THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 3, No. 6 – Monday, 5th February, 2018
(2 Sam.2:12-23, 2 Sam.3:6-39)
RELAXING AFTER VICTORY IS THE SUREST ROUTE TO MONUMENTAL DISASTER
Has Matthew chapter 13:25 ever raised a spiritual alarm in you at any time? It reads: ‘But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way’. Do you understand this Scripture other than from the prevalent perspective? The thematic message often derived by so many Christians about this passage of the Scripture is the message pointing towards the direction of the enemy’s wickedness. More often than not, the thought of implicit examination of the sower, who himself went to sleep when the next duty after sowing was supposed to be the duty of watching over the things sown, never comes to our spiritual consciousness.
Therefore, understand this spiritual mystery dearly beloved that: moments after victory is gained are the most dangerous moments because you never know what the plan of the enemy is by way of retaliation.
Have you noticed that it can sometimes turn out to become a great disaster to retire from praying when a sick fellow begins to heave a sigh of relief? Sometimes, that moment of retirement is that time the enemy visits with his last but most fiery assault. This strategy of the enemy from old times remains unchanging. Abner the son of Ner suffered the same fate in today’s text. Understand that just as most human enemies are often bitter because of their defeat, so also is the situation with spiritual forces. Put in more simpler language, retaliation is the order of the day after a battle is lost by the enemy.
Therefore, preparedness, constantly hiding behind the cross of Christ, being soaked in the pool of the blood of Jesus, being compassed about with the shield of holiness and keeping the sword of the Spirit ever on the firing line is the sole surest panacea of continued victory after one victory is won, not relaxation.
Indeed, the greatest problem of man about relaxation is that relaxation has been programmed by man to fall into the wrong hours. How so blissful it would have been if relaxation was an assignment of the day and not the night. For as you know, forces and powers are more concentrated at night. A battle cry therefore raised during the night steers up uncommon confusion and disarray in the enemy’s camp. The spiritually sleepy man is unalert and unprepared. Like Matthew chapter 13:25, for such a man the good that some days of prayer and fasting have garnered will easily be corrupted, delayed or even completely hindered.
Therefore, understand dearly beloved that there is no victory won except the victory that is enjoyed. For until a victory is captured in the physical realm and enjoyed by the rightful owner, all revelations and confirmations about such won-victory is but beautiful theories existing in the spirit realm.
I have received a great lesson of life from a great Man of God: Apostle William F. Kumuyi. This great Apostle was astutely clear: ‘I know satan doesn’t sleep; and satan knows too that I don’t sleep’. What a strength of character? Is it not time to pray and ask the Father in heaven to neutralise and drain out of our lives satanic spiritual sleeping pills? Has Express Image Glory Ministries ended its prayer and fasting and its workers and members now sleeping? Is your sword now well-tucked into its scabbard? Do not allow the victory you have won to be rubbished by the enemy. Abner the son of Ner forgot that the victory over Asahel was yet a burning bitterness in the heart of his brothers: Joab and Abishai’s heart.
Abner therefore returned to Joab unguarded and without his sword. What then resulted? Joab pretended with guile and struck Abner down dead in Abner’s fifth rib. Ah! Express Image! You have rested a few days after fasting. Let us get back to praying. The enemy has never been happy and not now.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I rebuke the reverse-gear experience in your life and in my life. What the enemy has purposed or is programming for you and me this year shall not stand. It shall be onto the enemy for evil as they design it for you and me.
IN THE END, LIFE IS A CONSTANT AND CONSISTENT BATTLE. WHO ELSE WILL BE THE LAST MAN STANDING EXCEPT THE STRONG AND THE VIGILANT. 2018 IS A YEAR FOR ONLY THE STRONG AND VIGILANT. WILL YOU BE THAT LAST MAN STANDING FOR CHRIST?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Counselling, Prayers and Appointments: All counselling and prayers and appointments to see any worker including the pastorate must be forwarded to the following e-mails only: contactus@expressimageglory.com and residentpastor@expressimageglory.com
Donations and Financial Supports: Please contact the following e-mails: accounts@expressimageglory.com, residentpastor@expressimageglory.com
ALTAR CALL:
Backslidden – living in sin – needing fresh recommitment (say):
Christ Jesus, You are the Anointed One of the Most High. I come to you today as I am. In your mercy, help me out of my situation. Heal my soul, my spirit, my body, my life and my destiny. I acknowledge you as the only true lover of my soul. Please, deliver me on every side and save me through and through. I promise from the depth of my soul to be yours from henceforth, in Jesus name. Help me now O God. Be my Lord, my Saviour and my all in all from this day. Thank you Lord (read Psalm 54 in closing and pray more).
HYMN: Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus
PRAY NOW:
Pastor Mike
