In The Stretch – Pt. 2
The very definition of “yoke” is: (noun): a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plough or cart they are to pull;
(verb): to cause (two people or things) to be joined in a close relationship.
The yoke allows the heavy lifting to spread between two companions. And because our companion is our loving Saviour, when we carry it the right way — in partnership with Him — our burden is actually light. I also find comfort in knowing that it is Hisyoke and His burden. We don’t actually do the heavy-lifting or the orchestrating. What we are called to be is faithful and diligent — to trust, to stay and to work with what He has placed in our hands and hearts.
To stay and trust in the stretch can be harder than we imagine. We can get so preoccupied with progressing that we forget that our job is to quiet ourselves before Him, surrender and submit to the process.
The key for me in all of this has been to keep company with Him, for in His company I learn “to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:30). I have to admit, at times, I might get off track and lose focus of that. But His sovereignty and kindness overwhelms me. God is never off track nor does He ever leave us. We might walk a bit slower than we like sometimes (depending on what we’re learning and the part of the stretch we’re in), but we need to know, this is okay! If you feel like you’re in a slower-paced walk right now, but you’re walking with Him and learning His way, then take heart. Stay in the stretch. You’re doing better than you think you are.
I’ve discovered that when we give our “yes” to Jesus and say we’re all in, we are choosing to do life on His terms. Saying “yes” to the God-life and the God-thing actually requires our everything, fully surrendered, no matter the cost, what it looks like or where we end up.
The temptation to lift the heaviness of duty on our own is so easy, until we feel like we’re drowning — off balance — and it’s all a bit too much. But I’ll say it again. We aren’t meant to do this alone. God calls us to walk and work with Him — at His pace, in His perfect timing, in the direction and path He has set. We must come alongside Him. Let’s watch how He does it, learn the unforced rhythms of grace, and in turn, we will realign our hearts with His.
Taya Smith
With Evangelist Dag In The Harvest Fields Of Namibia
Namibia is seeing waves and waves of salvation as Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills and the Healing Jesus Campaign team move through the country preaching Jesus.
Preparation for such campaigns take months, sometimes years but the fruit of that hard labour is worth waiting for.
In Katima, the crowds came from everywhere to witness the delivery of the word of salvation with such passion that saw thousands turn to Jesus.
God confirmed His word with signs and miracles following. Pastors and ministers of the gospel received revival also as the Evangelist spent his mornings teaching them on how to do the work of the ministry.
In Rundu, the crowds could be seen far; scores and scores of people from every direction.
The significant difference in Rundu was the miracles which the Lord poured out upon His people after Evangelist Dag preached the word with power.
The power of darkness had quite a confrontation as the demon possessed screamed and rolled on the grounds. Once again God is confirming His word with signs and wonders.
LUKA
21 Inmates Give Their Lives To Jesus At Hillsong NYC And Prison Fellowship ‘Hope Event’ Service
Hillsong NYC and Prison Fellowship joined with inmates in New York for a night of hope as part of the “Hope Events” initiative. The event took place July 3 and included about 43 male inmates at the Rikers Island detention center.
The event, held in the Rikers Island gym, featured live music from Hillsong NYC’s worship band and Chris Davenport, of Hillsong United. A Hillsong NYC band member spoke and Prison Fellowship field director Jose Negron also delivered a message.
Some 21 inmates came forward during the event’s altar call, said Jennifer Lowrey, Prison Fellowship senior director of programs and special events.
“It has an amazing lyric about not being alone and about how Jesus is our other person in the fire with us,” Lowrey said of the Hillsong United song, “Another in the Fire.”
“I was standing back next to the men so I could see the lyrics. … I just couldn’t stop crying,” she said.
“It just moved me so much. The guy right next to me couldn’t stop crying. It was amazing to see.”
Lowrey’s parents had previously been detained at the detention center.
“I think the thing that moved me on a personal level was that I am so grateful that we have an opportunity to bring hope into places like Rikers,” Lowrey told CP. “At the same time, it makes me really sad because when I see the guys, a lot of times I wish that my dad had somebody to intervene and do that for him. You wonder, what if someone had been able to be there for him at a key point. His trajectory could have changed.”
Amanda Casanova | ChristianHeadlines Contributing Writer
Motherhood…Is No Small Thing Pt. 2
…For those with faith and confidence in the wisdom of the Bible — the ‘maternal heart’ is very much a gift from above. Parenthood is a journey for all of us, but here is a handful of qualities that have proven trustworthy in my experience.
– Recognise the power of COMMUNITY. A famous African proverb says: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Parents who isolate themselves rage against all wise judgment (Proverbs 18:1). Healthy community is learned. It is the environment that teaches young hearts how to respect and value others and how to contribute in life. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts to not neglect to gather together, as is the habit of some. Society needs mothers who understand the critical importance of healthy community, in order that healthy relationships can be felt and experienced.
– The Bible teaches that the (healthy and wholesome) FEAR OF GOD is the BEGINNING OF WISDOM, therefore the woman who positions herself in and under His presence and Word is setting her family up for blessing. Godly truth will transform not only her own experience across the length of her days, but that also of her children.
– Recognise that one day your children will grow up and leave your household… but if you have given your best to them, they will never actually LEAVE you. Regardless of what may separate in the natural (distance or geography), your children’s hearts will always lean towards you and they will rise up and call you blessed (Proverbs 31).
– Recognise that (in Christ) we have the CAPACITY TO RAISE sons and daughters who can become people of influence in the land. Psalm 45 is full of promise to that end.
So… there is no end to the miracle of parenthood and in this case, motherhood. I have mentioned only a few thoughts but I pray they are of blessing. Legacy is no small thing…
So if you are a mum:
- Pray for wisdom as a parent.
- Pray for your children.
- Don’t ever be too embarrassed, stubborn or proud to apologise to your children if you have made a mistake at their expense.
- Believe the best and speak the best over them.
- Be their greatest fan.
- Be their cheerleader.
- Encourage always.
- Forgive easily.
- Example grace.
- Discipline with grace.
- Teach them with grace.
- Notice what others fail to notice and listen to God’s Spirit concerning them.
- Always remember that they belong to Him.
- Ultimately raise them to love the Lord YOUR God, with all THEIR heart, soul and strength.
You are amazing and you’ve got this. Be blessed
Bobbie Houston
Prophetic Declarations
SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES OF DEDICATION AND WORSHIP:
1. Abraham (Gen. 22:5)
2. Moses (Ex. 15:1; Deut. 31:22)
3. David (2Sam. 23:1; Ps. 119:164)
4. Solomon (1Kings 3:3; 4:32)
5. Paul the Apostle (Phil. 4:4)
If you are dedicated, you will be a worshipper and praiser
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
– In the Name of Jesus, everything you came here with today that is not of God, it is arrested now!
– A miracle that will bring tears to your eyes will happen to you today!
– Everything that you came here with that my Father in Heaven has not planted, before this service is over, it will disappear and you won’t be aware!
– In your finances, career, destiny, marriage and every realm of your life, you are going to shift to the next level!
– God is giving you double for your trouble!
– You shall not be ashamed! You shall speak with the enemy at the gate!
– Very soon, your children, your cars and houses will be dedicated on this altar!
– You shall have enough resources to take care of your children; none of them shall be liability children in Jesus’ Name!
– Something that is beyond human comprehension is about to happen in your life; God is about to suspend protocols to give you a miracle!
– Every mountain around your life is dissolved right now!
– Whatever strong man is holding your life, family, children and resources, their grip is broken and you are free!
– Your enemies shall never rejoice over your life! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– As you have cried unto the Lord and He has heard you, I prophesy, every infection in your blood, body and system is wiped out forever! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– He has brought you out of your grave and kept you alive; every spirit of death looking for you or your loved ones is arrested and sent back to hell! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– His favour is bringing you your possessions! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– This week, you will experience favour that will amaze you! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– God is turning your mourning into dancing! (Ps. 30:1-12)
– Every wrong garment on your body – garment of sadness, depression and failure, is set on fire now!
– There is someone with a climate of uncertainty, a fear of the unknown, I prophesy that uncertainty is cancelled!
– Every reproach that has ever left you that the devil is trying to return to your life, I decree today, that reproach is returned back to the devil!
– Every demonic threat addressed to your life, that threat is over!
By: Dr. Paul Enenche
Instruments of Deliverance – Prayers
Father, I come before You today to surrender myself to You today. I accept the sacrifice that was done on Calvary for my sake, and my family. I enter into a fresh covenant by the Blood of Jesus on the altar of Calvary and today, I reject every curse – family, witchcraft, occultic curse working against my life, family and destiny, Today is your END! Every altar fighting my life, Nigeria, and the Church in Nigeria, you are catching FIRE!
Every form of spirit around my life, fighting my destiny, you are going now in the Name of Jesus
Every altar from my ancestry, every altar of backwardness and retrogression monitoring my life, I set you on fire NOW. I am free; no more backwardness, no more retrogression in Jesus’ Name
Father, we ask that you heal our land and intervene in the polity of our Nation Nigeria. Go ahead of us and scatter every manipulations of the enemy concerning the forthcoming elections Lord in Jesus’ Name (2Chron. 7:14)
Father, I ask for speedy manifestation of all my expectations, Lord in Jesus’ Name (Prov. 23:18)
Father, we ask for peace, we receive peace by all means for Nigeria in this season and beyond. We decree there shall be no blood shed, confusion or chaos in the course of the election, Lord in Jesus’ Name (2Thess. 3:16)
Father, I ask that You confirm the Word of Your servant in my life and family, Lord in Jesus’ Name (Isa. 44:25-26)
Father, thank You. We pray for Nigeria. It is well with Nigeria. Nigeria shall be covered with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the seas in Jesus’ Name!
Your Dedication And Your Worship
WHAT WORSHIP SIGNIFIES:
1. Worship is a mark of affection for God (Ps. 86:12; 42:1-2)
2. Worship is proof of reverence (Ps. 89:1, 7)
3. Worship is proof of submission (Ps. 95:6-7)
There is a connection between your spirituality and your hymnology/songology
PRODUCTS OF WORSHIP:
1. Your worship of God enhances your value in life (1Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22)
No system can devalue a worshipper
2. Your worship of God provokes His focus on you (John 4:23)
Other people look for God but God looks for the worshipper
3. Your worship of God attracts His Presence to you (Ps. 89:15)
Other people look for God but God looks for the worshipper
4. Your worship of God releases His favour on you (Acts 2:47)
5. Your worship of God releases His giftings in you (1Sam. 10:5-6)
You come to a point where the gifts and graces inside you begin to come out of you as you continue to be a deep worshipper
6. Your worship of God facilitates His guidance of your life (Ps. 89:15; Ps. 32:8; 1Kings 3:15-16)
KEYS TO PRODUCTIVE WORSHIP:
1. Worship should be focused on the Person and Character of God (Isa. 43:21; Ps. 29:2)
Don’t confront God with your need first; worship Him for Who He is
2. Worship should be done from the heart, not from the lips (Isa. 29:13; John 4:24)
Let the worship move you
3. Worship should be done from a clear conscience (Ps. 29:2; 2Chron. 5:13)
A FINAL WORD (PSALM 30:5):
Many times, things appear to get worse before a breakthrough/turnaround. You know
that it is always darkest before dawn
1. Refuse to be moved by what you see, be moved by what He said
2. Keep listening for Divine instruction, direction and revelation
3. Act promptly on received instruction, direction or revelation
4. Remain on your feet and keep moving; refuse to crumble
You don’t use a corrupt process to handle a corrupt practice; you don’t desecrate the constitution to correct a transgression; you don’t burn down a house to catch a thief
By: Dr. Paul Enenche
Greater Works 2019
At this year’s Conference God’s glory will overshadow you and turn you into a different person. It’s your Season of Greater Glory! You don’t want to miss it!
You are entering your Season of Greater Glory!!!
With Mensa Otabil, Tudor Bismark Ministries, Matthew A. Ashimolowo, and Bishop Mike Okonkwo,
Nathaniel Bassey, KODA, Joe Mettle, Mahalia Buchanan, and Ntokozo Mbambo, ICGC Spirit, Lumina and Accra Symphony Orchestra
Motherhood…Is No Small Thing Pt. 1
Family is without doubt a GOD-idea, and within a healthy family both parents play a critical role.
I am a mother and I love being one. Brian and I have three adult children. Each of them have married fabulous partners, who we honestly love as our own flesh and blood. We’ve been blessed with seven amazing grandchildren, with five of them now living in the United States. Life is full and colourful, yet having said that, it also has its challenges. The blessing of both longevity and family is available to all, but it is often discovered amid the challenges and seasons of life.
For those with faith and confidence in the wisdom of the Bible — the ‘maternal heart’ is very much a gift from above. Parenthood is a journey for all of us, but here is a handful of qualities that have proven trustworthy in my experience.
– Recognise that any child is an “ENTRUSTED child”. Our children have been entrusted to our care, and our responsibility is to raise them within the knowledge, purposes, wonder and calling of a gracious God.
– Recognise that we carry them for only a SEASON… therefore every season matters. As they grow in adulthood, seek to be mindful of what each season presents and has for them, and be their greatest cheerleaders.
– As a mother, recognize that we are in PARTNERSHIP with not only their natural father, but their Heavenly Father also. Understand that our example will profoundly shape their mindsets, convictions, choices and destiny path.
If you are a solo parent, I empathise, but also want to remind and encourage that God is a very present and willing help. The challenges might be different and amplified, but so also is His Grace in such circumstances.
– Recognise that TENDERNESS is a mark of wisdom. Solomon in Proverbs 4 commends the impact of his mother (“tender and the only one in the sight of my mother”). Tenderness is not weakness. Tenderness issues from the very nature and character of God… and “little people” need plenty of tenderness. In the same way that a young plant needs tender care, protection and water, we also have need of the same. In the same way that a plant needs to be pruned, we also need (tender) correction in order to grow to maturity, strength and fruitfulness. Psalm 144 speaks of young men who become like full-grown plants in their youth, and young women who become like pillars within a palace. A beautiful metaphor indeed of the fruitfulness to be found within wisdom.