Counting The Stars - Pastor Ekpenyong

Gen.15:5msg “Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!"”

This is one of those amazing and true-to-life piece of history from the Bible, which affects us all; challenging and inspiring one to taking God at His word because He means what He says and will do it to the letter.

Our opening text is Father God’s response to Abraham’s question about him and Sarah’s childlessness even after several decades in marriage. As usual, the description and duration of your challenge is nothing to God, in fact the ‘bigger and older’ the more ridiculous the response from God.

You may begin to wonder and ask what the connection is between counting the stars and the number of descendants a man will have. However, the Father’s intent was to get him from the point of mental assent to heart believing.

 

That is, from the point of just mouthing the promise, to the point of rejoicing every time he looked up. 

For at that point, you not only talk of things to come—you call it into being in the here and now. You live your dreams. Glory!

Check: John 5:1-9, Rom.4:13-22, Deut.1:10 

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

Rise Above The Limitations of Life - Pastor Modupe

What are limitations of life? 

What makes it difficult to express one's best in life?

Long standing challenges

Personal Inadequacies 

Lack

Rejection

Health challenges etc. 

When a circumstance seems not to be responding to what we know to do or seems beyond our control then it's time to restrategize and see other paths that lead to a fulfilled life. 

We can be all that God ordained us to be; no matter what our experiences are, if we choose to rise above the circumstance  and give ourselves a chance to live and be. 

So what does it mean to rise above the limitations of life? 

It means not giving up because of the limitations and choosing to explore other ways that may lead to fulfilment and significance. 

In other words it means if the door is shut, check if the windows can let you out or push the walls perhaps they are not too strong for you to walk through...

The first thing you need is the willingness to press beyond whatever that limitation is because only a willing heart discovers the way through a seeming dead end.

Glory!!!

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken 

Mid Course Correction: Vision, Values and Purpose - Pastor Ekpenyong

It is all about the little adjustments we have to make on our journey that gets you back on course.

Where are you in your journey? Journey in this context represents the path to your expected outcomes vis-à-vis your current situation and your drive towards accomplishing this predetermined outcome.

Deviations in the journey could be the result of life’s uncertainties, or things you neglected or things you suffered as a result of another’s deed.

I reckon that at some point you may fall into any of these categories of persons and therefore need a mid course correction:

1. Those who have no vision and wonder how to obtain one.

2. Those who have a vision but are stuck in the mud of confusion not knowing what to do next.

3. Those who had a vision but have abandoned it because of discouragement, disillusionment, some measure of failure, or frustration.

An honest assessment of your current state is always important so that you can make the necessary adjustments in tandem with your expected outcome.

John 21:1–4

1 Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. This is what happened. 

2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two other disciples of Jesus were together. 

3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We’re going with you.” They went out in a boat but didn’t catch a thing that night. 

4 As the sun was rising, Jesus stood on the shore. The disciples didn’t realize that it was Jesus.

In the midst of your journey is the time to determine if your strategic plan is still an accurate reflection of what you want to achieve, how you’re going to achieve it and the environment you’re operating it.

The disciples of Jesus, feeling a sense of great loss and confusion were at the place a lot of us are and how we feel even right now. However, the beautiful thing about mid course correction is that the LORD always is willing and desirous to bring us into alignment with His plans and purposes.

As a matter of fact, mid course correction occurs whenever you’re off track.

Things to Note:

He is always there with us especially when we feel most lost and vulnerable.

John 21:4

4 As the sun was rising, Jesus stood on the shore. The disciples didn’t realize that it was Jesus.

People often feel that when they’re off track and out of the will of God that the LORD abandons them. 

However, He never leaves.

Joshua 1:5

5 No one will be able to oppose you successfully as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never neglect you or abandon you.

It is His goodness and mercy that brings us into alignment.

Romans 2:4

4 Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?

It is because He is interested in you fulfilling your course that He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us through the various paths we thread victoriously.

Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 

14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The Holy Spirit is my ASSURANCE.

Glory to God!

Heed interruptions because great things happen when we do. 

Life is full of interruptions. Its hard to have faith in the process and embrace these corrections, but it is important.

