DISCIPLESHIP SERIES 3: THE TRUE DISCIPLE

What makes one a disciple?

What are the pieces of evidence to show that a person is a disciple?

Do we just take people's word for it? If person A says they are disciples, then disciples they are, or are there things we will see in common with these sets of people that qualify them as disciples?

We will be exploring these questions tonight as we provide answers to them.

One thing I have found so far from scripture is that Jesus was an interesting man. I sometimes try to imagine Christ in our world today and what the media paparazzi will be like. This man had random people leaving their businesses, their lives essentially, to follow Him up and down.

Though the Return on Investment for that is priceless, but look deep and you find these guys didn't even really understand the ROI from the beginning.

Jesus was captivating. I think this is the word. A lot of people were always around Jesus. He had the crowd around Him every time.

If I see you with a person more than 10 times, I will automatically assume that you are their follower. But this logic is flawed when it comes to discipleship. You know why?

Even the Pharisees were always present with Jesus. They were always a part of the gathering. But were they disciples? No! Were they following Him in this sense? The answer is No.

For some people, they were captivated by the man Jesus and the way He spoke, though they never understood anything He said. For some, it was the miracles. For some, just curiosity. Nothing more than that. For some others, it could even have been joblessness. Lack of better things to do with their time. And there are people that would have joined the crowd because there was a crowd, “Everybody dey go, so make I join.” There were also people like the Pharisees who were following Him up and down largely because they hated His guts but somehow couldn't ignore Him completely. They had to be there to poke holes in all of His stories. Everyone was present with Jesus, but not everyone was following or were disciples.

While preaching in church on Sunday, the Holy Spirit pointed something out to me about the resurrection of Jesus. The angels had to remind the women who met the tomb empty that Jesus already told them He would rise. But if you go to Matthew 27 from verse 62, you will see that the chief priests and the Pharisees did not forget Jesus saying this.

They remembered clearly. So much so that they met Pilate to guard the tomb heavily. They knew the very words of Jesus but this did not make them disciples. Their reason for knowing was of course wrong.

30 “As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8: 30-32 (KJV)

I noticed something here. Jesus was speaking to them about the Father and Himself. And the bible says many believed Him.

Faith!

But then you move to the next verse and you find a shocking revelation;

Their faith/belief in what He had said doesn't translate into them being disciples. Their proof of discipleship was if they abide in His word. It wasn't in believing or accepting His word.

That's a start, a good one, but not the evidence we are looking for.

“If you continually obey my teachings and live in accordance with them”

The first evidence that anyone is a true disciple of Jesus is them abiding in the word. Do you continually obey God's teachings and live in accordance with them? Or you keep telling yourself that Grace covers all?

Your answer to this question helps you to know if you are a true disciple or not. There is also a reason this abiding and obeying is continual.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” John 6:66 NKJV

See what happened before they left Jesus and dropped the discipleship cap? 

“As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.” John 6:57 NKJV

The requirement was they will live by the word. People want to be free, people want to do what they like, they want to lead themselves. But you see disciples? We are led by the word. No buts.

Discipleship is not a once in a while decision of following in the footsteps of Christ, we must continually abide here. We must make that effort. Just as we discussed last week on cross-bearing. Every one of us must give something to follow. You like it or not, you will drop something.

I mentioned as we started that the disciples gave up their very lives to follow Jesus. Discipleship is seen in the sacrifice we make to continuously abide in Christ and in His word. The proof of Faith is continuing in Faith. To continue in Faith is to continue in the word (to continually live by its principles).

So,

1. A true disciple is one who abides in the word

2. A true disciple is one who imitates Jesus and does His will

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 NKJV

We are marked by what we do and what we desire.

What do you desire?

These are questions I'd like us to pause and ask ourselves.

It is important that we end this series with a huge change and improvement to our lives as believers.

What do you desire?

Jesus told them they were not of the Father because they didn't love Him.

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.” John 8:42 NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  John 14:15 NKJV

This brings me to the next piece of evidence of discipleship.

“This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.” John 15:12 AMPC

Our third evidence of discipleship is:

3. Loving, Just as Christ loves

This is the benchmark. We are not true disciples yet if we do not know how to love like Christ. Not based on what people do to us but loving exactly as Christ loves.

Nothing like love your neighbor as yourselves. No! Love your neighbor as Christ loves you!

Our lifestyle of love stands as a witness to our discipleship call. No one will say He is a follower of Jesus and refuses to love as Christ does.

How exactly then has Christ loved us? Find a previous teaching that answers this question HERE

The proofs that you are a true disciple are:

1. You abide in the word

2. You imitate Jesus and do His will

3. You love others just as Christ loves you

Based on these, sit and ask yourself today, Am I a true disciple of Jesus...?

To be continued…

WHEN FELLOWSHIP BECOMES A STRUGGLE

 So I will ask us, 

What does fellowship (with God) mean to you?

What are the major areas of application for believers?

Samson - Fellowship is being "fellows" with God - There is a relationship where you and God share  and discuss stuff, you know him as Father and he knows you as son/daughter. Fellowship with God is our identity as believers. We can't say we are believers if we don't know he who saved us. It involves every area of our lives

Ayodele - Fellowship, for me means time spent enjoying the presence of God and just worshipping. The overall totality of my relationship, defined by worship. Its like my own personal time with the Holy Spirit. Bonding time

Debola - Building a relationship with him. Talking to him

Sumi - For me Fellowship is spending quality time with God

If fellowship is communication, what are the areas of application

Samson - As I said, it should be applied in every area of our lives. Fellowship is not just when we go to church and praise is going on and we are happy. Fellowship with God is also during our lowest moments, decision time, when having dinner, when watching a match...it is the constant connection to the Father at every moment/stage of our lives

Sumi - In all areas. From directions and instructions in all areas. For example Work, choices etc

When Fellowship becomes a struggle

Application area: Prayer and Studying the word

How many of us have struggled with fellowship (in terms of this application areas) or are currently struggling? What is it like?

Samson - Thank God for daily sharing on Word alive and daily prayers. 😩 Sometimes before you know it, you never do personal bible study for 3 days

Ayodele - me! Sometimes I am just tired or lazy. Some other times, I am distracted by too many  things. Work can be overwhelming but I realised that in the midst of that 'busyness', I still find time for other recreational things.

