Pastor Judah Olatunde

08/01/2022

MAKING YOUR LEADERSHIP ACCEPTABLE
Joshua 3:7

When there is a change in leadership, one of the challenges that most people face is the difficulty of quickly accepting, adjusting, and adapting to the new leader. A leader who fails to understand and manage this phase wisely may fail in his leadership endeavor. Over time, this transitional period has brought divisions, breakups, and crumbled organizations. This is due to the fact that being in a position of leadership does not automatically confer respect and loyalty from those over whom he has authority. It is not a question of whether or not you have leadership abilities. People are bound to be skeptical of a man's leadership and reluctant to put their trust in him. Sometimes people want to hold on to their fondness for a previous leader, especially if that leader was outstanding. To put it another way, don't expect people to automatically adapt to you, even if you've known them before. You'll have to earn people's respect and loyalty over time by convincing them that you deserve it. In terms of spiritual leadership, you will need God to prove yourself so that you do not struggle with your leadership responsibilities. One of the things you must trust God to do in your life is to magnify you in the eyes of those you lead.

To magnify means 'to make (someone or something) appear larger or more important than it actually is.' To be magnified by God simply means to be overshadowed by God's presence so that your human weakness and deficiency are not visible to others. It is God who is working in your life to the point where you will say, like the apostle Paul, that you are what you are because of God's grace (I Corinthians 15:3-10). When God magnified Joshua, the result was that he was feared for the rest of his life and during his leadership over Israel; in other words, he was held in high regard (Joshua 4:14). The people were sincere in their loyalty. It signaled the end of people's struggles to obey him and their disagreements with him. He didn't need to 'threaten' the people by reminding them of his leadership position. When God exalted Solomon, he commanded the same loyalty that his father had (II Chronicles 1:1-3).

In spiritual leadership, a man must seek to decrease in order for Christ Jesus to increase; once this is accomplished, God begins to magnify you in front of the people. Joshua and Solomon both possessed the trait of humility; they both saw themselves as 'unworthy' of such a position. God had to encourage Joshua to be strong and courageous, Solomon considered himself a little child (II Kings 3:6-7). When God discovers a humble man, he raises him up (I Peter 5:6).

FURTHER READING & PRAYER FOCUS
Isaiah 66:2 Abba Father, I receive grace to remain humble in Jesus name.
Matthew 17:1-7 Abba Father, work upon my life and leadership and make me a voice that is listened to without struggle in Jesus name.
I Chronicles 12:14-18 Abba Father, let your presence and help be evident in my life that commands genuine followership and loyalty in Jesus name.

05/01/2022

THE CONFESSION ABOUT YOU IN THE ENEMIES CAMP
Joshua 2:9-11

This was Rahab the harlot's confession to the spies sent to spy on the land of Jericho about her people. Even before the thought of the children of Israel approaching them, the people of Jericho had conceded defeat. They conceded defeat not because they saw the size of Israel's army, but because their hearts had melted and they lacked courage as a result of what the Lord had done on behalf of the children of Israel. They heard the proclamation of what God had done, and that was enough for them to accept defeat.

This is the same reality that you have as God's child. Understand that Satan and his minions in the kingdom of darkness are certain that they are defeated foes. Jesus Christ defeated Satan and his cohort through the cross of Calvary, His death, and resurrection. He triumphed over them and made a public display of them (Colossians 2:6-15). Power and authority to resist the devil, cast out devils, and destroy the works of the devil have been given on the basis of Christ's finished work. The confidence you have is in the finished work of Jesus Christ; this is what you should boast in, and when you boast in the Lord, the enemy's camp will be terrified.

You died on the Cross with Christ Jesus, were buried with Him, and were resurrected with Him, so you witnessed Satan and his cohort's defeat in the spirit realm (Colossians 2:11-12). That is why your bold declaration of Christ Jesus' finished work is your word of testimony that triumphs. Let Satan and his henchmen know that because of Christ's finished work, you have been given the authority to judge them (fallen angels) (I Corinthians 6:3).

Therefore, your increasing knowledge of your rights and privileges in Christ and your bold declarations of them send terror to the camp of the enemy and takes away every hindrance to possessing your inheritance in Christ Jesus.

FURTHER READING & PRAYER FOCUS
Ephesians 1:15-23 Abba Father, I continually walk in the revelation of the finished work of Christ Jesus in Jesus name.
Psalm 49:20 Abba Father, I shall not cheaply fall prey in the hands of the enemy in Jesus name.
Daniel 11:32 Abba Father, I receive grace to know You more and to do exploit in the camp of the enemy in Jesus name.

10/04/2021

10/01/2021

Abraham the father of faith understood his citizenship hence, he was not mindful of that country where he came out from. In the same vein as a seed of Abraham there is a city which has foundations whose Builder and Maker is God. This book explores your portion in the city.

“The book Pilgrim on Earth is written with passion to refocus our attention to the neglected dimension of our... Get more Nigerian stories on Okadabooks

23/05/2020

DanielSeries

Do Not Perish With the Rest (2)

Anchor Text: Daniel 2:17-19, 30
17Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
18That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
19Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
30But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

It is certainly not of him that willeth or runneth but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16). A man who fails to acknowledge the place of mercy in the journey of life has signed up for a frustrated life. Mercy is what savages a man from what he naturally deserves to have in terms of negative happening. It is not about the hard work of a man or the qualification of a man that saves him, it is the mercy of God. Despite Daniel and his colleagues were found ten times better than their counterpart in the previous chapter they understood that it was not just about their wisdom and skills they needed something more and they only asked God concerning mercy (Daniel 1:17-20). They understood it is the mercy of God that will not cause them to perish like the rest.

According to Romans 9:22-24 there are vessels of wrath fitted for destruction and vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory. Daniel and his colleagues were singled out of the wrath of the king that was meant to slain all the wise men of Babylon by the mercy of God. And consequently their glorification as highly placed administrators in Babylon. Jacob was a man who enjoyed the mercies of God according to Genesis 32:10. He had nothing to start with and doomed to perish, yet over the years and in a short period of time the mercies of God glorified him and brought him to the realm of abundance.

Understand that as a child of God you are a candidate of God’s mercy and not contemplating God’s mercy as some folks have according to “I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy (Exodus 33:19). This is because the saving grace of God made us no longer children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). Little wonder, He has commanded us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16). Also, Psalm 147:10-11 reveals that God takes pleasure in people who hope in his mercy. When you seek His mercy and not relying on your abilities you will standout and will never end your life like every other person. Understand that when a man pursues vanities he will be robed of his mercy – Jonah 2:8.
The mercy of God precedes the favour of God – Psalm 102:13, Genesis 39:21

12/04/2020

The Dwelling of gods among Flesh

Anchor Text: Daniel 2:1-16
The request of the king was not the norm as noted by the king’s Chaldeans, magicians, sorcerers and astrologers. The demand of the king was a strange one because to them, there is not a man upon the earth that can show the king’s matter. Hence, Daniel and his friends were due to perish like others because it was believed that no man could meet the king’s demand except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
However, Daniel and his friends saved themselves from the looming verdict of the king to slain the wise men of Babylon by the virtue of knowledge. This is because knowledge is the escape route provided by God for His children in any impending danger (Hosea 4:6, Isaiah 5:13-14). Knowledge is what delivers a child of God from what is killing or can kill others. It is the absence of knowledge that makes a child of God a victim of what cheaply terminates prematurely the life of others. Knowledge singles out the child of God in the midst of failure. Whatever negative that happens to others should not happen to a child of God because he differentiates himself by knowledge.
The wise men of Babylon concluded no man except the gods that can meet the demand of the king, yet Daniel would not accept that because he was a man of knowledge, he knew who he was. He understood his source, he had a knowledge of his identity, Hence, his liberation from the wrath of the king. He could not be a victim of what others have fallen prey to.
Daniel was a studious man according to Daniel 9:2-3, he must have stumbled at Psalm 82, and has been living with that consciousness over the years. That was why when the news came to him and he was told of all that the wise men who appeared before king Nebuchadnezzar had said, he chose to differ himself because he refused to believe that gods dwelling is not with the flesh. He was bold to approach the king for an extension of time. He understood the Word of God in Him is god in reality that dwells among men (John 1:1, 14). Daniel became a god unto Nebuchadnezzar, in that, the king bowed down to worship him (Daniel 2:46). Daniel understood the fact that men who would act like gods on earth need an encounter with the Word of God. Little wonder he had no option than to approach God.
As a child of God you are not permitted to die like every other person, your business should not go into extinction like every other person, your marriage should not fail like every other person. What others have concluded is impossible should become a realm of possibilities for you. Moses became a god unto Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1), Apostle Paul was referred to as god as he prevailed over circumstances (Acts 28:1-6). The Word of God in you is what brings the reality of the god he has made you to be. To them whom the Word of God has come, they can be classify as gods because God’s Word is inseparable from God Himself (John 10:34-35). You are a god dwelling among flesh to outsmart the kingdom of darkness.

05/04/2020

MinisterOfLivingHope

The Intent of the King’s Daily Provision

Anchor Text: Daniel 1:3-5
3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

King Nebuchadnezzar had an intent at heart that at the end of three years the young people will be able to stand before him. He did not just have this intent he made sure he provided them with what will equip them to stand before him by the daily provision.

God, the king of glory will not place a demand on us when He has not made a provision for us that will be cruel. He will not expect from you what He has not given you the capacity or when He has not provided you the grace to do. It is God’s desire that when all is said and done, when you shall appear and stand before Him you will be spotless, blameless, perfect and complete before Him. He wants to find us faultless, that we might be just as He is because there shall be no unclean thing that shall stand before him (Ephesians 5:24-27, 1:3-6, Jude 1:21-25). The desire of God is to grow up into a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of God (Ephesians 4:9-16).

To this end, God has appointed unto us a daily provision of His own meat and drink, He has made a provision for us to come and feast at His table, He is beckoning on us to come and partake of who He is – His divine nature (II Peter 1:1-4). Until you partake of the king of glory food and wine, feasting daily at His table shall you be able to stand faultless before Him. There is a daily allowance from our King, there is the daily manna from heavens’ store that we must partake of all the days of our journey until we shall appear before the King of glory (II Kings 25:27-30). You should seek to ask Him for your daily bread, nourished up in the words of faith by staying connected to the Head from where nourishment is ministered to you (Colossians 2:18-19).

You must partake of the Word which is God Himself every day of your life. For the Word is new every morning. It is only as we behold him as in a glass are we change in the same image from glory to glory. In the place of communion with the Holy Spirit you feast on the king’s table and partake of His life.

30/03/2020

DontGiveRoomToChances

Except the Lord and You Permits

Anchor Text: Daniel 1:1-2
1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

To besiege means to surround a building, city etc. with soldiers until the people inside are forced to let you in. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Judah, however, with all his sophisticated weapons they could but do nothing except when the Lord delivered Johoiakim king of Judah into his hand alongside some of the vessels of the house of God.
This was the case with Job, until the Lord gave Satan a go ahead, the enemy had no option other than to keep parading the corridors of Job; yet he could not inflict him. Satan could not touch even a pin that belongs to Job except when God gave room for him to touch Job’s property. Satan continued to besiege Job, he could only continue to walk up and down round the hedge that God made round about Job, his family and property yet unable to harm Job. From the life of Jesus all that the people did to seized Him failed until it was time to bear the cross. Even when Peter tried to defend Him, He caused them to understand He can command legions of angels for His rescue.
Understand the enemy has no power over you as a child of God. No matter how ‘powerful’ the enemy appears to be, he can only tempt you to the extent the Lord permits him. It does not mean to say he has power over you because you are not under his kingdom, you have been delivered from the power of darkness and you are no longer under his dictatorship (I Corinthians 10:13, Colossians 1:12-13). The adversary continues to seek who to devour but the Word of God revealed that you can resist the devil and he will flee from you (Ephesians 4:27, James 4:7).
From the life of Job, you can deduce that when God permits certain things that naturally people think it will be an occasion for the enemy to rejoice, it is intended for God to glorify His name. It is to the end that God will show case you as a masterpiece of His handiwork. God boasted about Job, He showcased Job to the devil, to proof to him that Job’s love for God is not motivated by material possession or health or family. Rather, Job’s love for God was genuine with no strings attached. When God permitted His only begotten son to be beaten and crucified it was to fulfil a divine agenda for humanity and the princes of this world eternally regretted they crucified the Lord of glory because His crucifixion has brought and will continue to bring many sons to glory. When the Lord permits you to suffer for righteousness sake, it is expedient to understand that the light afflictions are temporal yet working out an exceeding glory (I Peter 3:12-16, II Corinthians 4:17). Hence, no matter the trials of your faith and temptations that God permits it is not intended for your utter end rather that His name shall be glorified. Be assured that God will not allow the rod of the wicked to rest on your lot lest you put your hands unto iniquity (Psalms 125:3).

17/03/2020

14/03/2020

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12/03/2020