Tell yourself I HAVE FAITH IN THE PROCESS Always remind yourself of that.

Exodus 3:4

4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

God works in the interruptions and connects through the interruptions.

I'm sure we all have experiences where we are grateful for the interruptions, because if it was not for that, you may have been lost.

Moses was tending his flock when God appeared in a burning bush.

Our loving Father seeks to bring us into alignment with His purposes and will interrupt you to get your attention.

Saul was interrupted by the LORD on his way to Damascus.

When interruptions occur, stop trying to force your way through it. Time after time, we see that the LORD works in the interruptions.

JESUS WORKED THROUGH THE INTERRUPTIONS.

I pray that you'll start seeing interruptions as God-filled invitations to do more, be more, pray more, and connect more.

Be open to His mid course correction in every area of your life.

Isaiah 40:4-5

4 Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth;

5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

We often find ourselves categorizing things under the bloc of spiritual and unspiritual.

However, whatever you’re involved in, the glory of God can be made manifest. Be it in the valley or mountain, crooked or rough place.

Do you know sometimes it is just a sudden realization or revelation – epiphany as it is so called, beginning from a small everyday occurrence or experience that is used to bring you into alignment. Especially in the area of our values, as simple as appreciating your partner for all they do that you’ve taken for granted.

You just come to the awareness that people are more valuable than things. It could even be in taking serious a gift in you that you’ve ignored or taken for granted.

There is a word coming to me: SERENDIPITY

It is the occurrence of finding something good without looking for it.

Our good Father in His sovereignty has put in our paths such good on purpose so that we can always be in the centre of His will.

Ruth 2:16 

Also let [grain] from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave [it] that she may glean, and do not rebuke her."

You will not miss destiny in Jesus name. amen!

You can be rest assured that you are led in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.

Be willing and respond as He leads you.

Your steps are ordered in Jesus name. Amen!

Casting Your Cares Upon Him - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Peter 5:7AMP “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”

Have you ever felt it was irresponsible of you not to worry? Infact some think that it is impossible to live a worry free life.

Our opening text says “casting all your worries once and for all on Him;” meaning that anything as pertaining your personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, cares for the future, cares for others, and for the church and everything that affects you that is a source of concern is to be rolled over on our Father God with a thankful heart in the full realization of His care for His children. 

The basis on which we roll over our worries to Father God is simply because He cares i.e. He sees, anticipates and provides; that is why He is called Jehovah Jireh – Jehovah will see to it.

The attitude of one whose care is rolled on God will be rest, joy, praise, peace and patience because of the assurance as our text says, "He cares for you affectionately." 

He loves you. Yes, He really does. He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." Glory!

CHECK: Psalm 55:22, Matt.6:25-34, Isaiah 30:15-18

#WavesofGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken

A Word In Season - Pastor Ekpenyong

We thank God for everyone of you as we remember you and watch over your souls.

Ephesians 5:17-18

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

The world has changed and is evolving, as things will never be the same again. It becomes very necessary as believers that we upgrade in our thoughts as those that have the mind of God.

There could be no other way that this can be effected except by utilizing what's already ours. Remember, we're perfectly suited with all we need for life and godliness. Hallelujah!

All these changes in the world and the changes that will ever occur in your life are not strange to God and did not catch Him unprepared. He had already made provisions for you and fitted you with the faculty to handle the unexpected.

It should be a matter of great importance to you that you understand the will of God per time and season of your life.

1 Chronicles 12:32

Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.

All of the anointing and graces that were at work in the Old Testament sages are fulfilled in Christ. Therefore Christ has become wisdom to us.

We refuse to be swayed by the varying voices in the world and for us as individuals. Rather, we choose to respond to the promptings and leadings of His Spirit.

We need to engage in activating the wisdom of God concerning our lives. God has prepared answers for us concerning how we will live a fulfilling life despite the happenings in the world.

Isaiah 30:21

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

We can still walk in surplus and productivity without being limited by the present situation of the world. The spirit of God in us has details of every step we are required to take toward fulfilment and towards living a life of impact, and keep you relevant through the changing times.

As we make a habit of consistent fellowship with him, we lay hold of wisdom and 'knowing'.

