Ease

(KJV)Heb 4:8-11; 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterwards have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he that has entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall according to the same example of unbelief.

Hi there, folks. I came across the above Bible verse from the Book of Hebrews. It got me pondering, for verse 10, says and I Quote “he that has entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works” subsequently the verse afterwards then admonishes us (believers) to labor in other to enter into Gods Rest.

Before I elaborate on my thoughts, lets first understand what the term “Rest” is referring to. The Oxford dictionary defines Rest a period of relaxing, sleeping or doing nothing after a period of activity. Being at Rest is synonymous to being at ease, tensionless, with out anxiety. I would even go as far as defining the state of Rest as a state of Fearlessness. For with fear comes anxiety and anxiety births tension and unease, in every vessel it dwells in, no matter how holy or righteous that vessel may be. Therefor the above verses reveal to us (believers), that there is realm of ease, which God has specially reserved for us to enter. The Question then remains, how do we enter that realm of Rest?

At first glance verses 10 and 11 may seem contradictory for verse 10 tells us to cease from our own works in order to enter into God’s Rest while verse 11 admonishes us to Labor (work) in order to enter into God’s Rest. Truth be told, verse 10 caught me of guard. For I am sure that the Bible does not encourage any of us to drop everything we are doing and relax. However, upon closer examination, I discovered the word “own works” within verse 10. This means that God is not telling us to cease from working altogether. Rather is admonishing us to cease from our own works in order to enter His Realm of Ease. This begs the question, what is being referred to by the term “own works”. I believe that God is cautioning us to cease from self-centric, self-serving or better said self-centered works. Where me, myself and I, are the sole beneficiaries of our labor.

(KJV)John 9:4; I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

(KJV)Acts 10:38; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

The Word of God in John chapter 9 verse 4 shows us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, went about not doing his own “works” but the “Works” of God the Father that sent Him. The Book of Acts 10 verse 38 further gives us insight into what these works were. It states that Jesus went about doing good and Healing all that were oppressed of the devil.

Therefore, in other to cease from our own works and do God’s Work we have to put “doing good” first in every of our endeavors. One may ask, does this mean we should not do our day jobs in order to pay the bills? No, it simply means that we should do our day jobs not just to pay the Bills but also to be of help to our families, extended families, community and the world around us. It means that in everything we do we should ask ourselves, what positive Impact am I making? How can this project of mine be of help to others? How am I promoting the Kingdom of God with my actions? How can I be a Blessing to others? etc.

I am convinced, that children of God can operate in the realm of God’s Rest by earnestly putting God’s Work first in all our endeavors. However, because this is no small task. The Word of God in Hebrews 4:11 encourages us to Labor earnestly with the right works, in order to enter God’s Rest.

Nonetheless if you have been observant you would surely have recognized that God’s Rest is not reserved for all, but only for His people, for His children. Therefor if you are not sure whether you belong to God’s Household, I invite you to say the below prayer with me. For there is only own path to becoming a child, daughter or son of God and it leads through the Son of God Jesus Christ of Nazareth that was crucified on the cross of calvary for the forgiveness of our sins.

(KJV) John 14:6; Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You today. Forgive me all my sins. Wash me with your precious Blood. I believe You died for me. On the third day you rose again. That I may be justified. right now, I believe my sins are now forgiven. I am justified by Your Blood. I am saved. I am restored back to the Faith. I am now a child of God. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul. Amen.

Congratulations if you just said that Prayer, you have been elevated into the realm of light and subsequently with more effort and labor, into a realm of Ease in God. I Pray that the grace that brought you into the Kingdom of God will preserve you there for the rest of your life in Jesus Name, Amen.

Stay Blessed

Nonso B-Anyeji

My believe is based on the word of God.

I am not moved by What I See. I am not moved by What I feel. I am moved by what I believe.

Kenneth E. Hagin / Smith Wiggelsworth

 

Hope and faith

Heb 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Our Father in Heaven tells us that faith is the Substance of things hoped for. Now let’s take a second to let that Statement sink into our Subconscious. In Chemistry a substance is defined as a matter which has a specific composition and specific properties. In order Words a Substance has a physical mass. Yet faith which is generally perceived as an abstract term is being referred to as a Substance of Things hoped for.

