MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 31/05/2024

 FRIDAY - 31ST MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

APOSTLE PAUL'S REPENTANCE 

Read Acts 9:19-25

Acts 9:20-21, KJV 

"20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?"

Today, I have obligation of God to push further on repentance. When Jesus met Saul on his way to Damascus, he became broken and had a changed life. However, I want to trace the story of his repentance. Saul is known as a destroyer of the Way and persecutor of Christians. He himself collected letters from the high priests in Jerusalem for the purpose of hauling into prisons those of the Way (Acts 9:1-2). That was his life. 

After his encounter, the gaining of his sight, his being strengthened with meat and a tarrying with the Damascus brethren for awhile, he immediately begins to preach Christ. This causes no small stir and doubt that the Jews in Damascus wonders saying, "is this not he who came to Damascus to bring those of the Way bound? How is it that he preaches the very Way he persecutes now?"

That's the power of repentance. That's what it does to a man. It calls him into a life that's in sharp contrast to the one he's been known for. Paul on occasion would affirm his story of repentance and salvation even before kings and governors by summarily saying, "he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19-20). The heavenly vision he had on the way to Damascus challenges him out of his zeal for the Jewish tradition and instructs him further on the new life to live. 

If Paul had not repented of his old life and ways, he wouldn't have come into immediate conflict, pressure and persecution with the Jews and their leaders. On many occasions, they sought to kill him and that was because he now lives a life worthy of repentance and the salvation he holds. Repentance connotes change of life. It's so notable in Saul that it made him enemies. If you truly had repented and you incur no enemy or have no contrastive life with the former, it may be that you are mistaken, delusional or hypocritical. Mere confession of sins without change in belief, orientation, life, isn't repentance depicted. If Paul had remained who he was, he'd still be friend with the high priests but he immediately lost favour and popularity with them upon his turning away from those things he highly esteemed but which he now counted dung to gain Christ. That reminds me of a cultist who turned to the Lord. He was searched out and brutally killed after a resolution to remain Christ's. Though, he lost his life but he shall regain it at the last resurrection. His act of genuine repentance simply made him lose favour with his once cherished band.

Evaluate yourself. Did you truly repent? Did you truly believe? Did you truly have a change of heart or you're still dead in your sin? Is there a conviction and clear conscience that you indeed have broken away from your past or you still continue in it? See to it and repent anew and in truth. 

PRAYER: Father, I'm here to establish this truth in myself, let me see.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 30/05/2024

THURSDAY - 30TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

EARS TO HEAR AND HEART TO BELIEVE 

Read Revelation 20:11-15

Luke 3:7-8, NLT

"7 When the crowd came to John for baptism, he said, "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath?"

When in hearing you do not hear and in seeing you do not see, you'll be a living being not close to tripping or outright annihilation. As John preaches his message coming from God, multitude troops out to give attention and heed it. Seeing the crowd, he mocks and sarcastically asks who warned the multitude to flee God's coming wrath. He said this because the crowd have tarried in their sins without repentance or change of life. No wonder, he upraid them to bring forth fruits meeting repentance. First of all, let us establish that there's a wrath to come. For it is appointed unto man to die once. After that, it is judgement (Heb.9:27). All of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ to receive that done in the body, whether good or bad (II Cor.5:10). For souls in Christ, they shall wake up to everlasting life while souls without Christ shall be appointed unto the second death. That aren't to scare you but it's sure the truth and if you're ever scared, be scared and snatched from hell, death and darkness into life and the kingdom of His dear son, Jesus Christ - in whom we have redemption, even the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14). 

A hearing people would hear and flee but the dumb, nonchalant and doubters would weigh it, castigate it and reject it. Despite the wickedness of the multitude in the days of John the Baptist, they heard his message and fled from the wrath to come. They all came to be baptized unto repentance. They came to take the provision that'll qualify them for rightness with God (as it were). They could sense the wind gathering and to evade the rain, they ran and fled to take the prepared provision of repentance - which is a door to new life. 

God wants you to be just like those who heard and acted. He wants you to be wise where others are not. The wise would hear, be moved and see the truth in the message but the foolish will despise it, calling it inconsequential. 

In the days of Noah, he proclaimed the coming judgement of the Lord to his world but they were just deaf to it. It doesn't feel believable that it would rain non stop and that God would destroy creation with the flood (Heb.11:7). "How could He", somebody must have said? Only God knows what measure of mockery Noah had to endure as he keeps building the ship in anticipation of the rain that has not even yielded a drop. 

Also, Lot warned his two sons in law of the soon judgement to come upon Sodom but it was too high for their fools to believe (Gen.19:14). They just could not be persuaded. So, another effort of futility resorts. These two occasions reveal blind and deaf children who wouldn't see or be persuaded by the coming judgement. The count down to the appearance of Jesus begun long time ago. That we are at the end time isn't a jargon made popular at all. Indeed, we're at the feet era of the giant statue Daniel interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.2:32-33). Don't forget, each of the section that makes up that image is a timeline. We've gone farther to get here and after it, there's no further to go but rather to welcome the close of age. As such, you ought to take this provision made available by Jesus' death and resurrection. Today, you ought be a born again. The mixed and wicked  congregation of John the Baptist heard and they fled for their lives. They escaped away like Lot and his family escaped from the wrath appointed to come on Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus is symbolic of the ark of Noah. Like it saved Noah's family alive from death and judgement, it'll save you alive from the second death if you're first in Him. If you'll confess Him as Lord and Saviour and believe in Him, you shall receive the gift of everlasting life (Rom.10:9-10). Even in death, death shall not swallow you up. Rather, you'll have victory over death and be woken up to resurrection in Christ. What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Don't banter with your soul. Secure a space and spot for yourself in eternity with the soon coming King. Hear and respond; hear and flee from the wrath to come. Don't be indifferent for that'll be danger and the undoing of yourself. Come to repentance right away. 

Acts 17:30-31, KJV

"30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I'm sorry for my sinful life till now. Forgive and receive me. I believe.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 29/05/2024

WEDNESDAY - 29TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

SOCIETAL REFORMATION THROUGH REPENTANCE

Luke 3:7-8, NLT

"7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God..."

