TAKING THE NATIONS

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then the end shall come." Mt.24:12

Please follow me in a careful study on how a boy king turned his nation and people to God. From 2 Chronicles 34.

"Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord and walked int he ways of David his father and declined neither to the right hand nor to the left. For int he eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father and in t he twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places and the groves and the carved images and the molten images." V1-3

He ascended the throne at the age of eight and by verse two, we are told that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord by walking in the ways of David his father. In other words, he was committed and walked in the ways of God of David. It was good but there was a clause, and you will understand it better after reading this translation of that verse 2.

 "He followed the example of his ancestor David and always obeyed the Lord." CEV

The clause was that, all he knew about God was what David knew, whatever David never discovered in God, he was ignorant of. So David's height or depth in God was his limit, which leads me to a very serious issue we are confronted with in our day. while Josiah stands for the present generation or children, David stands for the fathers and and past generation. Now by God's programme, every generation actually has a dual responsibility. They are firstly, to build on the foundation of the past generation and then lay a foundation for the next generation. if this is true, then there was a disorder or misnomer in the case of Josiah. what was to be a foundation (and foundations are to be built upon) became his peak.

The revelations, encounters, experiences, testimonies, miracles and messages that ought to be our foundation which ought to be built upon, seems to have become our peak. As a result, there is a slow pace we can't explain, puzzles we can’t dissolve and limitations that are glaring. There is no corresponding revelation to deal with or counter the progressive opposition and wickedness of our day.

However, by verse 3, there was a turning point which I believe we have come to also. Josiah now became dissatisfied with just knowing the God of David; he decided to seek “the God” so that the God of David can also become his God. The fathers introduced us to their God but for us to know this God personally which has always been the hallmark of David’s exploits for God, he took kingdoms and nations for God all through scriptures. The peak of anyone or generation has always been when the God at work is your God. E.g. the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Elijah. And you will note that in the same verse few years after he began to seek the God of David personally, he had developed capacity to begin to build upon the foundations of David (fathers) by purging, another translation says “get rid of” the idols, religion and satanic influences and structures in opposition to light. This simply tells me that if we develop the capacity and receive direction on how in our day and time, we need to get back to seeking God intimately, individually and collectively. That remains our strong point.

Of course, for Josiah, the journey of seeking the Lord continued and this began to result in all the processes that was played from verse four until verse fourteen where the priest found a book of the law given by Moses.

“And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law given by Moses. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law that he rent. And the king commanded Hikiah and Ahikam the son of Shaphan the scribe and Asiah a servant of the king saying, go, enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah concerning the words of the book that is found for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord to do after all that is written in the book.” Vs 14-21

From these verses, some vital lessons and key points come to light.

1.      As long as your heart is panting after God, you will definitely find Him

2.      A king in those days can be likened to a pastor, so how was he leading God’s people as a man of God without the book or an experience, encounter, knowledge of the book? If the king, pastor, man of God had not set his eyes on the book (which for us is the bible) or read or studied it, what about the congregation. So it is possible for a man and people of God to be far from it or completely ignorant of the God they profess. I believe the answer is obvious. “…but the people that do know their God…” Dan.11:32. So they are a people who have God but do not know their God. And God can only be found in the book (BIBLE). One sure way to check is to take a close look at the structures we run or operate and our messages. Do they emphasize, point or help people to seek God, to read or study the Bible?

3.      When the book was read, the king rent his clothes not because he saw how much they had limited God, the fathers were right but there was more to be discovered, new heights to attain, grounds to take, fresh revelations to be discovered. What was been celebrated and considered as the peak was actually a foundation just beginning. Notice the last statement of verse one “…our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord to do after all that is written in this book.” They did some based on what was revealed to them.

4.      They had to inquire of the Lord through the priest. However, by our privileged position as New Testament believers, we are both kings and priests unto God in Christ (Rev.1:6). So we can seek and inquire, see and interpret, receive and deliver and administer. That’s also the reason our generation will have no excuse before God.

“And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard, because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardst his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humblest thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me, I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave I peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again. Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.” Vs 26-29.

God’s verdict on Josiah the king was, ‘for your attitude towards the truth, I will spare you but not the people.’ This was actually the high point. The kingdom mentality he carried, the kingdom heart he had wouldn’t allow him settle for that. He refused to be blessed and not be a blessing. He was not only gunning for his salvation or self preservation but also for the salvation of the nation and people, which is the mindset, heart of all those that will get the job of fulfilling the mandate of the Father in these last days.

See the final outcome.

“And the king went into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priest, and the Levites and all the people, great and small and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in t he house of the LORD. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. And Josiah took away all t he abomination out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.” Vs 30-33.

“…The kingdom of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev.11:15

Summary – If we would “take the nations”:

1.      We must not be bastards nor be without a history or be ignorant of our history.

2.      We must recognize and celebrate our history and fathers while acknowledging they are simply foundations to be built upon.

3.      We must be genuine and addicted seekers of God, knowing there is more of God to be discovered.

4.      WE must have the right attitude towards the outcome of our seeking, the revelations, processes etc.

5.      We must have a KINGDOM heart and mentality.

We must not be content being;

-          Blessed but to be a blessing

-          Saved but be saviours.

UGANDA MISSIONS REPORT 2010

To the glory of God, the Lord made the Uganda mission a reality. We were there for two weeks (October 27-November 9).

While there, the Lord spoke clearly to our hearts that the first phase of our assignment to the nation of Uganda was to “SPEAK TO THE HEART OF THE NATION” and instructed specifically that the work should be restricted to the capital for now, that is Kampala. It is more than a church, local or denominational work but a KINGDOM MANDATE TO THE NATION.

The first week was used to strategize, make contacts and pray some more. This was more than necessary for many obvious reasons; it was a one man team that has never been there. The second week was used for full execution by ministering at the:

• MAKERERE UNIVERSITY to students who definitely are the future generation and leaders. It was a one day, one night meeting which held on Sunday.

• A pastor’s conference for two days that attracted pastors from all over Uganda majorly the interiors. This indeed was a miraculous platform to take the message to places we could never have reached in the next few years. And these pastors will communicate the message better to their folks. Over a hundred pastors were gathered each day. Another reason that made the platform a miracle was that the meeting was actually planned by a pastor without knowledge of our coming. So, we just came in by divine arrangement. We believe all these confirm the step and timing. It was a two days, two slots meeting which held on Wednesday and Thursday.

• We did a programme for three days in the city tagged KINGDOM MANDATE. We rented a hall in a hotel in Kampala for this. It was a three sessions meeting and held from Friday to Sunday.

At the end of the week long ministration and programme, a 15 man team (now 17 as at the time of this report) with a coordinator was raised and put in place; they are all Ugandans to the glory of God. They have been given a clear cut job description. They will be meeting monthly to PRAY and go about the necessary work to execute our assignment to the nation.

It’s also very important to note that the initial contact was possible because God sent a dear sister as a John the Baptist ahead of us through her job. In all these meetings and programmes, books, mini books, messages on cd’s and tapes, musicals and publications were given free to people. Their joy knew no bounds. They were not just materials of LOVE REVIVAL MINISTRIES but also of other sister ministries such as KINGDOM WORD MINISTRIES, SOURCE GOSPEL MINISTRIES and PRAISE CREATIONS.

It was really the joint effort of individuals and families too numerous to mention. And we can say categorically that in line with the instruction of God for the assignment, two things have been put in place for the first phase of the work.

•   DAVID’S have been anointed and presently being nurtured in the cave for a showing forth with a new heart and orientation. That is the future leaders on all fronts that will chart a new order and path for the nation. This will result in the reign of God over the nation.

• WATCHMEN have been set upon the nation of UGANDA with the burden of God for the nation fully and clearly imprinted in their hearts.

FOLLOW – UP STEPS

§  Registration of the ministry in Uganda – To make our operations legal and for easy access in and out of the nation.

§  Establishing of operational base – That is office and lodging accommodation with all the necessary facilities. This will make our activities cheaper and much more effective.

§  Enquiries and plans for our God-given assignment for the next phase for the next two years to the nation.

TWO YEARS PLAN

2011

§  Plan to reach out to all higher institutions in the nation of Uganda. Targeting a new set of leaders for a new Uganda.

§  To go on air through the television and radio to accelerate the spread of the gospel of the kingdom in the nation.

§  Invade the nation with our publications, tapes and other materials.

2012

§  To organize a 40 days prayer and revival meeting climaxing on the nation’s independence (October 3) when they will be celebrating 50 years JUBILEE. We intend for the programme to involve churches, ministries, ministers in Uganda and the Government.

§  Continuation of 2011 projects and operations.

IMPORTANT NOTE – what we have outlined is what is clear so far. As further light comes, we will follow. But one thing we are persuaded of is, this is of God and what outlined thus far is as we have received from Him. WHY UGANDA? We know, but WHY US? He alone can answer that. It’s a tall order but we are yielded and His grace is sufficient. Deut.29:29, Ps.36:9.

CONCLUSION – we can’t but give God all the glory for this take off. We say it is Him. Though it a one man team that went, all who made it possible spiritually, financially, physically and otherwise, thank you. None will lose his/her reward. However, the journey or work has just begun, but God, but God that started with us is more than able. We are trusting God that with more resources available, at least a minimum of three persons should be able to go next year.

Having gone through, if you feel obliged in your spirit to be a part of this, please let us know immediately. Everyone can be involved in so many ways. (Rom.10:13-15)

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” Mt.24:14.

Let’s join forces to keep the flag of the kingdom flying.

Shalom!

HOME FRONT - GENERATIONAL CONCERN

One of my earliest discoveries in active pastoring is that many evil/bad experiences and challenges people face, especially in marriages and homes can actually be avoided. These experiences and challenges are on the increase because of the times.

“…the days are evil.” Eph.5:16

“And of the children of the sons of Issachar which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” 1Chron.12:32a.

In these times and generation, MENTORING, DISCIPLESHIP through genuine and sincere relationship of mutual accountability, openness is a must and has become a necessity. This truth is scripturally founded. However, before I take you into scriptures, I discovered that all professional training such as MEDICINE, ENGINEERING, LAW, ACCOUNTING etc, actually lay emphasis on this though it’s usually called by different names. Genuine impact or impartation is actually done through MENTORING, DISCIPLESHIP, a relationship based training or learning process. Coming to the mandate of our Master, Jesus, it was to make disciples (Mt.28:18-19) (not just to gather or convert people) like He did with the twelve, no wonder they became instruments that turned the world upside down. (Acts 17:6) Christians that are not disciple or mentored usually end up being bad representatives of Christ and His kingdom, so also MEN and WOMEN that are not mentored, DISCIPLED end up messing up the HOME FRONT, dealing with issues almost through their life time that could have been avoided.

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1

Sound doctrine will produce sound homes, lives, men, women, husbands, fathers, wives, mothers and children.

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

That the aged women like wise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. That they teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be nor blasphemed.

Young men like wise exhort to be sober minded

In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Titus 2:2-8.

This is God’s prescribed pattern to raise the kind of people (men & women) that can raise the kind of homes that will produce godly offsprings to the glory of God. Through this pattern of the matured in God, discipling the upcoming ones in life and home affairs, some of these things happen.

     What is lacking in your faith is added to complete or make you whole. 1 Thess.3:10 and this is done through face to face interaction, and observation. This cannot be done by just reading books, listening to tapes, attending programmes (please they all have their place and are necessary ingredients).

        What needs to be added to what you already have is added. “And besides this, giving diligence, add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge… Wherefore the rather, brethren give all diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 5:10.

Here is my careful authoritative conclusion. GODLY HOME TRAINING is a must for everyone. Anyone who is able to start a HOME and if you never had one, it’s not too late. This has nothing to do with qualification, status, age, experiences or background but positive, proper attitude to truth that confronts you. 

The ideal aged men and women may be scarce but there are, because God will never leave Himself without a remnant and your willingness to go through the process of being MENTORED or DISCIPLED by an older genuine Christian couple adds to the number that will be available for the next generation. Which actually is a plus for God and a minus for satan. Please note that I have checked carefully. This pattern doesn’t have a substitute or alternative. What I am saying now is more than premarital counseling (which even many take for granted) but a relationship that goes into the early years of marriage.

Once God has spoken, twice I have heard in Jesus’ name.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Life is a product of the choices we make. You become who you are not by the environment, persons, events and circumstances, but by the choices you make. When you have not learnt to involve God in minor issues, you will never make the right choices. It is the daily choices you make that will either make it easier or difficult for you. If you desire to become somebody, you need to have the right combination that will take you to where you are going. Jesus did just that; He got the right combination to make He who He eventually turned to become.

God does not choose for you because it will only violate your will. However, if you do ask Him, He will guide and present to you His will, still the choice ultimately rests on you. The choices you make are limited to the scope of your vision and vision comes by revelation.

In Habbakkuk 2:1-2, it declares there "...that he may run that readeth it." If there's nothing clear to read, then there's nothing to run with either. This results in many of the troubles and problems we encounter which is usually based on unreliable authorities.

Four Unreliable Authorities

1. Culture: The fact that others are doing it doesn't make it correct. Don't get into anything just because others are doing so. Become a man or woman of conviction.

2. Tradition: Don't make choices based on what has been done in a certain way.

3. Reason: This pertains to logic. There are so many things about your tomorrow that you cannot reason out. Don't depend on sense knowledge.

4. Emotion: It feels just right. Feelings could be deceptive.

Consequently, the only reliable authority is the word of God which comes by revelation and you can never have it if you are not spiritual "...the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Corinthians 3:6

Meanwhile, there are three major decisions nobody can make for you:

1. Who to live for?

2. What to live for?

3. Who to live with?

Your decisions/choices must go in these order

In Deuteronomy 30:15,19, God presented two options to choose from and then left you with the choice to choose. In other words, it is your lifestyle that will determine your choices and it is your daily lifestyle that will give you a future.

SEEK GOD EARLY

High and lofty dreams are usually birthed at teen-age. No matter how lofty the dream is, for it to come to pass, it must be through seeking God early. If you want early satisfaction, you must apply your heart to wisdom-Ps.90:12-14.

Jesus, our role model was an early seeker. He was found reasoning the scriptures with the scholars at the age of 12. You might say that's mighty too young for a boy his age. Not true! A glorious  future is a product of early seeking. In order to be satisfied early, you must seek God early. You cannot ignore God and get early satisfaction. Go for the word of God.

The first thing the word of God does is to birth a vision in you. At this phase, there are many traps ahead of you but when you have a revelation of your future, you are at an advantaged position because this vision will order and preserve your steps on the path of destiny. It is the word of God that gives you a vision to run with. Never wait or hold out till the events of  life meets you at a junction. At that point, you are helpless. When the angel appeared to Mary, she didn't immediately comprehend all he said, the Bible records that she kept the words in her heart.

Vision comes from no other source but God. The vision of God gives you a picture that will govern your life.

Psalm 8:17 states "I love them that love me; and those who seek me early shall find me." In other words, those who seek late will not find God. Seek God early in fasting, in praying, in studying and in reading the word of God and books that are relevant to your future.

Ultimately, seeking God early means to get the equipment for battles early before the day of battle, and when the day of battle arrives, you will simply be obtaining victory. If you want to find God in your tomorrow, seek Him early today.