In order to understand This Statement, we first have to differentiate between hope and Faith. Hope and Faith in my opinion are very similar yet worlds apart. For they both refer to the ability or act of believing in Something which isn’t, for example we all hope for a bright future, for health, Wealth, joy, peace, for a good job, for success in Exams etc. Hope is the ability to look beyond the present (which may not be favorable) and see the possibility of that which we want to project into our future. For The Word of God says in

Romans {8:24} For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? {8:25} But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it. ]

From the above passage we can deduce that hope is primarily there to save us from falling into despair in our present Situation no matter how dire the realities surrounding us may seem. It gives us strength to continue moving ahead and not to throw in the towel and give up, on everything. For if we yield to fear and despair, even the little which we have in the present would also be taken away from us. Hope is passive it involves patiently standing firm and believing in a brighter future. However, hope in my opinion does not guarantee the future we hope for. Whereas faith Is the evidence that, that which we hope for will come to pass.

Hoping in a Brighter future is patiently awaiting and believing in the possibility of a brighter future. Whereas, having faith in a brighter future is having evidence that the possibility of a brighter future will come to fruition based on the application of the Word of God in our lives. This is so simple and yet so complicated, for in my opinion I believe that a lot of us Christians, my self not excluded, have confused hope for faith. For we proclaim that we have faith in God for a specific matter, yet all we do is sit down and wait for a miracle to suddenly happen. Whereas we ought to study the Word of God base on the matter at hand, find out what we ought to do to qualify us for that blessing or miracle e.g. fasting and praying, tithing, studying the Word of God, giving up worldly habits, forgiving those who have sinned against us etc. and doing it. For Faith with out works is dead.

Therefor in order to have faith in God on a certain matter. We have to find out Gods Word based on that issue, believe in the potency of the Word, act on the Word and confess the Word of God based on that issue. For then and only then can we as Christians claim to have faith.

Stay blessed and full of faith.

PS: for further Reading I would strongly refer you to the book of Hebrews Chapter 11

The Word of God

John 1 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV); 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² The same was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Without beating too much around the bush, let us dive right into the meat of the matter. The Passage above enables us to understand that the Word of God is God. For us to further understand this, let us imagine that we are making an Application, purchasing items, cashing a check or acting on behalf of someone else. It goes with out saying that in other to do these things, one would need at least a Letter of Authorization or something that proves that we are acting in consensus with the will of the person in question. In other words, even though the person that authorized one, with a check to collect money from his or her Account, or with a Letter of Authority to perform a certain action/task in his or her name is not physically Present, one is still able to operate as if the authorizer in question were present or as we and the authorizer were one and the same person.

The Word of God in my Opinion can be equated to a Letter of Authority from God. For when a Christian is imbibing and Operating with the Word of God. It is equivalent to him of her operating as a god. For according to the scripture above, the Word of God contains life and that life is that light of men. Therefor the amount of light we wield is dependent on the depth or amount of the Word of God we Practice.

Mind you there is a difference between reading, understanding, writing, preaching and actually practicing the Word of God. Knowing and understanding the Word of God are very necessary, but at the end of the day, it is putting the Word to use consciously and subconsciously that bring fort fruits.

Matthew 7:15-20 New King James Version (NKJV);¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Therefor I employ everyone to read and understand the word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Stay Blessed.

Dominion

The Anointing of Our God is a Gift, which one cannot buy with money or Merit. It is the Gift of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives.

The word “Anointing” can be literally defined as the act of rubbing or smearing or pouring aromatic oil over the head of a Person or Object. The act of Anointing signifies the act of consecration/dedication, healing etc.

However, the Gift of the Holy Spirit is not Simply the pouring of aromatic oil on one’s head but the Release of Fire, yes, the Release of Power on one’s life.

Luke 3:16; John said, “I am just baptizing with water. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

The manifestation of the Gift of the Holy Spirit in a Christians Life makes the difference. It is the level of anointing/power active in ones Life that differentiates the victims from the dominators. In my opinion, victims can be described as honorable, God-fearing women and men. Who do their best to keep the commandments of God but are still subject, due to their level of anointing, to the realities of life i.e. powers that be in this world. This often results in them always having to make compromises that go against their Christianity.

On the other hand, the dominators can be described as the very few Christians who have received the Holy Spirit i.e. power, light and actively apply the word of God e.g. prayer and fasting, wisdom, charity etc. to manifest light God in us. In order to consume very darkness around us thereby dominating our circumstances.

1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Therefor very Christian, including myself, has to strive to operate in the realm of domination. That means being conscious of the fact that God is in us and that, the power of God is at our disposal to dominate the powers that be in this world, if only we are willing to access it.

GOTT ist uns näher als der Feind

Heute: 2015.12.29

 

20. Und lehret sie halten alles, was Ich euch

geboten habe. Und siehe, Ich bin mit euch alle

Tage bis zur Vollendung des Zeitlaufs. Amen.

Matthew 28:20

 

Im Gegensatz zu dem Denken des Menschen, das Gott weit weg ist in Zeiten der Not. Gott ist die gegenwärtige Hilfe in Schwierigkeiten. Ps 46: 1.

1 Ein Lied der Kinder Korah, von der Jugend, vorzusingen.

2 Gott ist unsre Zuversicht und Stärke. Eine Hilfe in den großen Nöten, die uns getroffen haben.

Lösungen sind uns näher als Probleme. Gen.21: 19

19 Und Gott tat ihr die Augen auf, daß sie einen Wasserbrunnen sah.

Da ging sie hin und füllte den Schlauch mit Wasser und tränkte den Knaben.

Licht ist uns näher als Finsternis. Psalm 27: 1

1 Ein Psalm Davids. Der Herr ist mein Licht und mein Heil ; vor

wem sollte ich mich fürchten ! Der Herr ist meines Lebens Kraft ; vor wem sollte mir grauen !

Lösungen sind uns näher als Fragen ist.

Gott ist uns näher als satan. Psalm 46: 1-11,

1 Ein Lied der Kinder Korah, von der Jugend, vorzusingen.

2 Gott ist unsre Zuversicht und Stärke. Eine Hilfe in den großen

Nöten, die uns getroffen haben.

3 Darum fürchten wir uns nicht, wenngleich die Welt unterginge

und die Berge mitten ins Meer sänken,

4 wenngleich das Meer wütete und wallte und von seinem Ungestüm

die Berge einfielen. (Sela.)

5 Dennoch soll die Stadt Gottes fein lustig bleiben mit ihren

Brünnlein, da die heiligen Wohnungen des Höchsten sind.

6 Gott ist bei ihr drinnen, darum wird sie fest bleiben ; Gott hilft ihr

früh am Morgen.

7 Die Heiden müssen verzagen und die Königreiche fallen ; das

Erdreich muß vergehen, wenn er sich hören läßt.

8 Der Herr Zebaoth ist mit uns ; der Gott Jakobs ist unser Schutz.

(Sela.)

9 Kommet her und schauet die Werke des Herrn, der auf Erden

solch zerstören anrichtet,

10 der den Kriegen steuert in aller Welt, den Bogen zerbricht, Spieße

zerschlägt und Wagen mit Feuer verbrennt.

11 Seid stille und erkennet, daß ich Gott bin. Ich will Ehre einlegen

unter den Heiden ; ich will Ehre einlegen auf Erden.

12 Der Herr Zebaoth ist mit uns ; der Gott Jakobs ist unser Schutz. (Sela.)

Matthew.28: 20.

20 und lehret sie halten alles, was ich euch befohlen habe. Und siehe, ich bin bei euch alle Tage bis an der Welt Ende.

Die Tür ist näher als die Barriere.

Wann immer, Sie Auge um Auge mit dem Feind konfrontiert sind, schauen Sie sich um und
sie werden Gott sehen.