To this end, we need to engage in speaking in tongues like never before. Remember, it is the same strategy but now with greater intensity.

I'll share some awesome benefits of speaking in tongues to encourage your heart.

SOME BENEFITS

1. Tongues is the entrance into the supernatural.

2. Tongues is a direct line of talking to God.

1 Corinthians 14:2

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

3. Tongues is speaking divine mysteries – divine coded secrets.

God prepared you for the varying times and seasons and locked codes for the different operations. So as you speak in tongues, you are unlocking the relevant operation code.

4. Tongues is drawing secrets to life’s complicated issues.

5. Tongues is prophesying your God-ordained future.

When you pray in tongues, you bypass your reasoning  and you are better poised to comprehend the voice of the Spirit and therefore proclaim it concerning your future.

Luke 1:34-35

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.

You have to develop your spirit to the point where you can always decipher the voice of God in your contemplations.

6. Tongues is strengthening your inner man with might.

Proverbs 24:10

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

7. Tongues gives you unstoppable progress that your enemies cannot deny.

2 Corinthians 11:10

As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

We admonish you to pray in tongues like you've never done. 

Keep your journal at arms reach to note every inspired thought.

Make declarations as you're given utterance.

Be bold in your declarations.

This is our finest hour.

Right now begin to pray in other tongues.

You're unstoppable.

You're relevant to your world.

The oil of gladness distinguishes you.

Your coast is forever enlarged in Jesus name. Amen!

Glossalalia: The Rest And Refreshing - Pastor Ekpenyong

Isaiah 28:11-12

11. For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people,

12. To whom He said, “This is the rest with  which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing”; Yet they would not hear.

There is a BLESSING and a source of power for everyday life found ONLY in speaking in other tongues.

Despite the confusion, perplexity and anxiety today, we have an abundance of spiritual rest and refreshing as never before.

Romans 5:20

20. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

GLOSSALALIA is a Greek word for tongues. Father God, in His love has provided a means for us to receive the refreshing that we need by speaking in other tongues.

We can enjoy this rest and refreshing everyday of our lives by speaking in tongues. This is the time and place to rest - to give rest to the weary. This is the place to lay down your burden. But they wont listen.

Since you know all these are available, why wont you listen? You’ve been provided perfect peace and rest - the way to true comfort and happiness.

Tongues is the Father BLESSING us with His ability to be RESTED AND REFRESHED from the inside by the Holy Spirit. It is the BLESSING of self sustenance and rejuvenation.

You don’t have to speak in tongues, you ought to! If you’re not speaking in tongues, you’re missing out.

We have a tremendous powerful gift available to us through the Holy Spirit, but few people take advantage of it. Instead, we ask God to do what He told us to do.

We need to use this gift of speaking in tongues to stir ourselves up or we risk sinking to the bottom.

It's not normal for you to be stressed out, burnt out, depressed, weary, confused, tired and all of those experiences that wear one out.

There’s a trap believers must avoid, when the need to strive for things outweighs their trust in God and their patience for Him to bring something to pass.

God’s ordained way of receiving is not through aggressively going after something, it’s through aggressive peace and rest.

One can become completely exhausted due to nonstop, continuous work or be over burdened by the load of care from family, work, finances or other personal issues.

However, there’s an ever refreshing stream that gushes from you if you’ll turn it on by speaking in tongues, it causes you to be rested and refreshed, rejuvenated and reinvigorated, energized and recharged.

When we strive, God waits, when we rest, God acts.

Whenever we want to, we can rest and be refreshed by speaking in tongues.

When we pray in tongues, we come to a place of rest. We will need a place to rest when we are weary and tired because of all the bad news in the world.

God loves it when you rest. When you rest, you are saying, “Father, I am trusting You. Father, I am not depending on my self-effort, but I am depending on You.” God loves it. That is why rest finds grace in the eyes of the Lord.

The Hebrew rendering for rest is also used to refer to the promised land for the believer today.

When the children of Israel did not want to believe God when He promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, it broke God’s heart and so He said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest”.

Psalm 95:10-11.

10. For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.

11.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

In case you're yet to receive this wonderful gift, today is your day.

Rest is our promised land, our portion in Christ.

Hebrews 4 : 8-11

8. For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.

9.There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

10.For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

11. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Sometimes, when we pray in tongues and we do not see results, praying in tongues can feel like a “labor.”

When you pray and do not see your breakthrough just yet, do not give up. Because before you are delivered from that disease or depression, before you can break free from that addiction, God has to deal with the fears, the anxieties, the stress, and the wrong believing that are causing those things in the first place.

As you pray in tongues, the Lord is dealing with all those destructive things from the inside out.

In the times we are living in, stress is a real problem. People are stressed because of all that is happening around the world, all that we watch on the news.

We need to make sure that we are built up on the inside, that we have strength on the inside so that we do not get depressed on the outside.

THE MORE YOU PRAY IN TONGUES, THE MORE YOU WILL LIVE STRESS AND ANXIETY-FREE.

A study done by some Professors at Oral Roberts University found that when you pray in tongues, you boost your immune system by 35–40 percent.

Contrary to what may be a common perception, studies from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania  suggest that people who speak in tongues rarely suffer from mental problems. A recent study of nearly 1,000 evangelical Christians in England found that those who engaged in the practice were more emotionally stable than those who did not.

God gave us the gift of tongues that not only proclaims the wonderful works of God but causes you to see the wonderful works of God in your life.

You can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit right now if you're yet to. As His child, your loving, heavenly Father has made available for you the supernatural power you need to live the life in Christ.

Luke 11:10-13

10. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

11. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?

12. Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

13. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

All you have to do is ask, believe and receive.

Pray :  Father in Jesus name, I thank you for all you've made available for me to live this life on Christ. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit right now by faith.

Thank you for baptizing me. Holy Spirit, I welcome and acknowledge you in my life.

Congratulations! 

You've received the Holy Spirit.

Right now open your mouth and begin to speak in a language you don't recognize and understand.

Open your mouth now and speak in Jesus name. Some syllables from a language you don't understand will rise up from your heart to your mouth.

Speak and release those words by faith.

Please note that it doesn't matter whether you felt anything or not when you prayed. God is a good Father.

Don't Despise Your Desires - Pastor Ekpenyong

Phil.2:13NLT "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."

Anyone who is mightily used or desires to be so used of God must not despise his/her desires. 

This is because the inklings of our hearts are a strong cursor to the direction the LORD will have us go. 

As you spend time in the word and it's practice, your unworthy desires will become continually reduced.

How do we come to the point where we can trust our desires, for as we know there are worthy and unworthy desires.

You must first acknowledge that God is working in you and is giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.

As you grow in this consciousness, you will begin to see that your desires are in line with His divine plan for your life.

Then you will find that you are divinely empowered to fulfill the desire.

In following your desire, you will find that you're always in the right place at the right time. You will be doing what you're called to do.

Never mind how grandiose and impossible these desires are for He will supply the power to actualize it. Glory! 

Check: Acts 7:23-25, Psalm 37:5-7CEV

#WavesOfGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken

Wait Patiently - Pastor Ekpenyong

Ephesians 2:6 “And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

When you go into the waiting lounge of an office to wait for an appointment, you are usually offered a seat. Now, what you do while waiting is your choice; you will either wait patiently or wait anxiously. In operating the kingdom, you must learn how to rest after you’ve sown the seed.

After Jesus finished what the Father sent Him to do, He was told “have a seat and rest until I take care of your enemies.” 

Patience is displayed in how you act while waiting. Cease from activities that come as a result of anxiety knowing that our heavenly Father is working all things together for your good.

Let patience be fully developed in you so that you might become perfect and fully matured – lacking nothing. By then, you will have grown enough to be out of the range of satan’s control either through people or circumstances.

The Father has provided all we need for life and godliness. Relax and enjoy your wait. Glory!

Check: Heb.1:13, Rom.8:28, James 1:4

#WavesofGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken

Responding To The Season - Pastor Modupe Ekpenyong

When we go through trying times, we either respond or react.

To respond demands being deliberate while reacting is the default setting.

1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

We have inside information. Hallelujah!

That's why we choose to respond instead. 

We are not subject to fear or anxiety. This is why we respond and not react.

In the Old Testament, we find the prophets and judges go to inquire of the LORD for understanding and what they ought to do in the midst of crisis.

Victory was always ascertained as long as they acted in obedience to the direction God gave. 

The world is presently in a situation that seems chaotic - divided, in fear and full of uncertainties.

It is our responsibility as believers to:

i.  Declare the mind of God to our world.

ii. Find out what our role is in God’s agenda at the moment.

iii. Be strengthened in the LORD so as to be able to do our part.

There’s no better way to achieve these than by stepping up the consistency of our spiritual exercises.

There is the need to go back to the basics. This implies that we cannot let the challenge that the world faces to become the primary subject of our meditation through reasoning. Rather, we intensify our communion (fellowship) with the Father in order to access His agenda for the season.

Our focus is not about what new thing can be done, but about intensifying what we know to do as we refresh ourselves and strengthen our conviction.

Daniel 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

Learning from Daniel's, we observe that he did not call a meeting to strategize how to navigate through the trying times, rather, he did as he had always done – he prayed.

Our strategy remains the same as believers – word, worship, prayer confession and preaching the gospel of Christ.

And our focus:

• fellowshipping with the Father;

• become more rooted in Him;

• and establish His will in our world.

We are not in the band wagon that promotes fear because our safety is not in our ability or the ability of any man. The life of God in us is our security.

Christ in us is the hope of glory! Hallelujah!

Song: I’ve got the life of God in me 2x

I’ve got the Spirit of the Son of God 

I’ve got the life of God in me.

When fear rears its head, reassure yourself of the indestructible life of God in you.

Here is what we need as matter a reminder:

1. Maintain and function in the peace of God.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.

We shouldn’t let our hearts be overwhelmed by the situation of the world. God's peace rests in the mist of turmoil.

2. Maintain the attitude of gratitude by giving thanks to the LORD always.

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light.

3. Keep the word alive in your heart through all gates to your heart – mouth, ears and eyes.

Psalms 1:2 Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night.

4. Pray in tongues every day for at least 30 minutes.

As simple as this may seem, the demand of life constantly attempts to take time from us. We need to become religious about it.

5. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of your understanding concerning the situation of the world.

6. Ask the LORD to reveal to you, your role in this season.

Don’t let the season pass without you fulfilling your role. As a child of God, there is something He would have you do that will make a difference in the present situation of the world.

For some, their purpose is global, while for others it is local.

The answer to the world for Covid 19 and the problems it has created is in the hand of a child of God. People need God now more than ever, and you might be just be the answer to their prayer.

So, daily ask of the LORD what He would have you do and whatever He tells you to do, Commit to it without seeing it as too small or too big. Knowing that our role as sons of God is to bring the presence of God to bear in the face of challenges.

7. Thank the LORD for the spirit of wisdom at work in you.

8. Bear in mind that along the challenges come opportunities. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see the opportunities available to you in this season.

Like I said, it is the simple things that uncover the purpose of our existence at a time like this. Let's not take the grace of God for granted.

CONFESSION

I have been anointed by the LORD.

I have the knowledge I need to bring solutions to my world.

Christ has given me His peace and I function in it, irrespective of the prevailing storm in the world.

I function from the standpoint of rest.

I remain unshakable unstoppable as my Father.

I am the light of the world, therefore darkness cannot prevail over me.

I choose to function as a LIGHT in the present darkness that is troubling the world.

I know what to do, I know how to do it and I know when to do it.

I cannot be stranded, the wisdom of God is paving way for me and everyone I’m called to in Jesus name. Amen

Embracing Simplicity - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Timothy 2:2  Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.

Life in the 21st century is so complicated and fast paced with so many things calling your attention that you hardly find the time to enjoy your life, much less your family, your journey, or your resources.

Life is more stressful than ever - people are hurrying everywhere, busier and dissatisfied. They are frustrated and under a lot of pressure.

However, living a satisfying life is not a function of enjoyable circumstances. It has everything to do with your attitude and perspective.

It is impossible to enjoy the life in Christ without embracing simplicity.

