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John 1:14- “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).”

Reflecting on what it means when desire meets provision then there will be performance. The prayer is to know the Lord’s day and what makes for perfection. The wise sees parts are different and all differences work to unison of purpose. Then there are those who think that all has to be eyes, seeing things one way. Though there is the sense of being one mind and having a single vision of purpose. That has to countenance having different perspectives but with success in mind, bringing in a creative aspect, a diversity of spiritual gifts but yet God in all. At this level it’s a broad thinking and openness to God’s way. 

At Christmas let us think how we see the perfection in what God is doing today and a release to not hinder. If your utopian idea don’t come to fruition, how can you work with what’s in your hand? Or wait, lose what you have, and realise the best was yesterday. Perhaps a little with happiness is better. See it for yesterday, or for tomorrow. Together has to be key, of one heart. Of one bone, of one flesh. Yet different parts. There is truth that there is a remnant according to grace. 

There is consistency with scriptures if we are thankful for every blessing with anticipatory hope of what is to come. As one politician in recent times of our 21st century would admonish- unburdened by the past. So true, one cannot be so bugged and dragged by every single detail that depresses, but with caution and love though, to press into all of God’s capacity. The cross of Christ has to be worth more. Can we learn from ants, lilies, sparrows? What is God saying that He has not said, and how can we be reminded to treasure each reminder for our good? Amen. 

Merry Christmas wishes. I have attached a picture of me I took few days ago this December 2024. I hope it brings you joy if it can. I meant to capture my 40th birthday from about 9months ago in March. Not quite my once 16yr old kind of walk to a studio, but reminded to be thankful for memories. In a most personable way, please remember me in your prayers, that the spiritual riches and earthly mercies and miracles of Christ be mine. 

Today I must say I am humbled by the grace of God at work in others who love and honour Him. Mightily. Truly all glory to God. 

I trust God that in this season a sign will be given to see God’s direction towards us today. 

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye 

“The liberal soul shall be made fat…” Proverbs 11:25a

I just had a much better day to the past couple of months. Not that things are rosier, but one of hope. I consider what I took for granted and learnt a lesson, that gratitude and honouring God transcends what people think. A call to liberality of spirit I think is a discipline of demonstrable love. I wonder if by religiosity a box is ticked rightly without knowing why, though Christ will warn to avoid being seen and conceived as great, followed with the risk of emptiness if not heart felt- yet when free spirited  and kind with a purpose the ripples is ace. It also soothes your heart to know someone is better because of your heart. Parents show this, bosses in their employment opportunities, leaders in their considerable policies, protectors in their sacrifice, teachers in their emphasis to patiently support needs. When things are done right thank you is just appropriate, because it can hardly really be paid for. I think a little kindness goes a long way. I also think we must pray about how to show it. Who do I help? How should I help? When should I help? 

I consider giving out of a ‘widow’s mite’ as powerful, because it means out of little a face is turned to another’s need and God’s purpose. One more thing if one cannot help, at least don’t ridicule, don’t nail down another’s hope of redemption as a final blow. It seems to me, one can be raised for another, raised for a people, raised for a period or season or generation, raised for a nation. A water that refreshes, a steward that points a way, a harbour of refuge. What there is to resist is a prototype of hate, that suggests to have helped was disastrous. Was it possible whoever modelled ingratitude attempted to change your heart for the next person who should have seen goodness. A deep matrix and manipulation of deflection, I think it is helpful to be good and kind. Use credible institutional referrals that have a proven track record of helps. Assist those you can one on one, and reassure where possible. Pray indoors, speak love, and nurse it in your heart to care, or hope to when enabled by the grace of heaven. 

God is good, so are we who rely on Him. 

Think of smart, redemptive ways to show love. Teach through rewards what it means to be grateful. Support not for praise but love. Live within your means, and give within your strength. Not in false scheme to accuse anyone of depleting your resource, but a well managed limit. Learn to say no when not able. And learn not to be bitter when one can’t either. It takes incredibly faith to exceed your strength in anything, but I perceive baby steps is what is needed. Is it possible to experience absolute joy in seeing a face saved, elevated, refreshed, encouraged, warmed up, drawn to a smile? It’s not starting again what you’ve always done, because the love of God for goodwill has always been within you. It’s stirring the gift of God, it’s not letting your right hand see the left as Christ will say. It’s being an angel of good news, a father to many, a gift to the nations. You’re the gift your friends, neighbours, family, society has waited for. A joy through your talents and grace. No fret, God is on the throne. Some may say I thought I did something for him, maybe it wasn’t him, or possibly him or her- there is a call to precision of love. Of course, not a game of snobbery and a comedy of errors, and endless circles of not knowing what is good. As scripture reminds us again, as inspired by all these words, which I humbly suggest is consistent with it, do not forget to do good. Remember to start and raise a heart of gratitude, and ride a thankful life. A call to pray and care, for you, yours and theirs? It seems so to me. Consider loving without strings and genuine love. How freeing. Pause and wait, and once you’re strengthened help another, and share not of compulsion but love, rejoice in another’s efforts, show them how to work hard, and don’t stop another doing so. I’m sure there is more God can remind you of and teach you again. But again, how can I with all this commitments, I hear this- God will provide. Amen. 

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

My heart is turned to this Psalm today. And I pray, may God raise help for us who trust Him and look forward to His full redemption. May God grant us grace to follow after His template of righteous, peace and love. May He grants us access to wisdom we need for the hour and a good reward as we hope in Him. May the fetters of oppression cease and the sun rise to our healing. May the truth of heaven be ours according to what we can bear, and love we can control. May joy not cease from our lips and may sweetness not dry in our mouths. May the pains of yesterday be forgotten because we hear cries of ever rising hope. May the tales of victory sooth our breasts and a peaceful sleep replenish our strength. May we see the promised victory and rest in it. Like Abraham may the joy come, not to late to rejoice in God’s terms and plans. Not too early to destroy us, not too late we have no strength to sing. All is good that ends well and happens in God’s grace. Let all who sing together ring true in rejoicing and say God has granted us His mercy and favour.

Psalm 115 reads: 

“To you alone, O Lord, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness.

Why should the nations ask us, “Where is your God?”

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he wishes.

Their gods are made of silver and gold, formed by human hands.

They have mouths, but cannot speak, and eyes, but cannot see.

They have ears, but cannot hear, and noses, but cannot smell.

They have hands, but cannot feel, and feet, but cannot walk; they cannot make a sound.

May all who made them and who trust in them become like the idols they have made.

Trust in the Lord, you people of Israel. He helps you and protects you.

Trust in the Lord, you priests of God. He helps you and protects you.

Trust in the Lord, all you that worship him. He helps you and protects you.

The Lord remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the people of Israel and all the priests of God.

He will bless everyone who honors him, the great and the small alike.

May the Lord give you children – you and your descendants!

May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Heaven belongs to the Lord alone, but he gave the earth to us humans.

The Lord is not praised by the dead, by any who go down to the land of silence. 

But we, the living, will give thanks to him now and forever. Praise the Lord!”

Amen.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

”A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

“His brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than all of his brothers; so they hated him and could not [find it within themselves to] speak to him on friendly terms.” Genesis 37:4 

More recently a chapter of scripture being studied in a series in bible study meetings I recently listened in revolved on Joseph and his misfortune stemming from jealousy-breathed situation. On deep reflection we could learn to accept another’s blessing and control the fleshy instinct to trivialise or hate on the basis of gifts another has received or worked for. Also learned we can learn to know the ways of men and be more discreet, or even perhaps how to know if you can show a friend or brother your blessing or dream for guidance or interpretation. Consider these scriptures on right speaking. I found it edifying. Proverbs 21:19; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Matthew 5:37, 7:6; John 16:33; Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 6:16-19; Isaiah 5:20.

On reflection this mid-nighty impromptu session is the point- they couldn’t bring themselves to be kind or speak kindly. I humbly suggest it’s possible to lack words; to prefer a long talk and uncomfortable disposition than a good hello. It means not to judge another’s action, tone, characterisation. For some it’s genius to talk differently to a baby, friend, enemy, professional, club group all in separate contexts. The hope is to belong to the right and lucky mix else it’s work keeping up. I think this is fine, but quickly figure where you fit, so you prepare if possible to listen to or talk with as well.

I pray you don’t judge yourself too harshly if you don’t get along, but accept maybe you are not called to everyone. This is why love is finding you, your heart, someone you are peaceable with and who enjoys seeing and being with you. Managing or coping nonetheless is not for everyone. But remember Christ calls us to endure and love all in the world, even though not sharing its’ ideals. The issue which is the crux is to not give what is precious to the non-appreciative. A bit of ducking, diving, praying, skipping, running, yes and no conversations, until Christ saves the day. Rest for soul is real and it’s within you, as the Lord says. Christ in you the hope of glory. Hope this lifted you? 

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

The reflection at this point is on the non-imposing will of God; hence He appeals for a desire to receive His aid or support for protection. We have looked into God as shield (protector), consider the second part of Proverbs 30:5, it says to those who find refuge in Him He will be a Shield. Are you willing to seek God for refuge, protection, rest, support? If yes, God can accept. 

What is it about placing trust? It must be a show of confidence in ability. Not that God needs that for His ego or pride, but it’s a lesson for us, our faith, that shapes how we talk and live over time. A sense of what God can do, and how that makes us less anxious, and causes us to live life with hope and less pressure which is good for us and those around. We know God can come through at last minute; so instead of being unnecessarily inconsolable in face of lack and fear because of growing unpalatable situation, Christ offers refuge in Him. Safety in Him. The promise is on God. But again it’s a partnership, a two-way street, God requiring our believing and God acting on our behalf. Yet it’s Him all the way, at the centre of it all. 

“The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

”“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

After hearing about the perfection, authenticity, absolute purity of a true word from heaven, then we see the nature of God’s power- that He is a shield. It’s a right metaphor for the protection God is able to give. To be a shield in conflict is to restrain the enemy’s darts and blows. For the one who receives grace from above, it means in your hand, a shield, its God before you, a strong support. A good defence is as good as a strike. To be preserved is to be saved from aggression and conniving of the evil person or group. It’s reassuring God promises to be an instrument for protection. Defence could be automatic redirecting attack to the sender. It’s a powerful way to remind the planner of destruction, and aider of wickedness that there is failure scheme in place for their present and future actions, even if they cannot find a reason for their disgust and joy in agenda for baseless actions. There is comfort in Christ’s word that the world sufficiently has its troubles but there is protection in God. Knowing the wisdom of God is true, one can look forward in hope and peace of heart.

It’s my hope that in obedience to every word, in movement and staying, God’s shield is able to be a covering. It could be an armoury of shield, it could be a canopy and building of divine covering of protection. Also it could be a cloud that shields the sun’s intensity. And it could be right people and connections as a wall to restrain a wave of hate and false accusations. A formidable barrier. We all need God to transform to the greatest defences on our behalf. We need heaven to release God’s holy angels and messengers to work on earth, to confuse the minds of the wicked, and restrain the hand of evil manipulators. So we can know peace, joy, and mercy in every way. So true. It appears we have to keep praying and ask God to be a shield as the holy scriptures promises. And God in His wisdom will send strangers, friends, family, and the right network to move on our behalf and at the behest of His promptings to ensure our needs are ministered to. Also one Angel from heaven is good enough to release heavenly activity and blessings. I believe today Lord. Join me. 

In Proverbs 30:5, it’s interesting the word “magen” is used for “shield”  as pointed out in biblical Hebrew dictionary, and pronounced “maw-gane” which refers to protection; and similarity too is drawn to the back of a crocodile- here God as shield is “figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile” also one who is a buckler and ruler. We are to rise to the occasion in faith and pray for divine intervention and grace, to secure every blessing. God knows us and is able to grant us His salvation that satisfies, from the reach of all that is unhelpful, and seeks to antagonise.

May God be as tough as He can be on our behalf and protect and keep us in His divine grace. Amen. 

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

Back again to this blessed scripture, which I pray for grace to unpack. It is that there is an activeness to the word of God. Not only is it perfect, flawless, pure- it is. Not some spoken or written word extinct from reality and effectiveness, or a mere historical document, but alive- extant. Sound to reason. Useful for guidance. That sense in which lessons from the word in the past can be useful for today. Its well over only the letter, used as just a quote, to the uniqueness and summation of divine principles for living. Understanding whether God said it, and to whom, in essence if it applies to you specifically is crucial. Beyond specific guidance to place and time, it could be there is a further direction and turnover in seasons, but the overall purpose is to fulfill righteousness and bring good in the promised time and situation. What is God saying now? That can not be missen from the nature of the word which is present and kicking. What He said then could be what He is saying now. Yet still, He could have said move from one place to another place. So what is true is God is always true, and He is now and always speaking His truth. Yet still a different word is still His grace speaking now. His ultimate word to guide is not changing as it appears, but working out His power to guide in all circumstances as it comes. Therefore consider that God’s word “is” relevant for us alive in a twenty first century techy-AI-complex-social world. Even as our clothes and meals are changing. It successfully intersects and presents yet still a high level of good ethics and spiritual perspective- God would encourage love for all and wisdom to run from evil attack, a honour towards parents yet a pillar of strength and discipline for the young, of compassion for the lonely and heart to distribute and share, a joy in peace and grieving with the broken, a life of boldness and courage for the battles of the now and hope and confidence for a future in eternity, prophecies to men and due regard for strangers and Angels, family values and deep-rooted friendship, stories of life lived in grace and relationships and also love and faithfulness, of providence and productivity, of inheritance by faith and the law as a trainer for what is good in grace, for Christ’s sacrifice and the diligence of prophets. So much more in how all this theological stories and angles, equip and encourage. The ancient landmarks has its purpose. Every word is key, and there is the care to ask and pray how does this now minister to me. It spoke to that character, but couldn’t it be one for all?- it could. Couldn’t it be a promise to one and their children? definitely could be. Read through ponder in faith the blessedness of the scriptures and its enduring-ness, I perceive it would be one of utmost significance for today.

There are two stories to bear in mind for further study- of the old and young prophet, and Adam and Eve respectively (in 1 Kings 13:11-25 and Genesis 3) [you may also contrast the Nineveh and Hezekiah story in Jonah 3 and 2 Kings 20].

Also consider these scriptures:
“He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25

“The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Proverbs 12:19

“Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Psalm 119:89

“He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac,
And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
As the allotment of your inheritance,”
When you were few in number,
Indeed very few, and strangers in it.

When they went from one nation to another,
And from one kingdom to another people,
He permitted no man to do them wrong;
Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”

Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.

For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.

Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved.

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord,
For He is coming to judge the earth.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation;
Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.”
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!” 1 Chronicles 16: 14-36

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:33

Thanks for receiving the word, may God’s word bring healing, sustenance, joy, comfort and peace to all who trust his word.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7 The pointer in spiritual matters is God. Thankfully through men of renowned with attestation to their calibre with signs and affirmations of grace, words from God where given. Christ bearing authority over sea and wind- in calming the waves, death- in raising the dead and rising too, food- in multiplying same and feeding thousands, over illness- in restoring the broken, in wisdom- in awing many with wisdom of the sages, in forgiveness- in granting pardon to the betraying and commissioning to a new purpose; these and many more things by him, and those before, compels to take seriously all said. And to hear in His name wonders wrought, allows a pause for prayer, for worship and more intervention.
These words as the Psalmist say revives, restores, equips the soul. Gives strength to the weak. There is hope for love, wisdom, grace, beauty, glory, and all of the goodness there is. The word heals and creates life, newness.
Consider these scriptures:

“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21

”All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];” 2 Timothy 3:16

“The LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then he gave him the two tablets with his words on them, stone tablets inscribed by God himself.” Exodus 31:18

”And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” 1 Samuel 3:10

“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” Revelations 1:19

“I will take my stand at my watchpost
and station myself on the tower,
and look out to see what he will say to me,
and what I will answer concerning my complaint. And the LORD answered me:

“Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,
but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:1-4

The emphasis today, is see where it comes from- above. God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye