Walking in the Newness of Life - DailyWisdomTV

Contents1. Introduction2. 13. TheHorrorsOfSin

a. Shameb. Destruction!c. Sickness,Disease,Afflictiond. AbsenceOfPeace

4. 25. AgentsOfSin

a. Immoralityb. FinancialCorruptionc. Rebellion

6. 37. ControllingPowers

a. TheSpiritOfTheWorldb. LyingSpiritc. TheSpiritOfBondaged. TheSpiritOfWhoredomse. TheSpiritOfDisobedience

8. 49. YouCanDisarmSin

a. NewBirthb. SitDownAndThinkc. ExerciseYourselfd. CommandItToEnterNoMore!e. PutOff!

f. PutOn…g. LayAside!h. Mortify!i. PurgeYourself!j. GoForLight

10. 511. YourGod-GivenTools

a. TheHolySpiritb. AGenuineThirstc. WalkInTheSpiritd. AskForHime. PrayInTonguesf. Cry:“AbbaFather!”g. EngageTheBloodWeaponh. ThePowerOfYourWilli. ThePowerOfChoicej. StrengthInTheInner-man

12. 613. DoTheseAlso…

a. DisconnectFromSin!b. TakeAnOathForPurityc. DevelopAGoodConscienced. StopThatHabit!e. NoContact,NoContractf. KeepTheRightCompanyg. BewareOfUngodlyBrethrenh. TheJonadabTrapi. LetGoOfThoseIdols!j. LetGoOfHumanIdolsToo!EvenHumanIdols

14. 715. TheMoneyIssue

a. BeContentedb. LayUpTreasuresInHeavenc. BeFaithfuld. AvoidDebt

16. 817. TheRewardsOfRighteousness

a. Prosperity,Promotions,Honourb. Beautyc. RejoiceAtPersecutions

18. 919. It’sTimeForTheShowers!

a. TheRainOfRighteousnessb. TheRainOfTheSpiritc. TheRainOfTheWordd. TheRainOfBlessings

20. 1021. AccessToTheShowers

a. AThirstb. AskForTheRainc. SinWillStopTheShowers

22. 1123. KeepTheRainFalling!

a. CarryGod’sPresenceb. TheLoveOfGodc. PraiseHim

24. Epiloguea. DIVINETRANSFORMATION

b. “God…IWantToLiveAHolyLife”c. “I’veStoppedMyCraveAndLoveFor

Money!d. SUPERNATURALHEALINGe. MYBUSINESSREVIVED

Copyright©2005byDr.DavidO.Oyedepo

WALKINGINTHENEWNESSOFLIFE

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AllScripturequotationsarefromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBible,except

otherwisestated.

IntroductionLivinganewlifeinChristisareality!TheBiblesaysin2Corinthians5:17,

“ThereforeifanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature:oldthingsarepassedaway;behold,allthingsarebecomenew.”

Nomatterwhatthestoryofyourlifehasbeen,Iwantyoutoknowthatyoucanwalkandliveinthenewnessoflife!

JesusChristdoesnotonlyredeemusfromoursins,butalsomakesHisgracetowalkinthenewnessoflifeavailabletousbyHisSpiritandbytheworkingknowledgeofHisWord.ThatiswhytheBibleadmonishsusinRomans8:13:

…ButifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.

Howdowewalkandliveinthenewnessoflife,moresointhisend-timewearein,inwhichtheBiblesaysevilshallabound?ThatiswhatIhopetoshowyoubytheSpiritofGodinthisbook.MyprayerforeveryonereadingthisbookisthattheSpiritofGodwillhaveHisway,anddeliveryoufromeveryformofbondagetosinthatmaybetyingyoudownrightnow.

Holinessisthepathwaytowalkingandlivinginthenewnessoflife.WhenGodbegantospeaktomeaboutDoubleHonourfortheChurchin1997,IaskedHim,“Whatisitthatguaranteesconsistentandnever-endinghonour?”Hesaidtome:“Tellthem,honourisrootedinrighteousness.”Thefollowingday,IgotacopyofKennethCopeland’s30thanniversarypublicationofTheBeliever’sVoiceofVictory(January1997)inthemail.AndwhatdidIsee?Onthefirstpage,GloriaCopelandwassaying,“HolinessisthepathwaytoGod’sglory.”AndshewentontosaythatbeginningfromJanuary20th,shewouldbegintoteachonthesubjectofholinessontheirdailyradiobroadcast,fromAndrewMurray’sbook,TheHoliestofAll.Whatauniquecoincidence!

Heavenissoundinganalarm!GodisblowingadefiniteandverycertaintrumpetfromheaventothebodyofChrist;Heiscryingout:“Holiness!Holiness!HolinessUntoGod!”Thattrumpetissoundingnow,preparingtheChurchforherhourofglory.Thattrumpetissaying:“Ifyouwillbeholy,Iwillmakeyouwhole—spirit,soulandbody.Iwillcauseyoutoexcel,andmakeyoushineasthebrightnessofthefirmament,andasthe

starsofheavenforeverandever.”TheChurchisrisingoutofher“debris”andfilth,andtakingherplaceintrueholinessuntoGod,whichwillcausehertowalkinthenewnessoflife.

Letmeshowyouanotherpropheticlinkfromasfarbackas1961(ascontainedinCharlesandFrancesHunters’book,HowToHealTheSick(1983)pp.8-16].Initthewritersaid:

“Lastyear,ImysteriouslylaidholdonaprophecygivenbyTommyHicksin1961,describingavividvisionofthebodyofChristintheend-time:‘Suddenly,Ibeheldwhatlookedlikeagreatgiant,andasIstaredandlookedatit,Iwasalmostbewilderedbythesight.Itwassogiganticandsogreat.

‘HisfeetseemedtoreachtotheNorthPole,andhisheadtothesouth.Itsarmswerestretchedfromseatosea.Icouldnotevenbegintounderstandwhetherthisbeamountainorthisbeagiant,butasIwatched,Isuddenlybeheldagreatgiant.Icouldseehisheadwasstrugglingforlife.Hewantedtolive…’

Doyoureallywanttolive?Doyouwanttowalkinnewnessoflife?Accordingtothisprophecy,theend-timeChurchwillhaveadesiretorise,andthatdesirewillgeneratetheforcetorise.Itwillcausehelltolooseitsgrip,andtheChurchwillliftupherheadonemoretime.Theprophecycontinued:

“…Buthisbodywascoveredwithdebrisfromheadtofoot,andattimesthisgreatgiantwouldmovehisbodyandactasthoughitwouldevenraiseupattimes.Andwhenitdid,thousandsoflittlecreaturesseemedtorunaway.Hideouscreatureswouldrunfromthisgiant,andwhenhewouldbecomecalm,theywouldcomeback.Allofasuddenthisgreatgiantliftedhishandtowardtheheaven,andthenitlifteditsotherhand,andwhenitdid,thesecreaturesbythethousandsseemedtofleeawayfromthisgiantandgointothedarknessofthenight….

“Slowly,thisgreatgiantbegantorise,andashedid,hisheadandhandswentintotheclouds.Asherosetohisfeetheseemedtohavecleansedhimselffromthedebrisandfilththatwereuponhim,andhebegantoraisehishandsintotheheavensasthoughpraisingtheLord,andasheraisedhishands,theywentevenuntotheclouds.Suddenly,everycloudbecamesilver,themostbeautifulsilverIhaveeverknown.”

That’stalkingabouttheinexplicable,unbeatablebeautythatGodhaspackagedfortheend-timeChurch,whichpurityHewillcauseto

manifest.Whatadaywehaveenteredinto!Thisprophecygiven44yearsagoistalkingabouttheChurchtowhichyouandIbelong.TheChurchwillconsciously,deliberatelyanddeterminedlycleanseherselffromevery“debris”andfilth,andliftupherhead(liketheProdigalSon)andsay,“No!Iwillariseandgo!Homeissweeterthanthispigsty!”Inotherwords,consciouslychoosingtowalkinthenewnessoflife!

Thebeautyof“Israel”isbeingunfolded,andGodiscallingthebodyofChristuntopurity,soeverybodycanbecomeapartakerofthisbeauty,whichhascomeuponquiteanumberalready.It’stimetocleanup,becausetheChurch,theend-timearmyofGod,ispresentlypresseddownwithfilth,immorality,lies,financialcorruption,bribery,covetousness,idolatry,nameit.“Butatlastthisgreatgiantrose…”Youtoowillrise!

IfyouwanttoseethebeautythatGodhasinstoreforyouinthisend-time,thenit’stimetogoafterpurity.TheBiblesays:

Followpeacewithallmen,andholiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord.

Hebrews12:14

GodissayingtoHisbodyontheearthnow:“Cleanup!Iwanttobeautifyyou.”Cleanup!Iwanttobeautifyyou.Untilyouhavecleanedup,youdon’tqualifyforcleanclothes.Untilyougotake“abath”,Godwon’tputnewclothesonyou.TheglorythatawaitstheChurchdemandsthatwecleanupfirst.GodisdeterminedtobeautifyZion,forthetimeforhermarriagetotheLambisset(Rev.19:7-8).Everyonethatcleansupwillbepartofthebride.Buteveryonethatsays,“Itdoesn’tmatter”willbeforgotten.

Everyonewhowillembracethelifeofholinesswillbeapartakerofthebeautyandgloryofthisend-time.Everyonethatwillsay“No!”totheking’sfood(Dan.1:8),toPotiphar’swife(Gen.39:7-9),toDelilah(Jud.16),toGehazi’sspirit(2Kgs.5),andtoAnaniasandSapphirasyndrome(Acts5),willbenumberedamongtheshiningstarsofthisend-time.Heaveniscertain;butittakesholinesstogetthere.Likewise,thisearthcanbeexcitingforanychildofGod,butittakesholinesstohavethatexcitement.

Holinessisdoublesanctification.ItisacovenanttreasureofthesaintsofGod.Whereassinisdestructive,righteousnessisconstructive.GodisvisitingHisbodywiththeSpiritofholiness,whichwillenableustowalkinthenewnessoflife.

EveryactofGodhasafoundation.Thefoundationforpowerandthe

supernatural,whichisthecharacteristicoftheend-timeChurchisveryclear:righteousness!BeforeJesuscomes,thefearpeoplenowhaveforthedevilwillbeshiftedtotheChurch.TheChurchofJesusChristwillcommandthefearofallthatdwellontheearthbyreasonoftheenormityofpowermanifestation,comingoutoftherealmsofpuritythattheChurchwillbewalkingin.

Thismessageisnotsenttoanybodyelse,it’ssenttoYOU!Itissenttoletyouknowyoutoocanwalkinthenewnessoflife,andtogetyouset,lestyoubecomeacasualtyastheend-timewarintensifies.Whateveryoumusthaveheardbeforeinthislight,let’scallitfun.Itisnowwartime.Thereissomethingyouneedtostop,otherwiseitwillstopyouinthisgreatmove.Thereissomethinginyourhandnowthatyouneedtodrop,oritwilldropyoutomorrow!Thereissomethingyoumustdisappointnow,oryouwillbetheonedisappointedtomorrow.Godisnotmocked!

Cleanup,becausetimeisrunningout!Beforeyouareabandoned,abandonsinnow!GodisabouttoenthronetheChurch.HedidnotenthroneJesusuntilHefulfilledallrighteousness.WearetoldinPsalm45:6-7:

Thythrone,OGod,isforeverandever:thesceptreofthykingdomisarightsceptre.

Thoulovestrighteousness,andhatestwickedness:thereforeGod,thyGod,hathanointedtheewiththeoilofgladnessabovethyfellows.

GodisdeterminedtoglorifyHisChurch,andwhosoeverdoesnotletshallbelet,untilhebetakenoutoftheway(2Thess.2:7-8).Thatwillnotbeyou!

Thisbookwillshowyouthewayofescape.Goddoesnotonlyshowustheproblem,Healsooffersthesolution.Therefore,weshallbeexaminingtheprovisionsmadeforoursanctification,andtheweaponsthatareatourdisposal,whichwillenableuswalkinthenewnessoflife.SogetreadyforanencounterwiththelightofGodthroughHisWord,thatwillshattereveryworkofdarknessinyourlife.WelcometoanewlifeinChristJesus!

1

TheHorrorsOfSinAllunrighteousnessissin.Whateverisnotrightiswrong.Sinbringsreproach,erodeshonour,terminatesdignity,cutsdown,andbringslow.Sinisattherootofeveryevil,becausebeforesincametherewasnoevil.Attherootofeverydiseaseandfrustrationissin.Sinisaspiritualheartdisease,andyouknowthatheartdiseaseistheshortestcuttodeath,for“Thesoulthatsinnethitshalldie”(Ezek.18:20).

Thewagesofsinisdeath.Sinkillsjoy,destroysfinances,thefamily,peaceinthehome,thebusiness,etc.Thatis,you’llvirtuallybelivingasadeadmanifyoucontinueinsin,becausetheBiblesays,“Hethatlivesinworldlypleasureisdeadwhileheyetliveth.”Awalkingcorpse!

“Thestingofdeathissin”(1Cor.15:56).Whensinstings,itresultsindeathwhennottreatedontime.Ifyouhavesnakebiteandit’snottreated,you’rereadyforthegrave,becauseitcarriesdeadlyvenom.That’sexactlywhatsindoes.

Thenatureofsinisthree-dimensional:

Itisdeceptive(Heb.3:13)

Itofferstemporalpleasure(Heb.11:25)

Itisdestructive(Prov.11:3)

Sinisnotanybody’sfriend;itisahideousenemy.It’soutwithsubtletytodisappointpeople’sdestinies.Sostopitbeforeitstopsyou,killitbeforeitkillsyou!

Pleasenotethatsinissin,nomatterwhocommitsit.Sindoesnotrequiremuchdefinition.Whateverisnotrightiswrong,becausetheBiblesaysallunrighteousnessissin.WhatevertheBiblemarkswrongissin.

Sinisnotafriend,butanenemy.Itdoesn’tlift;itdestroys.Sinisnotapromoter,itdemotes.Sindoesnotgivepeoplebeauty;rather,itmakesmenugly.Sinisareproachtoanypeople.Anypeoplemeansnomatteryourgrade,category,orcadreinlife.

Now,let’sexaminesomeofthehorrorsofsin.BythisImeanthedevastatingconsequencesofsin.

ShameSinisabarriertohonourinanybody’slife,whetherwhiteorblack,literateorilliterate,youngorold.Nomatterwhoyouare,sinwillneverallowyoutoseehonour.Whereversinreigns,shamereigns.Whereversinreigns,reproachreigns.Whereversinreigns,menhavenofuture.

Whenthefirstman,Adam,sinnedintheGardenofEden,hewasstrippednaked.Godcalledouttohim,“Adam,whereartthou?”hisresponsewas,“…Iheardthyvoiceinthegarden,andIwasafraid,becauseIwasNAKED;andIhidmyself”(Gen.3:10).

Sinwillstripanymannakedofallhonour,dignityandglory.Adamfellfromgracetograss;hebecamealabourerwherehewasoncetheking.Sosinmustdieforyourglorytorise,sinmustdieforyoutowalkinthenewnessoflife.Nohonourorgloryawaitsthecrooked,becauseProverbs28:13warnsthat“Hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper.”

HearwhattheBiblesays:

Forthemysteryofiniquitydothalreadywork:onlyhewhonowlettethwilllet,untilhebetakenoutoftheway.

2Thessalonians2:7

Thatis,ifyoudon’tstopiniquity,itwillstopyou.Ifyoudon’tbreakit,itwillbreakyou,andifyoudon’tdestroyit,itwilldestroyyou.Noonewillseeglorynorexperiencehonouraslongashecelebratessin.Integrityisthefatherofdignity.Sinwillbringshameanytime,becausesin’spaydayissure.Theearlieryouresignfromsin,thebetter,assintransfershonourfromtheoriginalownertoanotherperson.

Hearmenowtherefore,Oyechildren,anddepartnotfromthewordsofmymouth.

Removethywayfarfromher,andcomenotnighthedoorofherhouse:

Lestthougivethinehonouruntoothers,andthyyearsuntothecruel:

Leststrangersbefilledwiththywealth;andthylaboursbeinthehouseofastranger;

Andthoumournatthelast,whenthyfleshandthybodyareconsumed.

Proverbs5:7-11

Sinissin,nomatterthecoloration.Youdon’ttalkofhonourwheresinreigns.No!Untilyousolvethesinproblem,youcanneverexperiencelastinghonour.Whenthefirstman,Adam,sinned,hebecameastruggler,abeggar.Hebegantohide,assinhadstrippedhimnaked.It’stimetoreturn.

Isaiah59:8says,

“Thewayofpeacetheyknownot;andthereisnojudgmentintheirgoings:theyhavemadethemcrookedpaths;whosoevergoeththereinshallnotknowpeace.”

Crookednessisabarriertohonour,letitgo!Ifyoudon’tdestroycorruption,youwillseecorruption.Whensinisenthroned,shameisinevitable.Whensinhasitsway,honourlosesitsplace.

Sinisthefatherofshame,whereasintegrityisthefatherofdignity.Makeyourchoice.Everyonethatgetsmarriedtosinendsupgivingbirthtochildrenofshame.Pleaseunderstandthis:

…ThefoundationofGodstandethsure,havingthisseal,TheLordknoweththemthatarehis.And,LeteveryonethatnameththenameofChristdepartfrominiquity.

2Timothy2:19

Ifyoudon’tdepartfrominiquity,you’llbehumiliated.Ifyoucontinuetomeddlewithsin,youwilldieinshame.Godisgoingtobeautifytheholy,butclothethesinnerwithshame.Heisgoingtoexalttherighteous,butbringreproachuponthesinner.It’stimetowalkinnewnessoflife,soletgoofsin!

Destruction!Theintegrityoftheuprightshallguidethem:buttheperversenessoftransgressorsshalldestroythem.

Proverbs11:3

Doyouknowthatsinisattherootofeverytroubleandcalamityofman?Therewerenocalamitiesbeforesincame.Therewerenosicknessesoraccidents.Beforesincame,manwasabsolutelysecure—divinepresencewashiscovering.Hewasheavenly,gorgeouslydressed,butsinrobbedhimofallglory,andhestartedwearingleavesforclothing.Assoonassincame,allmannerofcalamitiesfollowed,because,“Whosodespiseththewordshallbedestroyed…”(Whosodespiseththewordshallbedestroyed…Prov.13:13).

Ifthere’sa“but”aroundyourlifenow,itmustgo;otherwiseitwillsendyoupacking,justlikesinsentAdampackingfromtheGardenofEden(Gen.3:21).Sinisadestroyer;itisasilentkiller!SeehowitdestroyedthedestinyofSamson(Judges16).SamsonwasthestrengthofIsraelintheOldTestament,butSatantrappedanddestroyedhim.Hebecameatoyfortheheathen.Thoughhekilledmorepeopleathisdeath,healsodied.Amightytreasureturnedtoatoyovernight,allbecauseofsin.

Ayoungusherusedtostealfromtheofferingbucket.Thiswashisregularsourceofincome.Thenhewasstruckwithtuberculosis.Whenheconfessedtome,ItoldhimtoaskGodformercy,andIalsopleadedformercyonhisbehalf.Idesiredforhimtolive,buthedied!Somebodyelsedied,whoonhisdeathbedconfessedtoimproprietyofonemillionnaira,whichheclaimedtohavereturned.Buthediedofahorribledisease,because“Thestingofdeathissin”!Godhasshownusthepathofrighteousnesssowecandestroythemysteryofsin,andwalkinthenewnessoflife.Let’swalkinthatpath.

NoteveryonethatleftEgyptarrivedCanaan.Theydiedunnaturaldeathinthewilderness.Theydiedadeathofjudgment,becausetheycontinuedinsin.TheyprovokedGodtoanger,andtheyweredestroyedbythedestroyer(1Cor.10:10).NoteveryonewhoisbornagainwillarriveCanaan;solet’swatchit.

Sickness,Disease,AfflictionAsoundheartisthelifeoftheflesh:butenvytherottennessofthebones.

Proverbs14:30

Everydiseasehasitsrootinsin.Therewasnosicknessbeforesincame.GodmadeprovisionsforeverythingintheGardenofEden,butnotforhealing,becausemanwasnotcreatedtobesick.Butbyonemansincame,andsinbroughtdeath,andeverythingthatleadstodeath,includingleukaemia,cancer,AIDS,nameit.

Jesussaid,“Thysinsareforgiventhee”isthesamethingassaying,“Ariseandbehealed”(Matt.9:6),becausebothsinandsicknesshavethesameroot.Everydiseaseisacurse,andacurseisasaresultofsin(Deut.28:15-68).

TheBiblecallsallformsofsicknessescurses,whetherfever,chestpain,badeyesight,deafness,nameit.NoothertheologicalormedicalexplanationcanbestrongerthanwhattheBiblehastosay.Sinisatthe

rootofeverydisease;anduntilrighteousnesstakesover,sicknesswillcontinue.Soletgoofsin,soyoucanenjoynewnessoflifeinyourhealth!

AbsenceOfPeaceWhenIsraeldepartedfromGodandbegantodowhatevershewanted,theBiblesaysthatpeacedepartedfromher.

NowforalongseasonIsraelhathbeenwithoutthetrueGod,andwithoutateachingpriest,andwithoutlaw…

Andinthosetimestherewasnopeacetohimthatwentout,nortohimthatcamein,butgreatvexationswereuponalltheinhabitantsofthecountries.

Andnationwasdestroyedbynation,andcityofcity:forGoddidvexthemwithalladversity.

2Chronicles15:3,5,6

Andthentheprophetcameandbegantoannounceaneworder,justasI’mdoingnow.Job22:21-23says:

Acquaintnowthyselfwithhim,andbeatpeace:therebygoodshallcomeuntothee.

Receive,Ipraythee,thelawfromhismouth,andlayuphiswordsinthineheart.

IfthoureturntotheAlmighty,thoushaltbebuiltup,thoushaltputawayiniquityfarfromthytabernacles.

IpraythatyouwilldoexactlywhatAsadid.WhenheheardthewordsoftheProphetOded,hetooksteps:

…Hetookcourage,andputawaytheabominableidolsoutofallthelandofJudahandBenjamin…andrenewedthealtaroftheLord…

AndhegatheredallJudahandBenjamin.

AndtheyenteredintoacovenanttoseektheLordGodoftheirfatherswithalltheirheartandwithalltheirsoul.

2Chronicles15:8-9,12

Andconsequently,verses15and19tellus:

…TheLordgavethemrestroundabout.

Andtherewasnomorewaruntothefiveandthirtiethyearof

thereignofAsa.

IwantyoutobelieveGodthateveryseedofthewickedoneinyouwillbedestroyed,sothatthegloryofGodinyourlifecanemerge,andyoucanbegintowalkinthenewnessoflife.Beforesinfinishesyou,finishitandenterintoyourliberty!

2

AgentsOfSinFromscripturalexamples,Iwasabletolocatethreetrapstheenemyhassetagainsttheend-timeChurch.Thiscanbefoundin2Timothy3:1-5.

Thisknowalso,thatinthelastdaysperiloustimesshallcome.

Formenshallbeloversoftheirownselves,covetous,boasters,proud,blasphemers,disobedienttoparents,unthankful,unholy,

Withoutnaturalaffection,trucebreakers,falseaccusers,incontinent,fierce,despisersofthosethataregood.

Traitors,heady,highminded,loversofpleasuresmorethanloversofGod;

Havingaformofgodliness,butdenyingthepowerthereof:fromsuchturnaway.

Theenemywillbringallthesethings,whichcanbeclassifiedunderthreebroadcategories,todefilethesaints.Theyaretheprincipaltrapsthroughwhichtheenemyplanstodestroygreatdestinies.

Immorality

Financialcorruption

Rebellion

ImmoralitySinisnotjustsin;itisingradesandcategories.WhenIsraelleftEgyptandjourneyedtothePromisedLand,thehighestnumberofpeopleslainwasthroughsexualimmorality.Paulinhiswritingtoldusthat23,000menfellinonedaybecauseoffornication(1Cor.10:8).FromBiblerecords,thiswasthehighestnumberofcasualtythroughouttheirjourneyfromEgypttoCanaan.Immoralitywilltakeitstollamongpeoplethisend-timealso.Itis,therefore,importanttochoosethisdaywhereyouwillbe.

Samson,thestrengthofIsraelinhistime,fellbyimmorality.Hewasthetreasureofheavenonearth,buthewasturnedintoatoy.HewasthegiftofGod,butbecameacurseontheearth,allbecauseofimmorality!

Samsonlosthisenviablethronetoawoman.TheypluckedouthistwoeyesandmadehimdancethedanceofIsraelamongsinners(Judges16),allviathetrapofimmorality!Ifyouareacaptiveofthissin,myprayerforyouisthatthisdaymarkstheendofsexualsinandimmoralityinyourlife,inJesus’name!Youareloosedfromthiscaptivity,towalkinthenewnessoflife!

Sexualimmoralityisaverypowerfulweaponoftheenemy.Withithehasdestroyedseveralgloriousdestinies.Yourswillnotbeoneofthem,inJesusname.

Forshehathcastdownmanywounded:yea,manystrongmenhavebeenslainbyher.

Proverbs7:26

Doyouwanttobecastdown?Doyouwanttobeslain?

Canamantakefireinhisbosom,andhisclothesnotbeburned?

Canonegouponhotcoals,andhisfeetnotbeburned?

Sohethatgoethintohisneighbour’swife;whosoevertouchethhershallnotbeinnocent.

Proverbs6:27-29

Letgothesinofimmorality,otherwiseitwillcastyoudown!Multitudesarewaitingforyoutomanifest,wouldyougiveupyourcrowntosin?Thesinofimmoralitywillcauseyoutomournatlast,whenyourfleshandbodyareconsumedwithAIDS,cancer,gonorrhoea,etc.(Prov.5:11).

Somanymenaredyingasslavestodaybecausethissinofimmoralityhasnotbeenputundercheck.Itisbettertobeimpotentthantomissheavenbecauseofsexualimmorality.Itisbettertobesexuallydead,thantobealiveinthefleshbutdeadinthespirit.Itisbettertolivenakedandpaveyourwaytoheaven,thantoliveinafalsifiedmansion,onlytoendupinthepitofhell!WhymustyoudestroyyourdestinyonthelapsofDelilah,whenthewholeearthiswaitingforyourmanifestation?Whateveryousawbeforewaschild’splay;theonecomingnowhasvowedtokillyou,sorun!

RememberthatgiantinTommyHicks’prophecy?Itroseandcleanseditselffromalldebrisandfilth.Youcandothesame.FirstJohn3:3says:

Andeverymanthathaththishopeinhimpurifiethhimself,evenasheispure.

Purifyyourselffromthesinofsexualimmorality,soyoucanwalkinthenewnessoflife.WhentheBibletalksaboutasinuntodeath,weseethatnoothersinkilledmorethanthesinoffornicationandimmoralityintheChurchinthewilderness.Twenty-threethousandpeoplediedinoneday—themercyofGodranout!ApostlePaulsaid:

IfanymandefilethetempleofGod,himshallGoddestroy;forthetempleofGodisholy,whichtempleyeare.

1Corinthians3:17

Imightnotknowwhatthesinuntodeathis,butIknowthesinthatkillspeople.Thenextimmoralityyougetinto,havingreadwhatyouarereadingnow,maylandyouinAIDS,anincurableanddestructivediseasethatkills,sowatchit!

Immoralityisacapitalsin.Itisthemostdevastating,destructiveandeffectivetoolinthehandofthedevil.Thisisbecauseitisdeceptiveandpleasurable.ConcerningMoses,Hebrews11:25sayshechose“rathertosufferafflictionwiththepeopleofGodthantoenjoythepleasuresofsinforaseason.”

Sexualsinisbothpleasurableanddestructive.Fleefromit!Soawakethouthatsleepest,andarisefromthedead,andChristwillgiveyoulight(Eph.5:14).

FinancialCorruptionAnothertrapofthedevilthisend-timeisthatwhichclaimedthesecondhighestnumberoflives—thesinoffinancialcorruption.

ThenMosesstoodinthegateofthecamp,andsaid,WhoisontheLord’sside?lethimcomeuntome.AndallthesonsofLevigatheredthemselvestogetheruntohim.

Andhesaiduntothem,ThussaiththeLordGodofIsrael,Puteverymanhisswordbyhisside,andgoinandoutfromgatetogatethroughoutthecamp,andslayeverymanhisbrother,andeverymanhiscompanion,andeverymanhisneighbour.

AndthechildrenofLevididaccordingtothewordofMoses:andtherefellofthepeoplethatdayaboutthreethousandmen.

Exodus32:26-28

Threethousandmendied,holdingontotheirgold!

AndMosesreturneduntotheLord,andsaid,Oh,thispeople

havesinnedagreatsin,andhavemadethemgodsofgold.

Exodus32:31

RememberalsothestoryofGehazi,Elisha’sservant?

ButGehazi,theservantofElishathemanofGod,said,Behold,mymasterhathsparedNaamanthisSyrian,innotreceivingathishandsthatwhichhebrought:but,astheLordliveth,Iwillrunafterhim,andtakesomewhatofhim.

SoGehazifollowedafterNaaman.AndwhenNaamansawhimrunningafterhim,helighteddownfromthechariottomeethim,andsaid,Isallwell?

Andhesaid,Alliswell.Mymasterhathsentme,saying,Behold,evennowtherebecometomefrommountEphraimtwoyoungmenofthesonsoftheprophets;givethem,Ipraythee,atalentofsilver,andtwochangesofgarments.

2Kings5:20-22

Seewhathappenedtohimonhisreturnfromhiscovetoustrip:

Buthewentin,andstoodbeforehismaster.AndElishasaiduntohim,Whencecomestthou,Gehazi?Andhesaid,Thyservantwentnowhither.

Andhesaiduntohim,Wentnotmineheartwiththee,whenthemanturnedagainfromhischariottomeetthee?Isitatimetoreceivemoney,andtoreceivegarments,andoliveyards,andvineyards,andsheep,andoxen,andmenservants,andmaidservants?

TheleprosythereforeofNaamanshallcleaveuntothee,anduntothyseedforever.Andhewentoutfromhispresencealeperaswhiteassnow.

2Kings5:25-27

WhymustyoucarryNaaman’sleprosy,whenyourdestinyistohavetwiceElisha’sunction?Whymustyouallowcovetousnesstopurchaseleprosyforyou?Tofreehimselffromthistrap,hearwhatJobsaid:

IfIhavemadegoldmyhope,orhavesaidtothefinegold,Thouartmyconfidence;

IfIrejoicebecausemywealthwasgreat,andbecauseminehandhadgottenmuch;

IfIbeheldthesunwhenitshined,orthemoonwalkinginbrightness;

Andmyhearthathbeensecretlyenticed,ormymouthhathkissedmyhand:

Thisalsowereaniniquitytobepunishedbythejudge:forIshouldhavedeniedtheGodthatisabove.

Job31:24-28

Theloveofmoneyistherootofallevil.Andaslongastherootisinplace,thetreewillkeepbearingfruits.Untiltherootisdestroyed,thereisstillhopeforthetree.LookatwhattheBiblesaysin1Timothy6:10:

Fortheloveofmoneyistherootofallevil:whichwhilesomecovetedafter,theyhaveerredfromthefaith,andpiercedthemselvesthroughwithmanysorrows.

Theloveofmoneyistherootofallevil,andcovetousnessiswhatgivesitexpression.Butverse11advises:

Butthou,OmanofGod,fleethesethings;andfollowafterrighteousness,godliness,faith,love,patience,meekness.

Jesussaid:“YecannotserveGodandmammon”(Matt.6:24).Thatis,youcannotserveGodandmoney.Bythisweknowthattherearetwoentitiesthatcravehumanworship—theLivingGodandthegodofgold.YouareeitherworshippingtheLivingGodorthegodofgold;youcan’tbeinthemiddle.

InLuke4:5,SatantookJesusupintoahighmountainandshowedHimallthekingdomoftheworldandalltheglorythereof,andsaidtoJesus:

…AllthispowerwillIgivethee,andthegloryofthem:forthatisdelivereduntome;andtowhomsoeverIwill,Igiveit.

Luke4:6

NotethatJesusneverdeniedthedevil’sclaimofownership(infact,inJohn14:30,Hereferredtohimas“theprinceofthisworld”),butHesaidtohim:

...Gettheebehindme,Satan:foritiswritten,ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGod,andhimonlyshaltthouserve.

Luke4:8

So,everyoneworshippingthedevilisactuallyworshippingthegodofgold.Themaninthecultisnottherebecausehelikesthedevil;he’sthere

becausehelikesmoney.Allarmedrobbersareintorobberybecauseofmoney.Thegodofgoldisthebrainbehindtheafflictionsofmany.Thatiswhysuchpeopleendupwithallmannerofsicknessesanddiseases—becausethegodofgoldisakillergod!Youmustnotbepartofit.There’saneaterwayofmakingmoneywithoutworshippingit.

Wearehereasthelightoftheworld;weshouldshowtheworldhowtodoit.ThepropheticministryofBalaamcrashedatthehandsofmoney,Gehazi’sdestinycollapsedbecauseofcovetousness,andAchan’sentirehouseholdwaspubliclystonedtodeathbecauseofcovetousness(Josh.7).Theloveofmoneyistherootofallevils,asallitsvictimsendupinsorrow.Youwillnotendyourjourneyinsorrow!

InMarkchapter10,ayoungmanrantoJesusandaskedhim,

“GoodMaster,whatshallIdothatImayinheriteternallife?”AndJesusanswered,“Thouknowestthecommandments,Donotcommitadultery,Donotkill,Donotsteal,Donotbearfalsewitness,Defraudnot,Honourthyfatherandmother.”Andtheyoungmanreplied,“Master,allthesehaveIobservedfrommyyouth.”

Jesuslookedathimandlovedhim.Hehadnoeternallife;heonlycametofindouthowtogetit.Butwithhisnaturallife,hehadbeenabletodealwithadultery,falsehood,etc.Butthismanhadaproblem—hispossessionhadbecomehisgod.Hehadmadeagodofgoldforhimself.Jesustoldhiminverse21:“Onethingthoulackest:gothyway,sellwhatsoeverthouhast,andgivetothepoor,andthoushalthavetreasureinheaven:andcome,takeupthecross,andfollowme.”ButtheBiblesays,“Andhewassadatthatsayingandwentawaygrieved:forhehadgreatpossessions.”Jesushadtouchedhisgold,whichwashisgod!

…Theythatwillberichfallintotemptationandasnare,andintomanyfoolishandhurtfullusts,whichdrownmenindestructionandperdition.

1Timothy6:9

Goldisoneofthegreatestcorruptersonthisearth.Whereasyouraffairwithanotherwomanormanisadultery,youraffairwithmoneyisidolatry.AndthenumberonecommandmentintheBibleis,

“Thoushaltnothaveanyothergodsbesideme.”

Thatyoungmanwasfreefromadultery,butwasavictimofidolatry.Hechosethegodofgoldovereternallife.Behindmanysorrowsontheearthtodayismoney.Whenyouseeayoungmanlookingsadanddevastated,

thegodofgoldisafflictinghim.He’snotsick,hiswifeisnotsick,buthisidol(money)isplaguinghimwithsorrows,becausetheloveofmoneynaturallyinvitessorrow.

Theeyesareneversatisfiedwithseeing.Soeveryloverofmoneywillalwaysseewhathedoesnothave(Prov.30:15-16).Noloverofmoneycaneverbesorrow-free.Iwantyoutodesperatelydesireadeliverancefromthegodofgold,soyoucantrulywalkinthenewnessoflife.

ThosewhogoaftergoldmissGod;butthosewhopursuehardafterGodwillhavegoldasadditions(Matt.6:33).Wesawhowthegodofgoldtrappedanddestroyedabout3,000meninoneday.Idolatryisagreatsin.TohaveanothergodintheplaceoftheLivingGodisagreatsin.Ifyoudon’tcountgoldasdung,youwillbecomedung.Soyoumustrescueyourselffromthegodofgoldtoday.

Theloveofgoldisakillerdisease.TheBiblecallsittherootofallevil.Ifoneevilequalsdeath,thentherootofallevilequalsalldeath—deathofjoy,peace,progress,health,everything!Bythetimeyougettoapositionwhengoingtochurchbecomeswhenconvenient,oryoubegintocomplainofnothavingenoughtimetogotochurch,you’realreadyonyourwaydown.That’sthemissionofthegodofgold—itwon’tletyoukeepyourcovenantrelationshipwithGod.Mayyouneverseethebusinessexpansionthatwon’tletyouworshipGod,inJesusname!Jesusasked:

Forwhatshallitprofitaman,ifheshallgainthewholeworld,andlosehisownsoul?

Mark8:36

MayyournamenotberemovedfromtheBookofLifebecauseofonevaingovernmentappointmentorcontract.IhavetoldtheLord,“WhereverIwillgettoandYourpresenceeludesme,letmenevergetthere.WhateverIwillownthatwillmakeYoudisownme,mayIneverownit.WhateverIwillpossessthatwillmakeYoudispossessme,letmeneverpossessit.WhateverpositionIwillgettothatIwillnolongerseeYou,mayInevergetthere.”

Thegodofgoldisnotafriendofanyone.Defileittoday,andsaytoit,“Gettheehence,gettheebehindmeyougodofgoldandsilver.Inolongerworshipyou.Getlost!”Isaiah30:23promises:

Thenshallhegivetherainofthyseed,thatthoushaltsowthegroundwithal;andbreadoftheincreaseoftheearth,anditshallbefatandplenteous;inthatdayshallthycattlefeedin

largepastures.

Thatmeanswhenyoucastthegodofgoldawayfromyou,thenGodwilladdHisowntoyou.AndyouknowthattheblessingsoftheLordmakesrichandHeaddsnosorrowtoit(Prov.10:22).Whenyoudefilethegodofgold,God’sownsilverandgoldisaddedtoyouforyourbeauty.Sodefilethegodofgoldtoday,beforeitdefilesyourdestiny!Defilethegodofgold,thenGodwillbeautifyyouwithgold!Defilethegodofgoldtodayandyouwillneverseedrynessagain!

Ifyou’realoverofgold,youcanneverbefreefromtellinglies.Besides,pridewillsticktoyouliketicktoacloth.Nebuchadnezzarsawtheexpansionofhiskingdomandhesaid,“IsnotthisgreatBabylon,thatIhavebuiltforthehouseofthekingdombythemightofmypower,andforthehonourofmymajesty?”Andhewasturnedintoananimal(Dan.4:30,33)!TherichfoolinLuke12:16-20sawhisharvestandsaid,“Mysoulrest”,andGodsaid,“Yourbodywillresttoo”!Hewaslaidtorestthatsamenight!WhenSolomonsawwealth,thespiritofwhoredompossessedhim,andhebecameKingWhoredom—700wivesand300concubines(1Kgs.11:3)!Hewasavictimofthegodofgold.

ItwasgoldthatledJudastocommitsuicide.Hesoldhismasterforamere30piecesofsilver(Matt.26:15)!AnaniasandSapphiradiedbythedaggerofthegodofgold(Acts5;1-10).Jeshurun(Israel)waxedfat,andthenkickedagainstGod,andGodinturnhidHisfacefromthem(Deut.32:9-25).MayGodnothideHisfacefromyou!TheykickedagainstGodintheirprosperity.Mayyourprosperitynotbringaboutyourperishing!

WhatthegodofgolddoesistobringenmitybetweenyouandGod.EverytimeyouchooseanothergodovertheAlmightyGod,youareinvitingHimtoawrestlingcontest,andwhohaseverfoughtwithGodandprospered(Job9:4)?

Thereisnosalvationingoldandsilver.Enoughofrunningafterit!MayeveryincreaseyouseeinyourlifecreateanincreaseinyouraffectionforGod!MaynoincreasecomeyourwaythatwilltakeyouawayfromGod!

RebellionThisisanothersinthatclaimedthethirdlargestnumberofsoulsintheChurchinthewilderness.Itclaimedanentirehousehold!LookattheaccountinNumbers16:

NowKorah,thesonofIzhar,thesonofKohath,thesonofLevi,andDathanandAbiram,thesonsofEliab,andOn,thesonof

Peleth,sonsofReuben,tookmen:

AndtheyroseupbeforeMoses,withcertainofthechildrenofIsrael,twohundredandfiftyprincesoftheassembly,famousinthecongregation,menofrenown:

AndtheygatheredthemselvestogetheragainstMosesandagainstAaron,andsaiduntothem,Yetaketoomuchuponyou,seeingallthecongregationareholy,everyoneofthem,andtheLORDisamongthem:whereforethenliftyeupyourselvesabovethecongregationoftheLORD?

AndMosessaid,HerebyyeshallknowthattheLordhathsentmetodoalltheseworks;forIhavenotdonethemofmineownmind.

Ifthesemendiethecommondeathofallmen,oriftheybevisitedafterthevisitationofallmen;thentheLordhathnotsentme.

ButiftheLordmakeanewthing,andtheearthopenhermouth,andswallowthemup,withallthatappertainuntothem,andtheygodownquickintothepit;thenyeshallunderstandthatthesemenhaveprovokedtheLord.

Anditcametopass,ashehadmadeanendofspeakingallthesewords,thatthegroundclaveasunderthatwasunderthem:

Andtheearthopenedhermouth,andswallowedthemup,andtheirhouses,andallthementhatappertaineduntoKorah,andalltheirgoods.

They,andallthatappertainedtothem,wentdownaliveintothepit,andtheearthcloseduponthem:andtheyperishedfromamongthecongregation.

Numbers16:1-3,28-33

ThatwashowDathan,Korah,Abiram,and250others,andalltheirfamiliesperished!Rebelliondestroyedanestimatedonethousandpeopleinoneday!Friend,rebellionisofthedevil,don’tgiveintoit.

Rebellionisadeliberatereactionagainstorder,targetedatleadershipatalllevelsintheChurchofGod.Anychurchorestablishmentyoufindyourselfinandyouhavedoubtsabouttheleadership,itisnotaplacewhereyoucanbeblessed.Socheckoutoftheplace,beforeyou’recheckedout.

Rebellionisrisky.Don’texpecttosurviveifyourejectGod’sorder.Towishleadershipevilismentaldisorder,asheavenisacityoforder.Leadershipisrequiredforhumansocietytosurvive,whetherinthesecularworldorintheChurch.Butifweacceptorderinthesecular,rejectingitintheChurchwillbeplayingwithfire.Thinkingillagainstanyleadershipsetoveryouistearingdownyourownheritage.Ifyouhaveacceptedleadershipoveryouatwork,thenstopplayingwithfirebyrejectingGod’sorderintheChurchorinthefamily.

Rebellionisacostlypoison;don’ttakeit.Peaceneverreignsinanyhomewheredivineorderisnotaccepted.ThereasonmywifeenjoysallthegoodiesfrommeisbecauseshehasneverraisedaneyebrowagainstanythingIsayGodtoldme.Youmaysay,“Thatisstupid!”Well,itisbettertobestupidandbesuccessful,thantobewiseandendupafailure(thatisifyourwisdomisreallywisdom).

Leadershipoffersdirection;itdoesn’treceivedirectionfromtheled.ThatiswhyleadershipmuststriveatalllevelstohearfromGodbeforeofferingdirectiontothepeople.Thenanyonewhorebelsagainstsuchdirectionwillpaydearlyforit.ThatwaswhyDathan,KorahandAbiramdiedsuchastrangedeath.Exodus22:28says,“Thoushaltnotrevilethegods,norcursetherulerofthypeople.”Thisisparticularlywhenyouknowyouwillbedestroyingyourownpositionbydoingso.

TheChurchisgoingtoknowsuchterrificpromotionsthathellwillnotbeabletositandfolditshands.Hellwill,therefore,beseekingforwhocanbepulleddownalongwithit.ThatwaswhathappenedtoAbsalom,whosetoutdeterminedlytounseathisfather,David.

Anditcametopassafterthis,thatAbsalompreparedhimchariotsandhorses,andfiftymentorunbeforehim.

AndAbsalomroseupearly,andstoodbesidethewayofthegate:anditwasso,thatwhenanymanthathadacontroversycametothekingforjudgment,thenAbsalomcalleduntohim,andsaid,Ofwhatcityartthou?Andhesaid,ThyservantisofoneofthetribesofIsrael.

AndAbsalomsaiduntohim,See,thymattersaregoodandright;butthereisnomandeputedofthekingtohearthee.

Absalomsaidmoreover,OhthatIweremadejudgeintheland,thateverymanwhichhathanysuitorcausemightcomeuntome,andIwoulddohimjustice!

Anditwasso,thatwhenanymancamenightohimtodohim

obeisance,heputforthhishand,andtookhim,andkissedhim.

AndonthismannerdidAbsalomtoallIsraelthatcametothekingforjudgment:soAbsalomstoletheheartsofthemenofIsrael.

2Samuel15:1-6

Rebellionisdemonic.DoyouknowthatAbsalomrejoicedwhenAhithophel(David’sformeradviser)gavehimcounselonhowtokillhisfather?(2Sam.17:1-4)Butthewholeof2Samuel15-19tellsofthecollapseofarebel.AbsalomwasthemostlovedofDavid’ssons.Thoughhewasdestinedforthethrone,helosthisdestinytorebellion.Privilegedandtalentedpeoplearethemostsusceptibletorebellion.

TheBiblesaystheconspiracywasstrongandthepeopleincreasedcontinuallywithAbsalom(2Sam.15:12).Mayyouneverjoinsuchdemonicincreaseinanysetupyouarein;itneverpays.Everybreakawayministryendsupwithering.Youcannotdisconnectfromtherootandexpecttosurvive.Ministriescangrowfromministries,butitisdemonictogetitdonethroughrebellion.TheBibletellsusinLuke22:3thatbeforetherebellionofJudas,Satanenteredhim.ThatiswhywearewarnednottogiveplacetothedevilinEphesians4:27.

Absalomdiedthedeathofascapegoat.Itwasobviousthathewouldhavebeenthenextkingafterhisfather,beingDavid’sfirstson.ItwasthereinGod’sagenda,buthecouldn’taffordtowaitfortheappointedtime.Hemusthavesaid,“ThewayI’mseeingthis‘youngman’(David),hedoesn’twanttodieyet.Whenwillitbemyturn?No!Let’skillhimnow.”Nobodyneedstodieforyoutorise!Therearemanystarsinthesky,andallofthemshine.Ifyou’reastar,anothershiningstarcannotmakeyouobscure.MayyouenjoyyourcovenantpositioninGodandawaitHistimingsforyourlifting,sothatyouwillnotcrashlikeAbsalom.

Haveyoueverheardorseenahead-oncollisionbetweentwobirdsinthesky?No!Theskyistoobroadforthattohappen.Thereisatimeandaseasonforeverypurposeunderthesun.Inthephysical,canyougoupatthesametimeyou’repullingsomeoneelsedown?Wherewillyoueventuallyfindyourselfifyoudon’tstoppullinghimdown?Onthefloorofcourse!Youwillevengettothefloorbeforetheperson,causinghimtofalluponyou!Butwhenyou’reliftingothersup,youwillbegoingupaswell.Thatisexactlywhathappenswhenyou’repullinganysystemdown:yougodownwithit.Butwhenyou’reliftingitup,yougoup.Makeyourchoice.

Rebellionisadangeroustrap.Ittrapspeoplewithouttheirknowingit.It’s

verysubtle;itcreepsinonpeople.SatansetthatsubtletrapforEve,andshefellforit.

Rebellionisdangerous.IhaveneverseenarebelthatmadeanameintheKingdom.Yournameiserasedthemomentyouenterintorebellion.ThatwaswhathappenedtoAhithophelwhenhelefthisministrytoDavidandjoinedhisrebelliousson,Absalom.TheLordturnedhiscounseltofoolishness,andAhithophelendeduphanginghimself(2Sam.17:23).Rebelliontookhimawayandwipedoffhisnameaswell!HewasthebraintankofIsrael,butwasdestroyedwhenhejoinedAbsalom’srebellion.Rebellionterminatedhishithertogloriousdestiny.

RebellionalwaysendsoneinshameandreproachbythejudgmentofGodthatsays,“Thoushaltnotsufferawitchtolive”(Ex.22:18).Thisisbecause1Samuel15:23tellsus:

Forrebellionisasthesinofwitchcraft…

Awitchisnotjustsomeonewhofliesaboutinthenight,lookingforbloodtosuck.Godissayingherethatnomanorwomanthatisrebelliousispermittedtolive.ThefirstrebellionrecordedintheBiblewasthatofSataninheaven(Isa.14:12-19),andthatiswhytillnowheistheinfluencebehindeveryrebellion.

Whenyoureactagainstleadership,youdisqualifyyourselffrombecomingaleader.Rebellionalwaystellssomeone,“Youcandoitbetter.”MiriamandAarongangedupagainstMosesinNumbers12,andGodreactedagainstthem:

AndMiriamandAaronspakeagainstMosesbecauseoftheEthiopianwomanwhomhehadmarried:forhehadmarriedanEthiopianwoman.

Andtheysaid,HaththeLordindeedspokenonlybyMoses?hathhenotspokenalsobyus?AndtheLordheardit.

AndtheangeroftheLordwaskindledagainstthem;andhedeparted.

Andtheclouddepartedfromoffthetabernacle;and,behold,Miriambecameleprous,whiteassnow:andAaronlookeduponMiriam,and,behold,shewasleprous.

Numbers12:1-2,9-10

Rebellionalwayslooksaroundforwhototake.Don’tbeavailabletobetaken.Watchyourstatements;letthemnotbecalculatedagainstpersonsandauthority.Stopmakinginsinuations,andshutyourdooragainstthe

devil.Don’tlethimcomeinsideanddisruptyourlife.

Afterreading2Timothy3:1-4,Idiscoveredthatalltheevilmentionedtherecanbenarroweddowntoonething—rebellion!

Thisknowalso,thatinthelastdaysperiloustimesshallcome.

Formenshallbeloversoftheirownselves,covetous,boasters,proud,blasphemers,disobedienttoparents,unthankful,unholy,

Withoutnaturalaffection,trucebreakers,falseaccusers,incontinent,fierce,despisersofthosethataregood.

Itsays:“Loversoftheirownselves”—that’sAbsalom.“Covetous”—Hecovetedhisfather’sthrone.“Boasters”—Hesaid,“OhthatIweremadejudgeintheland,thateverymanwhichhathanysuitorcausemightcomeuntome,andIwoulddohimjustice!”

“Proud,blasphemers,disobedienttoparents”—Hesatatthegateofhisfather,drawingIsraelafterhimself.“Unthankful,unholy,withoutnaturalaffection…”—Hewouldgotohisfatheranddoobeisance,butitwasallhypocrisy.Itwasmechanical,nonaturalaffection.

Alltheseculminatedinthetrapofrebellion,whichbecamehisundoing.Listenfriend,there’sgoingtobesuchareleaseofthespiritofrebellionthisend-time,thatpeoplewhodon’tknowitsnakednamewilleasilybecomeitsvictims.Themomentyoubegintoreactagainstorder,youarearebel.Itusuallydoesn’tbeginonalargescale;itcreepsinunnoticed.Yourbossgivesyouaninstructionforinstance,andthenyoucarryitoutreluctantly.You’realreadyregisteringintheschoolofrebellion.

Somethinghappenedinachurchinoneofourcitiesin1992.Somefellowsinthechurchroseupagainsttheirpastor.Onemaninparticularwastheringleader.Hewasragingandranting,pointingaccusingfingersatthepastor.Thepastorwarned,“Let’sbecareful,sothatwhathappenedtoAnaniasandSapphirawillnothappenhere.”Butthemanstoodupandcontinuedtotalk.Rightthereandtheninchurch,heslumpedanddied!Hiswifewasthere,andsawhowitallhappened,sonoonewouldsaysomebodykilledhim.Hediedinrebellion.

Friend,beforesinsinksyou,sinkit!Theendofrebellionisdeath.Absalomdied.Dathan,Korah,Abiramandtheirentirehouseholddied.AhithophelandJudasdiedaswell.Ifbyanychanceyouarealreadycaughtinthetrapofrebellion,withdrawfromitnow,andfreeyourlife.Youdon’tneedtocursearebel;he’scursedalready.

Inthelastdays,therewillbereleasesofthespiritsofrebellion.Theywill

gatherintoomanycreepingforms.Therearerebelliouswives,andIperceiverebellioushusbandsaswell,whodon’tbelieveinorder.Whenyoudon’tbelieveinorder,youarearebel.Youmaycallitreaction,butGodcallsitrebellion.AndHesaysitislikethesinofwitchcraft.So,ifyouareinrebellion,you’reawitch.Youwillnotbecaught!

Rebellion,aswesawin1Samuel15:23,isequatedwithwitchcraft.AndweknowthatExodus22:18saysthatnowitchispermittedtolive.Shemustdie.Thisisnottalkingaboutseconddeath,butjudgmentaldeath.Theendofrebellionisdeath.

There’savividillustrationgiveninJames1:14-15:

Buteverymanistempted,whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlust,andenticed.

Thenwhenlusthathconceived,itbringethforthsin:andsin,whenitisfinished,bringethforthdeath.

That’swhyIsaidbeforesinfinishesyou,youshouldfinishit,becausewhensinfinishes,itresultsindeath.Sodon’twait.Rebellionisdangerous;noneofitsvictimseversurvives.Instructionsaretobeobeyed,nottobediscussed.TheobedientmakesthegreatestmarkintheKingdom.Sogoforobedience,andleaverebellionalone,asyouropinionisyourgreatesttrapintorebellion.

It’salsoimportanttonotethatrebellionisanissueoftheheart.Thoughitoccasionallyfindsexpressionthroughthemouth,it’sactuallyanissueoftheheart.Youdon’tneedtoberebelliousforanyreasonatall.Sotakeyourtimeandwalkinwisdom.Whenthedevilwhispersrebellioninyourheart,tellhim,“Shutup,Iknowbetter!”

Now,Icommendyou,therefore,toGod,forarebellion-freelife;alifethatjumpsatobedience,andisopenenoughforGodtoinstructanddirect.MayGodgiveyouunderstanding,sothatyouwillcelebrateeveryinstructionthatcomesasanotherstepuptheladderforyou,andcelebrateitfromyourheart.Don’ttrytolookatanyinstructionobjectively;lookatitobediently,withalltheexcitementyoucanstirupinyou.Thenyouwillbeonyourwaytothetop.Thenwillyoubegintowalkinthenewnessoflife.

3

ControllingPowersInthischapter,Iwillbediscussinganotherdimensionofthesinproblem-thesubjectofcontrollingpowers.Manyareheldcaptiveinsinbecausetherearecontrollingpowersthatwon’tletthemgo.ButIhavegoodnewsforyou:youcanbefreefromthem!Thereisawayoutofsin,soyoucanwalkinthenewnessoflife.

Thelastdays’operationofiniquity,unlikeprevioustimes,isonthefrequencyofmysteries.Thewickedshalldomorewickedly,becauseforceshavebeenletloosefromhell,toholdandkeepthesonsofGodinbondage.

ForthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesushathmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath.

Romans8:2

There’salawofsin,aforcethatremotelycontrols,subjectsandbringsinnocentsonsofmenintocaptivity.PaultalksaboutthisinRomanschapter7:

ForIknowthatinme(thatis,inmyflesh,)dwellethnogoodthing:fortowillispresentwithme;buthowtoperformthatwhichisgoodIfindnot.

ForthegoodthatIwould,Idonot:buttheevilwhichIwouldnot,thatIdo.

Ifindthenalaw,that,whenIwoulddogood,evilispresentwithme.

ForIdelightinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman:

ButIseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhichisinmymembers.

Romans7:18-19,21-23

There’salawofsin.Alawisaforce.Thelawofsinisaforce;it’sacontrol!Therearemanythingsyouneverintendedtodo,butsomehowthereareforces(controllingforcesintheair)thatwanttotakeadvantageofyourignoranceoftherealbattle.Orhowdoyouexplainthis-

somebodygotdrunkwithalcoholyesterday,andinhisstuporsleptinthegutter.Hewakesupthefollowingmorningtofindhimselfinthegutter.Shouldhegotohisdrinkingjointagain?No!Butonhiswaybackfromworkthatsameday,insteadofgoinghome,hegoesbackonhisdrinkingspree!That’samanunderthelawofsin!Hecan’thelphimself.

TheBibledescribesthisman:

Forthecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity,notwillingly,butbyreasonofhimwhohathsubjectedthesameinhope.

Romans8:20

TheBiblesayssuchamanisheld,“notwillingly.”Thereareforcescalled“rulersofthedarknessofthisworld.”Theyarebehindalltheworksofdarkness.Theyarespirits.Theyareforcesinthespiritualrealm,outtodevastatethedestiniesofmen.Ephesians6:12tellsus:

Forwewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities,againstpowers,againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld,againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces.

Ourbattlesareessentiallyspiritual.Itwill,therefore,requireaspiritualapproachtohaveourdesiredvictory.Therearehabitsandtherearecontrols.Controlsareremoteinnature.Theyareintheair.Theyarecalled“spiritualwickednessinheavenlyplaces.”

There’saspiritualdimensiontothoseterribleanddemonichabitsanddepressivemoodsyousometimefindyourself.Theyareorganisedbyhell,todisconnectyoufromyoursource.Forinstance,therearemanymenwhohavevowed:“Iwillneverbeatmywifeagain!”TheyhavekneltdowntoprayandtoaskGodforforgiveness.Theyhaveevencalledthemselvesnames,butalltonoavail.

Thatwildanger,thatdepressionthatyoucan’tseemtotraceitssourceistheworkofcontrollingpowers.You’rejumpingandpraisingtheLordoneminute,andthenextyou’relikea“deputydevil”.Demoniccontrolsarebehindthem.Amangiventoangerdoesn’tneedanyonetosayanythingtomakehimangry;hejustgetsangryoveranything,whethergoodorbad,becauseofthebondageofthelawofsinanddeath.It’sthereinhimwarring.

Andtherewasintheirsynagogueamanwithanuncleanspirit;andhecriedout,

Mark1:23

Thereiswhatiscalleduncleanspirit.Everymanthatisreactingagainst

theWordofrighteousnessisunderthebondageofuncleanspirits.Andwhatisthemissionofuncleanspirits?Tomakemenwalkinallmannerofuncleanliness.Let’slookatsomescripturesthatestablishtherealityofthesecontrollingspirits.

TheSpiritOfTheWorldNowwehavereceived,notthespiritoftheworld,butthespiritwhichisofGod;thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod.

1Corinthians2:12

Thereisaspiritoftheworld.FirstJohn2:15-17tellsuswhatthatspiritcommands:

Lovenottheworld,neitherthethingsthatareintheworld.Ifanymanlovetheworld,theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim.

Forallthatisintheworld,thelustoftheflesh,andthelustoftheeyes,andtheprideoflife,isnotoftheFather,butisoftheworld.

Andtheworldpassethaway,andthelustthereof:buthethatdoeththewillofGodabidethforever.

Thespiritoftheworldcommandstheactivitiesofthelustoftheflesh.Itmonitors,supervises,co-ordinates,andorganisesthelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeyesandtheprideoflife.Let’slookatPeter’scase:

ThenPetertookhim,andbegantorebukehim,saying,Beitfarfromthee,Lord:thisshallnotbeuntothee.

Matthew16:22

JesuswastalkingaboutHiscomingdeath,andPeter,influencedbyoneofthesenegativespirits,begantorebukeHim.Therulersofthiswickedworldandthewickedspiritsinhighplacesaretheforceswearecontendingwith.TheseforcesinfluencepeopletodothingsagainstGod,sotheycanfallunderHisjudgment.

SeehowtheymanipulatedPeter,whohadjustproclaimedJesusastheChristbyrevelation.“Neitherfleshnorbloodhasrevealedthistoyou,”Jesushadtoldhim.Thedevilthendecidedtoalsorevealsomethingtohim.SoPetertookJesusandbegantorebukeHim.Hewasunderastrangeinfluencefromthepitofhell.

Anythingthatcausesspiritualarroganceandrebellionistheworkofthe

spiritoftheworld.JesussawbeyondthemanPeter,andsoturnedandsaid:

Gettheebehindme,Satan:thouartanoffenseuntome:forthousavourestnotthethingsthatbeofGod,butthosethatbeofmen.

Matthew16:23

WhenthethingsofGoddon’tmattertoyou,youareundertheinfluenceofoneoftherulersofthiswickedworld.Everytimeyouseeyourspiritnotembracingthetruthoflife,knowthatthereisastrangeinfluencetryingtoteardownyourdestiny.Sobesmartenoughtosay,likeJesusdid,“GettheebehindmeSatan!”

Judaswasalsoavictimofthespiritoftheworld.

ThenenteredSatanintoJudassurnamedIscariot,beingofthenumberofthetwelve.

Luke22:3

Rebellionisademonicactivityperpetratedbyevilinfluences.SatanenteredJudas,andcausedhimtobetraytheMaster.Thesearenotnaturalforces.Theyareessentiallyspiritual,demonic,andsatanicforces,aimedatmen’sdestinies,todestroythem.YouwillnotbedestroyedinJesusname!

Thespiritoftheworldhasdestroyedmanyfamilies.Thewomanwantseverythingmoneycanbuy,untilshewearsthemanout.Thatisthelustoftheeyes.Amanorwomanwhowearsclothesboughtoncreditisunderthecaptivityofthespiritoftheworld—thelustofthefleshandthelustoftheeyes.Toseeawristwatchthatisworththousandsofdollarsandgoforit,whileotherpressingissuesareleftunattendedtoissickening!

Friend,thesethingsworksosubtly.Youdon’thearthefootstepsofaserpent,doyou?Nowtellme,whatisamandoingwithtwocars,whenhe’sonlyjuststartingabusiness?Meanwhile,he’sallovertheplacelookingforcapital.Heiscommittingacapitalsin!He’sundertheinfluenceofaremotecontrolfromtherealmoftheunseen.

Thespiritoftheworldputspeopleinbondageviathelustoftheeyes,thelustofthefleshandtheprideoflife.Somepeoplearelookingforwhatbusinesstodo,meanwhilethejewelriestheyhaveonadduptomorethanthecapitaltheyneed.Whenourministryfirststarted,Ihadjustthreecoatsandtwotrousers.Ijustkeptcombiningthem.YetIwasthe“PresidentGeneral”oftheministry.

Whoislookingatyou?Theworthofamanisnotinhisdress;it’sinhis

address!Yourworthisinyourvaluetomen,notinthethingsyouputonyourbody.Forinstance,ifaharlotwearsallmannerofexpensiveapparel,doesthatmakeheranhonourablewoman?Thattitle“harlot”hasalreadydestroyedtheglamouroftheclothes.Haveyoueverseenabeautifulbeggar?Thefactthatheisabeggarhaserodedwhateverbeautyhehas.

Thespiritoftheworldiswhatistormentingyourmind,thatwon’tletyoubecontentedwithorbegratefultoGod;butratherkeepsyourmindpantingafterthings.Haven’tyouheardthatgodlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain?(1Tim.6:6)

Andyouhathhequickened,whoweredeadintrespassesandsins;

Whereinintimepastyewalkedaccordingtothecourseofthisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritthatnowworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience:

Amongwhomalsoweallhadourconversationintimespastinthelustsofourflesh,fulfillingthedesiresofthefleshandofthemind;andwerebynaturethechildrenofwrath,evenasothers.

Ephesians2:1-3

Itsays,“theprinceofthepoweroftheair”.Sowhereverairis,that’swhereheoperates.Theprinceofthepoweroftheairiswhatmovesamanintothelustofthefleshandallthataccompaniesit.Now,lookintotheairandsay:“Christhasgivenmepoweragainstuncleanspirits.Princeoftheair,hearmyvoice:Iamnotsubjecttoyourauthority.Yourinfluencewillnolongerfindaccessintomylife,myflesh,ormymind.No,nomore!”

Thethingsintheworld—thelustoftheeyes,thelustoftheflesh,andtheprideoflife—areallmachinationsofthespiritoftheworld.Andwhentheycaptureyou,youbecomeanenemyofGod.

…KnowyenotthatthefriendshipoftheworldisenmitywithGod?whosoeverthereforewillbeafriendoftheworldistheenemyofGod.

James4:4

NoenemyofGodhasafuture.RememberPharaoh,Nebuchadnezzar,Herodandothers.ItistheloveofGodthatguaranteesagloriousliving;itiswhatguaranteesyounewnessoflife.

LyingSpirit

ThereIsAlsoALyingSpirits

AndtheLordsaiduntohim,Wherewith?Andhesaid,Iwillgoforth,andIwillbealyingspiritinthemouthofallhisprophets.Andhesaid,Thoushaltpersuadehim,andprevailalso:goforth,anddoso.

1Kings22:22

Thereisalyingspirit,andyoumayevenlooksoanointedunderitsinfluence!

Lyingisoneofthosedemonicinfluencesoverpeople’slives,tomakethemcomeunderGod’swrath.Listentothisbrother’stestimony:

“Iusedtoindulgeineverythingyoucanthinkof,exceptsmoking.AndsinceIgotbornagainlastyear,Istartedtryingtostopallthesethings.Iusedtogooutwithalotofgirls,andalsoindulgedinlying.Itooklyingasimpossibletostop.Ithoughtonecouldn’tstoplying,evenafterbeingbornagain.

ButattheJanuarySignsandWondersWeek,theBishopsaid,‘Ifyoutakeholinesstobeunachievable,youwilldieinsin.’ThenIprayedtoGod,thatIwantedtostoplying.Before,Iwasamasterfabricatoroflies!Whenevermyfriendswereintrouble,theywouldcometomeandsay,‘Dare,thisiswhatwewant,thisishowitis.’Aftertellingmeeverything,Iwouldhelpfabricatealiethatwouldsettlethematter.

AfterhearingtheBishop,however,ItoldGodIwantedtostoplying.AndglorybetoGod,yesterday,IwasjustthinkingandIcastmymindback,tryingtorememberwhenlastItoldalie.Oneofthepastorssaidthedevilislikeshittous,thathehasnovalue.That’showlyingandeveryformofsinaretomenow.IgiveGodtheglory.”

Thisbrotherwasundertheinfluenceofalyingspirit.Thosewhowon’tgotoheavenknowfromhere,sinceitiswrittenthatallliarswon’tgothere(Rev.21:8).Youknowifyouarealiar;sodon’texpecttoberaptured.

TheSpiritOfBondageForyehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear;butyehavereceivedtheSpiritofadoption,wherebywecry,Abba,Father.

Romans8:15

Thereisalsoaspiritofbondage.Itgetspeopletieddown,lockedup,and

chained.Thisspiritisresponsibleforallmannerofafflictionsthatpeoplesuffer.TalkingaboutthewomanthatwasunderafflictionforeighteenyearsinLuke13:16,Jesusasked:

Andoughtnotthiswoman,beingadaughterofAbraham,whomSatanhathbound…beloosedfromthisbond…?

That’sthespiritofbondage.Itisaspiritofcaptivity.Itjustcapturesyou.Forinstance,howdoyouexplainsomebodywhoiscoughingandyetsmoking?Meanwhile,hehasbeentoldatthehospitalthathehastuberculosis.Hedoesn’twanttodie,yethekeepssmokingandheiscoughingasaresult.Heisunderthearrestofthespiritofbondage,thespiritthatcausesaddictiontoevil.

Thereisanaddictiontocorruption,anditisasaresultofthespiritofbondage.Itgetspeopleaddictedtoevilwithoutanyfeelings.ButwhenJesuswashereonearthministering,Hewentabouthealingmanywhowereoppressedofthedevil(Acts10:38).Everythingbindingyoutowhatyoudon’twantisaspiritofbondage,andyoucanbefreefromitnow.

TheSpiritOfWhoredomsTheywillnotframetheirdoingstoturnuntotheirGod:forthespiritofwhoredomsisinthemidstofthem,andtheyhavenotknowntheLord.

Hosea5:4

Thereisaspiritofwhoredoms.Itconstantlycravesfilthiness,sexualimmorality,makingmotionsinthebody,etc.Youhavecriedsecretlyforhelpordeliverance,andyouhavefastedandprayed,yetyoucan’tbreakawayfromit.It’saspiritatwork—thespiritofwhoredoms.That’sthespiritofadulteryandfornication.Thatcraveforadulteryinyouisaspirit,it’sacontrolbyanuncleanspirit.Thegoodnews:youhavepoweroverit!Jesusgaveuspoweragainstuncleanspirits,tocastthemout(Matt.10:1).

TheSpiritOfDisobedienceAndyouhathhequickened,whoweredeadintrespassesandsins;

Whereinintimepastyewalkedaccordingtothecourseofthisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritthatnowworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience.

Ephesians2:1-2

Thereisalsoaspiritofdisobedience,andits’ministryistofulfillthedesiresofthefleshandthemind.Thisspiritworksdisobedienceinpeople,goingthroughthefleshandthemindtotakepeopleawayfromGod’spresence,sotheycanbeafflictedandtormented.Butthehourforyourlibertyhascome.

“Whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath?”Paullamented.Whereashabitsmaybehandledbythewill(determination),voworchoice,spiritualcontrolsrequiremuchmore.ButthankGodthere’sawayout!TheBiblesays:

Forthoughwewalkintheflesh,wedonotwaraftertheflesh:

(Fortheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGodtothepullingdownofstrongholds;)

2Corinthians10:3-4

Letmenowshowyouthewayoutofsinandcontrollingpowersthataresettodestroyyou.Youcanwalkinthenewnessoflife;youcanliveaholylife!Godhasgivenyouallyouneedtolivelifetothefullest,freeofthedevilandallhisinfluences.

4

YouCanDisarmSinAttherootofeveryhumancalamityissin.Untiltherootofsinisdestroyed,thetreewillkeepbearingfruits.Butdestroytheroot,andyou’vekilledthetree.

ThereisananswertoeveryhumanquestionintheBible.Godhasmadeadequateprovisionstocoveralltheproblemsoflife.SothesinquestionhasanabsoluteanswerwithHim.Whenyoulocatethatanswer,youstepintoyourfreedom.

Intheraceforrighteousness,manisthedeterminingfactor,notthedevil.Iwantyoutoknowthatyoucandisarmsin.Letmeshowyouhow.

NewBirthThenewbirthisthebeginningoftheadventureintoholiness.

Andyou,beingdeadinyoursinsandtheuncircumcisionofyourflesh,hathhequickenedtogetherwithhim,havingforgivenyoualltrespasses.

Blottingoutthehandwritingofordinancesthatwasagainstus,whichwascontrarytous,andtookitoutoftheway,nailingittohiscross.

Colossians2:13-14

Untilyou’resaved,youcan’tbesafefromsin.Pleaseunderstandthatthescripturescannotbebroken.Godisnorespecterofpersons,norisHearespecterofcolour,connectionsorage.UntilyoubecomeachildofGod,you’renotsafe,fortheBiblesays,“Thesoulthatsinneth,itshalldie”(Ezek.18:4).

UntilyoubecomeachildofGod,there’sadeathsentencehangingoveryourhead,youreducation,status,ageandconnectionsnotwithstanding.TheBiblesays:

Butasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname.

John1:12

GodhadnobusinesssendingJesustotheworld,exceptforlovesake.WouldyourejecttheloveofGod?WouldyoufrustrateHisgrace?

ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.

John3:16

AsmanyaswillopenuptoJesusandsay,“Jesus,havemercyandforgiveme”,willHesave.Sinwilllooseitsgriponyouinstantly.ButasmanyaswillnotreceiveHimwillbedestroyed.Ifyou’retooold,toocivilizedortoosmarttoacceptJesusasyourLordandSaviour,youcan’tescapedestruction,for:

…Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod.

John3:3

Everythingtakesitsrootinrighteousness.ItisonlyaftertheSonofGodisreceivedintoyourlife,andwithallyourheart,thateveryotherblessinginheavenbeginstofollow.LookatwhatthePsalmistsaidinPsalm103:2-5:

BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits:

Whoforgivethallthineiniquities;whohealethallthydiseases;

Whoredeemeththylifefromdestruction;whocrowneththeewithlovingkindnessandtendermercies;

Whosatisfieththymouthwithgoodthings;sothatthyyouthisrenewedliketheeagle’s.

Ifitisyourchoicetodaytobefreefromfilthinessandtowalkinnewnessoflife,there’sabloodflowingfromEmmanuel’svein,readytocleanseandsanctifyyou,andtomakeyouwhole.

SitDownAndThinkAnothertreatmentforsinistositdownandthink.Ifonlyanyonestrugglingwithsinwoulddothis,thenthesinproblemwillbemorethanhalfsolved.Haggai1:5saystoyou:

NowthereforethussaiththeLordofhosts;Consideryourways.

Thisnextscriptureshouldhelpyourreasoning:

Butwhosocommittethadulterywithawomanlackethunderstanding:hethatdoethitdestroyethhisownsoul.

Awoundanddishonourshallheget;andhisreproachshallnotbewipedaway.

Proverbs6:32-33

Now,askyourself,“IsthatwhatIwanttoget?”Iftheanswerisno,whymustyoudowhatwillcauseyouawoundandlandyouindishonour?TheYorubas(amajortribeinwesternNigeria)describerepentanceas“Ironup’iwada”.Thatis,thinkingtoeffectchanges—thatis,thinkingyourwaythroughtopositivechanges.YourememberthestoryoftheProdigalSon?Hecametoapointwherehedecidedtostopandthink,andhisstorychangedfromthere.TheBiblesays,“Whenhecametohimself…”(Lk.15:17).

WeneedtositdownandfindoutfromGod’sWord,askingourselves,“Whatbenefitcansinoffer?Whatbenefithasiteverofferedanyman?”TheProdigalSonreasonedhiswaybackhome;youshouldtoo.GodsaidinIsaiah1:18:

Comenowandletusreasontogether,saiththeLord:thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyberedlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool.

Ifyoudon’tknowhowtothink,you’llneverknowhowtoturn.Stopandthinknow,soyoucanturn.

ExerciseYourselfAndhereindoIexercisemyself,tohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffencetowardGod,andtowardmen.

Acts24:16

Christianityisarace,andexerciseistheruleofchampionshipinsports.Exerciseiswhatbegetsexploits,asnooneexcelsinanythingwithoutexercise.Nothinggoeswithoutaforcebeingappliedtoit.ThekingdomofGodsuffersviolence,andonlytheviolenttakeitbyforce.Everyobjectassumesastateofrest,untilaforceisapplied.

Godlinessisestablishedbyexercise.Untilyouapplyforceinthehandlingofthesinissue,itwillremain.Butwhenyouexerciseyourselfagainstanyorallformsofunrighteousness,heavenwilldeclareyourrighteousness.Theverygentleandweakwayyouarehandlingsinisthereasonithasremainedforsolong.Youneedtoputanendtoit,andfasttoo.Paultold

Timothy:

Butrefuseprofaneandoldwives’fables,andexercisethyselfratheruntogodliness.

Forbodilyexerciseprofitethlittle:butgodlinessisprofitableuntoallthings,havingpromiseofthelifethatnowis,andofthatwhichistocome.

1Timothy4:7-8

Godlinessisnotcheap;theoppositionistense.Therefore,yourequirealotofexercisestoovercomesincompletely.“Exerciseyourselfuntogodliness.”Godlinessisprofitableuntoallthings,butrequiresspiritualexercisetobeenforced.It’stimetogetontheline,soyouwillnotbepushedoutoftheway.Holinessisthefastestvehicleonearthtoanywhereyoudesiretogetto.ThatiswhyGodiscallingtheChurchbacktoorder:sinisnotafriendofanybody;itisasilentdestroyer!Ithascastdownandwoundedmany.Manystrongmenhavebeenslainbyit.

Andeverymanthatstrivethforthemasteryistemperateinallthings.Nowtheydoittoobtainacorruptiblecrown;butweanincorruptible.

1Corinthians9:25

Andverse24says:

Knowyenotthattheywhichruninaracerunall,butonereceiveththeprize?Sorun,thatyemayobtain.

Righteousnessisaspiritualsportthatrequiresexercise.Itdemandsyouacceptingpersonalresponsibility.Paulcontinued:

Ithereforesorun,notasuncertainly;sofightI,notasonethatbeateththeair:

ButIkeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection:lestthatbyanymeans,whenIhavepreachedtoothers,Imyselfshouldbeacastaway.

1Corinthians9:26-27

YourbodycanbesubjectedandhookedtothegraceofGodbythepowerofyourwill.To“keepunder”yourbodymeanstoexerciseit.Yousaytoimmorality,“No!”Tobriberyandcorruption,“No!”Yousaytoyourbody,“Shutupthere!”Asanointedashewas,Paulsaidhehadtoexercisehimselftotheheighthegotto.Thatmeansyoualsoneedtoexerciseyourselfagainstbitterness,envy,strife,immorality,lying,etc.Bringyour

bodyunderandsaytoyourmouth,“Shutup!”Saytoyoureyes,“No,lookhere,notthere!”

Thereisnoluckinsports;onlythosewhoexerciseexcel.Ifyoudon’texercise,you’llfail.Nowrestlerenterstheringbankingonluck;otherwisehewouldbebrokenintopieces.Nomatterwhatthehoroscopessayaboutyouthatday,ifyou’renotusedtothepunchesofaboxer,andyouentertheringwithone,whenhehitsyou,youwillhaveyourteethandjawinseparateparts!Boxersdoexercise.Theyputsomeheavystuffinasackandbegintohititsothatwhenfleshhitsthemwhilefighting,itwon’tbreakthem—theyarealreadyusedtothebruisesfromthepunchbag.Now,receivestrengthagainstthetrapsofhell,soyoucanwalkinthenewnessoflife.Yourdestinywillnotcrash!

PaulsaidtoTimothy:

Thouthereforeendurehardness,asagoodsoldierofJesusChrist.

Nomanthatwarethentanglethhimselfwiththeaffairsofthislife;thathemaypleasehimwhohathchosenhimtobeasoldier.

Andifamanalsostriveformasteries,yetishenotcrowned,excepthestrivelawfully.

2Timothy2:3-5

Theword“strive”connotesexercise.Romans14:22says:

Hastthoufaith?haveittothyselfbeforeGod.Happyishethatcondemnethnothimselfinthatthingwhichhealloweth.

Sonothinghappensinyourlifewithoutyourpermission.Whenyousay,“No”tosin,hellmustbow.Disallowcorruptionfromnowonandtakeyourstandforpracticalholinessbeginningfromnowbystandingagainstthearrowsofthewickedandthemanoeuvringsofhell.

InPhilippians3:12-17,Paulsaid:

NotasthoughIhadalreadyattained,eitherwerealreadyperfect:butIfollowafter,ifthatImayapprehendthatforwhichalsoIamapprehendedofChristJesus.

Brethren,Icountnotmyselftohaveapprehended:butthisonethingIdo,forgettingthosethingswhicharebehind,andreachingforthuntothosethingswhicharebefore,

IpresstowardsthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGod

inChristJesus.

Letustherefore,asmanyasbeperfect,bethusminded:andifinanythingyebeotherwiseminded,Godshallrevealeventhisuntoyou,

Nevertheless,wheretowehavealreadyattained,letuswalkbythesamerule,letusmindthesamething.

Brethren,befollowerstogetherofme,andmarkthemwhichwalksoasyehaveusforanensample.

Alltheseareformsofexercises.Determineinyourhearttofollowtherules—thelawofholiness.BedeterminedtobelikeJesus,tofollowuntilyou’relikeHim.IfPaulpressed,howmuchmoredoyouneedto.Ifhewasfollowingafter,youtooshould.Ifhedidsomething,youmustdosomethingtootokeepyourselfpure.FirstJohn3:3says:

Andeverymanthathaththishopeinhimpurifiethhimself,evenasheispure.

Stopwaitingforsomeoneelsetodoitforyou;youandImustpurifyourselves.Theprodigalsonreasonedhiswaybackhomefrompenury,Paulexercisedhimselfintoglory,youtoocanmakeyourwaybackintoglory.GodlyexerciseisthepathwaytoadignifiedChristianlife.James1:12-15hasthistosay:

Blessedisthemanthatendurethtemptation:forwhenheistried,heshallreceivethecrownoflife,whichtheLordhathpromisedtothemthatlovehim.

Letnomansaywhenheistempted,IamtemptedofGod:forGodcannotbetemptedwithevil,neithertemptethheanyman:

Buteverymanistempted,whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlust,andenticed.

Thenwhenlusthathconceived,itbringethforthsin:andsin,whenitisfinished,bringethforthdeath.

Temptationcanbeovercome;it’sahuddletobecrossedover.Godtemptsnomanwithevil;rather,everymanistemptedbyhisownlust(Jms.1:14).Sobeforesinfinishesyou,finishit!Receivestrengthforgodlyexercisefromthishour!Jesussaid,“Watchandpray,thatyeenternotintotemptation”(Matt.26:41).

Therearemanywaysofexercisingone’sselfuntogodliness.OnewayisthroughtheWordofGod.

ForIwilltakeyoufromamongtheheathen,andgatheryououtofallcountries,andwillbringyouintoyourownland.

ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean:fromallyourfilthiness,andfromallyouridols,willIcleanseyou.

Ezekiel36:24-25

Ephesians5:26alsosays:

Thathemightsanctifyandcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheword.

ThecleanwateristhecleanWordofGod.JesussaidtothedisciplesinJohn15:3:

NowyearecleanthroughthewordwhichIhavespokenuntoyou.

God’sWordcleansespeople.Ifyouwanttobefreefromimmoralityforinstance,readProverbs5,6and7,andyouwillbefree.Itiscleanwater;itwillcleanyouup.Psalm119:9says:

Wherewithalshallayoungmancleansehisway?bytakingheedtheretoaccordingtothyword.

God’sWordcleansesandwashespeopleclean.That’swhyyoumustexerciseyourselfinit.Thatway,youcanlaunchacounterattackagainsttheattacksofthedevil.TheBiblesays:

…Whentheenemyshallcomeinlikeaflood,theSpiritoftheLordshallliftupastandardagainsthim.

Isaiah59:19

AndPsalm107:20tellsusthat,

“Hesenthisword,andhealedthem,anddeliveredthemfromtheirdestructions.”

God’sWordisavitaltreatmentforsin;exerciseyourselfinit.

CastOff

Anotherwayofexercisingyourselfinrighteousnessistocastoffallformsofunrighteousnessaroundyou.

Thenightisfarspent,thedayisathand:letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmouroflight.

Romans13:12

“CastOff!”ThesearethesamewordsimpliedinMark16:17,whereJesussaidwewillcastoutdevilsinHisname.“Castoff”connotesaforce.Itimpliesthatyoucangetyourselfoutofsin.Yousaytothatspiritofadultery,orthatspiritoflying:“Looseyourgripoffme,inthenameofJesus!”Andoffitgoes.

Afteryouhavemadeyourchoiceforrighteousness,andhaveenteredintoacovenantwithGodwithanoathnevertobefoundinthatthingagain,andthemotionsofthatsinisstilltryingtomoveinyourbody,castitout!Thatsinisastrangerinahidingplace,waitingtodevouranddestroyyourdestiny;therefore,castitout!

TheBibleadvisesusto,“Castofftheworksofdarkness…!”AndinMark6:7,wearetoldthat:

Hecalleduntohimthetwelve,andbegantosendthemforthbytwoandtwo;andgavethempoweroveruncleanspirits.

WesawthemreturninLuke10:17withthereportthat,“eventhedevilsaresubjectuntousthroughthyname.”Jesussaid:“Igiveyoupoweroveruncleanspiritstocastthemout.”Iwantyoutoknowthatyouhavepower,giventoyoubyJesus,tocastoutuncleanspirits.Youcancastoutallmannerofuncleanspiritsthataretryingtodestroyyourgloriousdestiny.Youcandothisbyexercisingyourpowertocastofffilthfromyourlife.

CommandItToEnterNoMore!Aftercastingoffsinandallformsofevilfromyourlife,exerciseyourselfevenfurtherbycommandingittoenternomore;otherwise,youwillkeepbattlingwithsin,andyourlatterstatemightbeworsethanyourformer,likeJesusillustratedinthisscripture.

Whentheuncleanspiritisgoneoutofaman,hewalkeththroughdryplaces,seekingrest,andfindethnone.

Thenhesaith,IwillreturnintomyhousefromwhenceIcameout;andwhenheiscome,hefindethitempty,swept,andgarnished.

Thengoethhe,andtakethwithhimselfsevenotherspiritsmorewickedthanhimself,andtheyenterinanddwellthere:andthelaststateofthatmanisworsethanthefirst.Evensoshallitbealsountothiswickedgeneration.

Matthew12:43-45

Oh,whataveryinnocentChristian!Hesucceededincastingoutthespirit

thatwasoppressinghim.Butfindinghimclean,thespiritreinforcessevenmorewickedspiritsthanhimselfandcomesback,seekingtopossesshimagain!Uncleanspiritsofsinareroamingabout,lookingforwheretoland—thelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeyes,andtheprideoflife,alllookingforwhotocapture.Butyoucanhandlethem!

WhenJesussawthatthepeoplecamerunningtogether,herebukedthefoulspirit,sayinguntohim,

Thoudumbanddeafspirit,Ichargethee,comeoutofhim,andenternomoreintohim.

Mark9:25

Listenfriend,whenyoucastouttheevilspiritofsinfromyourlife,commandittoenternomoreforever,andsecuretheplacewiththebloodofJesus.

PutOff!Youcanputoffunrighteousnessjustthesamewayyouputoffyourclothes.HearwhattheBiblesays:

Butnowyealsoputoffallthese;anger,wrath,malice,blasphemy,filthycommunicationoutofyourmouth.

Colossians3:8

I’dlikeyoutoseetheweaknessofthecontrollingspiritsofsin.Whenastrongman,armed,keepshisgoods,hisgoodsareinsafety.Butitwilltakeastrongermantocomeuponhimandovercomehim.Thesameway,themomentyouseeSatanasbeingstrongerthanyou,youwillremainhiscaptiveforlife.

TheBiblesays,“Putoff!”,not,“Struggletoputoff.”GodistellingyoutoputoffbecauseHeknowsyoucan.Youcanputoffanger,malice,wrath,blasphemy,filthycommunicationsoutofyourmouth,etc.Italsosays,“Lienotonetoanother…”Thatmeansyoucanputofflyingtoo.

Verse9ofColossians3tellsusto,“Putofftheoldmanwithhisdeeds.”WhenIgethomeattheendofaday’swork,Ialwaystellmychildrentotakeoffmyshoesforme.Idon’thavetostartprayingthattheshoesshouldobeymewhenIwanttoputthemoff.No!Ijustgoaheadandtakethemoff.Thatmeanstheworksofthefleshareaslifelessastheclothesorshoesyouputonandoff.Soyoucanputthemoffatwill!

Iwantyoutohaveasuperioritycomplexagainstsinandcontrolling

spirits.Thatway,youwillseethemasthingsyoucanhandle.

PutOn…Afteryouhaveputoffunrighteousness,youneedtoputonrighteousness.InthatsameColossianschapter3,verse10says,“Andhaveputonthenewman…”It’sjustlikechangingclothes!Youputoffthis(sin)andputonthat(righteousness).Youputofftheoldmanwithhisdeeds,andputonthenewman.Verses12and14furthersay:

Putontherefore,astheelectofGod,holyandbeloved,bowelsofmercies,kindness,humblenessofmind,meekness,longsuffering.

Andaboveallthesethingsputoncharity,whichisthebondofperfectness.

Nowyouseethatyoucanputoffanythingyoudon’twantandputonthatwhichyouwant.ThatistheonlyreasonGodwilljudgeanybody:becausesinhasnomorepowerovereveryredeemedchildofGod.Sinceweareinvolved,Heseeswhatwearedoingasourchoice,andthat’swhywearepunishedforit.Isthatsinyouareinvolvedinrightnowyourchoice?Ifyouransweris“No!”thenputitoff!

Youneedtopossessasenseofsuperiority,inordertoenhanceyourexerciseofauthority.Sinisathingtoputoffatwill.Youcanwillitwhereyouarerightnow,andthatmotioninyourfleshwilldie;andyoucanputinits’placetheoneyoudesire.

LayAside!Youcanalsolayasidethatspiritofbondage,thatspiritofwhoredoms,thatlyingspirit,etc.Youhavethepowertolayitaside,otherwiseGodwouldn’taskyoutodoso.

Wherefore,seeingwealsoarecompassedaboutwithsogreatacloudofwitnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus,andletusrunwithpatiencetheracethatissetbeforeus.

Hebrews12:1

TheBiblealsosays:

ButputyeontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenotprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof.

Romans13:14

Thatmeansit’sonlyyourprovisionorpermissionthatgrantsitentrance.AsfarasGodisconcerned,sinandallformsofunrighteousnesshavenopoweroveryou.

Mortify!Mortifythereforeyourmemberswhichareupontheearth;fornication,uncleanness,inordinateaffection,evilconcupiscence,andcovetousness,whichisidolatry:

Forwhichthings’sakethewrathofGodcomethonthechildrenofdisobedience.

Colossians3:5-6

Tomortifymeanstodestroy.Youcandestroyfornication,youcandestroylasciviousness,andyoucandestroyenvyandallthelikes.WeneedtomortifythedeedsofthefleshthroughtheSpirit,becausetheythatareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod.Therefore,mortifythedeedsoftheflesh,soyoucanliveinthenewnessoflife!

Forifyeliveaftertheflesh,yeshalldie:butifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.

Romans8:13

I’dlikeyoutobeviolent,becausethere’snogentlemanatthewarfront!It’sasurvivalofthefittest.Theothersidehasnomercy,soyoushouldn’t.Theinstructionis:“Seehimfirstandgethimdown.”

Wherewithalshallayoungmancleansehisway?bytakingheedtheretoaccordingtothyword.

Psalm119:9

Thatis,youcanuseGod’sWord(whatHeissaying)tomortifythedeedsoftheflesh.

PurgeYourself!HereiswhattheWordofGodcommands:

Ifamanthereforepurgehimselffromthese,heshallbeavesseluntohonour,sanctified,andmeetforthemaster’suse,andprepareduntoeverygoodwork.

2Timothy2:21

Andeverymanthathaththishopeinhimpurifiethhimself,evenasheispure.

1John3:3

Whoistodothepurifying?You!

Littlechildren,keepyourselvesfromidols.

1John5:21

Whoistokeephimself?You!Youhavetoacceptthatresponsibility.FirstJohn5:18alsosays:

WeknowthatwhosoeverisbornofGodsinnethnot;buthethatisbegottenofGodkeepethhimself,andthatwickedonetouchethhimnot.

Whokeepshimself?You!Theballisinyourcourt.Acceptingpersonalresponsibilityiswhatestablishesaman’sdignityandvictoryoversin.Sostoplookingoutforwhotoblame.Exerciseyourselfuntogodliness,andwalkinthenewnessoflife!

GoForLightAnotherveryeffectivewaytodisarmsinistogoforlight–theWordofGod.

Andthenshallthewickedberevealed,whomtheLordshallconsumewiththespiritofhismouth,andshalldestroywiththebrightnessofhiscoming.

2Thessalonians2:8

“Thespiritofhismouthandthebrightnessofhiscoming”istalkingaboutrevelation,insight,anddepth.Wearetalkingaboutintenserevelation,whichwilldisarmthemysteryofiniquity.Therewillbesuchbrightnessoflightfromheaven,revealingtheweaknessofsin,toestablishthetriumphofthesaints.

Wearegoingtobeengagingtherevelationsofthekingdomtodisarmthecorruptionsofhell.“ThebrightnessofHislight!TheSpiritofHismouth!”There’sgoingtobesuchanelectriceffectfromthespokenWord,thatwillliberatementotallyandcompletelyfromsin.Wearegoingtouserevelationstocounterdestructions.

TheBiblesays,“Mypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge”,not

becausethedevilisstronginanyway.Heonlyhidesbehindyourignorancetoafflictyou.ButIhavegoodnewforyou:

Theentranceofthywordsgivethlight;itgivethunderstandinguntothesimple

Psalm119:130

Andthislightshinesindarkness,anddarknesscan’thandleit(Jn.1:5)!SowhenGod’sWordisfiredintoyourheart,yourstruggleswithsinwillcometoanend.Thenightisfarspent,thedayisnigh;therefore,putonthearmouroflight,sothatdarknesswillnotbeabletohangaroundyou.Putonthearmouroflight,sothatintegritycanmanifestinyourlife.

JesusiscominghereforagloriousChurch,withoutspotorwrinkleoranysuchthing.Agloriousgroupofpeople!Sinwhichhasslainsomanywillbeslaininourowntime.Thedevastatingeffectofsinwillbecomehistory;itwillnotdestroyanymore.WhentheWordcomeswithintenserevelation,allthewickednessoftheenemyissubdued.

Forthemysteryofiniquitydothalreadywork:onlyhewhonowlettethwilllet,untilhebetakenoutoftheway.

2Thessalonians2:7

Letus,therefore,engagethemysteryofChristtocounterthemysteryofiniquitythat’salreadyatwork.Godwillprovidesuchbrightnessoflightthatwillcheaplydisarmtheforcesofdarkness.HesaidHewilldestroyhim,“withthespiritofhismouthandthebrightnessofhiscoming”.Thatis,God’sWordcomingforthlikefire,destroyingallthestubblesandchaffofhell.

Youcandisarmsin,youcanconquercontrollingpowers,andyoucanwalkinthenewnessoflife.Andthegoodnewsisthatyouhaveallittakestodoit.So,goforit!

5

YourGod-GivenToolsWediscussedhowyoucandisarmsinintheprecedingchapter.InitIshowedyoutheroleyoumustplayinyourfightagainstsin.Youhaveapersonalresponsibilityifyoudesiretoliveaholylife,onethatispleasingtotheFather.

Inthischapter,IwillbeshowingyousometoolsGodhasprovidedyouwith,andwhichyoucanapplyinwinningthewaragainstsin.Youcanwalkinnewnessoflife,becauseallyouneedtodosohasbeendivinelyprovided.Indeed,Godhasgivenusallthatpertainstolifeandgodliness(2Pet.1:3).

Everybondageisanoperationofaspirit–thespiritofbondage,whichisSatanhimself.Thatiswhyinyourfightagainstsinitisnotwhatyouwant,butwhathewants.Andtodestroywhathewants,wemustcatchhiminthefrequencyheoperatesin.Satanisalsoaspirit,andheoperatesbyspirits.Forinstance,there’sthespiritoffear,ofbondage,anduncleanspirits.

InchaptersixofRomans,PaulmakesusunderstandthatsindisconnectsusfromGod.Theninchapterseven,hecameupwiththeunderstandingofthehelplessnessofthemortalmantodealwithit.Andinchaptereight,heintroducesustothehelpoftheSpirit,whichbringsourdesiredvictory.

ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit.

ForthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesushathmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath.

Romans8:1-2

Thelawofonespiritsubduesthelawofanotherspirit,justasMoses’rodswalloweduptherodsoftheEgyptianmagicians.Thesuperiorrodwillalwaysswallowthelesserone,bringingitundersubjection.ThesuperiorSpiritwillswallowtheoperationsoftheinferiorspiritsofiniquity.Thisismadeveryclearin2Thessalonians2:7-8:

Forthemysteryofiniquitydothalreadywork:onlyhewhonowlettethwilllet,untilhebetakenoutoftheway.

AndthenshallthatWickedberevealed,whomtheLordshall

consumewiththespiritofhismouth,andshalldestroywiththebrightnessofhiscoming:

GodhasmadeprovisionsforHissonsanddaughterstodestroythemysteryofiniquitythatisontheearthtoday.Thatprovisionisfoundin1Timothy3:16:

Andwithoutcontroversygreatisthemysteryofgodliness…

ThankGodthereisahighermysteryonourside—themysteryofgodliness!Theanswertothemysteryofiniquityisthemysteryofgodliness.Thegreatmysteryofgodlinesswilleasilyconsumethemysteryofiniquity.ThemysteryofgodlinessseeksjustificationintheSpirit.

WhatthelawdemandsismadepossiblebytheoperationsofthelawoftheSpirit.Thelawonitsownishelplesstobringyoutoaplaceofsanctity.ButwhenyouoperatethelawoftheSpirit,youareabletowalkautomatically,fulfillingtherighteousnessofthelaw.Whenyouwalkintheflesh(i.ewhenyouhaveonlyyourwillandyourdetermination),youdon’treallyhaveafuture.Thisisbecauseofattacksthatmayweighdownonyourwilloryourdetermination.Butthere’sahigherhelp.

TheHolySpiritNeverthelessItellyouthetruth;ItisexpedientforyouthatIgoaway:forifIgonotaway,theComforterwillnotcomeuntoyou;butifIdepart,Iwillsendhimuntoyou.

John16:7

TheHolySpiritisthatsuperiorhelperGodhasprovidedforyouinyourfightagainstsin.Whenyoucometoyourwits’end,that’swhereHebegins.TruelibertyfromsinisimpossiblewithouttheoperationoftheSpiritofGod.

…AndwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.

2Corinthians3:17

Zechariah4:6tellsusthatinourfightforrighteousness,itis:

…Notbymight,norbypower,butbymyspirit,saiththeLordofhosts.

ThisisbecauseittakestheHolySpirittosubdueunholyspirits.Doyouknowthatuncleanlinessisaspirit?Andwhatdoestheuncleanspiritdo?Itbringsfilthanddirt.Sinceitislawforlaw,andSpiritforspirit,itwilltaketheHolySpirittoswallowuptheuncleanspiritsthataresetagainst

you.

Moses’rodswallowedtherodsofthemagiciansbecauseitwasasuperiorrod.TheuncleanspiritshavetheirsourceinSatan,afallenangel,whereastheHolySpirithasHissourceinGod.Todestroytheuncleanspirits,therefore,youmustbeoperatingbytheHolySpirit.

Whenthedevilpossessesaman,theysayhe’smad,andthemangoesaboutinfilth.Henolongerknowswhatitistotakehisbathortocombhishair,becauseheispossessedbyanuncleanspirit.ButwhentheHolySpiritcomesuponsuchaman(bytheoperationofthemessengersofGod),hediscovershehadbeenunclean.YouneedthatsameHolySpiritnow,sothatHecanswallowupthemysteriesofuncleanlinessatworkinanyareaofyourlife.

Remember,HeisalsotheSpiritofholiness.Soifyou’rethirstyforholiness,thengofortheSpiritofholiness,forwe’renotcontendingwithfleshandblood,butwithspirits.WecanonlysubdueanddisarmtheseevilanduncleanspiritsbytheSpiritofholiness.

ButhowdoyougettheHolySpirittoworkonyourbehalf,soHecanswallowupalltheuncleanspiritsthatareouttodestroyyouwiththeirsatanicvenom?

AGenuineThirstHo,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters,andhethathathnomoney;comeye,buy,andeat;yea,come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.

Isaiah55:1

Areyouthirstyforholiness?Jesussaid:

…Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink.

Hethatbelievethonme,asthescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater.

John7:37-38

ThismeansthatittakesathirsttopulldowntheSpiritofholiness.YoucannotconnecttoHisflowwithoutathirst.

Areyoutrulythirstyfortheflowofholiness?ThengoforthereleaseoftheSpiritofholiness,forthatisyoursurestsecurityagainstthewantonnessofuncleanspirits.Weareinaspiritualconflict,andcan’taffordtomistakeitfornaturalissues.Weareconfronteddailybytrenches

dugbytheenemy,withadeterminationandanoathtoburyusinthem.So,weneedtobespirituallyarmed.

However,theweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,buttheyaremighty(andspiritual)throughGod,tothepullingdownofstrongholds.Thereisnotrueliberty,exceptbytheSpirit;forwherevertheSpiritofGodis,thereisliberty.Everynaturaltechniquecanfail,buttheSpiritofholinesswillneverfailinourconflictagainstsin.TruelibertyfromunrighteousnessistheministryoftheHolySpirit,“Forbystrengthshallnomanprevail”(1Sam.2:9).

Therefore,youmustbegenuinelythirstyfortheSpiritofholiness.Hewilldestroyeveryuprisingofsininyourlife.Isaiah59:19says:

SoshalltheyfearthenameoftheLordfromthewest,andhisgloryfromtherisingofthesun.Whentheenemyshallcomeinlikeaflood,theSpiritoftheLordshallliftupastandardagainsthim.

Whenthespiritofsinandfilthisfloodingyourlifewithadogged,devilish,andhellishdeterminationtoflooryou,theHolySpiritisyouronlyreliablehelp.WehavealwayssoughttoconnectwithHimforpower,butHealsoworksholiness,soastoenhancethereleaseofpower.

Untilholinessisworked,theflowofpowerisdamned.Solet’sgetthirstyfortheHolySpirit,andforHisministryofholinesstofindtotalexpressioninus.Davidyearnedforit:

OGod,thouartmyGod;earlywillIseekthee:mysoulthirstethforthee,myfleshlongethfortheeinadryandthirstyland,wherenowateris;

Toseethypowerandthyglory,soasIhaveseentheeinthesanctuary.

Psalm63:1-2

Whenheavensanctionsyourthirst,yourplaceofsecurityisguaranteed.It’slikeDavidwascrying,“Inaplacewherealmostnooneelsehasatestimonyofholiness,inaplacethatisdryofholiness,dryofyourglory,dryofyourhonour,mysoulthirstethandmyfleshlongethforthee.IwanttoconnectwithyourSpirit,soIcanmakeadifference.”

Ifyou’reconnectedtoGodandtoHisHolySpirit,youdon’tneedanyhumanconnectiononthisearthtoclimbtothetop.He’smorethansufficient;He’sallyou’lleverneed.WhenyoufindyourhelpinGod,you’rehelpedindeed!Butagenuinethirstandlongingiswhatwill

connectyoutotheflowoftheSpiritofholiness.

TherearecertainthingschokingyouprivatelythatonlytheHolySpiritcanbreak.Isaiah10:27givesusthatassurance:

Anditshallcometopassinthatday,thathisburdenshallbetakenawayfromoffthyshoulder,andhisyokefromoffthyneck,andtheyokeshallbedestroyedbecauseoftheanointing.

TheHolySpiritdestroysyokes.He’syouraccesstotrueliberty;He’sthekeytotrueholiness.WhenHetakescharge,theenemycanneveragainflooryou.WhenHetakescharge,Heputsyouincharge.

TheholinessyoudesireisaproductoftheSpiritofholiness.WhenyouthirstfortheSpiritofholiness,youhaveenteredintoyourrealmofholiness,becausethelawoftheSpiritgoesintooperation,todeliveryoufromthelawofsinanddeath.Butifthere’snothirst,there’snoaccess.Ittakesadesiretohaveanaccomplishment.IttakesyourdesperateyearningfortheSpiritofholinesstoescapetheterrible,mysterious,heavy,and“rocket”attacksoftheenemyagainsttheChurch(Rev.12:12).SatanhasvowedtocorruptthewealthofZion,sowemustbefullyarmed,forwearenotfightingagainstfleshandblood(Eph.6:12).

Iindeedbaptizeyouwithwateruntorepentance:buthethatcomethaftermeismightierthanI,whoseshoesIamnotworthytobear:heshallbaptizeyouwiththeHolyGhost,andwithfire.

Whosefanisinhishand,andhewillthoroughlypurgehisfloor,andgatherhiswheatintothegarner;buthewillburnupthechaffwithunquenchablefire.

Matthew3:11-12

TheministryoftheHolyGhostisprincipallytheministryofpurity.He’sthepurifyingfire;He’stherefiner’sfire!

WalkInTheSpiritThisIsaythen,Walkinthespiritandyouwillnotfulfilthelustsoftheflesh.

ForthefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,andtheSpiritagainsttheflesh:andthesearecontrarytheonetotheother:sothatyecannotdothethingsthatyewould.

Galatians5:16-17

TowalkintheSpiritmeanstooperateintheSpirit,toengagetheHoly

Spiritinyourearthlywalk—totakeadvantageofHisministryagainsttheworksoftheflesh.

Thespiritworkscontrarytotheflesh,andthefleshtothespirit.Soifyoudon’twalkinthespirit,thefleshwillsubdueyourspirit,andentangleyouthemoreinsinandunrighteousness.ButwhenyouengagetheHolySpirit,yousubduetheflesh.ThescripturestellusinRomans8:3-4:

Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh:

Thattherighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit.

Therighteousnessofthelawcanbefulfilled.How?BywalkingaftertheSpirit,byengagingthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinbattle.

Fortheythatareafterthefleshdomindthethingsoftheflesh;buttheythatareaftertheSpirit,thethingsoftheSpirit.

Fortobecarnallymindedisdeath;buttobespirituallymindedislifeandpeace.

BecausethecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod:foritisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe.

Romans8:5-7

ItisimpossibletobefreefromthelawofsinanddeathwithoutthelawoftheSpirit.IttakesthelawoftheSpirittobreakthelawofsinanddeath,because:

…TheythatareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod.

Butyearenotintheflesh,butintheSpirit,ifsobethattheSpiritofGoddwellinyou.NowifanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis.

AndifChristbeinyou,thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin;buttheSpiritislifebecauseofrighteousness.

ButiftheSpiritofhimthatraisedupJesusfromthedeaddwellinyou,hethatraisedupChristfromthedeadshallalsoquickenyourmortalbodiesbyhisSpiritthatdwellethinyou.

Romans8:8-11

TheHolySpiritdwellinginsideyouisthewaytocheaplydisarmthelawofsinanddeath,henceweneedtowalkinthespirit.

Therefore,brethren,wearedebtors,nottotheflesh,toliveaftertheflesh.

ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod.

Romans8:12,14

Paulsaidevenwetoodogroanfortheredemptionofourbody(verse23).Yourgreatestenemyisthisbody;butthereishelpfromaboveforyouthroughtheHolySpirit!

TheHolySpiritistheforcethatguaranteesyoursecurityintheconflictsoflife.Therefore,youmustbefilledwiththeSpirit(Eph.5:18).JesuswassofilledwiththeSpiritthatthefleshhadnoholdonHim(Lk.4:1-13).ThatiswhyPauladmonishesusto:

Mortifythereforeyourmemberswhichareupontheearth;fornication,uncleanness,inordinateaffection,evilconcupiscence,andcovetousness,whichisidolatry.

Colossians3:5

TheHolySpirithaspowertoputalltheevilslistedabovetodeathinourmembers,ifwewalkintheSpirit.

AskForHimIfyethen,beingevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren:howmuchmoreshallyourheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothemthataskhim?

Luke11:13

It’snotenoughtobethirstyfortheSpiritofholiness;youneedtogoastepfurtherbyaskingforHim.Thegoodnewsis:whenyouaskforHim,youwillreceiveHim.

InActs4,wearetoldthatthedisciplesprayed,andtheplacewheretheywereprayingshook,andtheywereallfilledwiththeHolyGhost,andtheyspokeGod’sWordwithboldness.TheyprayeddowntheHolySpirit.YoutoomustpraydowntheSpiritofholiness.

I’dlikeyoutoknowthis:GodwillgiveyoutheHolySpiritfasterthananyotherthing,ifyouwilljustbethirstyforHim,andthenexpressyourthirstwithagenuinecallforHiminprayer.UntiltheHolySpirittakescontrol,yourbodyremainsdead(Rom.8:13).UntilyoucallHimbyHisveryname,youwillneverseeHisholinessatwork.Hecomesto

thoroughlypurgeyoursystemandburnthechaffwithanunquenchablefire.

So,engagetheSpirit.Getintocloud–formingprayersintheSpirit(likeElijahdid).PaulsaidinEphesians6:18,“PrayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit.”WhenyouengagetheHolySpiritinwarfareprayersagainstyourflesh,awindbeginstoblowinsideyou.Itwillgatherthechaff,bindthemup,andfinallysetthemonunquenchablefire(Matt.3:11-12).ThefireoftheHolyGhostestablishesGod’sjudgmentagainsttheforcesofevilwarringagainstyou,enablingyoutowalkinthenewnessoflife.

PrayInTonguesButye,beloved,buildingupyourselvesonyourmostholyfaith,prayingintheHolyGhost.

Jude20

PrayingintheHolyGhostmeansprayingintongues.Itbuildsyouuponyourfaithforholiness.PrayingintheHolyGhostisamissingvitalkeyinouradventureinholiness.Itprovidesaccessintotherealmsofholiness;becauseRomans8:26-27says:

LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpethourinfirmities;forweknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought:buttheSpirititselfmakethintercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered.

AndhethatsearcheththeheartsknowethwhatisthemindoftheSpirit,becausehemakethintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod.

So,whenyouprayinanunknowntongue,youareprayingyourselfintothecentreofGod’swill,whichisthatyoubeclean.ThatlepercametoJesusandsaid:“Ifthouwill,thoucanstmakemeclean”(Matt.8:2).AndJesussaidtohim,“Iwill,bethouclean.”Sinisaformofleprosy.Andjustlikethephysicalleprosyseparatesyoufrommen,thisoneseparatesyoufromGod.CleanlinessisGod’swillforyou.

TheHolyGhostpraysyouintothewillofGod,forHemakesintercessionsforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod.ThatistosayHeorganisesyourlifetofallinlinewiththewillofGod.FirstCorinthians2:11tellusthattheHolyGhostknowsthemindofGod.SoasyouprayintheHolyGhost,HechannelsyouintothemindofGod.

TheultimateheightofholinessisattainablebyamysteriouslawoftheSpirit,whichisprayingintheHolyGhost.Hehelpsuspraywithunimpededaccesstoheaven.OneofthegreatestmenintheBible,withopentestimoniesofholiness(Paultheapostle)said:

IthankmyGod,Ispeakwithtonguesmorethanyeall.

1Corinthians14:18

PrayingintheHolyGhostisapersonalgiftforyourpersonalvictory;it’snotforpublicshow.ItistohelpchartyourcourseintothewillofGod.It’saprivateconfidentialweapon.Whenyoucomeface-to-facewithanattackofsin,yougetintoyourroomandburstoutintongues,andimmediately,yourtasteforthatsinwillbeparalysed,becausedeliverancewillanswerfromheavenasyouprayyourselfintothecentreofthewillofGod.

YoucanputtodeaththeworksofthosecontrolsthatseektodestroyyourlifeanddestinybyengagingtheSpiritagainstthem.Lookatitthisway:whenthewaterlevelinahydroelectricitysupplydamislow,thepowersupplyhastoberationed,becausetherateoftheturningoftheturbinesisreduced,therebyreducingpowersupplyaswell.Thesameway,whenyourwaterlevelislow,theriverofGodinsideyouislow,justasthepoweritgeneratesislow.Whatshouldyouthendo?Youshouldprayfromthedepthofyourheartforaninfilling.Burstforthintongues,prayingintheSpirit.Lettheearthunderyoushake,andletyourlifebefilledtooverflowingwiththeSpiritoflife!

EverytimeyouprayintheSpiritagainstthemotionsoftheflesh—anger,lust,covetousness,depression—youarecommandingthejudgmentoftheSpiritagainsttheforcesthatarecontrollingyourliferemotelyfromthespiritrealm.Don’tletthatthingstayon,pray!PrayintheHolyGhost!

Thatmotioninyourfleshcanbeconsumed.Thatlying,thatcraveforadultery,drugs,beatingofyourwife,andyellingatyourchildrencanallbeconsumed.AllyouneeddoisengagetheSpirit;andasyouprayintongues,youwilldevastatetheworksoftheflesh.

Paulhadthebrightesttestimonyofholinessamongalltheotherapostles.Speakingintongueswasoneofhissecrets.It’sanadventureintotherealmofholiness.Itkeepsyoustronginyourcommunicationwithheaven.

Forhethatspeakethinanunknowntonguespeakethnotuntomen,butuntoGod:fornomanunderstandethhim;howbeitinthespirithespeakethmysteries.

1Corinthians14:2

Whenyouprayintongues,yourcommunicationisoutsidethedevil’sunderstanding.Hecan’tconnect,sohecan’tattack.Hedoesn’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Asyou’reprayingorspeakingintongues,thefireoftheHolyGhostbeginstoworkinsideyourbody,toburnoffallthechaffandpurifyyoufortheLord’scoming.ThisisaveryefficientwayofpurifyingyourselfasHecommandedin1John3:3.

Cry:“AbbaFather!”Hereisanotherwayofbreakingthepowerofsinandcontrollingspiritsoveryourlifeanddestiny.

Foryehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear;butyehavereceivedtheSpiritofadoption,wherebywecry,ABBA,FATHER.

Romans8:15

ThespiritofadoptionisaforgottentreasureintheChurchtoday.ItisthespiritthatsaystoGod,“Thiscan’tbeaboveYou!ThisisnotgreaterthanYou!Youcanhandlethis,Father!”ThisisthespiritthatwasatworkwhenJesuscriedoutonthecross,saying,“Eli,Eli,lamasabachthani?thatistosay,MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?”(Matt.27:46).TheFathermusthaveresponded,“No!There’sanagenda.I’mgoingtobringYouout,”andHedid!

Satancannolongerforceyouintodoingwhateverisnotyourwill,becausethespiritofadoptionhascomealiveinyou.Iwouldlikeyoutoinvokethespiritofadoptionforyourabsoluteandtotallibertynow.Whenyouinvokethespiritofadoption,youaresayingtoSatan,“IwillshowyouwhosesonIam!”

Now,goaheadandinvokethespiritofadoption.SaytoyourFather:

“AbbaFather!ThisPharaohisnotstrongerthanYou.

Thisdepressionthatgoesandcomes,AbbaFather!

Thisspiritofbondage,AbbaFather!

Thisaddictiontoevil,AbbaFather!

ThiscontrolthatIcan’teventrace,AbbaFather!”

Thespiritofbondagewillalwaysbowtothespiritofadoption.SoIwantyoutotargetthatareaofyourlifethathasbeenaproblem,andbeginto

cry,“AbbaFather!”

Onetimethedevilcameagainstmewithaheavyattack,andIsaidtohim,“Satan,youjustwatch.I’mgoingtoshowyouwhosesonIam.”Thatisthespiritofadoption,thatiscrying,“AbbaFather!”

“DidYounotfullypayformytotalredemption?AbbaFather!Thisisnotmywill,whyissomebodyremotelycontrollingme?AbbaFather!”

Whenthe“spiritofadoption”,sotosay,cameupontheProdigalSon,hesaid,“Iwillgotomyfather,”meaning,“Rescuemefromthisdyingstate!”ThatisAbbaFather!

Let’sgetbacktothisforgottentreasure,asit’stheFather’sgifttoHischildrenfortriumphantlivingonearth.Deliverancewillalwaysanswerwheneveryoucry,“AbbaFather!”

EngageTheBloodWeaponAbrotherwasdeliveredfromdrugaddictionafterreadingoneofmybooks,TheBloodTriumph.Hesaidanytimehewasgrippedwiththeurgefordrugs,hewouldsay,“ThebloodofJesus!”andthetastewoulddie.

Friend,backedupbythebloodofthecovenant,youbecomeindestructibleandinsurmountableinthewaragainstsin!Youbecomeathreattothedevil.Allyouneedisagenuinechoiceanddecisionagainstsinandunrighteousness.

Thebloodisourpurgingmystery.Paulsaidin1Corinthians5:7:

Purgeoutthereforetheoldleaven,thatyemaybeanewlump,asyeareunleavened.ForevenChristourpassoverissacrificedforus.

Thereisatotalpurgingofeverythingyoupresentforpurgingwhenyoudrinkthebloodincommunion,sprinkleitorcallouttothebloodforhelp.ThebloodofJesusisthestrongesttreatmentforsin.ThebloodofJesusisourwayoutofthecorruptionofsin.

Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace;

Whereinhehathaboundedtowardusinallwisdomandprudence,

Havingmadeknownuntousthemysteryofhiswill,accordingtohisgoodpleasurewhichhehathpurposedinhimself:

Ephesians1:7-9

SowecanengagethebloodweapontobringusintotheperfectwillofGod.Hehasordaineditthatwayforus.Thebloodwayisouraccessintotherealmsofholiness.

ButGodcommandethhislovetowardus,inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.

Muchmorethen,beingnowjustifiedbyhisblood,weshallbesavedfromwraththroughhim.

Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife.

Romans5:8-10

Wehavetheanswer!

Andthebloodshallbetoyouforatokenuponthehouseswhereyeare:andwhenIseetheblood,Iwillpassoveryou,andtheplagueshallnotbeuponyoutodestroyyou,whenIsmitethelandofEgypt.

Andyeshalltakeabunchofhyssop,anddipitinthebloodthatisinthebason,andstrikethelintelandthetwosidepostswiththebloodthatisinthebason;andnoneofyoushallgooutatthedoorofhishouseuntilthemorning.

FortheLordwillpassthroughtosmitetheEgyptians;andwhenheseeththeblooduponthelintel,andonthetwosideposts,theLordwillpassoverthedoor,andwillnotsufferthedestroyertocomeinuntoyourhousestosmiteyou.

Exodus12:13,22-23

Thepassoverbloodisourstrongholdagainstthecorruptionofsin.Wecanengagetheblooddefencetodestroythecorruptionofsin.Abrothertestifiedofhislibertyfromdrugaddictionusingtheinstrumentoftheblood.Idon’tthinkthere’sanyothersinasdemonicasdrugaddiction;itisnexttomadness.Yetthisyoungmanengagedthebloodweapontodestroyitsholdoverhim.

Thebloodisenoughdefenceforyouagainstsin.It’senoughtosilencetheforcesofhell.Whenthetasteforsinbeginstorise,letyourhandsbeliftedup,asyoubegintofightwiththebloodweaponry.Whenyou’reonyourfeet,holdingthestrongholdofthebloodinyourhand,Satanwillknowthatyouarereadyforvictory,andwillleaveyoualone.SeewhatZechariah9:11-12says:

Asfortheealso,bythebloodofthycovenantIhavesentforththyprisonersoutofthepitwhereinisnowater.

Turnyoutothestronghold,yeprisonersofhope:eventodaydoIdeclarethatIwillrenderdoubleuntothee.

ThesendingforthofthebloodofJesussolvedtheuniversalsinproblem,becausewherethereisnosheddingofblood,thereisnoremissionofsins.TheLambthatwasslain“hastredeemedustoGod,by(His)bloodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeopleandnation”(Rev.5:9).

ThebloodofJesusisthepriceGodpaidforyourlibertyfromsin;andthatbloodisstillspeakingtoday.

Butyearecomeuntomountzion,anduntothecityofthelivingGod…andtothebloodofsprinkling,thatspeakethbetterthingsthanthatofAbel.

Hebrews12:22,24

Sowhenyoupleadthatblood,itbeginstoringontheFather’stableinheaven.Thentheangelsstandatalert,todeliverandtosetfree.Thisisyourhourofliberty!

Neitherbythebloodofgoatsandcalves,butbyhisownbloodheenteredinonceintotheholyplace,havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus.

Forifthebloodofbullsandofgoats,andtheashesofanheifersprinklingtheunclean;sanctifiethtothepurifyingoftheflesh:

HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChrist,whothroughtheeternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutspottoGod,purgeyourconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod?

Hebrews9:12-14

Thebloodhasaccesstoourhearts,topurgethemfromsinanddeadworks.

Andforthiscauseheisthemediatorofthenewtestament,thatbymeansofdeath,fortheredemptionofthetransgressionsthatwereunderthefirsttestament,theywhicharecalledmightreceivethepromiseofeternalinheritance.

Hebrews9:15

Thepurgingprecedesthereceivingoftheinheritance.Thatpurgingiswhatwillleadtoourpurity,whichwillinturnleadtoourbeauty.Thatis

whenwecanbegintowalkinthenewnessoflife.Youwon’tmissyourinheritance!

ThebloodofJesuswilldisarmthewickednessofsinandsetwhosoeverwillsfree.Thebloodisourwayout.Fromtoday,ifitisyourdesiretobefreefromsin(andyoucanturnthatdesireintoacovenantwithGod),thentakecoverunderthebloodofJesus.Lying,deception,immorality,etc.,willallbefarawayfromyourhabitationwhenyoudo.

Thebloodistheanswertothestrongestholdofsin.Ithasaccesstoyourconscience,toquickenitandtobringitbacktolife,causingyoutostandonyourfeetagain.

ThePowerOfYourWillAnotherGod-givenweaponyoucanuseinthisfightagainstsinisthepowerofyourwill.Andoneofthewavesoftheend-timeisthewillingnessofthepeople.Psalm110:3says,“Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower.”

IdiscoveredsomethingveryamazinginMark10:

Andwhenhewasgoneforthintotheway,therecameonerunning,andkneeledtohim,andaskedhim,GoodMaster,whatshallIdothatImayinheriteternallife?

AndJesussaiduntohim,Whycallestthoumegood?thereisnonegoodbutone,thatis,God.

Thouknowestthecommandments,Donotcommitadultery,Donotkill,Donotsteal,Donotbearfalsewitness,Defraudnot,Honourthyfatherandmother.

Andheansweredandsaiduntohim,Master,allthesehaveIobservedfrommyyouth.

ThenJesusbeholdinghimlovedhim,andsaiduntohim,Onethingthoulackest:gothyway,sellwhatsoeverthouhast,andgivetothepoor,andthoushalthavetreasureinheaven:andcome,takeupthecross,andfollowme.

Andhewassadatthatsaying,andwentawaygrieved:forhehadgreatpossessions.

AndJesuslookedroundabout,andsaithuntohisdisciples,HowhardlyshalltheythathaverichesenterintothekingdomofGod!

Mark10:17-23

Verse20iswhatstartledme.Thismandidn’thaveeternallife;allhehadwasthehumanlife.Butlookatwhathesaid:“…Master,allthesehaveIobservedfrommyyouth.”Hedidn’thaveeternallife,yethehadobservedsanctityfromhisyouth.Hecouldnotbecorruptedbyadultery,murder,fraud,etc.“AllthesehaveIobservedfrommyyouth,”hesaid.Bywhatmeans?Bythemeansofhiswill!

Yourwillisaforceofdeliverance,aforceofliberty.Thisman,withhis“inferior”life(ascomparedtooursuperior,eternallife)wasabletohandlestealing,fraud,falsehood,etc,throughthepowerofhiswill.

Thewillisapotentheaven-investedforceinsideeverymortalbeing.ItisaGod-givenforceforman’sliberty.Itisabletodetermineyourhabits.Thisisbecausewhereaswhatyouwantisadesire,whatyouwillisadecision.Yourdesiremaybedislodged,butyourdecisioncan’t,becauseitisstrongerthanyourdesire.

“Idon’twantto!”That’sokay.Butwhatisyourdecision?Wehaveheardwhatyoudon’twant,nowwhatdoyouwant?Whatisyourdecision,basedonwhatyoudon’twant?Thatmancamelookingforeternallife,butevenbeforehefoundit,hiswillhadkepthimincharge.Danielpurposedinhisheart(hedecidedwithinhimself)nottodefilehimself,andnoteventhedenoflionscouldmakehimchangethatdecision.Hewasreadytobeheldincaptivityforlife,ratherthandefilehimself(Dan.1:8).InGenesis39:9,Josephsaid,“HowcanIdothisthingandsinagainstGod?”

Friend,man’swillissupremeinthecontestwithsin.Yourdesireisyourwish,whereasyourdecisionisyourchoice.GodsaidinDeuteronomy30:19,“Ilaybeforeyoulifeanddeath.Chooselifethatyemaylive.”

Yourwillisyourchoice,becauseyourwillisyourdecision.Hesaid,“Chooselifethatyoushalllive.”Itmeansthatwhateveryouwillisaforceonthisearth.Jesussaid,“Whosoeverwill,lethimcome…”Thatmeansnodevilcanstopyoufromcoming,ifyouwill.Hedidn’tsay,“Lethimpray.”Rather,Hesaid,“Whosoeverwill,lethimcomeanddrinkofthewateroflifefreely.Whosoeverwillstocome,Iwillinnowisecastout”(Jn.6:37).

YourwilliswhatinitiatesHiswill.DrawneartoGodandHewilldrawneartoyou.So,itisyourwillthatdeterminesHiswill.Therefore,ifyouwillforpuritytoday,nospiritoffilthinesscanprevailagainstyourwill.Thatmanwithhishumanlifeovercamethespiritofadultery,murder,falsehood,fraud,rebellion,andhehonouredhisfatherandhismother

fromhisyouth.Youhaveeternallife,soyoucandobetter.

Itisyourwillthatdeterminesyourway.Untilyouwill,youdon’twin.Yourwillisyourdeterminationandtheexpressionofyourdecision,anditdeterminesyourdestination.Untilyouwillforholyandrighteousliving,youwon’twin.Yourwillforholylivingissupremeinyourcontestwithsin.Itisyourwillthatwheelsyouon.

Itisimportantthatyouknowyouhaveawill.ItisgiventoyoubyGod,andisstrongenoughtodestroyeveryattackthatisarrayedagainstyourdestiny.IfJoseph’swillprevailed,yourwillshallprevailagainsttheforcesofimmoralitytoo!IfthewillofDanielprevailedagainstdefilement,yourscantoo.

It’stimetoengageyourwill.Itisapotentforceinvestedanddepositedinyouforyourpurity,victory,andconquestinlife.Soengageyourwilltoestablishyourgloriousdestiny.Makeyourdecisionforrighteousnessknowntobothheavenandhell—thatyouwillstandonyourfeetandseevictoryeverydayofyourlife.

Yourwilldeterminesyourtomorrow.Cleansingisanactofthewill,buttressedwiththeviolenceoffaith.IsawaverygreatpropheticparableinHebrews9:16-17:

Forwhereatestamentis,theremustalsoofnecessitybethedeathofthetestator.

Foratestamentisofforceaftermenaredead:otherwiseitisofnostrengthatallwhilethetestatorliveth.

Somebodywritessomethingdown,whichcannotbeenforceduntilafterhisdeath,becauseaslongasheisalive,heisstilltheownerofallthosethingshehaswilledoutonpaper.Thetestamentorwillisadocumentthatbecomesoperationalonlyafterthedeathofthetestator.Howdoesthisapplytoyouandme?

PaulsaidinColossians3:3:

Foryearedead,andyourlifeishidwithChristinGod.

Ifyouareredeemed,itmeansyouareadeadmannow.Thatmeansyourwillisinforceonthisearthtoday.YouwerecrucifiedwithChrist.Thoughyouarestillliving,thelifeyounowlive,youarelivingbythefaithoftheSonofGod,whodiedforyouandgaveHimselfforyou.

Becauseyouaredead,yourwillisinforce.Youarelegallycoveredtowillanythingyouwish.Whenitisyourwill,thewaywillbeclear.SoGodiswaitingforyourdecision,whichwillcompelyourdetermination

anddestination.

Ifyourwillisnotinplaceinyourcontestwithsin,youwillbeavictim.Untilyourwillisinforce,everythingyouwantisameredesire,amerewish.Butwhenyourwillisengaged,everythingyouwillbecomesadecision,andcompelsdetermination.Danieldetermined,andhewon.Josephwilled,andhewontoo.TheyoungmanwhometJesuswilled,andheconquered.Ifyouwill,youwillwintoo.

Theseareserioussurvivalstrategies.Youneedtoholdthemtightlyinyourhand.Whenyousay,“No!”andmeanit,itbecomesawill.Friend,youhavethegiftofyourwillfromGod;engageitbeginningfromnowforyourlibertyhereonearth.

Ifitisyourwilltostopbeatingyourwife,forinstance,there’snowayyourhandwillevergouptohitheragain.Ithasbeenyourwishallthiswhile,that’swhyyoukeephittingher.Butwhenitbecomesyourwill,Satanwillgiveup.Ifyouwillfortotal,endlesslibertyfromimmorality,itwillbeenforcedandsanctionedinheavenandbowedtobyhell.Why?Youarea“dead”testator,yourwillisenforcedbylaw.

Ifitisyourwilltodevastatethetrapofsinthisend-time,thatwillgoesintoforce,andheavenwillbackitup.SoGodiswaitingtoseewhichwayyou’regoing.Withoutawill,youhavenowayout!Yourwillisyourstrengthinthecontestwithsin.Itisyourgreatestresistanceagainstsin.Soletyourwillbeinforcenow.

Jesusissaying,“Ifyouwill,thenIwill.”It’s,thereforetimetosay:

“Iwillforpurity!Iwillforholiness!Iwillforrighteousness!Iwillagainstsin!Iwillagainstimmorality!Iwillagainststrife!Iwillagainstdistractions!Iwillagainststealing!Iwillagainstlying.”

YourwilldeterminesGod’swillforyou.MayyourwillbeproperlyinplaceagainsttheonslaughtofSatanthisend-time.Satanisoutwithavowtotrapanddestroyus,sowemustdestroyhimwithastrongervow.

Doyouwilltobeholy?Everyaccomplishmentbeginswithadesire.Ifitisyourwilltobeclean,thetasteforsinwilldienow!Shadrach,MeshachandAbednegosawthefieryfurnace,buttheirwillforGodwasinplace.Thewillisapotentforce,whichwhenengagedinthecovenantmakesyouunbeatableinlife.

Ifthewillofmanisstrongerthansin,howmuchmorethewillofGodWhosaid,“BeyeholyforIamholy”.He’sthesameGodthatsaid,“Lettherebelight!”andtherewaslight.SoifHesays,“Beyeholy”,itis

becauseyouhaveallittakestobeholy,ifyouwanttobe.

ThePowerOfChoiceAllthroughmylittlelife,Ihaveseenthepowerofchoiceondisplay.Icallitthepowerthatkeepsman.IcallittheseedofGodinsideman.Imean,youmakeyourchoiceandHebacksitup,becauseHeiscommittedtobackingitup.

Friend,justmakethechoiceagainstanythingyou’vebeendoingwrongandthatwillendit,particularlyasacovenantchildofGod,withthebloodofJesusbackingyouup.Satanlegallyhasnomoresayinyouraffairs,becauseGod:

…Hathdeliveredusfromthepowerofdarkness,andhathtranslatedusintothekingdomofhisdearSon.

Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins.

Colossians1:13-14

Sinhasnoholdonyouanymore.AccordingtoRomans6:14:

Forsinshallnothavedominionoveryou:foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace.

Therefore,anyonewhochooseslibertycanbefree.Evensomenatural,unregeneratedmenmakesomestrongchoicesandareabletoimplementthem.Ireadaboutamanwhowouldwakeupat2a.m.(toplanhisday,nottoprayortoreadtheBible)andgobacktobedat5a.m.Thatwashisnaturallifestyle.Ihavereadsomanythingsaboutman,thatmademeconcludethatmanhassomuchinbuiltpowerheisunawareof.It’sthepowerofchoice.

Whenpeoplechooseintegrity,visitationsfromheavenbecomearegularexperienceintheirlives.IfDanielcouldbefreebyhischoice,youtoocanbefree.

ButDanielpurposedinhisheartthathewouldnotdefilehimselfwiththeportionoftheking’smeat,norwiththewinewhichhedrank:thereforeherequestedoftheprinceoftheeunuchsthathemightnotdefilehimself.

Daniel1:8

IfJosephalsocouldbefreebyhischoice,youcanbefreetoo.Wesee,inGenesis39:7-9:

…itcametopassafterthesethings,thathismaster’swifecasthereyesuponJoseph;andshesaid,Liewithme.

Butherefused,andsaiduntohismaster’swife.Behold,mymasterwottethnotwhatiswithmeinthehouse,andhehathcommittedallthathehathtomyhand;

ThereisnonegreaterinthishousethanI;neitherhathhekeptbackanythingfrommebutthee,becausethouarthiswife:howthencanIdothisgreatwickedness,andsinagainstGod?

Holinessisachoicetomake,andavisiontopursue.It’sacovenantlifeofchoice.Yourchoiceissupremeintheconflictwithsin.Daniellivedinalandofdefilement(Babylonwastheheadquartersofsinthen),buthepurposednottodefilehimself.Hemadeachoiceforrighteousness,andmadehiswaytothethrone.

Icallheavenandearthtorecordthisdayagainstyou,thatIhavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingandcursing:thereforechooselife,thatboththouandthyseedmaylive:

Deuteronomy30:19

Thisscripturefurtherbuttressesthepowerofyourchoice.Lifeanddeathlaybeforethepeople,butitwasintheirpowertochoosewhichevertheywanted.AllGodcoulddowastosuggesttothemwhattochoose,buttheactualchoosingwasintheirhand.

Yourchoiceissupremeintheadventureofrighteousness.Itisyourchoicethatcounts,notthewickednessofSatan.Theprodigalsonmadeachoice,anditwaseffectedinhisfavour.Certainthingsyouaredoingnowcanbestopped,ifonlyyouwillstandstrongthesamewayhedid,bythepowerofyourchoice.

It’snotthedevil;it’syourchoice!Youcanmaketherightchoice,andthebloodofJesuswillsetasealonit.Sinlostits’powerfromthedaythebloodofJesuswasshed.Thechoiceisnowlefttoman.Youcan’tmakeyourchoiceandthedevilthwartsit.No!

GodissayingtoHisprecioussonsanddaughterstoday:

Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnottheuncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou,

AndwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyeshallbemysonsanddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty.

2Corinthians6:17-18

“Comeoutfromamongthem,”Hesays,not,“Trytocomeout.”Itisyouthatwillchoosetocomeout.Choosetodaytocomeoutofimmorality,lying,financialimpropriety,deceptionsandcraftiness,etc,andchoosetobestraight.Choosepurityandholiness,andhonourwillpursueyou.Initiallyitmayappearasthoughyou’relockedupinaprison(asitwaswithJoseph),buttheywillsendforyou.Itmayappearasthoughyourbusinessisgoingdownbecauseyourefusedtogivebribesandkickbacks,butthat’swhenit’srisingup,fortheywillsoonsendforyou.Thisisbecause:Righteousnessexalts;itdoesn’tdestroy.

Whenthefatheroftheprodigalsonreceivedhimback,honourwasbestoweduponhim.Sindoesnotgivepeoplebeauty,itmakesugly!Itissalvationthatbeautifies.Yousimplyhavetomakeacovenantchoicetoliveholy,toliveright.Whenthatchoiceismade,you’rethrough.Andwhenyourchoiceismade,Satanisfinished!

Makeadecisionforholiness;decideforrighteousness!Makethatchoicetoday!Thejobhasbeencompleted;Godisjustwaitingforyourchoice.Thelittlefoxesspoilthevine.Thatlittlelie,thatlittlemalice,thatlittlebitternesswilldisqualifyyoufromGod’sgreatandgloriousarmy.Godiswaitingforyourchoice.Youwillnotbedisqualified!

Everysincanbelaidaside;everyweightcanbelaidaside.Itisyourchoicethatdetermineswhathappens.Understandthatitisyourbirthrighttoliveaholylife,butittakesyourchoicetomakeitareality.SinwouldhavetiedJoseph’sdestinydowninPotiphar’shouse,buthemadeachoiceforrighteousness,andhearrivedonthethroneinEgypt!YoutoowillarriveonthethroneGodhassetforyou.

Whereyouarenowisnotthebestyet,it’sonlyastepping-stonetowhereyouaregoing.Don’tdestroyyourdestiny.Sinhasbeendestroyed;makeyourchoicetobefreefromit.

Note,however,thatthequalityofyourchoiceislargelydeterminedbythequalityofinformationavailabletoyou.That’swhyyouneedtheBible,God’sWord,toshapeyourlife.EverypriceyoupaytoletgoofsinwillleadyoutoaprizeintheKingdom,inthenameofJesus!

StrengthInTheInner-manThisisoneothertoolgiventoyoubyGodthatguaranteessuccessinyourstandforholinesshereonearth.Strengthintheinner-manissovitalforeveryChristianwhodesirestowalkinnewnessoflife.NowonderPaulmadethisprayerfortheChurchinEphesus:

ForthiscauseIbowmykneesuntotheFatherofourLordJesusChrist;

Ofwhomthewholefamilyinheavenandearthisnamed,

Thathewouldgrantyou,accordingtotherichesofhisglory,tobestrengthenedwithmightbyhisSpiritintheinnerman.

Ephesians3:14-16

Inotherwords,youneedstrengthintheinner-manforyourspirittostayonitstoesinthisholinessadventure,sothatwhenyousay“No!”toanyevil,heavenwillsanctionit,devilswilltremble,andhellwillhavenochoicebuttoobey.

Buthowdoesonecomebystrengthintheinner-man?Yourinner-manisbeingstrengthenedwhenyouengagemysteriesthatarerevealedtoyou.Josephcouldsay,“No!”toPotiphar’swifebecausehehadbeenabletodevelopstrengthintheinner-man.Hecouldn’timaginehimselfcommittingfornicationwithanotherman’swifeandsinningagainstGod,sohefled.

OurlivesasredeemedchildrenofGodissustainedbythestateofourspirit-man.Whenourspirit-manissick,ourbodyfollowssuit,butwhenourspirit-manisalive,ourphysicalbodylives.Thespiritofamanwillsustainhim,nomattertheattackfromhell.Iwantyoutoengageyourspirit-manrightnowinchartinganhonourablecourseforyourlife.Desirehonourablehabitsforyourlife,andthentheLordwillsupplythegraceforaccomplishment(Prov.16:9).Danielpurposedinhishearttostayholy,andGodsuppliedthegrace.Hewasundereverykindofpressure,butGodsuppliedthegracethatsawhimthrough.

AfteryougaveyourlifetoChrist,probablynoonepreachedtoyouagainstalcohol;youjustdiscoveredit’snotbefittingforachildoftheKing,andyougaveitup.Allyoudidwaspurposeinyourheart,andGodreleasedthestrengthinyourspirit-man.Rightnowcertainthingsaregoingoninyourlife,whichyouknowwillstopyouifyoudon’tstopthem.Allyouneeddoistosay,“Lord,mymindismadeuptodayforaconsecratedlife.BringmeintothatrealmofhonourthatYou’vemappedoutforme.IreceivestrengthLord.”

Aftermakingthisprayer,theBiblesays,“Givenoplacetothedevil”(Eph.4:27).Thatis,developaprogrammethatdoesnotprovideopportunitiesforSatantore-enteryourlife.Drawupaprogrammethatshutshimoutofyourschemes.

6

DoTheseAlso…Inthischapter,Iwill,bytheHolyGhost,deliversomemoretipsthatwillaidyourvictory,andforeverkeepyouabovesin.Ifimmoralityandinfidelityarethedevil’splanforthehour,thenwetoomustlookoutforscripturalsolutionswithwhichtodestroythem.IfyoudowhatIwillbeshowingyouinthischapter,inadditiontoallthathavebeendiscussedinthetwoprecedingchapters,thenyouwillbeabletomaintainyourholyliving,andbeforeverfreetowalktallandinthenewnessoflife.

DisconnectFromSin!Toliveinthenewnessoflifeandbeeternallyfreefromsinandunrighteousness,youmustdisconnectfromsin.Sinwillnevergoonits’own.Ifyoudon’triseagainstsin,itwon’tgo.Youcanwaitfromnowtilleternityforsintogo;butuntilyouriseupagainstit,sinwon’tgo,becauseit’sdeterminedtodestroyyourdestiny.ButJesusmadethisinvitationinMatthew11:28:

Comeuntomeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.

Themomentyoudisconnectfromsin,everytreeofevil,plaguesandspellsthattheenemymighthaveplantedinyourbody,family,business,orfinanceswillbedestroyed.Youknowthatwhentherootofanytreeisdestroyed,thelifeofthattreeisgone.Butitisyourresponsibilitytodisconnectfromsin.

Themomentyouwilltobeholy,therootofthattreeofsinthatisgrowinginyourlife(withitsattendantfruitsofsickness,diseaseandallmannerofplagues)willbedestroyed,andthefruitswillnomoremanifest.Nomatterhowfreshthetreemightstilllookafterits’roothasbeendestroyed,itwillwhitheranddieinnotime.Therootisgone,soitslifeisgonealso.Likewise,whenyoudisconnectfromsin,alltheproductsofsininyourlifedie.JesussaidinMatthew15:13:

Everyplant,whichmyheavenlyFatherhathnotplanted,shallberootedup.

Godhasnotplantedsininyourlife.HesaidwhosoeverisbornofGod

doesnotsin,becausetheseedofGodabidesinthatperson(1Jn.3:9).Soyouneedtodisconnectfromthatsinnow!Faceit,andcallit(thatsinfulhabit)byits’name.Saytoit,“Youhavenopoweroverme!Idisconnectfromyounow,bymywillandthroughfaithinGod.”

Wherefore,seeingwealsoarecompassedaboutwithsogreatacloudofwitnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus,andletusrunwithpatiencetheracethatissetbeforeus.

Hebrews12:1

Thismeanswecanlaythemasideandsaytothem,“I’mnotdoingagain.”Godwon’tsay,“layaside,”ifitisimpossibletodoso.Theprodigalsonlaidasidetheweightofrebellion,andwalkedhiswaybacktoroyalty.

Youmightbeasking,“HowdoIdisconnectfromsin?”Repentanceisyourpathtodisconnection.Desireiswhatbringsyourrestoration,andsteadfastnesswillguaranteecontinuityinyourfreedomfromsin.Restorationleadstomanifestation.RepentancebroughtrestorationtotheProdigalSon,andrestorationbroughthimmanifestation.Hebecametheenvyofthelandalmostimmediately.

WhenyoureturntotheFatherorturnfromsinthroughrepentance,youwillreceivespeedyhonourfromheaven,because“Righteousnessexaltsanation,butsinisareproachtoanypeople”(Prov.14:34).Ifyouareabletodeterminethecostofsinandcompareitwiththevalueofrighteousness,youwillwalkoutonsin.Itismyprayerthatyouwon’tmissthisheaven-sentopportunitytowalkoutofthedungeonofsin.

Iseealltheforcesoffilthinessandcorruptionfleeingfromyourlife,inJesus’name.Leavethatman!Leavethatwoman!Leavethatillegalbusiness!Leavethatcorruptjob,beforeitcorruptsyourdestiny!Righteousnesswillrelocateyou.Butifyoujointheminthepleasuresofsin,youwillalsojointhemintheprizeoffailurewhichincludessufferingsandregrets.

TheformerthingsGodhasoverlooked,butHecommandseveryoneeverywheretorepent.Disconnectfromsinnow,forthisisyourhourofrestoration!

TakeAnOathForPuritySoshecaughthim,andkissedhim,andwithanimpudentfacesaiduntohim,

Ihavepeaceofferingswithme;thisdayhaveIpayedmyvows.

ThereforecameIforthtomeetthee,diligentlytoseekthyface,andIhavefoundthee.

Proverbs7:13-15

Thisscriptureistalkingabouttheadventureofanadulterouswoman.Shehadvowedtopulldowntheman,whounknowingfellintohertrap.Thesameway,Satanhasvowedtocastyoudown.Butwearenotignorantofhisdevices,soyoutoomustvowtodestroyhisworks,andfreeyourself!Itisrodforrod,atoothforatoothandaneyeforaneye.Itislaw(ofSpiritandlifeinChristJesus)forlaw(ofsinanddeath).

IfSatanhasvowedtocastyoudownandtodestroyyouthroughsin,thenyoucannotbejesting.GoliathvowedtodestroyDavid,andDavidvowedtodestroyhimtoo.Goliathsworeinthenameofhisgods,DavidalsosworeinthenameofhisGod(1Sam.17:43-45).Butthestrongervowswallowedupthelesserone.IfDavidwasjusttalkingbackatGoliath,withoutalsomakingavow,Goliathwouldhaveeatenhimup!

Satanhasvowedtodestroyyou,whyareyoujesting?Hehastakenabloodoath,buthisbloodisthebloodofbullsandcalves.IfyoutootakeaJesusbloodoathforpurity,itwillswallowuphisoathasthoughitneverexisted.

Itistimetocountersatanicvowswithcovenantvows.WhenyouenterintoanoathwithGod,itiscalledacovenant.AndeverycovenantthatisratifiedbythebloodofJesusissupreme,becausethatisthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant.Forever,thatbloodcoversanycovenantyoumake.

Toforevermaintainpurity,sanctityandholiness,youneedtomakeavow.Whenattackscameagainstmeattheonsetofourministryfromso-calledwell-wishers,Ididn’targuewiththem.Satanwasdeterminedtostopme,andIwasalsodeterminedtostophim;andIdidthisbycounteringhimwithanoath.Isaid,“God,shouldIpretendnottohaveheardYou,seetoitthatIdon’tsucceedinanyotherthingIwilldo!”Afterthat,everythinganybodysaidwasjustbytheway.Iwasunderanoath.

Whatanoathdoesistoestablishyoursteadfastnesstoyourwill;itputsitonyourchoice,andendsallstrife.That’swhytilltomorrow,Idon’thavealternativesanddistractions;Iamunderanoath.IhavenotdaredtoinvestadimeinanyotherbusinesssinceIcameintoministry,becauseitwillnotsucceed—Iamunderanoath!

Paulsaid,“WoeismeifIpreachnotthegospel.”Heputhimselfunderanoath.Thatwaswhyalltheupsettingsituationsaroundhimdidn’tbother

himatall.HewasunderacovenantoathwithGod.

Whenyoucomeunderacovenantoathforpurity,yourlifewillbecomeachallengeeventoyourself.Let’slookatHebrews6:13and16

ForwhenGodmadepromisetoAbraham,becausehecouldswearbynogreater,heswarebyhimself.

Formenverilyswearbythegreater:andanoathforconfirmationistothemanendofallstrife.

Yourstrugglewithsinwillendwhenyouenterintoanoathforconfirmation.Lookatverse17and18ofthatsamechapter:

WhereinGod,willingmoreabundantlytoshewuntotheheirsofpromisetheimmutabilityofhiscounsel,confirmeditbyanoath.

Thatbytwoimmutablethings,inwhichitwasimpossibleforGodtolie,wemighthaveastrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetolayholduponthehopesetbeforeus.

ThatmeansGodsanctionsthestrategyofoathtaking,becauseitbringsastrongconsolationandguaranteesyourdestination,soyoudon’tmissthehopethatissetbeforeyou.WhenmywifeandIwereincourtship,Satanwhisperedtome,“Iwillmakesureyoufall.”ButIsaidtohim,“Satan,you’retoosmall!”AndIsaidtoGod,“IfIeverdoit,putleprosyonme!”Thatendedthestrife!

Doyouwanttogettowhereyou’regoing?Thenunderstandthemysteryofoathtaking.Anoathisasealonyourdecision.Whenyougetintoanoathforpurity,itrefrainsyou.Friend,Satanisswearingtodestroyyourgloriousdestiny;youcan’tjustbespeakingormakingfun!LookatProverbs7:13-14again:

Soshecaughthim,andkissedhim,andwithanimpudentfacesaiduntohim,

Ihavepeaceofferingswithme;thisdayhaveIpayedmyvows.

ImmoralityhasvowedtoruintheChurch,todevastatethestrengthofZion!Theremustbeacountervowtoswallowupthatevilvow.Satanhassworn,soyoutoohavetoswear,toswallowuphisownoath.Satanhasvowedyourdestruction;youmustvowhisdevastationtoo!BeforenowtheChurchwassatisfiedwithprayingandfasting.Butthosearenotfundamentalissues;theyareallattheconclusion.Thesethingsyou’rehearingnowarethefoundationsthatwillhelpyourprayerstogouptotheFatherspeedily.

Yourwillandyouroathwillputyouoveranydemonicattackanyday,

anytime.Soletyourdesiregraduateintoadecision,andletyourdecisiongraduateintoaconfirmation—confirmationisanoath.Themomentyouenterintotherealmofoath,you’vecometotheendofstruggles.Whenyouentertheoathrealminyourconflictwithsin,youhaveendedthestrife;thematchisover!

Anoathconstitutesastrongassurancethatyouwon’tmissyourplaceinthismightymoveofGod.Anoathbringssteadfastness;itcompelscontinuityandkeepsyouonthemove.GodboundHimselfbyanoathtoIsrael.ThatwaswhyinspiteofalltheeviltheydidHecouldn’tpunishthem;HewouldalwaysremembertheoathHemadetoAbraham,andwouldrestrainHimself.

Anoathrestrainsmenfrombeingvictimsofevil.Tilltoday,thatoathoffaithImadewhenIcameintoministryhaskeptmyeyessingle.I’veneverlookedanywhereelse.I’veremainedonmyjob,anditshows!There’snocheaperwaytoweakenthedevilthanbytakinganoathforpurity.Onlyanoathwillconfirmyourstateandestablishyourdestiny.

Wearetrainingupasmembersoftheassaultcompanyandareintheforefrontofthisgreatarmythatisemergingthisend-time,sowecanhumiliatethedevilandpunishhimwhohaspunishedhumanitytothistime.Buttheonlywaytoenlistinthatarmyistocomeunderanoathforpurity.

Hearthis:yourwillisaforcetoreckonwithinthecontestwithsin,andanoathisaconfirmationthattheendofstruggleshascome.Jesuslovedrighteousnessandhatedwickedness;therefore,GodexaltedHimandanointedHimwiththeoilofgladnessaboveallHisfellows(Ps.45:7).I’dlikeyoutoexpressyourwillforpuritytobothGodandthedevil.Thisisbecauseuntilyouwill,youdon’twin.Thewilliswhatiscommonlycalleddetermination.Itisdeterminationthatdeterminesdestination.Iseeyoupunishthedevilwithanewlifestyle!

I’dlikeyoutobelieveGodforgracetoenterintotheoathrealminyourquestforpurity.ThereisnoattackfromhellthatcandislodgeacovenantoathwithGod—notevenifdeathwerestaringyouintheface.YourememberDaniel,Shadrach,MeshachandAbednego?Anoathistheendofallstrife.It’slefttoyou!

Havenothingtodowithlies,deceptions,immorality,andpride.Holinessisapossibility.Youcancounteranyvowfromhell.Yourvowisyourstrengthinthehourofcrisis.Inthedayofconflict,yourcovenantoathisyourstrongeststrength.SinisnotyourLord,yourwillisstrongerthanit,andyourcovenantoathwilldestroyitforever.We’veseenhowothers

weresetfree,showingthatyoutoocanbefreeifyouchoosetobefree.

Godhasshownustheweaknessofsinandhowtodealwithit.Haveawill,andbringyourselfunderacovenantoath.Untilyourwillisinplace,anoathisarisk.Butwhenyourwillisinplace,anoathbecomesyoursecurity.Thestingofsinisdeath.ButthanksbetoGod,whohasabolishedbothinChristJesus.

DevelopAGoodConscienceYourconscienceisthescaleofjusticethattellsyouwhatiswrong.Thatiswhynobodywilleversayinthepresenceofhiswife,“IthankGodthatmywomanfriendhasbeensowonderfultome.”Norwillanyonesay,“IthankGodwehadaverysuccessfulstealingexpeditionyesterday.Weshared2.4million,andIhavebroughtmytithe.”Or,“Wewereatameetingyesterday,whereIliedsomuch!”No!Nobodysayssuchthings.Why?Conscience!

Yourconsciencetellsyouwhatiswrongandwhatisright.Ifwelldeveloped,itisagoodaidinwinningthewaragainstsin.Agoodconsciencesetsoffanalarmwithinyouwhenthere’stroublelurking,andyouwilldowelltoheedit.Butagoodconsciencedoesn’tjusthappen;ithastobedeveloped,likePauldid.

AndhereindoIexercisemyself,tohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffencetowardGod,andtowardmen.

Acts24:16

Speakingliesinhypocrisy,havingtheirconsciencesearedwithhotiron.

1Timothy4:2

Onewithasearedconsciencecan’ttellgoodfromevilanymore.Atthebeginning,SolomonlovedtheLord(1Kgs.3:3).Hehadagoodconscience.Butinhislaterdays,itbecame,“AndSolomonlovedmanystrangewomen…Andhiswivesturnedawayhisheart[fromtheLord]”(1Kgs.11:1,3).Hisconsciencehadbeensearedwithhotironbythistime,andtheLordwasangrywithSolomon.Hishithertogloriousandenviablelifeendedinvanity.Adeadconsciencewashisundoing.

Abadconsciencecan’tbereliedupon,especiallyintheevildaysweareinnow.Whatyouneedisanexercisedconsciencethatcandiscernevil,soyouwon’tbecaughtinthedevil’strapthatissettoderailyou.Keepyourconsciencealive;fireitupwithlightfromheaven,soyoucanbeabove

sinalways.

StopThatHabit!Eachone,notthedevil,isresponsibleforhishabits.Habitscanbestopped,andnewonesformed.MikeMurdocksaid,“Youdon’tdecideyourfuture;youdecideyourhabits,andyourhabitsdecideyourfuture.”So,youcanstopthatbadhabit,andinitsplacelearnandacquiregodlyones.Youhavethepowertostopallungodlyhabitsinyourliferightnow.That’swhytheBibletellsusto“resistthedevil,andhewillfleefromyou”Submityourselvestherefore,toGod.Resistthedevil,andhewillfleefromyou.(Jms.4:7).

Everybadhabitcanbestopped.Paulsaid:

Andeverymanthatstrivethforthemasteryistemperateinallthings.Nowtheydoittoobtainacorruptiblecrown;butweanincorruptible.

Ithereforesorun,notasuncertainly;sofightI,notasonethatbeateththeair:

ButIkeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection:lestthatbyanymeans,whenIhavepreachedtoothers,Imyselfshouldbeacastaway.

1Corinthians9:25-27

Yourbodycanbebroughtundersubjection.Everyhabitisaccordingtoman’sdecision.Youcandecidetodaytostopthatlying,thatcheating,thoseevilthoughts,thatcovetousness.Youcanstopthemallnow.Youcantellyourmouth,“Nomoregossiptoday.Isubdueyounow,inthenameofJesus!”Youcansubdueyourtaste.Youcansubduethelongingsofyourflesh.Youcansubduewhateveryouchoosetosubdue.Romans8:12-13tellsus:

Therefore,brethren,wearedebtors,nottotheflesh,toliveaftertheflesh.

Forifyeliveaftertheflesh,yeshalldie:butifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.

WecanthroughtheSpiritmortifythedeedsoftheflesh;wecankillit.Everytimeyoucomeupagainstanyhabit,enterintoacovenantwithGodonit,thenyouhavefinishedthedevilcompletely.EnterintoacovenantwithGodconcerningthathabit,andyouwillliveinlibertyallthedaysofyourlife,youwillwalkinthenewnessoflife!Thisisthecheapestaccess

totriumph.

NoContact,NoContractContactiswhatestablishescontract.Itisthesurestaccesstogetintothetrapofimmorality.Butwhencontactismonitored,evilcontractbecomesimpossible.FirstThessalonians5:22warnusto“Abstainfromallappearancesofevil.”

Immoralityisimpossiblewithoutcontact.YourememberthewomaninProverbs7:13?Samsonwouldn’thavegonedownifhehadn’tmadethecontactwithDelilah.Hewasrightonherlaps,shehadtheopportunitytopresshimwithherwords.Shecaughthimandfinishedhim!Sobewareofevilcontacts.Cleanupyourenvironment,toavoidevilcontacts.Sendthatstaffofyourswithwhomyoucannotberelaxedawaynow,beforeheorsheruinsyou.Becautious.Petersaid:

Whereforegirduptheloinsofyourmind,besober,andhopetotheendforthegracethatistobebroughtuntoyouattherevelationofJesusChrist;

Asobedientchildren,notfashioningyourselvesaccordingtotheformerlustsinyourignorance:

Butashewhichhathcalledyouisholy,sobeyeholyinallmannerofconversation.

Becauseitiswritten,Beyeholy;forIamholy.

1Peter1:13-16

Nevermindthosewomenwhokeepcomingtoyoufordeliverance,theyarenotpossessed.JustlikeSatanenteredintoPetertousehimtodistractJesusfromHismission,peoplearoundyoucanbeenteredintoatanytime.ThatdidnotgetPeterpossessed;hewasonlyused.GodissoundingthisalarmbecauseSatanisouttousetoomanypeopletocorruptourlifting.That’swhywehavetoomanybadexamplesnow.Therefore,youmustbecareful,soyouarenotaddedtothelist.

Lustnotafterherbeautyinthineheart,neitherlethertaketheewithhereyelids.

Proverbs6:25

Theywillhuntfortheprecious,asthatistheirmission.Notethattheywillalsobefullyarmed!Theywillcomecryingandweeping.TheyknowthatyouandIarepreciousinthesightofGod,sotheywillcomehunting.You

mustvownottobecaughtbythem.

KeepTheRightCompanyBenotdeceived:evilcommunicationscorruptgoodmanners.

1Corinthians15:33

Ifyouwanttoliveright,youmustkeeptherightcompanyandrelatewiththerightthings.SomebodysharedatestimonyofhowheusedtowatchacertainprogrammeonT.V.,whicheventuallyledtohisbacksliding.Helosthiseternallifeforatleasttwoyears,beforehereturnedhome.

Friend,it’srightcompanyforrightliving!Nomatterhowanointedyouare,nomatterhowdedicatedyouare,nomatterhowmuchvowsyouhavemade,evilcommunicationwillalwayscorruptgoodmanners.Thecompanyyoukeepdeterminesthelifeyoulive.

TheCorinthianChurchwasthemostgiftedChurch.TheBiblesaystheywerenotbehindinanygiftoftheHolySpirit.Infact,speakingintonguesbecameliketheirnaturallanguage.SomuchsothatPaulhadtointroduceordertothewaytheyspokeintonguesintheirgatherings.ItwasalsoaknowledgeableandgivingChurch.Theyhadunderstandingofmysteries.Buttheywerecorruptedbyevilcommunication.

Asgiftedandknowledgeableastheywere,theywerethemostcorruptChurchintheNewTestamentdays.Anykindofsinyoucouldimaginewasthere!Infact,theyevenfoughtatthecommuniontable!ItwasthemostcharismaticofalltheChurches,yetitwassocorrupt!TheyhadthegiftoftheSpiritofholiness,astheHolySpiritwasheavyuponthem.Yet,evilcommunicationcorruptedthem.

Proverbs13:20warnsus:

Hethatwalkethwithwisemenshallbewise:butacompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed.

TheCorinthianChurchwassopollutedthatin1Corinthians5:1,itisstatedthatoneofthemsnatchedhisfather’swife!ThiswasbecauseaftertheygavetheirlivestoChrist,theydidnotseparatefromevilcompany.Theystillhungoutwiththeiroldboysassociations,childhoodfriends,andstillkeptclubmemberships.HowdoIknowthis?Well,seewhatPaultoldthemin2Corinthians6:14-17:

Beyenotunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers:forwhatfellowshiphathrighteousnesswithunrighteousness?andwhatcommunionhathlightwithdarkness?

AndwhatconcordhathChristwithBelial?orwhatparthathhethatbelievethwithaninfidel?

AndwhatagreementhaththetempleofGodwithidols?foryearethetempleofthelivingGod;asGodhathsaid,Iwilldwellinthem,andwalkinthem;andIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople.

Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnottheuncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou.

Icanimaginesomeofthemsaying,“Christianitydoesnotmeanweshouldabandonourfriends.HowwilltheygettoknowJesus?Ifweseparatefromthem,howwilltheyknowtheLord?”Well,I’vegotnewsforyou!It’seasierforthemtoseparateyoufromGodthanforyoutobringthemtoGod.Listen,Christianitythathasnodemarcationwillleadtodestruction!Howcanyousittogetherwithasinnerandbeswimminginhiscounsel?

Blessedisthemanthatwalkethnotinthecounseloftheungodly,norstandethinthewayofsinners,norsittethintheseatofthescornful.

ButhisdelightisinthelawoftheLord;andinhislawdothhemeditatedayandnight.

Andheshallbelikeatreeplantedbytheriversofwater,thatbringethforthhisfruitinhisseason;hisleafalsoshallnotwither;andwhatsoeverhedoethshallprosper.

Theungodlyarenotso:butarelikethechaffwhichthewinddrivethaway,

Thereforetheungodlyshallnotstandinthejudgment,norsinnersinthecongregationoftherighteous.

Psalm1:1-5

Iam,therefore,askingyoutomakeyourchoice.Itisimpossibletolivetheholylifebygettingintoanaccordwithunholypeople.Whenyoustaywithaliar,youpartakeofhislyingspirit.Hewillmakeyouafalsewitness.Youcan’tmakefriendswithanadultererandnotfallintothesamesin.WhenwestartedtheChristianraceinthosedays,someofourbrethrendecidedtheywouldtaketherevivalbacktotheirformerchurches.Now,theythemselvesareinneedofrevival,becausetheyhave“died”there!Whatisthelivingdoingamongthedead?Proverbs21:16

tellsus:

Themanthatwanderethoutofthewayofunderstandingshallremaininthecongregationofthedead.

MayGoddeliveryoufromthetrapofunbelievers!Godsaid:“Comeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate…”AsanointedasJesuswas,HeremainedamongbelieversallthroughHisstayhereonearth.Hechosethe12tobewithHim.ThatwayHehadaregisteredcompanyofmenthatsurroundedHim.HisconfidantswereChristians.JohnthebelovedhadtheclosestaccesstoHisheart.

TohaveanunbelieverasyourconfidantmakesafoolofyourChristianity.Someofyousay,“Wewereclassmatesinschool.”Well,getready,becauseyouwillsurelyendupasprisonmateseventually,becausehellisthegreatestprisonthereis—it’sabottomlesspit!Friendshipisnotbyforce;itisbychoice.Pleasedon’tplaywithyourlife!Youaresolelyresponsibleforwhatbecomesofyourtomorrow.

Friendshavebrokenmanyhomes.Somehusbands’friendshavepollutedtheirmindsagainsttheirwives.Ontheotherhandalso,somewiveshavefriendsthatloadthemwithdestructiveinsinuationsandso-calledadvices.Evilcommunicationcorruptsgoodmanners.WhatisaChristiangoingtoanungodlymantosharehisgenuineneedsfor?Hecanonlygiveyouungodlycounsel,whichwillendupseparatingyoufromGod.

Bewareofmen!Takeheedwhereyoustandorsittohearwhatyou’rehearing,soyoudon’tdestroyyourlife.Don’twalkintotheprisonofevilfriendshipwithyoureyeswideopen.Evenamadmanknowsaprisongatewhenheseesone.Haveyoueverseenamadmanwalkuptothegatesofaprisonhouseandsay,“Open!Lockmeinside”?No!Howthencanyoucallsomeonewhoisagainsteverythingyoustandforafriend?Youstandforrighteousness,buthestandsforsin.YoustandforGod,buthestandsforthedevilandgold,andyetyousayyou’refriends!

Doyouwanttobefreefromadultery?Thendisconnectfromthoseadulterousfriendsyouarehangingoutwith.Ifyoudon’t,theywilldisconnectyoufromGod.Nomatterhowstrongyouthinkyouareasaman,ifyougoforpornographicmagazines,thespiritofadulteryandwhoredomwillsettleuponyouandpossessyou.Thisisbecausecontactiswhatleadstocontract.Ifyoudon’tmonitorcontact,itwilldevelopacontracttoyourdisadvantage.

Evilcommunicationcorruptsgoodmanners,sobecareful.Therearecertainfriendsandrelationshipsyoumuststoptoday,ortheywillstopyou.Beforeyouknowit,you’llfindyourselfswimminginliesand

adulterywiththem.ThatiswhyIdon’thavepermanentfriends,Ionlyhavepermanentinterests.Themomentwearenolongeronthesamefrequency,I’mgone!Itisironthatsharpensiron.IfIwanttobeaboxer,Iwillgotoaboxertotrainme.IfIwanttobeachampion,I’llgotoachampiontotrainme.

FriendshipwiththeworldisenmitywithGod(Jms.4:4).AfriendoftheworldcannotbeafriendofGod,somakeyourchoice.IwouldratherbereceivedbyGodandrejectedbymen,thanberejectedbyGodandreceivedofmen.Paulsaid:

Whereforewelabour,that,whetherpresentorabsent,wemaybeacceptedofhim.

2Corinthians5:9

BewareOfUngodlyBrethrenButnowIhavewrittenuntoyounottokeepcompany,ifanymanthatiscalledabrotherbeafornicator,orcovetous,oranidolater,orarailer,oradrunkard,oranextortioner;withsuchanonenonottoeat.

1Corinthians5:11

Godissaying“No”tofriendshipwithboththeungodlyandwithChristianswholiveungodlylives.ThisisbecauseofwhattheBiblesaysinHebrews10:26:

Forifwesinwilfullyafterthatwehavereceivedtheknowledgeofthetruth,thereremainethnomoresacrificeforsins,

Ayoungladyforinstance,whoisdeterminedtobefreefromfornication,andhasinfactclaimedGod’sgraceforfreedom,butlatergoesbacktomeetthesamemanandtorenewtheoldcontracthasgonebacktohervomit.Awakeuntorighteousness,forthereisprofitinpurity.Godlinessisprofitableuntoallthings(1Tim.4:18).

Yourlifestyleislargelydeterminedbythecompanyyoukeep,asyoucannotbebrighterthanthecompanyyoukeep.God’sWordisemphaticonthecompanyyoukeep,thecounselyoureceive,andtheplaceyoustandandsitbecauseallthesedeterminewhetheryouremaingodlyorungodly.Godissaying,ifyouwantyourtomorrowtobesecured,mindthecounselyoudrawfrom,theplacesyoustand,andthepeopleyousitwith.Thatis,mindthecompanyyoukeeporyou’lldestroyyourdestiny.

Theassociationyoukeepwilleithermakeorbreakyou—itneverleaves

youneutral.It’seitherbuildingyouorbreakingyou,liftingyouuporlettingyoudown.Manypeople’sChristianityisoutofplacetodaybecauseofthefriendsthey’rekeeping.NowondertheBiblesays,“Acompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed”(…acompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed.Prov.13:20).

WithgreatpricedidIpurchasemylibertytogoforGod.Everybodygaveuponme,forGodtotakemeup.Won’tyouletGodtakeyouup?UntilHetakesyou,you’renotsecure.Ifyoudon’tbreakofffromthoseunholyassociations,theywillbringyoubacktoyourvomit.Galatians5:1says:

StandfastthereforeinthelibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree,andbenotentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage.

HavingbeenfiredupbyGodforalifeofpurityandholiness,thiscautionisimportanttomaintainit.Itisrightcompanyforrightliving.There’snofriendofaliarwhocanbefreefromlying.You’reeitherconsentingtohisliesbynoddingyourheadorkeepingquiet.

Youneedtherightassociation,toenjoytherightmanifestation.Inanyrelationship,you’reeithergrowingorgroaning,beingblessedorcomingunderacurse,eithergoinguporcomingdown.Godhasbroughtyououtofthemiryclay,mayyounotreturntoyourvomit!

WehavebeenraisedupwithChristandmadetosittogetherwithHim.Thatmeansweareup,whereasthosewhoarenotsavedaredown.Whenyoujointheminfriendship,you’rewalkingontheedgeofthecliff,andneedtobecareful,becausetheneareryouaretotheedge,themoredangerousitis.Afifty–fiftyChristianjourneyalwaysendsinacrash!IhavemadeupmymindtostayinthecentreoftheKingdom,becauseitispossibletofallheadlongintohellfromtheedgeofthecliff

Evilcompanionshipwillkeepyouinsin.Letnotyouranointingorspiritualmaturitydeceiveyou;evilcommunicationcorruptsgoodmanners.Thescripturescannotbebroken!Separatefromanyonethatwon’tletyougettowhereyou’regoing.LeavethoseoldfriendsyouhadbeforeyougaveyourlifetoChrist,sotheydonotdragyoubacktoyourvomit.

Evilassociationisanuncleanthing,andGodsays,“Touchnottheuncleanthing.”Youareinthe“best”trapifyourbestfriendisanungodlyman.Ifyoustillhaveasinnerasyourbestfriendyou’relookingfortrouble.It’sbettertowalkalonewithGod,thantobetrappedwithsomeonewhoscornsthetruth,someonewhodefilesandmocksJesus.YouneedfriendswhowalkwithGod.YouneedassociatesthatbelieveinyourGod,otherwiseyouwillbetrapped.HowcanyouaChristianownacompany

orbusiness,andmakeasinnertheChairmanordirector?Removethatchairman!Heisthereasonyouaregoingroundandroundonthesamespot.Removethatunclewhoistakingyourcompany’snametothemedicineman.Iftheywon’tgo,leavethecompanyforthemandgostartanotherone.Sinnerswon’ttakeyoutoanyplaceofhonour.Theydon’thaveit,sotheycan’tgiveit!

LethimthathasearshearwhattheSpiritissayingtotheChurch!Ifyouhaveputyourselfinchains,goandreleaseyourselfnow!Don’twaittilltomorrow.Wrongassociationisungodly.Itbringsaboutallformsofungodliness.Sinwillcontinueaslongasyoukeepwrongcompany.

Youshouldstopvisitingpeoplewhodrainyouspiritually.Whymustyoucelebrateyourrelationshipwithaliar,whenyouhavemadeachoiceforthetruth?Whymustyoubevisitinganadulterer,whenyouhavemadeachoiceforpurity?Breakthoserelationshipsnowbeforetheybreakyou!

TheJonadabTrapLetmeshowyouanexampleofwhatevilcompanycancauseyou.TherewasayoungmannamedAmnonin2Samuel13.HewasoneofthesonsofDavid,andhadastepbrothercalledAbsalom,whoseyoungersisterwascalledTamar.Amnonsodesiredhisstepsister,Tamar,thathelookedforwaysofsleepingwithher.Hislustmadehimsicktothepointwherehebeganlosingweight.ThenhisfriendJonadabcameonthescene.

JonadabdesiredtoknowwhatAmnon’sproblemwas.Afterhewastold,hewentaheadtoplotanevilplanforAmnontoachievehisgoal.

AndJonadabsaiduntohim,Laytheedownonthybed,andmakethyselfsick:andwhenthyfathercomethtoseethee,sayuntohim,Ipraythee,letmysisterTamarcome,andgivememeat,anddressthemeatinmysight,thatImayseeit,andeatitatherhand.

2Samuel13:5

NotethatAmnonwasacovenantchild,hehadcovenantbloodinhim.HisfatherwasGod’schoiceontheearth.Hehadaconnectionwiththecovenantofpurity.Sohecouldn’torganisesinsuccessfully.Buthewascastdown,trappedbythecraftinessofasubtlefriend—Jonadab.Seewhathappenednext:

Andwhenshehadbroughtthemuntohimtoeat,hetookholdofher,andsaiduntoher,Comeliewithme,mysister.

Andsheansweredhim,Naymybrother,donotforceme,fornosuchthingoughttobedoneinIsrael;donotthouthisfolly.

Howbeithewouldnothearkenuntohervoice:but,beingstrongerthanshe,forcedher,andlaywithher.

2Samuel13:11-12,14

Andattheendofitall,AbsalomkilledAmnon(vs.28-29),andthesameJonadabthatgavetheeviladvicewastheonethatannouncedAmnon’sdeathtoDavid.

Leteveryhusbandhelphiswifeinherchoiceoffriends,andleteverywifealsohelpherhusbandinhischoiceoffriends.Itisrightcompanyforrightliving!IfyourChristianityisstillone-leg-in-one-leg-out,youdon’thaveafuture.Ifyoudon’thaveafriendyou’rerelatingwithspiritually,you’realreadyonyourwaytohell.Lookforonenow,asfriendshipisnotbyforce,butbychoice.

Doyouwanttobefreefromsin?Thenlookforgodlysaintsasfriends.Ifyoukillyourselfthroughungodlyassociation,nobodywilljumpintothegravewithyou.No!Otherswillstillgoonliving.Sothinkstraight,andputonthearmouroflight.Remember,“Hethatwalkethwithwisemenshallbewise”(Prov.13:20).

PleasedisengagefromeveryJonadabinyourboat;he’sanagentofthedevilsenttobringyoudown.Beforehekillsyou,destroythatrelationship!Thereareplacesyoumustnotenteranymorenowthatyouareabeliever.Therearethingsyoumustnotsharewithjustanybody,andpeopleyoumustnottakecounselfromanymore.There’snofifty–fiftyinthisholinessbusiness.Ifyoudon’tcomeoutfromamongthem,you’llcavein.SinceyourChristianityhasnotbeenabletoinfluencethatfriendofyoursafteralltheseyears,betterbreakawayfromhimnow,otherwise,hewillpullyoudowntohell!

Yourdestinyisprecious,thedevilislookingforhowtodestroyit,buthewillnotsucceed.Youwon’tlethim,willyou?Soprotectyourself.

ButhethatisbegottenofGodkeepethhimself,andthatwickedonetouchethhimnot.

1John5:18

TaketimetoreadthebooksofCorinthiansandRomans,andyouwillseehowmuchyouneedtobecarefulinmakingfriends,bothwithoutsidersandinsiders(unbelieversandbelievers).Makeyourchoice,andletyourchoicebeinlinewithwhatyoustandfor,andyouwillincreasesteadilyin

yourrighteousness.

LetGoOfThoseIdols!Littlechildren,keepyourselvesfromidols.

1John5:21

Aftereverymajorrevival,quiteanumberofpeopleareleaving“Egypt”,i.e.theygetbornagain.Butbecausetheyarenewinthefaith,somestillhavethingshiddenundertheirbedsandintheirwardrobes-things“mymotherorfathergaveme.”Butyouhavetoletgoofthem,ifyoudesiretotrulyliveaholylifeandtowalkinthenewnessoflife.ThisisbecauseyoubecomeGod’senemywhenyouhaveotherthingsyouareleaningonotherthanonHim.HemadethisveryclearwhenHegavethe10commandments.

Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.

Thoushaltnotmakeuntotheeanygravenimage,oranylikenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,orthatisintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewaterundertheearth.

Thoushaltnotbowdownthyselftothem,norservethem:forItheLordthyGodamajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme;

Andshewingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatloveme,andkeepmycommandments.

Exodus20:3-6

TheBiblesaysthatthesorrowofthemthatfollowothergodsshallbemany.Thiscouldbewhyyoursorrowshavekeptmultiplying,becauseyou’vebeensecretlyfollowingothergodsthatonlyyouknowof.Godwantstoputyouoncoursethisveryhourbydeliveringyoufromthecursesoflife.Please,letHimdoit!

IdolatryputsGodoff;it’spollutioninHissight.Youcan’tservetwomasters;youmustchooseoneanddespisetheother.Don’tbesurprisedtofindthatsomeChristiansstillhavetinythingshiddeninhideouscornersintheirhomes,offices,cars,etc.Thingstheyresorttotimeandtimeagain.Someevenstillreadthestars(horoscope)inthenewspapers!Nowondertheirsorrowsaremultiplying!

Idon’tcarewhogavethatthingtoyou,Idon’tcarewhereyoufoundit,I

don’tcareeitherforhowlongyou’vehadit,ifyoudon’tletitgonow,thatmightbeyourend!There’sastrongwindblowing;youeithermovewithitorbeflooredbyit!

LetGoOfHumanIdolsToo!EvenHumanIdols!Whethergravenimagesorhumanidols,they’reallidols!Thesearethelittlegodfathersandgodmothersyou’vebeenleaningon.That’swhytheGodofheavenhasleftyoualone.Thosepeopleyouworshipinothertogetonethingortheotherfromarethereasonsyou’reonthefloortoday.Takeyoureyesandconfidenceoffthem,andlooktoGod,for“Ifthereforethineeyebesingle,thywholebodyshallbefulloflight”(Matt.6:22).

WhenyoulookawayfromGod,youenterintodarkness.ThecheapestwayoutofidolatryistogiveGodyourtotalfocus.Godismorethanenough!In1Kingschapter15,weseeAsareturningtotheLord.Butfirsthehadtodealwithhismother’sgods.

AndalsoMaachahhismother,evenherheremovedfrombeingqueen,becauseshehadmadeanidolinagrove;andAsadestroyedheridol,andburntitbythebrookkidron.

1Kings15:13

Godwantseveryidolinyourlifeburnt,soyoudon’tgetburnt.Idolsarefire;andwhosoeverkeepsfireinhisbosomandclotheswillbeburnt.Thatthingyou’rehidingsomewhereisthereasonfireisburninginyourlife.Bringitouttobeburnt,andyourlifewilltakeanewshape.

Idon’tknowwhereyougoafterchurch,orwhatyouputonyourlipsbeforeyoucomeoutinthemorning.Idon’tknowwhatisunderyourofficecarpet,neitherdoIknowwhatyourmothergaveyou15yearsago,andwhichyouhavekeptevenafteryougaveyourlifetoChrist!Idon’tknowthatthingyouinheritedfromyourfather,whichyoucherishsomuchthatwhenyourwifeiscoming,youhideit.ButallthingslaybarebeforeGod.Heseesallthings,andGodwhoseesyouinsecretwillrewardeveryoneopenly.

TogoafteridolsasaChristianistobeavagabond,likethesonsofScevainActs19.Thoseyoungmen,thoughsonsofthehighpriest,werevagabonds,andSatantorturedthem!Ifyoudon’twanttobetortured,thenyoumustcleanupbytakingoutthoseidols.Dowhatthepeopledidin

verses18and19:

Andmanythatbelievedcame,andconfessed,andshewedtheirdeeds.

Manyofthemalsowhichusedcuriousartsbroughttheirbookstogether,andburnedthembeforeallmen:andtheycountedthepriceofthem,andfounditfiftythousandpiecesofsilver.

It’stimetobringoutallthosethingsyourparentssenttoyoufromthevillage,tobeburnt.Ifyoudon’tbringthemouttobeburnt,theywillsoonburnyoubeforeallmen.There’sabaptismofholinessgoingonnow.Thisisyourchancetobefree,ifyoudesiretobefree.

Thosehiddenthingsandidolsareafflictingyourfamily,business,andhealth.WhenGodisagainstyou(becauseofyouridolatry),everythingelseisagainstyou.Thisrevivalisnotjustforanykindofperson;it’sforthosewhoareready!Ifyouwon’tletgoyouridols,leaveGodalone!Goddoesnotneedyou;Heisnotlookingforyou.YourmoneyisstinkinginHissight.Takeyourmoneytohell,toyourfatherthedevil!Yourpositionisworthless.TheonlythingthatmatterstoGodisyourstatusinredemption.Youhaveachancetobefreenow,ifyouwantto.Youcan’tbeavagabondinyouFather’shouse!

ThisistheNewTestamentorderofdoingthings:“theyconfessedandbroughtthemforth…”Then:“SomightilygrewthewordofGodandprevailed.”SomightilygrewthewordofGodandprevailed.ThatmeansthosehiddenthingswereresistingtheWord.Butaftertheywereburnt,theWordofGodgrewmightilyandprevailed.

ThatidolisthereasontheWordofGodisnotgrowinginyourheart!Allthosefederalministersthatyouareleaningonisthereasonyourbusinessisdown,insteadofup.Allthosegovernmentidolsinyourlifearethereasonsyou’reontheground.ButHisnameisEl-shaddai;He’smorethanenough!Myprayeristhat,likeJesus,youwillbeabletoboldlyandpubliclydeclare:“Theprinceofthisworldcometh,andhathnothinginme”(Jn.14:30).

Somepeoplesay,“SinceIgavemylifetoChrist,thingshavejustbeengoingdownwards.”Itisbecauseofthatthinginyourlifethatyou’venottakencareof.ImetJesusin1969,andmylifehasnotgonebackwardseversince.Ihaveneverhadabetterlastyearinmylife.

Stoplookingatsomebodyelseorpointingaccusingfingeratsomeoneelse.Lookatyourselfnow,andlocatewhateveridolisinyourlife,betheyhumanidols,positionidols,orgravenimage.Lookatitandtell

yourself,“Enoughisenough!IamgoingonwithJesus!”

SpeakinginActs15:19-20,Jamessaid:

Whereforemysentenceis,thatwetroublenotthem,whichfromamongtheGentilesareturnedtoGod:

Butthatwewriteuntothem,thattheyabstainfrompollutionsofidols,andfromfornication,andfromthingsstrangled,andfromblood.

Ifyouhaveleftfornicationbuthavenotleftidols,youhavenotleftanything.Ifyouhaveleftadultery,butnotidolatry,youhavenotleftanythingatall.TheBiblesays:

ForletnotthatmanthinkthatheshallreceiveanythingoftheLord.

Adoublemindedmanisunstableinallhisways.

James1:7-8

Suchapersonwillremainontheothersideoflackandwant;hewillprayandGodwillnothear,becausehe’sdouble-minded.Hismindisonthatthingunderhispilloworthatoneinsidehispocket.Ihaveseenmanyvehiclesthathadcharmshanginginfrontandstillhadaccidents.Wherewerethecharmswhenthecarshadaccidents?Thecharmscouldnothelpthem.Infact,thecharmwaswhatbroughtthejam!ButbecauseofthisJesusIserve,Ihavepassedthroughdeath19timeswithoutascratch!“Manyaretheafflictionsoftherighteous,buttheLorddeliverethhimoutofthemall.Hekeepethhisbones,andnotoneofthemisbroken!”(Ps.34:19-20).Therighteousisprotectedbyheaven.WhenyoucampwithGod,youhavecampedwithgood!

KnowyenotthattheunrighteousshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod?Benotdeceived;neitherfornicators,noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,

Northieves,norcovetous,nordrunkards,norrevilers,norextortioners,shallinheritthekingdomofGod.

Andsuchweresomeofyou:butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesus,andbytheSpiritofourGod.

1Corinthians6:9-11

“Butsuchweresomeofyou”.“Were”,not“are.”Soidolatrymust

becomeathingofthepastinyoulife.LetGodbetrueandallmenbeliars.Ifyouloveyourfather,motherorunclemorethanHim,youarenotworthyofHim.IloveJesus;He’sallIwant.NothingmatterstomenearhowmuchJesusmatterstomeinthisworld.Iwillfollowyouonlytotheextentthatyoudon’tderailmefromChrist.

I’dlikeyoutoknowthatyourwillisstrongenoughtogetthejobdone.Maybeyou’vekeptthatthinginignorance,saying,“Well,IhavegivenmylifetoChrist,itdoesn’tmatteranymore.”Itdoesmatter.There’sayoungmanintheBiblecalledManasseh.Hebecamekingattheageof12.HeledIsraelintoidolatry,sorcery,witchcraftandwizardry.HeevenbuiltaltarsforidolsinthehouseofGod!Manassehwasaterribleman,andGodafflictedhim(2Kgs.21:1-18).

Idolatrybringsaffliction,fleefromit!It’sovertoyounow!Letgoofthoseidols,andbegintowalkinthenewnessoflife!BelikethoseChristiansPauldescribedin1Thessalonians1:6-9:

Andyebecamefollowersofus,andoftheLord,havingreceivedthewordinmuchaffliction,withjoyoftheHolyGhost.

SothatyewereensamplestoallthatbelieveinMacedoniaandAchaia.

ForfromyousoundedoutthewordoftheLordnotonlyinMacedoniaandAchaia,butalsoineveryplaceyourfaithtoGod-wardisspreadabroad;sothatweneednottospeakanything.

Fortheythemselvesshewofuswhatmannerofenteringinwehaduntoyou,andhowyeturnedtoGodfromidolstoservethelivingandtrueGod.

7

TheMoneyIssueIhaveearlierinchaptertwoidentifiedfinancialcorruptionasoneofthethreeagentsofsinthedevilusesingettingmen.Ishallnowshowyouhowtobefreeofthistrapoftheenemy,howtobefreeofthegodofgold.

BeContentedAndhesaiduntothem,Takeheed,andbewareofcovetousness:foraman’slifeconsistethnotintheabundanceofthethingswhichhepossesseth.

Luke12:15

Thenumberonewaytobefreeoffinancialcorruptionorsinistolearnhowtobecontented.Bewareofcovetousness.Knowingwelltheeffectofthisevil,Paulwarnedagainandagainagainstit.

Butgodlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain.

Forwebroughtnothingintothisworld,anditiscertainwecancarrynothingout.

Andhavingfoodandraimentletusbetherewithcontent.

Buttheythatwillberichfallintotemptationandasnare,andintomanyfoolishandhurtfullusts,whichdrownmenindestructionandperdition.

Fortheloveofmoneyistherootofallevil:whichwhilesomecovetedafter,theyhaveerredfromthefaith,andpiercedthemselvesthroughwithmanysorrows.

Butthou,OmanofGod,fleethesethings;andfollowafterrighteousness,godliness,faith,love,patience,meekness.

1Timothy6:6-11

Contentmentistheanswertocovetousness.Untilyouarecontented,youwillremaincovetous.Godlinesswithcontentmentwillleadtotherealmsofgreatgaininlife.Covetousnessisungodly;itisasin.Itcorruptsgodliness.Butcontentmentwilldisciplineandsubdueit.

Covetousnessisamajorministryofthegodofgold.Themomentmoney

iswhatdeterminesyourmood,you’realreadyenslavedbyit.Butifyoucanarrestthegodofgold,youwillbeabletowalkinthenewnessoflife,causingyourbeautytoemerge.

Whatyouhaveisnotwhatdeterminesyourvalue,butwhoyouare.That’swhatdeterminesyourtrueworth;andyourpositionwithGodiswhatdeterminesyourultimatevalueamongmen.I’dlikeyoutobedeterminedinyourhearttosubduecovetousness,andrenewyouraltarwithGod.Destroythealtaroffinancialcorruptioninyourlife,andstoplivingformoney,soyoudon’tendupasamourner!

WhyamIsayingallthese?It’sbecauseweareinthedaysofplentyinZion.ThedayofHisjewelsisathand(Mal.3:17),andHissilverandgoldarebeingreleasedtotheChurch.Mayitnottrapyouinstead!JobwasamanthatfearedGodandeschewedevil,yethebecamethegreatestinalltheeast.Heisinheavennow.Youtoowillmakeit!

Righteousnessdoesnotdemote,itexalts!Butsinisareproachtoanybody.Righteousnessisapromoter.Goandtellthetruth!Dealtruthfullyinyourbusinessoroffice.Don’tpartakeinbriberyandcorruption;don’tgiveit,don’ttakeit.Don’tswearfalselytomakemoney.Tellthetruthandyouwilltriumph.Walkstraightandyourpathwillbestraight.Putyourchildrenintheschoolsyoucancomfortablyafford.Thekindofschoolonegoestoisnotwhatdeterminesone’slevelofintelligenceorfuture.Rather,yourpersonaldisciplineiswhatdeterminesyourgreatfuture.

Whenyoudenouncethegodofgold,theGodofheavenembracesyou.AndwhenHeembracesyou,everydiscomfortwillleaveyoualone,because,“InHispresenceisfullnessofjoyandathisrighthand,pleasuresforevermore”(Ps.16:11).Godhasprophesiedyourlifting,youdon’thavetobecrookedtogetit.So,walkstraight;walkinthenewnessoflife!

LayUpTreasuresInHeavenThekeytoyourfreedomfromthetrapofthegodofgoldislayinguptreasuresinheaven.IfyoustackituphereliketheRichFooldid,youwillworshipit,because“whereaman’streasureis,therehisheartwillbe”(Matt.6:21).Butifyoulayitupthere,itwillcreateafutureforyou.

Andhespakeaparableuntothem,saying,Thegroundofacertainrichmanbroughtforthplentifully:

Andhethoughtwithinhimself,saying,WhatshallIdo,becauseIhaveno

roomwheretobestowmyfruits?

Andhesaid,ThiswillIdo:Iwillpulldownmybarns,andbuildgreater;andtherewillIbestowallmyfruitsandmygoods.

AndIwillsaytomysoul,Soul,thouhastmuchgoodslaidupformanyyears;takethineease,eat,drink,andbemerry.

ButGodsaiduntohim,Thoufool,thisnightthysoulshallberequiredofthee:thenwhoseshallthosethingsbe,whichthouhastprovided?

Soishethatlayethuptreasureforhimself,andisnotrichtowardGod.

Luke12:16-21

YourrichesbecomeriskywhenGodiskeptoutofit.Whenyou’renotrichtowardsGod,nomatterwhatyouhave,you’reapoorman.WhenyouhavenoaccountwithGod,nomatterwhereyougettoonthisearth,you’reonthefloor.

Thecureforcovetousnessisthegivinglife.Thegivinglifewillfreeyoufromthetrapofthegodofgold.Paul,writingin1Timothy6:17-19,advised:

Chargethemthatarerichinthisworld,thattheybenothighminded,nortrustinuncertainriches,butinthelivingGod,whogivethusrichlyallthingstoenjoy;

Thattheydogood,thattheyberichingoodworks,readytodistribute,willingtocommunicate;

Layingupinstoreforthemselvesagoodfoundationagainstthetimetocome,thattheymaylayholdoneternallife.

Thisisthecure.Theloveofmoneyisconqueredwhenyou’rerichingoodworks,willingtodistribute,readytoletgo.Untilmoneybecomeslikedusttoyou,Godwillneverletyouhaveit.HesaidinJob22:24,“Thenshallyoulayupgoldasdust…”,notasidol.Whengoldismorethandusttoyou,youwillbefarfromit.Godwillonlyallowyoutolayitupwhenithasbecomedusttoyou;otherwiseyouwillworshipit.Achansaid:

WhenIsawamongthespoilsagoodlyBabylonishgarment,andtwohundredshekelsofsilver,andawedgeofgoldoffiftyshekelsweight,thenIcovetedthem,andtookthem;and,behold,theyarehidintheearthinthemidstofmytent,andthesilverunderit.

Joshua7:21

Itwasnotdusttohim,butanidol.Hewassleepingonit,untilhissinfoundhimout.Untilmoneybecomesdusttoyou,Godwon’tletyoulayitup.Andifyoulayitupyourownway,youwillcertainlyworshipittoyourowndestruction.

Hearthis:loversofmoneywillneverhaveit.LookatthislittlepoemthatGodquickenedinmyheartoneday:

The“Man”calledMoneyThe“Man”CalledMoney

Heisaspeedmachine

Noonehasevercaught-upwithhim!

Why?

Hehaswings,andoffintheskyhegoes

Andmenarebusyrunninghelter-skelterontheearth

Tocatch-upwithhim.

Hesoarslikeaneagle,

Andmenaresweatingandswottingontheearth.

WatchHim!

Heisaspeedmachine

Anenginethatgoesintheair

Nomanchaseshimonearthandcatcheshim.

Ohthespeedofmoney!

Withwingsitflies,

Whilethosewhochaseitremainontheground.

Moneyisaspeedmachine.

Itschasersaremourners

Nonehaseverbeensatisfiedwithit.

Moneyhasspeed

Thosewhochaseitdon’tcatchit.

ButthankGod!

WhenyoucatchGod,

Youhavecaughtgood!

Loversofmoneywillneverhaveit,andthosewhogetitthroughcrookedmeanswillbekilledbyit.Ontheotherhand,however,loversofGodwillenjoymoneyautomatically.Theloveofmoneyistherootofallevils.Thosewhorunafteritarealwaysslainbyit.LookatthatyoungmanwereadaboutinMark10.WhenJesustouchedhis“greatpossessions”,hedecidedagainsteternallife.Hewentaway,sayingasitwere,“Takeyoureternallife,I’llkeepmymoney.”Hispossessionsmeantmuchmoretohimthaneternallife.ButamancalledPaultheApostlesaid:

…IcountallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord:forwhomIhavesufferedthelossofallthings,anddocountthembutdung,thatImaywinChrist.

Philippians3:8

Asaresult,Godgavehimplentyofabundanceallthroughhisministry.Somuchabundancewasministeredtohimbythesaintsinvariouschurches,sothathehadallheneeded.

BeFaithfulAndIsayuntoyou,Maketoyourselvesfriendsofthemammonofunrighteousness;that,whenyefail,theymayreceiveyouintoeverlastinghabitations.

Hethatisfaithfulinthatwhichisleastisfaithfulalsoinmuch:andhethatisunjustintheleastisunjustalsoinmuch.

Ifthereforeyehavenotbeenfaithfulintheunrighteousmammon,whowillcommittoyourtrustthetrueriches?

Andifyehavenotbeenfaithfulinthatwhichisanotherman’s,whoshallgiveyouthatwhichisyourown?

Luke16:9-12

Unfaithfulnessisthenumberonewaycovetousnessisexpressed.Butunfaithfulnessgroundspeople,makingthemunfruitful.Unfaithfulnessmeansplayingouttheotherperson,withtheaimoftakingadvantageofhim.Youdon’tgoplacesthatway.FromwhatJesussaid,you’reboundtofail.Hesaid,“whenyefail…”

UnfaithfulnessguaranteesfailureinourcovenantwalkwithGod.Forinstance,adriverwhoisgivenmoneytofillthefueltank,butinsteadbuyshalftankandcollectsareceiptforafulltank,becauseheknowsno

oneislikelytocheckthecartoseeifheactuallyfilledthetank.Thisdriverhasonlysucceededincuttingdownhislifeandblessingsbyhalf.Unfaithfulnessisatrapofthedeviltomakeyouafailure.Don’tlethim,becauseGodwantstopromoteyou.

DoyouknowthebigerrorJacobmade?Beforehewasborn,hisdestinyhadbeendetermined:hewastobethegreaterofthetwo(Rom.9:11-13).Butthedevilmovedhimtosupplanthisbrother(Gen.27:18-29).Hedidn’thavetodothattobenumberone.Andhepaidforit!HesufferedunderLabanfor14years(Gen.29:18-30).Hisdestinywastieddownfor14years,inwhichhelanguishedinthehouseofLaban,hisfather-in-law.Thatiswhatunfaithfulnesscancauseaman.

Thegodofgoldistherootofallliesandevils,anditexpressesitselfinunfaithfulness.Befreefromits’trap!

AvoidDebtAnotherwayinwhichcovetousnessexpressesitselfisindebt.Whenyouhaveaflairforowing,thenyou’reavictimofcovetousness.Thegodofgoldhasheldyoucaptive.Whateveryoureyesseeandyoulongfor,butyoudon’thavethemoneyfor,youwillwanttoborrowtogetit.Forinstance,whatisamanborrowingtorideacarfor?

Thespiritofdebtisaterribleone.Themomentyoustarttakingstepsthatarelargerthanyourownstrides,you’recuttingdownyourlifewithoutknowing.Don’tyouknowthatthere’salwayssomethingyoucanbuywiththemoneyyouhaveinyourhand?WhateverIdon’thavenowisnotaneed,butawant,andGodiscommittedtomeetingmyneedsaccordingtoHisrichesinglorybyChristJesus,becauseIwalkinthecovenant(Phil.4:19).There’sasizeforyourpresentstatus.Allyouneeddoistolocateitandbesatisfiedwithit.

Discontentmentbringsdownyourspeedandmakesyoudefenceless.Nomatteryourlevelnow,Godhasmadeprovisionsforyoursizeoffood,house,clothes,etc,sobecontentedandliveahappylife.

RememberJesus’parableinMatthew18:23-27?Thatmancouldn’tpayhisdebt,hiscreditorcommandedthathe,hiswife,hissonsandallthathehadbesold,topaythedebt.Yousee,nodebtorcanclaimtobecomfortable,particularlywhenheisinthepresenceoftheoneheowes.

Thecovetousonseeinganitemormerchandisesays,“Whynotgetit?Goandgetitnow!”ButGodsaysinDeuteronomy28:12:

…Andthoushaltlenduntomanynations,andthoushaltnot

borrow.

AndPaultheapostlere-iteratedthisinRomans13:8:

Owenomananything…

Borrowingmakesyouaslavetoyourcreditor(Prov.22:7),andyouknowJesussaidyoucan’tservetwomasters(Matt.6:24).Soifyou’readebtor,theonewholentyouthemoneyisyourlord.YetGodsaid,

“Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.Thoushaltnotmakeuntotheeanygravenimage,oranylikenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,orthatisintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewaterundertheearth.Thoushaltnotbowdownthyselftothemnorservethem…”

(Ex.20:3,5).

Deuteronomy15:6says,“FortheLordthyGodblesseththee,ashepromisedthee:andthoushaltlenduntomanynations,butthoushaltnotborrow;andthoushaltreignovermanynations,buttheyshallnotreignoverthee.”Youdon’treignasadebtor;youreignasacreditor,asalender.

Acontentedmancanneverbetrappedindebt.Youshouldn’tcutyourclothaccordingtoyoursize,butaccordingtoyourcloth.Amanonasalaryof30,000nairaperannumshouldn’tbeseenlivinginahouseof36,000nairaperannum.Hewouldbesleepinginsidedebt!Thosewholendyoumoneyaresimplylendingyoumoneytodestroyyourdestiny.

Ifyoutakeyourstandagainstdebttoday,youwilllive.IdecidedagainstdebtonOctober4,1984,andsincethen,I’veliveddebt-free.IgotmyfreedomfromDeuteronomy15:6.Aborrowerneverseesthethrone,sositup!Don’tliveaboveyoursize!

Hearme,youwilllivelongifyoucanbefreefromfinancialunfaithfulnessandthedeceptionofdebt.Debtisnotawayoflife.Waittilltomorrowtodowhatyoucan’tdotoday.Aman’slifeisnotdeterminedbywhathehas.Ifyouliveyoursizepertime,yoursizewillknownolimit.Idon’tchangeanythinguntilIhavethemoneyforit.Idon’teventhinkofchanginganythinguntilIhavethemoneyforit.Bythetimeyouborrowtobuyabed,howwillyoufindsleeponit?You’llprobablyhavetoborrowsleeptoo!

Toborrowmoneytoeatmeansyou’reeatingbeyondyoursize.Totakemoneyfromsomeonetobuyshoesmeansyou’rewearingshoesbiggerthanyoursize.Tobuyanecklaceonhirepurchasemeansyou’rechoking

yourlife.Youwon’tleavedebtsforyourchildren!Whenyourtimeonearthisover,itshallbewithdignity.Thepapersofthehousesyouhavebuiltwillbeathome(atyourchildren’sreach),notinthebank(asasuretyforyourloans).Thepapersofyourcarswillnotbewithafinancehouse,butinyourhouse,inJesuspreciousname!

Thetortureofbeingindebtedshouldmakeyoufearit.Somehavebuilthousesandcan’tliveinsideitbecauseofdebt.Ihaveseencreditorsinsult,molestandhumiliatetheirvictims.Friend,it’stimetobefree!Maythegraceforcontentmentdescenduponyourlifetoday,andstayonforever!

LookatthisillustrativepoemIcameupwithnotlongago.Itistitled,“Mr.GreedAndMr.Give”

Ihavemettwocovenantneighbours,

MrGreedandMrGive.

Greedwillnotgive,Givewillnotgreed;

Greedisafriendofgold,GiveworshipsGod;

Greedstoresonearth,Givestoresinheaven;

Greedleadstodeath,Giveleadstolife;

Thechoiceismine.

IchooseGiveasmyfriend;

Idon’twanttoendmyjourneyindebt.

SohelpmeGod.

Youtoocanmakeyourchoice.WhenGehaziranaftergreed,hewasbaptisedwithleprosy.Allmannerofdiseasesarecontactedthroughtheloveofmoney,whichistherootofallevil.Ifonlyyouwillallowthecovenanttoprevail,onlythencanyoubefreefromallcircumstancesoflife.Borrowingisungodly.Oh,thereisagreatfutureforyou;reachoutforit.

Jesusknewnosin,yetHeknewnolack.ThegodofgoldhadnoplaceinHislife,yetHelaidupgoldasdust.Yourememberwhentheyneededtofeedthe5,000meninthewilderness?Heaskedthem,“Whenceshallwebuybread,thatthesemayeat?Whenceshallwebuybread,thatthesemayeat?”Theissuewasnotmoney,butwheretobuybread.

It’syourturntoswimincovenantfortunes.Allyouneeddoistowalkcleanandrefusefinancialcorruption,refusethetrapofcovetousness.Leaveunfaithfulnessaloneanddespisedebt,thenGodwillbecommitted

toyou.Itisonlythenthatbeforeyouknock,thedoorswillbeospentoyou.

ItistimetoenterintoacovenantwithGod,todestroythelordshipofmoneyoveryourlife.Moneyisnotagod;it’smerelyatool.Ecclesiastes10:19says,“Moneyanswerethallthings.”Sodon’tletitdestroyyourlife.Moneyhasdestroyedmanyhomes;don’tletitdestroyyours.Forinstance,therearemanyhomeswherethehusbandismilesawayfromhiswifeandchildren,allbecauseofmoney.Insomecasesthemanhasnotseenhischildrenorwifeformonths,evenyears.Thehusbandisnowinadulterysomewhere,andthewifeisalsolookingforanotherhusband.Allbecauseofmoney!

Thisdaymarkstheendoftherulershipofmoneyoveryourlife!Itshallnolongertormentyou,nordetermineyourmood!Fromthisday,yourdominionoverfinancesisherebyestablished!Youwillneveragainbecomeavictimofthegodofgold!

8

TheRewardsOfRighteousnessThereisprofitineverylabour.Innumerableprofitsawaityouifyoulabourtoliveaholyandrighteouslife.Apartfromtheotherbenefits,youareinstantlyguaranteedacompletelynewandfulfilledlifeinJesus,andyoualsoenjoyGod’spresencecontinually.

Righteousnessexaltethanation:butsinisareproachtoanypeople.

Proverbs14:34

Whereassinbringsacurse,righteousnessbringsblessings.Psalm112:1-3tellsus:

PraiseyetheLord.BlessedisthemanthatfeareththeLord,thatdelightethgreatlyinhiscommandments.

Hisseedshallbemightyuponearth:thegenerationoftheuprightshallbeblessed.

Wealthandrichesshallbeinhishouse:andhisrighteousnessendurethforever.

RighteousnessisusuallyinplacewhereveryouseeGod’sblessings.Whilethewagesofsinisdeath,thewagesofrighteousnessislifemoreabundant.Thereisalotmorepleasureinrighteousnessthanthereisinsin.

Prosperity,Promotions,HonourButmyhornshaltthouexaltlikethehornofanunicorn:Ishallbeanointedwithfreshoil.

Mineeyealsoshallseemydesireonmineenemies,andmineearsshallhearmydesireofthewickedthatriseupagainstme.

Therighteousshallflourishlikethepalmtree:heshallgrowlikeacedarinLebanon.

ThosethatbeplantedinthehouseoftheLordshallflourishinthecourtsofourGod.

Theyshallstillbringforthfruitinoldage;theyshallbefatandflourishing.

Psalm92:10-14

Nomatterthedroughtintheland,therighteousshallflourish;hisleaveswillremaingreen.JustasJobflourishedbyrighteousness,everyonethatpractisesrighteousnesswillflourish.SeehowtheBibledescribesJob:

TherewasamaninthelandofUz,whosenamewasJob;andthatmanwasperfectandupright,andonethatfearedGod,andeschewedevil.

Andtherewerebornuntohimsevensonsandthreedaughters.

Hissubstancealsowasseventhousandsheep,andthreethousandcamels,andfivehundredsheasses,andaverygreathousehold;sothatthismanwasthegreatestofallthemenoftheeast.

Job1:1-3

RighteousnesswasthereasonfortheheightJobattained.Evilmustdieinyourlife,sotheglorythatGodhasmappedoutforyouwillcomeout.Jobbecamethegreatestmaninthelandnotthroughcrookednessorperverseness,butthroughuprightnessandgodlyperfection.Hewasscaredofevil;henevertouchedit.HearwhattheBiblesaysabouthiminJob1:5:

Anditwasso,whenthedaysoftheirfeastingweregoneabout,thatJobsentandsanctifiedthem,androseupearlyinthemorning,andofferedburntofferingsaccordingtothenumberofthemall:forJobsaid,Itmaybethatmysonshavesinned,andcursedGodintheirhearts.ThusdidJobcontinually.

Thatheavoidedevilsuggeststhathewaslivinginthedaysofevil,butneverpartookofit.Instead,hebecamethegreatestmanintheeast!Righteousnessannouncespromotionsfortherighteous.Whoisrighteous?Whosoeverdoesrighteousnessisrighteous.Josephfledfromsin.Buthistroublebecamehistriumph,astheprisonyardbecamehispalace.Evenintheprison,heprospered!

Righteousnessholdsaguaranteeforyourprosperity.TheProdigalSonsaid,“Iwillariseandgo!”Andhearoseandwent,andeverydevilwaswatchinghimgo.Hewalkedbackintolibertyandhonour.It’stimetowalkbackintohonour.

AllthoseIreadaboutinmyBiblethatlivedrighteousliveswerehonoured.Potiphar’swifewouldhaveendedJoseph’sministryasasteward,butrighteousnesspavedawayforhimtothethrone.Theking’s

richfoodwouldhavedefiledDanielandmadehimremainamerecivilservantinthatcountry,butrighteousnessexaltedhim.Hewouldn’tdenyhisGod.No,noteveninthefaceofdeath!Hewalkedgallantlyintothedenoflions,andrighteousnesspreservedhim(Prov.11:3)!Heendedupinthehighplacesofthegovernmentofhistime!

Honourhasitsrootinrighteousness.SeewhatDaniel12:3tellsus:

Andtheythatbewiseshallshineasthebrightnessofthefirmament;andtheythatturnmanytorighteousness,asthestarsforeverandever.

Righteousnesscausesmentoshineasstars.Ifyoutrulydesirehonour,thenwisdomdemandsthatyoualsodesirerighteousnesswithagreaterintensity.Letyourdesireforrighteousnessbemorethanyourdesireforhonour,forwhenrighteousnessisinplace,honourisautomatic.

GodstoodbyallwhostoodforHiminthescriptures.GodmadeDaniel,whowouldnotdefilehimself,thekingoftheland.JosephbecameakingandrulerinthelandsimplybecausehewouldnottouchPotiphar’swife.Friend,honourisguaranteedwhenpracticalrighteousnessisinplace.

Desirerighteousness,andhonourwillfollowsuit.Itisautomatic.Nomatterhowmanyprinciplesyouputtogether,untilrighteousnesstakesitsplace,honourisnotinview.Righteousnessistherootofhonour.Whenit’soutofplace,honourisoutofthequestion.

Holinessisthecheapestwaytothetop.Youdon’tneedtobecrookedtobecomegreat.Jobwasaperfectman,yethebecamethegreatestintheentireeast.Youdon’tneedfinancialperversionorimmoralitytogainaccesstothethrone.Whateverthroneunrighteousnessplacesyouon,itistobringyoutouttershameattheend.

EveryaccomplishmentintheKingdomisborneofadesire.Thelackofdesireforrighteousnessisthereasonforthecaptivityofsin.Wherethere’snodesire,there’snoaccomplishment(Mk.11:24).Iwantyoutobewise.Sincehonourisanoffspringofrighteousness,thendesirerighteousness.

TheeyesoftheLordruntoandfrothroughalltheearth,toshowHimselfstrongonbehalfofanyonewhoseheartisperfecttowardsHim.So,God’seyescanenteranyprisonandpickupanyman.God’seyesfoundJosephintheprison.Andwhilehewasinprison,Godwasorganisingpromotionforhiminthepalace.Pharaohinhisdilemmaasked,(…Canwefindsuchaoneasthisis,amaninwhomtheSpiritofGodis?Gen.41:38.)Seewhathappenednext:

AndPharaohsaiduntoJoseph,See,IhavesettheeoverallthelandofEgypt.

AndPharaohtookoffhisringfromhishand,andputituponJoseph’shand,andarrayedhiminvesturesoffinelinen,andputagoldchainabouthisneck.

Andhemadehimtorideinthesecondchariotwhichhehad;andtheycriedbeforehim,Bowtheknee:andhemadehimruleroverallthelandofEgypt.

AndPharaohsaiduntoJoseph,IamPharaoh,andwithouttheeshallnomanliftuphishandorfootinallthelandofEgypt.

Genesis41:41-44

WhenGod’seyesfindyou,theywillhavenochoicebuttoputyouwhereHewantsyoutobe.Righteousnessisthesurestwaytothetop;stopthatsinnow,sothatitdoesn’tstopyoutomorrow!

BeautyPurityalsogivesbirthtobeauty.Let’slookagainatTommyHicks’prophecy:

“Slowly,thisgreatgiantbegantoriseandashedid,hisheadandhandswentintotheclouds.Asherosetohisfeetheseemedtohavecleansedhimselffromthedebrisandfilththatwasuponhim,andhebegantoraisehishandsintotheheavensasthoughpraisingtheLord;andasheraisedhishands,theywentevenuntotheclouds.

Suddenly,everycloudbecamesilver,themostbeautifulsilverIhaveeverknown.

Nothingglorifiesandbeautifieslikeholiness!Itsays,“Thecloudbecamesilver…”WhentheChurchwillriseinholinessandrighteousness,thereshallbebeauty,heaven-deckedbeautyuponZion!Whenmenwillcomeforthwithacovenantoath—”IfIperish,Iperish,butIwillliveforthetruth!”

Havingcleanseditselffromthedebris,thatgiantemergedinbeauty,andthecloudoveritsheadbecamesilver.“ThemostbeautifulsilverI’veeverseen”,saidTommyHicks.Ohyes,puritygivesbirthtobeauty!Purityisthemotherofbeauty.Psalm149:4says,“Hewillbeautifythemeekwithsalvation.”Andwhatissalvation?TalkingaboutJesusinMatthew1:21,theBiblesays,“Heshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.”

Yourbeauty,truecolour,andcovenantcolouremergesonlywhenyouaresavedfromsin.Thatiswhenyourauthorityanddominionisestablished.Letusgoforpurity,foritwillsurelydeliverourbeautytous.Whensingoes,beautyemerges.Iseeyourbeautyemerginginamostpowerfulway!

RejoiceAtPersecutionsWitheveryliftingandbeautycomespersecutions,butI’dlikeyoutoknowthatGod’sfaithfulnessisstrongerthananyattackthatthequestforrighteousnessmaybringyourway.

Yea,andallthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution.Yea,andallthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution.

2Timothy3:12

BytheinspirationoftheHolySpirit,Idefinedpersecutionas,“adisplayofemotionaldispleasure,whichleadstounjusttreatment.Borneoutofhatred,bitterness,envy,misgivings,etc,itistheheritageofthefrontliners.”

Naturally,theseedofthebondwomanisonacommissiontopersecutethechildofpromise.Sowhenyouarepersecutedforrighteousnesssake,Godisgivingyouasignalofliftingfromheaven.GodtoldmesomethingonMarch1,1992.Hesaid:

“Hundredfold(ofeveryblessing)willcomewithhundredfoldofpersecutions!

Ifyoudon’twanttobepersecuted,thenyoudon’twanttobeblessed.

Ifyoudon’twanttobebackbitten,thengetbehind!

Ifyoudon’twanttobepulleddown,thenchoosetobeontheground.

Ifyoudon’twanttobegatheredagainst,thenstaywheretheyare.

Inarace,onlythosebehindseehowtheonesinfrontarerunning.

Manisafreemoralagent;hemustbeallowedtospeakwhathesees.

Ifyoudon’twanttobetalkedagainst,thenyoumustquitthefront.

Youmustallowallthosewhoarebehindyoutodotheirjob—seeyourbackandtalkatyourback.

Asyoubeginandcontinueonthisjourneyofholiness,berestassuredthatplentyofmockerieswillcomefromwayfaringChristians,theoneswhoarenotgoinganywhere.Theyarewayfaringbecausetheyjuststandontheway.Theyaretheseedsbythewayside,sothebirdswillsooncomeandpickthemup.

Youmustallowthosewhoarebehindyoutodotheirjob:toseeyourbackandbothtalkatyourbackandbiteit.Therefore,everyonewhowantstheblessingsmustautomaticallywantthepersecutionsaswell—thatis,thelies,themockeries,theslanders,thecastigations,etc.Ifyoudon’tknowthatthesethingsarethere,youwillbetired.Jesussaid:

Woeuntoyou,whenallmenshallspeakwellofyou!

Luke6:26

ThosewhomindmenwillmissGod.IfIhadmindedmen,IwouldhavemissedGod.ButtheLordsaidtome,“Developyourselftoenjoypersecutions;butjustmakesureyou’renotinerror.”

Persecutionsarenoafflictions;theyaresignalsandproofsofpromotion.Abrotherheardandreceivedthewordthat,“Youmustnotgiveortakebribe”,andfor10monthshewashumiliated,becauseherefusedtogivebribe.Hisfriendsperhapsmockedhim.Hewasaskedtoreturntheonemillionnairachequetheyhadgivenhim.Sincetheynowknewhisstand,theywereout(asthechildrenofthebondwoman)topersecutehim.Butwhentheypersecuteyouforrighteousnesssake,itprovokesGodtopromoteyou,aseverypersecutionforrighteousnessequalsexaltationfromheaven.

Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnottheuncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou,

AndwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyeshallbemysonsanddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty.

2Corinthians6:17-18

Everychildthatshiesawayfromexamwillremaininthesameclass.Ifyoulike,goonsickleavewhenexamsarearound;that’snotacertificatethatyouhavepassed.Youwillstillcomebacktotaketheexamwhenyou

arewell.Everybodymustwritethisexamwearetalkingabout,oryouwon’tgoforward.Godsaidtome:

“Developyourselftoenjoypersecutions.Theyarenoafflictions;theyaresignalsofyourpromotion.Iamouttostirupjealousythroughyou!”

Everypersecutionagainstyourrighteousnessisannouncingyourpromotion,sorejoiceatthem.Notethatpersecutionsarenotjustfromsinners,butalsofromsaints,preachers,andevenverycloseacquaintances.Ifyouchoosetheholylife,youaregoingtowritethetestsofpersecution,butyouwillpassthemandbepromotedbythem.

Please,expectpersecutions!Developyourselftoenjoythemalso.Rejoiceatthem,becausetheywillannounceyourpromotion.Persecutiondoesnotkill;ignoranceiswhatkills.Everygreatnessfromheavenisalwayswelcomedhereonearthbypersecutions.Moseswasbornintothemidstofpersecutions.PharaohhadalreadyannouncedthateverymaleHebrewchildshouldbekilled.WhenJesusarrived(theMosesoftheNewTestament),persecutionwaswaitingalso.Herodsaid,“Killallthechildrenborn,becauseIhaveheardthatakingisborn.”Hellhasheardofyourstatusnow,andissettingupsnarestotrapyou.Hewillnotcatchyou!

Thepersecutionsoflifeareareality,butyourpoweroverthemisalsoareality.sThesoleaimofpersecutionsistostopthepersecutedfromattaininghisgoal.Soletyoureyesbesingle.Youwillattainyourgoalforholinessandrighteousness,inJesus’name!

Anybodycancallyouanyname,that’shisopinion.Iftheycallyouathief,justmakesureyouarenotstealing.Iftheysayyouarealiar,makesureyouaretellingthetruth.Amongliars,theonlyonetellingthetruthisreckonedasaliar.Soleavethemtotheiropinion.TheJudgeofthewholeearthiswatching.Don’tfightthem,soyoudon’tloseyourrighteousness.Don’tbeembitteredagainstthemeither,soyoudon’tdefileyourholiness.IfJesushadmindedthecommentsofthePharisees,Hewouldneverhavearrivedheaven.LeavethePharisees,Sadduceesandscribeswheretheyare,andstickwithJesus!

Persecutorshavetheirministry,leavethemtoit.Rather,takeheedtoyourownministry,anddon’tbotheraboutotherpeople’sministries.Youknowwhereyouaregoing,sodon’tlookback.MaythelovethatyouhaveforHimkeepyouawayfromallthehorrorsofpersecution.

Heavenisthehomeofovercomers,andonlythosewhosailthroughinthetemptationsoflifewillfindtheirplacesthere.Whenyouendurepersecution,youwinacrownoflife.Youarenottoenduresin,but

persecution.

Friend,acrownofgloryandhonourawaitsyou;youwillnotmissit!

9

It’sTimeForTheShowers!Nowthatsinisoutoftheway,it’stimefortheshowersofGod’sblessingstofall.Aswewellknow,righteousnessexalts,whilesinisareproach.Towalkinthenewnessoflife,wemustgetridofsinfromourlives.Butitdoesn’tendthere.GodthenstepsinandfillsourliveswithHisblessingsinplaceofSatan’ssinanddefilement.ThisiswhatGodpromiseseveryonethatwillcleanup:

AndIwillmakewiththemacovenantofpeace,andwillcausetheevilbeaststoceaseoutoftheland:andtheyshalldwellsafelyinthewilderness,andsleepinthewoods.

AndIwillmakethemandtheplacesroundaboutmyhillablessing;andIwillcausetheshowertocomedowninhisseason;thereshallbeshowersofblessing.

Andthetreeofthefieldshallyieldherfruit,andtheearthshallyieldherincrease,andtheyshallbesafeintheirland,andshallknowthatIamtheLORD,whenIhavebrokenthebandsoftheiryoke,anddeliveredthemoutofthehandofthosethatservedthemselvesofthem.

Andtheyshallnomorebeapreytotheheathen,neithershallthebeastofthelanddevourthem;buttheyshalldwellsafely,andnoneshallmakethemafraid.

Ezekiel34:25-28

“Thereshallbeshowersofblessing!”saystheLord,foreveryonewhowillchoosetowalkinnewnessoflife,towalkinholinessandrighteousness.AndwhywillGodreleasetheshowersofblessingsuponus?Itisbecausebyprophecy,theend-timeChurchistoenjoyaclimaxofhonourandgloryasthearrivaloftheBridegroomapproaches.OurBridegroomisonHisway.Heisverycloseby;andthenearerwearetoHiscoming,themoreglorywebegintoexperience.

TheChurchhasenteredintoits“rainy”season.Andjustliketherainyseasonisthemostgloriousseasoninthenatural(whereleavesontreesaregreenandfruitscanbeseenhangingdownbranches,wherethegrassisgreenandeverythingisflourishing),soisitintherealmofthespiritas

well.ShowerscauseGod’speopletoflourish(Ps.65:9-10).

Withsinoutofourlives,droughtisgoneaswell.It’snowtimefortheshowers.WhenIsay“Showers”,Imeanshowers,notmercydropsassomeareexperiencingnow.

Butbeforetheshowersofblessingsistherain,whichallowsforthecontinuousflowoftheshower.TheBibletalksaboutfourkindsofrain.Oneleadstotheother.Youhavetostartatthebottomoftheladdertogettothetop.Let’sidentifythefourkindsofrain.

TheRainOfRighteousnessSowtoyourselvesinrighteousness,reapinmercy;breakupyourfallowground:foritistimetoseektheLord,tillhecomeandrainrighteousnessuponyou.

Hosea10:12

Thegreatnessoftheend-timeChurchthatisforetoldinscripturesisimpossiblewithouttherainofrighteousness.ItisthefundamentalrainofGod.Itprecedesthereleaseofeveryotherrain,andultimatelyleadstothegloryoftheChurch.

Forinstance,weunderstandthatitisimpossibletoencountertherainoftheSpirituntiltherainofrighteousnessisinplace.Acts2:38says:

ThenPetersaiduntothem,Repent,andbebaptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesusChristfortheremissionofsins,andyeshallreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost.

TherainoftheSpiritcomesafterrepentance.EvenJesusChristhadtoobeythislaw.RighteousnesswaswhattriggeredofftheflowoftheanointingoftheHolyGhostuponHim(Ps.45:7).JesuslovedrighteousnessaboveallHisfellows,andHewasanointedwiththeoilofgladnessabovethemall.Heenjoyedunctionwithoutmeasure,becauseHewaspurebeyondmeasure!

TherainofrighteousnessisalsocrucialtothereleaseoftherainoftheWord.

SeekyetheLordwhilehemaybefound,callyeuponhimwhileheisnear:

Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts:andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon.

Forastheraincomethdown,andthesnowfromheaven,andreturnethnotthither,butwatereththeearth,andmakethitbringforthandbud,thatitmaygiveseedtothesower,andbreadtotheeater.

Isaiah55:6-7,10

Inessence,God’sWordwillcomeonyouastherainwhenyouforsakeeveryactofwickednessandembracerighteousness.

InHebrews9,wediscoverthatthemysteriesoflifearedepositedinthemostholyplace—talkingaboutthetabernacleofMosesanditspresentdaysignificance.Thatwaswherethegoldenpotthathadmannawas.Thatiswherethedeepthings(theprofoundrevelations)arelocated.Butwearemadetounderstandthatnounrighteousmanevergainsaccesstothesemysteries.OnlythosesanctifiedbythebloodandyieldedtoGodcanproceedintothemostholyplace.

Butintothesecondwentthehighpriestaloneonceeveryyear,notwithoutblood,whichheofferedforhimself,andfortheerrorsofthepeople.

Hebrews9:7

Ittakesrighteousnesstoenterwherethetablesofthecovenantare,justasittakestherainofconsecrationtoreleasetherainofrevelation.

Andhesaiduntothem,UntoyouitisgiventoknowthemysteryofthekingdomofGod:butuntothemthatarewithout,allthesethingsaredoneinparables:

Thatseeingtheymaysee,andnotperceive;andhearingtheymayhear,andnotunderstand;lestatanytimetheyshouldbeconverted,andtheirsinsshouldbeforgiventhem.

Mark4:11-12

Readingthis,youmaywonder,“Whoarethosewithout?”Revelation22:15tellus“withoutaredogs.”Then2Peter2:22tellsusthatdogsarethosewhoreturntotheirvomit.ThesearehabitualsinningChristians.Theyarethosewhoreturntothehabitstheyhadearliergivenup.SuchChristianswillneverhaveaccesstodepthsofmysteriesthatmakestarsofmen.Remember,Paulsaid,“theletterkilleth,butthespiritgivethlife”(2Cor.3:6).SinningChristiansonlyhavetheletteroftheWord,lackingtheSpiritthatwillmakeitproducelife.

Ittakestherainofrighteousnesstoexperiencetherainofrevelation.TherewasastrongwaveofconsecrationintheearlyChurch.Therainof

righteousnesshadbeenfalling,sweepingoffdubiouscharacterslikeAnaniasandSapphira.Andbecausetherainofrighteousnesswasinplace,itpavedthewayfortheshowersofrevelation.

AndthewordofGodincreased;andthenumberofthedisciplesmultipliedinJerusalemgreatly;andagreatcompanyofthepriestswereobedienttothefaith.

Acts6:7

Ifyouwanttoseeanincreaseinrevelationinyourlife,thenyoumustseektherainofrighteousness.Rememberthat“withoutaredogs.”Howmuchunderstandingcanyouputintoadog?Nomatterhowlonghehasbeenyourpet,hewillneverthinklikeaman;hecanneverbecomeyourson.

EveryblessingofGodisrootedrootedinrighteousness.

WhoshallascendintothehilloftheLord?orwhoshallstandinhisholyplace?

Hethathathcleanhands,andapureheart;whohathnotlifteduphissouluntovanity,norsworndeceitfully.

HeshallreceivetheblessingfromtheLord,andrighteousnessfromtheGodofhissalvation.

Psalm24:3-5

Whatwillthisrighteousmanshallreceive?“theblessingfromtheLord.”Psalm112:1alsotellsusthatthemanthatfearstheLordanddelightsgreatlyinHiscommandmentsisblessed.Wealthandrichesresideinhishouse,andhisseedsbecomemightyontheearth.

Peoplemaymockyouforchoosingtofollowthepathofrighteousnesstoday,butuntilmenmockyou,Godcannotmakeyou.Therainofrighteousnessmustprecedetheshowersofblessing.

AyoungladyinourchurchcaughttheWordofrighteousnessandtriumphedbyit.Inhertestimony,shesaidaftertheNationalElectricPowerAuthorityhaddisconnectedthepowersupplyatthehousewhereshelived,herco-tenantsreconnectedthelinesillegally.Whenshegotwindofthis,shedecidedtoremainindarknessratherthanswitchontheillegalpowersupply.Shesleptindarknesswhiletheothersrejoicedintheirillegalelectricitysupply.Thisladybecameanobjectofmockery.ButGodwasnotasleep,asHesoonturnedhermourningintodancing.

Thissisterwasatthistimelookingforajob,andheraccommodationthenwasaone-roomapartment,withsharedtoiletfacilities.Thenshe

mysteriouslygotajob,withlivingquartersattachedtothepackage!Notonlythat,shealsodiscoveredthattherewasastandbygeneratorattached!Inhertestimony,shesaid,“IhaveneversufferedfiveminutesblackoutsinceIleftthem(fellowtenants).”Godpickedherupfromtheirmidstandexaltedher,becausesheallowedtherainofrighteousnesstosoakher.GodwasonhandtoshowHimselfstrongonherbehalf!

Friend,whenyouembracerighteousness,yourjourneythroughlifeendsupinblessings,nomatterwhatitmaylooklikenow.Yourbeginningmaybesmall,butyourlatterendshallgreatlyincrease(Job8:7).

TheRainOfTheSpiritOncetherainofrighteousnesshasfallen,itpavesthewayforthereleaseoftherainoftheSpirit.TherainoftheSpiritisthesecondtypeofrain.

Begladthen,yechildrenofZion,andrejoiceintheLordyourGod:forhehathgivenyoutheformerrainmoderately,andhewillcausetocomedownforyoutherain,theformerrain,andthelatterraininthefirstmonth.

Joel2:23

Godgaveustheformerrainmoderately,butHewillcausetocomedownforus“therain”.Thisisacombinationofboththeformerandthelatterraintogetherinthefirstmonth.WhentheformerrainfellinActschapter2,PeterquotedfromJoel2:28-32.

Anditshallcometopassafterward,thatIwillpouroutmyspirituponallflesh;andyoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy,youroldmenshalldreamdreams,youryoungmenshallseevisions.

Joel2:28

Thisscriptureisactuallytalkingaboutthepouringoutoftherainof“MySpirit.”Topourmeans,“toflow,especiallydownwards,inacontinuousstream.”Italsomeans,“tofallheavily(ofrain).”ThismeansthattherainoftheSpiritwillbepouredoutonthepeopleofGodinthelastdays,releasingthemtoamostgloriousdestinyinGod.ItisanoutpouringthatwillexalttheChurchaboveallhills,andestablishheraboveallmountains,andallnationsshallflowuntoher.AndbecauseyourliftingistiedtotheliftingoftheChurch,youalsoneedtheoutpouringoftherainoftheSpirittobelifted.

TherainoftheSpiritistheoutpouringoftheHolySpiritofGodupon

men.TheHolySpiritisapersonalityintheorderoftheGodhead.HeisthethirdPersonoftheTrinity,notafeelingoranemotion(1Jn.5:7).HeisinchargeoftheaffairsofthekingdomofGodonearthtoday,theChiefExecutiveofthedivineprogrammeonearth(Joel2:28).TheHolySpiritisthemotivator,energiserandoperatorofeveryrevealedplan(vision)fromGod.Heistherevealerofthehiddentreasureofthekingdom(1Cor.2:9).Heholdsthekeytotheinheritanceofthesaints,andisthemostvaluableassettoChristianliving.Heisthecentralfigureinanybreakthroughinlife.

TheeffectoftheHolySpiritcanbelikenedtorain.Justasrainiscrucialtothesustenanceofariver,therainoftheSpiritisthelifewireoftheriverinyou.

Hethatbelievethonme,asthescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater.

ButthisspakeheoftheSpirit,whichtheythatbelieveonhimshouldreceive:fortheHolyGhostwasnotyetgiven;becausethatJesuswasnotyetglorified.

John7:38-39

ThebaptismoftheHolySpiritisdescribedas“riversoflivingwater.”Butiftheclimateisharsh,ariverreducesinvolumeandcanultimatelydryup.Soitneedstheraintokeepitfullofwater.That’swhyyouneedtherainoftheSpirit,toincreasethevolumeof“water”inyour“river.”Withoutit,yourunariskofdryingup.

ButitisimpossibletoencountertheoutpouringoftherainoftheSpiritwithoutrighteousnessfirstbeinginplace.TherainoftheSpiritfollowsconsecration,itrequiresonebeingyielded.ItisactuallythelevelofyourconsecrationtoGodthatdeterminesthelevelofunctionyouenjoy.Acts3:19says:

Repentyetherefore,andbeconverted,thatyoursinsmaybeblottedout,whenthetimesofrefreshingshallcomefromthepresenceoftheLord.

Thereiscomingadelugeofdivinerelease,whichwillturneverydestinytherightwayup.Butyoumustfirstbreakupyourfallowgrounds.Breakupthathardenedhabitthatisouttomakeyouakingdommisfit.Determinetoinvestinrighteousness;workitout,andyouwillexperiencetherainoftheSpirit.

TheRainOfTheWord

TheWordofGodcanbelikenedtorainthatcomespouringdownfromheaven(Isa.55:10-11).ItisGod’smajorwayofendingthedroughtinaman’slife.WhentheWordofGodisreceivedandapplied,nomatterhowharshtheclimatemaybe,resultsareinevitable.RespondingtotheWordisthewaytoendthedryseasoninyourlife.

Forinstance,inthetimeofIsaac,therewasphysicalfamineintheland.Kingandsubjectsalikewereaffected.Thefaminewasverysevere,andkingAbimelechandallhisexpertssawnowayout.ButIsaacwasalsointhatland.HedespisedthefamineandinsteadobeyedtheWordofGod—sowinginspiteoftheweathercondition—andGodblessedhim.IsaacbecamegreatbecauseheoperatedGod’sWord.

God’sWordisyouraccesstohealing,deliverance,abundance,promotion,etc.Andjustlikenoamountofenergyappliedcanforceopenafirmlylockeddoor,itisonlytheapplicationoftheWordtoagivencircumstancethatcanproducefavourableresults—nottheuseofforce.

TheWordcomeslikerain.WhenthereisanoutpouringoftherainoftheWord,andyourspiritabsorbsit,you“bringforthandbud”inallareasoflife,likethewomaninthistestimony:

“For18years,mymothersufferedfromhypertension.ButshegotholdofoneoftheBishop’sbooks,KeystoDivineHealth.Shereadfromthebookthatthedevilisnotagentlemanandimmediatelydecidedtostoptakingherdrugs,andtoratherclaimherhealing.Foroveramonthnow,shehasnottakenthedrugs.Andwhenshewentforatestlastmonth,thetestconfirmedthatherbloodpressurehadcomedownto120/80.Thishasneverbeeninthepast18years!Thetestalsoconfirmedthatshedoesnothavehypertensionanymore.”

AssheabsorbedtheWordinthatbook,itproducedaharvestofdivinehealthforher.IttakestheWordtohavevictoryoverlife’scircumstances.ThereisnothinglifedemandsthatisnotobtainableintheWord.That’swhyyouneedtherainoftheWordtofalluponyou.

But,likewesaidearlier,therainofrevelationdrawsfromtherainofrighteousness.Proverbs1:23says:

Turnyouatmyreproof:behold,Iwillpouroutmyspirituntoyou,Iwillmakeknownmywordsuntoyou.

YouturnatHisreprooffirstbeforeHepoursHisSpirituponyouandmakesknownHisWordsuntoyou.TheHolySpiritispreparedtoteachyouthewaysofGod,butuntilyouturnawayfrominiquity,Hewillnotteachyou;andexcepttheHolySpiritteachesyouathing,youcannot

knowit(1Cor.2:13).

Thus,withoutconsecration,there’snounction,andwithoutunction,thereisnorevelation.

TheRainOfBlessingsThensaidtheLorduntoMoses,Behold,Iwillrainbreadfromheavenforyou;andthepeopleshallgooutandgatheracertainrateeveryday,thatImayprovethem,whethertheywillwalkinmylaw,orno.

Exodus16:4

Thereisawaytobreakforthintotherealmwheretheshowersofheaven’sblessingswillstaywithyouuntilyougettothebordersofheaven,justasIsraelwasfedeverydayforfortyyears,untiltheygottothebordersofCanaan.Remember,Godhasanagendatodeckthelastdays’Churchwithhonour,richesandglorysuchaseyeshaveneverseen,norearsheard.HeissettoreleasetherainofplentyupontheChurchandmakeheranenvyofnations.

Butthereleaseoftheshowersofblessingsbeginswithinsightintotheworkingsofthecovenant.However,thecovenantisnotforthe“public”,butforthosewhofeartheLord.Inessence,GodhasgivenyoupowertogetwealthsoastoestablishHiscovenantwithyou.Butyouneedanunderstandingofwhatthatcovenantentails.Thisunderstandingismadeavailabletoyoubyrevelation,andrevelationonlycomestothosewhofeartheLord.

DoyouwanttoseeGod’shandrestonyourlife?ThensigninforHim.Positionyourselfandasyouwalkinrighteousness,youwillfindGod;andwhenyoufindHim,you’vefoundgood!Anyonewhowantstheshowersofblessingsmustfirstbedrenchedwiththeshowersofrighteousness.Youmustbesoakedwiththerainofrighteousnessbeforeyouencounterlandmarkblessings.

…BlessedisthemanthatfeareththeLord,thatdelightethgreatlyinhiscommandments.

Hisseedshallbemightyuponearth:thegenerationoftheuprightshallbeblessed.

Wealthandrichesshallbeinhishouse:andhisrighteousnessendurethforever.

Psalm112:1-3

FromPsalm112,itisclearthatfortheupright,nomatterhowterriblethesituationaroundhimmaybe,nomatterhowterribletheeconomicconditionofthatcountry,Godwillsinglehimoutforablessing.HowelsecouldJosephhaveprosperedintheprison?Inspiteofthefactthathewasaslave,Godliftedhim.

Righteousnessiswhattriggersofftheshowersofblessings.AndwhenGod’srainofblessingsbeginstofall,thereisagreatrestoration,suchthatifyouhadlostanythinginlife,thereleaseoftherainbringsyouareplacementofthatwhichwaslost,andmakesyouforgetthatanythingwasevermissing.ButitbeginswithareturningtotheLordwithallyourheart.

Thereforealsonow,saiththeLord,turnyeeventomewithallyourheart,andwithfasting,andwithweeping,andwithmourning:

Andrendyourheart,andnotyourgarments,andturnuntotheLordyourGod:forheisgraciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness,andrepentethhimoftheevil.

Gatherthepeople,sanctifythecongregation…

Begladthen,yechildrenofZion,andrejoiceintheLordyourGod:forhehathgivenyoutheformerrainmoderately,andhewillcausetocomedownforyoutherain,theformerrain,andthelatterraininthefirstmonth.

Andthefloorsshallbefullofwheat,andthevatsshalloverflowwithwineandoil.

Joel2:12,13,16,23,24

Agreatrestorationawaitsyou,butitbeginswithareturningtotheLordwithallyourheart.Hesaid,“Sanctifythecongregation.”Why?BecauseHeisbringingarainofrestoration,arainofblessingsuchasyouhaveneverknownbefore.That’swhyHesaid:

Andyeshalleatinplenty,andbesatisfied,andpraisethenameoftheLordyourGod,thathathdealtwondrouslywithyou:andmypeopleshallneverbeashamed.

Joel2:26

IamexcitedbecauseIseetheshowersofGodcomingdownuponthepeople,bringingrestorationthatwillleadtorevolutions.Allyouneeddonowistobreakupthefallowgroundofyourheart.ItistimetoseektheLorduntilHerainsrighteousnessuponyou.Thentherewillbeaturn

around,arevolutioninyourlife.Thenandonlythenwillyouexperiencetheshowersthatwillcauseyoutowalkinnewnessoflife!

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AccessToTheShowersGod’swillforyouisthatthedryplacesofyourlifebecomeasawell-wateredgarden.Hewantstoseeyou“fat”andflourishing,todemonstrateHisgoodnessinpracticalterms.ButyouneedtoknowhowtoaccessHisshowers.Wehaveidentifiedthemostimportantaccess—righteousness.Now,letusnamesomeothervitalaccesstoHisshowers.

AThirstForIwillpouroutwateruponhimthatisthirsty,andfloodsuponthedryground:IwillpourmySpirituponthyseed,andmyblessinguponthineoffspring.s

Isaiah44:3

God’srainfallisforthethirsty.ItisabasicrequirementforenjoyingallfourkindsofraininthekingdomofGod.Withoutagenuinethirst,youmayneverencountertheshowers.

Tobuttressthispoint,letusconsiderthefirsttypeofrain-therainofrighteousness.Matthew5:6highlightswhattriggersitoff:

Blessedaretheywhichdohungerandthirstafterrighteousness:fortheyshallbefilled.

Whatdoyoudotoenjoytherainofrighteousness?Youhungerandthirstforit!Youcannotreceivetherainofrighteousnesswithoutagenuinethirst.Areyoutrulydesirousoftheshowers?Thenyoumustfirstyearnfortheoutpouringoftherainofrighteousness.

OGod,thouartmyGod;earlywillIseekthee:mysoulthirstethforthee,myfleshlongethfortheeinadryandthirstyland,wherenowateris;

Toseethypowerandthyglory,soasIhaveseeninthesanctuary.

Psalm63:1-2

Davidyearnedforit;helongedtoseetherainofrighteousnessflow.Perhapshewasinaplacedryofholiness,dryofGod’sgloryandhonour.

Sohelongedforanoutpouringoftherainofrighteousness.

Ifthere’snothirst,there’snoaccess.Ittakesyourdesperatelyyearningforthereleaseoftherainofpuritytoencounteradeluge.Yourstrongdesireiswhatleadstoitsaccomplishment.

ToexperiencetherainoftheSpiritalsotakesathirst,acrave,andayearning.GodwantstopouroutuponallfleshtherainofHisSpirit,butwhatmayconstrainHimfromreleasingHimtoyouisthestateofyourheart.Hewillfirstchecktoseeifyou’regenuinelythirsty,orwhetheryou’remerelyaskingoutofareligioussense—becauseeveryoneelseisasking.

Inthelastday,thatgreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,saying,Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink.

Hethatbelievethonme,asthescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater.

(ButthisspakeheoftheSpirit,whichtheythatbelieveonHimshouldreceive:fortheHolyGhostwasnotyetgiven;becausethatJesuswasnotyetglorified.

John7:37-39

YoualsoneedagenuinethirstemanatingfromyourhearttocontacttherainoftheWord.

Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters,andhethathathnomoney;comeye,buy,andeat;yea,comebuywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.

Whereforedoyespendmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread?andyourlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot?hearkendiligentlyuntome,andeatyethatwhichisgood,andletyoursouldelightitselfinfatness.

Isaiah55:1-2

TheWordofGodislikenedtowaterinEphesians5:26.Itisalsodescribedasmilkin1Peter2:2,andstrongmeatinHebrews5:12-14.TheWordis“thatwhichsatisfieth,”butyoumustconstantlythirstforitinordertobesatisfiedbyit.

Therainofblessingsanswersalsotoathirst.Butnotethatit’snotathirstforGod’sblessings,butforGod.

ButseekyefirstthekingdomofGod,andhisrighteousness;andallthesethingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.

Matthew6:33

YourdelightinGodandyourthirstforHimreleasestherainofplentyuponyou.AslongasitisGodyou’repursuingafter,youwillnotlackanygoodthing(Ps.34:10).ItisyourthirstforGodthatopensyouuptotherainofHisgoodies.Jobsaid:

Acquaintnowthyselfwithhim,andbeatpeace:therebygoodshallcomeuntothee.

Job22:21

DavidwasoneofthemostprosperousmenintheOldTestament.AcloserlookrevealshisdedicationtoGodasthesecretbehindhisrise.DavidlovedGod.HisheartpantedafterGod,asathirstyhartpantsafterthewaterbrooks(Ps.42:1).Hewasnotthirstyforgoods.No!HewasthirstyforGod,andgoodcamehiswayautomatically.

InPsalm122:1,DaviddeclaredthathewasgladtogointothehouseoftheLord.Inverses6-9,heledusintohissecretwinningcard:

PrayforthepeaceofJerusalem:theyshallprosperthatlovethee.

Peacebewithinthywalls,andprosperitywithinthypalaces.

Formybrethrenandcompanions’sakes,Iwillnowsay,Peacebewithinthee.

BecauseofthehouseoftheLordourGodIwillseekthygood.

Thisspeaksofcommitment,dedication,devotionandaddictiontoGod.Thiswasthefoundationandbaseofhisprosperity.Butmanytoday,particularlyinthecharismaticcircles,haveleftoffseekingGodandareseekingaftergood;andthatiswhygoodnevercomestothem.DavidsoughttheLord,soheneverlackedanygoodthing.WhenJesusarrivedintheNewTestament,Heincorporatedthesameprincipleintothenewcovenant.

Wherefore,ifGodsoclothethegrassofthefield,whichtodayis,andtomorrowiscastintotheoven,shallhenotmuchmoreclotheyou,Oyeoflittlefaith?

Thereforetakenothought,saying,Whatshallweeat?or,Whatshallwedrink?or,Wherewithalshallwebeclothed?

(ForafterallthesethingsdotheGentilesseek:)foryourheavenlyFatherknoweththatyehaveneedofallthesethings.

ButseekyefirstthekingdomofGod,andhisrighteousness;and

allthesethingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.

Matthew6:30-33

Godknowsyouhaveneedofgoodthings,buttoencounterHisunlimitedrainofblessings,youmustseekfirstthekingdomofGod,andHisrighteousness.OnceyouseekthekingdomofGod,Hereleasestheshowersofblessingsuponyou.GetconnectedtoGodbyagenuinethirst,andnoteventhedevilcanstoptheflowofblessingstoyou.Whenyoubecomeaddictedtokingdompursuits,divineadditionsbecomeyourportion.

Friend,youneedathirsttoexperiencetheshowers!

AskForTheRainItisnotenoughtobethirstyfortherainofGod;youneedalsotoaskforanoutpouringuponyou.

AskyeoftheLordraininthetimeofthelatterrain;sotheLordshallmakebrightclouds,andgivethemshowersofrain,toeveryonegrassinthefield.

Zechariah10:1

Itishethatasksthatreceives,andhethatseeksthatfinds.Youaregreaterthangrassinthefield,soyouareentitledtoareleaseoftheshowers.Butyoumustaskfortheraininordertoreceiveit.

Forinstance,inActs4,thedisciplesprayedandtheplacewheretheywereprayingshook.TheyprayeddowntherainoftheSpirit.YoutoomustpraydownGod’srainuponyourlife.YoumustunderstandthatGodiseagertogiveshowersofraintoeveryonegrassinthefield.Butyoumustbethirstyforthedownpour,andexpressyourthirstwithagenuinecallinprayer.

YouhaveaccesstotherainofGod,sowhydon’tyouopenuprightnowwithagenuinethirstandaskfortheshowers?

SinWillStopTheShowersAndIwilllayitwaste:itshallnotbepruned,nordigged;butthereshallcomeupbriersandthorns:Iwillalsocommandthecloudsthattheyrainnorainuponit.

ForthevineyardoftheLordofhostsisthehouseofIsrael,andthemenofJudahhispleasantplant:andhelookedfor

judgment,butbeholdoppression;forrighteousness,butbeholdacry.

Isaiah5:6-7

WhydidGodcommandthecloudstorainnomoreuponthehouseofIsrael?Becausesinreignedintheirmidst.Helookedforjudgment,butratherHefoundoppressionandunrighteousness.Israelwasplantedonamostfruitfulhill.Shewasthechoicestofvines,withamostenviabledestiny.Butsinwithheldhershowersfromfalling.

Wehavesangthehymn,“Thereshallbeshowersofblessings”,yetmanyhaveneverseenanydewcomeuponthem.Evenmercydropsarenotvisibleanywherearoundthem.Why?Itisbecauseratherthanwalkinginpurity,theypreferto“bombard”heavenwiththeircries,whichcannotbeheardanyway.“…helookedforjudgment,butbeholdoppression:forrighteousness,butbeholdacry.

Stopshuttingyourheavens;youneedtheshowers!Theworldisadesertplace;yourequiretheshowerstomakeadifferenceinit.Oncethesinquestionissolved,theheavensareopenedandthecloudsareobligedtoreleaseshowersuponyou.

Thereforetheshowershavebeenwithholden,andtherehathbeennolatterrain;andthouhadstawhore’sforehead,thourefusedsttobeashamed.

Jeremiah3:3

Thedevilcannotstopyourshowers.Siniswhatislockinguptheheavensaboveyou.Aslongassinispresent,therainwillbewithheld.Stopblamingthedevil;heisnotatfault.I’myettoseeanymanwhoisonkeywithGodbeingstoppedbythedevil.IfhecouldnotstopyougivingyourlifetoChrist,thenhecouldn’tpossiblybeyourproblem.

Whosoeverdoesnotrefusesinwillverysoonbecomeapieceofrefuse.Righteousnessisthechoiceofthewise.Ifyouchooseto,youcanpurifyyourself,evenasGodispure(1Jn.3:3).

Usingthecovenantinsightsavailabletoyou(containedinpreviouschapters),onceyousay“No!”todefilement,nodevilinhellcandefileyou.Whocouldstoptheprodigalsonwhenhearosetogobackhome?Hemusthavesaidinhisheart,“Enoughisenough,I’mgoinghome!”Anditwasso.

Thisisthetimeforourblossomingandflourishing.Torefusetopurgeyourselfistosigninforshame.WhenyouseeothersinZionradiatingthe

gloryofGod,mayshamenotchaseyououtofZion,backtoEgypt!

Noteveryonesurvivesarevival.PeoplewhoseheartsarenotinperfecttunewithGodwillbesweptawaybythemightywaves.Mayyoubekept,asyouchoosetocleanup!

Itistheshowerscomingfromanopenheaventhatcausestherighteoustoflourish.

Therighteousshallflourishlikethepalmtree:heshallgrowlikeacedarinLebanon.

ThosethatbeplantedinthehouseoftheLordshallflourishinthecourtsofourGod.

Theyshallstillbringforthfruitinoldage;theyshallbefatandflourishing.

Psalm92:12-14

WhenheaventoreopenandtheHolyGhostcamedownuponJesus,HebegantoflourishandHisfamewentabroad.HeflourishedlikethepalmtreeandthecedarinLebanon.Hebroughtforthfruitsuntilthelastminute—evenonthecross,HesavedthesinnercrucifiedbesideHim.

Theshowersofheavenisresponsiblefortheflourishingoftherighteous.It’stheshowersthatcausetheflourishing,nothisstrength,smartness,orhisability.Godalsosendstheraintowaterseedsinthegroundandcausethemtoyieldfruit.Luke8:11says:

Nowtheparableisthis:TheseedisthewordofGod.AndHosea10:12says:

Sowtoyourselvesinrighteousness,reapinmercy;breakupyourfallowground:foritistimetoseektheLord,tillhecomeandrainrighteousnessuponyou.

SincetheseedistheWord,andHoseatellsustosowinrighteousness,itmeansuntilyoureceivethewordofrighteousness,believeandactonit,you’llneverreapanyrewards.I,therefore,chargeyoutobreakupallthefallowandunplowedgroundsofyourlife.Breakupthehardenedhabits,thatsinthatsoeasilybesetsyou.ThenGodwillmakebrightclouds,andsendrainuponeverygreengrassinthefield,whichincludesyou!

Youareinamostprivilegedseasonofyourlife;mayyounotmisuseHisheaven-sentopportunity!

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KeepTheRainFalling!Havingknownyouraccesstotheshowers,youneedtoknowwhatittakestokeeptherainfalling.Whatmustyoudotokeepyourheavensperpetuallyopen?

CarryGod’sPresenceAndthearkofGodremainedwiththefamilyofObededominhishousethreemonths.AndtheLordblessedthehouseofObededom,andallthathehad.

1Chronicles13:14

ThearkofGodsymbolisesthepresenceofGod.Tremendousblessingsabidewhereverthearkdwells.ConsiderObededom.Thearkremainedwithhisfamilyforthreemonths,andtheLordblessedhimandhishouseholdbecauseofthis.

ThepresenceofGodwaswhatmadethedifferenceinObededom’sfamily.Inthesameway,theLordwillkeeptheheavensoveryouperpetuallyopenifyoucarryHispresence.ThatiswhytheenemyconstantlytriestogetyououtofGod’spresence,sothathecanoppressandafflictyou.ButaslongasyouremainenvelopedinGod’spresence,alloppositionswillbeconvertedtoopportunities(Ps.114:3-7)!

God’spresenceistheanswertoashutheaven!ItwasHispresence,Ibelieve,thatbroughtaboutamental,psychologicalandintellectualawakeninginObededom.HemusthavebeensoprosperousthatDavidsawitandenviedhim,andquicklybroughtthearkintothecityofDavid(2Sam.6:12).God’spresencealwaystriggersoffenvy,becauseHispresenceisalwaysannouncedbyblessings.

Thouwiltshowmethepathoflife:inthypresenceisfulnessofjoy;atthyrighthandtherearepleasuresforevermore.

Psalm16:11

PleaseunderstandthattheChurchisinthemidstofanoutburstofheavenlyblessings,wherealittleoneamonguswillbecomelikeathousand,andasmallone,astrongnation.

WhenGodcamedowninthemidstofIsrael,theircaptivityofoverfourhundredyearswasturnedovernight,andgoldbecametheirluggage!Godremainedwiththeminthewilderness,andtheirheavensremainedopen.Nonewasfeebleamongtheirtribes.Theywerenotpermittedtothirst,fortheRockthatbroughtforthwaterforthemfollowedthem.Theyneverhungered,becauseGodraineddownMannaforthemdaily.Acloudcoveredthemintheday,andthepillaroffirebynight.Theywereguidedandprotected,andthewildbeastshadnoaccesstothem.God’spresencewastheirsufficiency.

IfGodiswithyou,youmusthaveproofs,becauseGod’spresenceisalwaysannouncedbyblessings.AndwhenGodblesses,itisforever.GodblessedObededom,anditwaseternal.Youtoowillencountersuchblessingsthatwouldlastyoualifetime,inJesusmightyname!

IntheActsoftheApostlestherewasnoneamongthemthatlacked.Why?God’spresencewassostrongintheirmidst.Allthatretainedthearkhadblessingsasproofs.WouldyouliketoretainHisark?

TheLoveOfGodTheloveofGodistheplatformuponwhichanyWordofGodcomestopass.Itisthevitalforcethatkeepsone’sheavenopen.

Jesussaiduntohim,ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,andwithallthymind.

Thisisthefirstandgreatcommandment.

Andthesecondislikeuntoit,Thoushaltlovethyneighbourasthyself.

Onthesetwocommandmentshangallthelawandtheprophets.

Matthew22:37-40

TheloveofGodiswhatkeepstheshowerson,asitisthepivotforthefulfillmentofallpropheciesrecordedinscriptures.Everythingrestsonit.ItistheintensityofyourloveforGodthatwilldeterminethedegreeofaccomplishmentyouwillhave.Thereisnobodyunderheaven,whoisgenuinelyaddictedtoGodthatwillnotcontinuallyenjoytheshowers.

WhenmanfellintheGardenofEden,hislovenaturedied;hewasstrippedofthenatureoflove.Itwill,therefore,takesupernaturalhelpformantore-enterthatloverealm.TheloveofGodismadepossibleandeasilyaccomplishablebythehelpoftheHolySpirit.HeinfusestheloveofGodintoyourbeing,anddeliversyoufromselfishness.Youneedthat

helptoday.

Whenyousucceedinwalkinginthatkindoflove,yourheavenwillstayopen.Why?BecausethingsworkforyouonlytothelevelthatyouloveHim.

AndweknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose.

Romans8:28

Everystruggleissettledbylove.WhentheloveofGodisinplace,yourstrugglesinlifecometoanend.ButtoomanyareservingGod,notbecausetheyloveHim,butforthethingstheyhopetoreceivefromHim.That’swhytheHolySpiritisgiventous:todestroyselfandenthroneGod,Whowantstopossessus.AndwhenGodisenthronedinourhearts,ourheavenswillremaincontinuallyopen!

DavidwasamanafterGod’sheart.HewasinhotpursuitofGod.RememberhowheobtainedthethroneofIsrael?SomeonewasdefyingthearmyofGod,andDavidsaid,“No!WhoisthisuncircumcisedPhilistine?Iwouldratherdiethanwatchhimcontinue.”LovedrovehimtoGoliath,andlovebroughthimthevictory!LovedestroyedIsrael’sopposition.

Doyouwantyourheaventostayperpetuallyopen?ThenallowtheloveofGodtoreigninyourheart.TheHolySpiritshedstheloveofGodabroadinyourheart,deliveringyoufromtheholdofselfandconnectingyoutoGod.Whenthatisinplace,everyworkofthefleshthatstandsbetweenyouandGodisdestroyed,andtheheavensoveryouremainopen.

YoucanalsokeepyourheavensopenbydemonstratingyourloveforGodinyourgiving.Thisisnotaman-madetheology,butacommandmentfromGod,giventoguaranteethatyourheavensremainopen.

God’sloveisactive.Itisagivinglove.GodHimselfdemonstratedthistousbyfirstgivingusHisonlybegottenSon(Jn.3:16).ItisnottheloveofGodifitisnotagivinglove.WhatImeanbythegivingloveiswhenyougivecheerfully.ItisyourloveforGodthatmakesyougivecheerfully,justlikeDavid.

Moreover,becauseIhavesetmyaffectiontothehouseofmyGod,Ihaveofmineownpropergood,ofgoldandsilver,whichIhavegiventothehouseofmyGod,overandaboveallthatIhavepreparedfortheholyhouse.

1Chronicles29:3

David’slovewasdemonstratedinhisgivinglife.Itwasnotasamatterofduty,butofdelight.DavidwasdelightedinGod!“Moreover,becauseIhavesetmyaffectiontothehouseofmyGod…”Itwasthataffectionthatdevelopedintodevotion,anddevotionintoaddiction.

Letmeputitthisway:whenloveisnotgiving,itisnotlove.Givingistheonlyauthenticproofofyourlove.

HerebyperceivewetheloveofGod,becausehelaiddownhislifeforus:andweoughttolaydownourlivesforthebrethren.

Butwhosohaththisworld’sgood,andseethhisbrotherhaveneed,andshuttethuphisbowelsofcompassionfromhim,howdwelleththeloveofGodinhim?

1John3:16-17

So,whenyourbowelsareshuttoGodandtoothers,thereisnoproofthatGod’sloveisdwellinginyou.Butyoucanunlockthewindowsofheavensbythedemonstrationoflove.Itisnotprayerorfasting,butlove!Seeitthisway:“Godsoloved,Hesogave.IfIsoloveGod,IwillsogivetoGod.”

Youmaygivewithoutloving,butyoucannotlovewithoutgiving.Peoplegiveformanyfunnyreasons:tosatisfytheirreligiousconscience,toearnthepraisesofmen,orsimplybecausehe’sthepastorofthechurch.Youmaygiveforwhateverreason,butyoucannotloveandnotgive.ItistheintensityofyourloveforGodthatdetermineshowwideHewillopenHiswindowsoveryourhead.

YouneedaheartforGodtomakeamarkontheearth.ThelargeryourheartforGod,thegreatermarksyouwillmakeontheearth.Thelargenessofyourheartisexpressedintheintensityofyourgiving.ByintensityIdon’tmeantheamount,butthequalityofyourgiving.

Pleasenotethatprayercannotopenyourheavens.Financialblessingsarenotprayedfor,butprovokedbyacovenantwalk.Youdon’tprayformaterialblessing;acovenantwalkiswhatguaranteesit.Theheavensoveryouwillnolongerbeshut!

UntilyougiveGodHisplace,youneverhaveyourownplace.Toenjoytheshowersandkeepyourheavenopen,youmustremainaddictedtoGodandHisaffairsontheearth.UntilyoumindHiminHisplan,Godwillnotmindyouorbedelightedinyourways.UnderstandthatexceptyouaremovedbyGod’skingdom,yourneedsnevermoveHim,because

abundanceanswersonlytoGod-addiction.

Manyhavebeenworking,yetnothingseemstobeworkingforthem.Why?TheyarenotmindfulofGod’shouse,andsotheheavenoverthemhasbeenstayedfromdew,andtheearthstayedfromherfruit(Hag.1:8-10).Butwhenyourheavensareopened,youenterintotherealmofsupernaturaladditions.

Mywife’ssalarywhenshejoinedmeintheministrywasabout25%ofwhatsheearnedinhersecularjob;andyetourstandardoflivingdidnotdrop.Thisisbecauseitisnotyourincomethatbringstheblessings;itisthecovenant!Ihaveseenpeoplewhohaveearnedsalariesforovertwentyyearsandyethavenothingtoshowforit.Butshowmeamanengagedinaqualitativecovenantwalk,andIwillshowyouonewhoselifewillremainlikeawell-wateredgarden.Thatwillbeyourexperiencefromnowon!

EverythingthatconcernsGodmovesme,thatiswhyHeismovedaboutme.Somethirty-twoyearsago,Iwasinaplacedoingavacationjob,andIdiscoveredthattherewasnochurchthere.SoIvowednottoleavethetownthesamewayImetit.Iwasnotapastorthen,andhadnotreceivedanycallintofull-timeministry;IjustlovedtheLordwithallmyheart.TothegloryofGod,achurchstartedinthattownbeforeIleft!Irememberclimbingpalmtreesandcuttingdownpalmfrondstobuildthechurch.Godwaswatching.Hiseyes,whichruntoandfroinalltheearthtoshowHimselfstrongonbehalfofthosewhoseheartsareperfecttowardsHim,locatedme,andIcandeclarewithallconfidencetodaythatIamblessed!

AburningloveinyoursouliswhatgetsyouconnectedtoGodthatnothingelsecancomebetweenyouandHim.BesoldouttoGod!Itistheonlywaytokeepyourheavensopen.Andaslongasyourheavensareopen,theshowerswillkeepfalling!

Friend,theChurchisnowinher“rainy”season.Youmustburstforthinyourgivinglifeandincreasethequalityofyourcovenantwalk,thenyouwillseeagreattomorrow.Theend-timeChurchisprogrammedtoenjoysuchfinancialandmaterialfavoursthatwillshaketheentireworld.GodwilllocatemenandwomenintowhosehandsHewillcommitheavenlytreasuresthatwillshakethenaturalworld.TheworldwillbeforcedtorespecttheChurch,byreasonoftheliftinghandofGod.MayyoubeoneofthoseuponwhomGod’sdelugewillfall!

PraiseHim

Praiseisanotherwaytokeeptheshowerscoming.InpraiseyouareappreciatingGodforHisPerson;youareworshippingHimforwhoHeis.YougobeforetheLordinworship,youapproachHisthronewithaheartofgratitude,andblesstheLordandadoreHim.Zechariah14:17says:

Anditshallbe,thatwhosowillnotcomeupofallthefamiliesoftheearthuntoJerusalemtoworshiptheKing,theLordofhosts,evenuponthemshallbenorain.

EveryoneiscomingbeforetheLord,buthowmanyareactuallycominginpraiseorinworship?Doyouwanttokeeptheshowersfallinguponyou?ThenbegintoworshiptheKing!Don’tletanythingaffectyourworship.ThePsalmistsaid:

BlesstheLord,Omysoul:andallthatiswithinme,blesshisholyname.

Psalm103:1

Ifyoudon’tblessHim,yourrainwillstop.GodwillstopblessingyouwhenyoustopblessingHim.Hewon’traiseyouifyouwon’tpraiseHim.Youhavetotakethesteptodoyourpart,asGodisconstant.Heiscommittedtohonouringyou,ifyouwillhonourHim.IfyouexaltHim,Hewillexaltyou.

Itisveryimportantthatweunderstandtheplaceofpraiseinrelationshiptoourrainfall.Praiseiswhatkeepstheheavensopen;itiswhatkeepstheraincoming.

BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits.

Psalm103:2

CallingtomindallHisbenefitshelpsyoutoblessHimthemore,particularlywhenyourememberthatyouriniquitieshaveallbeenforgiven,andthatyouareguaranteedaplaceinheaven.Knowthatuntilyouareforgiven,youarenotfree.Itisonlyafteryouareforgiventhatyouarefreefromthetormentingagentsofsinlikelying,adultery,hatred,etc.Whenyouareforgiven,thepowertogoandsinnomoreisdeliveredtoyou;youarethenrecoveredandrestored.So,blesstheLordforforgivingallyouriniquities.Theproofthatyouareforgivenisinthegraceofliberty.Goddestroysyourtasteforsin,deliveringyoufromreturningtoitagain.

ForgivenessisthenumberonebenefityoublessGodfor,notshoesandclothes.AnotherbenefittoblessGodforisyourhealth.Youdon’tknowthevalueofhealthuntilyouareattackedbysickness.Whenyouaresick

everythingthatappearstobeyourconcernlosesvalue.Sicknesshumblesaman.Amanwhoissickandcannotfeedhimself,drinkbyhimselforusethetoiletbyhimselfhasbeenhumbledbysickness.

Forthegoodhealthyouenjoy,whywon’tyoublessHiminpraise!Hehaseveryrighttoeraseyourhealthifyoudon’tblessHim.Sicknesscandissolve,inamatterofmoments,whateveryouhavegatheredintheworldbywayofpossessions.Don’tblessHimforbreadandbutteronly,butforthingsofgreatervalue.SomebodywhohasaproblemwithhiscaraccusesGodandanotherwhohaslostsomethingbeginstocomplain.Whenyoudosuchthings,you’resimplyshowingGodwhereyourheartis.You’reprovingtoHimthatyourheartisnotwithHim,butinthings.

ButifyoublessGodforyourhealth,Hewillgiveyougreaterhealth.IfyoublessHimforHisprovisions,Hewillblessyouwithmoreofit.UntilyoublessHim,blessingswillnotcontinue.

Whoredeemeththylifefromdestruction…

Psalm103:4

Thereisaredemptivepackagethatmakesyouuntouchable.Witchesandwizardsdon’thaveaccesstoit.ThatpackageguaranteestheprotectivehandofGodoveryouandallthatyouhave.YoushouldblessHimforit.Godprotectsusfrommanythingsweareunawareof.Heknowsthosewhoareangrythatyouarelaughing,andthosewhoarerestlessthatyoucancomeoutofahousethatyoucallyourown.Yetyousleepandwakeupunharmed,becauseHehashiddenyouinthehollowofHishand.It’swisdomtogiveHimthanks!

Thethingsyousorrowaboutmakeyouasorrycase.Youarebotheredthatyoudon’thavenewshoes;butyouneedlegstoweartheshoes.Ifyouhadnolegsyourcrieswouldn’tbefornewshoes,butfornewlegs!ThatiswhyyoumustbecommittedtoblessingtheLordatalltimes.IfyoustopblessingHim,Hisblessingsinyourlifewillalsostop.IhavediscoveredthatpeopleonlystopblessingGodwhentheyforgetHisbenefits.AslongasyoulayHisbenefitstoheart,youwillneverstopblessingHim.

Friend,ifyoublessHimforyourhealthHewillgiveyougreaterhealth.IfyoublessHimforHisprovisions,Hewillprovidemoreforyou.AndasyoublessHimfordeliveringyoursoulfromdestruction,Heguaranteesthatyouenjoymoreprotection.

Andnow,Oyepriests,thiscommandmentisforyou.

Ifyewillnothear,andifyewillnotlayittoheart,togivegloryuntomyname,saiththeLordofhosts,Iwillevensendacurse

uponyou,andIwillcurseyourblessings:yea,Ihavecursedthemalready,becauseyedonotlayittoheart.

Malachi2:1-2

IfyoudonotgiveglorytoHisname,Hebringscursesinsteadofblessings.ButyourgroundremainsfertileandwellwateredwhenyouarethankfulforallHehasdone.BlessingGodmovesHimtowateryourground;andasthegroundiswatered,youbegintoflourishlikeapalmtree.

ItisagoodthingtogivethanksuntotheLord,andtosingpraisesuntothyname,OmostHigh:

Therighteousshallflourishlikethepalmtree:heshallgrowlikeacedarinLebanon.

Psalm92:1,12

Itisthanksgivingthatmovesheaventosendrainuponyou.Andaslongastherainkeepsfalling,youremainfatandflourishingandeverproductive.ThemysterybehindthecedarofLebanonhingesonthis:youpraiseGodandtheraincomes,andastheraincomes,youareraised.Butyoucanberaisedhigherthanyourpresentposition,ifyouengageinhighpraises.So,goforit!

LetthehighpraisesofGodbeintheirmouth,andatwo-edgedswordintheirhand.

Psalm149:6

Friend,therearenogeneralblessings.Youmustfindaplaceforyourselfinthisgreatoutpouringofgrace.Goddoesnotneedanythingfromyou.YourblessingHimisaresponsetoHisbenefits,whichHefirstendoweduponyou.So,leteverythingwithinyoupraisetheLord,andthenHewillraiseyou.Complainingcompoundsyourproblems;chooseratheralifeofgenuinepraise!

EpilogueI’dlikeyoutobesensitiveinthespirit,andstarttakingstepsinthedirectionofthethingsyou’veencounteredinthisbook.Allyouhavereadaboutarenotforanotherperson,butforyou,becauseitisyourhourofvisitation.

Whosodespiseththewordshallbedestroyed:buthethatfeareththecommandmentshallberewarded.

Proverbs13:13

It’stimetoslaysin,beforeitslaysyou.Tocontinueinsinisdangerous;don’ttoywithit!TheformerthingsGodhasoverlooked,Henowcommandsthatyourepent.Don’tgobacktowhatisgone.Rather,walkinnewnessoflifeandenjoytheshowersfromheaven.

Thebeautyofsalvationisrighteousness.SobedeterminedforastainlessChristianwalk,andseeGodmatchyourresolvewithstainlessgloryuponyou.

Sinisareproachtoanypeople.Youmaynotseethereproachonthefirst,second,oreventhethirdday.Butsurely,itcomes!Ifyoudon’tstopthatsinnow,somedayitwillstopyou.Godissayingtoyou:“Ihavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingandcursing:thereforechooselife,thatboththouandthyseedmaylive”(…Ihavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingandcursing:thereforechooselife,thatboththouandthyseedmaylive.Deut.30:19).

Standonyourfeetlikethatgiant,andthedebrismustgiveway!Thefilthygarmentmustgo,soyoucanwalkintoyourliberty.Isaiah60:1says:

Arise,shine;forthylightiscome,andthegloryoftheLordisrisenuponthee.

WearetalkingabouttotalredemptioninChrist.Sinwasthebeginningofshameforman,butrighteousnessistheonlywaytohavehonourrestored.

“Youhavenotseengloryyet,”saiththeLord.“Iampreparingyouforrealmsofgloryyouhaveneverseenbefore.Ifyouwillcleanup,andbeholyasIamholy,IwillvisityouwithMybeauty.YourpuritywillprovokethereleaseofMypower.TheworldwillseekMyknowledgefromyou.YouaregoingtoseeMeinawayyouhaveneverseenMebefore.Iamcleaningyouuptomanifestyoutotheworld.Iampreparingyoutodeclareyoursonship.Iammakingyoureadytooccupyyour

throne,”saiththeLordGodofHosts.

Whensinsareforgiven,refreshingandhealingsfollowimmediately(1Jn.1:9).Miraclesarereleasedwhensinsareforgiven.AfterGodhasforgivenyoursins,accesstoeveryotherthingbecomesautomatic.

Wherefore,beloved,seeingthatyelookforsuchthings,bediligentthatyemaybesofoundofhiminpeace,withoutspot,andblameless.

2Peter3:14

AndRomans13:14adds:

ButputyeontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenotprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof.

It’stimetoariseandwalkinnewnessoflife!Theworldiswaitingforyou!Ihavesaiditoverandagain,thatit’spossibletoliveaholylife.Ihaveincludedthefollowingtestimoniestoprovethis,andalsotohelpboostyourfaith.Thepeopleinthesetestimonieswereabletoovercomesin;youtoocan.Allyouneeddoistoacceptpersonalresponsibility,andyouwillbesetfortheshowersfromabove.

“DearBishop,

IusethiswonderfulopportunitytotestifythatGodistrulyalivingGodandthatyouareatrueprophetofGod.

IamintothebusinessofPromotionsandEventsManagement.Ihandlepromotionsformanycompanies;buteachtimeIdoanybusinesswiththiscompanywhichhappenstobemymajorclient,theguyswhoareresponsibleforthejobsaskforsomuchinreturnaskick-backs.Ihadbeenservicingthem,andeachtimeIsettlethemIgetbrokeandmycompanyisintrouble,tothepointthatwerunhelter-skeltertopaysalaries.Tofeedevenbecomesabigproblem.

InJanuary1996,youinstructedthatweshouldnotgivebribetoanyone,andIhadjustfinishedamajorpromotionforthissamecompany,andtheguyswereexpectingmetobringtheirreturns.Ibecameconfusedastowhattodo,butIeventuallyobeyedyourinstructionanddidnotgivetheguysanything.

Thentroublestarted!Theystartedtoblackmailmeandrefusedtogivemeanymorejobs.Peopletoldmetogoandbegthem,butIrefused,becauseIwasactingonyourinstructions.Thingsbecamerough,butIheldontoyourinstruction.

Ithendecidedtostarttalkingtosomeothercompanies,for

themtoshowinterestinourmajoreventoftheyearthatholdsinDecember.IfoundanothercompanyinJune,andafterseveralmeetings,theyagreedtheyweregoingtosponsortheeventontheconditionthatthefirstcompanybepartofit,becausetheydidnotwanttobeseenasstealinganeventthatanothercompanyhadbeeninvolvedinforsomeyearsback.

Theyrequestedforameetingwiththefirstcompany,toldthemtheirmind,andthefirstcompanyagreedtoalltheirrequests.Butunknowntomeandtheothercompany,theyhadtheirownplans.Arrangementsbeganandallhandswereondeckforustohavetwomulti-nationalcompaniessponsorthisevent.Itwasgoingtobeabang!

OnOctober24,1996,Ireceivedachequeofonemillionnairafromthesecondcompany,astheirownshareforsponsoringtheevent.Iwasexpectingtocollectanotheronemillionnairafromthefirstcompanyastheirownsharetoo.IpaidthechequeintothebankonOctober28,andreturnedtomyofficetodosomepaperwork.AsIfinishedpraying,mysecretarytoldmeIhadavisitor—itwasthebrandmanagerofthebrandandcompanythatgavemetheonemillionnairacheque.Shesaidthefirstcompanyhadpulledoutofthedeal,soIshouldnotpaytheirchequeintomyaccount.Shealsosaidthathercompanymightnotcontinuewiththedealsincetheagreementwasthatthetwocompaniesmustdotheevent.

IdideverythingIcould,buttheyhadmadeuptheirmindsnottogoahead,sincethefirstcompanyhadpulledout.Ilaterfoundoutthattheguysdeliberatelyledusontoenablethemdisappointus,becauseIhadrefusedtogivethemtheirusualbribeinJanuary.

Somehow,Irefusedtolosehope,asIrememberedandheldontoyourtestimonyofhavinglostyourbagattheairportsometimeago,andhowyoudidnotworry.Mywifemetwithapastorinchurch,andtheyprayedtogether.OnTuesday,October29,Ireturnedtheonemillionnairacheque,makingoneprayer—‘God,ifitisYouthatsentBishopOyedepotosayweshouldnotgivebribe,andIlistenedtohimandthishappened,thenovertoYou.’Ireturnedthechequewithoutanyillfeelings.Mystaffwereallupset,butItoldthemnottoworry,saying,‘Godisincontrol.’

WhenIgotbackfromreturningthecheque,Imetanotherletter

fromsomepeoplerequestingameetingwithme.Apparently,theyhadbeenlookingformeforawhile.SomebodywhohadseenoneofmyeventsgottoSouthAfricaandmentionedittothem,andtheywantedtosetupanofficeinWestAfrica,withheadquartersinNigeria.

IwentforthemeetingandwhatdidIcomeoutwith?TheywantedmetobetheirheadinWestAfrica,movingmyofficetoIkoyifromIkeja,allexpensespaidbythem!Presently,theyhaveboughtmeabrandnewcarvaluedat2.2millionnaira!IarrivedNairobi(allexpensespaid)onacourse,andforChristsake,whatIgotisunbelievable!Firstclasstreatment,fivestarhotel,etc!

Idecidedtowritetoyou,topersonallysay,‘Bishop,THANKYOU’,foryourwords,andforeverything.Wordsarenotenoughtodescribemyappreciation.IalsowanttospeciallythankGodforeverything.ThepackageIhaveisextremelyunbelievable!IthankGod.Bishop,Iloveyouwiththewholeofmyheart.”

—Onime,K.

DIVINETRANSFORMATION“I’maNigerian,butliveinBanjul,TheGambia.IwanttotestifyofwhattheLordhasdoneinmylifesinceImettheWorldMissionAgencyinBanjul,TheGambia.

Iamabusinessmanwhousedtodealinillegalbusiness.ButthedayIcameincontactwiththeWorldMissionAgency,Idecidedtogiveupthatbusiness,becauseIreceivedtheWordoflifefromthechurch,andGodhastransformedmylifeeversince!”

—Okonkwo,C.

“God…IWantToLiveAHolyLife”“IthankGod,IthanktheBishopformakinghimtosendthatworduntomeyesterday.SinceSundaywhenthatbomb(themessagepreached)cameuntome,thingshaveturnedaroundinmylife.

Iusedtobeawomanizer,aterribleoneatthat.ButafterhearingthatsermononSunday,Icouldn’tgetupfrommyseat

towalkhome.TheBishopsaid,‘Ifyouhaveallthoseuselessthingsoftheworldinyourhouse,throwthemaway.’Ongettinghome,IgatheredalltheuselesspicturesIusedtotakeinthosedaysandtorethemall.

WhenIdesiredtobeclosetoGod,IaskedHimwhatIcoulddo,andHeledmetojointheSanctuaryKeepersgroup.Butdespitethis,thedevilkepttemptingme.Iamanautomobileelectrician.Thereisnowaywewoulddoanyjobwithouttellinglies.Wewouldalwaysinflatethepriceofthingsbought.Ithensaid,‘God,Ineedachange.Iwanttoliveaholylife.’

Thewordpreachedyesterdayhitmeagain.TheBishopsaid,‘Ifyouareinaplacewhereevilisdone,evenifyoudon’tjointhem,youalsopartakeinthecursethatbefallsthem.’SoIdecidedtochangemyjob.

WhenIcametocleanthesanctuarythismorning,Ilookedonthenoticeboardandsawavacancyadvertforadriver.Ihavesixyearsdrivingexperience,soIcopiedtheaddressandwentinsearchoftheplace.Itisanewnursery/primaryschool.Imetateacherthere,whotoldmethattheproprietresswasnotaround,butconfirmedthattheyactuallyneededdriverstodrivetheschoolbusandapersonaldriverfortheproprietress.

Onleavingthere,Idecidedtowalkdowntomyformeroffice,tosayhellotomycolleaguesandthengohome.Ongettingthere,theystillwantedmetocontinueworking,butItoldthemIdidn’twanttoworkwiththemanymore.Whilestillthere,arelationdrovein.Hesaidtheyhadbeenlookingformeformanydays,andItoldhimthatIwaslookingforanotherjob,becauseIwantedtoliveaholylife.

Hesaid,‘Wehavebeenlookingforyou.Wewanttobuyabusforyou.Infact,I’mjustcomingfromwhereIwenttopricethebus.’Hesaidthebushesawwasgoingfor410,000naira,andthatwewouldgototheplacetogethertomorrow,soIcanmakemychoice!”

—Ezekiel,S.

“I’veStoppedMyCraveAndLoveForMoney!”

“Beingruledbythegodofgold,Igotinvolvedindrugtrafficking.ItookdrugstotheUnitedStatesofAmerica,andattimesbroughtsomeinfromThailand.Acousinofminewhoworshipsherehadalwaysinvitedmetothischurch,butIrefused.Instead,IwenttoanotherchurchwhereIwasgivensomethingtouse.AfterusingwhateverIwasgiven,IthoughtIwasokay.Butdespiteallthose,IgotintoproblemandIwasarrestedanddetained.

Isaid,‘Moneywoulddoit.’Ididn’tknowtheLord.Mybusinesspartnerscametogetherandraisedmoneytobribemywayoutoftheplace.IbelievedsomuchintheirbribesthatIwasconvincedthatIwouldbereleased.ButIwasn’treleased!

Thefirstyearcameandwent,thesecondyearrolledby.Iwastakentoprison.ThenIknewthattheendhadcome.WhenIgotthere,ImetpeopleworshippingGod.Infact,somepeopleinvitedmetoGod,butIrebuffedthem.Mycousinwhoworshipsherekeptsendingbookstome.Thenoneday,somethingministeredtome,“Ifyoudon’tknowGod,youwilldiehere.’

I’dneverfastedinmylife,butIthenbegantofast;Istarteddoingdryfasting.Ifoundmyselfabletofastandprayforthreedaysatastretch.Peoplespentalotofmoneytogetmeoutofprison,butdidnotsucceed,andaftersometimetheybegantobeweary.Whentheygottired,Isaid,‘Godwilldoit.’

Thoughallmyneedsintheprisonweresupplied(aspeoplekeptbringingmoneytome),Iwasdesperatetobereleased.SoonApril22,1994,IacceptedChristintomylife.IbegantoknowGodandtohavefaithinHimtosetmefree.Miraculously,inFebruary1996,awayopenedforme.Iwasarraignedincourt,andinsteadofbeingjailedforatleast25years(becauseofthequantityofsubstancefoundonme),Iwasgivenajailtermoffiveyears.MysentencestartedreadingfromthedayIwasarrested,soIwassetfreeimmediately!

GodhasbeendoingwonderfulthingsinmylifesinceIwasreleasedfromjail.I’venevermissedaservicehere.AndwheneverIcome,theBishop’spreachingsalwaystouchme,especiallyhisteachingsduringtheSignsandWondersWeek.Andnow,I’vestoppedmycraveandloveformoney.I’vecutofffromallmyfriends,whostillcometoconvincemetocontinueinthedrugsbusiness.I’mfreenow,andtheLordhasbeensupplyingallmyneeds,accordingtoHisrichesinglory.”

—O.K.

“SincetheBishopbegantopreachaboutsinonMonday,IbegantoconfessallthattheSpiritoftheLordlaidinmyhearttoconfess.AndIthankGodthatI’venowexaltedrighteousnessinmylife.”

—Adebayo,V.

“Iwasheldcaptivebythespiritofimmoralityforabout12years.IgavemylifetoChristin1994,andwheneverIreadProverbs7:13-14,Icry,butthisspiritstilldidn’tgo.

IthenmadeupmymindtowaitontheLordintheWordduringtheSignsandWondersWeek,andIwastotallydeliveredfromthespiritofimmorality.”

—Adepoju,O.

SUPERNATURALHEALING“I’mafootballer.Wewereincamplastyear,whilepreparingforthechallengecupcompetition.Ihadanevilattackinthenight,somethingheldmedowntothebedandIwasbeingchoked.WhenIgotup,Istartedfeelingterrible;Ihadinternalheat,headacheandseveralothersymptoms.Icouldn’ttellwhatwaswrongwithme.

Myteamofficialstookmetothedoctor,andafterseveraltests,theytoldmethatIwasallright,thattherewasnothingwrongwithme.Buttheheat,headacheandall,stillpersisted.Atoneofourawaymatches,Ialmostfaintedinthestadium.Ihadtobestretchedout.Ithenhadtoleavemyclubcampinmidseason,andcamedowntoLagos.IreasonedwithinmyselfthatifIwastodie,thenIshoulddieinLagos,wheremyparentslive.

InLagos,Iranintoafriend,whoworshipshere.HeadministeredtheanointingoiltomeinhishouseandIfeltrelievedslightly.Thatmademetobelieveforthefirsttime.Ithendecidedtostartworshippinghere.Istartedcoming,andmyconditionimproved,thoughIstillfeltpainsinmykneesandlegs.Iwasstillunabletotryoutroadwalksandmyusualworkouts.

Bishopkepttalkingaboutrighteousness,thatifwewantedtobehealedofallailmentsinourbodies,thenweshouldstartliving

righteously.IthoughtwithinmyselfthatIwasprobablynothealedbecauseIwasstilldoingthingsthatIknewwerewrong.Ithenmadeupmymindtoputallthosethingsaside,andtoliverighteously.

Iwashereyesterday,andonmywayhome,IdiscoveredthatIwasrelievedofthepains.Thismorning,Itriedoutroadwalk.Idida10kilometreroadwalk,andIdiscoveredthatallthepainsweregone!”

—Chike,P.

MYBUSINESSREVIVED“IstartedworshippingherelastSeptember.TheproblemIhadwithmyworkwaswhatbroughtmehere.I’mablockmaker.Butsince1993,thebusinessslumped.AllIdidtorevampitwastonoavail.Afriendinvitedmehere,tellingmethatifIjoinedWinners’Chapel,Iwouldbeawinner.IdecidedtobeaWinnersoIcamehere.

Butallthewhile,Iwasstillplayingwithsin.Icamehere,andtheBishopsaidwhoevercomeshereandcontinuesinsinwouldremainthesame.Icaughtitandresolvedfromthatdayonnottohaveanythingtodowithsinagain.IforgotallaboutsinandchangedtothelawsintheBible.

IstudiedDeuteronomy28andattendedlastmonth’sanointingservice,theonewehadthrice.Aftertheservice,Iwenttomyworkplaceandanointedit.Thatveryday,afriendcametomeandsaid,‘Mr.Laiwola,Ibroughtthiswomantoyou,foryoutomakeblocksforher.’Iaskedhowmanyblocksshewantedandshesaidabout3,000!Thefirstmiraclebroughtin56,000naira!BeforeIfinishedthatone,anotheronecamein,andsoithasbeeneversince.Now,Iproduceblockseveryday!”

—Olaiwola,G.A.

“BeforeIbecamebornagainonJuly6,1996,I’dbeensmokingcigarettesfor10years.Iwasalsointowomanizing.ButwhenIlookbackatwhatGodhasdoneinmylife,thewayHehasturnedmylifearound,Ican’tbutfeelthatHehasbeenverygoodtome.

Notonlythat,Godhasusedmetotouchotherpeople’slives.IgetupinbusesandsharethegospelofJesuswiththem.

Yesterdaynight,afterthemessageIsharedinthebus,amancamedownandsaid,‘Brother,everythingyousaidwasdirectedatme.’Isaid,‘WellIdidn’tknowyoubefore.Iwasn’ttheonetalkingtoyou,itwasGod.’HethensaidIshouldkeepprayingforhimandhegavemesomemoneytosowasseedforhiminmychurch.”

—Akinfemi,B.