Peter’s Vision

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Acts Chapter 10 verse 28.

Peter’s vision is instructive of how rigidity to certain belief systems can limit a person’s scope in about every area of life. As far as Peter was concerned, he had no business with unclean meat. But God had other plans for Peter, greater than his finite understanding of unclean meat and how unclean meat can be cleansed by God, and the ever cleansing and sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ.

Peter’s vision helped to expand Peter’s horizon of ministry which was hitherto exclusive and limited to a certain race. Peter did not realize that ministry for him as well as the other apostles was for all of humanity. But for the timely vision, Peter would not have accompanied the people Cornelius sent to him to meet with Cornelius and his household. The visit to Cornelius coupled with the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and members of his household stretched the scope of ministry for Peter. Additionally, Peter dropped his exclusionary practices to allow for inclusion of all people into the kingdom of God.

There are lessons worth learning from Peter’s vision. God’s love and salvation is for everybody irrespective of race and socio-economic backgrounds. It is not for specific families, communities, ethnic groups, race or nations. Therefore, stretch your borders beyond where you are now – extend the borders to accommodate God’s inclusion of other ethnic nationalities; expansion beyond your immediate environs and understanding. Discard orientation, belief systems and relationships which limit, resist inclusion and inclusionary practices which will bring about the expansion God is bringing your way.

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.