called by the spirit but rejected by... by Gbenga Aluko

                                                                   

       

Text: Judges 7:1-6

Topic: Called by the Spirit but rejected by…...

The charge

In these days and ages, different people are called by different things/persons/spirits to carry out different assignments, but our focus for tonight is to consider how God’s spirit inspired Gideon to gather a group of people and they were also rejected by Him, what are the things that made this so, are there others? Can we mitigate this?  we are blessed in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen

We will drive further with the following subheading:

Background

Gideon’s visitation

Rejected for the following reason.

Conclusion

Background 

The book of Judges is a twenty-one-chapter book that was written by Prophet Samuel according to Jewish tradition, it details the journey of the children of Israel between the conquest of Canaan and the birth of Monarchy/kingship or autocracy.

The book records many prodigal excursions of the children of Israel and attending punishment by God little wonder one of the most popular and pitiable statements in the book is “in those days there were no kings in Israel everyone did as she/he pleases”, may we never find ourselves or may God’s people under our tutelage never get to this junction in Jesus mighty name.

Gideon’s visitation

It is God’s plan to continue to visit/fellowship with men starting from the Garden of Eden, Gen.3, Abraham Gen.18:17, etc. the issue of separation from God’s presence has always been caused/initiated by men, are we different from this ugly trend, i.e., available, making our lives attractive for His visitation.

Gideon the fifth of the twelve judges of Israel was privileged to have divine visitation even in the confused and exploited state of the children of Israel and the visitation had a lasting impact on him some of which are:

1.     It made Him conscious of the presence of God vs.12-14

2.     revealed God’s assignment for His life to Him vs. 14

3.     God gave him signs to drive home the point to him.vs.17-21, this was an old covenant event we may not need such signs today we have the bible and the Holy Spirit.

 if we sense we lack or lagging on any of the aftermaths of God’s divine to Gideon in our life it’s a sure sign that we need an encounter, a touch, a personal retreat, let’s seek for him all these will burst forth.no matter the situation/trials, we must never lose the presence and the consciousness of His presence Ps.23:4.

Rejected for the following reason. 

The spirit of God on Gideon attracted men to Him for battle in great numbers Judges 6:34ff, but they were also reduced by God for the following reasons amongst others, (we should, however, note that we can be called by the Spirit of God into warfare against Hell too but we must watch and pray like Jesus said not to be rejected too):

1.     God will never share His glory     7:2, Is.42:8

2.     Fear                                                Vs.3

3.     Not be alert                                     Vs.5-7

4.     Lust                                                  Judges 16:20

5.     Disobedience                                    1 Sam.15:22

Conclusion

Our obedience to God, our relationship with Him, our continual return of Glory to Him, and our faith in Him alone is not only more important than what we do for or in His name it is a prerequisite to it. May God help us in Jesus’ mighty name Amen.

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receiving Godly enthronement by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                               

                                              Text: 1 Sam.9:26- 10:1

                               Topic: Receiving Godly enthronement

 

This will be done with the following subheadings:

God’s instruction to Samuel

Problem cum opportunity

Destiny relationships

The enthronement

God’s instruction to Samuel 

The highly revered prophet Samuel installed his son as judge over Israel as he was old alas his children did not follow his Godly/impeccable/blameless example, they were interested/focused/aroused only by lucre/gain/profit hence they took bribes, and perverted judgment 1 Sam.8:1-3. When a judge is interested in hasty/instantaneous/immediate profit, he will take bribes and pervert judgment, may God help us all to wait for and on Him even while working to earn a decent living and be contented in Him in Jesus’ name. Amen

The children of Israel revolted and went to the revered seer to give them a king instead of having hoodlums with no character and reputation at the helms of the affair,( it is only a matter of time before people will revolt against corruption anywhere, although most of the time the revolt is done out of proportion and without decorum or respect for persons and even law and order so it is better for leaders to be of highest moral/spiritual standard ) this stance didn’t go down well with Prophet Samuel at first but God instructed him to give them a king.1 Sam.8:22.

Problem cum opportunity

The Bible introduces a Benjamite whose name is Kish and referred to him as a mighty man (Greatness runs through lineage at times, You may not come from a great father but in God, through God, and with God, you can be a great Father, be stirred)who had a son whom the bible gives some positive affirmations more handsome, shoulder and head above any other in Israel, but Kish’s (his father’s) asses got missing. 

Kish then gave His son (Saul) two instructions: one take one of the servants, and two look for the missing asses 1 Sam.9:3. The next thing by God’s agenda for Saul was hinged on his obedience to this simple assignment may God give us the spirit of Obedience in Jesus mighty name Amen.

Destiny relationship

It was the biblical account of what the servant did that makes it safe to conclude that he can be said to be in a destiny relationship with Saul some of which are:

·       He endured the long search for the asses with him via mount Ephraim through Shalisha through Shalim through the land of the Benjamite to Zuph and even suggested doing more after about 52 kilometers journey and given the technological know-how and other know-how that was available at that time without a recorded complaint what a servant, against the backdrop of lazy, carefree  staffs/workers and stewards that abound today.vs.4-5

·       He knew the right place to go (Seeking counsel from GOD) even in their seeming confused state. vs 6

·       He had the resources to sponsor the destiny journey vs.8(although it is still surprising how a servant will be more prepared than the son on this journey, but we can take solace in the fact that no one has it all)

The enthronement 

For Saul to shift into the divine enthronement fashioned for him, God prepared his Prophet who also made some preparations for the enthronement of the young Saul, may we walk into our prepared blessings in Jesus’ mighty name Amen, let’s just explore some of them:

Prepared Prophet: God prepared even His prophet before the day of their engagement 1Sam.9:16

Prepared seat: The prepared prophet ushered them into prepared seat 1 Sam.9:22

Prepared meal:  This was served after they had been seated as prepared and reserved.1 Sam.9:24

Prepared anointing: Saul was anointed with the oil by God and in God’s name 1 Sam 10:1

Saul, however, lost God, and the enthronement too was taken away at some point along the journey may God help us never to lose sight, trust, and focus on Him in Jesus’ mighty name Go and be enthroned.

 

Shalom

Dealing with envy by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

Text: Numbers 12:1-9

Topic: Dealing with envy 

Brief

Meaning of Envy

Those that would be envied

Some records of envy in the scripture

Reward/impact of envy on Mariam

Dealing with Envy

Brief

Those who have been envious of you will see your mistakes quickly and dwell more negatively on it/them than most people, This was what Mariam and Aaron displayed when that portion of the scripture is studied systematically especially the first two verses of the book of Numbers chapter twelve, in verse one they complained about the Ethiopian wife that Moses married(undermining the circumstances that warranted it or the kind of forty years sojourn/training that God put him through at that time or what God was saying about it).

Occupying positions isn’t an excuse for scuttling ancient paths/landmarks for any reason, leadership by example/influence is still the best both managerially and spiritually, knowing the way, walking the way, and leading by action, however, to the led, it is important to research more, consult more, know more than talks/revolts James 1:19, the divergence nature of these consecutive verses speaks volumes, but they eventually voiced their main issue with him in the next verse “HATH THE LORD SPOKEN ONLY BY MOSES”.

May God help us to live a life void of reproach even as leaders in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Meaning of Envy 

·       Envy is when someone is not happy, losing his/her peace because of someone else’s position, achievements, skills, approach, personality, etc.

·       Aristotle defined envy as pain at the sight of another’s good fortune (paraphrased)

·       It is one of seven self-destructive habits: Lust 2 Tim.2:22, Gluttony 1 Cor.10:31, Greed Heb.13:5, Sloth Prov.6:6, Wrath Rom.12:9, Envy Prov.14:30, Pride Jer.9:23-24.

Some more on envy… 

·       Envy bitterness and strife all work together James 3:16-18.

·       It is a show of the fallen state or a low-on sanctification index.

·       It is a show of ingratitude to who and what God has made one to be and have (The grass is not greener on the other side)

·       It is a sin. 1 Cor.3:3, may God purge us all of this virus and other sins that could take us to hell in Jesus' mighty name.

Those that would be envied (ministry perspective). 

Those that are saved.

Those that trust/rely on the power of God alone.

Those who are leaders/priests/ministers.

Those who are graced with the gifts or fruits of the Spirit.

Those who enjoy the grace of men (connection and relationship)

Those who do God’s work whole passionately.

etc

By implication, every child of God is a potential recipient of envy (our Lord and savior Jesus Christ had His fair share, however, it is better to be envied than pitied, prepare for envy so it won’t catch you unawares and you won’t react out of proportion.

Some records of envy in the scripture 

·       Joseph’s brothers to Joseph                                        Gen 37:13 ff

·      Racheal and Leah                                                     Gen.29:31-32

·       Saul to David                                                                  1 Sam.18

·      The Jewish leaders to Jesus                        Matt.27:18, Mark 15:10

·       The Corinthians of themselves and spiritual giftings     1 Cor.3:3

·       Cain and Abel

Reward/impact of envy on Mariam 

·       The Lord was angry with them                                      vs.9

·        She became leprous and was cast out                           vs.10

·       The movement of the whole group was delayed            vs.15 & 16

 

Dealing with Envy

We would try to glean some lessons from the reaction of Moses to the situation at hand:

1. Do not verbalize or take any physical action against envy, envy is a physical/fleshly/humane reaction to spiritual reality as every good gift and perfect gift comes from above James 1:17.

2. Pray that the Lord takes control and calms you, but you may need to tell your supervisor, or spiritual father/leader just in case vs.4 ff.

3. Pray for the culprit. It is hard work following or watching someone else do what they (the envious) think they should do. Vs. 2&13

4. watch and pray envious people who refuse the control of God’s spirit could be a danger

Shalom.

Earthly treasure & Heavenly trial by Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                   

Text: Exodus 16:1-4

Topic: Earthly treasure & Heavenly trial

 

This study will be done with the following headings:

The place

Their behaviour

The Treasure which is also a test

They failed the test.

The challenge

The place 

The children of Israel were rescued from slavery in the land of Egypt, and they began a great journey to freedom and a destination predetermined by God. However, on the fifteenth day of the second month of their journey, they got to the wilderness of sin as stated in the scripture Ex.16:1

The referenced sin in the wilderness of sin is not the literal contravening the law, immoral dispositions, or going against statutes as we are used to but means one of the following according to scholars:

Ø  The name emerged because of its proximity and similarity to Mount Sinai

Ø  The place was a place of worship for an ancient moon god who goes by the name sin

Ø  Just a Hebrew name for that region

The place didn’t get its name because of what the children of Israel did or didn’t do it’s a name that predates their interaction with the place however the children of Israel were sinfully obstinate as usual even in the wilderness of sin what a coincidence, what is the account of your behaviour where you are? We are writing history.

Their behaviour

The children of Israel rested in the wilderness of sin for a while on their journey from Egypt, however at this time they have exhausted all their provisions hence they grumbled/murmured. Murmuring was habitual of the children of Israel even when they could humbly present their case before God and His human representatives, Ex.15:24,16:2 just to state two of these reckless acts by God’s chosen nation, loved, chosen, saved from bondage/captivity but reckless, being forceful/aggressive has more disadvantage than advantages, blessed are the meek…. Mark 5:5, Psalm 37:11.

The Treasure which is also a test 

It should be noted that God didn’t consider their frailty and faulty approach in their request at this time(a lesson to leaders in all spheres of life) although He severely punished them for the same offense at other times, He benevolently granted their request, this He did with a test as reeled out to Moses in VS.4 “I will rain manna from Heaven(a food from heaven, a delicacy without human input, something that will be kept even in the ark, a treasure indeed Ex.16:33ff, Heb.9:4) THAT I MAY PROVE THEM” He gave them what they wanted but it came with a test/trial, does God still gauge/test people’s loyalty/obedience and trust in Him?

They failed the tests 16-20 

God through His servants gave specific instruction to the Israelites that they should take a certain measure per day per person, they disobeyed, and they should not keep till the second day they also disobeyed, sin will lead to another further sin till the individual cup is full and God’s wrath is activated, the only panacea to stop the fall of sin is to come boldly and sincerely to the cross, Confessing and forsaking, do you want to continue your fall of sin?

The challenge 

The position that God gave you, James 1:17, Your prayers that God has answered and will still answer, the signs and wonders that He has done for and through you, the wealth that he gave and will still give, The gift/talent/capacity, all of God’s benevolence towards you are just to satisfy you but far and above that to test your love for Him, your loyalty and obedience to him and your capacity to handle more for him stop failing God, learn from Daniel and Joseph.

