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“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5.

One could take a long look at this scripture and ask for grace to fetch some truth out of it. This morning I ponder on the nature of God’s written word, received from above by divine inspiration and given to renown men of old, whose works inspire to this day. A read, re-read, and ‘re-re-read’ if there be any such manner of use of word, only point to the magnificence of the scriptures, better still the one who gave it. Truly the word of God is perfect. This translation uses ‘flawless’ which is also apt. Once you grasp the ability of God to speak in all dimensions, to address the mighty things, and then to dip low, then you marvel at the practicality and spirituality of His grace. In thinking of His perfection we see Him reveal Himself.
We pray for His grace to lead, we ask for His hand to guide. And we look forward to when in all His brightness we find peace, joy, calm, freedom, elegance without price, grace without fault, interconnected harmony, richness of lasting and ancient excellence, a rejoicing in what is known and His guiding hand, a worship full of thankfulness to the one who has redeemed our souls, and the one who leads the way. May He give us the crown His mercy has won us and lead us to everlasting peace with all that is beloved with us. Amen.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to make music to praise your name, O Most High.” Psalm 92:1

Earlier today, I found my wallet had been returned to me, which had contained an important document- apparently it had my address on it solving the question of how it found me? It also contained a poem I had written from few weeks ago! Yesterday, I had only been to Berkswell and Longbridge, one about 30mins via train from where I live in Edgbaston, and the later perhaps 20 to 30mins by bus away. It may have been stumbled on much closer in Birmingham. Anyway, it’s found or rather appeared whilst picking a post from scheduled delivery. I thought I share that with you, and rehash some encouragement and present the piece as you celebrate and reflect on the gift of Christmas this year, 2023. May Christ be the source of your joy and thanksgiving always. And also thanks to all who in one little way or another make other’s season filled with cheer. To that stranger who walks off course and put in some strain to do some good, thanks. And I think in some little way it mirrors God’s goodness in making the greatest sacrifice of intercession and guiding our hearts right in a godly and non-childish way. I reflect both in work, study, heart cares, hobbies, and charity, how it must be right to infuse a little gratuitous gesture every now and then- may be a bit difficult but worthwhile.
Here it is, recaptured and with a story-

TO A LIFE OF THANKS.

This summary post could weigh gold

Better still would echo grace and gratitude

It’s for the lines of hope beyond solitude

The possibilities of enriched connections

Of embrace, depth, and tons of merits.

For the end of year, with survival ribbon

A festive jingle, with a tuned melody

It’s for high resounding marks for legacy

Again a hope not lost

A duty cheerfully fulfilled

Christ’s blessings cherished

And the prospect of warmth and growth ever sure

Both Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer may

all feel the same to the hungry

But thank good heavens that God has good

angels that have not rebelled

And that the moon, stars and sun has not failed

Christ truly is the blessing we all need.

God makes us by grace a helper and comforter.

God bless.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 (Matt 10:28; 1 Cor 2:9).

Don’t fret at the difficulties in our world today. Let it be a reminder why we need to seek God more and to ask for spiritual strength and favour. I was meditating the other day and reflecting, I considered which is greater the seen or unseen, the known or unknown, the revealed or yet to be revealed, the said or unsaid, the acted out or script? Still your heart and don’t let it run riot, because God has saved you from terrible nightmares you’re not even aware of. 

Sometimes what you see is a deflection of a greater evil that occurred, a smokescreen for something more sinister. So why panic about the now, when your victory was prior in those moments of unknown help by God’s holy angels. The present challenges may be terrifying and exhausting, but know the devil wished so much worse, and did more plotting than you can ever figure out. I like to think there is some good in our world, even though sometimes it may not look like it, yet in a dark night a flicker of a lit candle could make a difference, also the dark sky has its stars, the earth still has its moon and sun, every tunnel has its light at the end, a dark story has its moments of sparkle, a night has its morning. God still gives water to quench thirst. Enough said. God gives each of us a responsibility to stand for truth, love and grace. No matter how little your contribution, together we all can make a difference and bring peace and light. In our thinking of love, good for those with a change of heart, honour of God and courage, we radiate holy light to others as well in our community.

