THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 4, No. 20 – Monday, 27th May, 2019
(1 Sam.13:1-14, 2 Sam.24:1-25, 1 Chron.21:1-30)
THE SPIRIT AND THE MARK OF ERROR/MISTAKE

That nothing can happen to man whether positive or negative without the influence of either of two spirits is a fact of no deniable consequence. That there are benevolent and malevolent spirits is also a fact not existing in farce.
It equally remains a fact of incontestable spiritual soundness that there are only two sources of the existence of spirits: God being the source of all benevolent spirits and satan is the sole master of all malevolent ones.

That spirits of error/mistake occasion curses and that curses birth the actions of spirits of error/mistake cannot be a spiritual misnomer. That the error/mistake caused by wicked spirits can affect a whole nation although that error was caused by just a single man is a statement which does not exist in spiritual fallacy. For every known or unknown curse not canceled will remain active eternally. Did king David cancel the curses of Shimei? (See 2 Sam.16:5-14).
That to every problem in the life of a man there is at least a spirit attached to that problem and/or responsible for that problem, is as well a statement containing no falsity. This foregoing statement (and indeed the entirety of the aforesaid) were underscored by the content of Luke’s gospel in chapter 13:10-11.

Spirits of problems and negativities are real. If they are real as the premises of this piece of writing have so far established, then the fact that there are wicked spirits responsible for human errors and mistakes is wholly true.
The deeper fact is that these spirits are not only responsible for unexplainable mistakes in the ditch of which men finds themselves. They are equally responsible for explainable ones.
Was it not the spirit of error which led king David to number the nation of Israel? Ask King David the question whether he had any reason for his census and you will be amazed that he had no answers.

The target place of the spirit of error is the human thought. Spirits of error are very versatile in influencing thoughts and imaginations. They do so in order to steer man into unscrupulous action malevolent to man’s goodness.
Spirits of error deafen the ears and hearts of man from lending credence to good instructions. That was the case of king Zedekiah in the book of prophet Jeremiah. Despite years of arduous warnings, king Zedekiah refused to heed divine instructions until destruction took hold on him.
Spirits of error set marks on men so that anywhere they go there is a recurrence of every malevolent experience. Why is it that you uttered that statement at that moment when that statement was not needed? Why is it that it was the one sent to help you that you decided to pick offence with?

That wonderful relationship you once had, why did it break down irreconcilably? Was it truly your church who offended you or it is the spirit of error in action? Think of it, why are you regretting that action of yours?
Take your mind back to your first sexual experience, was it truly out of your conscious mind’s consent? What was your immediate feeling after the experience? Gory, isn’t it? Believe me, you were plagued by either the spirit of error directly or its mark placed on you.
Ah! what great disaster this wicked spirit has caused in the lives of many innocent people. It is therefore the moment of serious cry to heaven. Do not blame your friends. Rather blame your carelessness and the spirit of error that you are in that unpleasant situation.

Spirits of error trigger actions. For example, decisions sometimes taken by men which turned out to be regretful, are functions of wicked spirits. Why are you planning to leave that job, that accommodation, that church, that friend, that wife or that husband. Your parents experienced divorce and the same trend is bedeviling your marriage now.
Have you considered it in prayer by confronting rather the spirit of error? Spirits of error can spread lies through spiritual media only so that as soon as the affected party gets to know then he will be mistakingly moved to take a wrong step.

Is everyone pleading with you over your decision and your mind remains adamant? Very likely, the spirit of error is attacking that mind. Listen to what John Patterson quipped: ‘only fools and dead men don’t change their minds. Fools won’t! dead men can’t’.
The ultimate desire of the spirits of error are:
(1) to put man in perpetual bondage,
(2) to inflict regretful afflictions,
(3) to stop man from reaching and fulfilling divine agenda for his life and
(4) ultimately to destroy.

IN THE END, HEAR THE EVER RESURGING TRUTH: THE MORE AND MORE THAT YOU CONTAIN, AND HAVE LESS AND LESS OF GOD, THE LEAST ORDINARY YOU WILL END UP. AND AT LAST THE STORY WILL BE NON-ACHIEVEMENT, WASTED LIFE WHICH IS A FUNCTION OF WASTED TIME AND WASTED EFFORT. CHRIST’S POWER IN RIGHTEOUS APPLICATION THROUGH THE VEHICLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOLE ANTIDOTE TO QUENCHING THE DASTARD FIRE OF THE WICKED SPIRITS OF ERROR/MISTAKE. WILL YOU RISE UP FOR THE FIGHT TODAY?

