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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 Not some spoken or written word extinct from reality and effectiveness, or a mere historical document, but alive- extant.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

Proverbs 30:5- “Every word…”

Further exegesis of this scripture leads me to ponder on the word ‘every’- the entirety of what is revealed.  It’s that sense that God makes no mistakes and each breathed truth is relevant and un-dismissible.  What has God said recently that you think you can do without? It would seem one would have to keep coming back to it. For some it may take a lifetime to unpack. If one begins from the premise that God’s wisdom is higher than it behooves on each one of us to take it a little more seriously. Each word is wholesome, tested and tried, and stands the test of time. It must be because it’s tied to the source, as God’s word carries his seal and every one becomes precious and indispensable. The question is which is perfect and able to perform, the answer is every single one. This reminds me too of the scripture in Isaiah 55:11- “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Also consider Matthew 4:4- “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

May God help us identify, hear clearly His word, and take each jot seriously. Finally see Matthew 5:18- “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.”

Amen.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye 

“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