Month: November 2020

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
December 1, 2020.

I AM Giving Life to Your Dry Bones!

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

In our last discussion, we saw as the apostle would pray for the faithful to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, their eyes be enlightened to know God’s will upon their lives, for therein lies the exceeding greatness of God’s power towards their spiritual, emotional and physical well being.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1

You had he quickened? We were dead in trespasses?

Yes, this verse reveals the total depravity of the man in Adam. Before we came to Christ, we were totally without strength. We were totally dead. God had to raise us up from the dead.

But you may ask, Pastor, I was breathing and working and living my life before I received Christ! Yes that’s true. But the death here speaks of our spiritual state before God. We were dead to God by the sin of Adam. We inherited the nature of sin from Adam.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

Totally depraved of spiritual light. We were altogether destitute of anything of spiritual significance. You wonder why you would even go to church and hear the word and all would seem like just a usual story?

A corpse is insensible, it feels not, hears not, and sees not. This was our state in relation to God. We were dead to the word, dead to the voice of God, we could not see any meaning to Spiritual things.

O’ this is why we ought to live in continual praise to the riches of God’s sovereign Grace towards us. Jesus said the same thing the apostle says;

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. John 5:25

There is a wide thought that we were partially dead; in the sense that there was something in us that called out to God. No! Never, we were dead and it was an entire work of God, regenerating us back to life by the power and grace of God.

The only thing we knew was sin. From our spirits to our souls and to our bodies, we were under the principle of sin in us, governed daily by the law of sin.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

O’ what governed us was the nature of the devil, the spirit of disobedience which was our own very spirit. The moment Adam sinned we became joined to the devil and were one Spirit with Satan.

We were walking according to the course of the world where Satan was our prince. There is no need diminishing our former state, thereby minimizing God’s grace. We were partakers of the nature of Satan and were by nature Children of wrath;

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:3

Observe the statement “by nature the children of wrath”

The same way you are born a man or a woman by nature, same way we were born naturally as sons of the devil, prepared for the wrath of God.

Then we hear “even as others” Every unbeliever is a child of the devil fulfilling the list of their father;

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

This is why a man must be born again. The spirit of religion reduces Christianity to where people think its character modification. I used to steal I now steal no more. I used to smoke, now I smoke no more or i am trying my best to do the right thing.

My dear one, you must be born again. You are already dead if you are not in Christ;

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22

You must be raised from the dead. All the works you can do from now to the end of the world cannot change your nature until you are regenerated.

To be born in a Christian home or nation does not mean you are saved, Jesus called those of his lineage, even to those of the same father with him after the flesh( Abraham), you are of your father the devil.

Even so was our case when we were in Adam, we were dead but the mercy of God met us;

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Ephesians 2:4

There is no scripture that proclaims God is rich in wrath, but we hear “God who is rich in mercy” full of compassion, gave us pardon through the death of his own Son whereby he demonstrated the “great love wherewith he loved us”

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:5

The raising of Christ from the dead was our rising from the dead. For from his resurrection life, we are today quickened from the dead. And it is stated above that while we were dead, he quickened us.

If the word of God is true, then there was nothing good in us to reach out to God but the entrance of the Spirit of God into us, raised us up from the dead.

If this it, then it is why we hear “by grace ye are saved”

When Many of us hear of the grace of God, we do not understand the inability of man. Sometimes we think we could have tried but God just saved us the stress and gave us salvation by grace.

A billion years won’t have given us the ability to call on God except by regeneration which gives us the Spirit through which we receive the faith to access the full riches of God’s grace.

This is why grace is clearly defined in scripture as that which is antagonistic to works.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

The reason being that we were dead, insensible to God, there was nothing in us to yearn out for God. But God, out of the rich treasure of his mercy, saved us by his unconditional, unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favour.

We were incapable of offering even the slightest work, but the love of God delivered to us salvation by his free grace.

How can we look at the face of our saviour knowing this and not offer our entire beings to him as our gratitude?

How can we not give away everything so the Lord would be exalted in our lives?

The Lord saw our helpless state, out of a billion people, elected us and saved us by his sovereign grace! Glory to God!!!

               Confession

Thank you father for your grace and Love. Thank you for raising me up from the dead, giving me the resurrected life of Jesus.

I proclaim I have the life of Christ in my body, in my finances, in my home and in every facet of my life as my own very life by the grace of God.

By this grace, I am lifted above failure and reigning with Christ Jesus, far above every name that can be named, both in this world and that which is to come.

Thank you Lord Jesus for this exceeding grace! Hallelujah!

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a healer and I saw a case before him, it was a lady whose flesh on the leg was completely rotten remaining the bone.

I saw this healer took what I saw like a rope of flesh and dropped it on this bone and this flesh entered into this bone and covered this entire dry bone with flesh and the leg was completely healed.

Then others began to come with these cases and he continued to do the same to them as I got out of the encounter.

Coming out the Lord led me to the story of prophet Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones from Ezekiel 37:1-14. Then these verses were ministered to me concerning this vision:

Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. Ezekiel 37:11-14

Then said the Lord, “My dear Child, you have said, I have no strength, no courage, no spirit, no life in me, I am completely like a dry bone destitute of hope. I have been cut off from mine inheritance, I am totally perplexed!

But hear this my child, I am opening the doors of your captivity and raising you out of the place you have been held captive. Do not be afraid, do not be anxious, my love and covenant is still upon your life.

Do not ask how I AM going to do this, for the Spirit of the almighty is resting upon you.

I AM giving life to your dry bones, giving life to everything that seems dead in your life. And I will carry you and place you in your own inheritance, then shall you know that I the LORD has spoken it, and performed it, says your God.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 27, 2020.

Live in Peace with Them

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

We saw in our last discussion that we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is guaranteeing our inheritance. He is the seal of ownership, guaranteeing our Security and Destiny.

Then we hear the apostle continue with something very important and pivotal in the Christian faith;

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Ephesians 1:15

He now commends these church, they were born again, baptised in the the Holy Spirit and here the apostle says he heard of their “faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints”

These were not nominal Christians but very active ones. Their faith in the Lord and their love to the brethren were news that traveled even to the apostle. This people were called faithful Christians walking in the love of God, keeping the Lord’s new commandment loving one another.

A lot of us pastors would end here. We would think being faithful and loving others is enough. As much as being faithful and loving others is key, there is something God desires of us which satisfies us and impacts his kingdom better.

The apostle, a wise master builder knew this, thus he did not leave these believers at a level of just exercising faith and love but went on to;

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; Ephesians 1:16

First, he thanked God for them, then we hear him continue a work in prayer for them “making mention of you in my prayers” this is not a one time prayer but a consistent prayer request, for he did not say I made mention but “making mention of you in my prayers.”

This must be something serious, you are baptised in the Holy Ghost, your faith is commendable, you are a lover of the brethren, what else?

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him Ephesians 1:17

The Greatest thing in Christianity is knowing God. This does not come by academic intelligence nor intellectual power but by the spirit of revelation. Which is why the apostle prays “may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him”

Why do we need to know Christ?

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9

When the Spirit of revelation comes, he unveils to us the unsearchable riches of Christ.

This is where we know — Who we are in him, What we have in him, and What we can do in him.

To be saved is an awesome thing, it is totally incredible but to Not know Who you are in him, What you have in him, and What you can do in him is to be altogether destitute of his will.

Every Christian has a calling where all we have, all his riches for us are kept. When you know him, your reality is revealed, you find your purpose an therein lies the empowerment to accomplish what God has created you to do.

This is why we hear the apostle pray;

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18

O’ there are riches in the saints, treasures untold, there is a wealth eye has not seen nor ear heard reserved for the saints, but the pathway to this life of spiritual and emotional satisfaction is the understanding of his calling.

Observe it does not say your calling but “his calling” his plan for you in his redemptive purpose.

When we live disorderly, throwing at it and missing it all the time. When we are not working worthy and not bearing fruits, it is because we have not understood God’s will for our lives.

Paul never left the Christians at just having faith in Christ and loving others. He would keep on praying that the spirit gives them the revelation of what God has called them to accomplish, that is the full knowledge of who they are in Christ, what they have in Christ and what they can do in Christ.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9

Why would the apostles take much burden to pray concerning the will of God for Christians whom he would first commend their faith and love? Why is this important?

The reason being;

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:10-11

To be committed to God where even if there is no one with you, you are still ready to do the right thing. Where you work worthy unto the Lord in everything, being pleasing unto him.

Where your life bears fruits, everything you lay your hand on bears fruits, where God is daily increasing you in his knowledge so you would be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy.

O’ where you are strengthened with all power, where even though you face trials you are able to suffer long, to be patient and joyful, all these come only in the discovery of God’s will.

I believe the Lord is bringing the church back to where we will become purpose driven.

Many of us are just existing, living for ourselves. This is why most times we ask and not receive for many times all we want to do is to spend on our needs and not on God’s purposes.

To live a life without the purpose of God is utter foolishness. Everything we do outside of God’s will shall burn, only what the Lord commands us to do will endure:

We would be unwise and foolish not to discover his will for our lives. We ought to work circumspectly, spending the little time we have towards the achievement of his purpose. This was the mind of the apostle for these believers;

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

You see, there is actually no time, if the Lord returns at this moment, will he say to you well done my faithful servant? Or you are going about chasing your own dreams?

When you talk of purpose and calling many think its for pastors and other preachers. Paul was praying for the saints not pastors.

Everyone one born of God has a divine purpose upon his life. It could be in the media, it could be in leadership/governance, it could be kingdom financing, it could be Christian education, it could pastoring etc. All these are ministries God has called many to.

You can only be satisfied if you know for sure you are doing what God called you to do, for there he has reserved your fruitfulness in life.

Then the apostle continues to revealed the riches that are in the knowledge of this call:

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:19-22

In the knowledge of the riches of his calling lies the discovery of the exceeding greatness of God’s power towards us.

Here the resurrection power of God is revealed and experienced, the name of Jesus which is above every other name and his authority and victory where he has subdued all things and has put them under his feet, where he is head over all things to the church is unveiled to us and we receive and exercise this authority.

For we are the fullness of him that fills all things:

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:23

Beloved I have written this not to condemn anyone but to rather provoke the dearly loved to good works!

PRAYER
Father I thank you for the faith and love I have realised in Christ. Lord I ask that you give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ.

That the eyes of my understanding being enlightened, that I may know the hope of your calling, that I may be filled with the knowledge of your will for my life in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

I know you did not create me to barely earn a living, but you have a divine purpose upon my life which will impact my generation and expand your kingdom.

Help me to know my inheritance in you: who I am in you, what I have in you and what I can do in you.

That I may become fruitful in every good work, filled with fruits of righteousness and abounding in the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

In an encounter with the Lord, “I saw a child of God being attacked, I saw how the enemy had inspired even your loved ones to be up against you!

But I saw you escape, I saw as the Lord stood beside you leading you out of the midst of all these assaults.

Then finally he turned and said to this believer “Live in Peace With Them”

I was led to:

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Psalms 66:12

The Lord said “My Child, you are dearly loved by your father which is why the enemy hates you. But know this my Child, I live in you, my life is yours, by my hand I am holding you up above these arrows.

Therefore do not be disheartened, recompense no man evil for evil, avenge not yourself for I have already made you greater than a conqueror. Watch me restore.

Know that you dwell in my love, know that you are the child of My love and live in peace with them.

Do not war after the flesh for no flesh is against you but the devil. Therefore, overcome evil with good for I am holding your hand and leading you to a wealthy place.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 24, 2020.

I Will Do All My Pleasure!

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians

We saw in our last discussion that we have been predestined according to God’s purpose and that he is currently working all things after the counsel of his own will.

Then the apostle continues;

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13

This is a detailed explanation of what happened to the church at Ephesus during Paul’s encounter with them as recorded in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Acts where they were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The above verse and the next carry tremendous revelation as to the detailed work of the Holy Spirit.

There are two things mentioned in the above verse worthy of note.

First, We hear “in whom also after that ye believed” first they heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation to which they became believers.

Observe the statement “after that ye believed” after they had believed there was something nearly too good to be true done for them.

The apostle did not leave them at being believers but after their becoming believers a deeper work was done upon them.

Second, we hear “ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise”

Sealed with the Holy Spirit? What an incredible declaration. The second thing done to these believers is that they were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

The Greek word used above for sealed is the word σφραγίζω sphragizō meaning to stamp for security or preservation, to keep secret to attest (Strong’s Concordance 4972)

And the Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines Strong’s 4972 σφραγίζω sphragizō as an emblem of ownership, security and destination.

Three things come alive from these definitions of to seal; Ownership, Security, and Destination

This sealing means that we are sealed as God’s own property, we are secured, and then we are being carried to his own destination.

Now, observe again that it does not say your head was sealed, neither is it stated that any part of you was sealed but you. Your entire life was sealed by the Holy Ghost.

This sealing goes deeper to explain that the believer became swallowed up, vacuum packed, you became encased in the Holy Spirit the moment you are baptised in the holy Ghost.

The reason being for ownership, security and to carry you to God’s destination.

This is why we are told in the book of Luke, when the Lord was about to be taken up in Glory as he gave definite instructions pertaining the sealing of the Holy Ghost, we heard him say;

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

The word used above for endue is from the Greek word ἐνδύω enduō which means to invest with clothing (Strong’s Concordance G1746).

It means to be sunk into a garment, to be clothed upon.

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24 :29 NIV

So the baptism in the holy Ghost otherwise called sealing means that you are sunk into the Spirit. You become vacuum packed, encased in the Spirit of the Lord who now exercises ownership over you, secures you and carries you to your destiny in him ( the power to become a witness, that is to fulfill your ministry).

This is what Paul was explaining to these believers, the divine work that was done upon their lives during his encounter with them as recorded here in Acts:

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:1-6

When you read this and observe the order as written in Ephesians 1:13 it is an incredible explanation.

First the apostle asked them “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”

They had believed in the Lord but they were not sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise yet.

So after they had believed, we hear “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied”
Thus they were sealed. Which is what he explains here in Ephesians 1:13:

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13

You see, there are two kinds of sealing the scriptures affirm when it comes to matters of salvation.

First, you are sealed when you receive the testimony of Jesus. When you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, The Son of God, that he is God manifest in the flesh you are sealed. This sealing is for all those who believe and receive the word of God:

He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. John 3:33

But the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the full evidence of the favour of God upon a man.

The difference between the two is that, the first sealing guarantees you are a citizen of heaven but you can live here powerless, without direction and battered as you go fast to heaven.

But the the second seal which is the baptism in the Holy Ghost takes you deeper into God, where the power of God which comes after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, guarantees your security and the fulfillment of God’s purpose upon your life here on earth until the lord Jesus comes to redeem our mortal bodies.

Which is why we hear the apostle declare:

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14

Yes, the Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, the guarantee of our inheritance until the day of complete redemption.

The Greek word used above for earnest is the word ἀῤῥαβών arrhabōn meaning a pledge that is part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest (Strong’s Concordance G728).

Yes, to put the definition together in one word it means he is a guarantee of every promise God has made upon us.

We are not the Guarantors but the Holy Ghost.

He is God’s gift to us. He has sealed us, we are encased, vacuum packed, invested in the Holy Spirit and he is guaranteeing the promises.

Our works are not the guarantee but the Holy Spirit
.
who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14 NIV

This is why if you desire the full evidence of God’s favor on this side of life you have to get baptised, sealed by the Holy Spirit.

But if you are already sealed, be rest assured the Spirit has you sealed, you are secure as he is guaranteeing every promise of God upon your life.

Confession:
Father I thank you loving me. What a wonderful thing you have done for me. Today I am born of God, Sealed with the Holy Spirit.

My entire life is secured in the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit you are my life guarantor.

Father, as your own child, I am living and walking in the Holy Spirit as He secures and guarantees my destiny in you.

Praise God!.

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a Child of God, I saw you executing an assignment. As I pressed in to know why the Lord was showing me this, I heard “This is my plan and I am fulfilling it”

Coming out I was led to:

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Isaiah 46:9-10

The the Lord said “Remember this my child, I am God even your God and outside of me there is none else. Do not be afraid, no one can stop my counsel for there is no one like me.

This has been my plan for you even before you were formed, I have placed you in this, this my plan and I am fulfilling it.

Do not be afraid neither give thought to why you doing what you are doing, for you are not following a vain cause. My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 20, 2020.

Step Out! You Will Not be Disappointed!

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

We saw in our last discussion that we have the gift of redemption and the gift forgiveness of sins. Wherefore, today we cannot help but stay forgiven.

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 1:9

O’ the privileged believers. There are many mysteries in the gospel of God but there is the mystery housing the other mysteries. This mystery of the gospel has been hid from the foundation of the world but today God has “made known unto us the mystery of his will”

This mystery was hid from generations but today we are are so privileged;

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints Colossians 1:26

And what is this mystery?

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:27

Christ in us? Yes God is dwelling today in the bodies of mortal men. Today God is manifest in the flesh of his creation.

The moment we receive Jesus, we cease to exist, our old man dies, and God comes down to live in us to fulfil his purposes. This is the greatest mystery ever told.

The sovereign Lord, the creator of the heavens and the earth is now living in mortal men. You are not common, not every one is privileged to house the living God
This is how we are reconciled to God, which is why hear apostle continue;

That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him Ephesians 1:10

O’ today we are in the fullness of the times and God is gathering in Christ all things. This is the time of the reconciliation of all things.

The statement “both which are in heaven” does not imply the angels of God were out of fellowship with God, but in Christ whatsoever God began is fulfilled. He is the beginning and the end of the things of God.

Wherefore having manifested, God has willed all things to the Son, both which are in heaven and which are on the earth.

Then we hear;

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:11

Observe the statement “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance” obtained an inheritance?

The average Christian is daily struggling to earn something. We want to do something to earn the inheritance. But its all an illusion, we have already obtained the inheritance. Whatsoever we need in life God has given to us in Christ.

Christ is the inheritance. In him dwells the fullness of divinity and we are complete in him. Christ is the things of God. Ours is to pursue after the knowledge of Christ, for to know Christ is to enjoy the fullness of God.

Observe again “being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”

Again the apostle affirms here the doctrine of predestination. We are all predestined according to God’s purpose. If we are truly predestined according to the purpose of God, then we cannot fail for the purpose of God cannot be defeated. It immutable, unchangeable and unalterable;

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:Hebrews 6:17

This is why the apostle continues with this shocking statement “who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”

Not one thing is left to man’s control. God is the universal and absolute sovereign. This is why God’s purposes cannot be defeated. He is in charge working all things after the counsel of his own will.

Many who cannot understand the reason behind most of the works of God deny this scripture and go with reason. Our experience matters nothing but the word of God is the only truth.

It is not left to us to know all things now but it is left to us believe all the word says.

God is the one working all things, spiritually and physically after the counsel of his own will. Nothing is left out for nothing has escaped or overpowered the arm of the Lord.

This is why we hear this verse in Hebrews;

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Hebrews 1:3

The word used above for upholding is the Greek word phero which means to bear or to carry (Strong’s Concordance G5342)

The government of the entire world is upon the shoulders of Jesus The word. He is bearing it on his shoulders, carrying the entire spiritual and physical universe to his predetermined goal. Our God is working all things after the counsel of his own will.

Observe this “by the word of his power” to deny that God is working all things after the counsel of his own will is to deny the power of his word. You are totally denying the efficacy of God’s word.

The Amplified Version renders this verse so alarming;

“The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority],” — Heb 1:3

The problem is that man most times feel God’s will should correspond to our human thinking. We are like soldiers, the orders of the word is that God is in control of all things, he is carrying all things to the fulfilment of his immutable plan, we believe the word and deny everything outside of it.

Knowing God is in absolute Control is the bedrock for a solid.

Many a brother may say yes Pastor, that’s what the word says, but look at this, look at that, is that really God?

May we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.

I am currently working on resources that go into depth of most of the things I share. By God’s grace I believe before the year runs out I should putting out some of these invaluable resources to help us better established in these present truths.

Today our lives are just to be to the praise of the glory of the grace of God. That’s actually the reason for our existence.

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:12

Beloved, Your God is in Charge, be not perturbed, the sovereign Lord is working all things after the counsel of his own will upon your life.

Confession:

Father I thank you for loving me, thank you for revealing the mystery of your will to me.

Today I know and confess that Christ is in me, I have the hope of Glory in me, I will be fearful.

I declare I am reconciled to God, reconciled to the love and goodness of my God, according to your immutable counsel, purposed not in my works but in yourself.

I thank you for this will of salvation upon my life, thank you that this mystery is unveiled to me, I know I am predestined to salvation and not to wrath nor death.

Therefore I declare,I will on t die, I will not fail, I will not be anxious, for My God is working all things after the counsel of his will upon my life, for I am a vessel of glory created to be to the praise of the glory of his grace.

Praise God!

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a child of God who was in a strait, locked up between two options, I saw that the Lord has been leading you to take on new territory but I saw you wondering if this was God, for it was actually looking huge in your eyes.

Then a scene appeared where I saw this child of God in this new territory, God had fast tracked things supernaturally. Things he thought would be difficult the Lord made a smooth path, doors opened and things grew so fast this Child of God was so amazed.

I was led to;

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:12-13

Then I heard, “Listen to me My Child, I am in your heart, I AM in the core of your desires. Do not be afraid of the cost of stepping out on what my Spirit is laying on your heart.

The Joy you experience when you turn your heart towards what you are perceiving I am saying is actually the strength I have reserved for you to run with in taking the new territory I have prepared for you.

Do not be afraid, step out! You will not be disappointed. This is my sign to you, instead of shame, you shall encounter my Glory”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 18, 2020.

Your Latter End Shall be Prosperous!

Yes, Discovering Christ Ephesians.

We saw in our last discussion that we have been predestined to salvation all to the praise of the glory of the Grace of God who has accepted us in the beloved.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7

Wow! There are two gifts mentioned above that are so overwhelming if we critically examine the verse.

Redemption and Forgiveness of sins.

The word used above for redemption is the Greek word apolutrosis meaning ransom in full, riddance, Christian salvation (Strong’s Concordance G629)

Yes, in him we are rid of all evil. We are rid of the penalty of sin, we are rid of sickness, poverty, the bondage of the law, we are rid of every work of darkness through the blood of Jesus.

But there is something peculiar in the verse we must keenly observe before going further. “In whom we have”

Observe the statement “we have” this means we are in possession of redemption (salvation) and the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness of sins is also a gift. The redeemed have the gift of the forgiveness of sins with them.

We are not going to receive the forgiveness of sins, but we already have the forgiveness of sins, we already have redemption also as a gift.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31

Observe “for to give repentance to Isreal— And forgiveness of sins.'”

Forgiveness of sins is a gift. We have it with us. We don’t have to keep begging God to forgive our sins as though he is withholding it from us.

When we stumble all we need to do is to thank God for the gift of the forgiveness of sins and not to walk around in guilt and condemnation.

God is is not withholding forgiveness to no one, in Christ we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

How can you be in Christ and not be redeemed?

How can you be in Christ and not be forgiven?

How can you jump into an ocean and not be wet?

It is totally untrue to be in Christ and still be seeking the forgiveness of sins. In Christ we have the gift of the forgiveness of sins and this is irreversible;

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29

This is done “according to the riches of his grace”. God wants to show how much gracious he is.

This is why we hear;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 1:8

This is the wisdom of God, when you choose to live in guilt and condemnation, you are not pleasing God but rather you are disregarding the grace of God, you are insinuating that somewhat your sins have outweighed the riches of God’s grace.

That’s no wisdom, the divine wisdom of God has made grace to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.

Someone may think, pastor it is not wise to explore along these lines. You see, this is why God’s wisdom supersedes the wisdom of the world.

Carnally thinking this may be abnormal but according to the riches of God’s grace, where sin abounds grace much more abounds.

Don’t be let down, gear up and know you have the gift of the forgiveness of sins where the grace of God is bigger than all your sins.

In Christ, When you need redemption from sin, know you already have redemption with you.

When you need redemption from sickness, know you already have redemption with you.

when you need redemption from any evil, know you already have redemption with you through the blood of Jesus Christ.

When you need forgiveness of sins, know you already have the gift of the forgiveness of sins with you.

                    Confession:

Father I thank you for the gift of Christ, in him I have riddance from sin, sickness, poverty, failure, depression, guilt, condemnation and every evil work.

I proclaim, Christ is my riddance, Christ is my redemption, I am irreversibly free from the works of the evil one.

I have the gift of the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. I proclaim, my conscience is purified, I am forgiven. I will not walk in guilt but walk in Joy and Peace knowing that by the grace of God I am eternally forgiven. Praise God!

In an encounter with the Lord,

I heard ” Do not be weary my Child, my kingdom begins as little as a mustard seed, but in the seed lies the potential to grow beyond limits. Though you have begun small, do not be weary, for I have ordained your latter end with glory.

Do not be discouraged, though your beginning may be small, your latter end shall be prosperous. You have sown the seed, keep watering for I AM definitely giving you and abundant harvest”

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Zechariah 4:9-10

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 16, 2020.

In Him You Have Won

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

We saw in our last discussion that we are already blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. The glory of the almighty God is embedded in our very spirits.

Then the apostle continues;

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1:4

Observe carefully this statement “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world”

The word used above for chosen is from the Greek word eklegomai which means to select (Strong’ s Concordance G1586).

There is such a thing as eternal election. Out of the unknown number of the human creation of God, you were known in the heart of God and chosen before anything was ever created.

Believers were elected in Christ before the world began.

The election of sons, was not an after thought in the heart of God. But it was not a reaction to the fall of Adam, no, never! God had already determined to manifest his grace to a select people, the fall of Adam was rather an accomplishment to his counsel.

A lot of people deny this but it is a true gospel doctrine.

We keenly looked at the first verse of this book where Paul addresses this letter “to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus”.

Wherefore the apostle is not saying the entire world was Chosen in Christ before the world began.

And he is not saying the entire people of Ephesus were Chosen in Christ before the world began since he had clearly indicated to whom he had addressed his letter.

Everyone that has ever believed has done so because they first were chosen or elected in the counsel of God before the world began. If a man was not elected, no amount of preaching can change him.

Observe it says he chose us ” in himself” and not in any good he foresaw in us, for others assert that God saw something good in us which was the reason he chose us.

To be called of God, to be chosen of God, to elected of God, to be born of God is an entire work the grace of God. We are totally undeserving of the least article of the things of salvation.

We ought to be the more grateful and ever thankful to God for his sovereign grace demonstrated towards us. Paul clearly stated this to excite the gratitude of the believers.

He intends that we come to know that God loves us, God likes us, God is pleased with is, almighty God is full of love for us not because we are good but because he has chosen to love us despite our sinfulness.

There has never been anything good in us to which God could have looked to and predestined us to be saved because of, which is why we hear the next part of the verse “that we should be holy and without blame before him in love”

This means he didn’t see anything good in us before choosing us. In fact we were not even formed before he elected us.

But rather he desired for us to be holy and blameless before him in love.

So how did he accomplish this? Was it by Christ or by our works?

We hear;

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Colossians 1:21-22

Observe the statement “in the body of his flesh” Yes he purified us by the offering of the body of his son.

Through the offering of his body we are today presented before God holy and unblamable and irreproachable in his sight.

This has nothing to do with our goodness but it has everything to do with the love and grace of the almighty God towards us.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:5

O’ what a declaration. Having predestinated us?

The word used above for predestinated is from the Greek word proorizo meaning to limit in advance, to predetermine (Strong’s Concordance G4309)

We were predestinated to be adopted as children of the most high God. You did not in actuality chose God, all what we have done is because we were predestinated to do so.

God predetermined our lives to the discovery and acceptance of Jesus Christ. We were selected and destined to salvation and this is not done for every one but for the elect only.

A lot of people deny this scripture, watering it down to mean the nations at large but there is no mention of nations in this verse, and remember this letter was written to the saints and faithful in Christ Jesus and not to the nations.

Again others say it means the Gentiles at large but observe carefully this statement “Predestinated us” Paul did not say predestinated you but “us” himself included. But Paul was not a Gentile, he was a Jew, an Hebrew of the Hebrews, A Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1, Philippians 3:5).

Thus the “us” here are the privileged believers! It has nothing to do with the entire Gentile world.

Observe again this statement “adoption of children by Jesus Christ”

The instrumentality, the means of adoption is Jesus Christ and not any man’s goodness.

We were predestinated before we were ever created, thus there is no chance of man thinking he merits anything, for this was concluded before any man had ever done a thing.

Look closely at this statement again “according to the good pleasure of his will”

God was not influenced by anything outside of himself but it was all because of his good will. God cannot be influenced by anything outside of himself as though he needs help.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Romans 11:34-35

The will of God is the rule of all his actions. According to the good pleasure of his will had he predestinated us and not according to our works.

Every attempt of man to temper with the glory of God is cut off here by the apostle.

Salvation is a thing of divine grace and nothing of man. God does not look to man for personal worth so he would bestow his salvation, It is only according to the good pleasure of his will.

Then we hear another vivacious proclamation;

Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Not to the praise of the glory of the actions of men but to the praise of the glory of his grace. It is done so we would praise his unmerited, undeserved, unconditional, unearned favor and nothing more.

Then we hear another striking statement “wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”

God accepts no man’s person

Galatians 2:6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

The only ground of acceptance with God is Christ and nothing more. We are accepted in the beloved and not in our works. No amount of good works would have made us accepted.

A lot of people have done many good works, even more than most Christians but they have never come to the Lord, have never been accepted and have died and gone to hell.

Praise God for the grace of God. Praise God for Jesus. We were predestined in him even before the world began and today we are accepted in the beloved to the praise of the glory of his grace.

How can you think on these things and still let your soul to be let down. You are a fulfilment of an immutable counsel. How can you not excel when you know his plans for you are not of evil but of good to give you an expected end?

Pick up yourself and look back to the love of God with excitement for you have been predestined to obtain the glory of Christ.

              Confession:

Heavenly father I thank you for loving me. I know there is no worth in me to deserve your goodness but you have loved me freely, having predestined me to be adopted as your son through Christ Jesus to the praise of the glory of your grace.

I understand that in the good pleasure of your will there is nothing evil written of me. I confess I have a glorious destiny in Christ. I proclaim you are fulfilling your plans of good over my life and I expect a glorious outcome in Jesus’ name Amen. Praise God!

In an encounter with the Lord “I saw a Child of God and the family, I saw a demonic force hovering over this family trying to oppress them. This is was a picture of this household trying to rise but being pulled down by this oppressive spirit.

But I saw as this child of God refuse to back down but pressed towards this force and overpowered it and broke loose.
Then I heard “You have won”

So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives..And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. 1Samuel 30:3,8

Then I heard “My beloved child, I have given you the victory in my son, in him You have won!

Therefore do not relent, do not back down but stand up in the victory of the Christ. It is not my desire that you all be in subjection to the evil one.

But it is my desire to restore! Now, pursue, for you shall surely overtake, and without fail recover all.”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Daily Devotional & Prophecy
November 13, 2020.

What You See is Just a Temptation!

Yes, Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

I believe a lot of us have been blessed by our previous discussion, Gleanings from the book of Galatians. I believe the Holy Spirit will be doing a greater work to as many of us that will give ourselves to the revelations He is bound to give to us again in this Discovering Christ in Ephesians.

The Book of Ephesians was a letter written by Paul to the saints and faithful at Ephesus. It was his final address to this church as he was on his way to Jerusalem, not knowing what would befall him.

At Miletus he sent for all the elders of the church at Ephesus:

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Acts 20:17

This letter is one to be taken very seriously, for there are deep things the apostle related in this epistle as his last words to the church.

We hear him say to the elders;

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:25-32

The heart of the apostle is clearly revealed to the Ephesians. First, he confesses his preaching to them was the unfeigned word of God. Then he warns that after his departure grievous wolves would enter the Church and among themselves men shall arise, who would turn away the faith of the people from Christ, drawing disciples after themselves by speaking perverse things.

Then we hear him talk of his labour of grace, that in the space of three years, he laboured in the word warning each one night and day not to deviate from the ministry committed unto him to the gentles, which was to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

Now observe his final recommendations;. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified”

So, in this letter to the Ephesians, he seeks to establish the church in doctrines of the gospel of the grace of God, that they be not carried away by false brethren, the grievous wolves and of they themselves been led away by the error of the wicked.

So the apostle begins;

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:1

There is something peculiar about the apostle’s introduction “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”

By the will of God and not by the will of man. He was so sure of whose will he was under. The teachings of the apostle were hard teachings, doctrines that demanded true spiritual illumination, hence, not to be easily accepted by those who go with human reasoning.

Wherefore the apostle would take time to established his divine apostleship. This is the reason all the persecutions he faced bothered him not (Acts 20:24), because he was so sure of his calling, he fully understood the purpose of God for his life.

This ought to be every believers stronghold. In life we are bound to face trials, persecutions and diverse temptations, but if we know we are in God’s will, we will be encouraged to bear the reproach of Christ, knowing God’s will for is to prosper us and to give to us an expected end.

We have a lot of believers today who are not sure they are living in God’s vision for their lives. Are you doing what God called you to do?

This the apostle knew and was so sure of, that he was called and made an apostle by the will of God and not by himself or any man’s will.

Then we hear “to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:”

He calls them saints. All believers are saints. The word used above for saints is from the Greek word hagios meaning sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious ceremonially consecrated) (Strong’s Concordance G40).

This is amazing, Paul is writing to a people he was not present with, yet he calls them sacred; physically pure, morally blameless and consecrated. How was he able to know this?

He saw them in Christ. He looked at them with the eyes of the father. He saw them through the Cross, and as he did, he saw that through the Cross they were sacred, consecrated by Christ, perfectly holy and faithful before the eyes of God.

How do I know this?

Observe the last words in the verse “in Christ Jesus”

This is who we are in Christ Jesus. In ourselves we are weak, fighting to even keep our eyes on Jesus, but God sees us in Christ and calls us sacred, physically and morally pure, a holy and faithful people in Christ.

Then the apostle continues;

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2

He prays for them that the unearned, unmerited, undeserved favour and peace of God rests upon them. This is the heart condition of every true believer. That the saints be favoured and enjoy the peace of God.

I pray for you; may the unearned, undeserved, unconditional favour and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you all.

Then we hear:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

This statement “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” does not mean our blessing God adds anything to him. God is eternal and complete in himself wanting nothing. It is just our ascribing blessings, honour and glory to him.

God the father is the God of Christ of whom Christ came from, subjecting himself to the nature of a man, and looks to him as his God and father. Even the father of our Lord is our God and Father.

Then the apostle says something very peculiar “who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”

Observe carefully the tenses “hath blessed” He is not going to bless but has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

You see, God is Spirit. And you born of the Spirit is spirit.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

This entire universe we see came from the Spirit of God. whatsoever God has, comes from the spiritual before the physical. This is why we hear “all spiritual blessings”

Every thing we need, temporal and eternal blessings have already been given to us. All we need in life, all we need to live godly lives has already been given to us. We have it right in our spirit. We walk around with the wealth of God in us.

If you need provision, it is there in your spirit. If you need Healing, it is right there in you. God is not withholding anything good from us.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2 Peter 1:3

Observe the the last statement “through the knowledge of him”

What is in us becomes manifest to the physical through the precise knowledge of God. When we leave information to the intimate knowledge, where we conceive the truths of who we are in Christ, the truths of all we have in him, of all we can do in him, then these things become operative.

There are riches untold in us. There are incalculable, unfathomable, inexhaustible, unending, untraceable riches of the Christ in us.

Our major duty in life is to pursue the knowledge of God. When we truly know him all the wealth in us will divinely express itself.

Hence, our confession needs to change. We have to move from a lack mentality to a provisioned mentality. From a disease mentality to a God’s health mentality. From a death mentality to a life and immortality mentality.

Dear Beloved, there are riches untold in you… See you tomorrow.

               Confession:

I have the rich treasure of God on my inside. I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Everything thing pertaining to life and godliness has already been given to me. I have the health of God. The prosperity of God. The Joy of God. The strength of God. I declare I am living in the all encompassing, overflowing and superabundant life of Christ. Glory to God!.

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a Child of God, You have been on the right path but for sometime you have been lured by negative circumstances to become supine in the pursuit of the the glory.

You have been seeing things in the natural and one way or the other your zeal has being running cold towards this work.

But I saw the Hand of God rest upon you. And instead of you giving heed to all the enemy has being showing to you as proof of things not going well, I saw you turn with a holy anger, filled with divine courage as your faith rose in the name of the Lord Jesus and faced the enemy as he appeared toward you.

I saw you run toward the enemy and swung a punch at this dark force, I saw your hand go through it as though it was just smoke, and then I heard “It is just a temptation!”

I was led to:

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.1 Samuel 17:45-50

Then I heard the Lord say “Be courageous my child for I AM with you. The Lord of Host, the God of the Angelic Host is with you. What you see is just a temptation.

This day I have delivered your enemies into your hands. My hand is upon you dear one. What they do unto you is actually unto my name. Turn again and face your adversaries for the battle is the Lord’s.

Look not to your sword, nor to your strength, but to your God, for my covenant is with you, and in my name you shall prevail over all your adversaries.”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

Royal Life
Prophecy
November 10, 2020.

I Heard “Open Heavens!”

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a child of God in a bus driving, this believer was having a bumpy ride, I knew it signified difficult times.

Then I heard the Lord say to him to open the roof of the bus. As I heard this I pressed in to know the meaning and I heard the Lord say “Open Heavens”

This is to a child of God to whom you have felt as though for a long time now the heavens have been shut over your prayers and over the pursuit of God’s purpose upon you.

I also believe this open heavens speak of nations that are now opened to the gospel as we are pressing in on God’s will being fulfilled in the earth.
I was led to:

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. Deuteronomy 28:12

Then The Lord said “My Child, It has been a rough season for you dear one. You have felt as though I have totally neglected you, but I have not.

I have being attentive to your cries and now I have opened my good treasure over you.

The heavens are opened over you. The dew of heaven falls upon you today. The rain of my favour is upon you.

My blessing is upon you in the house, in the field and in all you set hand to do.

You have suffered, but this is your time of settlement, for I have made you a blessing, not just to your home but the nations at large.”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

Royal Life
Word & Prayer
November 6, 2020

May the Grace of Christ Be with Your Spirit

Yes, Gleanings from the Book of Galatians.

We saw in our last discussion, how Paul encouraged the the Galatians to consider his weighty letter and how he revealed that they which teach the law only desire to make a show of the flesh.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. Galatians 6:13

Look closely at this statement “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law”

This is it, circumcision itself became a preaching in those days as it was one of the major articles of the covenant, but Paul here sentenced everyone who attempts the keeping of the law and those who are of the preaching of the law as not actually keeping the law.

The apostle does not just make this statement but it was through their experience and the testimony of the fathers that he made this conclusion;

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:10-11

To teach the observation of the law is to rather tempt the almighty God. Moses the giver of the law could not make it to the promised land. He broke the same law he gave to Israel and God declared his disobedience had disqualified him from entering the promised land.

The apostle knew this and by their experience with the law knew better that they Could not keep the law, hence, there was no hypocrisy in them but to look to Jesus to be justified and saved by the grace of God.

Wherefore, Paul conclusively declares everyone pretending to be observing the works of the law as living in hypocrisy.

Observe again this statement “but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”

This is with circumcision even as it is with the other laws. These false teachers would have you engage in the keeping of the law to which they know you cannot keep. When you attempt and fail, you turn and look up to them as those who are perfect under God’s law.

Hence, they now have received the occasion to glory in your flesh, to boast over you with their false achievements.

But look at what the apostle says was his own stand;

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

What an attitude to learn from. The apostle’s only place of glorying was not in his works but in the cross of Christ. In what the Lord has done to save the chief of sinners, the least of all saints.

Then we hear “by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”

He counted the entire world and all the glories it can offer a thing of disdain. He deemed the world to be totally repugnant unto him when compared with the treasure of knowing Christ.

He saw himself totally dead to the desires of the world. O’ may this be our portion.

He counted all his works, all his achievements as dung. The world crucified unto him. But why?

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Galatians 6:15

Here everything else is vain, circumcision and uncircumcision counts not. The keeping of the law or rejecting the keeping of the law matters nothing but a creature, to be born of God.

What matters is if a man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away. He is regenerated, filled with God.

Here God comes down to take his abode in the quarters of his heart. Here God dwells in him, walks in him, and works in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Then we hear;

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:16

This is the standard of life for the Christian. The apostle concludes his discussion with a blessing on all those who walk after the new nature. Those who walk after the rule of the new creation have the peace and mercy of God resting upon them, for they are the true Israel of God.

Then we hear;

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:17

This is is a profound declaration, the apostle having exhaustively declared to the Galatia Churches the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone, concludes here that”henceforth let no man trouble me”

What he has shared in this letter is enough to give everyman all the light he needs as it pertains to the doctrine of justification by faith.

Hence, no more troubling the apostle.

Then we hear”for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus”

For the cause of the cross of Christ he had face scourging, reproaches, sufferings and general persecutions, thus he was the more qualified to teach them and now wishes to be left alone untroubled.

Finally;

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Galatians 6:18

He still calls them brethren, an assurance of his love and affection for them all, and then he finally prays for them, that the grace of God be with their spirit so they can be filled with the revelations of the grace and love of God in preaching the Gospel of The Grace of God.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with the spirit of my reader. May you grow in the revelation of Jesus, may you understand the breadth, length, height and the depth of God’s love and may he do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you ask or even think according to the power at work in you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ’ Amen!

Royal Life
Word & Prophecy
November 3, 2020.

“Open Doors!”

Yes, Gleanings From The Book of Galatians.

We saw in our last discussion how Paul admonished us not to be weary in welling doing, for we shall reap if we faint not.  There is no giving up for the Christian, our hope will never fail us.

Then the apostle continues by drawing the attention of the Galatia churches to something for them to weigh;

“Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand,”   Galatians 6:11.

We have been observing, right from the first chapter of this book to this point, that the Grace of God is the content of this entire letter the apostle wrote to the Galatians.

Hence, he seems here to draw their attention to the prolixity of the letter.

They had known what a busy man he was, and knowing that most of his letters were not written by his own hand but dictated to his coworkers.  By the above verse he wishes to intimate them of the weight of the issues discussed herein.

Their turning away from The Grace of Christ to the works of the flesh for justification, was not a mere issue but a weighty one, for they were denying Christ by their works, making his work vain through their going back to Judaism.

Thus, the sacrifice Paul made was to assure them of his love and to deeply reveal to them the error they were in.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ,”   Galatians 6:12.

Observe carefully this statement “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh…”

It is just a show, their is no reality in it.  Many a people desire popular applause, eye service, they desire to make themselves distinguished from others, therefore they hide under a false zeal by putting on a false cloak of perfection through their observation of the works of the law.

The apostle calls all of that a show, there is no reality in it. It is all done to win favour and acceptance in the eyes of men.  This is why we must be spiritual to discern for we all are accepted before the tribunal of God by faith alone in Christ Jesus.

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,”   Galatians 2:16.

Then we hear, “They constraint you to be circumcised….”

Circumcision after Salvation in Christ was an issue predominant in the day of the Churches in Galatia, but today men are constrained to observe ridiculous religious works as means to earn God’s blessings, neglecting the already accomplished work of the Christ which brings upon us the free favour of God.

Observe carefully this last statement in the verse, “only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ…..”

O’ when I see this kind of scriptures I become so overwhelmed with courage to pursue the course The LORD has called me unto.

When you wear the garment of religious works, you become so appealing to ordinary men.  Even though all your claims to perfection are false, they see you as the man of God, a perfect representation of God.

But when you deny yourself of every claim to self righteousness and start pointing everyone to the righteousness of Christ, you appear a sinner in eyes of the religious, it becomes as though you are ministering sin, while in reality you are not;

“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid,”    Galatians 2:17.

Your pushing of people to The Cross of Christ is offensive to those who are holding unto their works, hence the persecution.

They assume they are something in themselves, glorying in the flesh, wherefore, they are ready to destroy you for what they seemingly think is their identity.

You desire to be applauded?

You desire to be highly esteemed of men?

Go for The Law!  Go for works!

But if you desire to live the life of Grace?

Get ready for persecution.

You desire to preach The Cross of Christ?

Get ready for persecution.

But there is something divine, with the persecution comes the peace that surpasses understanding.  Under this persecution, you are supported by the unconditional Love and Grace of The Almighty.

May Christ be all our desire, may he be our works and may we be satisfied with Him as our Salvation!

In an encounter with The LORD, I saw a Child of God.  You have been in a place… it looks as though you have been under stagnation.  You have been sensing God speak the Victory, but it has really been tough with you.

But I saw things radically change to your amazement.  I saw you step into favour for sometime you have been tempted to think it has become totally impossible.

When I saw this, I heard The LORD say, “Open doors.”

Beloved it is your season of open doors!

“And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open,”   Isaiah 22:22.

Blessings in Christ,
~ Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.