The society can be reformed through repentance! How can we know good life on earth when our society is in disarray and our systems (all human institutions i.e. Commerce/Business, Art/Entertainment, Sports, Politics/Government, Education, Spiritual/Social and Media are in devastatingly corrupt state. 

John the Baptist came preaching the message of repentance and if it interests you to know, Jesus didn't set it at nought. Only that where John baptized with water unto repentance, Jesus has the promise of baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). 

I tell you brethren that repentance - a change of life can change our society and make it heaven for us to live in. What are John's recommendations to the many people who hears him? He admonishes them to live above mere confession of being children of Abraham (of being Christians by word of mouth) to proving being one by a Christlike life. Now, what are the suggestions and solutions he gave on how they should live when they felt sorry and asked what to do?

"If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry" (Lk.3:11, NLT).  What has John said here? Be human! Exercise your bowel of compassion. Spread mercy! Give humanitarian aids and do good to everybody, especially those of the household of faith (Gal.6:10). That someone isn't born again or is not of your faith (i.e the Christian faith) doesn't mean you shouldn't help him. Irrespective of faith, creed, race; we are first of all one big family of the human race. Irrespective of our colour and the continent we live in, we are made of one blood (Acts 17:26). Seeing we're first human before segmentation into other castes of life, there's a good we have to do and keep doing to the human race without discriminating. Even God taught us to be like Himself who shines His sun and gives His rain to both good and evil men alike (Matt.5:45). There's no where you go where the sun, the rain and other natural wonders don't go into play. Couldn't God discriminate against the evil for having not received His only begotten Son by withholding those natural blessings from them? No, He won't. Reason being that we are all His creatures and He is still obligated to us as our Creator. He calls us to exercise same duty to both good and evil men alike so that we'll be children of our Father who's in heaven. 

Two, John addresses corrupt tax collectors and government officials, telling them not to exaggerate taxes than the government requires. Even the soldiers (who are known for their oppression and violent actions) enquire of him and he tells them not to extort money or make false accusations but be contented with their wages (Lk.3:12-14). 

You can testify that the above are the cankerworms that have eaten deep into our society. Demanding more than you're authorized takes forefront. It ranges from both private to public institutions; the force to sport, education and other ministries. Much revenues are collected under the guise of government's orders but never remitted. This is simply corruption!

What about extortion which men and women of the force are known for? Police officers, army, navy etc are known to be hard men devoid of compassion (due to their trainings) but those who threaten and impose strict measures on people to steal from them. They not only extort, they often accuse people falsely to pervert justice and earn a reward of sin for themselves. They don't mind the tears of another and have all together neglected the law.

All these are evils stemming from one thing - "not being contented with one's wages." Despite the much pay of our politicians and many government officials, they are yet not contented with their pay. Both in government and private institutions, you had to tip to get things done. Tipping encourages corruption. That idea that you should still be rewarded financially or in kind after discharging your rightful duty as an employee is an underlying work of corruption. We should rather see ourselves as unworthy servants who have only done what is expected of him. Waiting for a hand to pass a note to you after executing tasks rather shows you're a cursed and lost soul. In some places now, it is seen as a right. Workers eagerly wait for it and pick offence or have your work delayed as revenge when you don't do the 'needful.' These are souls that'll wrath in hell except they repent - seeing it's not a right practice or what they should make a culture of. 

John the Baptist's message is that of a social reformer. Yet, a message given him to preach by God (Lk.3:2-3). He nails on the head practices in his day that made their society impure and ungodly. If men would repent from all these (beginning from being contented with their wages across board), ritual killing, armed robbery, embezzlement and many other vices would dwindle, come to a halt especially in many African nations. 

That'll be real revival. Revival isn't rolling on the floor, shedding of tears or hollering. While they could accompany revival, they aren't the vital signs. What we are looking for is a broken and a contrite heart. A heart that'll be grieved and so turns away from such activity that loots the society and brings no glory to God. Imagine having a society with little or none of those vices, sooner, we'll progress and spend resources where they should be spent. It's then our light will be heralded even far away and our righteousness shine forth like the sun. Only if men would repent of all their dead works where they are. If religious leaders would repent of hypocrisy, lecturers of failing students for not bribing or agreeing to sleep with them; politicians of looting, traders and business men of cheating and con activities, then we'll rise a colossus. Instead of sin which is a reproach to any people, we'll see righteousness exalt our nation (Prov.14:34). May men be gripped and cut deeply to their hearts in their offices, homes, at law court and even in the media houses, falling on their faces, confessing their sins and turning away from it. May our families and public centres be filled with the wave of this newness so that men could even kneel, praying in public without shame. May this wind of revival by repentance blows!

PRAYER: Lord, send down revival and turn the sinning hearts.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 28/05/2024

TUESDAY - 28TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

RESTITUTION IS A SIGN OF REPENTANCE

Luke 19:8, KJV 

"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."

What is restitution? The act of making good or compensating for loss or injury. It is the straightening of what has been formerly rendered crooked by you. It is when you seek to give or pay back or give accounts and face what you've done wrong. 

If you had caused someone pain and heartache, this is where you humbly and in wisdom, amidst counsel and guidance of right people seek to show how sorry you are - asking for their forgiveness. Many run away from this and never made peace with those they had hurt. 

Don't forget that while you were in your former life, you acted someway that was detrimental to someone or some people. You ought prove you're all new to that person now. Doing so will be fruits worthy of repentance. This is what restitution helps you do. It makes people have a new perspective of you differently from what they've held before. Restitution isn't a show off but a step by a grieved or sorry heart who wants to make things right. 

In our past reading, we saw Zaccheaus restituting. The doing of such act portrays genuine repentance. No wonder Jesus could boldly say, "today, salvation has entered into this house." Why would he say that if he had not judged restitution to be a sign of true repentance and salvation. 

In the movie "Big George Foreman" which chronicles the astounding life of the former two times and future heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman is portrayed as having gone individually to seek forgiveness of those he had caused harm to while an unbeliever. This includes his former wife he cheated on and caused many heartaches. He even sought Muhammad Ali's forgiveness for constantly nurturing the thought of murdering him because of defeating him humiliatingly in a boxing match. Even Ali was shocked at such mile he went. This is putting things right and it shows a new life that has budded. Have you stolen something? Restore it! Did you harm someone? Call or see them (even if it'll be in the company and under administering of respectable people) and make things right. You'll be saving yourself and they too. Restitution makes grudges and thoughts of revenge from the other end to finally melt. If you've done harm and the other is filled with anger and wrath, he might likely nurture a comeback and I sure know you don't want to face the unexpected. 

Paul restituted in a manner you wouldn't suspect as restitution. He went in the company of Barnabas to be shown and testified of as having changed (Acts 9:26-28). Until then, he didn't win acceptance from the Christian community. The brethren were just fleeing from him thinking he was only putting on a form and and an act to find them out and haul them into prison. You have to make good what you have destroyed even if you won't be accepted or received. Do this to clear your conscience and have praise of your Father who's in heaven. Those you've hurt won't forget you sought to do good when you discovered it. 

Hear God's voice and act in accordance today. Meanwhile, don't restitute without carrying your local pastor along. He/she has wisdom and discernment on how best it should be done. Or else, you might incur avoidable damages in the process of restituting in zeal. Thank God you're touched and now feel sorry but do in the wisdom and counsel of your church leaders.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for the losses and harm I've brought to others. As I take a step to restitute, let me find favour. Melt the hardened heart.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 27/05/2024

MONDAY - 27TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE 

Luke 3:7-8, KJV

"7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."

Seek to live the blessed life. The blessed life is one with corresponding fruits to show for it. Repentance has been reduced to confession of faults or sins only.  Rather, it is weighty to acknowledge that it involves change of life or character. Asking for forgiveness with constant repeat of same issue doesn't typifies repentance. As such, be weaned from religion and come into the light of spirituality. 

John tells all those who turn out to hear his message to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. If you say you repented and the old has not passed away in your life, then you can't be deemed to have repented let alone prove same with fruits of christlikeness which justifies such repentance. II Cor. 5:17 would have been of no effect in your life also. God is calling for a life full of acts and not one full of mere confessions. Many put up much confessions yet aren't changing at all. Stop the form; pick up the practice. 

Zaccheaus is one who brings forth fruits worthy of repentance. Jesus is at dinning in his house. Here goes Zaccheaus.

Luke 19:8, KJV 

"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." 

He not only restored but as following fair justice system, he added a rental. If their money had been with them, wouldn't it have yielded an increase in one venture or the other? So, the need to pay rental with it.

Seeing this freewill prompted act, Jesus in awe, acknowledgement and commendation of Zaccheaus says, "this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9, KJV). Zaccheaus takes a turn and that act depicts repentance, change of heart and life. And that's what God focuses on. That's what He wants you to be filled with. That's a step towards salvation for any who carries it. Not one whose mouth is full of God but whose heart is far away. Repentance is first of all of the heart. It's a decision to change and then change lifestyle and live in the newness of another life as stipulated by God's Word and any upright law set in the society. When the audience of Peter were pricked in their heart, they asked, "what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). 

"38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Peter recommended repentance - turning a new leaf or the forsaking of one's sins. "Doing" is what brings in change. It is what you do and keep doing that proves and establishes your repentance. You once stole, steal no more but willingly work with your hands now (Eph.4:28). That'll be repentance. It's not saying, "I'm sorry Lord" without forsaking that evil way. You truly are sorry when your grieve or sorrow of heart leads to repentance and you turn a new leaf bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance. If you have truly repented, "you'll become a new man, old things will therefore pass away and all things will be new (as revealed in your new walks and works). 

Brethren, what do you need to repent of? Search yourself and let the godly sorrow coming from this message lead you to repentance. Do you feel sorry? You'll be doing something about it if you let that act you did be the last. Be known for a new life now and sooner you'll be called a new name and identified by a new identity. You shall no longer be called "scorpion", "poison", "slayer" etc again. 

PRAYER: Lord, forgive my misdeeds. Help my decision to follow the godly path.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 26/05/2024

SUNDAY - 26TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

STANDING UP AND SPEAKING UP

Darkness should be intimidated by light. Such order is what should follow. No time should a light carrier feel threatened by darkness. For this reason, we must all build a society where righteousness shines brightly like the sun, is embraced and lovingly cherished. Whether in our families, at work places or in the society at large, we must insist on having justice reign. As such, we need mouths to speak and insist on justice when it is being violated. Without mouths, darkness would overrun everywhere and men would slip into unrighteousness without a second thought or their consciences pricking them. 

God is calling you to stand up. Standing or speaking up is usually a rare act in a darkened and corruption dominated society especially ones with bullies and strong propagists of evils. As such, every one might have been beaten into silence. However, God is raising you to break such silence. He's sending you as a saviour to begin to deliver and speak for the oppressed and save many sheep from the teeth of the lions and bears that have them. That's the work of a spiritual leader who protects his sheep but it is your work in the civil society also. The plague of silence must not overhaul a Christian. We mustn't be afraid of darkness and so shut up from exposing or rebuking its deeds. When little little acts of injustice are ongoing and you refuse to talk, that foothold will lead to a stronghold and when it does, it becomes real difficult tackling it. What you don't want to see at all, don't accommodate it. 

One major trait of Moses is his speaking and standing up ability. He's an upstart in that. He rarely could stand injustice. On an occasion when he went to look at the burden of his people and sees an Egyptian maltreating a Hebrew, out of zeal and jealousy, he did something about it (Exo.2:11-12). He killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. While that's murder, yet we sure know that Moses seeks to balance things out by that action by calling for a society where liberty, equity and justice exist. When these are lost, oppression finds its place. 

In today's reading however, Moses stands up and speaks up for the seven daughters of Reul - the priest of Midian and his future father in-law. The shepherds who are bullies capitalize on their gender and its perceived weakness to take advantage of them and cheat them out of their rights. However, Moses rose up as a saviour and insisted on their right for them. He let them have their first place. He resisted those bully shepherds for them, fetched water and watered their flocks alike. Where they are weak, he becomes their strength. 

It is the mandate of a Christian to insist on what is right wherever he may be. It is his call to resist evil and spare what his right always. If we should let the plague of silence or inactivity rub itself on us, we'd close our eyes to injustice which will grow to the harvest of corruption that'll later reap. You're a freedom fighter, social and even a political activist. You must find your voice and calling which is to be mouth for the dumb. Job speaks thus of his lifestyle and social justice attitude. 

Job 29:15-17, KJV

"15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. 16 I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. 17 And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth."

This is your calling as a Christian. You shouldn't be the one cowering or shivering at the feet of unrighteousness. When you roar, it should flee. May you be strong. May you find a team of like-minded people where you are placed with which you could threaten evil and bring justice to the land. And when alone, may you always hear the strengthening voice of whose you are and who you serve. 

PRAYER: Lord, raise up for us activists in all endeavours of life. Put your jealousy, zeal and justice in such and let them call for equality, fairness and speak for the helpless

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 25/05/2024

SATURDAY - 25TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

TO THE MAN WHO HAS SOMETHING TO DO

Joshua 10:13-14, KJV

"13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel."

Many are the resources of the man whose hands have found purpose to discharge. When you have found something to do, before you call, you'll have answers. When you have found something to do - offcourse according to God's will and ordainment for you, eternity and earth would conspire together in mutuality unfathomable to make it come true. 

I have come to love reading biographies. That ain't because I studied Literature but because of the purposeful pursuits of great men and women in our world. You'd read and not only be informed but inspired to the doings of great things. "If it were possible for them, it is possible for me too." You'd encourage yourself that way. Over the years, I found out it works.

When you have found what your hands should be busy with, hear me, all heaven's arsenal would be in your disposal to seeing to its fulfilment. Such is the case of Joshua. Though the fight is not his fight but the Gibeonites'; being their covenant partner, he avails them Israel's help. For the defeat of the Amorites to be completed however, he requested that the sun would not set. That's a wondrous ask. A risky ask but he did submit that tender to God and guess what, God answered it. The sun stood still and hasted not to go down about a whole day. Such a shocking experience that no one would have expected. So shocking that the Bible acknowledged Joshua as a record breaker and the only one to ever hold that title. Verse 14 says, "and there was no day like that before or after it ..." 

If the sun stood still for Joshua until he accomplished the task at hand, it could sure stand still for you. How? It means, the element(s) of nature would be summoned to team up with you - work for your good and accomplishment of the purpose at hand. When God is working for you and He's right by your side, even the wind, the cold, the rain, the sun, the heat can all work for your definite good at a particular time. A team of players used to playing under a certain condition(s) could lose if the field of things changed. Weather, seasons, times and men are all ingredients that could work in the favour of the man whose hands have found purpose to discharge. God can make time, season and weather to be right for you!

When Barak/Deborah went out against Sisera, even elements of nature had to help them out (Judges 5:20-21). Even in this Joshua's narrative with those five kings, God rained down hailstones to help him eliminate his enemies. All these show that God is in the business of helping the man who's dedicated to purpose and the venture of destiny assigned by God. The sun can stand for you too. Even the course of things and the order of things could be compromised or changed just to accommodate you. After you might have been accommodated like Joshua, then the rule would continue to play on. Who has the Lord blessed today? Who has He favoured? It's you. Believe it! The sun will stand for you. Things will play in your favour that have not been reputed for such afore time. Now is that time. 

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for a new day and new order of things. The sun is standing still for me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 19/05/2024

SUNDAY- 19TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

REFUSE TO BE DISSUADED 

Acts 21:13, KJV

"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Nothing in the world should be able to dissuade you from your purpose and the fulfilment of it. It is not all assignments that are sweet or honeyed biscuits to our mouths. If it's the cup meant for us to drink, we should be persevering and obedient to take it. Jesus' cup is a cup of suffering and early death. Determined to do God's will, He refused any dissuasion on not dying. When He said He must suffer, die and resurrect on the third day, Peter would have none of it but Jesus rebuked Satan in him (Matt.16:21-23). Meaning, though His assignment is a hard one, yet He seeks to fulfill it because it is designated to Him by His Father. 

John 4:34 says, "my meat is to do the will of He that sent me and to finish His work." Finishing His work is very critical. Many there be who began eating the will of God but who stopped from finishing it when they came upon the hard rocks in their assignments. However, not Jesus and not Paul as we'll soon see. 

Here's Agabus bringing a prophecy to Paul that he'll be bound hands and feet in Jerusalem. Being in reputation for his honest prophecies, concern brethren would have Paul not go to Jerusalem where all these things are designated to happen. What is Paul's reply to this concern of theirs? Do you mean to weep and to break my heart. For I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Like Paul, what is in our calling should be wholly embraced and lived out. Even when the content of the cup is bitter and we waver, let our response be, "grace me and let your will be done." Paul displays the characteristic of a soldier here who endures hardness by the many things he suffers. He doesn't shy away from his divine mandate as clearly revealed by God at the beginning of his ministry. 

God testifying to Ananias said, "15 ...Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:15, KJV).  In Acts 20:22-24, Paul himself testifies that the spirit witnesses that suffering and imprisonment awaits him wherever he gets to. He however confesses that none of these things move him neither count his life dear to me that he might finish his course with joy and the ministry which he received from the Lord Jesus.

You see, finishing and with joy is all that matters! So, since it's part of his destiny and mandate to suffer for Christ, why accept to be persuaded out of it? Beware of those who want to persuade you through love and concern out of God's will for you. Their acts would not be doing you any good. Every man has a meat prepared for him from God that he must eat and finish. You must see to that even if it's content is bitter. Finishing the will of God should be your concern. Show firmness and deep conviction in your mandate when it involves suffering. If we suffer with Christ, we'll sure be gloried with Him. Know in whom you believe and what He has spoken to you. God through Agabus didn't make that disclosure so that Paul would be dissuaded from pursuing further God's will but so that He might be prepared. Many times, we miss the essence of God's communication by misinterpretation. However, Paul's discernment and resolution secured him. May nothing be able to buy you out of God's programme for you. 

PRAYER: I am unflinching in the pursuit of my purpose. Even when I come upon rocks, I shall not be afraid.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 18/05/2024

SATURDAY- 18TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

RESPECT ISSUES OF THE HEART

Acts 1:23-24, KJV

"23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen."

God wants you to respect issues of the heart. Your estimation should not be on the appearances of men firstly but the heart and its state. In today's reading, the Apostles are seen doing same. When it comes to choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot, they specifically prayed that God who knows best the hearts of men would choose for them out of their provided two candidates. Yet, those two candidates are disciples. Christians, good Christians we might call them nowadays but still needed to be discerned. 

Whenever you're faced with the choice of who to go with in marriage, business or any sort of relationship; let the issues of the heart choose for you such that'll be on your team. I'll rather have a fellow who can't injure me next to me than have someone who appears charismatic and beautiful by my side. The Apostles have come to know one thing - a man is basically defined by his heart or what comes from there. As such, a man is his heart! That's why the Bible says, "as a man thinks, so is he" (Prov.23:7). What makes a tree good is the sort of fruit it produces: good or bad. And what sort of fruit produced comes from the inside of any man. That's why it is what comes from the inside of a man that as well defiles him (Matt.15:11). That's why Jesus was very much against hypocrisy, rebuking the Pharisees and other elders. He'd told them they loved to wash the outside of the cup and not keep the inside clean. He also compares their hypocrisy to a white painted grave which appears beautifully outside but which is full of rottenness inside. As such, Jesus esteems matters or issues of the heart over appearance. Appearance is easily forged and pushed! Anyone can fake appearance like the Gibeonites do but their motivation for doing such is what could be traced and rightly discerned to mark their genuinety or falsity (Joshua 9:3-14). 

The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 "the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it." You may not regard this verse as very truthful until you're injured by someone you regard as your neighbour. Some have been duped and jilted and so know that the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked. They are so much conscious now that they're reluctant making choices of who to marry again. In business and other life's ventures, others have been betrayed also. Such disappointments have concretized this truth of man's heart being deceitful above all things. As such, it calls us to the need to weigh hearts before choosing one. Man may pretend to be B but in reality is A. If you have no discernment, you might fall for the front he is selling and eventually suffer for it. 

It is this knowledge of the heart being right that made the Apostles pray that God should choose for them a candidate whose heart is right. They might have also learnt from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Heart is everything even in choosing leaders politically. If you vote selfish individuals, you'll reap the brunt of their selfishness. However, let me quickly say "heart" as referred to here isn't that blood pumping organ. No! It rather refers to the motivation, thoughts, outlook or perspective, objective, desire, believe, attitude of individuals. Those are the things that would influence and dictate the actions and reactions of anyone. Someone may be very handsome but if he believes saying sorry diminishes him when he offends another, I'll say that's a bad heart you're seeing right there. His believe is wrong and so his heart would act wrongly. It is God's desire that our hearts would be right always. When Simon the sorcerer got converted but offered money to Peter in order to have the Holy Ghost, what Peter rebuked is his heart not being right because he thought of buying the gift of God with money.

Acts 8:21, KJV

"Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."

As such, you know the heart in question is not the physical organ doctor deals with. Ensure that your heart is right always and ensure you make choices of people based on their hearts. Stop falling for people because of their fine appearances and how they solely paint themselves, you'd die by tomorrow doing so. How would you know people's hearts? A man is identified by his fruit. Do we gather grapes from thistles (Matt. 7:16)? However, let discernment be at work at all times to help you unravel man's deception. 

PRAYER: Lord, search me and see if there be any wicked way in me. Show me those around me who could hurt me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 17/05/2024

FRIDAY- 17TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

DO YOU GO A FISHING?

John 21:3, KJV

"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."

God is in the business of restoring men. It doesn't matter how far gone you are in your backslidden stage, if you'll hear God's voice and acknowledge His signs, you shall be back ashore. 

This confession of Peter above comes after much meditation in his heart. He sees himself as idle - with no work. As such, he decides to be occupied. He wants his hands to find something doing. So, he stands up and proclaims, "I go a fishing." First of all, God wants to issue a warning to idle people. Those who have left their estates - the very ones God committed into their hands. When you have repented from following after the assignment God gave to you, you can't but say, "I go a fishing." Why? God created we humans to be occupied. He didn't create us to be idle with no job doing. He wants our hands to be filled and He wants only purpose and our calling to have that space. So, when you let go of your God given work (not work of ministry to everyone except those called into ministry), you become jobless and seek for a substitute work to do. That's what happen to Peter. The substitute work he could find to reengage in and go back to was his former fishing business from which Christ collected him. 

When Christ recruited him, Jesus says to him, "follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Luke 5:10). Why would Jesus want to make him fishers of men? Because that's more a higher calling than his having been a fisher of fishes. If I should ask you which is of more value, "fishes" or "men", what would you say? We sure know that the human soul is more worthy and of value than many fishes put together. For the Bible says, "for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matthew 16:26, KJV)? The answer ought to be nothing because nothing equalizes the value of the human soul. The human soul is so valuable that Christ died for it. Jesus' death was foremostly to redeem the human soul. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). 

That's the reason - the sole reason for Which Christ called Peter and others. He wants them to busy themselves saving humans who are valuable than fishes. But now that the Master is out of sight, service to God and ministry seems to have gone into oblivion. No wonder, someone like Peter could say, "I go a fishing. At least, I need something to pass time with." 

Does this not show his backslidden state? It shows he has let go of his highest calling to returning to the lesser for which Christ collected him. Imagine a retrogression from "a fishers of men to a fishers of fishes." That's not interesting at all. It's not different from the backsliding of Samson to being a mere entertainer instead of he who strikes fear in the hearts of the Philistines (Judges 16:25). 

May you not retrogress.  May you maintain your lot and stick to your ministry. May you not leave your highest calling to serving tables or doing the lesser. May you see what to protect - that it's the very assignment for which God saved, recruited and trained you. May you remain fishers of men, living to evangelize and save men (bringing them to Christ) where you are. May you not solely be a fisher of fishes (someone who goes after bread and what to put in his mouth only). May what to eat, where to sleep or what to put on not wean you from "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to all creatures" of the Master. 

PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes to my backslidden state. Recover me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 9/05/2024

THURSDAY - 9TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

REPAIR YOUR BROKEN ALTAR

I Kings 18:30, KJV

"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."

God is ready to meet man if man is ready to meet God. "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2, KJV). God still yearns having you and if you'll respond, He shall receive you. The Bible says, "come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18, KJV). 

Speaking of altar, I do not intend a table in your home on which images or candles are placed. "God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). As such, the altar you have to repair is your heart being in good union and communion with God. If intimacy has been broken, you must come to repentance once and seek God with all your heart. 

The act of Elijah in today's reading teaches us that. At about the time that revival would occur in Israel, what he did first was to repair the broken altar. An altar is a place of fellowship with a superior being - God in our case. He had to restore the altar which for awhile had been broken down and neglected. "Broken down" explains its being out of use, being forlorn and substituted by other altars. Before anything else, he repairs it first of all. Elijah didn't start by crying unto God to send down fire. No! He rather first of all reconstructed the bridge between Israel and God, giving God the ownership right over Israel by repairing the altar through which they could contact Him and vice versa. He sought first of all to restore exchanges and communication between God and them. While he chooses 12 stones and restores the broken altar, you must seek to repent of your having substituted God with other pursuits and go back to such activities that allow God to possess and use you. 

Where has your altar been broken down? Where has it been neglected? Where has cobwebs and dust settled on it? For some, the dust has settled on their Bibles because it has been long they drew it out to learn of God. It were even okay if it were only dust, cobwebs now cover some. A witness to a broken altar. Some can't bear witness to what it means to pray again. Their altar have been broken down. No more interaction or fellowship between they and God. Only God knows when last some heard from Him. Even those fellows in question can't recall when in particular. God is calling you to a return to your altar. He's saying, "repair your broken altar". Let your zeal with which you pursued after God previously rises. Like a hart, pant after God who alone satisfies. However, you need to make ready. Let go of vain pursuits and give all other things that have come to replace God their second places in your life. Be ready at heart having repented of neglect and the sin of abandonment of intimacy with God. If you shall come seeking God once more, He shall answer you even with fire on your altar. He shall prove to be God and God again to you. 

PRAYER: Father, I repent of neglect and abandonment of fellowship with you. I am restored and made fine.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 08/05/2024

WEDNESDAY - 8TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

HE REQUIRES FROM US IN COMMENSURATE TO HIS INVESTMENT 

Read Mathew 11:20-24

Matthew 11:20, KJV "Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:"

Why would Jesus do this? The reason is as well stated in that verse. We have a list of cities where Jesus' greatest works were done but without repenting. Such cities included Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin who had most of Jesus' mighty works done in them. This mighty works ought call them to repentance, leading to a believe in Jesus Christ. However, it seems they wasted it all and didn't allow such works they saw have the expected desire of Jesus on them. Signs are not just wrought for its sake. They are done as a sign to call unbelievers to repentance and to faith. Meanwhile, it is futile to still see these cities not producing after the fruits worthy of what was wrought in them. 

God doesn't demand beyond His investment in our lives. In the parable of the talent, the master didn't request for profit incommensurate with what He has invested with each servant. He didn't expect the one He gave one talent to reproduce five talents just from his one (Matt.25:15-17). He's a just and fair God who gives to and asks of us commensurately. 

Without mincing words, Jesus blatantly told these unrepentant cities where most of His mighty works were wrought that they are in debt as Tyre, Sidon Sodom would have repented long time ago if they had witnessed such mighty works. Yet, Jesus says it'll still be tolerable for Tyre, Sidon and Sodom on the judgement than any of those cities who heard, saw and yet didn't repent. Does this moral a lesson? Yes, it does. We are debtors of the gospel we hear, the ministers sent to us and whatsoever ministration comes our way. God is expecting that it would change us. None of His resources including the giving of His son in our stead was meant to go in vain. We were meant to respond accordingly to His sacrifice yielded for us while we were yet sinners. He'll hold us accountable of what we have done with the preachers He has raised to teach us His way. If we have wasted their ministrations all together, we'll sure be judged with a stricter measure different from someone who never heard or heard with the intensity with which we were preached unto. 

Let today's message birth in you the spirit of accountability and not wastefulness of resources, graces and ministrations. Everyone will have his or her chances. Just don't waste yours. Those cities afore mentioned wasted God's love and ministration to them only to have recorded against them that it'll be more tolerable for Tyre, Sidon and Sodom than they on the judgement. Yet, we all know the sin of Sodom. Despite that, Jesus is saying, "it shall be more tolerable for those." May this voice not speak in your condemnation but in your praise. May you ever hold yourself accountable to the stricter measure of God than ever. Be such a man that utilizes God's provision to the fullest without any iota of wastefulness. This way, you'll have praise of Him. No one ever is happy seeing his provision wasted when he intended it meets certain needs of people. Be different! Manifest all you have heard and all invested into you. 

PRAYER: I shall not be a waster. I shall manifest accordingly to the gospel of salvation and sonship.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 7/05/2024

TUESDAY - 7TH MAY,  2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

SONIC ATTACK: THE BATTLE OF SOUNDS

II Kings 7:6-7, KJV

"6 For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. 7 Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life."

In the fictional movie 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', sonic attacks are exemplified and deployed on two occasions by the Talokans against the explorers seeking vibranium (a powerful mineral resource) in their ocean and then against the Wakandans for retribution. At the hearing of the sound, all hearers must give attention as the hearers come under a kind of spell and obedience, jumping into the waters at his own peril. Except the flow of the sound is broken or prevented against by using ear plugs, anyone who hears it can't but be summoned to do the bidding of that sound or its originator. 

This is sonic attack: the battle of sounds. Sonic war is a reality hidden in the pages of the Bible. It'll surprise you to know that it is God who deploys it at an occasion I'll be talking about. 

Yesterday, I made a reference to Samaria being besieged by the Syrians. The Syrians takes enough time to prepare for that coordinated attack and if not for God who steps in on behalf of Samaria, the Syrians would have broken them just by the reason of the famine that has now taken over their city. At the declaration of Elisha who says, "Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria", God immediately moves ahead to begin to seek the fulfilment of what this oracle of His has spoken. It is ours to speak for God but it is God's to bring it to pass. We must know what God would do and so let Him do it. 

