Walk With Me #Deararn.

DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE MIRACLES IN CHURCH? THEN CLEAN HOUSE, SPEAK RIGHT AND DO BETTER.

Are you in search of peace and tranquillity in a chaotic world? The path to serenity might be closer than you realize. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, or simply the hustle and bustle of everyday life, true peace resides within reach. This video explores how a deeper understanding of self and spirituality can help you connect with that inner calm. Join us on THE WAY OF THE CROSS as we embark on a transformative journey toward finding peace, JESUS, and remember, He is closer than you think or know. Embrace the peace He offers. NOW!

THE WOMAN AND HER ALABASTER BOX-LESSONS IN GRATEFULNESSIn middle eastern culture, food and feasting were essential features. It was how family and friends fellowshipped, the welcome gesture to any visitor. It was the symbol of relaxation, hospitality, and generosity, and sometimes a show of affluence.The story in Luke chapter 7 describes one such occasion. Jesus was present as a guest. Being a desert region, sojourners would trek or ride donkeys’ long distances through hot and dusty roads to reach their destination. By the time they arrived, their feet would be dirty and must be washed before they made their way into the house. The feet-washing exercise, though, was the job of the house's servants.Jesus was the special guest in the Pharisee's home, and merriment was in full gear. Just as everyone was lost in their mirth, then came into their midst a woman of "easy virtue." Gingerly bearing an alabaster box, she made straight to pour same on Jesus' feet. On citing her, silence and the sweet fragrance of the perfume engulfed the room. How did she get in? Who invited her, and what did she want? Not minding their gaze, she continued her mission, poured the entire content of an alabaster box on His feet, and wiped them with her hair. The occupants of the room were alarmed. What an audacious move! If Jesus was indeed a prophet, He should have known she did not qualify to be in their presence. Why would she waste such expensive perfume? A whole year's wage for dirty feet? What is a woman of loose virtue looking for in such an august gathering Pray tell, in their conceit, how would they imagine she had a noble cause and her deed was divinely orchestrated. Jesus was supposed to be a special guest of honour, yet, no one washed His feet before he came into the house. This woman did much more than washing feet; she anointed them. To think she was showing her heartfelt gratitude. Her "thank you" was meeting the Master's need and incurring the wrath of hypocrites. Amazing! Did she envisage the effect her actions would have? We can safely answer, no, she did not. Her life revealed that when our worship is from the heart and in gratitude to God for all He had done, we might just be etching our names and deeds in the tablets of history.Interestingly, the people who queried the woman's actions and Jesus' "no reaction" did so because she, by her action, exposed their hypocrisy. How did they know she was not worthy? Who made them judge? They were all feasting in the Pharisee's house and needed a saviour. Plus, the fellow who thought her generosity was wasteful, we are told, did not care about the poor; To think that men are quick to accuse others of what they are equally guilty of.Before we close this discourse, let us look at the age-long profession of prostitution. What is it about the trade?Why is it deemed a woman's bane? What happened to the men who engaged them? How should we label them?What makes the institution so ingrained in society?Is it the power that the men have over the women involved? Or the hold the women have over the men that patronise them?Could it be the freedom to do as they pleased?Why would anyone choose the profession? Could it be money, influence, lack of self-worth, or the sweetness of stolen waters?What exactly made prostitution an age-long profession?As for the woman in our story today: we do not know for sure what her trade was (Some thought she was a prostitute), but we do know that she was labelled a sinner by people who should wear a double badge of the same title.Pray tell, is one sin bigger than another? Did the scripture not say that all men have sinned and fallen short of God's glory? So, what is with the finger-pointing?

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of a significant week in the Christian calendar, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and culminating in Resurrection Sunday. This religious observance is enriched by key events, notably Holy Thursday, which re-enacts the Last Supper.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He was fully aware of the events leading to His crucifixion. In need of a mode of transportation, He instructed His disciples to retrieve a colt for Him to ride. He detailed the mission with precision: "Go to the village ahead of you; as you enter, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here" (Luke 19:30). This colt was uniquely reserved, never having been ridden, and symbolized a purpose yet to be fulfilled. This colt, like each one of us, was chosen for a specific role in God's plan.

Imagine, for a moment, if the colt was a person. In this narrative, we see a profound lesson in patience and purpose. The colt waited in a state of readiness for its divine assignment. Every moment of waiting prepared it for the moment it would bear the Lord. Such waiting is not easy; it requires a heart of surrender and trust in God's timing.

When the disciples followed Jesus' command, they were confronted by the colt's guardians. Yet, they recognized the authority of the Lord and allowed the colt to fulfill its destiny. The colt, patiently tied, had been set aside for a greater mission, even when its owners were unaware of its significance.

The atmosphere during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was majestic. The procession was filled with joyful shouts and royal drapery, celebrating the King. While the colt was destined to ride triumphantly, it would later face hardship, embodying the sacrifices made for humanity's sins. For anyone feeling like a "colt" waiting to be called into purpose, take heart: your time is coming.

Consider your journey. Have the past days, months, or even years been a preparation for your moment of glory? Like the colt, you may have been set aside, waiting for a special assignment that the Lord has prepared for you. In life, many face limitations that feel binding. But remember, when the Master calls, timing is of the essence, and you are ready. You are prepared for your divine mission.

The disciples did not waver in their mission, trusting completely in Jesus. Their assignment was driven by a timely command: "The Lord needs it." This assurance brought them clarity and confidence. If you find yourself longing for your calling, remember that now is the time.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt, remember that He arrived in style on prepared vessels. Your struggles and waiting periods, dear reader, are not in vain; they mould you for significant purposes.

May this be a pivotal point in your journey? I pray that you will be found useful for the Lord's special mission. As He rides triumphantly through you, let the world celebrate your purpose.

Matthew 21:1-9 – "Go to the village ahead of you; you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her...The Lord needs them."

Luke 19:30-38 – "When He came near the place...the whole crowd began joyfully to praise God..." Imagine the jubilation, the anticipation, and the joy that filled the air as the crowd welcomed the King. Your time of celebration is coming, just as it did for the colt and the crowd on that triumphant day.

When the Lord focuses on you, the world will notice. Embrace the waiting, as it's all part of the miraculous journey designed for you. Remember, your time is now!

The Gethsemane Experience: Understanding Agony, Despair, and SurrenderThe Garden of Gethsemane, nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, is not just a historical site, but a symbol of spiritual distress that resonates with all of us. This sacred place is where Jesus Christ, in his humanity, endured immense agony and despair before his crucifixion, offering deep reflections on suffering and total surrender to divine will. The Gethsemane experience is not just a story from the past, but a call to consider our own struggles, fostering a profound understanding of faith amid adversity that we all can relate to.Prelude to Agony: Jesus's Final HoursThe events in Gethsemane unfold after Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples as he retreats to pray amid the heavy anticipation of his impending sacrifice. This moment brings forth the tension between human suffering and divine purpose, showcasing Jesus's humanity as he confronts the loneliness and weight of humanity's sins. The synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—describe him as "sorrowful to the point of death" (Mark 14:34), illustrating a critical struggle with existential despair.The Agony of the Soul: A Profound StruggleIn Gethsemane, Jesus endures the "agony" of the soul, praying so intensely that he sweats drops of blood—a condition known as hematidrosis. His earnest plea, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42), reveals the tension between his divine nature and human experience. The "cup" symbolizes the suffering he must endure out of unconditional love, highlighting the complex dynamics between aversion to pain and submission to God's will.Total Surrender: A Path to FaithThe Gethsemane experience ultimately embodies total surrender, a powerful act that can transform our lives. In his vulnerability, Jesus submits to divine will, offering a powerful model for navigating our moments of despair. Life presents us with Gethsemane-like challenges, often filled with uncertainty and fear, yet Jesus's example teaches us to find strength in surrendering our will to God's more excellent plan. This act of trust does not come easily; it demands introspection and courage, turning our pain into a pathway for transformation. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, surrender can lead to a brighter future.Aftermath: A Legacy of HopeGethsemane's agony foreshadows the unfolding of a new covenant through Good Friday and Easter Sunday, epitomizing the resurrection of hope and life. This narrative reassures us that deep sorrow can give rise to profound joy, emphasizing that surrender is a courageous act leading to divine victory and renewal. It's a reminder that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, there is always hope on the horizon, waiting to bring new life and joy.As we contemplate the Gethsemane experience, we recognize that our moments of despair hold the potential for faith growth. We are invited into a sacred relationship with the Divine, where our struggles pave the way for transformation. Just as Jesus emerged from Gethsemane ready to face his cross, we too can confront our challenges—embracing life with renewed purpose.Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability for Deeper FaithThe Gethsemane experience serves as a timeless call to acknowledge our fears and choose surrender as a route to deeper faith. Through Jesus's struggle, we find a mirror reflecting our pain and a guiding light toward hope and redemption. In our darkest hours, surrendering to God's will leads us to unimaginable grace, inviting profound growth and renewal in our spiritual journey.

The Profound Significance of the Last Supper: Essential Lessons for Modern ChristiansIntroduction The Last Supper is a cornerstone event in Christian theology, profoundly shaping the faith's understanding of sacrifice and redemption. This sacred meal shared between Jesus and his disciples is steeped in historical significance and rich with spiritual meaning, offering vital lessons that resonate deeply with believers today.Historical Context The Last Supper occurred during the Passover festival, a celebration of liberation and deliverance for the Jewish people. In this context, Jesus reinterprets the meaning of Passover, foreshadowing his impending sacrifice. During this momentous occasion, Jesus establishes the Eucharist, initiating a new covenant in his blood, which symbolizes the profound connection between God and humanity. This covenant represents a transformational promise of grace and redemption that is central to the Christian faith.Theological SignificanceEstablishment of the Eucharist: The Last Supper is the foundation of Holy Communion, where Jesus breaks bread and shares wine, symbolizing his body and blood given for humanity. This act commemorates his ultimate sacrifice and fosters a deep, personal relationship between believers and Christ. The covenant in the blood of Jesus underscores that through this sacred meal, Christians partake in a divine promise of eternal life and forgiveness.Model of Servanthood: Jesus exemplifies extraordinary humility by washing his disciples' feet, a powerful demonstration of servant leadership. This act challenges societal norms, urging Christians to embrace service and humility in their own lives. The Last Supper calls all believers to reflect Christ's love through acts of service.Emphasis on Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Despite Judas' betrayal looming, Jesus extends compassion rather than condemnation. This highlights the Christian call to forgiveness and the transformative power of love. The covenant in Jesus's blood serves as a reminder that no sin is too great for divine grace.Lessons for Contemporary ChristiansCommunity and Fellowship: The Last Supper underscores the importance of community among Christians. It invites believers to gather, support, and uplift each other in faith, reinforcing the notion that collective worship strengthens spiritual bonds.Living Out the Gospel: The teachings revealed at the Last Supper go beyond mere ritual, urging Christians to embody Christ's love through everyday actions. Demonstrating kindness, advocating for social justice, and living a life of service are all vital expressions of faith inspired by this sacred ritual.Hope and Redemption: The narrative surrounding the Last Supper offers a message of hope, illustrating that through suffering comes renewal and growth. It reassures believers that trials and tribulations can lead to spiritual awakening, rooted in the covenant established by Jesus's sacrifice.Conclusion The Last Supper remains a profound source of theological insight and practical guidance for Christians today. It emphasizes the significance of communion with God through the covenant in the blood of Jesus, the spirit of servanthood, and the paramount importance of forgiveness. These lessons from this sacred meal inspire believers to lead lives grounded in faith, service, and vibrant community, illuminating the path of discipleship for generations to come.

The Pain of Separation: Understanding Jesus' Cry from the Cross

Meta Description: Discover the profound significance of Jesus' cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Explore themes of separation, suffering, and redemption.

The scene at Golgotha, where the crucifixion of Jesus Christ unfolds, is a decisive moment in the Christian narrative. As Jesus hangs on the cross, suffocating under his weight, he cries out: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, ESV). This anguished lament echoes Psalm 22 and highlights the deep pain of separation, not only from loved ones but also from the divine presence of God.

To appreciate the significance of this cry, we must understand the meaning of being separated from God. For Jesus, this separation transcended physical pain; it was a profound spiritual dislocation. Throughout His life, Jesus enjoyed unbroken communion with the Father. Yet, in His final moments, as he bore the weight of humanity's sins, that communion was momentarily fractured. The burden of sin created an emotional chasm that He felt deeply.

This cry encapsulates the essence of separation from love and purpose. The cross was not only a physical ordeal for Jesus—it embodied the ultimate spiritual agony. His cherished relationship with the Father felt distant, overshadowed by the enormity of the separation experienced in that moment.

Separation is a painful, universal experience. Many can relate to feelings of abandonment, whether through loss, betrayal, or fractured relationships. This emotional turmoil often leads to profound grief and despair. Throughout history, stories of separation have permeated literature, art, and individual experiences— from lovers torn apart to families broken by conflict. Jesus' cry on the cross, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?', is a universal cry that resonates deeply, capturing the desolation of separation that we all, at some point, experience.

Suffering is a significant thread in the fabric of human existence. Jesus wore the mantle of humanity, donning the garment of suffering. By publicly expressing feelings of abandonment, He validates our moments of despair and invites us to acknowledge our separations—with God or each other—without fear or shame.

This moment is not only marked by agony but also by the depth of love inherent in it. Jesus' willingness to embrace separation and human pain exemplifies a transformative act of sacrificial love. His cry is not a cry of defeat, but a cry that invites us to connect with our struggles, a reassurance that we are not alone in our pain. It is a cry that transforms our understanding of suffering, turning it into a source of hope and inspiration.

One of the most compelling aspects of Jesus' crucifixion is the redemptive outcome that emerges from His pain. The moment of separation on the cross is not the story's conclusion but the beginning of reconciliation. Jesus bridged the gap sin creates between humanity and God through His sacrifice, offering the promise of restored relationships.

The resurrection ultimately transforms the cry of abandonment into a powerful proclamation of hope. It signifies that separation does not define our paths; instead, relationships can be restored, and the pain of separation can lead to renewed connection. Thus, Jesus' cry becomes a catalyst for healing for individuals and the world.

The pain of separation is a burden everyone carries at some point. We uncover both resonance and redemption in Jesus' anguished words from the cross. He embodies our struggles and illuminates a pathway through grief. His cry starkly reminds us of the cost of separation while highlighting hope in connection and renewal....

TYPES OF FASTING

The Bible reveal that there are different types of fasting. Supernatural Fast.An example is the fast done by Jesus, who went without food and drink for forty days.Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry (Mathew 4:1-2)Another example is Moses.Then once again I fell prostrate before the LORD for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the LORD’s sight and so arousing his anger. I feared the anger and wrath of the LORD, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the LORD listened to me. And the LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too. Deuteronomy (9:18-20)Scientifically, this fast is not advised. It should only be embarked upon when one is sure of its order from God. Then we are confident we have grace and the assurance of no dire consequences. I met a man of God (Apostle Idama of blessed memory), who embarked on 40-day fasts twice a year for several years. In my discussions with him, I found that he was especially graced for the exercise, and the results at his meetings also testified to God’s endorsement of his life. He, however, warned me to never embark on such, except I was sure God was asking me to do the same. Absolute FastThis is when we abstain from food and drink for three days or maybe a little longer. This type should only be embarked upon for short periods. An example is Esther’s fast.

Partial FastThis is entails refraining from out certain foods or drinks. The fast can last be from dawn to dusk, a couple of hours or days.An example is the Daniel fast, where he and his friends ate only lentils for ten days.Regular FastThis is done from dawn to dusk, with no food or drink. No matter what type of fasting the sojourner chooses, it is essential to note that it is the way of anyone serious about their walk with God. We should have regular times of fasting and prayer. We do this to separate ourselves to God to advance His kingdom on earth. When we embark on these fasts, our senses are sharpened, and we can pick any signals and instructions from the Spirit.What About Fasting in Other Religions? Some other faiths, such as the African traditional or ancient Greek religions, also subscribe to fasting. When there is a critical assignment, say installing a new priest or priestess, the chosen vessels were placed on prolonged periods of fasting and praying and abstinence from other fleshly pleasures. They are secluded in special covens, away from other humans and subjected to various rituals to prepare them to meet their gods and the assignment at hand. That way, access to the spirit world is easy and unhindere

.Fasting helps us to focus on the job at hand. It keeps unprofitable habits out of the way. Athletes need it if they must succeed at their skill. Hospital patients are generally required to fast before any surgery.

Is there any difference between the Christian fast and that of other faiths? Christians fast to position themselves before God and put themselves in a state where the self can be done away with.

Thus, the Christian fast is a call to holiness and righteousness.Other faiths fast to get their god to do something, either as a reward for effort or a matter of right. But unfortunately, fasts can also be embarked upon to cause evil in other faiths or gain some diabolical powers.Another question may be; since Jesus paid the price for our sins in full, why does the Christian still need to fast?There is a simple answer to the question; It is not every royal-born child that lives to be king. It is one thing to have an inheritance; it is an entirely different matter to appropriate the same in your daily living.

In every believer’s faith journey, life presents events that necessitate a higher force than is available at the time. They can range from hunger and thirst for more of God or events such as death, illness, loss, grief, wars, failure and so on. Sometimes the issues show themselves defying every known and already deployed sacrament. When navigating such crossroads, the wise thing to do is to press deeper into God, to access the needed wisdom and power. If the call is heeded and a separation is made. This can be by denying self some pleasures of life just so the spirit can be in tune with heaven’s demands. There is no telling what the resultant effects would be. Suffice to say, if done right, there would be revelations of dimensions of God as He works in and through man and creation.

Discover the immense, unbelievable available to the believer of identifying with the covenant of the communion table