Category: Discipleship & Training

ANNOUNCING Arise & Shine Motivational Workshop half day (pm) 5th May 2018 & New Unique Creative e-commerce

We are pleased to present to you our upcoming, not to be missed workshop & unique/exciting Creative e-commerce with links to blogs built in:

1. 5th May 2018 half day (pm) Arise & Shine Motivational & Prophetic workshop in London, England

for information & your free ticket click

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arise-shine-prophetic-motivational-workshop-tickets-44341499619

To be part of our community, please like and follow us on Facebook Tabernacle -Arise & Shine Prophetic & Motivational Workshop.

2.Beautiful Feet Creations Shop: creatively glorifying God through what we wear, accessories, household goods/our decor check out our unique store.

https://Creations-Shop.com

Offer: no shipping costs at checkout payable by customer for items between 1-5lb in weight.

Blessings Deborah x

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ARISE & SHINE PROPHETIC SEMINAR 11th February 2017 9am – 1.30pm London England 

 DIVINE APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR DIARY ON 
#ariseandshinepropheticseminar:

Arise & Shine Prophetic Seminar

“pulling IDENTITY & DESTINY out of God’s people by combining prophecy,
inspirational teaching & motivational training”

Date Saturday 11th February 2017

10.00am – 3.30pm

Venue: City Temple Church, Vault Room, London, England

We all have potential to excel in whatever we do, be it our secular careers, hobbies, volunteer roles or ministry for Christ.

Do you desire

1.your God given creative gift, learnt skills or hobby to materialise into a

blessed social act or volunteer role or a lucrative business or entrepreneurial venture?

2. to tap into the God given potential deep within to make the right

career, church ministry choices, changes and advancement?

If any of the above resonates with you/interests you, then this seminar is for you. You may simply need a fresher, a forum to think things through or gain clarity.

Do not miss out what God has in store for you especially at the beginning of the year, which is like the morning of a new day when God speaks to set the course of the day for His glory.

You were born for such a time as this. In the bible, Joseph’s gifts and Hiram’s skills made room for them, and God intends that for you too. Take it from someone (Host, Deborah) who has experienced God’s immense faithfulness in her walk with Him.

ARISE & SHINE PROPHETIC SEMINAR

Date Saturday 11th Feb. 2017

10.00 am – 3:30pm

Venue: London, City Temple Church, Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2DE London

SPEAKERS
 *Deborah E. Nyamekye, Host, Prophetess, Life-skills trainer/teacher

*Prophet Billy O’meara
A member of the prophetic teams of
Christian International Ministries, Europe

*Apostle Michael Farkas

Prophet Billy and Apostle Michael head the Prayer Chair ministry based in Brighton. It is a Gospel sharing, prayer & prophecy evangelistic outreach in and train others nation wide to have similar ministries. Website: www.prayerchair.org

*Ms Waynett Peters is the CEO of Extraordinary Achievers and the recipient of two awards:
-Inspirational Entrepreneur of The Year 2014
-Entrepreneur of The Year 2014

Ms Waynett will be giving us her testimony of how having lost everything, God by His power and might strengthened her through hard times and restored her to her present uplifted state. She is currently very successful and joyful in pursuing her destiny as a business entrepreneur and attributes who she is and all she has to the Most High God. You won’t want to miss her remarkable testimony!

Ms Waynett says “Extraordinary Achievers are those that stop at nothing and aim at everything. Outstanding Individuals that would like to make a difference in others”.

Check out her website: http://www.extraordinaryachievers.co.uk/

HURRY EARLY BIRD RATE APPLIES!!!
Seminar Cost: early bird until 25th January: £15.00
From 26th January & at the door
Price: £20.00

(PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU REALLY WANT TO COME BUT CANNOT AFFORD IT – CONTACT ME – YOU CAN GIVE A DONATION TOWARDS VENUE/CHARGES & STILL COME!!!)

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME:

1. Worship & prayer
2.Teaching*
Deborah Nyamekye

(Break)

Michael Farkas

3.Workshop:

In Full Bloom exercise with discussion & feedback

Facilitation & exhortation by Deborah Nyamekye

(lunch break)
4.Worship/ Prayer

5.Teaching*
Billy O’meara

6. Exhortation & prayer
Deborah
(Delegates participation in prayer)

7. Worship & prophetic encouragement ministry

Prophetess Deborah, Prophet Billy & Apostle Michael

Note* : The teaching & exhortation will focus on any of the following areas: prophetic identity, destiny and holiness, wholeness in Christ.