What did God do? He let the Syrians in their multitude hear the sounds of horses and chariots so much more that they took it for the hiring of mercenaries against them. In this way, they fled for their lives not thinking twice. They left their tents and their provision as it were, seeking only to run for refuge as fast as their legs could carry them. This is sonic attack: the battle of sounds and as such Elisha's prophecy found fulfilment. God initiated sound war to discomfit them and that's what God is doing to your enemy and any affliction in your body. It'll hear the voice of the Holy One of Israel and either die (if it's an affliction) or resurrect (if it's an organ or a virtue) that ought to live in you. 

The Bible while talking  about sounds and about the voice of the Lord also says:

 "3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.  6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. 7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory" (Psalms 29:3-9). 

Imagine what the voice of the Lord does and could do. The "sound" coming from the voice  is a weapon that is fashionable and could be formed against an intent and objective. When God speaks, things are discovered and are accomplished. He spoke, ordering for light in Genesis and there was light. His voice, His speech, His Words and declarations do birth happenings and events. 

I pray for you that the enemy shall hear your connection with the Lord and shall flee. Anything that is oppressing your body, your life, family and affairs shall hear the voice of the Almighty and be broken. The enemy would hear the voice of the Lord and they shall be put to flight. The voice of the Lord is heard this morning!

PRAYER: Lord, I acknowledge the effectiveness of your voice. Let it fight on my behalf.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 6/05/2024

MONDAY - 6TH MAY,  2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

SO SCARED AND SO DIVIDED

Read Deut. 28:1-7

Deuteronomy 28:7, KJV 

"The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways."

You should burst into laughter after reading that verse. 'One way attack and seven ways fleeing' really shows the cowardice hearts of your enemies. This is the Lord's provision for those who are His, who are adherents and abiders in Him. Without Him, we know we can do nothing. This offcourse includes gaining victory over the enemy. 

Today's anchor verse is  fully loaded with blessings. In warfare, strategy is usually foremost. Strategic attack is the wit and soul of warfare and so it is usually employed by all military mights. No wonder, there's an entire section dedicated to military intelligence and strategy in the force. It is just for proper learning of the enemy, his ways and how to smoothly launch attacks at him. "The Lord (not any other) shall cause our enemies that rise up against us to be smitten (beaten down and to stubble) before us..." This suggests victory for us. However, we need to examine how the Lord does such work or achieves such promised end. As such, we have the part B of that verse which says, "they shall come out against you one way, and flee before you seven ways."

"Coming out against you one way" suggests the orderliness and coordination of the enemy's attack at launching out and attacking time. At this time, the enemy is still in his wit, boldness and sticking to his strategic plans. He still believes he could strike fear in you and in your camp. So, he is orderly - maintaining his cool. However, at the herald of a sound that does boom, the enemy is shaken, runs helter skelter for life and for safety. At such moment, he forgets formal arrangements or engagements but seeks safety and safety only. As such, he becomes scattered, abandoning all plans that was to be taken and decided on in the war room. Now is the time for self preservation and that becomes his solitary goal. Having witnessed a power more gloriously superb than his, he can't but seek refuge. And to do this, he throws caution away but seeks safety in panic, destabilization and throbbing fear. This is why the enemy that has come out against you would flee before you in seven ways. It is due to having witnessed a greater power and for having come to the realization of needing escape so urgently. He therefore doesn't mind which way he goes as far as he secures safety. 

Their hearts would fail them. They'll be frightened out of their wits. You see, when the hearts of people fail them, they'll literally lose their senses and forget plans they had pledged allegiance to. At times, they might suffer heart attack, fall down from an arrest of the heart and yield up the ghost. That killed Nabal. When he heard of the match of David, he was afraid, was frozen and immediately was dead at heart. It didn't take a minute before he collapsed to the ground (I Sam.25:37). That's what fear could do. It scares people to do the unreasonable. 

The sort of fear that would descend on those who come out against you is such that'll frighten them out of their wits and jolt them to the realization that they've messed with the wrong fellow. It's therefore regrettable like a dog's entering into the lion's den with a boast to challenge him. You know how regrettable that would be to him. The enemy would drop his weapons and devices and flee in different directions. We have seen many images of this in the Bible and during times of war. 

Syria came to build siege against Samaria. However, at God's declaration that there would be surplus, God made the Syrian army hear many noises of chariots and horses. Thinking the king of Israel had gone to hire armies against them, they fled for their lives - not considering orderliness, formality and organization. The Bible records that their tents were left as it were (II Kings 7:6-7). They didn't have any time to lose their horses, pack their belongings or collect their provisions. They only ran for dear lives. Another confirming verse says, "and all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste" (II Kings 7:15). As a matter of fact, they cast away every weight that could hinder them from right and timely escape. 

That is a likeable example of what that verse is saying. Look, let them come out against you one way at any time. It is written that they shall be discomfited so much before you that they'll lack proper organization (like before) but be scattered and flee (mindful only of escape) before you in seven ways. They'll severely be uncoordinated in their bid to escape. They might come coordinated but the terror that'll descend on them would leave them broken up, fragmented and scattered into several parts and that's seven parts as the Scripture guaranteed. If their band ever met, they'll question themselves, "Where were you and how did you really escape?" Their narratives would be that of a fearful and narrow escape. As such, you'll become the terror, the fear and the obeyed that the enemy gives obedience to. 

As you abide in Christ, He'll build a shelter of fear and terror over and round you. It'll be real and thicker than a cloud so much more that no man would be able to break in. They'll fear touching you and that'll be because of that hedge. At attempt to violate you, they'll witness a failure and see that your Redeemer is strong. At any attempt, what shall happen is a scattering and a dispersing into seven places. Yes, seven places that'll show how really discomfited the enemies are before you. 

PRAYER: Lord, may I always abide in You. I am sealed and can't be violated. No hand touches me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 4/05/2024

SATURDAY - 4TH  MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

THEIR DESCRIPTION

Read Psalm 105

Psalms 105:12, KJV

"When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it."

What is the description of Israel here? Lowly, very lowly; small, very small. They're so small that they lack the power of a force and the strength of a united nation which can strike fear in the hearts of enemy nations. They're not different from a lamb that's led to the slaughter but which can't open its mouth for any form of advocacy. That's because they're like worms with no backbone. They can't talk for themselves, rebuke for themselves or advocate for themselves. They're like babes that must be bathed, carried and helped. Why? They're reputed to be few in number and very few indeed. It means the ingredient that makes people fear large number is all that they lack. That brought us to the fact that they can easily be attacked or oppressed. Summarily, this smallness of Israel reveals its very beginning and inception as a nation. In truth, it's something that we should all learn from. Their growth from smallness to greatness is a sketch of our own personal journey as I said in yesterday's devotional.

One speech of Jacob (Israel) to his family that reveals the smallness of Israel and how they're not in reputation for war and defence is a pointer. After Dinar had been raped by Sheckem, the son of Hamor, Simeon and Levi went with boldness to their city and murdered all the men with the edge of the sword. They have undue advantage because all the men are sore (having being circumcised) - seeking to heal. Jacob in responding to that says "Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house" (Genesis  34:30).

Did you read, "and I being few in number" there? At this time, war and conquest was typical of their lives. That's what rules their world. They always talk of physical strength and brute and if you have it in an army, your nation will be feared and protected. Number is therefore strength but Israel lacks that here. That's why he complained to all his children that other nations would find out their deed and crush them for it. Nothing encourages another to make an attempt attack on another than seeing the other as weak. So, the population of Israel here reveals them as one susceptible to attacks. However, God shields them.

It even didn't happen as Jacob thought it to be. God had to do a miracle to keep all of Israel's enemies at bay as they sought to relocate. Where they'll have looked attractive to nations around them to attack and destroy, it just didn't happen.

Genesis 35:5, KJV

"And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob".

"and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob" means, "they could have pursued" but for the work of God that didn't make that attractive or executable to their enemies. He only made them receive pardon in their sights. Did you read that? What does the Bible says was upon the cities round about them? Terror! Kai! God's terror will work for you and walk with you today. You're not of those they'll touch, kidnap or harm. They don't kidnap an abomination! You are an abomination to them. You're not their sacrifice. You're their abomination. You're fenced with thorns, who'll touch you? Imagine that, see how God rebuked kings for their sakes, saying touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm. Even God knows they could be touched considering their smallness and the violation of their international laws which offcourse gives them away. That makes them easy prey to any predator. However, God tithed Israel to Himself so much more that the respect of God is what nations and people around them gave to them. Today, you're this protected and secured. Terror of the Lord will be fashioned against all with evil intents towards you. Terror will keep danger and all planned attacks at bay over your life. It might be planned but it won't be executed and that'll be because God will reprove kings for your sake. More importantly, as you journey individually as a small person today, may God preserve you until you become a nation and a great man. 

PRAYER: Lord, I enjoy your protection while I move from one nation to another. Until I find rest, I shall not be exterminated. You'll fight for my cause.

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 3/05/2024

FRIDAY - 3RD MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

FEW AND MOVING FROM ONE NATION TO ANOTHER

Psalms 105:12-13, KJV

"12 When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. 13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people."

If I ask of you to plot the graph of your life's journey, what would you plot? All of us have our life's journey. That's what could culminate in a biography at a latter time. 

You know, those two verses above reminded me of my own journey and at looking back in retrospect, it always get me into thankfulness. At times, I would look back and wonder at how fast things have been. For instance, I could still remember vividly how I was in primary, secondary or even tertiary institution sometimes ago. How's it that the clock had ticked so fast that I'm now here. Now in the now with a family of my own and my own affairs to see to. It always bug my mind. I also do remember the words of one of my secondary school teachers who'll say, "what are you looking for? What do you desire? In the process of time, you'll have it all." And whenever I look back, it is with gratitude 'cause I've seen the fulfilment of those many things. 

On our life's journey, there's a time in our lives when we are small - a few people. Being small here doesn't only refer to number or our numeric strength but hints at our days of small beginning. If you are married for instance with a family of your own, children and people around you that you support, you cannot be considered as small or few again. You have added to yourself and unlike before when you needed support from parents, siblings, uncles, aunts and all around to survive and chat a course, you're now holding the steering wheel of your vehicle with the responsibility to drive and deliver some people to a destination. You're now a man or woman of your own. 

Jacob or let me say Israel had such smallness. There was a time when Israel was small and few in the land God had afore promised to their father, Abraham. They were not only few in number but were strangers in it. They had no permanent residence but wandered as nomads from one place to another seeking for rest and settlement. That was the day of their small beginning. They couldn't even boast of an organized army at that time. Jacob and all who went to Egypt symbolizes this. The wandering of Abraham, Isaac and even Jacob hints at this. At that time, they were not different from a single brother who's trying to find his foot and seeks to settle down. 

At such time, you'll see such brother travel from one place to the other, cross from one job to the other. What's he looking for? He's looking for rest. At such time of smallness, he needs God, His protection and His defence. God sure gave that to Israel many times. There were powerful kings who could have violated them, however God shielded them from their abuses. Where they had no strength of defence, God defended them. A revelation that God is the administrator of our lot and He'll keep with Himself to the last day all we have committed to Him. 

Nomadic Israel moved from one nation to the other. If you'll look at your life's journey, you've moved from one place to the other also - trying to find what satisfies and where to dwell. A brother recounts the story of his life. He said after his Service Year, he went to stay with his uncle, then a mentor. From there, he travelled abroad for further studies but to return to the country to start a set-up. It was after then he relocated to another african country where he now operates from and lives. You see, such is life. Such is one's journey. It could take a curve here or follow a straight line there. That brother had his small days. Offcourse, when he needed his uncle, mentor and all he stayed with to provide, protect and help him out. But now, Israel is big and that's the intent of God. It's that as we journey, we become independent of all our carers though not Him. Our being independent is not of pride or self boast but of having become men and putting away childish things. We become a man of ourself - sufficient in God's grace and the education of life we might have received till then.

For those who are still on this journey, may God grant you godspeed. May all impediments to quick journey be consumed right before your face. For those who have reached a milestone, may God keep you further on your journey . May your path be as the just's. So shall it be.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 14:17-19

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com