- Herald, Preacher, Teacher
- Lives in Ibadan
- From Ijebu-Igbo
- Country Nigeria
- Male
- 03/31/1968
- Followed by 9 people
Friends 8
Recent Updates
- RREPENTANCE - THE GATEWAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Ts9Tcyp88/RREPENTANCE - THE GATEWAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Ts9Tcyp88/0 Comments 0 Shares 13 Views1
- Lord, help me to lead a life of integrity. May my lips and my heart be at one with each other. I want to speak to you honestly from the depths of my heart. Thank you that you hear the cry of my heart.Lord, help me to lead a life of integrity. May my lips and my heart be at one with each other. I want to speak to you honestly from the depths of my heart. Thank you that you hear the cry of my heart.0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views1
- Lord, I worship you today as the Son of God. Thank you that I do not need to be afraid – when things go wrong, I can speak to you and you hear my prayers.Lord, I worship you today as the Son of God. Thank you that I do not need to be afraid – when things go wrong, I can speak to you and you hear my prayers.0 Comments 0 Shares 18 Views1
- YOUR KINGDOM COME.
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) ruled the United Kingdom for seventy years. She was by far the longest reigning British monarch. Each year, on Christmas Day, she gave a message to the nation. In her final Christmas message, on 25 December, 2021 she said, ‘The birth of Jesus marked a new dawn with endless potential. His teachings have been handed down from generation to generation and have been the bedrock of my faith.’
In another recent message she said, 'Only a few acknowledged Jesus when he was born. Now billions follow him. The message of Jesus is never out of date and is needed as much as ever.'
The Queen of the United Kingdom was pointing to another kingdom, a kingdom that Jesus came to establish, and which he will come again to rule. Jesus taught us to pray, 'Your kingdom come' (Matthew 6:10). The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God.YOUR KINGDOM COME. Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) ruled the United Kingdom for seventy years. She was by far the longest reigning British monarch. Each year, on Christmas Day, she gave a message to the nation. In her final Christmas message, on 25 December, 2021 she said, ‘The birth of Jesus marked a new dawn with endless potential. His teachings have been handed down from generation to generation and have been the bedrock of my faith.’ In another recent message she said, 'Only a few acknowledged Jesus when he was born. Now billions follow him. The message of Jesus is never out of date and is needed as much as ever.' The Queen of the United Kingdom was pointing to another kingdom, a kingdom that Jesus came to establish, and which he will come again to rule. Jesus taught us to pray, 'Your kingdom come' (Matthew 6:10). The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God.0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views1 - FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 4)
5. Purify yourself: Genesis 34:1–35:29
In this passage, we read a warning of the danger of escalating revenge (see 1 Corinthians 10:11). One terrible crime (the rape of Dinah, Genesis 34:2) led to another. The retribution was not proportionate. The people of God ‘attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male… They carried off… all their women and children’ (vv.25–29).
The result was a disaster. Jacob says, ‘You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to… the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed’ (v.30). The actions of Simeon and Levi are roundly condemned for their violence, ferocity and cruelty (see 49:5–7).
Revenge was not just a pitfall for Simeon and Levi; it is a temptation for all of us. When I am offended, I want revenge. In the Old Testament, retribution was limited by proportionality – ‘life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth’ and so on (Exodus 21:23–24). Jesus sets (and by his death and resurrection makes possible) an even higher standard in your relationships today: forgive and love your enemies.
Joyce Meyer, who often speaks of the terrible abuse that she suffered as a child, writes: ‘Have you, like Dinah, ever been an innocent victim? I can assure you that even in the worst circumstances, God gives us grace to forgive so that we can go on with our lives.’
Jacob said to his household, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves’ (Genesis 35:2). God appeared to Jacob (renamed Israel, v.10) and said, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you’ (v.11).
The potential is great. As Rick Warren says, ‘In ministry, private purity is the source of public power.’ This is true for all of us, whether we are operating in the family, the workplace, the community or the church. If we want to have a powerful impact for Christ in the world, we need to be people of purity.
FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 4) 5. Purify yourself: Genesis 34:1–35:29 In this passage, we read a warning of the danger of escalating revenge (see 1 Corinthians 10:11). One terrible crime (the rape of Dinah, Genesis 34:2) led to another. The retribution was not proportionate. The people of God ‘attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male… They carried off… all their women and children’ (vv.25–29). The result was a disaster. Jacob says, ‘You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to… the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed’ (v.30). The actions of Simeon and Levi are roundly condemned for their violence, ferocity and cruelty (see 49:5–7). Revenge was not just a pitfall for Simeon and Levi; it is a temptation for all of us. When I am offended, I want revenge. In the Old Testament, retribution was limited by proportionality – ‘life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth’ and so on (Exodus 21:23–24). Jesus sets (and by his death and resurrection makes possible) an even higher standard in your relationships today: forgive and love your enemies. Joyce Meyer, who often speaks of the terrible abuse that she suffered as a child, writes: ‘Have you, like Dinah, ever been an innocent victim? I can assure you that even in the worst circumstances, God gives us grace to forgive so that we can go on with our lives.’ Jacob said to his household, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves’ (Genesis 35:2). God appeared to Jacob (renamed Israel, v.10) and said, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you’ (v.11). The potential is great. As Rick Warren says, ‘In ministry, private purity is the source of public power.’ This is true for all of us, whether we are operating in the family, the workplace, the community or the church. If we want to have a powerful impact for Christ in the world, we need to be people of purity.0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views 2
- FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 3)
3. Put down roots
The highs of spiritual experiences are very important, but if they are not combined with deep spiritual roots there is the danger of shallowness, which can lead to falling away. Be aware of this pitfall. We can all fall away in our hearts even while we are doing the right things.
Jesus talks about the seed that falls on shallow ground. It springs up quickly but withers because it has no root (13:6). Later on, he will explain that the person who has no roots lasts only a short time because they fall away when trouble or persecution come (v.21).
Your spiritual roots are the parts of your life that no one else sees – your secret life with God. This includes your prayers, your giving and your thought life. If you want to fulfil your potential make sure you develop deep, strong and healthy roots in your relationship with God.
4. Protect your heart
It is so easy for people to be distracted by the busyness of life. Many things can fill your life and push out time for God, church and other ways in which your spiritual roots could be developed. Again, this is a danger for us all.
Jesus warned about thorns that choke the plant (v.7). Later on, he explains that the thorns are ‘the worries of this life’ and the ‘deceitfulness of wealth’ (v.22)
FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 3) 3. Put down roots The highs of spiritual experiences are very important, but if they are not combined with deep spiritual roots there is the danger of shallowness, which can lead to falling away. Be aware of this pitfall. We can all fall away in our hearts even while we are doing the right things. Jesus talks about the seed that falls on shallow ground. It springs up quickly but withers because it has no root (13:6). Later on, he will explain that the person who has no roots lasts only a short time because they fall away when trouble or persecution come (v.21). Your spiritual roots are the parts of your life that no one else sees – your secret life with God. This includes your prayers, your giving and your thought life. If you want to fulfil your potential make sure you develop deep, strong and healthy roots in your relationship with God. 4. Protect your heart It is so easy for people to be distracted by the busyness of life. Many things can fill your life and push out time for God, church and other ways in which your spiritual roots could be developed. Again, this is a danger for us all. Jesus warned about thorns that choke the plant (v.7). Later on, he explains that the thorns are ‘the worries of this life’ and the ‘deceitfulness of wealth’ (v.22)0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views1 - FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 2)
2. Pursue intimacy: Matthew 12:46–13:17
Some dangerous cults have twisted the words of Jesus (12:50) to teach that becoming a Christian means severing relations with your family. This is not only dangerous, but also unbiblical. The fifth commandment is ‘honour your father and your mother’ (Exodus 20:12). In the New Testament, we are told that, ‘Anyone who does not provide for relatives, and especially for immediate family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever’ (1 Timothy 5:8).
Yet Jesus shows here that there is something even more important than your relationship with your own family. Your supreme calling is to an intimate relationship with Jesus, doing ‘the will of the Father’ (Matthew 12:50).