Question and Answer Section:
Question: For how many times did the Jews warn prophet Nehemiah?
Answer: ten times.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact contactus@expressimageglory.com or 08098198155.
Donations and Financial Supports – Please support the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus by paying your hard-earned money to only this one account and no other: Express Image Glory Ministry, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Account number – 0020881228.
Further information: Be informed that this Ministry has only one Facebook page and no other. Any other Facebook page or bank account is counterfeit. Any Concerns or questions about this facebook page or bank account should be directed to the Administrator of this Ministry, the Assistive Technology Adviser or the Resident Pastor. The Superintendent Minister and Pastor of this Ministry therefore pleads and urges you to desist from all such fake and ungodly Facebook pages or accounts. Be informed also that there is only one medium for soliciting donations and that medium is via our weekly magazine – The Message Now through our Facebook page or website: 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: The Great Physician

PRAY NOW:
Cry onto heaven today for the detachment of the spirit and mark of error/mistake by and through Christ’s power.

EXPRESS IMAGE GLORY MINISTRIES

THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 4, No. 19 – Monday, 20th May, 2019
(Mark.6:31, 2 Sam.21:15-17)
STRESS

How so brilliant any dictionary may in more modern times be in defining the word stress, if that definition is without the inclusion of the fact that stress is a contributor to sudden death, such definition is certainly attractive but lacks merit and value.

The truth is we often underrate the destructive power of stress. The tale was told of that Ghanaian woman in the city whose name I am withholding for reasons of misconstruction and stigmatization. She had taken many shifts without a moment of rest at her place of employment where she worked as a ‘care worker’.

That unfortunate day, her ‘care organisation’ was short-staffed. Yet, this woman opted to take the shift. As soon as she rose up from her seat she suddenly collapsed and was immediately taken up dead. There was no cause attributable to her death other than stress.

From our second text, the Bible informs us that David waxed faint while at the battle front. The obvious questions are: Is a battleground a playground or a place to grow weary when one’s life could be at stake? Was the art of war a new thing to David? Again, was the question of old age which made him wax faint?

None of these question could have their answers in the affirmative. It then draws the conclusion that David could not have waxed faint other than for the reason of stress. Stress of being a king. Stress of managing the kingdom. Stress of attending to countless wives. The stress of Absalom, Amnon, king Saul, etc. Of course, the ultimate concern is perhaps king David never knew how to manage stress.

The Lord understood this. This is the reason he invited His followers to get into a given environment in order to get some rest as enunciated in our first text. The further truth is that embarking on too many activities without rest, without proper diet and without some form of rejuvenation diminishes mental alertness.

Worst still, some people adopt the strategy of taking sleeping pills in order to kill off stress. Such is most dangerous; if you continue to do that you would pass out from your sleep and you may never be revived back to life. Such is the death I call a nonsense self-inflicted death.

Stress is unnatural, it can only be killed off by its opposite that is, natural things. There is a dangerous thing which occurs during moments of stress. At certain stress level, an anti-depressant hormone called cortisol changes and becomes a depressant hormone.

At this point, any disaster can occur. What then is the solution to stress? Watch what doctors do to those who complain about depression. Doctors simply prescribe anti-depressant drugs. Why? The sole reason is to boost certain hormone which will help to counter the hormones responsible for depression.

Two of these anti-depressant hormones include: serotonin and endorphins. Any one who is always in the habit of eating banana is sure to be stress free and live a good life. Why? Because bananas contain tryptophan which is another anti-depressant.

Finally, what is God’s worry should not be human worry. Therefore, reject worry and rather pray. Eat good food and indeed such food that is well-balanced. Develop the habit of often smiling, happy and dandy. As I have noted somewhere, there are no better drugs than good food and good laughter.

My dear brother, you are the admin in your office. You are the same person sorting out the files of hundreds of people. You are also at top gear in the distribution of letters to several clients, not excluding members of staff too. The writing of the report is also done by you. Yet, you are the specialist in micro-waiving people’s food for them.

Hmmm! do you have time to pray in the office? Do you have your tea-break as at when due? Do you go on your lunch break regularly? Have you ever developed the habit of taking 15 minutes’ nap during your lunch break hour?

Ah! no wonder, your brilliant brain is not as sharp as it used to be! No wonder, you are not as handsome as you used to be! You now look like an old grandpa!. Please come of that thing my brother. Learn from the elementary knowledge of division of labour.

Dress happily to your taste and delight; it contributes to reducing stress. Think about sweet things in your heart. Imagine travels and picnics with your future wife and children. Be romantically holy in your thoughts.

Mrs. Stress woman. How is your marriage? Are you still in the habit of doing things the same way since you married? Can’t you develop new ways of romancing your husband. So, you are now old and groggy that you cannot communicate with your husband as you did in courtship days? Please bring reminiscing moments of your courtship back .

Avoid fizzy drinks all the time; they contribute little to you. Avoid fatty foods; embrace vegetables and fruits much more. Learn the habit of sprinkling properly washed fresh vegetables on your plates of rice meal.

Take out time to combine well-iced malt drinks with milk for an afternoon drink. Combine the liquid of well-squeezed ugu vegetables with milk and malt drink. They provide into your system such fresher red blood than any drug can.

IN THE END, “UNSTRESS” YOUR STRESS BY BEING HAPPY IRRESPECTIVE OF THE STORM. YOUR THOUGHT IS THE ANSWER AND THE PILLAR TO THIS SUCCESS. LET GOD AND LET GO OF THINGS YOU CANNOT HANDLE.

Question and Answer Section:
Question: What are the things or the people that stress you out? How can you intelligently deal with them?
Answer:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact contactus@expressimageglory.com or 08098198155.

Donations and Financial Supports – Please support the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus by paying your hard-earned money to only this one account and no other: Express Image Glory Ministry, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Account number – 0020881228.

Further information: Be informed that this Ministry has only one Facebook page and no other. Any other Facebook page or bank account is counterfeit. Any Concerns or questions about this facebook page or bank account should be directed to the Administrator of this Ministry, the Assistive Technology Adviser or the Resident Pastor. The Superintendent Minister and Pastor of this Ministry therefore pleads and urges you to desist from all such fake and ungodly Facebook pages or accounts. Be informed also that there is only one medium for soliciting donations and that medium is via our weekly magazine – The Message Now through our Facebook page or website: 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: Murmur Not
PRAY NOW:
1. O God, take over my worries.
2. The issues that get me worried, I say bye bye to you today.
3. O God, give me a heart that can relax in you.
4. Pray (the entire church) for the unmarried and troubled Christian homes.

THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 4, No. 17 – Monday, 6th May, 2019
(1 Chron.13:1-14 and 1 Sam.7:1-4)
THE MYSTERY OF THE LARGENESS OF OBED-ODOM AND THE LEANNESS OF ABINADAB

The Holy Bible informs us in the Epistle of Apostle and Saint Paul to the Romans in chapter 15 and in verse 4 that ‘all things written aforetime are for our learning’. Learning in this context imports two notions.
First is the notion of gaining knowledge. Second is the notion of applying any knowledge gained to personal and extended uses. The combination of these two notions is what makes learning an instrument of immense power producing outstanding results.

Where therefore knowledge is gained only but not applied, the result is merely dormancy and powerlessness. Learning paves the way for knowledge, Knowledge in turn illuminates the path for wisdom and understanding.
And through understanding vision is gained and vision is made clearer. The question is how does this analysis run in tandem with the topic of this edition. When the Holy Bible tells stories, it tells true accounts which teaches knowledge.
God, the author of the Holy Bible expects his students and subjects (that is the sons of men) to study that knowledge (2 Tim.2:15). But not only to study knowledge but equally to ‘rightly divide’ that knowledge.

The process of rightly dividing knowledge is the functional process of unravelling the knowledge; that in itself is application (Prov.25:2). More than this, The process of rightly dividing the knowledge of the Holy Bible makes us come to light with wisdom and understanding.

By rightly dividing knowledge therefore, the intellect is illuminated with a given vision to run with. The two texts of this edition tell us about two different men with the same divine encounters but with different results. Without much ado, their encounters spill out deep mystery and surging questions.

In the main, divine facts on the two encounters inform us that the Ark of the Lord was in the house of Obed-Odom for three months. For Abinadab, the Ark was resident in his home for twenty years. Indeed, for Abinadab, his son, Eleazar was consecrated as a priest to oversee the Ark.

Within the space of three months, the Ark had tremendous positive impacts on Obed-Odom , his finances and of course (without question) his overall family. For Abinadab (despite his son’s consecration) the Ark of the Lord did not record a single positive impact for twenty solid years.

What could be the reason for this somewhat differential treatment. Understand dearly beloved that God is not partial and He does not have favourites. But certain mysteries are being taught to us by God in the experiences of these two men for our learning.

Some of these mysteries include the divine facts that:
1.The state of any man’s heart will determine whether that man is an Ark of the Lord, or that man’s heart is a carrier of the Ark of the Lord or that man’s heart is not any of the two.
2.The state of any man’s heart will determine how far his/her prayers and offerings will matter before God.
Prayer is very delicate. If the heart of the one being prayed for is not right with the one offering the prayer, no matter how anointed that prayer is, the likelihood of a swift and a positive response can be quite rare and slow.
If your Ark (church) does not change you, does not add value to your life and does not reform or transform you in any way and such Ark (or church) does not point you in the direction of heaven, then change that Ark (or church).
If your Ark(church) does not change you but God is in that Ark, then it is you who needs to change yourself.
If God is inside your Ark (church) and you experience no change and then you choose to go into another Ark (church), be sure that you will end up worse than the previous Ark. Why? Because you are simply running from your shadow.
A man may be so close to the Ark (or be the prophet’s) right-hand man yet he may never benefit from the booties being made available by the Ark (or his prophet). Why?
He who does not know how to petition and live under the covering of his/her Ark (or God-given prophet) will end up as a Gehazi or Judas who served but earned nothing in the end.

Don’t forget that it was Jehu who in the end inherited Gehazi’s blessings. And it was Matthias who inherited Judas’ Bishoprick office (Acts.1:26)
Miracles are a function of faith and divine mercy. But understand that mercy trumps in the relationship between the two. For faith did not beget mercy. No. Rather, mercy produced faith in us. For while we had no faith and indeed was not yet come into and under the common wealth of Israel, mercy did marvellous things for us. In the same connection, Obed-Odom’s change of situation was by no means an accident. It was a function of divine mercy; the divine mercy which Abinadab could not obtain. But thank God for what the Lord has done which now paves the way to the throne-room of mercy (Heb.4:16).

If one never takes delight in showing mercy and doing things that attract mercy, Oh! such a person should really not expect mercy. For mercy reproduces mercy.
In the spirit realm, nothing can ever happen by mistake. It was not a divine mistake that the Ark went into the house of Obed-Odom and did the astounding and the outstanding. It was equally not an occasion of error that the same Ark found it way into the house of Abinadab and produced no effect. I prophesy upon the reader of this edition that every water of mercy that has dried off from your life shall resume its gushing flow again, in Jesus name. I prophesy again, you shall be anointed this month with fresh oil of gladness. And in the name of the Lord, this week, fresh dew of heaven shall fall upon you.

Sin and the Ark in one personalty is like a perfume bottle dispensing both stench and scenty smell at the same time. The two cannot be called fragrance but abomination.

What is your life dispensing? Partly stench and partly scent? Driving God away with the stench and drawing Him back with some sort of righteous tendencies? That is lukewarmness. Such cannot just work (Rev.3:14-16).

Many men’s discerning abilities have been long stolen by the enemy. This is the reason many do not sense the presence of their angels or recognize the moments of their divine visitation.

Think about Obed-Odom for a moment. This man had information that the Ark of the Lord had just killed Uzzah. Yet without protest, he welcomed the Ark into his house.

Was it because it was a commandment from the king? Absolutely not. Something else was going on in his mind. Afterall, he had a right to protest even against the king.

It is a mystery but equally true that it is possible for a man to have dwelling with the Almighty yet he does not recognize God. God is thus a stranger to such a man. Likewise, it is possible for a man to know God but God does not know him. These are matters of spiritual attitude, recognition and right positioning.

But there is yet more in the somewhat differential results got between Obed-Odom and Abinadab. What distinguished Obed-Odom and Abinadab was the lowly poor spirit of willing stewardship.

Consider the percentage ratio of three months to twenty years. Is there a point of reconciliation? Remember Hebrews 12:15-16. Failing the grace of God is not without consequences.
The grace of God will always be available to every man. This means that God will never fail to make grace available. But is it all men who make the best out of grace? Do not fail grace but rather seek it and let it flow in you and through you.

IN THE END, BEING LEAN IN ALL THINGS INCLUDING OUR FINANCES IS A FUNCTION OF THE LEANNESS OF OUR HANDS, HEART AND TONGUE BEFORE GOD AND TOWARDS MAN. YOUR LARGENESS THEREFORE IS A FUNCTION OF A LARGE HEART OF RIGHT DOINGS WITH AN EXPECTATION OF DIVINE VISITATION VERY SOON. FOR EXPECTATION BEGETS MANIFESTATION.

Question and Answer Section:
Question: Who are the two sons of Moses?
Answer: Gershon and Eleazar.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact contactus@expressimageglory.com or 08098198155.

Donations and Financial Supports – Please support the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus by paying your hard-earned money to only this one account and no other: Express Image Glory Ministry, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Account number – 0020881228.

Further information: Be informed that this Ministry has only one Facebook page and no other. Any other Facebook page or bank account is counterfeit. Any Concerns or questions about this facebook page or bank account should be directed to the Administrator of this Ministry, the Assistive Technology Adviser or the Resident Pastor. The Superintendent Minister and Pastor of this Ministry therefore pleads and urges you to desist from all such fake and ungodly Facebook pages or accounts. Be informed also that there is only one medium for soliciting donations and that medium is via our weekly magazine – The Message Now through our Facebook page or website: 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: The Old Rugged Cross
PRAY NOW:
1. Rededicate your life afresh to God.
2. O God, sharpen my spiritual eyes and discerning mind.
3. Mighty God, make me know the time of my divine visitation.
4. O waters of mercy and O dew of heaven flow upon me afresh.
5. I shall not be a problem to my Ark and O God, let not my Ark be a problem to me.

EXPRESS IMAGE GLORY MINISTRIES

THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 3, No. 22 – Monday, 28th May, 2018

(Gen.50:25, Exodus.13:19, Heb.11:22)
WHAT IS YOUR OWN ‘JOSEPH’S BONES’

In every journey of life with God, there are always landmarks, reference points or instances to hold on to. God puts those landmarks in place for the purpose of conviction and to sustain one through the period of waiting.

For the children of Israel, it was Joseph’s bones. That those bones accompanied them right from the start of their journey and knowing that those bones must be buried in the land of Canaan-promised land was an assurance that irrespective of the obstacles they will face, they would arrive in the land of promise.

Remember also that when Joseph died in the Land of Egypt, his body—bones was not buried but was embalmed (Gen.50:26). It means then that in order to carry his bones along their journey to Canaan, his bones needed to be exumed—which was exactly what the Children of Israel did.

So then, having exumed his bones, God’s intention became obvious. God intended their journey to be shorter knowing that should their exceed certain period of time those bones would begin to produce unpleasant odour, most uncomfortable for the congregation of the children of Israel. 

Continue reading →

Pastor Mike

THE MESSAGE NOW

Vol. 3, No. 20 – Monday, 14th May, 2018

(Zech.4:10)

THERE IS A BIG FUTURE IN THAT SMALL TODAY

Continue reading →

THE MESSAGE NOW

Vol. 3, No. 19 – Monday, 7th May, 2018

(Ps.103:6-14, Is.49:15)

‘TELL THEM THAT I LOVE THEM’

Continue reading →

THE MESSAGE NOW

Vol. 2, No. 21 – Monday, 22nd May, 2017

 (Luke 11:37-44, 12:1, Job.8:13, 13:16, 15:34, 27:8, 34:30, Mark.7:6, 12:15-16, Matt.7:5)

THE HELLISH BREAD

There is no dainty so sweet; neither is there any pastry so succulent and pleasurable as the subtle bread baked from the biggest oven in the biggest bakery which stands at the centre of hell. 

This is the subtle and succulent bread called hypocrisy.

What eaters of this subtle bread from hell’s finest bakery don’t know is that their companions at the dinning table where this bread is being consumed are the dead. 

How? Proverbs 9:17-18 tells us: ‘stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depth of hell’. The express implication of the foregoing Scripture is twofold. One is the clear expression of the subtle nature of the sin of hypocrisy. Two is the fact that committers of the sin of hypocrisy will eventually dwell in hell and eternally partner with hell-bound citizens in the very end.

The sin of hypocrisy is the trigger of associated sins. How? Hypocrisy is so terrible to such degree that men commit the sin whilst committing other sins. No wonder the Scripture says: ‘speaking lies in hypocrisy, and having their consciences seared with a hot iron’ (1 Tim.4:2).

Hypocrisy is a speedy killer of human conscience. But beyond the mystery of being the trigger of associated crimes and sins, there is yet another mystery about hypocrisy. Do you know that you can be an honest person by personal principle and yet you are a hypocrite? The story below will further expatiate this point.

Continue reading →