Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit 4

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Holy Spirit teaches, instructs and directs the people of God to profit by leading them in the way they should go. Please see Isaiah Chapter 48 verses 17 to 18, Psalm 81 verses 10 to 16 so that they do not labor in vain like the Ostrich who lacks wisdom because it is the will of God for His children to labor for profit. Please see Job Chapter 39 verses 13 to 18, Isaiah Chapters 65 verses 19 to 24, 28 verses 23 to 29. God in His infinite mercy and wisdom gives believers the Holy Spirit to instruct them for profit so that they do not partner with destructive partners like the wild ox described in Job Chapter 39 verses 10 to 12.

Quite instructive, planting seasons, maintenance seasons, types of maintenance, harvest seasons and care of the harvested produce differ. Therefore, believers should follow the instructions of the Holy Spirit to ensure that a very ready ripe harvest is brought in immediately, cared for and some left over to plant to bring in other harvests as in the case of the Church in Philippi. That Church as well as other Churches in Macedonia became so kingdom minded and kingdom projects supportive that even at a time of great trail of affliction, they supported kingdom people, projects and activities, ministering to the needs of the saints and the Church. Please see 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 8 verses. Please see 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 8 verses 1 to 5. It is instructive that they also completely surrendered to God as the Bible records that they first gave themselves to the Lord. Please see Philippians Chapter 4 verses 10 to 19. Paul prayed specially for their needs to be met by God; especially the Church in Philippi. 

Therefore, take advantage of the planting seasons God gives to you through His Holy Spirit and plant promptly. Do same for maintenance and harvest seasons and remember that methodologies differ (Isaiah Chapter 28 verses 23 to 29). The Holy Spirit will guide you if only you will pay attention. 

Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Holy Spirit is key to fruitfulness and multiplication and increase because He is the One Who gives divine direction which leads to fruitfulness. One of the ways to labor for profit is to walk in divine direction – obey the instructions of the Holy Spirit (Genesis Chapter 26, Psalm 127 verse 1, Proverbs Chapter 23 verse 4, Isaiah Chapters 45 verses 13 to 14, 48 verse 17, 58 verses 11 to 12. Fruitfulness, multiplication and increase come by the Holy Spirit. Please see Isaiah Chapter 63 verse 23, Ezekiel Chapter 29 verses 18 to 20.

It is quite instructive that because Paul and his team members were sensitive to the Holy Spirit and also obeyed the Holy Spirit, much result oriented work was done where the Holy Spirit directed them to, a field ready for harvest. Significantly, it buttresses the fact that it is not by might nor by power (Zechariah Chapter 4 verse 6). Paul and his colleagues wanted to go and preach in Asia (preaching the word of God is doing the work of the kingdom and this should gladden the heart of God); yet they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia, including Bithynia. This was because God had a different location for them; a place where souls ripe for harvest were waiting to hear the gospel but unfortunately no one was preaching the gospel there and then. Fortunately, Paul and his team members obeyed the Holy Spirit and allowed their steps to be ordered of God to Macedonia in response to the Macedonian call. Lydia and her household were harvested into the kingdom. Additionally, the girl with spirit of divination was set free.

Sacrifice the Palace to Heal Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Pharaoh recognized Moses’ power and influence with God. On a number of occasions, Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to intercede for him and his people. Moses did and the plagues were stayed. Please see Exodus Chapters 8 verses 1 to 13, 20 to 31; 9 verses 20 to 33; 10 verses 12 to 19. Even the Israelites recognized Moses’ power and influence with God. Severally, they asked Moses to speak with God on their behalf. Please see Numbers Chapter 21 verses 4 to 9.

But most significantly was when they said Moses should always go before God to them after an encounter with God that intimidated them. Please see Exodus Chapters 19 verses 1 to 25, and 20 verses 1 to 26.  Moses indeed had great power and influence with God. Severally he interceded for the Israelites and God listened. But for the fervent intercession of Moses for Israel, who knows, the nation of Israel would have become extinct in the wilderness as they journeyed to Canaan. Please see Exodus Chapter 32 verses 1 to 14, 30 to 35, Numbers Chapter 11 verses 1 to 3, 14 verses 5 to 20, 20 verses 1 to 7, Deuteronomy Chapter 9, 10 verse 10.