So in this precious today be prayerful, and kind to everyone God brings your way. You may wish for more triumph for your positives to be more exceeding, but realise the only thing satisfying is from above. Be focused on growing your outcomes, but be patient and accept your lot. Rather make and create your own world, because God gives us balance, and uniqueness that often may keep us humble but has its use. God promises a time when there is no more difficulties and dark or evil time, when He is all-covering light an eschatological hope. Amen and amen.

Also, remember nobody knows tomorrow. Only God is all-knowing, we only know in part and prophesy in part until all is made clear. Like the Apostles assure us again, remember your inheritance in Christ. My prayer is when you have your opportunity you will deliberately do good, help the weak, protect those committed to your trust, commend those who encourage and pray for you, forgive those who speak evil of you and cause incredible offence, build relationships, and worship God. 

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

A worthy prayer from the Psalms still true from thousands of years, through the ages. For hope, comfort, renewal, grace, divine peace, protection, faith, prosperity, and love. It’s a prayer for the city, the house of God, the Jewish nation, and those who love her- it speaks of brotherhood and friendship. We see a connection between a land and its God, a connection between a place and its people, also thirdly a connection with those who wish well. A spiritual prayer to Jehovah the creator of the heavens and earth, for peace and prosperity.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 

“May they prosper who love you [holy city].

“May peace be within your walls 

And prosperity within your palaces.”

For the sake of my brothers and my friends, 

I will now say, “May peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God [which is Jerusalem], 

I will seek your (the city’s) good.”

Psalm 122:6-9

Amen.
God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

Would it be right that you were picked at someone’s expense? First in being picked could be a miracle and gives room for opportunities to learn. Be aware that whether it served as a motivational tool is not compared to the priviledge of service. It would not be right to taunt another or look down at a person because they’re disadvantaged or disabled in any way. 

Considering Paul I perceive that Christ called him to the gentiles because there was a need in His wisdom He thought he was designed and enabled to fulfil. Perhaps his upbringing as a Pharisee and in the culture would give him a depth and understanding to articulate the grace of the gospel to elites of his day. Though the power of the gospel will suffice, but those interested in the laws and promise of faith could benefit from a listen. 

Today reading Apostle Paul’s letter we see clearly the painstaking effort to tell the stories of Christ with reference particularly to the theological prophecy and leaving an impression of the faith as intellectually sound. Those apostles who walked with Christ whilst He was on earth would bring the perspective to the gospel which is also richer and powerful but we see Christ is at work in all. 

Consider Paul’s words:

1 Corinthians 3:6

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

Ephesians 3:8

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ”

2 Corinthians 5:16- “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.”

And John’s:

1 John 1:1

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”

Each one to the measure of grace given. In all it’s important to see Christ at work- giving the increase, giving the ability to reach the lost. Rejoicing in Christ revealed as the son of man and the son of God most importantly. And thanks to God who works in us who believe, by faith. 

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye 

…‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ Mark 12:31

More true today than ever before. Of the need for personal responsibility and accountability of one’s actions both for word and deed. Christ as always true, rightly points out the measure, yardstick, benchmark for relating with others- which is “as yourself.”

It’s hoped you wouldn’t want to self hurt, self loathe, or live without a plan or purpose, or to be a danger to the ones you love. Then from that basis of wanting to nourish and grow healthy a life affirming soul, the instruction is to love others. No human in the right frame of mind wants to hurt themselves, so Christ appeals to make the same effort to nourish and enrich the experiences of others around you. If you renege from doing so, don’t be appalled if spaces are erected and communications stalls by a friend who wouldn’t engage, in often unsuspecting ways for the polite.
Again to Christ’s spiritual teaching, it’s good to be reminded of it and feed on it.

The depth of it all is our relationship with God is based on love and grace, and it seems right to me to demonstrate that in little ways to others. Perhaps in sharing good news, and look for ways according to our ability to engage and build pathways for peace. Also where God grants ability to show kindness of heart, as appropriate. Perhaps in all the good seeds, one will bear good fruits shining to the world around. We can but pray for first fruits.

Always better when the good lord does the work for us. Remember to live in peace and share love with your loved ones. And the others Christ admonishes of. Take care and enjoy the summer break if your role or holidays permits at this time. Kindly ponder these words and ask God for creative ways to add to your faith love and perseverance. Maybe where it’s not expressed as discreetly an attempt to show love or bring or uncover goodness, ask God to make what is unclear clear and plain so you can judge wisely. But honestly in a haze, dusty wind, or rushing storm Christ’s peace can speak and dwell.

But remember to pray for songs of faith, and love even, because God’s peace will find each person of goodwill and reach them in good time, to enable for good works. Better still in this place of grace build and do what makes for peace. If unhinged and able to, let me know how this has touched you.

Thanks for listening.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen”

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nicene-Creed

On the Nicene creed, research suggests it dates back to the 4th century. It expresses the core elements of the Christian faith, by the leaders from which both them and subsequent generations of believers cannot negotiate from. Haven read the scriptures and experienced the grace of Christ, the early church fathers agreed and resolved upon the affirmation of this doctrines of faith. I find them consistent with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I rejoice to read in brevity and accuracy the truth of the kingdom retained in these statements, and to God be glory for the grace of God on them to guide believers to maintain the confession to the Christian faith. It adopts in entirety the Apostle’s creed, and the church of Christ in modern times have included it in their practice rightly.

I find it wholly true, and I confess it. Thanks be to God for His mercy.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

¹ When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

³ Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

Amen.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

Find attached a brilliant missionary work done by a fantastic international Christian organisation and team, in the traditional English language. But also found in Ika language, spoken by the Ika people (and some other related groups) in Delta state, Nigeria (West Africa).

Thanks to all involved may God bless you richly. This gladdened my heart. I hope all benefit from this and above all come to know God. If you live in Britain, the video in English language is readily accessible, and will entertain and bless you too.

I do think the work is excellent, and I am happy to recommend it to you and your family. 

Please watch and share.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye 

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: from whence shall my help come?”
Psalm 121:1-2

The psalmist rightly points out the source of help- “the mountains,” which is a metaphor for rock solid strength. This time attributed to God, who can be that defence for the vulnerable against an endless unpredictable spate and surge of attack at odd hours. It takes tenacity and a history of prowess to be ‘situate’ in a vantage point with all the advantage at your disposal, or alternatively erecting some artificial barriers which could give thinking and re-strategising space- and so within the secure space the girls can leap, let down their hair and dance in the fields unafraid of what lurks in the corner, and the boys can learn their craft, and the parents can work and rest unafraid of a charade. Also in modern times best assurances of friends around too has its utility. In another place in scripture God promises to be like a mountain around Jerusalem to those who fear and trust Him. So we know this scripture spells out one of protection. Though sometimes a mountain can be an impediment to be removed by faith and crushed, but it can also provide an elevated platform and help against the adversary- here again depending on the context. That icy border contemplations, potentials for a watch and need for spaces to cultivate as well, with distances to cover and hewn to occur.
There is also the sense in which one looks above and there is victory that emerges like a light rising to quench and dispel darkness. Christ is a rock of salvation and yet one with healing in His wings. Have faith in Christ. Remember God sends His victory, His holy Angels bearing a sword for safety. May we be aware of His grace and honour him today. In all safety is of the Lord, by His mercy, and His time and ways is perfect. The mountain and the plain is only of choice because God is in it. Even in the valley it’s God that makes the difference. Nature may have its perils but between now and the place of promise may Jehovah, the God of all creation and author of all things lead the way. In all God is saying simply help is with me and I bring my peace to still any fears. Amen.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye