The Compelling Power of the Holy Spirit

Dedication

I dedicate this publication to: JEHOVAH-MEKADDISSHKEM – THE ONE WHO SANCTIFIES ME. FATHER, TAKE ALL THE GLORY, HONOR AND VICTORY

Copyright © 2013 All Rights Reserved

The Compelling Power of the Holy Spirit

MM KIRSCHBAUM

This publication is a combination of a three-part series including popular eBooks: LISTENING TO THE STILL SMALL VOICE and OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS. With respect, I hereby present to you: The Compelling Power of the Holy Spirit based on spiritual matters far beyond church sermons. It is tailored for matured minds only. A route that is 99.9% unknown, unseen, disregarded and unexploited.

I appreciate and acknowledge modified names, places and instances, respect privacy and confidentiality. All Scripture quotations derived from the Holy Bible, King James Version, and Microsoft Windows Application 8 clip Arts and Angel Clip arts from Dover Publication.

CONTENTS

PART ONE

THE COMPELLING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Pgs. 7-17

EXPOUNDING THE BLASPHEMING CONCEPT

Pgs. 18-26

THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Pgs. 27-36

PART TWO

Pgs. 37-57

LISTENING TO THE STILL SMALL VOICE

CHAPTERS

THE STILL SMALL VOICE

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ AND THE SPIRIT CALLED “DISCOURAGEMENT”

THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

PART THREE

Pgs.58-77

OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS

CHAPTERS

THE BLIND BELIVERS

I CAN SEE

THE FAITH TO ‘SEE’

PART ONE

The Compelling Power of the Holy Spirit

“But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’’ John 14:26.

Ignorance has caused plenty of anguish and left many plagued with heartbreaks for generations. For some, it is a source of severe regret.

Today, a majority continue to suffer even when they are enlightened to the truth. The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, does not seem to have affected the lives of some people. They continue to deny His magnanimous sacrifice. They undermine Him and rubbish His goodness daily. They foolishly ask, “What has He done for me?”

They forget that man shall not live by bread alone.

Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commanded all men everywhere to repent:

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” Luke 4: 1-15.

A man was sitting in front of his rented apartment after a hard day’s work. Suddenly, he heard people shouting “thief, thief, don’t let him go, he is a thief, grab him.” This man abandoned everything he was doing and joined the crowd... They later caught a man and they beat the man to death.

As they left the scene they congratulated each other, “yes, that is good, punishment, the man is a thief. We have done well by killing him. That is good for him.” This man went back to his apartment and continued his life.

Within two years he got married. His first child was a beautiful girl but a thief. At night, she would wake up and take whatever is in the father’s wallet.

Many times, the father has been disgraced, beaten and pushed out of a bus for not having money to pay his bus fare.

His second child was a boy. From the youngest of age, he was notorious for destroying toys belonging to other children. Everything that he touched, he destroyed.

When he was just three years of age, and two days to Christmas, there was a sudden blackout. Since it was festive time, his mother decided it was candle time.

But the boy decided that it was fire time. This family and many others in the building escaped with their lives and only what they had on their bodies.

Many people came to help. It was festive period and generosity was in the air. But, this family had an unusual problem. They could not find anyone to take them in to their house even for an hour. No one offered any help or any compassion of a sort.

While some gave excuses, the man understood that it must be because of the notoriety of his children.

As if that was not enough, the son boasted to everyone how he started the fire. This made the matter worse and the family tried to go into hiding. The authorities, landlord of the building and individuals who lost properties were looking for them with anger.

The man could not go to work and they had no money. They reached a broken-down house and decided to hide in that place.

The man began to wail and cry out to God. He could not understand why his life suddenly took a turn for the worse.  He continued to cry when he was taken in a vision to a certain day when he joined some people to beat a man to death. It was revealed to him that the man was not a thief and was wrongly accused when he went to demand for money owed to him.

This man got up and was greatly distressed. He woke is wife and two children and narrated the whole story to them and how he was the cause of the whole problem that has befallen them.

They all cried and cried.

When it was daylight, the wife discovered that the man was missing. Since, they were in hiding, she dare not scream his name or roam around lest they be seen.

She later sent the children to go out to trash bins peradventure, they would find some food or their father. It did not take five minutes before the children ran back to their mother. The people around the place found a man hanging on a tree and called the police. The news was that, they did not know the man found on the tree.

No one could explain why he decided to come to that area to kill himself. The children added that everyone was cursing the man for bringing such evil to their neighborhood. That they even began to curse the children and his family. For fear of being discovered to be related to the hanging man, they ran away.

Exodus 23:7 “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.”

Deuteronomy 19:10 “That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.”

Let me tell you another story which I shall begin with questions.

What do you say about a family that continues to attend a church, pay enormous tithe, make offering to a church owned and controlled by a shadowy family.  Secondly, the main leader and founder of the church has done some hanky-panky with their child and said the devil made him do it.  This family continue to attend every church program, sit in the pews, smile, laugh and clap at every silly joke. They have placed their souls on the line. Without prejudice, what will be their explanation to God?

This family have permitted themselves to be swept together with their devilish church leaders but will they escape the wrath of God?

The family confided in me that their reason for not leaving the church was because people know them as members of the church from its inception. That their father was one of the first sixty-five members who began it under a tree in a parking lot. When I asked them to enquire from the Holy Spirit, they said it was God’s will that they should still be there. Then I asked, is it God’s will that they should expose their family to danger after they know and understand the calamitous effects? They had no reply for me.

If you continue to feed what the Lord has shown to you as evil and you continue in that path because of earthly reasons, you will stand alone.

A man called me about a problem he was having.  He was given a quit notice to his store unit. The reason was, they would be renovating the whole place and selling it to another client.

This man was very distressed. All his savings and all his family worked in the store. He also received soft loans from leaders of his community and he has to pay without excuse because they could be vicious. The man began to panic very badly and this was affecting his thinking process. I told him to sit before the Holy Spirit and ask for advice but he said he was shaking so badly and could not gather his thoughts together. So I agree to place his matter before the Holy Spirit and receive answers for him.

That night, I sat before the Holy Spirit and narrated the story. I implored the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom to deal with such a matter because the man’s thoughts were already going the dangerous way.