For your ticket, please go to https://www.bearwitness-forerunner.org/
Bearwitness Forerunner Ministries website

For queries, please email:
admin@bearwitness-forerunner.org

GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOU FULFILLING YOUR DESTINY!

Deborah says “The predestined call to ministry in the Body of Christ, including the call to be a writer (blogging & being a contributing writer to two online magazines), author and an entrepreneur are prophetic fulfilment, not only from words I received myself from God but from prophets who do not know me.

The aforementioned is a fact, but I was serious about pursuing my destiny and apart from going to church, I went to conferences, personally resolved to walk closely with God come what may! undertook discipleship & prophetic activation training. I also taught myself by the guidance of the Holy Spirit how to self publish my 5 books on Barnes & Noble and Amazon on line (e-books available, paperback underway) and learnt to create my own websites and two blogs.

I give glory to God for being nominated on two occasions for blogger awards, one being the Versatile blogger award. I have lately also started an online business and will be offering from 2017 consultancy services to those wanting to self publish e-books & paperback books as I did. There is no end to the ripple effect of blessedness God’s visionaries bring to the Kingdom.”

Many people do not know or are unclear about their career path or ministerial call. They not only need prayer but also forums or teaching and training sessions where they can learn and receive counsel as well as hear from God in various ways.
This is also why I have a passion to teach, train and encourage people that God is not only real but He is concerned about you knowing and fulfilling your predestined destiny. You have what it takes to excel in all areas of life. His plan is that we will be whole spiritually and naturally and a benefit to families, communities and nations”
While motivational tools are important, holiness (elements: obedience, repentance and forgiveness) is key which is why this forms part of the core teaching at Maranatha Encounter Ministry seminars.

God knows what we need but He often calls for partnership and tests us to see how far we will go to yield to him for His plans to manifest. He will honour every step we take with Him to make us who He has predestined us to be. Attending a Maranatha ministry seminar is one such step.

Deborah believes that the In Full Bloom Motivational Exercise she will use as a training tool was inspired by God and the feedback received from the July 2016 Seminar is an affirmation of this. Delegates were greatly impacted and blessed and said so.

To read their feedback or testimonials on the front page of the website click (scroll down) www.bearwitness-forerunner.org

This is what Deborah says about the In Full Bloom Motivational Exercise:

“This God inspired exercise I produced is a powerful inspirational prophetic tool to enable a pair to help each other effectively match their gifts, talents and skills with the most appropriate or suitable career, church ministry or volunteer work pathways for them. Individuals are awakened to the fullness of their God given capabilities as never before and are encouraged to pursue goals that encourage them to utilise their capabilities to the maximum.

Each person is encouraged through the exercise to use their gifts of discernment/intuition, wisdom, knowledge and prophecy with the person they are paired with. They will be surprised at how God can use them for others in this type of exercise more than they ever thought. They may also discover God given gifts which have lain dormant or they did not know were there”.

HURRY EARLY BIRD RATE APPLIES!!!
Seminar Cost: early bird until 25th January: £15.00
From 26th January & at the door
Price: £20.00

(PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU REALLY WANT TO COME BUT CANNOT AFFORD IT – YOU CAN GIVE A SMALL DONATION TOWARDS VENUE/CHARGES & STILL COME!!!)

#maranathaencountersministry

Trending for 5 weeks 5 Part Series – Plain Speaking & Counsel Articles

Plain-Speaking-1Plain Speaking & Counsel Series:
Articles to challenge, inspire and encourage you in your Christian walk.

Every Sunday for 5 weeks starting 21st August 2016.
I post on Online Magazine: My Trending Stories at https://mytrendingstories.com/profile/deborah-esther/

My 5 Part articles themed as PLAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL.

(Plain Speaking in writing ? It’s a style or manner of writing as in speech: direct, outspoken, bold, frank and blunt)

PLAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL I : The question of failures/affliction – is it always the fault of the devil, me or both?

PLAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL II: The question of friendships; Acquaintance, close/inner circle friend or none of the above!

PLAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL III: Gotcha! Traits of the Enemy within; Self Idolater, Idolater & Self-Dependence.

PlAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL IV:
Seeking sustained “Apple of God’s eye” victorious Christian living?Use the Primary Davidic Key.

PlAIN SPEAKING & COUNSEL V:
Close Friends by Divine Appointment.

God bless Deborah ✝

 

NOTE STARTING 5 Part Series – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose & Oneness with the Father on My Trending Stories click to follow https://mytrendingstories.com/profile/deborah-esther/

Dear all,

In honour of Jesus the Messiah, for our meditation and reflection, over the next 5 weeks on a Wednesday starting today, I will be posting teachings/devotionals entitled “Jesus’ identity, Purpose & Oneness with Father” in My Trending Stories, an online magazine whose team of writers I joined (having been asked) a couple of weeks ago.

If you are new to my blog, you would have missed this series of March 2016 on this blog (still available, check March posts).
You won’t want to miss these teachings, often styled as inspirationals or devotionals to give further insight or revelation into

who Christ is, his relationship with God and us.

Please check my blog here or follow me on My Trending Stories (in fact I invite you to follow me there! as I may be posting new articles there not on this blog)

https://mytrendingstories.com/profile/deborah-esther/

Part 5 (5 Part Series) – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose; Oneness with the Father

Jesus, One with Father- Part 5: Emmanuel “God with us”

sermon_emmanuel_header_dec_2014

“Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23 KJV)

EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US – RECONCILIATION OF MANKIND WITH GOD.

It was God’s love and concern for mankind which compelled Him to send Jesus, who is a revelation of “God with us”, Emmanuel. Jesus is the one who makes people holy through his suffering and death. He became one with or the “brother of” those who were bring sanctified by him. Jesus became like his brethren in his role as a merciful and faithful high priest able to help those tempted and make it possible for them to be reconciled with God.

“Jesus, who makes people holy, and all those who are made holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus isn’t ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Since all of these sons and daughters have flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood to be like them. He did this so that by dying he would destroy the one who had power over death (that is, the devil). In this way he would free those who were slaves all their lives because they were afraid of dying.   So Jesus helps Abraham’s descendants rather than helping angels. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters so that he could be merciful. He became like them so that he could serve as a faithful chief priest in God’s presence and make peace with God for their sins. Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.” (Heb.2:11, 14-18 NOG)

The Apostle John stated it simply as “God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NOG)

EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US – A REVELATION THROUGH HOLY SPIRIT.

1God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3[Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.4[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.5God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.”
(Psalm 46:1-5 KJV)

Jesus prayed for the Father to send his disciples (John 14:16) the Holy Spirit, who is depicted in New Testament scripture as living waters. Many including myself have a revelation of the “river” in Psalm 46 as the Holy Spirit. The “river, the streams whereof shall make glad” the people of God, who are His dwelling or “city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High” (KJV). The New Living translation of the bible states that the river “brings joy to the city of God”.

When one has the joy of the LORD, one has the life of God because His joy is an outflow of His life imparted to anyone who belongs to Him so that they can live and labour for Him.

God is with us through Christ. He is our refuge. Despite the rage of heathens and kingdoms against God’s people some of which are happening today, God always speaks into such situations and gives us peace or stillness in our hearts regardless of the situation (Ps.46:6-11 KJV). Nehemiah who was faced with continues intimidation and provocation from those opposing the re-building of the walls of Jerusalem was able to use words such as “…the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10) when addressing the people. When we read the account of the opposition Nehemiah went through, we can see that if but for the strength of God enabling him to administer wisdom and stay bold he would have easily backed down.

What “earthquakes” or shaking “mountains” are you experiencing in your life today? Let the joy of the Lord, from the River of Life be your strength. Stay in fellowship with God in the Spirit.

Jesus was the giver of life which includes joy in his ministry on earth and was determined to continue doing so as a Comforter or parent even after his ascension this is why he

1.Asked Father to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18 NIV)

2.Told His disciples to remain in His love (which is abiding in the life of God) and the way to do so is by obeying His command. This is how to have the joy of the LORD within.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9-11 NIV)

Jesus also said to his disciples
1.“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63 NLT).

This is why we must let the Word of God dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16). Living a Christ centered life means that the Word of God, the Bible is where we turn to for wisdom and how to live holy lives.

The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of Prophecy”. He knows the mind and will of God and imparts it to us (1 Corinth 2) and also testified of Jesus, reminding us of his spoken words or teachings (Rev 19:10/John 14:25-26)

2.“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. (John 10:10 KJV).

Through Christ therefore, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear…”  (Ps. 46:1-2) whatever the thief (Satan and his agents) comes to do. 

EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US – UNITY OF BELIEVERS  

One of Jesus’ missions which is to unite believers in him is the subject of his intercessory prayer to God on their behalf. The purpose of their unity is expressed in Jesus’ prayer (John 17:21):   “I won’t be in the world much longer, but they are in the world, and I’m coming back to you. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me, so that their unity may be like ours…I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. (John 17:11, 21)

To conclude, let us give thanks and praise to God our Father that because He came in the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ we have His abundant and eternal life. The coming of the Holy Spirit, the River of Life, to indwell believers in Christ on the day of Pentecost and thereafter is as though Jesus never left the earth. Through the Holy Spirit therefore, Jesus’ life as Emmanuel or “God with us” during his public ministry until his death, burial and resurrection still continues to this day and will continue until His Second Coming.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, be reminded that the Holy Spirit indwelling you means that God is with you. As part of the Body of Christ world wide “the City of God” a people with God in them, living lives together in christlikeness, you are called in unity with others and individually to be a testimony of the goodness of God or the blessings of the kingdom; “Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NIV).

We who believe are assured a place in paradise at the end of the age, meanwhile, may we obey Jesus’ new commandment:

“Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. …34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:33-35 NLT)

 It is therefore worth keeping in mind the fact that it is not merely being a part of the Body of Christ or the Church that testifies that God is with us, but the act of unity and love for one another regardless of gender, race, nationality or social class status. This will prove to the world that we are indeed children of God and that indeed God is with and in us.

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed!

Deborah Esther
©Deborah E.Nyamekye 15/12/2015

(posted on 15/12/2015 and 28/03/2016)

Part 4 of 5 Part Series – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose; Oneness with the Father

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Jesus, one with Father – Part 4: El Elyon, Most High God & Elohim, God “Builder of all things”

As I read the biblical book of Hebrews chapters 1-3, I noted the revelation of Jesus as El Elyon, (creator, possessor of the whole universe, the Most High God) was evident through the writer’s account. I could also see him as Elohim, the (God;”builder of all things”). I have written a discourse in this regard below incorporating other scriptures to affirm points I make, but Hebrews chapters 1 to 3 are the key scriptures.

A. EL ELYON (CREATOR, POSSESSOR OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE, MOST HIGH GOD)

1. Jesus and God are one;

“His Son is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of God’s being. He holds everything together through his powerful words. After he had cleansed people from their sins, he received the highest position, the one next to the Father in heaven.” (Heb.1:3 NOG)

In Hebrews Chapter one, God referred to Jesus as himself (Heb. 1:8) and also in another sentence as belonging to Him (Heb.1:9).

8 But God said about his Son, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter in your kingdom is a scepter for justice. 9 You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong. That is why God, your God, anointed you, rather than your companions, with the oil of joy.” (Heb. 8-9 NOG)

The above confirms what Jesus spoke about his deity, that
-Jesus and God are one (John 10:30)
-if his disciples have known & seen him, then this means they have known and seen the Father (John 14:7,9).

Paul said of Jesus “…God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity…
(2 Corinthians 5:19 NOG).

2. Jesus’s Character and what he does is descriptive of God’s character and what He does: Jesus’s character as one who loves righteousness and hates sin or iniquity is descriptive of that of God. (Heb.1:9)

3. In Hebrews chapters one and two, we read about the author of Hebrews reference to Jesus as creator and saviour in a manner that brings to mind the names of God; Adonai ( the Sovereign God of all) & El Elyon (Most high God, creator, Possessor of the whole universe):

God also said “Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth. With your own hands you made the heavens.(Heb.1:10 NOG)

“10 God is the one for whom and through whom everything exists. Therefore, while God was bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was the right time to bring Jesus, the source of their salvation, to the end of his work through suffering.” (Hebrews 2:10 NOG)

The scriptures in Hebrews particularly Hebrews 1:3 and 2:10 resonate what is written in many biblical verses identifying Jesus as God, the creator, Saviour who manifests His presence and glory as the Light of the world to overcome a dark evil world.

