EXPRESS IMAGE GLORY MINISTRIES
THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 5, No. 35 – Sunday 6th September, 2020
(Is.36, Is.37:1-38, esp. verses 36-38)
UNUSUAL WORSHIP DURING ADVERSITIES BRINGS ABOUT UNUSUAL VICTORIES AND UNUSUAL PROSPERITY
Is there really nothing to learn from this unusual man called Sennacherib? He was a mighty king of an empire called Assyria. Suddenly, he was at war with the tribe of Judah headed by king Hezekiah.
By all human standards, king Hezekiah was no match to him. But nevertheless, he approached Jerusalem, the capital city of the nation of Judah with a troop of 185,000 soldiers. By the start of war at daybreak, victory was certain for him. But by that same break of day, something different had happened.
His entire troop had been murdered by a single angel. In fear, in unusual loss and tragic sorrow, Sennacherib fled back to his land. Then something specially shocking happened. He went into the house of his god, not to complain nor to weep, but to go and worship his god. What a bad man but also one who had unusual faith in his god.
Have you ever been angry against God? Have you ever cursed God because of your situation? Then it is time to repent. Remember this fact that God can never be the same as satan. It is impossible for the Almighty to share the same attributes with the devil. So, there is no point equating Him with the evil one.
The times of adversity cannot but come. Their purpose for coming is to present us with prosperity should we be found ready. This is why the best response in times of adversity is the celebration of God and His awesome power. Because two opposites will always produce a reaction or a provocation at the least. How and what does this mean?
In the moments of sorrow, should its opposite like joyful praise becomes the response, God then is always moved to spring excellent surprises beyond human imagination.
But do you know that like God, satan too treasures worship and praises. By turning his interests away from sorrow but rather resorting to the worship of his god, Sennacherib was directly provoking his god into action against Judah. Had the Almighty not caused him to be killed by his sons at that spot, something most grievous would have happened.
Do you doubt this? If you do, then turn with me into the account contained in 2 Kings from chapter 3 reading from verses 1-27. It is an account concerning the king of Moab who, like Sennacherib, was defeated in battle. In order to provoke action from his god, he sacrificed his first son to his god.
The Bible then made a shocking statement that following that act of sacrificial worship to his god, unusual rage was aroused against Israel (see 2 Kings.3:26-27). . Unusual rage?! Yes! It is all a function of the power of praises and worship. Praises/worship are more potent than prayers in producing results.
Praises/worship produces answers and response from God more than the most fervent prayers. Praises/worship feed God, and thereby strengthens Him. Scrutinise the heart-felt, fervent prayers of prophet Daniel in Daniel chapter 9 through to chapter 10, notice that there was no moment of praises in those fiery prayers.
Reading between the lines, the question becomes necessary. Should praises have been included, would the prince of Persia have been able to halt the angels bearing the message of God for Daniel for those 21 days? For, do not praises triumph over all forces? I conclude then that prayer is a travailer whilst praise is a prevailer.
IN THE END, PRAYERS ARE VERY NECESSARY. BUT GO THE WAY OF PRAISES MORE AND MORE OF THE TIME. WITH PRAYERS MAN WILL BE FULFILLED BUT WITH PRAISES MAN WILL BE MORE FULFILLED.
Question and Answer Section
Question: The great questions again! When was the last time that you preached to any soul? Do you serve God with joyful heart or with reluctance? How much hurt is in your soul against that fellow? Won’t rather forgive them and forget their mischief so that you can rightly serve your loving Father? When was the last time you smiled genuinely and truly from your heart about yourself bearing in mind the bright days to come? when was the last time you heard a force praying within your belly without your consciousness? When was the last time you gave some thing to support God’s work apart from your tithes and offerings? When was the last time you supported any man to fulfill a divine or a personal agenda? When was the last time you put smile on the face of someone?
Answer: Hmmm!.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact contactus@expressimageglory.com Alternatively, meet us every Sunday at the address below:
Suit 26, 2nd Floor, Nikky Africana Plaza, 70C Allen Avenue, Opposite UBA/MTN Office, Ikeja, Lagos.
Further information: Be informed that this Ministry has only one Facebook page and no other. Any other Facebook page is counterfeit. Any Concerns or questions about this facebook page should be directed to: contactus@expressimageglory.com
The General Superintendent Minister of this Ministry therefore pleads and urges you to desist from all such fake and ungodly Facebook pages. Our website is: www.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 Ps.54 in closing and pray more).
HYMN: Count Your Blessings
PRAY NOW:
1. Repent for failing to praise God in the good and in the bad times.
2. Turn the hand of the Almighty into action now with quality praises/glorious worship.
3. Present your personal petitions.