Precious - I have. The struggle is real, there are times when I get carried away with work, Bible study and prayers become a struggle, sometimes when I need something and it's not fourth coming it becomes a struggle to pray, other times I'm just tired internally

Remi - Me too, I will answer. There are times the struggle is like every Eke market day 😭 Some times, I'm praying fire but struggling with studying.  Also, struggling for me is not the absence of these things o. It is the zeal and energy involved. Like I'm praying and studying but I know I'm not really praying and studying. Everything is just lifeless and forced somehow

Sumi - Me. Most times tiredness and sleep. And procrastination too

First, I will like us to know that You are not alone

That struggle to come to God, that period of prayerlessness, you can read all the novels in the world but the minute you open bible, you are tired.

You are not alone

When it comes to fellowship, here are the struggle areas I've found so far:

- Distractions

- Consistency

- Time management

- Lack of Zeal

- Feeling disconnected

- Sin and Guild

- Laziness 

- Hope Deferred 

Pearl - Sin and guilt is it for me, along side fear of failure, due to past failure. Like what's the point of starting again now, when I know I won't be consistent?

I'm sure every believer (including our pastors), have experienced one area of struggle or the other in their walk. You probably can relate to one of these things or even all. Maybe you are currently struggling with prayer or studying the word. Or even both

Please note that the word struggling is not just the absence. That's another thing the devil does. You still have your You Version streaks so yes you are on course. But deep down, you know that something is not balanced.

Struggling is not just the absence of fellowship. People can be in a marriage and struggle to make it work

Acknowledging where you are in your fellowship with God is a great starting place. You can't move forward without it. And no, it is nothing to be ashamed of.

For some of us, we are "prayer warriors" o. In fact, as we are finishing prayers like this, we are updating everybody on status with "Rhema"

In fact, it is the Rhema that pushes us to fellowship. We are trying to feed the world but deep down, we neva chop belleful (for the non Nigerians, this means we have not eaten to the full ourselves)

Prayer warrior but deep down, you know you are struggling

One thing the devil does so well is help you to believe a lie to massage your ego. As long as you have made yourself believe there is no problem, you will keep going down that line

The worst will be spiritual leaders or those with spiritual gifts. In seasons of prayerlessness and not studying the word, you will be surprised you can raise the dead.

The grave will still listen to you and tear open when you speak, so you pat yourself on the back that all is well but all is not well

And then you back this lack of fellowship up with work.

You try to substitute work with fellowship but they are not the same.

The time we spend with God should be way more than the time we spend ministering God to people.

Our first step is acknowledging that this is where we are. A lot of us are still doing hard guy with God

There is nobody that walks in love with God not marked by vulnerability. So first, acknowledge that there is something wrong

This helps me a lot 

I can tell you that since my prayer life peaked between 2016 and 2017, I'm not sure I've stayed struggling with fellowship for more than a week. I'm quick to spot that something is wrong. 

I do not think that I'm bigger than something being wrong

So immediately something is wrong, I see it and get back on track

I'm going to share a story

I'm sure I've shared it with you guys before but I will again

Dec 31st 2015, watch night service.

After the service, everyone had gone to the city centre to watch fireworks. I stayed behind with my pastor and church keyboardist and we started praying.

We prayed for about 2 hours that day and my pastor asked all 3 of us to commit to praying everyday at midnight for the next 6 months.

Almost 6 years after, I have not stopped

That same December, I had broken up with the person I was dating for no reason. Little did I know that God was calling me into something deeper and distractions had to be cut off. You know I said me and my pastor prayed for 3 hours the first night. As we left the church, all 3 of us set an alarm for 12 midnight.

So the next day, I had to continue alone.

I prayed, prayed and prayed. Prayed for like 10 hours, opened my eyes to check time and it was still 12:05am

So all that long prayer was just 5 minutes 😭😭😭 I wanted to die. It was easier to pray for hours with other people cos we can take from each other's fire. In fact, after we left church that day I remember getting home to continue praying and I stayed there for long.

I basically was fueled up from the group prayers

But as it remained only me, fuel finished and 5 minutes felt like 5 days

It was at that time I knew I was in for a ride

But I was also ready for the ride

Another sad part to this my story was that my tongues vocabulary was really low. Na just one sentence I sabi then. I'm not sure I had up to 8 syllables 😭

Tongues help a lot in prayers as they cover all the things our human minds cannot. But me I was limited at that time. So I had to make do with the language of man. Tough ride o but I rode still.

Day 2, same thing.

I was still struggling

I had roommates then, so it was also very distracting.

We are watching originals together and my alarm goes off (one thing I never did was choose any other thing over my prayer time).

I will stand up and go start prayer in my corner but I'm hearing someone shout "Klaus has killed him, eh God". I'm thanking God but I'm also longing to know who Klaus killed.

Or I'm praying and I open my eyes to somebody kissing their boyfriend in the room.

It got to a point, I wrote on a stick note "Remi you will die if you don't pray" and placed around me. Cos it looked like the devil was working hard to ensure I don't pray

5 minutes

5 minutes turned to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes.

And then 1 hour

Sometime in 2017, I found out I had prayed for over 5 hours on my own unplanned.

Like I had just stayed in fellowship, enjoying  God

I cried that day, cos I knew where I was coming from. 5 hours turned to 8 hours then 24 full hours, 2 days non stop....Without fuel from other people

How did I move from struggling to pray and study for 5 minutes to fellowshipping for hours? Yes, the 5 minutes included bible study, praise and worship and prayer 😂.

It was that bad for me

Intentionality

This was my number one step

I wanted God, I wasn't even sure of all the details. But I knew that I wanted Him so I took that step

You will have to be intentional with choosing Fellowship.

Life is busy

There is so much noise around us

So much dragging for your attention

You have to make that choice yourself

Be intentional with studying the word and praying.

If you can read this and you currently struggle with consistency in any of prayer and the word, immediately go to your alarm. Fix a time you know you are mostly free and can be alone. You can fix both together or fix them separately.

Let me tell you a truth, you won't survive by vibes.

You have to be intentional about being consistent and this is your first step

Pick a time and make it a date with God.

Pick it now

Don't procrastinate

Jesus had a habit of fellowship with God

A few days later, Jesus went out to a mountain to pray. He stayed there all night praying to God. Luke 6:12 ERV

After he said goodbye to them, he went up into the hills to pray. Mark 6:46 ERV

Word Alive daily prayers will not replace your own personal fellowship. The daily reading schedule can serve as your personal guide though but you must read on your own too even as you come online to check what others share.

My alarm was set for 12 midnight, I remember days when I'm watching movies with my roommates.

Before my alarm goes off, Martina is already telling me it's almost 12 o, you will not go and pray.

Sometimes I want to continue the movie with them but I had unknowingly built a habit that the people around me had also noticed

So I'd stand up and move to my bed. There were days I'd go into the toilet to pray if I was feeling too distracted 

There were days I'd go out in the snow and take a prayer walk. If you know me well, you will know how much I dislike twitter but not even a -15°C could stop me

I used to miss class cos of cold 🙈 but not prayers.

I went all out for it (and yes, I had the help of God. I was so mightily helped by God. Will explain this part next week). So yes, fix a time for your prayer and study. Can be same time and can be separately.

But pick a time you are sure you will be free and set that alarm now.

Name it as you would

If you find yourself struggle, remember that it is normal. 5 minutes was 5 days for me for a long time.

Let that be your motivation

For those of us scared to start over again. You've been here before and it feels like you keep coming back

Hmmmmm.

I will share a story again

Between 2009 and 2011, I was in an organisation called FECA (myself and Precious). At some point, we were praying 1am everyday. Note that there was no zoom then.

I had a torchlight phone in 2009. I set alarm for that time, stand up, read the bible and pray for 1 hour.

I didn't have YouTube to play music in the background. So it was just me and my paper back bible

Somehow, life happened and I stopped praying

I was still praying o

I was praying in the midst of brethren

I was doing those rush prayers (plus Jesus minus Satan every morning)

I was opening my bible when the church/fellowship opened bible

I was even praying alone too but vibes and when it entered my head or I wanted something from God

Between 2012 and 2015, I moved from this to struggling to pray for 5 minutes

It can happen to anybody. Be ready to start prying again tomorrow. If I stop praying today, I will start praying again tomorrow

If I notice that I stopped reading my bible today, I will start again tomorrow

I will share a secret with you I do not think of myself as one that cannot struggle with fellowship

Nobody is bigger than it. So when it happens, e don happen be that

Holy Spirit, where do we start from cos my strength has failed as usual. Carry me

It's really this simple

And I move on

The early days of starting back may be difficult but I don't send

I know I will get back fully on track

Don't beat yourself over it

Even the 3 closest people to Christ slept off when they were meant to pray. God did not beat them over it. Stop holding it over your head

That's also a tactic of the enemy to keep you from God. If you fail, you start again and again and again. If you find it difficult to start over yourself, get someone to kickstart you.

Join prayer groups and refill there

Speak with a friend to join you in your fixed prayer time for a short while till you are able to stand on your own

But that feeling that you will still fail again at it so no need to try again, please let it go.

If you don't have a study plan, you can start with the reading schedule for Word Alive.

Be faithful with it and you will see growth.

You will hear God speak to you.

The "biggest" Rhema I've gotten is while reading from the schedule.

And it's amazing cos it's just random, there is no topic in mind.

I'm reading the word, open mindedly through the lens of Jesus.

You can also check You Version for devotionals or church devotionals

Just make sure you start.

HEALING SERIES 1: INTRODUCTION TO HEALING

Question: I know we all know what healing is but I will like those of us online to just drop a sentence on healing. Anything that comes to your mind.

Ally: I think healing has to do with restoration of physical, mental, emotional, (financial🤣) wholeness

Pearl: Being transferred from a state of infirmity(physical mental,  emotional) to wholeness of health. (Physical, mental, emotional.)

Samson: Healing is the restoration of health and well-being

Fola of London: To be sound or to be made whole . Could be physical or mental

Jane: Restoring to normalcy

Question: Has anyone here been sick? Or you are currently sick? Or you know someone who is sick? What was going on in your mind about them (you) and the sickness?

Ibukun: When I was in the hospital on Dec 24th 2020 with ulcer pains, I was scared and in panic. I kept saying God please take the pain away

Restoring to Normalcy - Healing! 

You see sickness was never part of the plan at creation. Did we see sickness in any of the things God created? No!

Sickness did not come from God

I want us to know this truth and hold on to it like our lives depend on it.

In Genesis 1, the Bible says everything God made was good. God saw it and confirmed it was good.

To understand healing and God's divine will about it, we will have to first check how sickness came in.

If you really want to understand a disease or sickness, you should be focused more on the cause than measures to treat it. Understanding the cause helps you to know exactly how to tackle that problem.

So let's go to the very beginning. The men that lived in the beginning lived really long. For 17 centuries, men lived for long: 777years, 979 years 365years etc

None of these people died sick. They grew old and just died

No heart disease, no diabetes, no cancer. There is an expectation today for older people to fall sick. In fact, some people save ahead for it.

A lot of us have and invest in health insurance also, of course for the days we fall sick. Sickness has become a normal in our world today

Question: How and when do we think sickness came into the world?

Samson: After the fall of man and sin came into the world. Sin brought death, sickness, pain and all the paparazzi

Question: Can anyone remember the first mention of sin in the bible?

Samson: Genesis 48 vs 1

The fall of man caused a lot of things. Sin resulted in sickness. Man became sick

And not just physical sickness. Sickness is being in a state or condition of illness. A state that is not normal, something that opposes the original wiring of man. 

The minute man fell, man became sick all round. Man became sick in the spirit, body, everything you can think of. Man's normal wiring changed. So man started living a life that is not in accordance with the original creation template.

There is this myth that AA genotypes have malaria easily So I used to claim it. Oh! I'm AA so malaria is a normal thing for me. I can have it like 10 times in a year because I'm AA. And the Holy spirit opened my eyes to it that I was confessing a normal that is not my template. 

It's normal for people to become sick now. It's normal for people to build hospitals today

Imagine Adam and Eve building hospital before the fall. For what? The world became corrupted and cursed at the fall of man. And it will keep deteriorating till this world is ended.

Does this mean we have to accept sickness until our new world? No!

“For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her.” Jeremiah‬ ‭30:17‬ ‭NKJV

I will restore you back to the original order. What I had in mind when I created man. Though God did not cause sickness in the world, God did not push man to sin. Yet God still actively found a way to restore man to the original order.

Today, as we celebrate Easter, one of the things we actually celebrate is the fulfilment of God's word to the prophet Jeremiah. So if we accept sickness as a part of us, we are really not true partakers of sickness. One of the things Jesus' death accomplished for us is healing.

"I don't know why God made me sick" "I know God wants to use this sickness for a purpose"

Erhm...

God is not using anything. God is not responsible for that sickness. His wish is that you are in good health always. 

Jesus bore so much pain just to make sure we were healed. Do you know how they beat Him? Even the person that steals in open markets does not get beaten up that much o

And that was allowed for just one reason: Your healing

A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. John 10:10 ERV

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to  give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! John 10:10 TPT

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMPC

Christ came so we will enjoy life. Sick people are always in pain, that's not enjoyment. Sickness leads to Death. The aim is to kill, so we can be assured it is from the devil

One thing most of us struggle to get is that the same power that saved us healed us. These things were worked at the same time.

Do we believe we are saved? If yes, why then do we believe we are not or can't be healed?

The first time I had this conversation with the Holy Spirit

I kuku responded

Nobody can see salvation physically na. So it's just a thing of the heart. But health can be seen. I can see if I'm healed or not

And the spirit reminded me of this saying: Faith precedes manifestation

Seeing is believing ❌ This is not kingdom principle, so it is a lie.

We believe then we see. 

If we doubt healing, then we can as well start doubting salvation. Because that one is even more complex

There is no ID number given to you to confirm you are saved except that faith. So what if you get to heaven and they say you did not get saved on earth 😂. It sounds somehow abi?

Exactly.

That faith that we have that we've been saved, we need to have it that we've been healed to. 

One of the things I've found that makes believers to allow sickness is this belief that God sends sickness, allows sickness or uses it. 

God is not planning to prove anything through that sickness. God always works things out for our good

We should not mistake this to be God causing sin Himself so He can prove a point. That is wicked

Remember we just finished the gospel according to  John and we all agreed that Jesus is the living expression of God. 

If Jesus cannot do it, God cannot do it!

We've discussed sickness coming in as a result of sin. There are also human actions that lead to sickness

Bad health habits

Bad eating habits can lead to sickness. Gluttony can lead to obesity which leads to sickness

Health compatibility in marriage

This is another reason for sickness

Before now, our parents didn't know so much.

They were ignorant about these things

But now, our generation is very much aware of  health compatibility, yet people still marry without giving a care about genotypes. And it's more of carelessness than faith on their part

If it were faith, they will activate the healing before they get married and even heal the person ahead. 

There are so many other physical causes of sickness. But everything still points back to the fall of man. And the devil

If man didn't fall. If we decide to eat all the food in the garden, I doubt that we will get obese and be sick. I don't even know if we will be hungry in the first place

So we must know, recognize and accept that only one person is responsible for sickness and it is the devil. If you are sick or you know anyone who is, let this be your thoughts and belief:

The devil is responsible for that sickness

This determines our reaction and how we treat sickness in the long run

So I want us all to believe this strongly

We will stop here tonight and continue on Sunday. Please don't miss any part of this teaching.

Healing gifts will be activated before the end of this series

Testimonies will flow. Before we meet next week, I want you to start praying for the sick around you.

If it is not the will of God then it should not be. So start praying for the sick now

FAITHFULNESS IN GOD'S SERVICE

What is faithfulness? What do we understand by faithfulness?

Ally: I think faithfulness is being "committed" to something or someone

Some synonyms of faithful include, loyalty, allegiance, fidelity. All these are strong words that we use in everyday speeches. They sure mean a lot to us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭NKJV

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭TPT

KJV actually renders the word "faithfulness" as "faith". The Greek word used there does not mean "faith" but "faithfulness". This means that faithfulness is already a fruit we have, produced in us by the Spirit of God residing in us. We can be faithful because we're born again. What this means is, God does not require from us what he has not given us capabilities to be or do

Having established what faithfulness means, what then is service? By English definition, service is an act of being of assistance to someone.

Ally: Doing something for someone

I want us to properly understand the terms used in the definition of service 

1. Assistance

2. Someone 

If we say God's service, it means we're being of assistance to God. Think about it for a minute

Will God, the God of the Heavens and Earth, that created everything by the word of mouth? Is there anything he cannot do? We all say "what God cannot do does not exist" and we say right. If so, why will God, needing no help require my service? i.e. my assistance?

We'll unravel as we proceed.

WHY SHOULD WE BE FAITHFUL IN GOD'S SERVICE?

1. God is faithful 

God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

“God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NLT

We see that scriptures established that God is faithful. Firmly committed to us. He is loyal. 

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:13 NLT

2. God requires faithfulness 

And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. Luke 12:42 NLT

The Lord Jesus himself told parables on faithfulness. It shows how highly he requires it.

3. The Apostles demanded faithfulness even as they were faithful

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 1 Corinthians 3:10 NLT

In 2 Timothy 2:2, we see a plan for 4 generations to receive the gospel simply on the premise of faithfulness. 

Paul was faithful and committed to Timothy

Timothy should be faithful in commuting to faithful men

The faithful men should be faithful in committing to others! What a big deal! 

Apostle Paul called himself a wise master builder! What an accolade!

4. We're beneficiaries of faithfulness

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 NLT

Post resurrection, Jesus committed the gospel to 11 people. 11 unlearned people. Those 11 men ran with the gospel with faithfulness and that's why we've the gospel today. Think of Paul, who suffered many perils, yet wouldn't relent in the preaching of the gospel, even in prison, he still was concerned for his converts. 

What is going to happen to the next generation? Can they boast on our faithfulness as a reason while they heard the gospel?