Shalom

God’s presence, a Panacea against emptiness by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                 

Text: Gen. 31:40-42

Topic: God’s presence, a Panacea against emptiness

This will be done with the following headings:

Introduction

Jacob and Laban

Jacob’s account of Laban’s dealing or treatment of him

God’s presence to the aid.

Introduction

Jacob had to leave his parent and the environment he was used to on a journey to Haran for two reasons: he was fleeing from his brothers’ wrath Gen 27:41-45 and secondly to avoid taking a wife from the Hittite just like his brother.Gen.27:46ff.

He however encountered God on his journey and that made a huge or main difference in his life as God promised him His presence and safety. Gen.28:13-15. May we encounter God and be a privileged carrier of His presence in all our life’s journey in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Jacob and Laban 

·       Jacob is the son of Laban’s sister Rebekah                                               Gen.29:13

·       In Haran, Jacob got to Laban’s house easily by God’s leading                 Gen.29:9-10

·       Jacob was a blessing to Laban; Laban made the confession by himself.   Gen 30:27

·       Jacob married two of his daughters and two slaves from his house           Gen29:22-30

·       Jacob served Laban faithfully, sacrificially, and wholeheartedly               Gen.29:38-41, is this kind of service still available/proper in today’s parlance?

With this affiliation, connection, and good effort it is awkward that Jacob cried out that it was Laban’s plan to send him out empty, maybe for us to learn not to expect more than people’s capacity or willingness to do for/to us, and to underscore that the best of men is still but human.

Jacob’s account of Laban’s dealing or treatment of him 

Jacob will/should have many good impressions/feeling about a man that housed him and whom he was working for/with for twenty years as none, but God alone is always all good and at all times Luke18:19, Mark 10:18 but we want to explore the negative comments/complaints that he had/spoke about him here

 He changed my wages ten times in twenty years Gen 31:7,41

·       He wanted/planned for me to go out empty, this was shown by his dealing to/with him Gen.30:31-36,31:43.

·       Laban was a taskmaster who only cared about himself and his flock, a taskmaster Gen.31:39

God’s presence to the aid

 

1.     God’s presence protected him from being hurt or killed: (a) From Laban’s sons and workers Gen 31:1, (b)from Laban himself, Gen.31:2 then (c) stopped Laban’s invasion and hurt.

 

2.  2 God gave him a model/formula for productivity Gen.30:41-43,31:11-12, God saw his misery and intervened on his behalf. May this be our experience going forward in Jesus’ mighty name amen? emptiness has a whole of meanings to different people, in Jacob’s days, it was the lack of goats/, horses and other farms produce, to the men of Jericho the land water was naught and the ground barren 2 Kings 2:19, what type of emptiness are you experiencing? there is no type of emptiness that God’s power and presence cannot take away totally.

 

Prayer outro: Lord, please teach me what to do to end my emptiness. Gen.:41-43,31:11,31:11-12

 

 

 

 

Mist from the earth by Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Genesis 2:1-6

Topic: Mist from the earth

This will be done with the following subheading: 

Background

The mist from the earth

Some lessons from the referenced act of God

                                     Background

According to Jewish tradition, Moses wrote the book called Genesis, one of the purposes of the book is to show God who clearly existed before time, age, and creation created the entire universe via His word. Gen. 1:1ff, Col.1:16.

The Bible is an executive summary of who God is, what: he has done, can do, will do, and the relationship of people with Him amongst others John 21:25.

Genesis 1 is the beginning of the book of the beginnings it details the creative activities of God, Genesis chapter 2 is like an appendix an addendum to Genesis chapter 1, it further explains what is recorded in chapter 1 however with some additional details some of which are:

1. The introduction of the Mist                                Gen 2:6

2. The Method of human formation                               2:7

3. Planting of Eden                                                             2:8-14

4. Duty of dressing and keeping                                      2:15

5. Naming of creatures                                                     2:19

6. The formation of the help meet                                 2:21ff

 

The mist from the earth Gen 2:6

Different versions of the scriptures AMP, ESV, KJV, NIV, and TLB give it various names: mist, streams, and water. Verse 6 of the text tells clearly that this was God’s way of getting the whole earth wet before the man could till or come up with the subsisting irrigation methods and models or before the rain fell from the sky.

God is all-powerful and all-knowing and doesn’t need anyone or anything especially already in existence Ps 115:3, we need God for everything but He can be independent of us all together, Just as He used hailstones which did more than all that the children of Israel could muster Joshua 10:11.God works through: people, things no doubt but abhors our trust in them, Are you not caught in the web of trusting men and things based on previous usage/benevolence by God? Jer.17:5, Ps.121:1-2 please amend your ways.

further lessons from the referenced act of God

1.      God is generational and progressive mist, man, rainfall, and irrigational amongst other methods that He gave/will give us the wisdom to do. James 1:17, God continues to work through people are you ready & available for His next move?

2.      God was not only fully available before men (the one who was before the beginning began, we worship you God), His acts and works predate human existence, this should make us humble before our God, father, and creator 1 Peter5:6

 

Prayer outro: God you that wet the whole earth without anyone and anything, Lord carve a niche for me this year, make ways for me that will make my life more meaningful and that will enable me to serve you better in Jesus’ mighty name Amen.

 

Shalom.

The gates opened on their own accord by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                      

                       Text: Acts 12:1-10

                       Topic: The gates opened on their own accord

This will be done with the following sub-headings:

Herod streched his hands

Continuous evil needs support

God is always on time

replicating same feat today

                         HEROD STRECHED HIS HANDS

Acts 11:1ff gives a summary of the grace of salvation and that of the infilling by the Holy spirit that was graciously extended even unto the gentiles as narated by Apostle Peter,this was however done to calm the frayed nerves of the other Apostles who were infuriated about the former's eating with the Gentiles,but God is no respecter of persons Acts 10:28b He deals with humans especially in the new testament based on the condition of our heart,His investment in us,His grace that is speaking in,on and for us amongst others but not with repect to origin,culture or language.

Same chapter of the scriptures shows great conversions of soul unto the only way Acts 11:21 and also an important prophecy of an impending famine from Prophet Agabus.Since according to the scripture, there is joy in heaven over one sinner that is saved Luke 15:7,it safe to say the reverse is the case with the devil and his cohorts over several sinners who comes to the saving grace of the Lord.This can be further attested to by the introductory verse of chapter 12 as all hell was let loosed against the believers using the available and yielded vessel King Herod.Acts 12:1

                 CONTINUOUS EVIL NEEDS SUPPORT

Just like a lie cannot stand alone in the long run, it needs more lies to continue the shameful cycle of delusion and self deceit, same suffices for evil,any evil that is pervading has heavy support ,this will be totally unraveled if carefully placed under the lens of the Holy Spirit.

king Herod is clearly demonic ,evil and ungodly as he unilaterarily took decisions/gave directives that anihilated James Acts 12:2 ,but according to the scriptures what made him bold or more entrenched in his demonic escapade was the applause of the Jews vs.3.Evils doers and supporters should clearly know that whatever they sow they will reap on earth and also give account to God.If Aithophel had got the requisite support(ers) like the Jews did for Herod king David would not only have been dethroned he would have been killed,thank God for God,His Spirit,His wisdom and David's prayer 2 Sam.15.please dont be evil or be an encouragement to evil it had never paid of well. 

                    GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME

2 kings 4:1-2 says a woman came crying to Elisha that her husband whom she described as thy servant to Elisha is dead not only that creditors are already making plans to come take her sons as bondmen since their exposure to the family hasnt been sorted,God via His prophet saved the day,a child of God doesnt totally become stranded he/she may/will have fair share of test/trainings from/permitted by God but GOD NEVER FAILS,HE NEVER ABANDONS THOSE WHO TOTALLY TRUSTS IN HIM AND ARE WALKING IN HIS WAYS,are you part of them?

           HOW TO REPLICATE SUCH FEAT TODAY

1. Be His disciple vs.1 the onslaught was against God's children and the rescue mission was also for them.vs.1

2.Be a person of prayers that is backed up with the word in line with His will,the bible didnt record that Peter prayed but it clearly records that the church prayed without ceasing.vs.5

3.Trust in His saving power only.Apostle Peter trusted and had surrendered all to God little wonder he could sleep even amidst soldiers and in the inner segment of the prison.vs.6

4.Be obidient to divine instruction,ideas,directives, what would have happened had Peter disobeyed the angel.

May God teach us and give us grace to be obedient to all that will make all closed doors to open for us even on their own accord this year and always in Jesus mighty name.

Amen and Shalom.