Luke 10:41-42 The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

Simplicity brings joy and complication blocks it. When we are complicated inside, then everything else in life seems that way to us. Some people have so complicated their walk with God that they don't know where to start from.

Prayer has become a burden, all because they don't know the simple rules that govern prayer. Prayer and other spiritual exercises have become burdensome, all because we've complicated everything. Meanwhile, it’s supposed to be an expression of child like faith to the Father who loves us and has made provision for all that we would ever need.

When you begin to live your life with all the simplicity of a child, it will change your whole outlook in a most amazing way.

Matthew 18:3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Marks of Being Childlike

Trusting: A child is believing, unquestioning, i.e. non-suspicious.

Lowly: A child is humble, modest and simple.

Loving: He is tender, caring and  warm.

Forgiving: Compassionate, tolerant, merciful.

Ways to Simplify Your Life

GRATITUDE: 

1Thessolonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Become a grateful person. Take note of the things most taken for granted and be grateful - sunlight,  life, salvation, etc. 

We take mostly for granted the things money can't buy.

Remember, gratitude isn't about the circumstance but the person.

Despite that Jesus was faced with 5000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes at hand in the wilderness, He still thanked the Father.

When he got to Lazarus's tomb, He also thanked the Father.

Be thankful and give thanks!

LEARN CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul says he has learned how to be content.

Contentment doesn't mean you don't want more; it means you're satisfied to the point that you're not anxious or disturbed.

Contentment is great gain because it sets your mind free from anxious care.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

This scripture let’s us know that we can and should be satisfied where we are, while we are getting to where we are going.

Our satisfaction is in Him while we are on our way to the fulfilment of our hopes and dreams.

Here are 4 things I believe induce discontent:

Greed

Fear that you'll not get what you desire.

Lack of trust in God.

Misplaced priority.

Contentment does not mean you shouldn't be motivated. Rather, it helps you make the most of your present situation since anxiety has been eliminated as well as the fear of failing.

MODERATION: It’s a trait of avoiding excesses.

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Living in moderation is an uphill battle in today's world where there's such an inordinate desire to impress people and gain visibility.

Even good things can be a stumbling block to us, if used without moderation.

BE SACRIFICIAL: Sacrifice is everything about the New Covenant.

Jesus became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

By His stripes we were healed!

He became poor for us that we might become rich.

You may be looked at as a fool for choosing to be sacrificial but your life will become even simpler.

Matthew 5:38 - 48 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect -- just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Be willing to sacrifice things for people because people are more important than things. Use your resources to lift other people up.

Give up some opportunities so others can benefit.

Resist the temptation to amass ALL to yourself.

RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO IMPRESS AND COMPETE

2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

You are your own competition. 

You will either be remembered for the PROBLEMS you SOLVED or the PROBLEMS you CREATED.

Compete with your previous best and not others. Life is not a competition.

Stop competing against your spouse.

Live within your means and trust God to open beneficial doors to you. 

The inordinate desire to impress has put a lot of people in debt. 

Be comfortable with saying NO.

You are not to play GOD in the lives of people.

Your life is not defined by things but by the quality of your personality.

Men are rich in what they are and not in what they have

LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN PEOPLE, PLACES AND SITUATIONS

Nothing is intrinsically bad, especially because it is part of God's creation.

Numbers 14:8-9 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

No doubt that people have hurt you because you vouched for them, however, train yourself to still see GOD in people.

When you see GOD in His creation you will see GOOD in His creation

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Take note of what Joseph said "you intended to", "God intended it".

Though there are giants in the land, choose to see that it’s a land flowing with milk and honey.

Wise people have found that the secret to happiness is not in getting more but in wanting less.

Grow up in behavior but remain child like in attitude toward God concerning trust and dependence.

Your life will become the wonder it’s designed in Christ to be when you embrace simplicity.

Unclutter your mind and your life.

Be at peace with yourself now that you're at peace with God.

Remember, enjoying life isn't a function of enjoyable circumstances.

You're LOVED and CELEBRATED!

Dealing With Contradictions - Pastor Ekpenyong

2 Peter 1:19 Wuest "And we have the prophetic word as a surer foundation, to which you are doing well to pay attention as to a lamp which is shining in a squalid place, until day dawns and a morning star arises in your hearts."

Everyone of us is faced with situations where there is a sharp conflict between the revealed truth from God's Word and our experiences. These conflicts are so contradictory that they sometimes leave us astounded and uncertain.

However, those lowest points of your vulnerability are the most suitable for you to keep the Word of Truth in focus and speak in agreement with it rather than crying or complaining.

You should ask the LORD to reveal to you His Word concerning the situation and keep confessing it until there is a note of victory in your heart; where you know that you know that the matter is settled.

It is at this point that the day dawns and the morning star arises in your heart guaranteeing and fastracking the delivery of your desire.

Don't stop talking and speaking your rhema, for it is your bridge over time-lapses and signs that fuel these conflicts. Glory! 

Check: Rom. 4:17-21, Heb. 11:11-12, 2 Cor. 5:7

#WavesofGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken

You Can Bank on The Word - Pastor Ekpenyong

Ephesians 6:13 Phillips "Therefore  you must wear the  whole armour of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a  standstill  you may still  stand your ground."

There will come  a time in every believer's  life when you will have to ask yourself  - 'Just how far will I go on the  WORD?'

This question is reality check for those who want to come into the reality of God's word as their experience.

The quest has been to build confidence and reliance in God's word to the extent that you can stand your ground for as long as you have to because of your persuasion that God does not lie or recant His word. It is the confidence that the word is more than enough in any situation.

When you believe God for something, refuse to waver. Choose to believe His word more than you believe what you can see or feel.

It is this quality decision that will sustain you through the evil day of life; for you are already a victor and more than a conqueror.

Kenneth Hagin used to say, "if you are determined to stand forever, it won't take very long." 

It is my choice to stand forever if necessary when I believe God for something. Glory!

Check: Gal.6:9amp, Heb.6:12, 1Kings 18:21

#WavesofGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken

More Than Ten Thousand Tongues - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Corinthians 14:17 “For you are certainly giving thanks well, but the other person is not strengthened .”

The limitation of man in praising God has been so emphasized from the lack of adequate vocabulary to the lack of sufficient tongues. 

However, provision has been made to fully and satisfactorily express ourselves in the praise and adoration of our Father.

When you sing in the spirit or pray in the spirit you are thanking God well.

It is true your mind will come short to aptly capturing and expressing the praise of the God of all creation who also doubles as our Father; this is why we have been blessed with a supernatural language that aptly covers the length and breadth of His almightiness.

This spiritual language ably comprehends His totality and infiniteness and eloquently communicates at the frequency of His understanding and intelligence so that He is satisfied and pleased by our words. Halleluyah!

Paul said that in the presence of someone who is “unlearned” in spiritual things, it would be better to praise God in your language so they could understand. 

However, if there are no “unlearned” people present, it would be all right to give thanks in the supernatural language because they'd know what you were doing.

Receive the baptism of the Spirit Who quickens this supernatural language that enables us praise God in unfettered eloquence and splendour. __Glory!__ 

Check:1 Cor. 14:14-18, Eph. 3:16-19, Phil. 3:3

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

God Made You For A Purpose - Pastor Ekpenyong

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus with a view to good works which God prepared beforehand in order that within their sphere we may order our behavior."

God made you for a purpose and more than anyone else, He wants that purpose fulfilled because it fits in His grand plan.

Therefore, you're not asking God to give you a purpose or to make your life count.

The only thing you need is to be yielded every step of the way because God will lead you in paths you may not understand or know the reason why He's taking you through that path. 

God does not give you a roadmap detailing the paths you will take in fulfilling purpose. What you will see as in the case of many in Bible days is that He gives you a tip-off (dreams, visions, strong desires, nudge, impressions) and then orders your steps in the right direction. 

One challenge at a time, one victory at a time, one foe at a time, one friend at a time, one task at a time, one correction at a time and all these will keep working for the good of the greater cause.

Stay faithful and stay sure that you're following God. 

Do His will, don't compromise and don't go off the track. God made you for a purpose. 

Glory!

Check: 

Isaiah 1:19

Jeremiah 1:5

Ephesians 1:11

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken