YOU CAN'T GIVE WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE... SATAN HAS NOTHING TO OFFER WITHOUT GOD'S CONSENT(JOB 1:9-12) [PART 2]
DINING WITH THE DEVIL...NO SPOON IS LONG ENOUGH!(LK.16:24-26)
Today there's more than enough for the the CHURCH to WORRY about,if you are a hardcore believer of God and His [Udiluted] Word.
Only the Good Lord knows why HE has been taking me down this road in the past weeks. Perhaps,as one, on the other side of the aisle tagged*POVERTY MENTALITY GROUP*,it should be easier than the other side, the side of *ACCLAIMED WORSHIPPERS OF A RICH GOD*,to spill it out,as DIRECTED! I am equally not oblivious of the scorn that awaits me.
You see, there's a popular maxim that says,*Use a Long Spoon when Dining with the Devil* The truth is that,no spoon is long enough(if you like,use a laddle or paddle), the devil has the uncanny ability of grabbing your hands,if he wants to. And you know the implications. Dining with the devil makes you fall into the hands of the Living God,and it's terrifying.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb 10: 31)
It's established that we are aware in the course of our studies ,about JEHOVAH'S JEALOUSY OVER THE SHARING OF HIS GLORY,AND MANY OF US RECEIVING OUR REWARDS ON EARTH ALREADY!
Today isn't different,as our FATHER explained that many notable*warriors* in *HIS ARMY* have long let down their *guard,* when they tasted from Lucifer's dish.
First of all,we had God warning us;
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Co 10: 31)
6. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
7. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; (Deu 8: 6-7)
10. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12. Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13. And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14. Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; (Deu 8: 10-14)
If we want to be truthful to ourselves,it should be common knowledge that the *beats and tunes*change when the less privileged walks into affluence...(pastor or member,believer or unbeliever...VERY FEW HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO AVOID THE PITFALLS THAT COME WITH RICHES. And they are daily becoming fewer.
I have even personally interrogated myself,if I could still faithfully maintain this MANDATE,if I happened to cross into that league...frankly,the answer is still not forthcoming.
However, what most of us (especially pastors) either deliberately or ignorantly refused to accept is the fact not everyone of is compulsorily expected to cross into the league of earthly prosperity. And many of us God allowed to cross into our *today's promised land,* have eaten our full and built goodly houses* and forgotten the reason for the upliftment.
In the story of Lazarus,nowhere did Christ Jesus tagged the rich man an unbeliever or believer...just as we read it* a rich man*!
But the unexpected upliftment got our heads swollen,that most of us thought it was our personal effort , setting up ourselves to fall into the snares laid by our enemy.
23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luk 16: 23-25)
What is prominent in that story,is the *GENERAL ATTITUDE OF THE AFFLUENT*!
Many highly RESPECTED CLERICS have UNCONSCIOUSLY or SUBCONSCIOUSLY RELEGATED GOD'S INPUT to the BACKGROUND.
They saw themselves deservedly selected for favour, while the seemingly unfavoured are counted as sinners or those displeasing to God.
IN SIMPLER TERMS, MEN GET CARRIED AWAY,AFTER YIELDING TO THE TRAPPINGS OF THE WORLD...GOD WARNED US THAT SATAN IS CRAFTY AND SUBTLE;
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.... (Gen 3: 1)
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Mat 10: 16)
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Rev 12: 9)
AND BECAUSE THOSE THAT GOD PICKED UP FOR THESE SPECIAL ROLES BECAUSE OF THE DAYS AHEAD , WHEN GOD WILL USE THEM TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE, FORGOT THE MANDATE :
1. But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Mic 4: 1-2)
10. Bring ye all the tithes into the STOREHOUSE, that there may be MEAT in MINE HOUSE, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11. And I will REBUKE the devourer[THE ENEMY] for your sakes, and he shall not DESTROY the FRUITS of YOUR GROUND; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal 3: 10-11)
AND INSTEAD MADE THEMSELVES DEMIGODS OVER THOSE THEY FELT WERE SUFFERING, FROLICKING AND FRATERNIZING WITH THOSE IN THE CORRIDORS OF WORLDLY POWER, THEY DEVIATED FROM GOD'S WORD AND APPROVAL AND ARE RESERVED FOR GOD'S WRATH AND JUDGEMENT (NO MATTER THE LONG AND TONGUE TWISTING TITLES THEY BARE) THEY DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON GOD AND SETTING A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.
Thus, those of us who felt impatient and felt slighted by both God and man,that upon all our faithfulness, it seems we have been abandoned,and inspite of these several warnings,we still fall prey to the devil's antics of distraction AND CHOSE TO DINE WITH THE DEVIL AT WHATEVER COST... meanwhile this was the ultimate aim of our common enemy, and gladly obliged them, oftentimes hiding the consequences from them, and leaving them to discover and learn the hard way.
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2Co 11: 13-15)
Christ Jesus was no one's fool when HE warned, it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to make God's Kingdom (pastor or member,believer or unbeliever)!
*THOSE WHO STARTED WELL ARE ENDING POORLY, BECAUSE OF HAVING TASTED *THE WORLD*! (FIRST BECOMING LAST AND VICE VERSA).
THE BLESSINGS OF GOD DOESN'T ADD SORROW...THUS, IT'S NO LONGER OF GOD, WHEN BLESSINGS ARE CAUSING YOU TO MISS THE ROAD TO YOUR MAKER AND MASTER!
Let's look at a funny but serious example;
Many affluent clerics can give you a MIND BLOWING FIGURE of their exploits in philanthropy.
But in their churches,are many who can't afford the school fees of the Church owned(Abi G.O owned) schools...the same with the medical facilities...AND MILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF NAIRA AND DOLLARS LIE dormant in their bank accounts.
Many are sharing one room apartments,others entirely homeless,but their churches have ESTATES. IT ISN'T AS IF IT CAN BE DONE FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON...BUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR,CAN IT BE COMMENSURATE TO WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED? WHY BLAME POLITICIANS.
Now,the fun is this,these clerics,when they were still at the bottom of the ladder, they were invoking passion and stirring emotions as they called,WHAT THEMSELVES ARE DOING NOW,*INJUSTICE*, but today, it's a little less injustice, I suppose.
IN A NUTSHELL, MANY OF US CLERICS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER BEFORE GOD... BECAUSE WHEN THE BLESSINGS OF THE MANDATE CAME, OUR VISION AS KEEPERS OF GOD'S FLOCKS WAS BLURRED, OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES WERE TAMPERED WITH,BY THE CRAVINGS OF THE WORLD.
REMEMBER;
YOU CAN'T PUT YOUR HAND IN THE FIRE, WITHOUT GETTING BURNT,OR SCARRED EVEN!
We serve a Merciful GOD... there's yet time,as we breathe...but is the willingness there?
LIKE I BELIEVE WE AGREED,THERE ARE OTHER DISTRACTIVE TACTICS THE COMMON ENEMY IS USING TO DIVERT OUR ATTENTIOBUT, I JUST WANT US TO RECOGNIZE THE FACT THAT GOD IS NOT AGAINST PROSPERITY, THAT HE, INFACT PROSPER THE CHURCH FOR A PURPOSE, FOR THE LAST DAYS THAT WILL HERALD CHRIST JESUS RETURN!
BUT THE CHURCH LOST IT. HOWEVER GOD'S WORD MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS, EVEN IF HE HAS TO CHANGE VESSELS AND METHODS. DO YOU (I) WANT TO BE CHANGED?
Help us Oh LORD,Amen!
YOU CAN'T GIVE WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE... SATAN HAS NOTHING TO OFFER WITHOUT GOD'S CONSENT(JOB 1:9-12) [PART 2]
π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
DINING WITH THE DEVIL...NO SPOON IS LONG ENOUGH!(LK.16:24-26)
π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
Today there's more than enough for the the CHURCH to WORRY about,if you are a hardcore believer of God and His [Udiluted] Word.
Only the Good Lord knows why HE has been taking me down this road in the past weeks. Perhaps,as one, on the other side of the aisle tagged*POVERTY MENTALITY GROUP*,it should be easier than the other side, the side of *ACCLAIMED WORSHIPPERS OF A RICH GOD*,to spill it out,as DIRECTED! I am equally not oblivious of the scorn that awaits me.
You see, there's a popular maxim that says,*Use a Long Spoon when Dining with the Devil* The truth is that,no spoon is long enough(if you like,use a laddle or paddle), the devil has the uncanny ability of grabbing your hands,if he wants to. And you know the implications. Dining with the devil makes you fall into the hands of the Living God,and it's terrifying.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb 10: 31)
It's established that we are aware in the course of our studies ,about JEHOVAH'S JEALOUSY OVER THE SHARING OF HIS GLORY,AND MANY OF US RECEIVING OUR REWARDS ON EARTH ALREADY!
Today isn't different,as our FATHER explained that many notable*warriors* in *HIS ARMY* have long let down their *guard,* when they tasted from Lucifer's dish.
First of all,we had God warning us;
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Co 10: 31)
6. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
7. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; (Deu 8: 6-7)
10. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12. Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13. And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14. Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; (Deu 8: 10-14)
πππππ
If we want to be truthful to ourselves,it should be common knowledge that the *beats and tunes*change when the less privileged walks into affluence...(pastor or member,believer or unbeliever...VERY FEW HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO AVOID THE PITFALLS THAT COME WITH RICHES. And they are daily becoming fewer.
I have even personally interrogated myself,if I could still faithfully maintain this MANDATE,if I happened to cross into that league...frankly,the answer is still not forthcoming.
However, what most of us (especially pastors) either deliberately or ignorantly refused to accept is the fact not everyone of is compulsorily expected to cross into the league of earthly prosperity. And many of us God allowed to cross into our *today's promised land,* have eaten our full and built goodly houses* and forgotten the reason for the upliftment.
In the story of Lazarus,nowhere did Christ Jesus tagged the rich man an unbeliever or believer...just as we read it* a rich man*!
But the unexpected upliftment got our heads swollen,that most of us thought it was our personal effort , setting up ourselves to fall into the snares laid by our enemy.
23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luk 16: 23-25)
What is prominent in that story,is the *GENERAL ATTITUDE OF THE AFFLUENT*!
Many highly RESPECTED CLERICS have UNCONSCIOUSLY or SUBCONSCIOUSLY RELEGATED GOD'S INPUT to the BACKGROUND.
They saw themselves deservedly selected for favour, while the seemingly unfavoured are counted as sinners or those displeasing to God.
IN SIMPLER TERMS, MEN GET CARRIED AWAY,AFTER YIELDING TO THE TRAPPINGS OF THE WORLD...GOD WARNED US THAT SATAN IS CRAFTY AND SUBTLE;
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.... (Gen 3: 1)
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Mat 10: 16)
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Rev 12: 9)
AND BECAUSE THOSE THAT GOD PICKED UP FOR THESE SPECIAL ROLES BECAUSE OF THE DAYS AHEAD , WHEN GOD WILL USE THEM TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE, FORGOT THE MANDATE :
1. But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Mic 4: 1-2)
10. Bring ye all the tithes into the STOREHOUSE, that there may be MEAT in MINE HOUSE, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11. And I will REBUKE the devourer[THE ENEMY] for your sakes, and he shall not DESTROY the FRUITS of YOUR GROUND; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal 3: 10-11)
AND INSTEAD MADE THEMSELVES DEMIGODS OVER THOSE THEY FELT WERE SUFFERING, FROLICKING AND FRATERNIZING WITH THOSE IN THE CORRIDORS OF WORLDLY POWER, THEY DEVIATED FROM GOD'S WORD AND APPROVAL AND ARE RESERVED FOR GOD'S WRATH AND JUDGEMENT (NO MATTER THE LONG AND TONGUE TWISTING TITLES THEY BARE) THEY DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON GOD AND SETTING A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.
Thus, those of us who felt impatient and felt slighted by both God and man,that upon all our faithfulness, it seems we have been abandoned,and inspite of these several warnings,we still fall prey to the devil's antics of distraction AND CHOSE TO DINE WITH THE DEVIL AT WHATEVER COST... meanwhile this was the ultimate aim of our common enemy, and gladly obliged them, oftentimes hiding the consequences from them, and leaving them to discover and learn the hard way.
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2Co 11: 13-15)
Christ Jesus was no one's fool when HE warned, it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to make God's Kingdom (pastor or member,believer or unbeliever)!
*THOSE WHO STARTED WELL ARE ENDING POORLY, BECAUSE OF HAVING TASTED *THE WORLD*! (FIRST BECOMING LAST AND VICE VERSA).
THE BLESSINGS OF GOD DOESN'T ADD SORROW...THUS, IT'S NO LONGER OF GOD, WHEN BLESSINGS ARE CAUSING YOU TO MISS THE ROAD TO YOUR MAKER AND MASTER!
Let's look at a funny but serious example;
Many affluent clerics can give you a MIND BLOWING FIGURE of their exploits in philanthropy.
But in their churches,are many who can't afford the school fees of the Church owned(Abi G.O owned) schools...the same with the medical facilities...AND MILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF NAIRA AND DOLLARS LIE dormant in their bank accounts.
Many are sharing one room apartments,others entirely homeless,but their churches have ESTATES. IT ISN'T AS IF IT CAN BE DONE FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON...BUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR,CAN IT BE COMMENSURATE TO WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED? WHY BLAME POLITICIANS.
Now,the fun is this,these clerics,when they were still at the bottom of the ladder, they were invoking passion and stirring emotions as they called,WHAT THEMSELVES ARE DOING NOW,*INJUSTICE*, but today, it's a little less injustice, I suppose.
IN A NUTSHELL, MANY OF US CLERICS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER BEFORE GOD... BECAUSE WHEN THE BLESSINGS OF THE MANDATE CAME, OUR VISION AS KEEPERS OF GOD'S FLOCKS WAS BLURRED, OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES WERE TAMPERED WITH,BY THE CRAVINGS OF THE WORLD.
REMEMBER;
YOU CAN'T PUT YOUR HAND IN THE FIRE, WITHOUT GETTING BURNT,OR SCARRED EVEN!
We serve a Merciful GOD... there's yet time,as we breathe...but is the willingness there?
LIKE I BELIEVE WE AGREED,THERE ARE OTHER DISTRACTIVE TACTICS THE COMMON ENEMY IS USING TO DIVERT OUR ATTENTIOBUT, I JUST WANT US TO RECOGNIZE THE FACT THAT GOD IS NOT AGAINST PROSPERITY, THAT HE, INFACT PROSPER THE CHURCH FOR A PURPOSE, FOR THE LAST DAYS THAT WILL HERALD CHRIST JESUS RETURN!
BUT THE CHURCH LOST IT. HOWEVER GOD'S WORD MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS, EVEN IF HE HAS TO CHANGE VESSELS AND METHODS. DO YOU (I) WANT TO BE CHANGED?
Help us Oh LORD,Amenπππ!
Arabic
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Deutsch
Turkish
Dutch
Italiano
Russian
Romaian
Portuguese (Brazil)
Greek