Das ist es, was den Unterschied zwischen Moses und die
Kinder Gottes ausmachte. Exodus 14: 10-16

10 Und da Pharao zu ihnen nahe kam, hoben die Kinder Israel ihre

Augen auf, und siehe, die Ägypter zogen hinter ihnen her ; und sie

fürchteten sich sehr und schrieen zu dem Herrn

11 und sprachen zu Mose : Waren nicht genug Gräber in Ägypten, daß

du uns mußtest wegführen, daß wir in der Wüste sterben ? Warum

hast du uns das getan, daß du uns aus Ägypten geführt hast ?

12 Ist’s nicht das, das wir dir sagten in Ägypten : Höre auf und laß uns

den Ägyptern dienen ? Denn es wäre uns ja besser den Ägyptern

dienen als in der Wüste sterben.

13 Mose sprach zum Volk : Fürchtet euch nicht, stehet fest und sehet

zu, was für ein Heil der Herr heute an euch tun wird. Denn diese

Ägypter, die ihr heute sehet, werdet ihr nimmermehr sehen

ewiglich.

14 Der Herr wird für euch streiten, und ihr werdet still sein.

15 Der Herr sprach zu Mose : Was schreist du zu mir ? sage den

Kindern Israel, daß sie ziehen.

16 Du aber hebe deinen Stab auf und recke deine Hand aus über das

Meer und teile es voneinander, daß die Kinder Israel hineingehen, mitten hindurch auf dem Trockenen.

Wenn Sie auf den Feind sehen, sehen Sie ein Ende, aber wenn Sie Gott sehen, sehen Sie einen neuen Anfang.

Wenn du deine Augen auf den Gegner setzt, werden Sie als Zwerg Enden,
aber, wenn Sie ihre Augen auf Gott setzen werden sie zu eine Riese wachsen.

Als die Kinder Israel das Meer und ihre Verfolgern sahen, fürchteten Sie sich doch, als Mose zu Gott schaute kehrte er beherzt zurück.

Wenn Sie die unsichtbare sehen, wagen und tun Sie das unmöglich.
Hebrews11: 27

27 Durch den Glauben verließ er Ägypten und fürchtete nicht des

Königs Grimm ; denn er hielt sich an den, den er nicht sah, als säheer ihn.

Wenn Sie den unsichtbaren Gott sehen, ertragen die bestehenden Versuchungen und
Opposition.

Nun fang an, Chancen in Schwierigkeiten zu sehen.

 

Quelle: http://www.davidabioye.org.ng/read_devotionals.281

Giving Thanks and Praise to the Lord

Hi everyone, hope you’ve all been having a lovely and productive time in what ever you have been up to, of course provided that what you’ve been up to is positive. “Giving thanks and praise to the Lord”, that’s the heading of this post. I guess its quiet self explanatory so I will be ending the post here and leaving the rest to you guys and your imagination, Just kidding though. Now seriously, giving thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ or just taking ones time to sit back and reminisce on what we have been blessed with over the year, is something wonderful, joyous, astonishing. I don’t know about you but I always marvel when I think about all the stuff that I have been blessed with.

First of all lets get some facts right. I believe that blessings do not just include miracles and stuff which makes everyone go Wow!!!!!!. To really be able to appreciate Gods blessings and even see a reason to be giving thanks and praise to God every second of our lives, we’ll need to start small and take notice of, maybe the not so important stuff. Like the fact that you’ve got food on the table, you’re healthy, blessed with God fearing people around you to guide you, are joyful etc. In fact I could go on with this list forever and never stop writing because there are so many reasons for one to go down on ones knees and thank God, every second and minute of ones life even if nothing special seems to be happening around you.

I’m of the Opinion that thanking God and being appreciative of our Lord Jesus Christ shouldn’t be something that’s forced or seen as a task that has to be done. Its should come naturally, in fact being a Christian, accepting that Jesus Christ is our Lord and savior, the son of God who died for us, for the forgiveness of sin, on the Cross of Calvary, should come form the heart. It shouldn’t be seen as tedious, neither is it profitable to call oneself a christian, to keep appearances or because its the norm or because one wants to belong to the community.

My heavenly Father the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the bright morning star, the lion of the tribes of Judea isn’t a man made illusion, in search for answers for that which can’t be comprehended and neither is the Bible a History Book as some would say. Isaiah chapter 43 verse 8-11:

8 ¶ Bring forth the blind people

that have eyes, and the deaf that

have ears.

9 Let all the nations be gathered

together, and let the people be assembled:

who among them can declare

this, and shew us former

things? let them bring forth their

witnesses, that they may be justified:

or let them hear, and say, It is

truth.

10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the

LORD, and my servant whom I have

chosen: that ye may know and believe

me, and understand that I am

he: before me there was no God

formed, neither shall there be after

me.

11 I, even I, am the LORD; and

beside me there i s no saviour.

Do not be deceived for the End time is at hand, Our Father in heaven is real and Jesus Christ is the son of God and is coming to Judge the earth in righteousness and in truth. We are not going to be Judged in Groups or communities neither is one going to be grouped into Catholics or Pentecostals and so on, but it’s going to be every man for himself. That’s why it’s said that Salvation is a personal thing. Our father in Heaven isn’t also a God that pays attention to our faces but a God that looks at the Heart. Samuel chapter 16 verse 7:

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel,

Look not on his countenance, or on

the height of his stature; because I

have refused him: for the LORD seeth

not as man seeth; for man looketh

on the outward appearance, but the

LORD looketh on the heart.

That’s why I believe that Givings Thanks and every other thing that comes with Christianity should come from the heart, because if it doesn’t, then it is not profitable in Christ. So how does one, then make sure that ones hearth is thoroughly inclined to our father in heaven? Well it’s simple just like every other thing in Our Lord Jesus Christ. First of all, one has to be able to humble ones self and admit that there is something wrong somewhere, then Genuinely seek, in truth and in spirit for renewal in Christ Jesus. For our heavenly father is the fountain of life which is open to all who are tasty. Here are some Bible verses which help me buttress my point. Jeremiah chapter 24 verse 7:

7 And I will give them an heart to

know me, that I am the LORD: and

they shall be my people, and I will

be their God: for they shall return

unto me with their whole heart.

Also Ezekiel chapter 36 verse 26:

26 A new heart also will I give you,

and a new spirit will I put within

you: and I will take away the stony

heart out of your flesh, and I will

give you an heart of flesh.

Now then, giving thanks to God in all situations is necessary, especially in difficult situations because then it acts as a seed of faith. Giving thanks and praising God is also one of the fastest ways with which one can key in to the the presence of God. For our God does not need money from us neither will the donation you gave to the church be spent in heaven but it is the hearth, while giving, that counts. Our God looks at the Hearth of man and not how grand the gesture is, That’s why in the book of Genesis chapter 4. When Cain and Abel the sons of Adam and Eve both made a offerings onto God. Abels offering although it was not grander than Cains was acceptable unto God but Cains offering wasn’t. Also in the Book of Mark chapter 12 verse 41-44:

41 And Jesus sat over against the

treasury, and beheld how the people

cast money into the treasury: and

many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor

widow, and she threw in two mites,

which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples,

and saith unto them, Verily I

say unto you, That this poor widow

hath cast more in, than all they

which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their

abundance; but she of her want did

cast in all that she had, even all her

living.

So what am I trying to say? It’s a good thing to give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, especially when it comes from the hearth. For it is a faith based action which provokes the Miraculous for there is so much Joy, happiness, celebration, dexterity in heaven and giving thanks and praise is the easiest and best way to rid our selves of our sadness, frustration, disperse etc. For by giving thanks and praise we are keying into the Joy and dexterity in heaven which in turn strengthens us. For the Joy of the lord is our strength. Nehemiah chapter 8 verse 10:

10 Then he said unto them, Go

your way, eat the fat, and drink the

sweet, and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared: for

this day is holy unto our Lord: neither

be ye sorry; for the joy of the

LORD is your strength.

Stay blessed and joyful

Nonso B-Anyeji

Patience

 Hi everyone well, I have been cracking my head on what my next post should be about and trying as much as possible to just start writing something. Frankly I could sit here in front of the PC for the next hour and still be trying to figure out what to write, since there are always more “interesting” stuff to do on the net or on the PC than staring at an empty word doc. Most times I end up stealing one or two peeks into youtube and co “and guess what!” there are always one or two “anime vids” that I just have to watch, along the line one or two turn into three or four and before I say jack the day is gone and I still have an empty word doc in front of me.

So as a precaution to my blankpage/youtube syndrome, I say a short prayer ,reminding our Lord Jesus Christ that its not by might nor power but solely by the gift of Holyspirit. Then I start writing something, anything no matter how silly or incoherent it is and before I know it, it’s like out of the blues a clear view of what am going to write, how am going to write and why I want to write about the issue appears, like it’s been there all along. This alone is further prove for me beyond all doubt that the Holyspirit is there guiding, protecting, inspiring etc. This is going to be my sixth post on the slicingsword, when I review the posts, I can’t help but feel that I must have been on some kind of drugs while writing. I have heard my mum say that being lead by the Holyspirit is also a from of being high, well am yet to find out how that works, but one thing I know for sure is that I did not and could not have written these posts by my own wisdom, power or knowledge but only by the Spirit of God.

Initially I intended to continue with the last topic on faith and fasting. However in this post I would be sharing my thoughts on Patience in our Lord Jesus Christ. So whats patience in our Lord Jesus Christ to me. And why do I feel that it’s important. To me patience has a lot to do with having faith. I think that patience, is also an applied form of wisdom. Although one needs to be aggressive in life to make 100% use of the opportunities one gets, one however also needs to be able to identify when caution and prudence are necessary. One needs to be able to identify when its necessary to be still and when its necessary to act, which is only possible through Gods wisdom.

Nevertheless having patience is not as easy as it sounds, even if one has the wisdom to be able to identify when patience is needed, it still isn’t a piece of cake. Fact is, in some situations its easier to try out every other option than to just calm down, have patience and put everything in Gods hands. This topic (patience) may sound trivial compared to others but in my opinion it isn’t. I feel that the inability to have patience in our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the main reasons why we Christians don’t get to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives.

To further explain the importance of having patience in Christ Jesus. For instance when one finds him or herself in a tough situation or at a crossroad, its natural to tend to look for an easy way out, unfortunately the blessings of God don’t come on a platter of gold but have to be earned. Earning the fulfillment of Gods Promises often come with a test or challenge. For God has blessed us all but it is only those who overcome that will see the materialization of Gods promises, but to them who can’t overcome, even little which they have will be taken away from them just as written in the parable of the talents, in the book of Matthew chapter 25 verse 29:

29 For unto every one that hath

shall be given, and he shall have

abundance: but from him that hath

not shall be taken away even that

which he hath.

Furthermore taking the easy way out is synonymous to taking the fast way out of an issue which involves given into fear and anxiety, compromising in one way or the other, making huge mistakes and thereby missing out on Gods Promises. However having patience in Christ is synonymous to choosing to take the right part, choosing to stick to ones guns, thereby having faith in Christ Jesus and enduring till the end just like Abraham the father of all Nations did. For God promised Abraham so much but Abraham didn’t sit back and expect the promises of God to fall into his laps, just like that but instead, as written in the Bible in the book of Hebrews chapter 6 verse 11-15 Abraham saw the promises of God in his life fulfilled through faith, patient and endurance.

11 And we desire that every one of

you do shew the same diligence to

the full assurance of hope unto the

end:

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers

of them who through faith

and patience inherit the promises.

13 For when God made promise to

Abraham, because he could swear by

no greater, he sware by himself,

14 Saying, Surely blessing I will

bless thee, and multiplying I will

multiply thee.

15 And so, after he had patiently

endured, he obtained the promise.

Therefor I would encourage us as Christians not to let fear and anxiety take over, when we find ourselves in a pinch. By doing that, we would be susceptible to making mistakes and also be showing our Father in heaven that we don’t have any faith that He is capable of seeing us through that issue. However by having faith and patiently enduring in Christ Jesus, we would be showing our Father in heaven that even though the situation may look bad, we still have faith that at the end His vision will speak in our lives, thereby provoking God to do the Miraculous in our lives.

Remain blessed in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Nonso B-Anyeji

Prayer and fasting

Hi there everyone! by now its quite obvious that the topics which are shared on this Blog have to do with Christ and how to be more Christ like. Therefore lets ponder together on praying and fasting.

I’m quite aware that this Blog is sort of an amateurs work and that there are loads of articles, blogs and sermons which have done more Justice to some of the topics I have written on or am yet to write on so I would implore you, that’s if your interest has been aroused, to read up further on various Christ related articles or even better, to search the scriptures(Bible) and get the word directly from the fountain of life.

Now then, back to prayers and fasting. One can’t talk of being Christ like with out mentioning or talking of the need to pray and fast. The Bible shows us that our lord Jesus Christ even though he was the son of God was lead by the Holyspirit to go in to serious praying and fasting for forty days and nights before he started his ministry. The scriptures also shows us that our lord Jesus Christ was always secluding himself to Pray.

So then, I ask myself. If our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, in whose name all knees will bow and all tongues will confess, saw the need to always pray and fast, then how much less do we sinners, normal people like you and I, need to pray and fast. I believe the need is great. The Bible further states in the book of 1-Corinthians chapter 16 verse 9:

9 For a great door and effectual is

opened unto me, and there are many

adversaries.

Now in my opinion the “Great and effectual” door here represents an opportunity, a blessing, a talent, a challenge, a dream etc. on the other hand am sure, we all can guess that the “adversaries” refers to the obstacles, challenges that one has to face in the processes of overcoming. However in my opinion the Bible explains this explicitly in the book of Ephesians chapter 6 verse 10-18:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong

in the Lord, and in the power of his

might.

11 Put on the whole armour of

God, that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh

and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of

the darkness of this world, against

spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the

whole armour of God, that ye may be

able to withstand in the evil day, and

having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your

loins girt about with truth, and having

on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the

preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of

faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the

wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer

and supplication in the Spirit, and

watching thereunto with all perseverance

and supplication for all saints;

Now from the above Bible text we can see that a Christians true adversaries, obstacles aren’t ones neighbours or that person who seems to hate one with all his guts and is working against one in one way or the order. A Christians adversaries are principalities and powers, rulers of darkness in this world and spiritual wickedness in high places.

Now reading the above I’m sure that it might look like the next big fantasy story that am writing about, but remember that the word of God is ye and Amen and it’s also written in the book of John chapter 1 verse 1:

1 In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God, and the

Word was God.

Back to the main topic. That’s why I believe that there is great need of Prayers and fasting for a Christian who intends to overcome. The Bible further highlights this in the book of st. Luke chapter 18 verse 1-8:

1 And he spake a parable unto

them to this end, that men ought always

to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a

judge, which feared not God, neither

regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that

city; and she came unto him, saying,

Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while:

but afterward he said within himself,

Though I fear not God, nor regard

man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth

me, I will avenge her, lest by her

continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the

unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his

own elect, which cry day and night

unto him, though he bear long with

them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge

them speedily. Nevertheless when the

Son of man cometh, shall he find

faith on the earth?

Now that we have established the need for prayers and seen that continual prayer brings about fruits speedily. One more question crops up, which is: “what kind of prayer is acceptable unto God and actually gets to our father in heaven”. This is quiet a broad topic which one can write a lot on.

Therefore, lets keep it short and highlight in my opinion the most important aspect, which is praying to God with ones whole heart in truth and in spirit with meekness and understanding having faith that our lord Jesus Christ is capable of doing all things. The book of st. Luke Chapter 18 verse 9-14:

9 And he spake this parable unto

certain which trusted in themselves

that they were righteous, and despised

others:

10 Two men went up into the temple

to pray; the one a Pharisee, and

the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed

thus with himself, God, I thank

thee, that I am not as other men are,

extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or

even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give

tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar

off, would not lift up so much as his

eyes unto heaven, but smote upon

his breast, saying, God be merciful

to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down

to his house justified rather than the

other: for every one that exalteth

himself shall be abased; and he that

humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Also it is written in the book of st. Mark chapter 11 verse 23-26:

23 For verily I say unto you, That

whosoever shall say unto this mountain,

Be thou removed, and be thou

cast into the sea; and shall not doubt

in his heart, but shall believe that

those things which he saith shall

come to pass; he shall have whatsoever

he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What

things soever ye desire, when ye

pray, believe that ye receive them,

and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive,

if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in

heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither

will your Father which is in heaven

forgive your trespasses.

Thanks a lot for reading, hope that I have been able to highlight the need for Praying and fasting in ones life and the sought of prayer which brings about results.

Remain blessed in Jesus name, Amen.

Nonso B-Anyeji

Salvation

Hi readers, hope you all had a splendid year 2013. We are at the start of a fresh year full of expectations and challenges which brings about unknowns. Definitely, for some, the year 2014 will be wonderful and progressive while for others, well, it’s not going to be that progressive but just the same old, same old. However this year has something in common for everyone, that is:The going is going to get tougher and its only the tough that will overcome and have something positive to report afterwards.

Now, this Blog is all about salvation, why I think its necessary and how one can attain salvation in my opinion. I believe that there is a God, that our Lord Jesus Christ is the son of God, was sacrificed on the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of sin, and is the only true part to salvation. The Bible explains this in the Book of st. John chapter 5 verse 19-29:

19.Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20.For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

21.For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

22.For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

23.That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

24.Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25.Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26.For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27.And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28.Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29.And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Salvation for me is being able to overcome. Making it to heaven, gaining everlasting life, running the good race and then at the end of the day possessing ones crown of glory. Now there are loads of other words or phrases that can be used to describe salvation. So one can’t help but ask, how does one make it to heaven. A similar question was asked to our Lord Jesus in the book of st. Luke chapter 10 verse 25-28:

25.And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

26.He said unto him, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?”

27.And he answering said, “‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.’”

28.And He said unto him, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.”

From the Bible text above we can see that salvation and Gods love go hand in hand (To read more on Gods love please refer to the Blog titled “Gods love”). In the Bible Jesus also referred to the choice between heaven and hell as the choice between two parts. Matthew chapter 7 verse 13-14:

13.Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14.Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In the Bible the part to salvation is described as a narrow way while the part to destruction is described as a broad way. When I think of the part to salvation I imagine a sort of steep, winding, mountainous part which one has to thread alone with fear and trembling of our lord Jesus in order not to fall of, while I imagine The part to destruction as a wide express road which one can thread on easily even in groups if one prefers, side by side with others. I believe also that salvation is a personal thing between ones self and our Lord Jesus Christ. This in my opinion translates into always choosing to do the right thing irrespective of what the consequences maybe or what others around you may be thinking or doing. This means choosing the harder and not the easy way out cause it’s never easy to do the right thing.

Well from what I have just stated about the part to salvation. It would seem that doing the right thing seems so very difficult with no fun to it, and for some it even seems to be humanly impossible. However being able to thread on this narrow part of salvation doesn’t require any super human abilities neither does it mean that one is going to live a miserable life with no fun to it. The Bible further explains this in the book of st. John chapter 15 verse 1-11:

 

1.I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2.Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3.Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4.Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5.I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6.If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7.If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8.Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9.As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10.If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11.These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 

In my opinion the Bible text above explains that to be able thread on the narrow part of salvation simply requires one to abide in Christ, with the fear of God, submitting ones self totally to the guidance and leading of the Holyspirit. This in turn brings about everlasting life and joy in Christ with the blessings of God that addeth no sorrow.

 

That’s why I would advice everyone to take salvation seriously and always choose to do the right thing being lead by the wisdom of God. It may seem difficult at first but just know that doing the right thing and taking the harder way out at the long run always brings about a far more greater reward than one could have ever received by doing the wrong thing and taking the easy way out.

 

 

May the blessings of God be with you and the Holyspirit abide with you in Jesus name, Amen.

 

Nonso B-Anyeji.