Moses had open heavens with God and always experienced open heavens. The gates and windows of heaven, I mean both access to the throne room of God as well as  access to heavenly resources were all his for the asking. God spoke with Moses as a friend; gave explanations for what He had to do and even what He would not do. Please see Exodus Chapters 32 verses 30 to 35; 33 verses 11 to 23. God revealed Himself to Moses. Please see Exodus Chapter 34 verses 5 to 10.

The grace and glory of God upon Moses was great. Moses’ face so shone with the glory of God after spending quality time with God that the people of Israel could not look him straight in the face. Moses had to wear a veil. Please see Exodus Chapter 34 verses 28 to 35, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 3 verse 13. The glory of God comes with spending quality time in the presence of God through word study, fasting, praise/worship, adoration, evangelism, intercession and whatever it is God wants you to do. The glory of God in the life of anyone is precious. This is because the glory of God is not only priceless; it is highly attractive and draws men as well as other resources to a carrier of the glory of God. Please see Isaiah Chapter 60 verses 1 to 22, Haggai Chapter 2 verses 1 to 9 and Isaiah Chapter 62 verses 1 to 4.

Sacrifice the Palace to Heal Nations 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The palace is a place of comfort, luxury, power, influence, royalty, dignity and wealth. A number of comforts, power and influence usually accrue to those who dwell in palaces especially members of the royalty. This perhaps explains the quest for ascension to royalty especially in communities where ascension to the throne is not hereditary. And for those who are already royals, giving up the throne is usually a very difficult choice to make especially when a person is not certain of what the future holds.

The Lord Jesus Christ left His heavenly throne and comforts to save humanity. In like manner, the call of God may make a person sacrifice what appears to be something of great worth which could range from positions of supposedly great glory, honor, power, wealth and influence sometimes in the secular world and even in the Church. A Christian may be deeply involved in positions of power in the Church but may be called to something higher and more glorious by God. Sometimes, people resist such higher calls as they wonder what else could be more glorious than the present positions they occupy in a local Church. Beloved; that supposed position may water down the grace and unction of God in your life.

Moses sacrificed the palace of Egypt and became not only the national leader of Israel but a celebrated Christian leader globally and generationally.   Globally and at about every point in time, the name of Moses rings a bell, in point of fact, a great bell. In addition to this, the Bible describes Moses as a prophet who was faithful in God’s entire house.  Significantly, God spoke to Moses face to face in plain terms and not through dreams and visions. Also, Moses saw the form of the Lord. Please see Numbers Chapter 12 verses 6 to 8, Exodus Chapter 33 verse 11 and Deuteronomy Chapter 24 verse 10.

Severally God fought for Moses. God chastised Aaron and afflicted Miriam, the elder siblings of Moses because they spoke against Moses. Please see Numbers Chapter 12 verses 1 to 16. The three rebel leaders, Korah, Dathan and Abiram, significantly were fellow Levites but they were destroyed alongside their supporters because they rose up against Moses. While the earth opened up and swallowed the trio and their households, the Bible records that a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who teamed up with Korah, Dathan and Abiram in their rebellion against Moses.

Healing Streams 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Polluted streams do not bring healing to the people around the stream, the struggling, or tired or weary or thirsty traveler in need of a refreshing cup of water or dip in the water. Polluted streams are sources of barrenness, unproductivity, sickness and death as in the case of the polluted waters of Jericho described in 2^nd Kings Chapter 2 verses 19 to 21. Rather than bless the people of the land, the polluted waters of Jericho poisoned and harmed the people of the land. It made the land unproductive or barren and consequently death in the land. Ideally, water should give life but when that water brings about what does not give life, then there is a problem.

On the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Israelites got to Marah after searching for water to drink endlessly for three consecutive days in the wilderness. Unfortunately the waters of Marah were polluted, were bitter and undrinkable. At this point, the people could take it no more so they complained against Moses. Moses’s response is very significant. He cried out to God and God showed him a tree which he cast into the waters. The Bible records that the waters were made sweet thereafter and the people were able to drink from it.

Beloved, every polluted stream/water body requires divine touches and healings from the Lord to become healing streams that bring God’s healing, life, refreshment and transformation to the people of God. The waters of Jericho became healed by the Lord after Elisha cast in the salt at the source of the water.