Jesus says, ‘Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’ (v.50). His words speak of intimacy, permanence and acceptance – a relationship at the deepest possible level. You can have this amazing closeness to Jesus. Stay close to him each day and you will fulfil your potential.
FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 2) 2. Pursue intimacy: Matthew 12:46–13:17 Some dangerous cults have twisted the words of Jesus (12:50) to teach that becoming a Christian means severing relations with your family. This is not only dangerous, but also unbiblical. The fifth commandment is ‘honour your father and your mother’ (Exodus 20:12). In the New Testament, we are told that, ‘Anyone who does not provide for relatives, and especially for immediate family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever’ (1 Timothy 5:8). Yet Jesus shows here that there is something even more important than your relationship with your own family. Your supreme calling is to an intimate relationship with Jesus, doing ‘the will of the Father’ (Matthew 12:50). Jesus says, ‘Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’ (v.50). His words speak of intimacy, permanence and acceptance – a relationship at the deepest possible level. You can have this amazing closeness to Jesus. Stay close to him each day and you will fulfil your potential.0 Comments 0 Shares 12 Views1 - Father, thank you that you call me into this intimate relationship with Jesus. Help me to put my roots down deep and to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to guard this relationship and never allow other things, even good things, to crowd in and choke my life.Father, thank you that you call me into this intimate relationship with Jesus. Help me to put my roots down deep and to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to guard this relationship and never allow other things, even good things, to crowd in and choke my life.0 Comments 0 Shares 10 Views2
- FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 1)
In life, many people do not reach their full potential. We can become so caught up in the everyday that it is easier to continue in old patterns rather than change. Yet, we all have a God-given desire to live to our full potential. Perhaps you remember this celebrated biography:
'Solomon Grundy... Born on Monday... Christened on Tuesday… Married on Wednesday…
Took ill on Thursday… Grew worse on Friday…
Died on Saturday… Buried on Sunday…
And that was the end of Solomon Grundy.’
For some people, that just about sums up their life. And yet, all of us feel deep down ‘There must be more to life than that’. Jesus says, in effect, ‘Yes, there is!’. The potential for every human being is great.
Jesus wants you to live a highly productive life. He wants you to produce ‘a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown’ (Matthew 13:8). The minimum is a thirty-times multiplication. The key to that potential lies in your relationship with Jesus – a relationship that can be as close as that of a brother or sister or mother (12:50). You can live a life of real purpose that will make a difference to the world, because of what you receive from him (13:11,12,16).
Your potential is not about being driven by ambition or success; it is about recognising who you are in God. As you seek him and live your life according to his purposes, you will bear much fruit. The more you begin to fulfil your God-given potential, the more he entrusts to you. He wants you to live a life of abundance (v.12).
The potential for Israel was very great (Genesis 35:11). God intended that Israel would not only be blessed, but also be a blessing to other nations. You have the potential to live a life of even greater blessing than those you read about in the Old Testament. Jesus says, ‘Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it’ (Matthew 13:16–17).
Jesus warns that although there is great potential in each of us, there are pitfalls ahead. How can you avoid the pitfalls and fulfil your potential?
1. Possess humility: Psalm 10:1–11
In his book, Finding Happiness: Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life, Abbot Christopher Jamison defines pride as ‘self-importance’. He writes, ‘Humility is an honest approach to the reality of our own lives and acknowledges that we are not more important than other people.’
The psalmist goes on a journey from feeling that God is ‘far off… in times of trouble’ (v.1 onwards), to a realisation (as we will read tomorrow) that God certainly does ‘see trouble and grief’, does ‘listen’ to the ‘cry’ of the ‘afflicted’ and does defend ‘the fatherless and oppressed’ (v.14 onwards).
In fact, it is the ‘wicked’ (v.2) who seek to make themselves distant – ‘your laws are rejected by him’ (v.5). They think of themselves as more important than others – especially the poor, whom they ‘draw into their net and crush’ (vv.9–10, AMP). These verses tell us about the pitfall of ‘pride’ (v.4).
When things go well it is tempting to say, ‘Nothing will ever shake me... No one will ever do me harm’ (v.6). We can be tempted to feel that we have no need of God: ‘In their pride the wicked do not seek him; in all their thoughts there is no room for God’ (v.4). It’s easy to become arrogant (v.2) and boastful (v.3). This psalm warns us against doing so, and reminds us of our need for God.
FIVE WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL. (PART 1) In life, many people do not reach their full potential. We can become so caught up in the everyday that it is easier to continue in old patterns rather than change. Yet, we all have a God-given desire to live to our full potential. Perhaps you remember this celebrated biography: 'Solomon Grundy... Born on Monday... Christened on Tuesday… Married on Wednesday… Took ill on Thursday… Grew worse on Friday… Died on Saturday… Buried on Sunday… And that was the end of Solomon Grundy.’ For some people, that just about sums up their life. And yet, all of us feel deep down ‘There must be more to life than that’. Jesus says, in effect, ‘Yes, there is!’. The potential for every human being is great. Jesus wants you to live a highly productive life. He wants you to produce ‘a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown’ (Matthew 13:8). The minimum is a thirty-times multiplication. The key to that potential lies in your relationship with Jesus – a relationship that can be as close as that of a brother or sister or mother (12:50). You can live a life of real purpose that will make a difference to the world, because of what you receive from him (13:11,12,16). Your potential is not about being driven by ambition or success; it is about recognising who you are in God. As you seek him and live your life according to his purposes, you will bear much fruit. The more you begin to fulfil your God-given potential, the more he entrusts to you. He wants you to live a life of abundance (v.12). The potential for Israel was very great (Genesis 35:11). God intended that Israel would not only be blessed, but also be a blessing to other nations. You have the potential to live a life of even greater blessing than those you read about in the Old Testament. Jesus says, ‘Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it’ (Matthew 13:16–17). Jesus warns that although there is great potential in each of us, there are pitfalls ahead. How can you avoid the pitfalls and fulfil your potential? 1. Possess humility: Psalm 10:1–11 In his book, Finding Happiness: Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life, Abbot Christopher Jamison defines pride as ‘self-importance’. He writes, ‘Humility is an honest approach to the reality of our own lives and acknowledges that we are not more important than other people.’ The psalmist goes on a journey from feeling that God is ‘far off… in times of trouble’ (v.1 onwards), to a realisation (as we will read tomorrow) that God certainly does ‘see trouble and grief’, does ‘listen’ to the ‘cry’ of the ‘afflicted’ and does defend ‘the fatherless and oppressed’ (v.14 onwards). In fact, it is the ‘wicked’ (v.2) who seek to make themselves distant – ‘your laws are rejected by him’ (v.5). They think of themselves as more important than others – especially the poor, whom they ‘draw into their net and crush’ (vv.9–10, AMP). These verses tell us about the pitfall of ‘pride’ (v.4). When things go well it is tempting to say, ‘Nothing will ever shake me... No one will ever do me harm’ (v.6). We can be tempted to feel that we have no need of God: ‘In their pride the wicked do not seek him; in all their thoughts there is no room for God’ (v.4). It’s easy to become arrogant (v.2) and boastful (v.3). This psalm warns us against doing so, and reminds us of our need for God.
0 Comments 0 Shares 13 Views2 - Lord, keep me from pride, arrogance and self-importance. May I seek you with all my heart, remembering that I need you and that you never forget me.Lord, keep me from pride, arrogance and self-importance. May I seek you with all my heart, remembering that I need you and that you never forget me.0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views1
- WE ARE SURROUNDED….!
We are Surrounded by Christianity that can shift the Culture but can not shift the Gross Darkness that is pervading us.
We are besieged by adulterated Christianity that loves TRENDING without desire for the FIRE ON THE ALTAR.
THE SAME MOUTH THAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS FULL OF LIES AND FALSEHOOD!
We are being attacked by Christianity that is seeking to BLEND WITH THE WORLD without desire to change it.
Our Light is getting QUENCHED!
Our Lamps are losing Light!
OUR SALT IS LOSING ITS SAVOR AND BEING TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT OF MEN.
Pastors are losing relevance!
Evangelists are being tagged as hungry men looking for Offerings!
Many of our Men of God are Speaking NONSENSES on the Altars of God!
We are Propagating Materialism above Evangelism!
God of Mammon is replacing the God of Heaven in some Ministers lives and they didnt know.
Unbelievers are getting more confused daily.
WE ARE LOSING NEW CONVERTS!
Elders are fighting each other!
The Harvest is Plenteous and Laborers are few,
BUT THE FEW LABORERS ARE BEING ATTACKED BY FELLOW LABORERS IN THE HARVEST FIELD.
My Heart is heavy!
Jesus Christ is coming back!
But the devil is causing too many confusion among the Church.
We are attacking our selves.
The Youths are dragging the Fathers in the Market place.
Some people among us are being accused of blocking the Crusade that is meant to deliver souls and bring them to Christ.
SO MANY CONFUSIONS!
Up rising Scandals!
The Body of Christ in Public Ridicule!
We are seriously Projecting FASHIONABLE CHRIST,
But Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!
Can we now see that the Old School Gospel and the Old Time Religion is proving Better than all these
Pizza and Shawama Christianity!
This Modernity is killing our Faith!
ENOUGH OF SEEKING FOR POWER!
SEEK FOR HOLINESS AND GODLINESS.
Pursue The Kingdom of God and its Righteousness!
And YOU WILL GET ALL OTHER THINGS YOU DESIRE!
JESUS IS COMING BACK.
Evang. Mike Bamiloye (MZFM)
#copiedWE ARE SURROUNDED….! We are Surrounded by Christianity that can shift the Culture but can not shift the Gross Darkness that is pervading us. We are besieged by adulterated Christianity that loves TRENDING without desire for the FIRE ON THE ALTAR. THE SAME MOUTH THAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS FULL OF LIES AND FALSEHOOD! We are being attacked by Christianity that is seeking to BLEND WITH THE WORLD without desire to change it. Our Light is getting QUENCHED! Our Lamps are losing Light! OUR SALT IS LOSING ITS SAVOR AND BEING TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT OF MEN. Pastors are losing relevance! Evangelists are being tagged as hungry men looking for Offerings! Many of our Men of God are Speaking NONSENSES on the Altars of God! We are Propagating Materialism above Evangelism! God of Mammon is replacing the God of Heaven in some Ministers lives and they didnt know. Unbelievers are getting more confused daily. WE ARE LOSING NEW CONVERTS! Elders are fighting each other! The Harvest is Plenteous and Laborers are few, BUT THE FEW LABORERS ARE BEING ATTACKED BY FELLOW LABORERS IN THE HARVEST FIELD. My Heart is heavy! Jesus Christ is coming back! But the devil is causing too many confusion among the Church. We are attacking our selves. The Youths are dragging the Fathers in the Market place. Some people among us are being accused of blocking the Crusade that is meant to deliver souls and bring them to Christ. SO MANY CONFUSIONS! Up rising Scandals! The Body of Christ in Public Ridicule! We are seriously Projecting FASHIONABLE CHRIST, But Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow! Can we now see that the Old School Gospel and the Old Time Religion is proving Better than all these Pizza and Shawama Christianity! This Modernity is killing our Faith! ENOUGH OF SEEKING FOR POWER! SEEK FOR HOLINESS AND GODLINESS. Pursue The Kingdom of God and its Righteousness! And YOU WILL GET ALL OTHER THINGS YOU DESIRE! JESUS IS COMING BACK. Evang. Mike Bamiloye (MZFM) #copied
0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views1 - Lord, thank you that you are a God who answers prayer.
Help us to wrestle in prayer like Jacob.
Lord, I pray that you would bring reconciliation in all my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
May my mouth speak out of the overflow of my heart.Lord, thank you that you are a God who answers prayer. Help us to wrestle in prayer like Jacob. Lord, I pray that you would bring reconciliation in all my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. May my mouth speak out of the overflow of my heart.0 Comments 0 Shares 13 Views1 - You cannot change your thought patterns on your own. You need the help of the Holy Spirit – filling your heart with his love and good fruit.You cannot change your thought patterns on your own. You need the help of the Holy Spirit – filling your heart with his love and good fruit.0 Comments 0 Shares 16 Views1
- WRESTLE WITH GOD IN PRAYER.
Genesis 32:1–33:20
Are you facing a major fear or worry in your life?
Jacob faced a very worrying situation. He had fallen out with his brother Esau, and feared that Esau might be out to get him. He was in ‘great fear and distress’ (32:7).
Jacob was a man of prayer – in spite of all his sin, he knew God. He recognised his own unworthiness: ‘I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant’ (v.10).
He prayed, believed and claimed the promise of God: ‘Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau – you have said, “I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea which cannot be counted”’ (vv.11–12). His prayer was answered – more than he could have even imagined.
Prayer is not always straightforward. Sometimes it seems, like Jacob, that we have to wrestle with God (32:22–32; Colossians 4:12). It can be costly in terms of time and energy. This requires determination. Jacob said to God, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me’ (Genesis 32:26), and we are told that from then on he walked with a limp (v.31).
Probably the nearest New Testament equivalent is the apostle Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12:7), which he asked God to remove three times. Your weaknesses and vulnerabilities do not stop God using you. In fact, God often uses our weaknesses more than our strengths. God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Rather he said, ‘my power is made perfect in weakness’ (v.8).
Perhaps you feel you have a ‘thorn in the flesh’ or you seem to be ‘walking with a limp’: you have some vulnerability or apparent handicap. Jackie Pullinger says she never trusts anyone who doesn’t walk with a limp! It is often through the difficulties, disappointments and struggles that our hearts are changed. We see a transformation in Jacob after he has wrestled with God. His attitude to his brother is totally transformed (Genesis 33).
After the victory had been achieved in prayer, everything seemed to fall into place. There was a wonderful reunion and reconciliation: ‘Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept’ (v.4).
Their attitude to each other had totally changed. Esau says, ‘I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself’ (v.9).
Jacob replies, ‘No, please!… If I have found favour in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need’ (vv.10–11).WRESTLE WITH GOD IN PRAYER. Genesis 32:1–33:20 Are you facing a major fear or worry in your life? Jacob faced a very worrying situation. He had fallen out with his brother Esau, and feared that Esau might be out to get him. He was in ‘great fear and distress’ (32:7). Jacob was a man of prayer – in spite of all his sin, he knew God. He recognised his own unworthiness: ‘I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant’ (v.10). He prayed, believed and claimed the promise of God: ‘Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau – you have said, “I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea which cannot be counted”’ (vv.11–12). His prayer was answered – more than he could have even imagined. Prayer is not always straightforward. Sometimes it seems, like Jacob, that we have to wrestle with God (32:22–32; Colossians 4:12). It can be costly in terms of time and energy. This requires determination. Jacob said to God, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me’ (Genesis 32:26), and we are told that from then on he walked with a limp (v.31). Probably the nearest New Testament equivalent is the apostle Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12:7), which he asked God to remove three times. Your weaknesses and vulnerabilities do not stop God using you. In fact, God often uses our weaknesses more than our strengths. God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Rather he said, ‘my power is made perfect in weakness’ (v.8). Perhaps you feel you have a ‘thorn in the flesh’ or you seem to be ‘walking with a limp’: you have some vulnerability or apparent handicap. Jackie Pullinger says she never trusts anyone who doesn’t walk with a limp! It is often through the difficulties, disappointments and struggles that our hearts are changed. We see a transformation in Jacob after he has wrestled with God. His attitude to his brother is totally transformed (Genesis 33). After the victory had been achieved in prayer, everything seemed to fall into place. There was a wonderful reunion and reconciliation: ‘Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept’ (v.4). Their attitude to each other had totally changed. Esau says, ‘I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself’ (v.9). Jacob replies, ‘No, please!… If I have found favour in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need’ (vv.10–11).0 Comments 0 Shares 16 Views3
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