THE POWER OF MIDNIGHT INTERCESSION

THE POWER OF MIDNIGHT INTERCESSION 

SCRIPTURES:

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I AM THE LORD” (Exodus 12:12 KJV).

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” (Acts 16:25 – 26 KJV).

INTRODUCTION

One of the most powerful spiritual tools that God has given, but grossly neglected by Christians, is the midnight prayer. Midnight prayer (or vigil) is the prayer done about 12am. 

From the Bible and through ages, the prayers done around this particular time have always brought tremendous and unprecedented results. As a Christian, it is imperative that you live a life of vigil. There are levels you can never attain in the spirit without mastering the act of praying in the midnight.

 There are levels of revelations you cannot get without prolonged midnight prayers. And there are also satanic entities, thrones and chains you can never dismantle unless through prolonged midnight battles. The aim of this message is to awaken the church (Christians) to this great spiritual weapon made available to us by God. I believe  that any Christian that masters the act of praying in the midnight will ultimately control what happens in the day.

A.   FACTS ABOUT THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

1. The midnight hour spiritually controls what happens in the day.

2. The midnight hour spiritually controls the destinies of people.

3. The midnight hour is full of demonic activities

4. The midnight hour is full of angelic activities.

5. Most spiritual manifestation of answerd prayers come to us at midnight and manifest physically during the day.

6. Life's greatest battles are fought at midnight.

7. At midnight, you come face to face with the enemies of your destiny.

8. The midnight hour can either make or mar your destiny.

9. The best time to wage warfare against the enemy and be victorious, is at midnight.

10. At midnight, God often listens with rapt attention to the prayers of His children and responds very quickly.

11. At midnight, God opens the windows of heaven and releases much spiritual blessings; this is why warfare is usually very hot at this time.

12. The foundations , chains and strongholds of the enemy in one's life can be uprooted and broken at midnight.

13. You can prayerfully disappoint and disrupt the plans of your enemies at midnight.

14. The midnight hour is full of angelic and demonic visitations. Angels visit with blessings, demons with curses.

15. Many people fail in life because they were defeated spiritually at midnight.

16. Most very successful people stay awake at midnight to prayerfully take charge of their destinies.

17. Failing to pray at midnight is falling prey to the enemies of your destiny.

18. If you fail to prayerfully control your destiny at midnight, your enemies will control it.

19. At midnight, your spirit comes under severe attack; spiritual strength and fortification is very important at midnight.

20. At midnight when people are asleep, their enemies hold meetings against them, taking terrible decisions against their destinies.

21. Spiritual activities can be very powerful and rewarding at midnight: bible reading, bible confessions, praise, worship, prayer, fasting, etc.

22. Constant midnight prayers requires much spiritual strength and stamina; its not for the spiritual sluggish and lazy.

23. Even our Lord Jesus on earth, understood the spiritual power of midnight, and often prayed long hours to 3am.

24. Unfortunately many of our spiritual blessings are stolen and exchanged at midnight. Why? We aren't spiritually alert.

25. Staying awake daily to pray at midnight, can be very challenging; but its spiritual blessings can outlast us to our children's children.

B.   THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING AT MIDNIGHT!!! -

From 12am-4am the christian should be vigilant in Prayer.

How different is the prayer at midnight ~~ from prayer at anytime in the day?

✍During this period the body immune system is at its lowest.

✍Thats the time when a lot of patients die in hospitals and this is the time when witchcraft is at its peak. 

✍Demonic creatures roam about with much anger during this time also the agents of darkness make their patrols.

✍ This is the time deliverance in a Christian's time should be utilised. 

✍The same hour we should be strong in prayer. 

Psalms 119:62 David said ,

"At midnight i will rise to give thanks unto thee....". As a prophet David knew the importance of Midnight prayer.

✍After 430 years of enslaving the Sons of Israel , Pharaoh remained adamant to let the Israelites go , until the day God delivered the Midnight judgement as seen in Exodus 12:29.

✍See this, the angel of the Lord smote the 1st born at midnight.

✍If you forward the night to almost 2500 years later we see Paul and Silas in jail due to persecution.

But at midnight ,..." Paul and Silas prayed and sung hymns of praise unto the Lord:....." Acts 16:25 and an angel of the Lord freed them. 

✍There is saving power at midnight bethren.

✍Our cases are discussed by our enemies at night when we are relaxed, as seen by 2Kings 6:13-14 The Syrian king wanted to capture Elisha the prophet at night. Why because at night forces of darkness rule.

✍2kings 19:35-37 King Sennacherib lost 185000 men to the angel of the Lord in one night.

✍I declare may the armies of the devil lose hold tonight when you shall pray.

✍Utilize the night to break the backbone of the enemy.

✍I want you tonight to imitate Samson who in Judges 16:3 ".....lay until midnight and rose and uprooted the doors of the gates of the city...". 

✍Uproot the kingdom of the devil with prayer. 

✍Remember the bridegroom shall come at midnight Mathew 25:6 and we should be found in control of the situation.

✍pray at midnight tonight.

C.  WHY PRAY IN THE MIDNIGHT? 

Midnight (or hours between 11.00pm and 3.00am) is known to be the most spiritual active period of the day. You will notice that dreams, revelations, attacks, visitations from the spirit world (both by angels and demonic powers) often come by this time, especially when you are sleeping. And the reason is simple: Human beings are easily overwhelmed while asleep. Naturally, the body is always weak at this time. And this makes it susceptible to any spiritual manipulation. For one to be powerful in the spirit world, the person’s human spirit must be guided and led by a higher Spirit, which in the case of a Christian is the Holy Spirit. Let’s not go farther with this explanation. All I want to say is that midnight is always a period of intense spiritual activities both by the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan.

If you must control the activities around you and dismantle Satanic ordinances in your life, then you must learn to wake up at midnight to fight against the powers of darkness. 

For example, look at the activities of the witches and wizards. These are agents of darkness possessed by the spirit of witchcraft. This spirit is known to be one of the most wicked spirits in the kingdom of darkness. It revels in causing harm and sometimes totally destroying human beings. The witches don’t have the word mercy in their dictionary. That is why a person, even a relation that is possessed with this wicked spirit, can go ahead and destroy the closest person to him/her. And these set of agents of darkness mostly operate in the midnight.

Their mode of operation is usually to shoot their evil arrows (attacks) while their victim is asleep. And by the time the person wakes up, he/she will see everything going wrong. They can attack businesses, ministries, marriages and relationships, health, etc. Sometimes, destinies of the victims are taken to their Covens (where they meet) and tied. Or the victim is killed outrightly. God knew how terrible these wicked agents of Satan are, consequently He commanded Israel not to allow them (witches) to stay alive.

Now, our interest here is that for you to battle and defeat these agents of darkness that mostly operate in the midnight, you must also be awake at the same time of their operation. You must wake up to render their evil arrows, enchantments, curses and incantations against you ineffective. And not just that, you can at the same cause serious and perpetual havoc on them. All these can only be possible through powerful and sustained midnight prayers.

Not just the witches. We are also aware that the most dangerous satanic sacrifices and wicked ordinances are usually done in the middle of the night. If God opens our eyes to see what goes on in our society or even around us at midnight, we will be shocked. So many people you see looking innocent, honourable and decent in the day get involved in some satanic and devilish activities in the night. This does not stop them from coming to church, donating money to religious bodies and charity. Some are actually moving ‘satanic altars’.

D.  HOW CAN THE CHRISTIAN OR THE CHURCH BATTLE AGAINST ALL THESE?

 It’s only by engaging in very dynamic, prolonged prayers, especially in the middle of the night.

Now, the Bible does not keep us ignorant of the activities that go on in the night hours. Job said: “Do not long for the cover of night, for that is when people will be destroyed (people are cut off in their place)” Job 36:20. The Psalmist calls it “the terrors of the night” (Psalms 91:5). Then Jesus said that night is the time when the enemy comes to sow tares (Matthew 13:25).

You may not believe it, most of the problems we’re going through today were first shot into our lives by demonic forces while we were sleeping. Do you know that almost everything about this life is decided in the spirit realm before they manifest physically? This explains why some of us will always see things (including blessings) in our dreams or visions before we receive them physically. Does it happen to you? The same is with satanic arrows. They are first shot in the spirit realm before they manifest physically.

Nothing happens just like that. There is always a cause in the spirit realm, then the effect in the physical. We must wake up and begin to control our midnights. This is where we have the battlefield. And our exploits here will determine how great, powerful, prosperous and healthy we will become in the daytime.

In the Bible there are examples of great men and women (including Jesus), who won their midnight battles and consequently controlled the day.

E.  DIVINE ADVICE FOR EVERY SERIOUS CHRISTIAN -. 

First, Set one or two days every week to wake up and pray seriously with members of your household. Pray seriously against the operations of demons against your family and the Church you attend. Note, when you start praying fervently in the midnight, God will begin to reveal to you the secret plans of your enemies and how to dismantle them by fire. 

Pray for about 2 or 3 hours in the night and you will begin to see revelations and visions of what is happening in the spiritual realm! God will show you the secret of your life when you start praying this way. Just make prayer your habit and praying in the midnight your way of life or a habit and you see good things begin to happen in your life and family. You don’t need to go and meet any prophet to see vision for you. Rather you will see vision for yourself and your family. This is the original Truth! 

If you like, believe this sermon or not. The Lord Jehovah says “Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and Mighty things which thou knowest not” Jeremiah 33:3.

 Look, if you heed this advice, and start praying in the midnight hours in the right ways, most of the stubborn problems that have bedeviled you for many years will vanish away mysteriously, if not gradually/

CAUTION – In order to balance this message, I need to caution you on praying in the midnight. That is, if you really want to pray powerfully and effectively in the midnight, you need to stay away from sins! The Bible says if I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me! Ps 66:18. If I don’t tell you this and you jump into praying in the midnight, you will begin to receive serious attacks that you never imagine in your life. Even as a truly born again Christian, you need to begin your prayers with confession of your menial sins, the sins of omission and commission, deep yourself in the blood of Jesus against counter attacks from the kingdom of darkness. 

If you live in sins and you are binding the devil in the night, you are invoking terrible problems upon yourself! and you will be wasting your time. You need to repent thoroughly and forsake all evil ways if you must pray in the midnight. The reason why we are saying all these things it is because night is a very dangerous period full of evil meetings. That is why if a Christian has no spiritual stamina and begins to pray in the midnight, he or she will begin to have serious problems with powers of darkness. But if you follow the divine advice I gave you above, you will pray powerfully without receiving any attack. You see, knowledge is power. May God give all Christians who are heavenly minded power to wake up and pray in the midnight to dislodge all demonic forces against their families in Jesus Mighty Name.

SPECIAL PRAYER POINT –

1. O Lord, give me fresh power and grace to wake up and pray in the midnight from this moment forward in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!!

CONFESSION: Psalm 25:12; “Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.”

PRAISE AND WORSHIP. SPEAK IN TONGUES IF YOU ARE LED.

1. O God shock my enemies tonight, in the name of Jesus.

2. Every wicked power using the period of the night to attack, backfire, in Jesus name

3. Every environmental witches against my prayers, receive fire, in Jesus name

4. O Lord, let my midnight prayers carry fire and anger against all enemies of my progress, in the name of Jesus.

5. Every arrow of witchcraft sent into my life while I was asleep, tonight, I challenge, you in the name of Jesus, go back and destroy your sender in Jesus name

6. Every evil bird flying around because of my prayers, fall down and die, in Jesus name.

7. O God arise and revive my prayer life, in the name of Jesus.

8. Fire of Elijah, possess me by fire, in Jesus name

9. Any power assigned to kill me this year, you shall kill yourself, in Jesus name

10. Tonight, any wicked power on any evil altar to stop me, you will come alive, in the name of Jesus.

11. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I shall fight my good fight of faith, in Jesus name

12. Arise O Lord, and protect me from every arresting powers of the night, in Jesus name

13. Hear my voice , O Lord, preserve me from the fear of the enemy, in the name of Jesus.

14. Every strange powers attacking me in strange ways, be destroyed, by the blood of Jesus.

15.Night raiders, my life is not your candidate, scatter by fire, in Jesus name

16. Every agent of darkness working against me in the night hours, be exposed by the power of God, in Jesus name

17. O Lord, send your fire to destroy every evil altar fashioned against me, in Jesus name

18. Every stubborn evil priest, drink your blood in Jesus name

19. I withdraw my blessings from evil altar, in Jesus name

20. I withdraw my names from evil altar, in the name of Jesus.

21. Anything planted in the air of this environment because of me, scatter by fire, in Jesus name

 

ATTRACTING GODLY FRIENDS AND ROLE MODELS

ATTRACTING GODLY FRIENDS AND ROLE MODELS

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24 ESV

1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ  (1 Cor.11:1) NIV.

INTRODUCTION

This message is in 2 parts. In the first part We shall discuss about godly friends and how to attract them. In the second part we shall look at Godly Role model and how we can attract them.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. FRIEND: 

someone who has a bond of mutual affection who is not a family relation.

A True Friend Has your Back

Someone who is a true friend stands up for you. When others try to hurt you emotionally or physically, they do everything they can to make sure you stay safe. They don't care who is trying to harm you; they will defend you anytime, anywhere. If they can help you, they'll do it without reservation or reward.

A true friend is not one who repeatedly is telling you negative things other people say about you. First, they make it clear by their words and by their actions where they stand when it comes to you. Secondly, they don't just merely standby silently when others are tearing you down no matter what consequences they may face socially.

A true friend is a friend when it is convenient and when it is not. They stand by you consistently both when you are present and when you are not.

A true friend is authentic and believes in you.

They stand by you through thick and thin.

They are authentic and honest with you.

A real friend accepts you as you are.

They can encourage you to become a better version of you, but they also help you see the beauty of who you are right now.

Who is a Godly Friend?

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

I’ve included just a few here, but, as we can see being a friend, having a godly friendship, according to the Bible means laying down your life for your friend, encouraging and building one another up, “sharpening” another, lifting another up – even keeping each other warm!

 

How do you do with those things? Think about your circle of friends. Would you lay down your life for them?

Do you speak encouraging words and build them up?

Do you sharpen each other? 

For iron, or knives, you sharpen them by running two blades together – how does this relate to your godly friendships?

One of the best examples of true friendship is demonstrated in the friendship of David and Jonathan, son of Saul. 

 When David was being hotly pursued by Saul, Jonathan sought David out “to help him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).

Which leads us onto our second point. Iron sharpening iron is an opportunity to fulfill the Law of Christ. The apostle Paul says that we are to carry and share the issues and burdens that we face daily, to lament over personal sin, advise on how best to repent of it, and rejoice over the conquest of it. This is the same “royal law” mentioned in James 2:8, where we are exhorted to love one another.

 16 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY FRIEND 

So, what does a godly friend look like?

1.  They are Encouraging

A godly friend encourages you when you have good news, a new dream from God or even discouraging news. They share a positive attitude with you no matter the circumstances. This doesn’t mean they downplay the tough news but are “real” with you and help to build you up, particularly in your walk with Christ.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

2.  They are Kind to You

In a godly friendship, friends aren’t “snarky” with one another, but, rather, treat you well. Maybe they aren’t buying you gifts, but they are thoughtful, kind and considerate.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

3   They Speak Truth to You

In a godly friendship, friends speak truth into your life., even when the truth may be tough to hear. A true friend will love you and genuinely want the best for you. They will tell you good and bad in a God-honoring way. A Christian friend will share with you when they feel you are not honoring God in your words or. Behavior. She will also tell you when she sees your walk with Christ flourishing.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. – Ephesians 4:25

4.  They are There for You in Difficult Times

Be it a listening ear or a hug or even a meal, in a godly friendship, friends are there for you when times get tough. They won’t ignore you or take days to return a call or text.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. – Job 2:11

5.  They Speak to You in Love

While a godly friend will speak truth to you, they will do so in a loving manner.

Gentleness, of course, is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) . When speaking to friends (and, really, everyone), we should speak with love and not reproach.

Speaking the truth in a godly friendship can build up the friendship, rather than harming it. You can trust that when a godly friend speaks to you – even about something difficult or pointing out a sinful manner – they are speaking in love.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, – Ephesians 4:15

6.  They Pray for You

In a Christian friendship, a true friend will pray for you and even with you.

Whether you or your friend are going through a difficult time, we all need to be lifted up to our Father in prayer. A godly friend will go before the Lord on your behalf.

Perhaps they pray with you over a good or bad situation. Perhaps they keep you in their daily prayers when they have their own quiet time, but a godly friend will pray for you.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” –  James 5:16

7. They Put Others Before Themselves

Have you ever known someone that constantly talked about themselves? Or maybe they were selfish with their time, money and talents? A good friend will put others before themselves. They are intentional in their relationships and serve others in various ways.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

8.  They Know Their Worth

In a Christian friendship, a friend knows her identity in Christ. She knows that she is the daughter of the King. 

A godly friend also recognizes your identity in Christ and worth,

Because of this, she doesn’t get jealous when you have good news, but rather cheers you on.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, – John 1:12

 

9. They Help to Build Your Faith in Christ

A good friend will encourage you in your faith. They will help to keep you accountable, encourage your biblical knowledge and prayer life and will remind you of your worth to God.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. – Hebrews 3:13

10.  They Don’t Expect Anything in Return

A godly friend loves and gives without expecting anything in return. They do what they do because they love you the way God intended for friends to love.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

11.  They are Loyal

A godly friend sticks by your side even when times are tough. She stands up for you when she needs to and always speaks positively of you. She is the first to come to your rescue when in need and will defend you, in a loving way, if necessary.

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. –

Proverbs 18:24

12.  They Rejoice in Your Good News

When Mary came to Elizabeth to share that she was pregnant, instead of blurting out her own good news regarding her own surprising pregnancy, she rejoiced with Mary over her news.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15

13.  They Forgive

All of us have messed up at one time or another. We are fallible. We sin and we have hurt others intentionally or unintentionally. In a godly friendship, it is critical to forgive a friend who has hurt you.

God calls us to forgive. Don’t confuse this with justifying an abusive friendship, though. While we are to forgive, we do not have to stay in a harmful friendship.

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. – Colossians 3:13

14.  They Seek Peace and Harmony

A godly friendship is one that cultivates peace. Your Christian friend doesn’t encourage or enjoy drama or strife. She seeks peace. She doesn’t create drama and encourages inclusion and showing God’s love to others.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” –

Matthew 5:9

15. They Listen Well

Godly friendships are ones that both friends seek to be good listeners. They talk without interrupting. They wait to share their own news before the other’s. They aren’t thinking of their response while the other is speaking and they empathize with the other friend.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19

16. They Help Bring Out the Best in You.

We’ve all heard or read Proverbs 27:17 about iron sharpening iron. This is a key ingredient in a godly friendship. 

In a Christian friendship, friends are to help us strengthen our walk with God. They help us to be the best version of ourselves. As a godly friend, this is your command, as well.

Iron sharpens iron,

    and one man sharpens another. –  Proverbs 27:17

 

ATTRACTING GODLY FRIENDS

1. Pray about them

Prayer is necessary when it comes to finding Godly friends. God is interested in your choice of friends as much as he is to you. this is because your choice of friends determines how far you will go in life.

some people were doing well until they met someone that changed the course of their life.

Pray and ask God to bring people across your path that will lift you and bring the best out of you.

Also, pray that God brings someone that you will be a source of blessing to.

It’s viceversa.

In finding Godly friends, prayer is the most important step to take.

2. Position yourself to where they are.

If you want to meet Godly friends, you have to move to where they are. Sometimes, we become attracted to people around where we are positioned which is why it is very important to be rightly positioned.

In the case of Abraham, God said to him in Genesis 12: 1

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

This is because he was wrongly positioned and this positioning would prevent him from receiving the blessings, and fellowship God intended for him to have.

Some blessings won’t come to you until you change your positioning or location.

However, it’s important to note that positioning in the case of finding Godly friends can be Church, a bible study group, the gym, a music concert, a prayer event, and much more.

Go down the list and keep trying, not all will work, but one will.

3. Get involved

You have to be involved to be able to make friends, it’s not enough that you position yourself, you have to get involved.

What if Ruth didn’t participate in the harvest, Boaz would not have noticed her.

often, most churches ask for volunteers to fill in a specific post for a big program they want to hold.

You should volunteer to help in these offices. who knows, you might just find that Godly friend that will push you till you become like Christ

4. Join online christian communities

You might be wondering if an online community is the best place to make Godly friends, well I would say that it is not going to hurt if you try.

Join an online community of women, girls who are intentional about their spiritual growth, relationship, and life in general.

Balance is key, you don’t want to be in a one-sided relationship, make sure you find Godly friends in your online community that put a balance to all they do

Who knows, you might be lucky to find someone in your online community that stays in your area of residence

5. Join a bible study group

You can decide to join a bible study group of women or girls in your local assembly or in another church within your locality.

With this idea, you get to interact with girls who have the same goal and mindset as yours.

This is the kind of group I will love to join.

In the case where you cant find a bible study group to join, you can create one yourself, then invite people to join online and offline.

6. Check up on old friends

Checking up on old friends might just do the magic, sometimes the answer to your prayers might be in an old friend.

7. Attend conventions like this and other programs organized by the church.

However, you should do this whichever way the Holy spirit leads you.

Now, that you have got a couple of friends, how do you keep them?

Being a good friend isn’t an easy task. Just as in a God-centered marriage, the secret of being a godly friend is to keep Christ at the center.

Remember the purpose of friendship: to honor God. Be the kind of friend God wants you to be. Seek God with all your heart and He will give you the power to be a good friend. Love others the way that Christ loves you and you will become the best friend a girl could ask for.

PART 2

GODLY ROLE MODELS

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ  (1 Cor.11:1)NIV.

1.  WHO IS A ROLE MODEL?

A role model is someone who provides us with an example for living and choice-making; someone we desire to follow and emulate, for good or ill. Most of us have someone we look up to, be it a teacher, parent, friend, pastor, or a celebrity.

While there are godly role models, there are also ungodly ones who influence their followers to make choices that will lead them to the pit of hell. Today we are reflecting on godly role models, and the Lord is asking you this question: “Are you a godly role model?” Apostle Paul was so sure of himself and his position in Christ that he was bold enough to challenge those within his sphere of influence to imitate him as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 11:1)

2.  ARE YOU A GODLY ROLE MODEL?

A role model is a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.  In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul said, “You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” Paul not only taught this doctrine so that the people would believe, but he showed them by example, how they were supposed to live.

Someone is always watching us. We are being watched in our homes, on our jobs, in school, at the doctor’s office or grocery store, and in our houses of worship.  So whether we choose to do so or not, we are always influencing someone for good or for bad because we are continually being watched.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.”  People should be imitating us only if our lives are becoming more like Christ.  The Lord is going to hold every one of us accountable to Him for the kind of example we set before people.

Jesus Christ is our perfect Example. He has always been our perfect Example and He always will be. We should imitate the actions and conduct of men and women, therefore, only if their actions line up with Scripture and only if their actions are like those of Christ.

What do people see when they observe our life? Do they see Christlikeness?  Are we a good example for our children to imitate, or our spouse, co-workers, friends, and associates, who may trust in the Lord but are immature or young in their faith? Someone is always watching us. If we cause someone to stumble because of our actions or because of something we said, Christ said that, it would be better for us to have a large millstone hung around our neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6).

Paul told Timothy in 1Timothy 4:12: “… Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” Timothy was probably about  40 years old when Paul told him this. Paul knew that if Timothy were to lead his flock, he could not put anything in their way that would be a stumbling block to them.  Timothy was to be a pattern – an example for the believers to imitate. Paul cautioned Timothy that someone was always going to be observing his life.

Beloved, someone is always observing our life, too.  We must always watch what comes out of our mouth—in our word and conversation.  We must always walk in love, no matter what persecution comes our way.  Christ already told us that those who desire to live a godly life will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). We’re called to be faithful in our attendance at church, in prayer, in our ministries, in studying the Word.  We’re called to be pure, to walk in holiness. When we are around the opposite sex, we should govern ourselves according to the Scriptures, not according to the world.

Just like Paul, we want to be able to say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” If we can’t say those words with assurance in our heart, we need to work on those areas in our life that would cause someone to stumble.  Someone is always watching us. We will either influence them for Christ or send them in the other direction. As Christians, we want to be witnesses for Christ!

3.  WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTRACTING A GODLY ROLE MODEL?

The Bible recognizes the influence of role models. Parents are natural role models: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction / and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8). 

Church leaders are role models of righteousness: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (Titus 2:7). 

And teachers wield great influence in shaping lives: “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40).

If we are unwise in our choice of role models, we run the risk of being led astray and to compromise our beliefs and morals. 

Proverbs 13:20 warns, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Thus, the Bible stresses the importance of finding not only a good role model but a godly one.

Jesus is the perfect role model, of course. Although He suffered the same temptations we do, He remained sinless throughout His life (Hebrews 4:15). 

Jesus spent much of His spare time in conversation with His Father (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35), He showed love and compassion (Luke 7:13; Matthew 15:32), and He worked hard (John 5:17; Matthew 9:35). Jesus, the Son of Man, is a role model to all, and there is none better to follow. We are to “follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Throughout the Bible, the Lord often called imperfect people to act as role models, including Moses, Elijah, King David, Simon Peter, and many others. The apostle Paul often spoke of his important job as a role model for the early church (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5–7; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9). 

Peter warned of false teachers within the church who would be negative role models: “Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:2).

When it comes to finding a good role model, a good thing to consider is whether the person you look up to consistently seeks to imitate Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21).

Does this person display the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)?

Does he or she strive to live in harmony with others (Romans 12:16)? 

No human is perfect, and everyone will falter at some point in their lives (Romans 3:23), but if you can answer “yes” to these questions, then you have probably found a good and godly role model.

EXAMPLES OF FEMALE ROLE MODELS IN THE BIBLE

These are often some of the first names that come to mind when we think of great role models from the Bible. However, there are also many great women in the Bible who demonstrate the character traits we strive to develop and employ in our own lives. Take a closer look at Mary and other female characters to discover what makes them good role models.

A.  MARY

Mary demonstrates bravery and a servant heart (Luke 1:26-56).

Initially troubled by the angel Gabriel’s greeting from the Lord, Mary took his advice to be unafraid as she received the news that she would give birth to the Son of God. Though the news would have been particularly hard to swallow as a young, engaged woman, Mary embraced it as a servant of the Lord and sent her praises to God.

B. REBEKAH

Rebekah demonstrates hospitality and a desire to fulfill God’s will (Genesis 24).

Abraham’s senior servant encountered Rebekah at a well while searching his master’s homeland to find a bride for Isaac. When asked, she immediately put the needs of the man and his camels first by offering them water and a place to stay. Rebekah was also eager to fulfill the Lord’s will when it became clear that He intended for her to become Isaac’s bride. Though her family requested more time with Rebekah, she willingly went with the servant right away to meet and marry her groom.

C. RUTH

Ruth demonstrates loyalty (Ruth 1-4).

After the death of her father-in-law, husband, and brother-in-law, Ruth insistently clung to her mother-in-law Naomi’s side instead of returning to her own family and homeland. Together they made the journey to Naomi’s homeland where Ruth married a relative of Naomi’s husband and bore a son to carry on the family name.

D. HANNAH

Hannah demonstrates great faith, prayer, and praise (1 Samuel 1-2:11).

Though she struggled with grief and bitterness as the result of being barren, Hannah exhibited great faith by continually taking her infertility to the Lord in prayer. After the long-awaited birth of her son Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord, Hannah praised God in prayer for his gift.

E. ABIGAIL

Abigail demonstrates wisdom and compassion (1 Samuel 25).

When Abigail’s husband refused to show kindness and generosity to David and his men, she bravely stepped up to create peace between the two parties. Her quick, kindhearted offering of food and drink to David and his men saved the lives of many in her community.

F.  ESTHER

 Esther’s feminine distinction was used by God to put her in a place of powerful influence with the king. It was because of her God-given beauty that she was chosen to be the queen and she showed the most strength of character by urging all of the Jews to fast and pray for deliverance. Then risking her own life, brave young Esther approached the king with a plan of her own.

CONCLUSION

I would like to conclude with

Facts about building godly relationship either as a friend or role model.

a. Be rightly related to God: it is the God factor in any relations that makes it a godly one.

b. Learn to define every relationship you are in,  relationships are in  levels. For some you may need to set boundaries for yourself e.g

when relating to opposite sex.

c. Do not be in a relationship solely for your own advantage or where someone is taking advantage of you.

c. Communicate in a tactful and sensitive manner. Proverbs 15:1

e. You cannot be a friend to everybody, befriend people of like minds.

 

FIGHTING BATTLES WITH SACRIFICE

2 Kings 3:25-27

And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.  And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.  Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.

2 Kings 3:25-27 (KJV)

Then Israel tore down the cities, each man throwing rocks on every good field until it was covered. They sealed every well and cut down every good tree. Only the stones {in the walls} of Kir Hareseth were left. Soldiers surrounded Kir Hareseth and attacked it with slings and stones.  When the king of Moab saw he was losing the battle, he took 700 swordsmen to try to break through to the king of Edom. But they couldn’t do it.  Then he took his firstborn son, who would have succeeded him as king, and “sacrificed” him on “the wall” as a burnt offering. There was bitter anger against the Israelites. So they went home to their own country.

2 Kings 3:26-27 GWT

INTRODUCTION
If we are to make good progress and achieve greater success this year, we must learn to make sacrifice.
There are battles in life that cannot be won by prayers alone. We must back up our prayers by offering sacrifices to God.

For instance a man needs a contract of 250.000,000. He is told by a native doctor to bring a virgin of 16 years, kolanuts, other items for sacrifices. A Christian will not offer anything but only pray and say it is well. Even to dig well cost money. Who eventually will get the contract?

God usually responds to sacrifice with speed.
The place of sacrifice is usually God’s choice.

Wherever sacrifice is offered, God is attracted.
The altar of sacrifice is a permanent God’s dwelling place.

God can’t say no to sacrifice especially when it is offered with a pure heart.

It is a smell that attracts Him all the time – Phil.4:15-19

It is the sacrifice you make today that will determine where you will be tomorrow. You must invest into your future. There cannot be a rise without a price.

2 Samuel 24:24 (KJV) And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Even God had to sacrifice Jesus in order to get you and me as children.

Romans 3:25 (NIV) God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

Sacrifice is giving up a pleasure to get a treasure. If you do not give up the pleasure to gain the required treasure, you will soon come under pressure. Every man that must be the best must make sacrifice based on where he wants to be and what he wants in life. Many people want to be the best but are not ready to make any sacrifice.

Until you forego something, you will never go up. There are certain pleasures you have to let go now to gain the treasures of tomorrow. Be willing to sacrifice and not to compromise. In the race of life, only those that are willing to pay the price, get the prize.

Philippians 3:8, 14 (KJV) 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Sacrifice is the greatest secret of great men. No man can be the best without sacrifice. There is time for sacrifice and time for enjoyment. Sacrifice is not for once but should be a lifestyle. Sacrifice continually and consistently.

BACKGROUND  2Kings 3:25-27.
☆ Through the mighty hand of Jehovah, Mesha the King of Moab, has been made subject to the nation of Israel and as a result pays tribute to the Northern Kingdom of Israel which used to be led by Ahab and Jezebel.  Now, one of their sons Jehoram is on the throne.  Jehoram is an ungodly king ruling over God’s people.  King Mesha decides to stop paying the tribute, which causes Jehoram to join forces with Jehoshaphat and the King of Edom to restore the tribute (money).

● Jehoram, although he’s successful in getting the King of Judah and the King of Edom to join him, is full of ungodly fear II Kings 3:10.

☆  Since King Jehoram is so afraid, King Jehoshaphat suggests going to inquire of Elisha, the set prophet in Israel at the time.  Although Elisha has a serious issue with King Jehoram, he agrees to inquire of the Lord on the behalf of Jehoshaphat.  God confirms Himself by revealing to Elisha the fear in the heart of King Jehoram.  In addition, God tells them that He has given Moab into their hands.  II Kings 3:11-17

They have the Word of the Lord and seemingly they have unity.  So what happened?…

The battle started out as expected.  Armed with the Word of the Lord and unity, the three kings proceed to prevail and win the battle against Mesha the King of Moab.  That is, until they come to the Wall of Kir Haraseth.  The wall was the best stronghold the Moabites had ever erected.  The wall was built high on a mountain and was impenetrable.
 The scripture records the fact that the slingers, or those using catapults and other devices began to do serious damage to the stronghold, which caused Mesha to become desperate and summon the powers of darkness to stop Israel and Edom from destroying the last and most impenetrable stronghold that stood between the fulfillment of the prophetic word from God by the mouth the Prophet Elisha concerning the defeat of Moab.

This is the focus of this message.  Unfortunately, since satan was created, anointed and empowered by God Himself, he understands the technology that governs all that God created better than most of God’s people.  Satan understands the POWER OF SACRIFICE!

The scripture records that when Mesha saw the Moabites could not prevent Israel and Edom from prevailing against their last defense stronghold, he resorted to an extraordinary measure.  He took his oldest son, the apparent heir to the throne in Moab, and sacrificed him on the very wall that the Israelites and Edomites were well on their way to conquering.  After performing this act of demonic worship to the Moabite false God Chemosh, the scripture tells us that Great Indignation or great wrath and anger was released against Israel and Edom.  This demonic sacrifice released demonic power which sent Israel and Edom retreating from the battle, even though they had a Word from the God that rules in the kingdom of men.  So what happened here?  This is the question every spirit filled believer should be asking her of himself?

THE POWER OF AN EVIL SACRIFICE

Here’s what happened.  The wall that Mesha sacrificed his son on was a wall dedicated in witchcraft to the false god Chemosh.  If you ever have time, look up the Moabite Stone here (​http://www.bible-history.com/resource/ff_mesha.htm​).  You’ll find that the testimony found on the stone reveals that the demonic power that ruled over the humans in Moab spoke to them and commanded them to perform these acts of demonic worship in order to keep other kingdoms from prevailing against them in battle.

The King of Moab understood the principle that sacrifice releases power!  Whether evil or good, the principle stands no matter what.  It’s similar to the power of giving, it’ll work for whoever is willing to honor the principle.

THE POWER OF A HOLY SACRIFICE

There is power released when humans are willing to sacrifice that which is important to them.  Consider the following examples:

1.  God establishes the pattern of sacrifice that would mark the Adamic race in Genesis.  By sacrificing an animal, Adam and Eve were allowed to live and power was released so that the following generations would begin to call upon the name of the Lord again.

2.  God calls Abraham from the Moabite tradition of human sacrifice.  By the way, this one is a freebie, did you know that Lot’s son was the father of the Moabites?  You remember Lot, the crazy cousin that caused Abraham so much trouble.  However, in order to test Abraham, God asks him to sacrifice the most important thing God ever gave him.  Once Abraham demonstrates that he feared God enough to obey Him at all levels of sacrifice, power was released to transform Abraham from an idol worshiper to the father of faith.

3. God calls Moses to sacrifice the riches, wealth and honor of Egypt in order to release the power necessary to transform Moses into a deliverer.

4.  Finally, the greatest demonstration of sacrifice of all, the lamb that was slain.  Jesus willingly sacrifices His own life so that “ALL” power would be given to Him and in turn given to us to prevail against the enemy of our souls.

Examples of people who fought battles with sacrifice
1. Jepthah made a rash vow to sacrifice anything that comes out of his house first. He won the battle and had to part with his daughter.

2. At Ebenezer, the Israelites were to be defeated by the philistines. Samuel offered a sacrifice and the battle turned and God gave the Israelites the victory.

3. David said he will not give to God that which cost him nothing. He offered burnt offerings and the plague stopped.

4.  King Solomon: He offered a thousand burnt offerings unto God, God blessed him, and he became the richest and wisest king of his time. God gave him wealth, and all nations then were subject to him. Solomon throughout his life never fought any battle. His sacrifices spoke for him throughout his lifetime.

5,. Abraham: He was instructed by God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, (Genesis 22:2). He obeyed God and was willing to sacrifice his son until God stopped him. In return, Abraham got a generational blessing, which we are enjoying today (Genesis 22:15-18). From Abraham's seed came the lineage of our LORD, Jesus Christ through whom we are all blessed today.

6. The Woman with the Alabaster Box (Mark 14:3-5): She sacrificed her precious ointment that was worth more than a year's wages unto the LORD. She was criticised for wasting the ointment by others who considered such sacrifice to be too much to anoint the LORD's feet. She got a generational blessing in form of remembrance (Mark 14:6-8).

7.  Noah: He sacrificed clean beasts and got a covenant from God.

8.. Hannah: She waited on the LORD for the fruit of the womb and was tormented by Peninnah. When God answered her prayers, she sacrificed Samuel unto the LORD, and God blessed her with five more children.

9 The Widow of Zarephath: She gave her last meal to Elijah when he requested for it, and from that day she never lacked. She won the battle over starvation by sacrifice.

Principles of Sacrifice

1. Some sacrifices are no sacrifice. When you give inconsequential offerings or service to the LORD, it is not a sacrifice (Malachi 1:7-8). Your sacrifice must cost you something (1 Chronicles 21:24).

2. God only wants one thing – your everything. Your motive for serving God must be your total and undiluted love. You must put all that you are and all that you have on the altar of sacrifice (Luke 14:26). Let go of things that will prevent you from offering your all to God.

3. There is really no such thing as sacrifice. You have nothing to give up in the first place because everything you own belongs to God. You are only a treasurer or caretaker holding possessions in trust for God, and whenever the Owner needs it, you must let go (Psalm 50:12). Every worldly possession or privilege you give up is nothing compared to Heavenly realities (Philippians 3:7-8).

4. It is not possible to avoid sacrifice. Whatever you refuse to sacrifice, you are likely to lose to through the deception of the devil.

5. Sacrifice is the key to success and blessings. The Bible tells us that if you give priority to seeking God's Kingdom, all other things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33, Psalm 37:4). What you receive on earth for your sacrifice could be a hundredfold but at the end, you would also gain eternal life.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Sacrifice does not have to do with money only. Other areas are involved.

1.  Reading/Studying the Word of God –
Your willingness to study the Word of God on your own time, not just while in Church, will cause the power of God to be released into your life.  In this age of “Mass Distraction“, your decision to sacrifice entertainment for spiritual growth will be honored by God.

2. Tithing –
This is a willing sacrifice of the reward you get for expending the most precious asset you’ve been given by God, time!  The tithe (no matter what you want to call it) is Holy and your decision to give it faithfully will cause the power of God to be released into your life.  II Timothy 3:1-4 tells us that the days we live in will be marked by unprecedented selfishness and covetousness.  Your willingness to give despite the cultural norms will cause the power of God to be released on your behalf.

3. Serving Others –
Isn’t it amazing, our Lord said He did not come to be served but to serve.  However, the culture in America has deceived many into believing that the more you are served the more successful you are.  Your willingness to serve others despite your own needs will cause the power of God to flow into your life.

4. Serving the Kingdom of God With Your Talents –
The Church needs technical people that know how to repair computers.  The Church needs mathematical people that know how to do accounting.  The Church needs people trained in the academic sciences of human behavior.  The Church needs people gifted in the area of organization and administration.  The Church needs people gifted at plumbing and HVAC services.  Your willingness to yield your talents to the Church, WITHOUT EXPECTING COMPENSATION, will cause the power of God to be released into your life, your family, your community, your business. etc.

5. Sacrificial Giving.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, do you find it difficult to sacrifice? Have you made sacrifices and have not seen the results? God will grant you the grace to lay it down and He will reward you.

DOMINION THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS

DOMINION THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS

Gen. 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Gen. 7:1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. 

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” (Isaiah 54:14 KJV)

INTRODUCTION
1.What Is Dominion,

Dominon means sovereignty or control.

Dominion. When you are in charge of something or rule it, you have dominion over it. The most famous use of the word occurs in the Christian Bible, when God grants people dominion over other animals. ... It is Biblical-sounding word for having power. A king has dominion over his kingdom.

Dominion is to be in control, to be in charge, to rule, to have authority.
That what the original plan of God for man.

Synonyms: supremacy, ascendancy, dominance, domination, superiority, predominance, preeminence, primacy, hegemony, authority, mastery, control, command, direction, power, sway, rule, government, jurisdiction, sovereignty,  lordship.

–  Dominion is a topic that many of us talk about but few of us really possess.

Dominion in its simplest form is power, authority or control over something or someone.
It is the ability to request or command and expect a fulfillment of that appeal.
To have dominion is to rule, to be in charge.
For a saint of God understanding dominion is crucial to his walk with God.
A lack of understanding in this area could cost him spiritually and naturally too.
Dominion is about knowing who you are in Christ and understanding that in you, through Him is the power to lay hold onto the promises of God and possess them until the day of Christ.
Dominion is understanding that you can do what God said you can do, have what God said you can have and be what God said you can be.

2. What is righteousness?
“Righteousness” and its counterpart, “righteous,” appear 540 times in 520 verses of the Bible. Righteousness is the condition of being in right relationship with the Lord. This can only happen through TOTAL faith and dependence upon Christ.

 The Bible defines “righteousness” as simply doing that which is right (1 John 3:7-10; Acts 10:35).

Righteousness is a gift that comes from the Lord to those who accept what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for them by faith (Rom. 5:17-18).

Righteousness is simply being blameless before God. It also means being without guilt, spot or blemish, being good, upright, pure, and sinless, etc.
Righteousness is from the Greek word "DIKAIOSUNE" which means the quality of being right, just, right standing with God and conformity to the revealed will of God in all respects.
Righteousness is very important and the ancients recognised this. In Job 9:2, Job said "...how can a man be righteous before God?" And Isaiah says "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6). God is so holy and pure and He is no respecter of persons.

The word most often translated “righteousness” can also mean “justice, justness, or divine holiness.” In the broadest sense, righteousness can be defined as “the condition of being acceptable to God as made possible by God.” God’s standard is what defines true righteousness; His power is what enables it. Unless God is its author, we will never possess righteousness. No amount of man-made effort will result in righteousness. To be righteous is to be right with God. A heart that is right with God results in a life that bears “fruit” (John 15:1–2; Mark 4:20). Galatians 5:22-23 lists some of that fruit.

Dominion through righteousness simply means having control through right relationship with God.

We shall be looking at this topic under the following headings.
1. Pursuing righteousness
2. Walking in righteousness
3. The power of righteousness
4. Biblical examples of those who had dominion through righteousness.
5. The benefits of walking in righteousness.
6. How to have dominion through righteousness

I.   PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS
What does it mean to pursue righteousness?

 Proverbs 15:9 says, “The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”

A common substitute for true righteousness is self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is the opposite of what God desires. Self-righteousness makes a list of rules and checks them off, congratulating itself on how well it is doing compared to others. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were masters of self-righteousness, but Jesus had harsh words for them: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:27–28).

To pursue righteousness means we must recognize that we cannot please God in our sinful state (Romans 8:8). We turn from trying to justify ourselves by our good deeds and instead seek the mercy of God. We desire that He transform our minds (Romans 12:2) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). In the Old Testament, men were declared righteous when they believed God and acted on it (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). Before Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4), people pursued righteousness by keeping God’s Law, seeking holiness, and “walking humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). No one was justified by rule-keeping but by the faith that enabled them to obey God (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16).

Likewise, today we are justified by the faith that leads us to Jesus (Romans 3:28; 5:1; 10:10). Those who are in Christ continue seeking God in order to please Him (Colossians 3:1). When we come to faith in Christ, He gives us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to pursue righteousness for its own sake (Acts 2:38). He commands us to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). Walking in the Spirit means we live a lifestyle of total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We cultivate the ability to hear God and the habit of obeying His voice in everything.

We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ and desire holiness more than fleshly indulgence. We avoid the temptation to become self-righteous when we understand that true righteousness begins with godly humility (Psalm 25:90). We remember that Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we spend time in the presence of God, we become more aware of our own sin and shortcomings.
Pride and self-righteousness cannot remain in the presence of a holy God. Pursuing righteousness begins when a humble heart seeks the continual presence of God (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). The humble, believing heart leads to a lifestyle of righteous action acceptable to God (Psalm 51:10).

II.   WALKING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” (Isaiah 54:14 KJV)

God wants you to be established in righteousness so that when the storms rage and the billows toss high, you will remain confident, knowing that you will come out, because God is for you. When Jesus said to His disciples, “let us go to the other side”; He had spoken and He was sure of His word. That was why when the storm rose against him, He was comfortably sleeping on a pillow, because He knew that the storm did not have the capacity to alter His word. Here is the difference between those who are established and those who are not. In that storm Jesus was sleeping and the disciples who were being trained were running all around. Even the wind and storm could not wake Jesus up from sleep. It took his disciples to wake him up. Jesus knew that there was no storm that could ever destroy Him. He was indestructible. He made the storm and therefore has dominion over it.

Those who walk in righteousness walk in dominion and lack will not be a problem. Jesus did not panic in the wilderness when He had thousands of people to feed. The scripture says He knew what to do. When you fret about things, it is because you have not taken your place. Beloved, the righteous can never be forsaken. His seed shall not beg for bread. The righteous shall not suffer and will never be moved. The righteous shall inherit the earth, his desire is always good, and his desire shall be granted. He is delivered out of trouble. His seed shall be delivered and he shall flourish like a palm tree. Righteousness delivers from death and the righteous is as bold as a lion. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Whatever the enemy has packaged against your destiny will not stand. Whatever the enemy has prepared and he is fighting you with is terminated.

III.  THE POWER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17 NKJV).

If you are going to live a life of victory, it is essential that you have a revelation of the fact that you are the righteousness of God.

To be righteous means you have the ability to stand in the presence of Father God without a sense of fear, guilt, or inferiority, and with no consciousness of sin.

If you have made Jesus Christ your Lord, you have already been made the righteousness of God in Him. In fact, you are as righteous as Jesus is, because He gave you His own righteousness.

You may not have known it, you may not have taken advantage of it, but it’s true!

Until you have a revelation of your own righteousness, Satan will reign over you; sin and sickness will be your master. But the instant you know you are the righteousness of God in Christ, and you understand what that righteousness means, Satan is defeated in your life.

With a revelation of righteousness, you will no longer be afraid of circumstances as you face even the most adverse conditions with a sense of authority and dominion. Just as Jesus reigned over sickness, death, and the laws of nature, so you too can now reign in life in Him.

IV.  BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAD DOMINION THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. NOAH
Gen. 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Gen. 7:1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. 

God singled out Noah and his family from destruction because of righteousness.

2. ABRAHAM
Was called a friend of God. He believed God and he was righteous.

3.  LOT

Gen. 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

Gen. 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

2 Pet 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous mandwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

A day is coming when God will destroy the earth. Only the righteous will be preserved.
In Noah's time they were 8. That of Sodom and Gomorrah they were 4 at first but only 3 made it.
This end time how many will make it?

4. JOB
Job 1:8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect
 and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job suffered loses.
He lost his properties, animals, children, lost his health, suffered  false accusations. Even the wife asked him to curse God and die.
In chapter 42, God restored back to Job double of all he lost.
There is a chapter 42 of restoration for someone here.
Don't join them to cheat in exams, don't join them in cult activities, don't join them in yahoo yahoo business, whatever you can by deceit will not last long.

ILL. 1. Man who collect bribe to buy a car and lost his peace.

ILL. 2. Man whose store was preserved during a fire outbreak at Onitsha Market. His tithe paying and righteous living delivered him.

5. JOSEPH
Joseph was a man who had dominion through righteousness.
He had opportunity to have affair with Potiphars wife but rejected. At the end. God lifted him to the through. Blessed are those who suffer for righteousness sake...
How many of our youths are pure?
Some when they are promised marriage, they go and start cooking, washing clothes and even start warming the beds of their supposed suitors and most likely the marriage will not hold.
Learn from Joseph.
Those days when one is to get married people police them to make sure they are not seen together. It is not so today. How you make your bed is how you will lie on it. Whatever you sow, you will reap.

6. KING HEZEKIAH
In 1Kings 38:1-6
Hezekiah was told he was going to die. He face the wall and cried out to God, to remember his righteous deeds.
God changed his mind and added 15 more years.
What will you tell God to remember today?
Ask your neighbour "What will God remember you for?"
Have you lived a life of righteousness?
Do you have a right relationship with God?
See what the Bible says about Hezekiah: 2 Kings 18:5
5 He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.6 For he clave to the Lord, and departed not from following him, but KEPT HIS COMMANDMENTS, WHICH THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES.

7. KING JOSIAH
King Josiah

2 King. 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

2 King. 23:25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

2 Chron. 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

8. ENOCH
Hebr. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

9. The priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth

Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name wasElisabeth.6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

God honoured this couple with John the Baptist for walking in righteousness. They had given up hope but their prayers were answered.

10.  SIMEON

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout,waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

God promised him that he will see Jesus before his death.

* What about Joseph Mary's husband who never wanted to disgrace her fiancee?
*Cornelius whose prayer and righteous deeds attracted Peter to him and salvation to his household.
* John the Baptist that Herod feared knowing he was a just man
* etc.

V.  BENEFITS OF WALKING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

1.  Heaven Guaranteed:
And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” – Matthew 25:46
The Bible also says in Matthew 13:43 that "...the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father."
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 5:10

2. Favour: Favour is over-generous preferential treatment. No wonder the word of God says in Isaiah 3:10-11: "say to the righteous, it shall be well with them." Psalm 5:12 also says "For You, O God will bless the righteous with favour. You will surround him as with a shield."
The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, – Proverbs 10:32

3.  Divine Presence: “For God is with the generation of the righteous” (Psalm 14:5).

4.  Deliverance: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers him out of them” all (Psalm 34:19). “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). “In the way of righteousness is life and in the pathway thereof there is no death” (Proverbs 12:28).  The seed of the righteous shall be delivered – Proverbs 11:21
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble – Psalm 37:39

5. Blessed Posterity: “…God is ever merciful, He lends and His descendants are blessed” (Psalm 37:25, 26).
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot – Proverbs 10:7

6. Eternal Inheritance: “The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell in it forever” (Psalm 37:29) but “the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off” (Psalm 37:28).

7. Flourish: “The righteous flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12). “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage” (Proverbs 11:28).

8.  Continuous Progressing and Shining: Forward ever, backward never. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). “For a just man may fall seven times, and rise again: but the wicked shall fall by calamity” (Proverbs 24:16).
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf – Proverbs 11 : 28

9.  Granted Desire: “The desire of the righteous shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24).
What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted – Proverbs 10: 24

10.  Boldness: “The wicked flee when no man pursues but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

11. Answered Prayers: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil – 1 Peter 3:12

12.  Exaltation: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

13. Divine provision:  I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Or his descendants begging bread – Psalm 37:25
The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger. Proverbs 10:3

14. Success.   He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless – Proverbs 2:7
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. – Psalm 37:16-17

15. Prosperity.  Whoever pursues righteousness and love, finds life, prosperity and honor – Proverbs 21:21
Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity – Proverbs 13:21

16. Divine protection: The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe – Proverbs 18:10

17. They will not lack.   The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing – Psalm 34 : 10
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless – Psalm 84 : 11

18. Unshakeable
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken – Psalm 55:22
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever – Psalm 112:6.

VI.  HOW TO HAVE DOMINION THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS?
1.  Why must we receive the gift of Righteousness?
We must receive it so that we will reign in life  and have dominion through Christ.
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17.

2.  Can a Man be Righteous before God?
Yes a man can be righteous before God.
God told Noah in Genesis 7:1 "Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." The Bible speaks of Abraham in Genesis 15:6; "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Abraham and Noah manifested the fruits of righteousness in their generation. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:8). Abraham interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-end) and defeated kings.

3.   How Can a Man be Righteous before God?
1.  Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31, John 3:17-18).
2.  By being in Christ. Receive the gift of righteousness made available to us in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-23), who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
3.   Don't let sin reign in your mortal body or members, (i.e your spirit, soul and body) but present your members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:12-13, 19) because you have been freed from them by Christ Jesus.

CONCLUSION
When you receive the gift of righteousness, you are receiving the very best gift. If you want to receive the gift of righteousness and have not surrendered your life to the LORD Jesus, accept the LORD Jesus into your life because now is the day and time, tomorrow is not promised or guaranteed. Heaven is real, hell is real. You might have taken an altar call before but you are not in right standing with God, rededicate and recommit your life to Jesus. The LORD is calling you today. Christ has paid the price of righteousness so that you can receive the gift of righteousness and the gift is available to you.

In order for man to be pleasing to God he must be righteous for God is righteous (Matthew 5:6, 48; 6:33; Romans 1:17; Psalm 35:24).
To do that which is right (righteousness) one must know what is right. One can know what is right. It is the word of God, the Bible (Psalm 119:123, 142; John 8:32; 17:17). However, it is not enough just to know what is right, one must do that which is right (Matthew 7:21-23; James 2:17-26; Romans 10:10).

The Bible records many examples of righteous people. Abel was called righteous by the Hebrew writer (Hebrews 11:4). Noah, Daniel, and Job were grouped together as those who were righteous (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). The apostle Peter called Noah a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). Abraham was called a righteous man by the apostle Paul (Galatians 3:6). Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was also called a righteous man in 2 Peter 2:7-8. The parents of John the Baptizer were also described as righteous before God (Luke 1:5-6). Even Pontius Pilate, who did not believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, recognized that He led a righteous life (Matthew 27:19, 24). And indeed He was Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).

Balaam prayed to die the death of the righteous in Numbers 23:10.
It should be the goal of all to die the death of the righteous but we must remember; to die the death of the righteous one must live the life of the righteous (Psalm 116:15; Proverbs 14:23; Revelation 14:13).

God expects you to be righteous for you to have dominion. Keep flying on the wings of dominion.

PRAYER

Confession: Through Jesus Christ I have been made righteous. In this righteousness I have authority and dominion over every adverse situation I may face in life. And from my position of right standing with God, I live the life of victory that is mine in Christ.

1. Pray that God will give you the grace to live a life that will glorify Him.
2. Ask God to help you lead a righteous life.
3. Pray that your life will produce fruits of righteousness.

THE TITHE

TITHING IS CONTROVERSIAL BECAUSE OF THE GRIP MONEY HAS ON THE HEARTS OF MEN

By Dr Paul Enenche

Dunamis International Senior Pastor gives doctrinal context to tithing.

* THE TITHE by Dr Paul Enenche

1. Understanding the Tithe

2. Understanding the value of the Tithe

3. Understanding the place or otherwise of the Tithe in the New Testament

The Tithe is a controversial and grossly misunderstood subject

Beware of being pastored by social media

Tithing is such a controversial issue because of the grip that money has on people (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13)

True spirituality is confirmed in money matters

* WHAT IS THE TITHE ABOUT?

1. The Tithe is one-tenth of a person’s income.

2. The Tithe existed before the law of Moses (Gen. 14:18-20; 2Cor. 9:6-7)

The Tithe did not come with the law of Moses so it cannot go with the law Moses.

The Tithe came about 500 years before Moses.

It existed far before the law and will continue to exist far after the law.

3. The Tithe did not begin as a commandment, it began as a Kingdom principle delivered by revelation (Gen. 14:18-20)

4. Kingdom principles and revelations are universal in application (Mark 13:37)

Time does not change Divine principles and revelations (Gen. 17:1; Matt. 5:48; 2Cor. 13:11)

5. Believers are the seed of Abraham and are commanded to walk in the steps of Abraham (Gal. 3:16, 7; Rom. 4:12)

As a child of God, you are a seed of Abraham and are expected to follow his steps

* THE STEPS OF ABRAHAM:

5a. Unconditional obedience to God

5b. Believing God without question

5c. Seeing the future before it arrives (Gen. 13:14-15)

5d. Servicing the needs of the needy (Gen. 14:14)

5e. Holding nothing back from God (Gen. 22:2)

5f. Giving God a tenth of your income

5g. Looking up to nobody but God (Gen. 14:22-23)

6. Tithing was confirmed and commended by the Master in the New Testament (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; Lev. 27:30).

7. The Tithe was validated by Paul the Apostle in the New Testament (Heb. 7:1-8)

The law of first mention – the greatest mention you can ever get in scripture is from the first time it is mentioned in Scripture

8. In the New Testament, believers exist far beyond the Tithe (Prov. 23:26; Rom. 12:1; 2Cor. 8:1-5; Phil. 4:15-19).

Tithe is the basic minimum.

Our realm is of sacrifice.

Anyone that struggles with the payment of tithes either does not know God or has not surrendered themselves totally to God

* WHY DO WE TITHE?

1. God owns both the earth and everything in it (Ps. 24:1; Ps. 50:12; Hag. 2:8)

2. God owns man’s life, man’s strength and everything responsible for man’s income (Isa. 43:21; Acts 17:28)

3. God receives our honour and appreciation through our giving (Prov. 3:9-10)

* WHAT DOES TITHING CONFIRM?

1. It confirms God’s ownership of all things

2. It confirms man’s stewardship of God’s resources

3. It confirms our conquest of mammon (Matt. 6:24)

4. It confirms our God-first existence (Matt. 6:33)

5. It confirms the authenticity of our worship (Rom. 12:1-2)

* FACTS ABOUT THE TITHE:

1. The Tithe belongs to God, not the Pastor.

2. The Tithe is paid at the place of one’s spiritual covering

3. The Tithe is meant to be the Tithe of all

4. The Tithe is to be paid in whole

5. Everybody pays Tithe including the priest (Heb. 7:9)

*THE BENEFITS OF THE TITHE:

1. Access to supernatural supplies (Mal. 3:10-12)

2. Existence above earthly economy (Mal. 3:10-12; Phil. 4:19)

3. Open heavens for the rain of visions, revelations and Divine ideas

4. Security and insurance of man’s blessings

5. The resistance of the activities of the devourer

6. The conversion of promises to blessings (Heb. 7:6)

7. The blessing of the next generation (Heb. 7:9)

Amos 7:4 Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord God called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.

Any new doctrine or revelation that tampers with God's commandment is satanic and should be rejected and refused

May God give us strength to do his word that will usher us into breakthrough in Jesus name.