5. Ministry requires it 

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 1 Corinthians 3:10 NLT

If you're going to build, it requires carefulness and faithfulness. We've been called to build men! We might say, oh, I'm not a pastor or evangelist or any 5 fold ministry. But all believer have a ministry of reconciliation

In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. 2 Corinthians 5:19 TPT

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FAITHFUL MEN

The Bible is replete with men that served God, from the old testament to the new Testament and served with faithfulness.

a. Our Lord Jesus Christ 

We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! Hebrews 12:2 TPT

Jesus showed the example of faithfulness! Faithful to the end! I want us to know that Jesus died as a man like you and I, not with a body higher than ours with maybe higher threshold of pain, no! I mean Jesus could have taken the beatings, mockery, spitting, carrying the Cross etc. And then on the cross, even with nails and crown if thorns on, he could have looked at the people mocking his kingship and come down, pull out the nails and say "una no even worth am"😃

What made Jesus stay? Faithfulness to the cause! This is to say that faithfulness would require us pushing through the inconveniences, pain, rejection, tiredness, discouragements etc! 

I mean, how many of us leave our secular job (assisting a man)  because of tiredness?  Why then would we leave God's work?

b.  Moses

Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. Numbers 12:7 HCSB

See God boast of Moses' faithfulness! 

c. Timothy 

This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:17 HCSB

We all know how Paul worked, yet he acknowledged Timothy's faithfulness. 

d. The disciples of Jesus 

The disciples of Jesus were faithful and supportive of Jesus' ministry and of course after his early ministry - Acts 4:19-20

e.  David and Jonathan: 1 Sam 23:15-17

f. Other believers in the bible 

 Epaphras - Col 1:7

Onesimus- Col 4:9

Silvanus - 1 Peter 5:12

Tychicus - Eph 6:21

The list is inexhaustible.

Jesus in Matthew 24:45 says 

“Who then is a faithful and sensible slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time? Matthew 24:45 HCSB

The master cannot be in charge of his household, so he requires a faithful slave!

Ministry is doing for God, what God cannot do for himself. Think about it. Does God need help? No! But this one thing, he does! 

If we see service to God as the God who made the worlds relying on us to do stuff for him, to wins souls he died for, to cater to the needs of his body (the church), to look after that brother or sister, to give to that needy, to pray for that person, just this one thing and we cannot be faithful? 

Let's have a sober reflection. 

Faithfulness is big to God, it must matter to us. 

Just as we won't do our secular job anyhow, let's not do same for God.

This is the assistance, this is our service. And you know what, like we started with, it's not a demand from God, what we cannot give. 

Remember Galatians 5:22...the fruit of our spirit is... Faithfulness. We have it's! Let's draw from within!

WHAT COMES NEXT AFTER A REVIVAL?

We've spoken a lot on Revivals and gotten prophecies about a Revival being at hand all over the world. We've all been praying and expecting, some of us already experiencing the fire That has begun.

But what happens after the "Revival"

First, I'd like to say that after the revival, the revival continues. It really doesn't end in that sense.

The "Revival event" is just an ushering into the Revival. This is what people call the revival normally but it is an ushering.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42‭-‬47 KJV

This scripture was after the Pentecost event. A revival had happened on the day of Pentecost.

Let's rewind a bit

On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. Acts 2:1 TPT

All the disciples were gathered in one place. When God is about to pour out His fire of revival upon a generation, one pattern I've noticed is that people begin to gather together. The disciples first were gathered and soon people joined them.

Remember the Azusa street revival (i  sent a book on it here last week). Men gathered and something began. I tell you that what God did with that revival, we benefit today.

Pentecostal ministries were born through this revival. The baptism in the Holy Ghost has now become a norm today, thanks to what God did.

To acts, the church began after this Revival on Pentecost. The gentiles who were normally considered impure by the Jews got to know that there was no segregation in Christ and found their being in Him. They received all that the disciples shared and no, they refused to go back home

They continued to gather. Same as the Azusa street revival. For 3 years, the gatherings did not stop. They stayed together.

What next after a Revival?

1. Don't go back home!

You see, there is really no normal to return to. Something changed and it's meant to be permanent.

When you experience things like this, don't see it as a one off experience and look forward to the next event. Stick together. Form relationships with those you've experienced this with.

Have close fellowships with them. Get more involved in the lives of other believers. Live life together

God really doesn't work with people in isolation. He might train you for some time alone, but He does a whole lot of joint work. Embrace your new normal and walk in it

Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. Acts 2:42 TPT

I like the way TPT puts it, it says their hearts were mutually linked!

2. Remain exposed to the word of God

More than ever, you need this exposure. Even if it is personal revival you are experiencing, these things are a must.

Personal devotions must be constant. Group devotions should never be neglected (this is not the time to start stabbing church). Those who fail in Christ fail first in the word. If you don't like studying the word and you let this stay, you are setting yourself up for failure o.

8 So all the Israelites met together in the seventh month of the year. They were united and in complete agreement. They all met together in the open place in front of the Water Gate. All the people asked Ezra the teacher to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to the Israelites. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the law before those who had met together. This was on the first day of the month.[a] It was the seventh month of the year. Men, women, and anyone old enough to listen and understand were at the meeting. 3 Ezra read in a loud voice from the Book of the Law from early morning until noon. He was facing the open place that was in front of the Water Gate. He read to all the men and women, and to everyone old enough to listen and understand. All the people listened carefully and paid attention to the Book of the Law. 4 Ezra stood on a high wooden stage. It had been built just for this special time. On his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. And on his left side stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 So Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them on the high stage. As he opened the Book of the Law, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people held up their hands and said, “Amen! Amen!” Then all the people bowed down and put their faces low to the ground and they worshiped the Lord. 7 These men from the tribe of Levi taught the people about the law as they were all standing there. The Levites were Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah. 8 They read the Book of the Law of God. They made it easy to understand, and explained what it meant. They did this so that the people could understand what was being read. Nehemiah 6:1-8 ERV

Even in the old testament after the people came back from captivity, they understood that a new had began. And this was their response in Nehemiah 8.

They gathered together in unity. In fact, it was them who asked Ezra to teach. They demanded the word.

Now, this is for us on Word Alive. I noticed we've been praying more than studying the word.

Some of us attend prayers and ignore the schedule.

Of course, the excuse is we are busy but we know the truth that we are not that busy. It is a lie we've been telling ourselves

This goes for all of us (myself included), God is saying to remind us not to neglect the word and move in isolation.

Failure awaits.  

3. Save yourselves from this crooked generation

40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:40 (NLT)

In verse 37, the people had asked Peter "what shall we do?" Peter had responded that they repented and be saved. To accept Christ.

But we see that Peter did not stop here.

For the revival they had just experienced, something bad to be done

They had to detach themselves from the values of the world. They had to log out

They had a new normal so they abandoned what they were used to. It was a fresh start. A revival is a fresh start. Especially for those of us that are "spiritually grown", a lot of us miss out on revivals cos we "know"

We experience the ushering o, something that we have seen in vision tey tey. But we do not move with the revival cos of all we know

Log out and log in afresh.

It is a new life, even for you. Don't just see it from afar, experience it!

4. Pray

This one, there is no 2 ways to it. Pray. Communicate with God. Don't get too full from the ushering that you refuse to sit and eat the main course.

5. Allow those who lead.  Don't be an insider opposition

This part is especially for those of us that have seen this revival coming. Reading God's generals, I noticed one thing, for most of them major opposition came from believers and even generals themselves.

The Israelites in Nehemiah knew Ezra's place and the Levites, they allowed them do their job. In fact, they invited them to. Sometimes, it will look like this person is not running the exact template I got

This is not the exact thing God showed me so they have to be wrong.

For what God is about to do, we can't afford to stand against each other.

This revival is breaking out everywhere. Trust that God who brought the revival will lead every key person aright. Don't be the first to pull down. If it is difficult to understand what they are doing and the manner with which they execute, pray!

Don't interfere or condemn. (Except God specifically tells you to)

6. Note down the experiences at the revival ushering

Write everything down. Write it o! E get why. 

7. Finally, be LED

There is no Revival without a massive outpour/move of the spirit. The spirit is the revival Himself.

You cannot say this is the move of the spirit and you move without Him. Them no dey barb person hair for hin back. If you move outside of the spirit, you will move inside bush laslas

This is really the most important part. Be led in all sense of that word.

It's the spirit's move not yours, don't get too forward. Allow Him be lead. He is not staying and asking us to go and do. No! He moves then we move with Him in that direction.

Be led!

SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS

In your own understanding, what does it mean to be weak spiritually?

Omotola - To lack spiritual stamina. Aka Daku Daji 🌚

Samson - The things of the Spirit don't excite one as they should

Mayowa - When you find it difficult to like flow with things of the spirit. Like finding it difficult to pray for example

Becca - To be in a state of apathy, where nothing spiritual excites you.

Weakness

Weakness is a condition of being fatigued, tired, and inadequate physically, mentally, spiritual or emotionally to the extent that you cannot function effectively

What then is Spiritual Weakness?

This is a state of being tired and  fatigued spiritually so much that it hinders us from functioning effectively

Do you think it is normal for believers to get weak in the spirit?

Omotola - Not exactly. Infact, No. It happens but it's not normal

Mayowa - I think so

Becca - No its normal but it has a high tendency to occur once in a while if not detected and properly dealt with.

While it happens/occur, it is not God's plan that we actually get weak in the spirit. Why? Because there is no weakness whatsoever in the one whose strength we are meant to ride on: The spirit.

But, we do get weak

There are a whole lot of things that happen that are not part of God's original plan but they happen regardless. And somehow, our high priest understands 😁. 

Earlier this week, God revealed to me that a number of us on the group are suffering from this. I was praying concerning some admin related things, so I asked if it was for me or the leaders. And the spirit of God said No, that this was for the group and not just for a few people.

A large percentage of us are here, spiritually weak.

I started praying. I saw names and heart conditions. Bad part is, some of us are even doing a good Job of masking it on the outside.

I wondered if I should reach out to the names I saw privately but the instruction was to teach and encourage by the help of the spirit. The spirit says a lot of the people in this position are aware. The Lord also revealed to them. 

The Lord G od has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

Isaiah 50:4 AMP

As we share tonight, I pray that the word we receive sustains everyone of us that are weary.

Back to spiritual weakness.

Spiritual Weakness manifests in different forms. It means/looks/feels  different for different people

- If your daily fear for tomorrow overrides your showed affection for God, chances are spiritual weakness has set in.

- If you feel empty often and easily distracted whenever you pray/worship

-Uninterested in spiritual things

-Teachings/sermons/tweets are beginning to feel more like an attack

-You've lost your excitement

-You are getting easily discouraged

-You are no longer disciplined in your fellowship with God

- things are becoming meaningless

-Slack in study/praying habit

- You are not really busy o but you feel too busy.

- Loss of urgency in spiritual warfare

-Cold sense of commitment

- Falling Faith

- Your excitement for the word only tickles you. You are back to status quo in few minutes

- You feel hopeless

-Continuous self indulgence (Just this once keeps turning to more than once)

The list is really long

You see these symptoms, I'm pretty sure a lot of us can relate to one or more of them.

They point to only one thing, Spiritual weakness

Now, while spiritual weakness is a problem, it is not really the problem..

You see, spiritual weakness is an unsuspecting road to carnality

Another question for us: What do you think causes Spiritual Weakness?

Omotola - Repeated Procrastination. Not setting priorities. Life issues"/distractions.

Chelsea - When a person fills too spiritual and starts assuming or thinking a "little skip or break" won't harm. Forgetfulness. Laziness. Lack of fellowship. Overconfidence. Reliance on past victories and experiences

Retta Rubies - Allowing guilt to make us forget the freedom we have received in Christ. Trying to use standard set by others to judge ourselves and feeling terrible when we fall short of those standards which shouldn't even be there in the first place as your relationship with God shouldn't be based on any standard except what is given to is in the bible

Remi - Distractions, allowing sin overcome us can also cause spiritual weakness

How do we tackle spiritual weakness?

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 AMPC

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Ephesians 6: 11- 13 AMPC

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]

1 Corinthians 2:12‭-‬16 AMPC

1. Admittance

If we keep denying the state we are in, we cannot get out of it. We will stay stuck. It's important that we first admit to ourselves that from the look of things "I am spiritually weak". So first, recognize the patterns and admit to yourself the problem

2. Second step is to Talk to God about it

You see, you can admit to yourself that you have a problem and there still won't be solutions.

So honestly speak to God about how you feel and allow Him help

3. Be Awake

Give strict attention to the things of the spirit. Be cautious of the things you involve yourself in. Basically, be watchful and stay in prayer

4. - Put On the whole armor of God

This scripture makes us to understand that this world is a battlefield. As believers, the major battle ground is in our minds. (Remember our discussion the last time on Spirit, Soul and Body)

Day by Day, we face a spiritual way and we have a real enemy: The devil

Spiritual Weakness is a sign that the enemy is somehow at an advantage in this war we face daily

Like I said earlier, the end game of the spiritual weakness is not just for you to feel weak. Nah

It is carnality

The enemy is out to destroy

From verse 14 of Ephesians 6 down to 18, we see the full armour of God we are asked to put on. The verse 13 tells us why we need to put it on

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

For the days when the enemy is gaining ground, these are days we need this armour that we may be able to STAND

What is this full armour?

1. Belt of Truth

Not just truth about our state. You see the enemy will rather we focus on what is wrong with us. There is a truth greater than your current spiritual condition/situation. And this is the truth of who you are in Christ. The enemy will rather you do not engage this truth as it will help you overcome this problem

Your reality might be far from this truth o, but it is your truth regardless. Whatever God deems true will always be true. Hold on to it like your life depends on it

Confess it often

For your deliverance, put on truth!

(Practical class, so someone help us with a truth confession that addresses this. More than one person if possible).

2. Breastplate of righteousness

Bring out your righteousness card. Now here is the thing, this is not just Christ's righteousness in us being lived out.

The enemy will usually try to tell us this is it. You know why? He knows we do not have any righteousness card "in deeds" to come up with. Chances are if you've been spiritually weak for a while, you've been living in a way that is not Christ like.

Your Breastplate for righteousness is that which Christ has clothed you with. The enemy wants to attack you with impurity. You must first stand on the truth that you are pure and righteous before God then proceed to live this out.

3. Shoes of Peace

The enemy wants your heart to stay troubled, either by life situations or even the problem at hand. Find peace in the knowledge that your high priest understands. And be aude He does, help abounds for you

4. The shield of Faith

Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to keep us from stumbling. We should never think that we are far too gone or we can help ourselves.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

He who the son of man has set free is free indeed. First, we must remember that we are saved completely regardless of the situation. And the one who has saved us even from sin and eternal death is able to deliver us from this too

6. The sword of the spirit

The word of God! This is the greatest spiritual weapon ever. For every response Christ gave to Satan, it was the word. The word of God is our weapon in winning this battle and getting out of this state. Don't stay far away from the word

There is no Spiritual weakness/strength without the person of the spirit. We must be taught by the spirit. We must stay with Him and allow Him help us, if not every thing will be wasted effort.

If you are finding it difficult to do so, get one or 2 people, pray with them. For those that know me, you know I don't joke with corporate prayers. Scripture says 1 chases a thousand and 2, 10 thousand. Imagine how much more we do together as a body.

Be accountable

A lot of us want to pretend that nothing is wrong when something is wrong. Hmmm, this is 10001 ways to stay in that position actually.

Open up. These things thrive in secrecy. Reach out to someone. Allow them help you. And please don't just reach out to anybody. Reach out to someone who is led by the spirit.

To root out spiritual weakness, it is not just by wishful thinking. No! It takes effort and discipline

We can be touched by the teaching tonight and still go back. Choice!

It takes you to be ready to receive the help that Christ gives to move forward from here.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 MSG

Here's what Jesus is saying to you tonight:

Keep company with me, allow me remove the heavy load and show you how to live light. He says to allow Him teach the unforced rhythm of Grace. To leave that place where you keep struggling and trying but never enough

Just allow Christ. Take the help He gives readily

Don't rely on your strength, it will fail. Instead look to the Lord and His strength

For those of us who are strong in faith at this time, restore others and pray for them. Be available to help everyone that is down. Support and uphold them

For those of us that have seen that we are spiritually weak, know that you are not alone.

Even the very spiritually mature ones get here sometimes.

God is utterly devoted to you. He's here again with help

I leave you with this scripture

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

Jude 1:24‭-‬25 MSG

Let us pray

Thank you Jesus for your word

Thank you because it is you who keeps us

Thank you for you are our ever present help

Thank you for reaching out to us Lord

Thank you for loving us and being fully devoted to us.

As we have received your word, it is strength to us who are weary

Our ginger is activated back

We accept the help you give freely

We do not fall back asleep spiritually as we leave here

Your word comes alive in us

Amen

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

So there is our key text for the year again

I will like everyone to know it by heart. Let it be what you live by this year.

As the Lord revealed, we've come to know that this year is the year of the spirit. Not just for Word Alive but believers all over the world. There is a move of the spirit happening in our time, as never seen before and it begins this year.

I was speaking with someone and they mentioned a prophecy from the 1920s about 2020. According to the prophecy, a fire of revival will spread like never before and new generals will arise from all nations. Immediately, I connected with all we have been getting

Sadly, I couldn't get the prophet's name but I am surely finding it. The person shared a lot of things from that prophecy and they were so accurate

Exactly what I've heard

My interest piqued immediately I heard it was over 100 years ago. It shows one thing, that what is about to come upon us, this move we are about to experience, it's not a coincidence.

So many lives and destinies are attached to it. A lot of things will change for so many of us. It is very much strategic for such a time as this

I don't know if we've all taken note but it seems like the enemy got more strategic. He's moving so smoothly in the world

Everybody is selling Juju (kayamatanga or so) openly and it is normal

Things we'd never have done years ago have been normalized. And this will get worse as time goes

But guess what, God is also raising an army for such a time like this. He knew this time would come long before my grandmother was born. He spoke about it through the prophets of those times
And slowly, in all of our various life walks (smooth and unsmooth), He has been leading us right here

Becca sent me a video from Kenneth Copeland, He had pretty much the same to say about this year being the year of the spirit

Nonso sent one too from Prophet Tomi Arayomi

Got another from Nkiru by DDK and it was also the same prophecy

I've had discussions with friends not on Word Alive and when they share what God told them about the year, I'm asking if they are me

I'm reminded of this scripture :

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 NIV

When the Lord GOD decides to do something, he will first tell his servants, the prophets.
Amos 3:7 ERV

When the Lord decides to do something

We can say for sure that the Lord is about to do something. If our spiritual antenna is active, you can sense it strongly and connect

This particular prophecy is dated earliest (to my knowledge) to the 1920s

We see that God did not just decide to do something. It's been decided long ago. And I just heard this in my spirit now to share with you all

That all the things that appeared to have gone "wrong", every decision and painful situation, they've all brought us to this place

The spirit says we might not know it but this is exactly where He has been leading us to
All of the lessons
All of the pain and shame
The Fallings and failings
Struggles
Standing back and standing strong

This is where it has been leading you all along

Preparations have been ongoing long before you even knew God. All of you from various places, nations, and continents whose physical paths might never cross but with paths aligning. Everyone heading in the same direction. Each step (though looking like a failure on your end), a closer one to this

God is doing something and if we are sensitive in the spirit we can testify to this. A shift is happening

Probably you've been hearing shift happening every time and it's beginning to sound cliche but really something is changing and it begins already

Back to our scripture.

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 NIV

Now that we know that God always tell people before doing anything (not to take permission but rather out of love for man and so men will act in like with the season upon them) and He has revealed though so many

So what next.??????

What do we do? How do we act in this season? Or are we just supposed to stand still and wait

Are we supposed to find everyone we think God wants to call for this and speak to them? What exactly is our reaction?

I've had plenty of questions myself since the Lord revealed these things. Like I just want us to fast forward and get a download of everything, all the hows, and details

And this has been the response of the Lord:

Follow the spirit

For some of us, a lot of things might come up this year, it will look like this leading na inside carnal or gutter Laslas you go end. Ignore the physical reality and the pain that will come from the changes happening

Just follow

Let's visit our key text again

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

There is a forward movement towards this prophecy and move of the spirit we are about to experience. Because this move belongs to the Spirit, only Him knows where everything will be happening. Only Him as all the details

Because only Him knows and God is so gracious, The spirit was sent to lead us to this place where everything will happen. The forward movement to this place started long ago, now more than ever we cannot afford to miss our way or get distracted

Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
Ezekiel 1:12 NIV

If we read from verse 1, the description of the living creatures is amazing. It sounds like they probably will know all or navigate on their own with all of those features. But no, he direction is straight ahead, as the spirit led.

Something caught my eye in the next verse after 12

The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.
Ezekiel 1:13 NIV

As they followed the spirit, Ezekiel saw that they looked like burning coals of fire. Torches

Now, Ezekiel had described these creatures before. I doubt he'd have missed out on this description if he saw it in the verses before. Ezekiel only noticed this particular appearance as he watched them follow the Spirit, not looking left or right. See, there is a revival of fire about to Burn. The spirit just reminded me of what He said on Men becoming flammable this period

The fire of God will be spreading back and forth without stress, just by following the spirit

The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 NIV

Speedy movement as we follow the Spirit. Some of us whose fellowships with  God are zero and are wondering how they fit in in all of this.

Don't wander too much. Speed comes

As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.
Ezekiel 1:15‭-‬16 NIV

I was trying to understand this verse for a while. Who owns the wheel? What are they doing with the creatures in Ezekiel's vision

What is their purpose? How is a 4 legged wheel intersecting another wheel?

We can Google Ezekiel's wheel

Not one picture perfected this wheel intersecting wheel cos it is impossible. Let me explain what this means to us

If we scroll down, we will see that the wheel was later used to bring in the throne of God, which is where God sits. God sitting on the throne and brought in by the wheel. Then the wheel moving with each creature as they followed the spirit.

The wheel is also intersecting

Here is what I got from this verse:

As many of us that are believers and carry the presence of God (the creature and the wheel), as we follow the Spirit, our paths will be intertwined. Probably are already

As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went.
Ezekiel 1:17 NIV

Though paths and purposes are intertwined, let's note that the living creatures were not led by this

Rather it was the path/purpose (wheel) that followed the direction of the creatures (the believers). And the creatures followed the lead of the spirit only.

In this season, we will not be led by ambitions, purposes, career paths, seemingly spiritual paths, etc. We will be led only by the spirit All of these things will fall under

Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
Ezekiel 1:20 NIV

Look at the progression

Spirit first
Creature follows
Paths/ambitions/purposes

Now, how come the paths/purpose/ambitions aligned with the movement of the creatures as led by the spirit? Because the spirit inside of the creatures lived inside of them too

Wow 🔥

All our paths and ambitions this year, they must be subjected to the leading of the Spirit. Follow! God will not give you a purpose or lead you in a path outside of the leading of the Spirit

When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
Ezekiel 1:24 NIV

When the creatures moved (followed the spirit without looking sideways), Ezekiel heard the voice of the Lord. Some of us want instructions all at once. We want God to say everything now at once

I understand the frustration. But see, the words will come as we go after the spirit, one after the other. The plan will keep unveiling

I don't know if this move is happening in Lagos or Ibadan. I don't know if we will all be asked to leave our work and go. I have plenty questions but the instruction is simple: Follow the Spirit

As we do, the plan will be unveiled fully

All God is about to do, the spirit knows the fastest route

Let me give a logical sample

If I go to Italy tomorrow and the mission is very important, I can't afford to be doing trial and error method or just walking around till I find my way. I use a tour guide. I meet people who know the city well and allow them to lead me. If I had time, probably I could afford to walk around, miss my steps then find my hotel hours back. But there is no time for all of that for this Italy trip so I make sure to stay with those who know the road. We do not have time to waste

Romans  8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The Greek word used here is ago and it means to gently lead. While He is very patient, The spirit will not force us. This season, we will need to willingly follow

I believe this is what the Lord was referencing for the revelation I shared, that many though walked to this place with us, might not continue further. Not because God doesn't want them to but because of their own choice.

I pray none of us willingly damn the leading of the Spirit

Again, I see the shedding of weight, unnecessary weight. Not fat now, people/things/attachments/distractions/career

For those that this applies to when that time comes, be ready. For some, it has started already. It might be costly and painful, but drop.

Also, don't postpone anything. Don't say I will start to do tomorrow. Now is the time!

Be very alert and sensitive as you follow the Spirit. Don't make the tiniest decision on your own.

Wait for God to speak and keep following the spirit.
Do not look left, do not turn right
Look straight ahead
Wherever the spirit leads, follow!

I pray we all receive Grace to stand firm and follow closely without losing sight of Him and regardless of all it might look like we are losing.

Amen