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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

“And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6

God promises to be the “stability of your times”. Stability is a reference to the Hebrew word “emuwnah” meaning “firmness”, in your season of life- it’s God granting the steadiness needed to flourish in every way. It reminds me of Christ speaking peace to the storm. How do one sleep in a storm? The disciples knew to sail effectively the waters needed to be calm not jittery waves, which caused them to panic because of the helplessness to resolve this naturally driven state. But not Christ. God would hear His prayer. Matthew 8:27 records, people were astounded the elements obeyed Him at His word.

Exploring Isaiah 33, we see God at work through His chosen ones- a promise of a stable time. One for progress.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

”So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous.” Exodus 1:20

We see where the power and authority is in the story in Exodus 1. When confronted with a societal population control situation, where the policy strategy meant shorten the lives of children born, the godly midwives chose to honour God instead than the leadership of their day. They refused to kill the children on the basis of their race.

On Mother’s Day we can reflect on the pain and suffering they go through to bring life into the world, on their love and joy they give, in their service in contribution to bringing life in one way and another. Together the respect for life is seen in the endurance and sacrifice.
I also love that God values that too, in response there is a spiritual blessing. He was kind to them. Reading verse 20 and 21, He enabled them to have their own families too. Here we see God as the giver of family. When Jacob asked “am I God?” in Genesis 30:2 when prompted to make Rachel fruitful was a man exhausted trying. When we recognise God’s hand in the gift of loving fruitful mutual-respecting family we give thanks more, because on the shoulders of these seeds rest the joy and discipline of the earth. Despite the rage against godly seed may what is good triumph and may all who contribute to its survival be blessed. God loves all children and mothers who love and nurture them.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it?”

Numbers 23:19

This scripture is true today, literally and even in the realm of the shadow of things to come that it represents. All together point to the non-confusing and warm-hearted perspective of a saving grace God. It’s God not changing as the wind. Yes, of course flowers fade, but the word of God stands. Scripture upon scripture we see a concerted view of the goodness of God through the years and we rejoice together. God is not man, subject to change or limitations, but one of utmost perfection.
Gladly we must draw from the constancy of His character and stay secure. Thank heavens this is the case. Glad we can rely on God’s providence, truth, love that transcends all love born of our biological relationships and friendships, faithfulness and candour. May our heart rejoice in God’s person.
God’s blessings today.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37

From this scripture I perceive a resolute sense of confidence in the nature of God’s call and warm welcome. He brings the right people, He leads them to a place of safety, He preempts they will find comfort, a life giving teaching, direction for their hungry souls. Christ then responds wonderfully and faithfully- “whoever comes,” “I will never drive away.” We see two things, submission to God’s will to bring all sort of people, but also the decision of those called to come. Whoever responds to God’s call to come, Jesus says I will respond to God’s call to receive and keep.

In this new year may we hear the nudge to go where God bids, and like Christ may each as a believer humbly receive and make friends of all God brings to us- well that means being ready to teach them to grow, pray for them, nurture them, and also rejoice with them. As Christ receives us and helps us mature into all of God’s good purpose may we also respond hopefully and faithfully to our Lord’s plan.
Every blessing.

God bless.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6

This Christmas I perceive we are to think of His rights beyond our wrongs. His righteous rule bears us up and atones for us. This is why we relate to others with much grace knowing but for the grace of God there too we go.
Christ our wonderful counsellor, granting us wisdom that transcends age, not letting us learn our ways but knowing in seeking His heart with a clear conscience we conform to the image of the mighty God. May the majesty of heaven and all that is holy care for us with divine mercy and grace.

Gifts are born, yet it’s nurtured into productiveness. In this season with the help of God and all good graces, may we find we grow into His likeness. Christ is our help and greatest comfort. In our exchanges may we remember it is the love of God revealed in the little things as a kind word, a loving reassurance, a cup of tea made with love, a heart choosing to hold no fault, a friend holding up a standard to see the worth in each human, a desire to not castigate or hold another in contempt, a tenacious decision to see the best in everyone you meet to the best of your ability, that in all adds up to all that’s purely sweet and gracious that the world wants a share of. In this time, don’t entertain the little fox that spoils the vine. Be swift to heal, be quick to build bridges. Shalom. Cheers.

God bless.

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye

“Pursue peace…” Hebrews 12:14

(“…If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Matthew 5:39-41)

The choice of words here leaves me meditating. The ferocity of it. The conscious effort to strive for what makes for wellness of relationships and mutual coexistence. I have this imagery of a person sweating in profuse emission of body energy seeking to meet a set aim, whilst pacing the lined track. It’s often a focused disposition seen. A deep sense of desire to work things out. But what for? All this perspiration. Peace in this case. Ignoring unhelpful situations and connecting with what makes for peace.

Earlier this week I thought of what it would mean being right but letting go for peace sake. There is the theology of a contention for peace. I prayerfully consider that God needs His sheep effective. Why as a ram over exert if another of you gets head butted into paralysis? Isn’t it time to let the shepherd shepherd, why you focus on channelling your energy and strength into walking alongside the group in humility and defending the weak. We learn as we grow that there is a place for this. To sit on the stool He has prepared, and stretch your arm to receive God’s wisdom. In all we see it’s joy and calm that’s a better strategy. I perceive God calls us to pursue peace. 

Praying God’s grace. Amen.

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye 

Psalm 127:1, “If the LORD does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless; if the LORD does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard. “

2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Oh well, we find much hope going on in life’s journey that true protection and joy comes from the invisible God, not in how meticulous we seek to guard ourselves. The sentries rely on God granting breath. The very structures of the buildings are subject to the consistency of natural law. The ‘unprotested’ nature of earth’s greenery and life forms, means our children can too enjoy what it means to witness blossoms. 

And yes, we do not take for granted what it means to sow, observe laws of hardwork and mechanics, plan and invest- but again being aware that these things fall as a pack of cards but for the consistency of an untameable higher law. True?

God bless. 

Evangelist Israel Okunwaye