18:10) and being righteous starts from becoming born again. Are you born again? If you are; very good! You sure can then invoke the name of Jesus unfettered and your concerns will be met adequately. But if you are not, please invite Him into your life right now; He will not spurn you. This is a promise! (John 6:37).
P.S. This monthly Bulletin is Six (6) years old today. Please join us to show gratitude to God for His work. Thank you.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Jesus, The Name of Jesus, The Strong Tower
Who is Your Foundation?
In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus Christ described whoever hears his sayings and does them as someone who built his house on a solid foundation of rock whereas, he described whoever does nothing about them as someone who built his house on mere sand. While the former house withstood harsh onslaught on it, the latter fell like a pack of cards because it had no foundation. This account brought to fore the importance of solid foundation.
Now, before we go any further with this write-up, I will like us to look around the words ‘foundation and solid foundation’ first. By definition, a foundation is a natural or prepared ground on which structures rest and it is said to be solid if it can withstand varying degree of attacks on it. In Civil Engineering, solid foundations are products of painstaking activities and they usually outlive the structures built on them.
Solid foundations are important in all facets of life. For example, a solid foundation of adequate resources is important in business while prolonged, targeted and relevant exercises is the solid foundation needed in sports and academic excellence depends largely on a solid foundation arising from long hours of organized reading etc.
Also in Christendom, we need a solid foundation (the most solid of all foundations) to thrive on. And Apostle Paul confirmed this foundation to be Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:11 He said: ‘’For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ’’. Friend, this foundation is strong enough to carry all your circumstances, your family, business, education, health, salvation, and eternal life etc (Luke 1:37) and the good news is that it is all yours immediately you surrender your life to Jesus Christ; that is, immediately you become born again (John 6:37). So, make the move right now!
Perhaps you surrendered your life to Him in the past but you are not too sure of your status now; if that is the case with you then, why don’t you consider rededicating your life to Him today? Please note that He is willing to accept and forgive you all your sins (Isaiah 1:18). But if you are all right with Him; excellent! Certainly, He will see you through the rest of your life however, you must be vigilant (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Finally, do not forget that it is your responsibility to keep your association with Jesus Christ alive. This you can do among other ways by: 1. Keeping away from evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 2. Praying regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Holy Spirit can help you out here (Romans 8:26). 3. Reading your bible faithfully (Joshua 1:8). 4. Winning souls for Him (Proverbs 11:30). If you keep to this and similar guidelines then, you will prosper on earth ad-infinitum and attain heaven at the end of the day. May the good Lord help you all the way through in Jesus name. Amen.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Jesus, Who is Your Foundation
Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Today, we shall consider three testimonies to shore up the universal notion that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
The first testimony is aimed at projecting Jesus Christ as our ultimate healer. It was recorded that whilst on earth, he healed every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23). His proficiency is still intact in the area of healing people.
Mr. K.A.N, a close friend of ours, suddenly developed a complicated neurological problem which made him physically and mentally crippled for four years. He was attended to by many doctors but none could help him. He also utilized, out of frustration, the services of some native doctors, Sorcerers, Occultists etc to no avail until a man of God led him to Christ. He (the man of God) later commanded the evil spirit fettering him to leave in the name of Jesus Christ and it did unconditionally. Mr. K.A.N lived a normal life afterward. This testimony shows that Jesus Christ is still in the business of healing people; he is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The second testimony is intended to show that Jesus Christ is the only person who can give accurate and result oriented direction to those who needs it. In Acts Chapter 9, Saul (later Paul) went to Damascus to persecute Christians until he was struck down from heaven. He became helpless and sought direction from Jesus Christ saying: ‘’Lord, what do you want me to do?’’(Verse 6). Jesus did direct him and that was the beginning of his mind-boggling success story.
Back home in 1995, my wife and I needed urgent and sustained financial assistance which nobody was ready to offer us. This brings to fore what is written in Lamentations 4:17 that is: ‘’ Still our eyes failed us, watching vainly for our help; in our watching we watched for a nation that could not save us.’’. We subsequently sought help/direction from God through Jesus Christ and during one of our prayer meetings; a revelation came forth that we should commence the business of selling patent medicines (nothing prepared us for this business) in addition to our normal professional duties. We started the business with less than £120 and within six months, our capital base increased to over £2,500 (i.e. by more than 2,000%). Let’s say we left our initial capital (£120) in a bank account for six months without touching it, it wouldn’t have yielded an interest of up to £20. In any case, from the proceeds of this venture, we met all our financial obligations and we used the remaining to relocate to another city where the Lord blessed us and made us channels of blessings to others. Jesus Christ has not changed; he is still in the business of giving purposeful and robust direction to those who needs it.
The last but by no means the least of today’s testimonies is meant to portray Jesus Christ as the only person who can make possible, what people have generally declared as impossible. Remember how he healed the woman who hemorrhaged for twelve years. As a matter of fact, she exhausted all her resources on Physicians without success (Luke 8:43-48). As far as people were concerned, hers was an impossible case but an encounter with Jesus Christ changed the scenario completely.
I met Mrs. S.E who had infertility problem of ten years duration in Nigeria. She was seen and treated by many Gynecologists but their efforts petered to nothing unfortunately. One day, she met by chance, a Consultant Pathologist (not even a Consultant Gynecologist) who is a Holy Spirit filled born again Christian and she narrated her ordeal to him. And with immense faith, the doctor told her that Jesus would give her a child and she believed. He later led her to Christ and a child was decreed into existence for her in the name of Jesus Christ. Guess what? She became pregnant the following month without any medical help and she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy nine months later to the glory of God.
Friend, we can infer from these testimonies that power belongs to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18) and that he is still in the habit of performing miracles. He is ready to accommodate you in his plans too. Please do not give up if you are battling with a long standing problem that refused to abate or if you are in a desperate situation. Take your concerns to him today-he genuinely cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Jesus
Try Jesus!
For this write up we shall be looking at Matthew 9:20-22. It narrates the story of a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. It was recorded that she spent all that she had on physicians yet, her condition did not improve. As if that was not enough, in her part of the world, not only were hemorrhaging women considered impure, they were also avoided. Outside support for her therefore, was completely out-of-the-way. Hers was indeed a very pathetic case. Reprieve however came her way the moment she touched the garment of Jesus Christ.
A lot of lessons can be deduced from this story but for the purpose of this write up, we shall consider the following only.
1. Long standing problems are not restricted to a particular person or group of people or to this age and time alone. There are many instances in the bible and around us these days when people endured long standing problems. This woman’s case is a very good example. Naaman’s is another. He was a reputable general in the Syrian army but he had Leprosy which is a long standing skin problem (2 Kings 5:1-14). What about the man who had an infirmity for thirty eight years? (John 5:1-9). These examples and many more confirm that long standing problems are neither new nor restricted to a particular person or group of people or to this age and time alone. King Solomon confirmed this in Ecclesiastes 1:9 when he said: ‘’That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun’’
2. It pays to seek help from the source of ultimate power. The woman went everywhere and consulted a large number of doctors to no avail. Now, going to doctors for medical help on its own is not a bad idea because God gave them their great knowledge (James 1:17) and every right thinking person would find it appealing to consult them. However, once in a while, doctors find it rather grueling to restore some patients back to full health. In a situation like this, such patients should not lose hope on the other hand; they should switch over to the source of ultimate power (i.e. Jesus Christ) for deliverance. He confirmed his custody of ultimate power in Matthew 28:18 as follows: ‘’…All authority (power) has been given to me in heaven and on earth’’.
Let me quickly interject at this point that the effectiveness of this amazing power can now be established very quickly and with no fuss by using the name of Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul confirms this in Philippians 2:9-11 when he said:
9. Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name. 10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father.
Agreed, we may not be able to generate miracles these days by physically touching the garment of Jesus Christ but his powerful name is readily available for our continuing use for all purposes. Therefore, use it!
3. Victory is certain if we seek help from the source of ultimate power. GOD GAVE THEM THEIR KNOWLEDGEThank goodness that the woman sought help from Jesus Christ-the only source of ultimate power. She touched his garment and instantaneously, her long standing hemorrhage, weakness of the body, state of hopelessness, helplessness, loneliness, shame and sorrow vanished. She became a brand new person, clean and pure to the glory of God.
From all indications, it is evident that seeking help from the source of ultimate power is synonymous with astonishing success. The woman in the passage and the man who had an infirmity for thirty eight years amongst many others sought help from him and they emerged triumphant. Friend, perhaps you or somebody close to you have been grappling with a long standing problem and help seems to be a mirage; don’t worry! The time has come again for you to do something well-defined about it. Seek help from the source of ultimate power-seek help from Jesus Christ. Convey your heart felt concerns to him in prayers today. Yes, you may have done so on many occasions in the past; please don’t give up! Just try again and again believing God that very soon, your joy will be full (John 16:23-24).
Finally, let me use this opportunity to wish you and all your loved ones God’s manifold blessings through out this month and beyond. And by his grace, it shall be well with you at all times and his name shall be glorified in your life in Jesus name. Amen.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Jesus, Try Jesus
JESUS HAS OPENED THE DOOR!
In Revelation 3:8, Jesus Christ said: ‘’…Behold I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it…‘’.
This is a remarkable pronouncement that is extremely relevant to us in this dispensation. It is obviously uplifting because it assures us of absolute freedom from the clutches of the Devil and inexhaustible opportunities.
Before moving any further, please let us pay a close attention to the word door so that we can understand the import of this write up better. A door has been described as ‘’a solid sheet (of wood, metal, glass etc) hung so that it permits access through or closes up an entrance‘’. And if it is of a good quality, it will prevent intrusion, guarantee security, confidentiality and dignity. However, it could also be an impediment if it is closed for too long because it will effectively shut out access to food, water, light, wholesome air, assistance, companionship etc. In a situation like this, death cannot be far fetched. But, the situation is bound to change the moment this door is re-opened.
Figuratively speaking, any situation that limits you or that makes your life continually tough can be likened to a state of closed door. Such situations include ill health, barrenness of diverse kinds, joblessness, poverty, stagnation or regression in life, lack of meaningful assistance, debt, sin etc. If any of these is worrying you at the moment then, be of good cheer because right now, Jesus Christ is saying ‘’…Behold I have set before you an open door (out of the situation), and no one can shut it…‘’.
The benefits of accessing the aforementioned door are many but we shall consider a few of them today because of time and space constraints.
1. Healing. One of the major functions that Jesus Christ performed on earth was to heal different aspects of our lives ranging from our minds and souls, to our bodies and even to our material needs (Luke 4:18). Healing from him is still readily available today if only we can boldly access the open door that he set before us. Jesus is not a respecter of persons and whatever he has done for others in the past; he can still do for you this time around. Perhaps some aspects of your life or the life of somebody close to you needs healing please, access this open door today. Ask Jesus Christ to heal them and guess what? He will since he is hugely primed to do so (Act 10:38).
2. Deliverance from barrenness. Barrenness can manifest in diverse ways. For example, inability to have children is a good example. Others include poverty of ideas, stagnation or regression in life etc. Please allow me to focus on the first category i.e. inability to have children today. It is a very restrictive and painful experience. It becomes more agonizing if one comes from parts of the world where failure to have children is a big issue. In such places, life is deliberately made difficult for those affected. To the sisters and brothers desiring to have their own children, I bring good tidings to you! And that is, today, Jesus has set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. And by the grace of God, this door will lead you to having your own children in the name of Jesus. Please remember that it is your inalienable right to have children (Psalm 127:3) and as far as God is concerned, barrenness and miscarriage has ceased to be a part of your life (Exodus 23:26). So cheer up!
3. Deliverance from sin. Sin is a major phenomenon which we unfortunately inherited from Adam and Eve. No one is free from it (1 John 1:8) and because of sin, it is difficult for us to escape intricate life situations which regrettably, may lead to needless death if care is not taken (Romans 6:23). We should be happy though since Jesus has set before us an open door which no one can shut. And accessing this door by confessing our sins and turning away from them will help us in no small way in getting rid of them (1 John 1:9). In addition, God is also willing to deliver us from the effects of our past sins. Prophet Hosea made allusion to this fact in Hosea 6:1 when he said: ‘’ Come, and let us return to the Lord; for he has torn, but he will heal us, he has stricken, but he will bind us up’’. If you are yet to confess and forsake your sins and if you are yet to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior please pause a little bit and do so straight away. You may even wish to rededicate your life to Christ if you feel a compelling need to do so. Definitely, you stand to gain a lot from this exercise.
