A GENERAL WAS BORN?

I was praying to God on this faithful day..And the center of my prayer that day was that don't want to be useless in HIS hand...
This revelation came after the prayer...
"I saw a man who took me to a graveyard...There was this grave i was taken to...The inscription on the grave was...THIS IS PROPHET JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA....I was still in shock when a voice in Yoruba came from inside the grave of this man...The man said my secret is 'WORK BEFORE ME AND BE THOU PERFECT"....

 This made me researched into the life of this man to know where he got it right with God... 
THIS IS NOT TO WORSHIP HIM.
BUT TO REVEAL HOW GOD CAN USE A WEAK VESSEL FOR GREATER EXPLOIT...
AND THIS WILL ENCOURAGE US THAT IN THIS SIN RAVAGED WORLD GOD CAN STILL USE US FOR GREATER EXPLOIT...

 I got this excerpt from a conference paper delivered by Moses Oludele Idowu titled.."An Instrument of Revival: The story of Joseph Ayo Babalola"



                              MYSTERIOUS BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD
According to parental testimony the birth of Babalola was preceded by unusual and unexplainable incidents the same trail that would heavily characterize his entire life. Few months to his birth Madam Martha Rotimi contracted a small pox epidemic ravaging the countryside then. She was then relocated to the farm for treatment. The name of this forest is Igbo Niyun.(Pleasant Forest)  While in this farm one day something happened which would have been difficult to believe but for the fact that it was given by the woman herself. It was in the dry season and someone set fire on the bush leading to a big conflagration which began to consume the bush surrounding the hut where the woman was staying. Luckily her husband David Rotimi was also present when this was happening. There was no way of escape and the end seemed imminent. This made the husband to lament: We are in trouble. We did not die of small pox epidemic in the town but we will now perish through this strange fire.Meanwhile animals of different shape and kind began moving towards them ostensibly to escape the fire but they stopped just before reaching them. ??All the animals stopped within fifty feet radius of where we were; and we were looking at them from a distance.??
    While they waited for the end something dramatic happened. Without any external effort or push the fire started going down and ultimately quenched. It then made a rainbow-like patch round about them. As soon as the fire totally quenched the beasts began to go one after the other without harming any of them.
   Three months later on 25th April 1904 she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. His birth was, according to the mother, accompanied by a portentous elemental vibrations,as they heard the sound of mighty thunder from above which reverberated from the East to the West and shaking of the firmament. Seven days later he was named Joseph Ayo Babalola, a name that would go with him and distinguish him from every member of the family as the only child who would not bear the Rotimi family name. At the naming ceremony which followed there was, it is said, an abundant provision of bush meat to hunters who marvelled at the way it was easy to catch the games.
  The signs of God?s call were already on him from childhood and the parents observed these. He was unusual. His younger sister remembers in an interview:
He would say certain things that were clearly above the wisdom and imagination of anyone of his age. Even when playing with other children, he would sometimes behave unusually and his parents observed all these things and kept them in their hearts.
 When little Ayo was 3years something strange again happened which the father spoke about. He was found one day looking intently at the sky with concentration and loving admiration. Concerned and surprised the mother asked him what he was looking at so intently.
  ??Can?t you see what I?m seeing???
 ??I can?t see anything.??
  ??I?m looking at the King of Glory.??
Also at the age of 7 years he was offered a piece of meat that had been sacrificed to idol by the grandmother, an item which she had brought from an idolatrous ceremony. But Babalola rejected it with a resounding rebuke to the old woman: ??Mama ye jebo yeye?? ( Grandma, stop eating sacrifices). That resulted in the old woman becoming a Christian before her death. All these were the first evidences of an apostle in the making, a carrier of God?s supernatural power.
He was a different breed. Even when with other children he was distinct. As another family member remembers, ??He was not an ordinary child. He was unusual, Godly and meek.??

SPIRITUAL LIVING IN A SECULAR WORLD!

SPIRITUAL LIVING IN A SECULAR WORLD!

            Right from the time Christ Jesus died and resurrected, the battle and struggle of life was transferred from a physical-spiritual to a full scale spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12). Our fore-father fought with bow, arrow, sword, dagger, but the battle of the present time is a battle of spiritual violence (Matt 11:12)

            It is pertinent that the enemy is fully aware of these, while children of God the kingdom are busy with ceremonial worship and celebration service. All we hear today in our church is money, meetings anniversary etc. we are busy dancing at the battle field with our weapon of war already in the hand of the enemy (2sam 1:25; 27). That`s why we can no more dictate to our environment again. It is the environment and worldly passion dictating the trend of event. They dictate the clothe we wear, the kind of education they want for us, work ethics etc

            And the church that supposed to be a life boat for the Nation are now the one being ridicule, and controlled by the gentiles. We have forgotten that we have a God that can control king’s heart like streams of water (Prov. 21:1)

            Gentiles have taken control of key position with their religious witchcraft pervading all sector of government. In times like this what can we do? * Let everyone go back to God in repentance, take your relationship with God with all seriousness. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon (Isa. 55:7) The scriptures says put on the full armor of God so that we can stand our ground in the days of evil (Eph6:13).

            Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil`s schemes. For our struggle (fight) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the FULL armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand. (Ephe.6:10-13)

My brother and sister the evil days has come in our very eyes, such that without the full amour of God its practically difficult to Live a victorious Christian living.

            With the way the church is serving God, it is very pertinent to say only the very few will eventually make it to that street of gold {Heaven}- for as the lighting flashes from the east and shines and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the son of man be…. And they will see the son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory….

            Now learn a lesson from the fig tree, when its branches bud and its leaves begins to sprout, so you know that the summer is near… So also when you see these signs, all taken together, coming to pass, you may know for a surety that He is near, at the very doors… As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the son of Man… Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other will be left behind. Watch therefore, give strict attention, be caution and active, for you do not know in what kind of a day your Lord is coming, whether near or remote.

            Do you want to be among the very few elect, repent all known and unknown sin, and go back to God in full repentance, forsake all your sins and start living a consistent Christian Living without looking at anybody. We do this by keeping our eye on Jesus, the champion who initiate and perfect our faith (Heb 12:2)

I believe we shall meet in heaven if you did!

Shalom.

                                                                                                                     ---Abayomi Olalere

A Broken Reed

A Bruised Reed ‘He will not Break…’

Isa 42:3  A bruised reed shall he not  break,  and the smoking  flax  shall he not quench: he shall bring forth  judgment  unto truth.

Part 1

            A reed is a slender plant of about 0.9millimeters; it is a very delicate plant easy to break with just a moving wind. And despite the fragile nature of this plant, it is of immerse benefit such as our water treatment i.e Phytoremediation water treatment. It is also good in thatching of roofs and in making Iran & neigh of musical instrument. It is not suffice to say that the numerous part of a reed can be prepared for consumption most especially when grounded into powder can be made into flour.

            With all these benefits, a reed plant is not without its limitations and weakness. The greatest weakness in a reed plant is its fragile stern. This is the description used in the scripture to describe the character of our great intercessor [Jesus Christ]. It says ”a bruised reed will He not break”.

            A reed is liking to a plant at the mercies of its tenderer, it can easily be broken with a slight blow of wind on it. This pictured a life that can easily be broken or disturbed by a slight emotional stimuli. A life that can be easily manipulated, broken and battered by happening in his/ her environment

            Have you ever seen yourself as a reed plant? You have been broken in heart by many unfaithful friends and relationships! Jesus is saying, He has not giving up on you!”. You will not break completely, He has the power to make you grow and bud again. Even though you have been wounded by many of life challenges and unpleasant situations. He has not giving up on you. Jesus is the greatest repairer of life, He has the power to mend and make your life better again and again, and all you need to do is to come boldly unto Him.

            As a reed plant is a potential musical instrument, so also your reed (life) can still bring that sweet melodies again. It can still be useful as thatching roof of protection and defence for your family and church. Moses was drawn out of the water where his mother had placed him in a reed basket to save him from the death that had been decreed by the Pharaoh against the first born (Exodus 2:10). As a reed is useful for boat making and can float in the most turbulent of water, your life boat can still float again in the midst of the ranging water of life.

            Remember what the scripture says “He uses the foolish thing of this world to confound the wise”, people may count you foolish, useless and good for nothing, even your family (parent), friends and even fellow believers may not see anything good in you. Be glad that you have a great intercessor who will not break you by reason of your weakness!

            You are the kind Jesus came for! Those that are whole need not a doctor, He came to the world for the weak, to make you strong by His resurrection power.

                                                          --Abayomi Olalere 

The Prize No Man Can Pay You!

YOUTH DIGEST

The Price No Man Can Pay You

Just as the beginning of everything is not an issue compared to the end of it so also is the beginning of a man’s life not a matter but how well he has finished his course in life. Everyone is created chaste, pure, undefiled and unviolated but not everyone sustains that precious gift which has been freely and equally given to all. God has wrapped and given everyone on earth the gift of VIRGINITY (from birth) both male and female. When a man marries a lady as a virgin, the price he cannot pay her is that of her virginity and vice-versa. The word virginity is very vast and is not only limited to sexual virginity alone as considered in this context. As a matter of fact, what is virginity?- This can be defined as a state of NEVER had sexual intercourse.

Of a truth, as for females/ ladies who still keep themselves right from their first experience of menstruation (the pains during their periods, the money spent on relief tablets and sanitary pads, your determination that “ I will preserve and endure this for my husband! ”) up to their wedding night, which man can pay them this price? As for brothers who through sexual urges, the temptations from Delilahs on destiny-destroying missions even at first sight, overcoming masturbation and the likes and professing that “NO! I will keep myself for the wife-to-be of mine” which woman can pay you this price?

The question now comes----since you now know that virginity is gold, a treasure, a pride and a gift from God, why should you afford to lose yours before your wedding night?  Why do you want the pains you have endured years past during your menstrual periods not be appreciated by the right, God-given husband of yours after your wedding? God has sealed up a woman up with a measure of blood (hymen) to be used as a symbol of covenant (a covenant is not effective without blood Heb. 9:22) between her and her husband.

Every female/lady makes a covenant with the first man that breaks into her private part (a blood covenant). Who did you made yours with? Many threw up this worth of theirs on a platter of a plate of meal at Mr. Biggs, Tantalizers or boutique. Some their password is N2,000, N10,000, to some it is sweet words coupled with romantic text messages,while to some it is Blackberry with Android phones. How will you allow someone from nowhere to break your WORTH to shatters? You never paid for this, why not appreciate it by guarding that your virginity with ALL CARE! Ah! Why can’t you see that sex is beyond a five minute thing?--  IT IS A COVENANT!!!, my brother, my sister.

Let’s look through the bible;

2 Samuel 13:18—‘And she had a garment of diverse colours upon her for with such robes the kings daughters THAT WERE VIRGINS APARELLED.’

This is to say that in the days of old, the virgins have a dress code which brings them dignity, honour and pride. This lady, Tamar, tore this the moment she was defiled—No more fit.

Leviticus 21:14—A widow or divorced woman or PROFANE or a HARLOT, these shall not take; but he shall take a VIRGIN of his own people to wife.

This is for the priests. That is to say a violated, defiled lady, someone who had had sexual intercourse before cannot have the assignment of being the wife of a man of God (except for Hosea (Hosea 1:2) under divine instruction). Why don’t you strive to keep that FREE gift given to you, even till the end? Dinah was a virgin before she was defiled (Genesis 34:2). We NEVER heard of her name again in the bible. Be not deceived by the fallacious saying that ’Practice makes Perfect’ not in sexual relationship where EVERYTHING is at stake. Do not be deceived by the saying ’You Use What You Have to Get What you Want!’ What you have is PRICELESSLY INCOMPARABLE to what you want, so don’t LOOSE IT. Your background is not sufficient to keep your back still on the ground please. KEEP YOUR VIRGINITY FOR HIM OR HER. Ask for grace to withstand pressures from every side. The bible says ’You are a poor specimen if you cannot stand the pressure of adversity.’ (Proverbs 24:10 TLB). Why should you turn your private organ to a public organ? Why should you because of N5,000 a man will offer you for a night with him then turn yourself to a piece of bread in his eyes? Many promising children that are to come forth from you, you have claimed their lives untimely with your aborting pills! Are you not a murderer? Simply because of your lack of self control, you killed a promising child in exchange for your N2,000. Ha! Is this fair? That you don’t have money today does not speak of your wealth tomorrow, my sister!

You brother, why do you want her to add your name to her list of men she has conquered! That promiscuous lady will not just conquer you but take your glory and establish a blood covenant with you. Be careful!

You have lost yours (your virginity)? Never mind, turn to Jesus and forsake your old ways of life, break every ungodly relationship you are into and cry to Jesus for a restoration. He will restore the spiritual virtues of your virginity to you. He has a provision for people like you. (2 Cor. 11:2)

Probably, you don’t even know Jesus the redeemer, or you know him but He doesn’t know you? He died for your sins to restore you back to himself. Confess your sins and make Him your Lord and saviour NOW! Read Romans 8:1. God Bless You!

When the Honoured Becomes Dishonoured!

THE PAIN  OF  AN  HONOURABLE  MAN

"And Jabet(Igabes) also, he is Othniel, honourable and skilled in the law beyond his brethren, whose mother called his name Jabets(sorrow maker), because she had borne him with sorrow. And Jabets prayed to the God of Israel, saying, O that in blessing thou wouldest bless me with children, and enlarge my borders with disciples; and that thy hand may be with me in business, that thou mayest make me like to my companions, that evil concupiscence may the less grieve me! And the Lord granted that which he prayed for."(I Chronicles 4:9-10.CHALDEE TRANSLATION)

Message 1: When the Honorable/Skillful Becomes Dishonoured

The destiny of Jabets came with that of honour.it was a glorious destiny from the throne of God the father of life. The foundation of his life from heaven was good and pleasant. His land was well situated but the water emanating from his it was bitter (KJV, Exo. 15:23, Ruth 1:20) and unproductive.(NIV,2King 2:19).

He had everything to be great and do well. Many complimented and praised the stuff/ability he was made up of. There is hardly anything that Jabets don’t know. Yet it never made any difference in his life. He had every ability to be different from his brothers but they were prospering better than him. Suffice to know from ancient account that Jabets was a very skillful man in law, music, and business according to history. Yet he lived a grieved and miserable life.

Resemblance

Am talking to the reader of this script. It is you am talking to: This may be a semblance of your life and present situation. You have every ability to make a difference among your peers. There is hardly any skill you don’t know. You are an all-rounder, yet it’s not bringing you any good. You have more honourable ability,with people giving complement of your effort and what you know. Some says ‘that man is talented and skillful’. Yet you are living in penury. Others tell you as a lady ‘that sister is a wife material’, and yet men running after you are useless men that don’t even deserve you. Despite the ‘wify’ material in you, no good men has ever ask your hand in marriage except the one that will use and dump you.

You’ve gotten every certificate, skills and professionalism, yet your contemporaries are doing far better than you. You’ve gotten everything to live a life of honour, yet you are being dishonoured. People around you have started calling and describing you by your problem, like the woman with the issue of blood, blind Bartimaeus (Mark I0:46), Sarah the old barren woman (Genesis 16:1), the poor Jabez (I Chronicles 4:9) etc.

Wrong Name the Beginning of Trouble

Jabez mother gave him the name in relation to the circumstances that surrounded his birth. The name he was given laid a bad precedence and foundation for his life and destiny. Thank God she even gave him that name that made him to be able to trace his problem. To some people their original cursed name was given by their mother in the labour room when no one is there, but only changed to a better one during the naming ceremony.Though they were latter called sweet names like Joy,Marvelous,miracle ctc but their life those children lives negate their sweet names.This is because the original name was given long time ago.

 Words spoken at birth has a far reaching potent force and influence on the life of that child. Women in child labour-room should therefore be careful with this. The beginning of sorrow for many children today started from words spoken by their mother during the period of labour. An example of this in the scriptures was the woman who gave a name Ichabod[‘the glory is departed’ in I Samuel 4:21].God has given women a greater authority to bless or curse a child during labour. Words spoken at this this time has a long way to go in the life of the children they are given birth to. Hence we need to encourage women in labour not to allow the labour pain overwhelm them to curse a child. Majority of the problem we see in many lives today were as a result of the bad foundation spoken during the period of child birth…

Stop Reading and sincerely pray this prayer now:

-Every pain that has been with me oh Lord from my birth. Lord God of Jabez remove them today and turn my pain to gain.

-Every curse and pain that has made my honour to be dishonoured. Lord remove them today.

-Every name I have been branded with by men that is affecting my destiny. Dear Lord change them today by fire.

The beginning of sorrow for Jabez was when his mother ignorantly gave him a name contrary to his heaven-given destiny. Jabez researched into this, and tired of what was happening in his life and he cried to the God of Israel….If only you can only break lose from you contentment and pray today. Your situation shall be changed and turn around for good….GOD BLESS YOU!

Next Time On Spirit Word:

                                -When You Ought Not to be Silent: The Cry You Must Cry…

                     

For Prayer Request and Prayer send to the editor on olabayor@gmail.com or +2348036336269.