The Holy Spirit said it was simple. The man should read his contract again.

In it, he would notice that, in case of renovation, he may decide to undergo the renovation by himself following the guidelines of the other renovators.

During this period, he would not pay for his rent and the landlord would not be responsible for any falls or other trespass issues related to the building.

As I was about to conclude my session with the Holy Spirit, I began to sing a song exalting the Most High God. Then, the Holy Spirit informed me that, the new owner will be told of this arrangement with this specific shop owner.

This new owner will be impressed and would visit the man. When that happens, the man should ask for a reduction in further rent payments. Specifically, he should not fear because it will be granted to him.

Finally, he will be appointed chairman of the tenants within the whole shopping complex and he will proper from that avenue.

When I told the man, he could hardly believe it. He said how can it be? I told him that was what the Holy Spirit told me, he may either do it or ignore it.

Then he came back to me that he would have to borrow money to renovate the place which is further business risk. I told him to try if he believed the Holy Spirit.

He went to the bank but they would not give him further loan. He went back to the leaders of his community and borrowed money from them again. Working with the renovators, he was the only shop owner allowed to keep his shop running while the renovation and change of transfer proceeded. This took two years and six months. During those times, he did not have to pay any rent and was able to pay all the money he owed the community leaders plus their exorbitant interest.

One day, as he was about to lock up the store, a young man approached him. He quickly said to him, “Sorry, am closed for the day, come next time.” It was then the man introduced himself as the new owner of the shopping complex.  He said he lived out of state but will be back for a formal meeting with his attorneys soon.

Within two weeks he received the invitation to attend the meeting. He remembered to ask for discount and it was accepted for him alone.  He was also given the task of chairman of the building. All tenants should report any condition related to the complex to him.

For everything the Holy Spirit said was fulfilled from beginning to the end. Not one word fell to the ground wasted.

If you re-examine the story, you will perceive inner struggles and battles of life but God will not fail. This man, believed the Holy Spirit and took the steps as laid out. To ordinary person, it did not make sense but the way of God is lined with mysteries and incomprehensibilities.

The man had to self-discipline his faith with patience. This is battle which many of us are not willing to stand and fight. The way of the Holy Spirit is sometimes concealed in plain sight to prove us.

Several things happened in the Book of Judges that are easily overlooked but hold the keys to certain truths of life.

Beginning from chapter three, verse one to ten: “Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;

Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.”

When the children of Israel forgot God, it resulted into doing of evil. In the sight of God, it was unacceptable. As the anger of the LORD boiled against them, they became slaves again in the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia.

They served Chushanrishathaim for eight years. When they could not bear this punishment further, they cried unto the LORD. A Father of fathers as He is, He pitied their condition and raised up a deliverer for them whose name was Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

Then, the Spirit of the LORD came upon him. This spirit that came upon him enabled him to judged Israel, fight battles and go on all-out war against Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia. The Lord delivered the king into his hand and Chushanrishathaim was crushed bitterly.

Two verses later and in the same chapter, the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD. This time, they were delivered into the hands of Eglon the king of Moab.

The Lord did this by strengthening his hand against Israel. Therefore, he was able to gather the children of Ammon and Amalek and possessed the city of palm trees belonging to Israel. They served Eglon the king of Moab for eighteen years and suffered in his hands tremendously. Again, the children of Israel cried unto the LORD for help.

This time, He gave them Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite to lead them. Ehud was a left-handed man and was tasked with taking periodic tribute to Eglon the king of Moab.

With the spirit of God on him, Ehud made a dagger with two edges and strapped it around a leather strap on his right thigh. As expected, he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab.

Now, Eglon was a very fat man with plenty of servants, courtiers and wealth. After the usual presentation on behalf of the children of Israel he left with the representatives that came with him.

On reaching the quarries around Gilgal, he excused himself that he had a secret errand for the king. Eglon was pleased and asked Ehud to speak alone with him in the upper summer parlor.

Then, Ehud said to him, “I have a message from God unto thee.”  Eglon rose from his sitting position, remember that he was a heavy, fat man.

As he made the motion of rising, Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.

So intense and vigorous was this attack that, the blade which Ehud used penetrated into Eglon’s belly and disappeared within the enclaves of the fat.

In verse twenty-two, we are specifically informed that, “the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.”

Let us fast-forward to verse 27 to 30.  Ehud escaped beyond the quarries, and blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim. The children of Israel gathered to him from the mount, and said unto them: “Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab. They slew over ten thousand men of valor in one day.

We see the back and forth of life as related to disobedience, abandonment of and by God. Within this context, we also perceive the functions of the Holy Spirit.

But who is the Holy Spirit that falls upon ordinary men and turn them into leaders, giants and fearless fighters? And why is the Holy Spirit always spoken of in relation of blasphemy? We shall examine this in the next chapter.

EXPOUNDING THE BLASPHEMING CONCEPT

The Holy Spirit is not a figment of imagination or some type of invention but a real Person. The Holy Spirit is a divine individual and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Comforter, the Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth and of divine Love.

The Holy Spirit is not a figment of imagination or some type of invention but a real Person. The Holy Spirit is a divine individual and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Comforter, the Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth and of divine Love.

To clarify the Blessed Trinity angle, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Which means, the Holy Spirit is equivalent to the Father and the Son. In one simple sentence, they are on one level, interlinked as one. We cannot place one before the other because of the singleness of nature.

The Holy Spirit is entirely in the Father and in the Son. The Holy Spirit is not some shadowy or secretive power.

There are instances that the Holy Spirit has been made out to be some demanding force requesting for sanctification, consecration he is a but a loving, wise, caring power of influence.  The Holy Spirit is an ever-present helper, transforming and influencing those who call upon the Most High God.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Something is happening in Christendom that only God can deliver His people. If a leader in the church is doing something that is against the words of God, Matthew 12:31-33 becomes a ready-made defense. It is the shield that is used by those who think they are better than God. Before you complain or murmur, the inner cabal in the church are ready and waiting for you with the curse of the Holy Spirit.  Because many believers do not request the assistance of the Holy Spirit in shedding light on matters such as these, they remain silence forever.

As a result, they make the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus to be nonsensical and rubbished in their lives. When problems come their way, they are running around looking for their pastor, their bishop, their prophet, their counsellor. If only they could have taken a minute to call on the Holy Spirit to direct them on which way to go and what to do.

One day, I was working as a supervising nurse for the unit. I was not familiar with this position and it was my first time. I had no orientation - nothing. I was just given a set of keys and told to be the supervisor. But I had a hidden assistance - the Holy Spirit. I called on the Holy Spirit to see me through the assignment. From the beginning of the shift to the end of that shift there was no peace.

When it was time to hand over the shift, the nurse became a, “no call-no show.” I was tired, hungry and continued with the second shift. During the second hour, I decided to use the much needed bathroom. As I settled in, I began to hear some commotion outside. I quickly jumped out of the bathroom.  I was shocked to see two nursing assistances fighting.

I pleaded and tried to settle the fracas. I hugged both of them and pleaded for peace on behalf of the patients. Suddenly, there was an alarm call and we all ran to the spot. I continued to call on the Holy Spirit to guide me through the shift because I was becoming fearful, tired and exhausted.

There is something that I have to point out here. The Holy Spirit is not our servant or house-help. The Holy Spirit will not perform your chaos for you while you snooze away. But the Holy Spirit will be there to assist you through the valley that you are passing through. It is the Holy Spirit that will give you strength when you are weak and succor when you are burdened.

For instance, a church leader with a large congregation was having an affair with the wife of another church member. He told his inner circle that anyone questioning him was blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

While our Lord Jesus walked the earth during his ministry, He cautioned us about respecting the Holy Spirit. He said, “Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” Matthew 12:31-33.

The church of God is no longer transparent but managed like a political enclave.

Do not be surprised if four of the five executive jet planes that just passed over your house sky-lines are church leaders whose members are sweating to tithe and fretting to make their mortgage payments.

Several years ago, a church began to preached holiness within and without for all members.

They decreed that all members should throw away their jewelries, televisions and all worldly things.

There was a man who was blessed with his family. He was a junior director in a large company.

When a position opened up for a director everyone began to run around. His wife spoke to a friend who introduced the family to this church.  They were asked to forgo everything and serve in the Lord’s vine.

That was how the family left everything and served the church twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This family sold everything they ever owned and denied their children quality education and life. The husband was like a house help for the pastor while the wife became the un-paid servant to the wife.

One day the man became very ill. The wife panicked and ran to her family. When they heard their travails, her family members gathered friends and marched to the church.

Before they could even say anything, the wrath of the Holy Spirit was already flung on their path. Confused and fearful of blaspheming the Holy Spirit or insulting God, they walked out with their sick relation.

Few days later the man died.

This is the impression that many Christians have of the Holy Spirit. He is misconstrued, misunderstood, misinterpreted and unappreciated.

The issue of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit has made some believers to steer clear of that path entirely.

It is similar to entering a new country or culture and having zero idea what ticks them off.

You do not know if and when to smile as you see every one armed with some sort of side-dagger. With customs and weird cultures, political correctness is not a new thing. During the time of our Lord Jesus, he was harassed by the Pharisees and pestered by the Sadducees.

The Gospel According to Saint John 4:46 – 5:19

“So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down here my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, it is the Sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

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.”

In short, our Lord Jesus emphasized the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit because the religious leaders who should know better called him, “Beelzebub.”

In chapter 5:39-47, we are told to, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”

It is at this point that we examine the nature of the Holy Spirit.

THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

To please God, we need faith. When you agree to work for a particular person for a specified period under specified circumstances, you will expect to be paid the agreed consideration. When we believe that God is able to do something for us, it means we have faith that He is able and we are rewarded.

This analogy may not fit snugly. It not a result of your fault.  It is not because you do not have enough faith to move mountain Everest. It is also not as a result of a complex, complicated God. It is none of these.

The key reason is the result of the type of our relationship with God. It is more than ‘give-and-take’ type. Permit me to use an example here.

If you have a problem and visit a psychologist, you will be timed and expect to pay for the relationship. But if that same psychologist is your father, the relationship would be different. You will not expect to be timed, pressured, analyzed or billed. He is your father, you can wake him up at night and get him to come pick you up at the gas station because you forgot your wallet. When you goof-up, you will not need to feel ashamed or explain why you found yourself in that situation. You expect to be understood and to be forgiven.

As a result, it is far more than, “I work for you and you pay me” brand, it is a father-child relationship.

The God we serve is daily present for and with us.

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches that I might meditate in thy word. Hear my voice according unto thy loving-kindness:

O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.  Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving-kindness. Thy word is true from the beginning:

and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.

(From Psalm 119.)

A woman was married for twenty horrible years. She suffered abuse and tolerated all types of insults form the husband. After a protracted divorce, everyone went their way.

She had no issue for him but took care of his other children from other women. These children loved her more than their own mothers and respected her more than their father.

This woman found a small one-bedroom and settled down to start all over. About a week later she was sleeping at night when her cell phone rang.

But, what she heard made her to sit up straight. There was the breaking of glass coming from the kitchen area and the phone was ringing at the same time. She dashed to the kitchen, phone in hand. She quickly observed the backside of a man getting out through the window in a hurry. He had cut himself and was bleeding.

Meanwhile the phone that was ringing had stopped.  She called the police.

They did not have to investigate much before the culprit was found. One of the children reported their father bleeding profusely. He later confessed to attempting to break into the unit and cause her bodily harm.

The presence of the Holy Spirit was functioning within that environment unbeknownst to this woman. We know this fact because St. Paul informs us in the epistle to the Romans. “But you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you” (Romans 8:9.)

When we strive to be close to the Spirit of God, we are strengthened even in adversity.  It will enable us to overcome the daily difficulties that come our way. Our Lord Jesus knew about this predicament by promising us the Comforter.

Our Lord Jesus told us that, “the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.”

When we talk about comforter, it is not as your friend would comfort.

In our praying group, there was a woman who always comforted everyone when they had a problem. One day, a lady continued to ask God why her husband could not stop cheating on her though she was warned several years ago about this behavior.

Some of us agreed to join her for a day’s prayer and fasting for the direction of the Holy Spirit on the matter. We asked this other woman if she would be interested in partaking. She sat us down and gave several worldly advice on how to deal with a cheating husband.  After her eloquent speech, she walked away.

About two months later, she was on the phone shouting that there was fire in her house and hell would have to pay.

She found a phone number in her husband’s jeans pants. She dialed the number and a lady picked it. That was it.  I reminded her that this was not enough evidence to show that an affair was happening but she was hysterical and shouting some more. She wanted me to call everyone to begin serious fast and vigil on the issue.

When I reminded her that the Holy Spirit would need to direct us on which way to go, she said there was no need for that, this was urgent and her house was on “fire.”

This is a common occurrence with many of us.

In our troubles we forget that the Holy Spirit guides us by opening up our minds to deep and hidden truths of life.

Fearfulness of losing her husband has led this woman to believe that a set of phone numbers in her husband’s jeans translated into adultery.

As a result of impatience and haste she got several others to join her in fasting for a whole day. When she confronted the husband, he was unhappy that she doubted him. Yes, there was a phone number but it belonged to a co-worker and the person who picked up the phone was his daughter. And he could prove it.

The Holy Spirit is there to help us understand the things that we may pray for. It resolves the mystery to the darkness of doubt in time of deep emotions.

From the book of Luke 15:3 to 32: “And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, a certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”

Many of us are in search of signs and wonders and we have gotten ourselves tied-up with whips and serpents. Why is that?

Because we seek these thing from men! It is not for man to give because it does not belong in the realm of the physical.

If I come to you and ask for breakfast, you will not hesitate to open your kitchen cupboards and refrigerators with choices beyond my request.

This is because it is yours to give. It is within your capabilities. After breakfast, if I ask for ten dollars, you will not hesitate to also give me if you have it.

But if I say to you that my head hurt badly and I need you to heal it, you will either take me to the Emergency Room or dial 911 for help.

Immediately, I am taken away, you will breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why I came to you from the beginning.

The Holy Spirit is an embodiment of gifts – marvelous aids, heavenly assistances, and incredible gifts, glorious favors for you and for me. These gifts are not for manipulative purposes but to assist us in this journey on earth.

It is not a gift to be faked, to be used to enslave or to enforce our purpose on others.  It is the most marvelous of all experiences that surpasses all things.

It is the fruit that comes from walking with God.

“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” The Acts of the Apostles 3:14-23.

One day, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that it is possible for somebody to have a large or mega ministry, have private jets, boasts of raising the dead yet they are not in sync with God. How can this be? The Holy Spirit endows ministries set up to exalt God. But as the leader begins to exalt themselves over the glory and the goodness of God, the abilities of these gifts begin to dim. As the leader and their inner circle elevates their position, the Holy Spirit begins to withdraw.

I will use the similitude of man’s best friend, a dog. When you hit your dog constantly, it will reach the extent that when you call the dog, it will run instead of coming to you cheerfully.

Why? Because the dog knows you have nothing pleasant to give it.  Remember that when our Lord Jesus Christ walked this earth he operated by merging and in syncing the physical and the supernatural yet he was rejected.

“Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejected me, and received not my words, hath one that judged him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” John 12:44-50.

CHAPTER ONE

THE STILL SMALL VOICE

The title of this publication: “Listening to the STILL SMALL VOICE 1st Kings 19:12.” It is a derivation from the first Book of Kings chapter 19 verse 12.

The complete verse is: “And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

Let us examine the circumstances related to the verse.

When Queen Jezebel wife of King Ahab heard that Elijah had put the prophets to death with the sword, she sent a chilling messenger saying to Elijah, “As surely as you are Elijah and I am Jezebel, may the gods do to me what they will and more too, if I do not make your life as the life of one of those prophets by to-morrow about this time.”

Afraid, he fled for his life to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and went into the wilderness and prayed that he might die.

An angel fed him and urged that he prepare for a lengthy journey’s lasting food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mountain of God.

Then God passed by, and a very terrible wind went by the mountain and broke the rocks in pieces but God was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake; but God was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire; but God was not in the fire. After the fire there was the sound of a small still voice. When Elijah heard it, he knew it was from God and wrapped his face in his mantle standing at the entrance of the cave.

“And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baal. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto Mount Carmel. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, how long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, it is well spoken. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. And Elijah said unto all the people, come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.

And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.

And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 18:43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, there is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, so let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.”

In the First Book of Kings Chapter 19 verse 12 to 19: “And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, what doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:  And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.”

A man heard people wailing on his street and ran towards his house. Then he saw his wife of fifty years standing in her housewear with no shoes and hair disheveled. There was lighting and fire which has claimed everything they ever own. This man built this house lovingly from ground-up with little assistance. His furniture-making business was also part of the house. Now, everything was gone.

After retiring at 60 years of age and starting his own business from the scratch? How can this be?  So devastating was the fire that there was nothing to salvage.

His wife was in a shock that he drove her to the hospital. Upon admission, he returned to his car. He was very angry with God. He felt let down completely. He had paid tithes, offering everything required but in one night all was gone. The man could not accept that such a tragedy would visit a tithe-paying church member. He continued to repeat this point over and over. Then he reencountered the efforts he made repairing the Sunday school classrooms, putting in volunteered 30-hours weekly to renovate it. Now, all his efforts in the house of God has come to nothing.

Last summer, to raise money for people in Africa, they had a jumble sale and his wife not only contributed a 25-percent of her clothing but helped to make it a success. Ironically, all her remaining clothes are burnt and they have become destitute overnight. He recently purchased some antique furniture and paid cash for quite a few – all gone.

It was at this point that he began to think of meeting with God. If earth was not worth living maybe heaven will have a place for him. As the meaning of these thoughts hit him, he began to cry. Suddenly he perceived this sentence: “All your righteousness are like filthy rags.”

It was so persistent that he continued to look around his surroundings. He sat quietly pondering the meaning of the sentence when he heard: “Search the Scriptures.”

Fearful that he was going out of his mind, he returned to his wife’s bed-side. She requested for a Bible and using the index and concordance they found the verses and the related principles. That same night, the man and his wife discovered that, they really did not know God. Their tithes and offerings were a form of bribing God. That, if they did all these for Him, through their church, He would guarantee a smooth ride in life. As a result, everything they did for their church was supposed to be an accumulation of good deeds to this end. In a way, hoping that these good deeds will be in a ticket format to go through the pearly gates with St Peter coordinating the door.

But something peculiar occurred that same night they lost their possession and his wife was in the hospital. He wondered if God was up there at all and he was very afraid for the first time in his seventy-two years on earth.

Many Christians are very discouraged with their lives and the unending pitfalls that is always dodging their footsteps. Secretly, some have contemplated abandoning the faith and hoping to pick it up at the time of death or dealing with the consequences.

Several years ago, an incident occurred in a church service which made everyone around attentive.

This is what happened:

Mike leaned toward his wife and said:  "I have a case against my pastor.” Perhaps it was not meant to be a whisper because those of us sitting two rows away heard it clearly. We also knew the facts but fearful of hell-fire consequences as berated by the pastor constantly saying: “Anyone who talks about me, talks against the Holy Spirit. There is no forgiveness but hell-fire condemnation.”

Therefore, as quickly as the thoughts of the pastor’s extravagant demands come into any conversation, it was quickly ignored. Many church-goers understand the rhythm: “I must not question the 10% tithes before bills, the 5-times offering on Sundays, the 3-times offering on Wednesday night and the gift-offerings for birthdays, anniversary of weddings, their daughter’s marriage, naming ceremony, and posh private planes. If it was ever spoken out, would the fellow not be treated as Achan who took the accursed thing in Jericho?”

As Christians, we are afraid to confront this type of matter but prefer to either move from one church to another or even abandon the faith entirely. What Mike said to his wife maybe a whisper but it echoed the thoughts of many. Who will rebuke a man of God for their preferred lifestyle? Only God will – in the appointed time.

CHAPTER TWO

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ AND THE SPIRIT CALLED “DISCOURAGEMENT”

It is at this point that believers are entreated to listen to the still small voice. Not a wavering or flickering or wobbling shout of your preacher but to God Himself! Question Him and ask about His goodness.

A little boy was so in awe of his pristine looking teacher that he asked the teacher, “Do you eat, do you go to the toilet and do you clean the house as mummy does?”

Remember that the boy only gets to see the teacher in the classroom and just for certain hours. He does not know any other thing about the teacher than the general facts such as name, respect and how to put up your hands if you have any question.

You are not to interrupt the immaculate and well-preserved class façade. Your appearance must be in accordance to guidelines thus creating a controlled exterior. The little boy sees all these and he is thoroughly astounded and flabbergasted.

Well, the teacher looked at the boy and said very quietly, “This is a classroom and we all follow rules here. By the way you look smart in your uniform as well.”

“Thus saith the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, and let not the strong man glory in his strength, and let not the rich man glory in his riches:. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, for I am the Lord that exercise mercy, and judgment, and justice in the earth: for these things please me, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23 to 24.

We have an example in the very brief story of Jabez.

“And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!

And God granted him that which he requested. (The First Book of the Chronicles chapter 4 verses 9 to 10.)

That is all we ever heared of Jabez. In those two verses we saw the goodness of God more than in whole chapters. What does the word “coast’ mean here. Definitely it is not a sea coast but a territory.

It does not have to be physical, it could be your specialty, domain, field, sphere, home or ground. Whatever it is your coast is what sets you apart from another.

If you are a teacher, that is your field, your coast similar to if you are a business person or simply working for another. What you have in your possession and know how to do or go about it is your coast.

Years ago in a place I worked, there was a nursing assistant who made nursing uniforms. The day we talked about coast or territory she preferred to be identified as a designer rather than a nurse aide. She confidently told me that the nurse aide job was to support her real passion which is, sewing. She was very proud of this field and would spend the break hour just making designs and examining fabrics worn by other nursing staff.  As a result, when we talk about, ‘your coast’ it is meant to be what you call your territory. Only you know your territory. It cannot be defined for you.

Only you understand your capability. If you are working in a company and you consider that job as your territory, so be it. God can and will bless you in the work of your hands in the name of Jesus – amen.

With this example of Jabez and his prayer and God’s reply we better understand God as a Father. In the Book of

Deuteronomy 4:23 it is stated: “So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. 4:24 and the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.”

Many believers love God and would gladly follow Christ to the cross all over again if they but hear His voice. I have to tell you that His voice is not deafening nor is it quivering.

It is delicate and steady. In many instances, it will go unnoticed. At one of the many challenging cross-roads of my life I continued to ask the Lord for a sign. He gave me the sign but I would not accept. It was after the incident that I realized my stupidity. I was talking even when I asked a question. I was not waiting for the answer. Why? Because the answer that I received was not what I wanted to hear!

Please examine this case:

“And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.  And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?

David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth. When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.

And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, here I am, my lord. And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, and who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honorable in thine house? Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? Be it far from me: let not the king impute anything unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD: because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword. And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD's priests. And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.

Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing floors. Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more than if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

And David knew that Saul secretly practiced mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, bring hither the ephod.

Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, they will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.” From 1Kings 21:10 to 23:18.

Did you notice these passages?

“O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, they will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”

This is the reality of life. Will the people whom I trust deliver me to my enemies? And the Lord is saying they would but we are so busy shouting and praying that we miss this poignant point.

CHAPTER THREE

THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Many believers are ‘angry’ with God. If they are sincere with you, they will tell you. It is not their fault nor is it the fault of God but our inability to listen to that still small voice above the noise.  Many times, there is so much noise that we cannot even hear ourselves. The word ‘noise’ as used here does not mean hullabaloo or uproar but the workings of our mind.

For instance, I was staying in a Motel at a point. I basically did not receive nor invite any visitors to my room – it was always quiet. At 10pm on a certain day, I prepared for the night as usual, brushed my teeth and had a bath. Then a quiet voice which I recognized as the Holy Spirit, informed me that I should look at the door. I went and looked at the door, checked it and re-locked all the bolts behind it.

Then, I was told that, about three o’clock in the morning, there will be interference with the door. With this knowledge, I prayed as usual but decided not to change into my night wear. Placing my head on the pillow with some contemplation, I fell asleep.

Precipitously, there was a significant thumping and crashing on the door. And I quickly jumped up. I had a small button alarm and was ready to press it when I realized there was a dangerous commotion outside the door.

I could hear the banging and slamming of body or bodies against the door.  The bolts where holding but the hinges began to come off. I listened for a moment and in-between severe curse words, there must be two people at the door. Then, I heard the police siren. Soon they converged on the scene for I could hear them. They were two men fighting over a woman and trying very hard to kill each other. The fight must have started somewhere around and they backed into my door. When I looked at the clock it was just three minutes after three in the morning. But so intense was the moment that it seemed like an hour.  As everything became quiet again, I wandered what would have happened if I did not perceive that the door will be intruded with? I then changed and went to sleep for God who saw me through before and during the event will see me through the night.

Permit me to re-narrate this story which I earlier mentioned in a past publication.

A lady (Jen) told me an incident that occurred in their home. This may appear funny but it cost this family an embarrassing scene.  This family have a tradition of having dinner together about five times a week with every family member present.

This is a loving sacrifice in the fast-paced world of digitals. Usually, during dinner, every member will chitchat about their day. Several times, someone will come-up with a funny or sad story and demands were common in this arena. On this one occasion, there was a discussion about a widowed elderly lady in their neighborhood. She lived alone and often made constant visits, bring presents to their children. Everyone laughed while the adult poked fun at her for those numerous and kindly visits.

As they finished dinner, the woman came to the house and knocked. She was at the door with a home-made apple-pie. Their four-year old son, who was getting ready for bed, hugged her as his mother took the apple-pie to the kitchen. The lady lifted him up lovingly and playfully sang a goodnight song to him. As their son was going upstairs, he turned sadly to their visitor. Suddenly, he said, “I don’t think I will see you again.”  With a sincere expression, he said, “mum and dad are complaining that you need a job to keep you from disturbing us with your visits.”

This woman’s visit quickly turned into a crying session. Jen and the whole family tried to comfort her with tons of apologies and explanations before the elderly widow left. She did not visit again.

Subsequently, the family decided to visit her during the labor-day weekend. Guilt-ridden for the incident, they took with them some movies, home meals and an invitation to the theater. There were determined to reciprocate her love and repair the relationship.

On reaching the house, they knocked, called-out her name several times with no answer. They walked around the backyard, noticed some lights on through the glass window. At that moment, they observed her lying awkwardly on the floor. Jen dialed 911 emergency/police for assistance while her husband tried to force-open the back door.

Afterwards, they learnt that, their timely intervention saved her life.  She slipped on a throw-rug between the bathroom door and the bedroom.  Alone, with a-possible bone injury she could not reach the phone.  As time went on, she lapsed in and out of consciousness until this Jen and her husband arrived.

In this life, when a senior sit quietly reminiscing, such a person is recollecting an incident in their past. Now, such a person is looking at the incident differently.  There are politicians or public person who did everything perfectly but a single word ruined all their efforts. This is also part of life for it make us stronger as we become wiser.

Let us pray:

O LORD, great in thy salvation, honor, majesty, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity; cleanse me from my sins in the powerful name of Jesus.   I acknowledge my transgressions related to…………. (Mention troubling issues) the powerful name of Jesus.    My sins are always before me…….against You, You only, have I sinned, purge me of hidden sins and blot out all my iniquities in the powerful name of Jesus.  I plead the blood of Jesus over my body, soul and spirit the powerful name of Jesus.    I call upon the, “BLOOD OF JESUS” to cleanse and refresh me in, the powerful name of Jesus.    I want and desire You my father to …………….. (Specifically mention your desire) in Jesus name, amen

In the story of Joseph, when their father died, the brothers who did him ill could not forgive themselves. They sent to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Book of Genesis, Chapter 50)

Indeed the brothers meant it for evil but God turned it to good. In the name of Jesus, what was meant as evil for you shall be turned to good - amen?

I pray that GOD will open our understanding and bless this reader to find their purpose in life the name of Jesus, Amen. In 3 John 1:2 we are standing on the promise that, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

“My Father, on the authority of the double-anointing according to the order of Prophet Elisha, I COMMAND THAT THIS READER WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE GOD WHO HEAR PRAYERS.  I am asking with faith that, you bless them with their heart’s desire, in Jesus name…Amen and Amen and Amen.”

Please do not forget God when things ease out for you. Remember Him and call His past deeds in your life to remembrance often. Listen, even today and you will hear the small still voice from your Father.

You will know when you hear it for it would not be boisterous and encumbered. In DEUTORONOMY 8:18 we are implored: “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

I dedicate this publication to: JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH -THE LORD OF HOSTS. He is my Father and I give Him all the glory, honor, victory, adoration. Lord, I love You and without you I am nothing.

CHAPTER ONE

THE BLIND BELIVERS

You may physically open your eyes yet you may not be able to behold God’s wondrous things. Your inability to behold means, your inability to comprehend, appreciate or recognize a specific state or condition in a specific period.

Many Christians ‘see’ but do not appreciate what they are seeing.

Lack of power to behold a certain position means you are not benefiting from a key ingredient of heavenly knowledge and glory.

A mother went to visit her daughter and son-in-law. As she was greeted by everyone the house help was called to serve her some tea. As the lady carried the tea it appeared as if she carried a baby. The whole vision was within just a second. After her visit she narrated this incident to me. I encouraged her to inform her daughter and ask her to be vigilant and prayerful.  The daughter said, “Mom, it is possible after all she is a big girl but it can never happen to our family. I trust my husband absolutely.” That was the end of the conversation.

About three months later the house help resigned citing illness and other things. About two years later, the family sat watching television and the program was about a chess championship. Suddenly the husband said, “I really like chess that is what my son will first learn before school.” Without realizing what he had just said. His wife asked, “Honey, we do not have a son yet – wait until then.” He replied, “I have a son.” Then the woman remembered the mother’s warning and began to press the husband for the truth. He later told her everything. Yes, he has a son and yes the mother was their former house help and yes, he got her a place and is caring for her and the baby!

Our foremost example is Daniel. He was of noble birth and taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Other young men of his category were, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They distinguished themselves as exceptional students in the school of royal service from food to learning, and wisdom on every subject.  Daniel understood all kinds of visions and dreams above other wise men and magicians in the kingdom. He served in several high positions and kings. God blessed them and raised Daniel into exceptional favor through his abilities.

Several times in his life time he encountered significant plots and jealousies but the LORD delivered him from them all.

To know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." (Ephesians 3:19.)

Believers are always at war, seen and unseen. If you are praying to be able to behold wondrous things, it shall be well with you. If not, you will be tossed up and down like a candle in the wind by ordinary events of little consequences.

I remember an incident when a rude and bashful person was trying to intimidate me. This person said, “Why are you not tolerant, after-all you are a Christian and you should offer the other cheek.” I replied, “You are correct I am a Christian. In fact I am a follower and servant of Jesus but I am not offering you the other cheek. Jesus already received all the slaps on my behalf. I will be disgracing that sacrifice if I turn the other cheek.” The person was surprised that I stood my ground.

The secret is that as long as we are absolutely certain of the extent that God loves us, no person is going to manipulate the gospel before you. God is love. In the Book of Prophet Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 8 to 11 it states: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returned not thither, but watered the earth, and market it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Again, God is love and He loves us with eternal love desiring to bring us closer to Him. He knows and understands that we are forever running to hide from him as Adam and Eve did at the garden. If you look around at some believers you may become very discouraged because of their attitude. A lady walked into her friend’s place and said, “I have become born again, I am holy without sin.

The friend marveled and asked about the Ten Commandments. The newly converted said, “I follow all the teachings to the commandments strictly. I am holy. As they decided to sit down, the two friends realized that the newly converted had being standing on her pet rat’s new baby. Then she said, “Oops, I just killed a rat.” The friend replied, “That is not just a rat but my pet rat’s baby. I was about to tend to it when you walked in.”

Our righteousness has been described as, “flirty rags” because we cannot meet God’s standard. But God in his infinite mercy overlooks all our sins and like the prodigal son, He welcomes us with open hands. First John 1:8 state “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Let us examine this passage from the Second Book of Kings Chapter 6 from verse eight:

“Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, in such and such a place shall be my camp. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them,

Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, none, my lord, and O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying,

Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.

And his servant said unto him, alas, my master! How shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

Observe of this portion: “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, this is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, my father, shall I smite them? Shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow?

Set bread and water before them that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.”2nd Kings Chapter 6.

The way of the Lord is different from our ways. While we observe the physical dimensions of what we see, touch, feel, hear and taste, this is the   natural.

On the other hand, the supernatural is referenced into the other side of life that we do not physically feel. It does exist and beyond our general comprehension.  In this realm bath in the glory of God and the spiritual graces experienced beyond the five senses.

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” There is no reason why you should not say aloud: “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me, in the name of Jesus – amen.”

The Scriptures emphasizes love because that is what is most desired in God’s super store. Everything in that store is free.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

There is nothing, absolutely nothing that teaches us to measure God by with our limited view. The cross is the banner that carries a certain truth. That fact is that, the love of God prompted Christ to die.  He was mocked, lied against, tortured, jeered at, his hair and beard was pulled out in the most painful of manner he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Since God is unchangeable I now place it before you that He really, really cares about you.

“Can a woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget; yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:15, 16.

God makes a comparison with a mother's love He is a true Father.

God commanded His love toward us, in that, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

And the LORD said, yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 1 Kings 19:18 I am praying with you in spirit that, you will mature as a Christians. That, you will behold wondrous things in Jesus name.

CHAPTER TWO

I CAN SEE

Let us examine this passage from the book of Ezekiel chapter one. Prophet Ezekiel gave us a glimpse into the supernatural.

“Now it came to pass…as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire unfolding itself, and brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures.

And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and everyone had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.”

He observed that, “whithersoever the spirit wanted to go, they went…”

Subsequently, the spirit remains the driving and directing force. The wheels only went where the spirit guided it to go. Why is this so? Because, the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Therefore, “When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.”

Do not limit God to your own limited view. Let God be God that you may behold wondrous things in the land of the living in the name of Jesus – amen.

Just as you have two-sides to a coin so, is the supernatural versus the physical dimension. God will rise above your circumstances, and that pain you have will disappear. That problem you carry around is not your own. The cross on the Calvary is missing that problem. Now, return to the cross and drop that trouble and it shall be well with you.

This is such a time to look unto Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. Yes, there are demons, but we should look to Jesus. He died. He rose. He overcame and alive. To this moment, He is still the Alpha and Omega.

Jesus Christ, the son of God is knocking at the door of your heart. He will not force himself into your heart, you have to accept Him.

The answers may not be what you expect and may not be as you envisage it to be. One thing is sure; you will get an answer for the simple reason that, God hears prayers.

God will strengthen you and facilitate a full comprehension of His grace in your life in the name of Jesus – amen.

Jesus said, "All authority belongs to me." In Mathew chapter 18, verse18, Jesus said: “Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

God is still on the throne. According to Psalm 8 from verse 4 - "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visits him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou maddest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the Unchangeable Changer (Hebrews 1:12.) He is still the son of God with the divine attributes as: the Omnipresence, Omnipotence for, He forgave sins and He has the divine name of, “I AM.” He is all-knowing and nothing is hidden from Him.

God will give you the abilities to comprehend the higher dimension of things. Seek to know things through dream, vision, a word from the Holy Spirit or the, “still-small voice.” It is the deep calling unto the deep.

I am grateful to God that just as the children of Issachar, we are still able to understand the meaning of the times. Because, “the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 –KJV.)

The LORD will answer you out of the whirlwind. In that still small voice, you will hear, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” The Book of Jobs Chapter 38 verse 2.

Let us pray:

“I ………….. (Your name) wholeheartedly exalt your faithfulness. You answered David's petition and strengthened him spiritually. David anticipated and witnessed your greatness. The Lord is great because He judges justly. He condescends to lift up the lowly by giving-up our Lord Jesus Christ, that by His wounds, we will be healed. I praise You. I beg for forgiveness. Do not forsake me; forgive me for.…….. (Mention your burden) in the name of Jesus.

Give me the strength to forgive also in the name of Jesus. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity; cleanse me from my sins.

I acknowledge my transgressions; my sins are always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, purge me of hidden sins and blot out all my iniquities. I plead the blood of Jesus over my body, soul and spirit. BLOOD OF JESUS CLEAN ME, refresh me. JEHOVAH-JIREH, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO PROVIES. I start and end with Your name. You are the beginning and the end, the alpha and Omega. Be glorified in Jesus name.”

“I …..(Mention your name) abide in the Shadow of the Almighty

I dwell in the secret place of the Most High

I abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Therefore,   I …..(Mention your name) will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.   Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler,

And from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover me with his feathers,        and under his wings shalt I trust: his truth shall be my shield and buckler.

I …..(Mention your name) will not be afraid for the terror by night;

nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at thy side,

And ten thousand at my right hand;

But it shall not come near me.  Only with my eyes shalt I behold

And see the reward of the wicked.   Because I …..(Mention your name) have made the LORD, which is my refuge,

Even the Most High, my habitation;   there shall no evil befall me,

Neither shall any plague come near my dwelling. My God shall give his angels charge over me, to keep thee in all my ways. They shall bear me up in their hands, lest I dash my foot against a stone.

I …..(Mention your name) shall tread upon the lion and adder:

The young lion and the dragon shalt I trample under feet.

My God has promised hat as I continue to love him, he will deliver me:

He will set me on high, because I have known his name. When I call upon him, he will answer me.

He will be with him in trouble; He will deliver me, and honor me.

With long life will he satisfy me and show me his salvation in Jesus name - amen. (Psalm 91)

CHAPTER THREE

THE FAITH TO ‘SEE’

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” There is no reason why you should not say aloud: “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me, in the name of Jesus – amen.”

From the Book of Jeremiah Chapter 1:

“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.  But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.”

A family built their home from scratch-up during weekends and holidays. They had no real plan on paper. At the completion they invited a friend who also built his house in a similar fashion. Before they reached the house he told the family to let him out of the car. He then walked slowly to the new house. He went to the right side and looked at the house from the left side. He asked for a paper and pen and mapped out north, south, east and west.

The family wondered why he was wasting valued time outside instead of observing their efforts from inside. When this man finally walked into the house he invited the family to take the same walk with him. They did. It was the first time they noticed an anomaly. The house was insecure.  It tilted to a side. The area was very windy and they did not consider the appropriateness in setting the doors and windows.

With a little wind carrying some debris, their windows would be shattered and the door bared with debris, their friend indicated to them. He also gave good news, this problem can be fixed. With some extra time, some more hours, they would have a sturdy and better home. As the man made these observations the family looked at each other. How could they have missed all these points?

The Bible is our plan and the words from it is the direction. As you build your life, refer to the words therein. Meditate on the words and themes and you will be able to see the whole picture that God is indeed love. He will not deprive us of the good things of life.

When a place is dark and one is not able to see there is a sense of frustration. It is during this point of frustration that the major challenge facing us as Christians occur. This is, following the old ways or backsliding. It might also be that the person has prayed for quick answer but there is a delay. It is during these delicate times that we expect some dramatic answers but a still small voice is all that is given. In our thinking, we expect God’s answer to be as dramatic as the situation.

In the book of Kings Chapter 19, from verses 11: “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:  And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it] that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, what doest thou here, Elijah?

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:  And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room.  And it shall come to pass, that him that escaped the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escaped from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

There was a husband of one of our Daniel Praying group that made art works. His craft is not always in demand compared to a food store. He might get one offer in six months or even in a year but when it does, come it is big. There was a certain year that all was very quiet with his work. He received some offers but only small-priced items were sold. In that year also, there was a financial need that could not wait. The family prayed about it imploring the Lord to intervene.

Two weeks later he received an offer which appeared very generous. He quickly made some modifications as requested and began to pack the items. Because of his financial constraints, he did not follow the usual procedure of insuring the items. A day before the items where to be shipped he had a dream. In the dream he was busy day and night working to have the items ready. Somehow he had the whole items prepared for shipping but it took a mysterious turn here. Still in the dream he poured gasoline over the packaged items and lit it up with a single match.

The whole package burnt to the ground while he watched it. When he awoke he narrated the dream to his wife who prayed about it. She advised against sending the package.  The man on the other hand reasoned that the dream may be a result of stress and earlier discouragement in getting a buyer.  Then he also argued that this is actually a purchase organized by God which was the answer to their prayer. In despair, he decided to change the earlier date of shipment. This time the buyer called him on the phone. The man was very angry. He shouted such obscene words many times that was concerning. This was the first time a customer will be so insolent over a change of shipment date. He did not bulge. The next day he visited the public library and began to investigate the company. He quickly discovered that the whole business proposal was fraudulent. He read about another man that was defrauded in similar manner. Based on all these he decided to cancel the order. Now the buyer was very angry that he began to make frightening life-threating remarks. This family decided to place the whole matter before this Lord. For another three weeks silence from all his buyers. He continued to wait. It was exactly twenty-two days that he finally received a regular order from a regular customer. Though late and with penalty, he was able to meet the family’s financial obligations. God indeed works in mysterious ways for he directs the steps of those who wait on Him.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighted in his way,” Psalm 37:23.

Our consolation in life is that, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the Unchangeable Changer (Hebrews 1:12.) He is still the son of God with the divine attributes of Omnipresence, Omnipotence and omniscience.

May God bless you as He did the children of Issachar, who were able to understand the meaning of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32.)

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

“So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

For you to behold wondrous things you will need to place it before the Lord in prayer. When the Prophet Elijah prayed he rose a boy from the dead and disgraced all Jezebel’s crony prophets who ate at her table. Hannah prayed and had Prophet Samuel. Therefore, prayer is the key to ‘seeing’ God’s wonders.

The Lord will provide for He is the JEHOVAH-JIREH, have no fear in the name of Jesus (Genesis 22:13-14.)

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever.  Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth forever.  Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth forever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth forever. I called upon the LORD in distress:  LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Psalms 118: 1-9.)

In darkness you need light to see. In John 8:12 Jesus said: “I am the light of the world: he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Unequivocally, He is the Light of the world. In John 6:35 He states: “I am the bread of life: he who comes to me shall not hunger.”

In 1 John 1:5 states: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

“And he said unto them, is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? And not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad.” Mark 4:21-22

Let us pray:

“Father of fathers, give me the ability to ‘see’ through my life’s foundation, in the name of Jesus. I reject repressiveness and hopelessness in my life. I place my trust in Your words that will not perish. It is time I ‘see’ my situation. It is time to behold those wondrous things in the name of Jesus.”

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