Friend, we have seen some of the benefits that follow the open door Jesus Christ is referring to. As an individual, what do you hope to achieve by accessing this open door? Then why don’t you go ahead and convey it (or them) to Jesus Christ in prayer today? Things will only get better for you and not worse. It is my fervent prayer that your expectation in life will never be cut off in Jesus name. Amen.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Door, Jesus
Approach the Good Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 reads: ’’The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want’’.
Psalm 23 is a very popular Psalm which many people learnt by heart very early in their lives. Amongst other things, it clearly elucidates the characteristics of a good Shepherd. And by the way, a Shepherd is that person who looks after or herds sheep. He feeds them on time, gives them adequate water to drink, guides and guards them etc. In short, he makes sure that they are safe and contended.
Literally speaking, a religious minister or a pastor is also a Shepherd because he guides or herds a group of people in the ways of the Lord. Jesus Christ is a typical example (John 10:14) and we are his sheep. Unlike other Shepherds who rear their sheep for pecuniary gain, Jesus’ sheep are not for sale neither are they meant to be slaughtered. He wants us to live with him forever (John 14:2-4). Do not forget that he willingly died for us when He was here on earth (John 10:11, 17-18). This goes a long way to show that He is an exemplary Shepherd. Furthermore, He performed and still performs several amazing roles which are skewed towards making our lives bearable. Now let us consider some of them with biblical examples. For instance, He is capable of:
1. Defending us even when other people are against us. Remember the story of the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11). She was caught in the act and brought to Jesus Christ by the high and mighty. Even though their intention was to test Him, a word from Him supporting them would have resulted in the woman being stoned to death with immediate effect. But because He is a good Shepherd, He defended her robustly and the crowd had no choice than to disperse without hurting her. Guess what? He is still busy defending us till today in the presence of God (1 John 2:1). Aren’t we lucky? Friend, whatever sins you might have committed in the past does not matter anymore. All you have to do today is to confess and forsake them and the good Shepherd will forgive and defend you to the end.
2. Shielding us from shame. We have the story of the mad man in the country of the Gadarenes in Luke 8: 26-39. He was greatly tormented by demons. He was naked and very violent and the only place that could contain him was a tomb (i.e. his shame was exposed). But a life changing encounter with Jesus, the good Shepherded changed his life forever. It was recorded that when people later saw him, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus Christ, clothed and in his right mind (verse 35) (i.e. his shame had been covered). Is there anything that constitutes shame in your life right now? If there is, keep your peace; just do the right thing by committing it into the hands of the good Shepherd and it shall be covered.
3. Raising up the dead and making dead aspects of our lives to be revived. In Luke 8:40-56, a certain man called Jairus approached Jesus Christ to heal his dying daughter and He agreed. But another significant event (i.e. the healing of the woman with the issue of blood) delayed Jesus on the way and by the time He got to Jairus’ house the girl had already died. But death on its own is not strong enough to deter the good Shepherd from living up to expectation. In spite of negative comments emanating from some quarters, He still went ahead and commanded the dead girl to rise up and she immediately did. Is there any part of your body, business, ministry, education, profession etc that is dead or that is not functioning optimally at present? If there is (are), don’t worry; just pray to the good Shepherd about it and He will revive it (John 11:25-26).
4. Giving us salvation. This is the ultimate aim of the good Shepherd because He wants us to be a part of God’s Kingdom. And the only way we can be a part of it is to be saved (i.e. to be born again) (John 3:3). How then can one be born again you may wish to ask? Well, very simple! Start off by confessing your sins and genuinely being sorry for them. Next, ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and to take over your life as your personal Lord and Saviour and He will not rebuff you (John 6:37). He will defend you, cover your shame, make various aspects of your life to come alive and save you from eternal anguish etc. Luke 12:31, where Jesus said: ‘’seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you’’ confirms all above. Perhaps you are already saved-well done! Please be resolute!
Finally, let me use this opportunity to welcome you into the realms of continuing signs and wonders in Jesus name.
N.B This monthly bulletin is two (2) years old today. To God be the glory.
Jesus is Lord!
Categories: Mind of Christ Tags: Good Shepherd, Jesus, Shepherd