Christ Jesus is God “Incarnate”, meaning that as the Son of God, Jesus took on bodily form but he did not stop being deity (John 1:1,14). He said of himself “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe me because of the things I do. (John 14:11 NOG)

Other scriptures are as follows;

“The earth and everything it contains are God’s. The world and all who live in it are his. (Psalm 24:1 NOG)

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark.” (John 8:12 NOG)

“1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was already with God in the beginning. Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him. He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. 5 The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.” (John 1:1-5 NOG)

Jesus said of himself “All of God lives in Christ’s body, and God has made you complete in Christ. Christ is in charge of every ruler and authority.” (Col. 2:9-10 NOG)

B.ELOHIM (GOD; “THE BUILDER OF ALL THINGS)”

“Brothers and sisters, you are holy partners in a heavenly calling. So look carefully at Jesus, the apostle and chief priest about whom we make our declaration of faith. Jesus is faithful to God, who appointed him, in the same way that Moses was faithful when he served in God’s house. Jesus deserves more praise than Moses in the same way that the builder of a house is praised more than the house. “ (Heb. 3:1-3 NOG)

Moses was faithful “ when he served in God’s house…” and “Jesus is faithful to God, who appointed him” however “Jesus deserves more praise than Moses “ as he is the builder of the house of which Moses and his people are a part. (Heb.3:1-3). Jesus is the builder of the kingdom of God or the Church “House” because He is God.

“After all, every house has a builder, but the builder of everything is God.Moses was a faithful servant in God’s household. He told the people what God would say in the future. But Christ is a faithful son in charge of God’s household. We are his household if we continue to have courage and to be proud of the confidence we have.” (Heb. 3:4-6)

What should one do to belong to the House of Jesus, or God. vs 6 “if we continue to have courage and to be proud of the confidence we have.”

What does this mean? We are encouraged to
1. Be steadfast in faith or confidence as well as proud in having Jesus as our Lord and saviour.

2. Not live in unbelief which bears the fruit of disobedience or rebellion;
But rather to obey God’s voice so as to enter into His rest which is His plan for all believers.

Most of the Israelites who had left Egypt did not enter the promised land, but rather died in the wilderness because they hardened their hearts in unbelief and therefore disobeyed God (Heb. 3:15-19 ). We are advised that if we hear God’s voice, unlike these Israelites, we must not harden our hearts and rebel but rather we should receive His words with faith (Heb.3:7-11).

It is faith that compels us to obey. It is evident that God’s rest is not just about having His peace or a trouble free life but it is about allowing Him to guide us in our “wilderness” life-paths so as to “enter Canaan” or receive His promises.

My sincere prayer is that these Devotionals on Jesus’ oneness with Father God will enrich your Christian faith. Also that it would whet your appetite for further revelation and insight into the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as you abide in him and seek to know him more and more.

“7However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.8Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ. 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

“that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; 11if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:7-12 WEB)

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed!

Deborah Esther

©Deborah E.Nyamekye 14/12/2015

(posted on 14/12/2015 & 24/03/2016)

Part 3 of 5 Part Series – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose; Oneness with the Father

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Jesus, One with Father- Part 3: The Bread of Life, Jehovah Jireh

Is there something you lack? I have a message for you today, while you may not have everything you want our Heavenly Father gives you all that you need. What you need is necessary for your survival or can determine whether you will live or die whereas what you want is not necessarily a priority or a matter of life or death. God is more concerned about giving you all that you need as a priority than what you want. Our God is Jehovah Jireh, the only one who can provide you with what you need and in this context I will emphasis on God as a giver of provision, Jehovah Jireh in the Old and New Testament.

Abraham was obedient to God when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). He started preparing to kill Isaac and had the fire and wood ready, he bound up Isaac and placed him on the altar. Just before he used the knife on his son, God gave him a ram as a substitute. Abraham called that place “The LORD will provide..and to this day it is said ‘on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided’ (Gen. 22:14 NIV).

God’s instruction was just a test (Gen. 22:1) which Abraham passed “And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me.” (Gen. 22:12 KJV)

Can we honestly say that we live a life as Abraham did understanding the ways of God to the point that when we are in the midst of a crisis in which God requires us to sacrifice something we really love:

1.We call the act of sacrifice worship? Abraham told his servants to wait for him and Isaac while they went up the mountain to worship the Lord (Gen. 22:5).

2. Follow through with sacrificing what we feel God is calling us to however hard it is knowing that God has a glorious plan through it?

Did Abraham discern this command to kill his son was a test and so was determined to pass it by following through with the process of starting a fire and then raising his knife to kill Isaac?

I believe so. Abraham had so much faith in God supernaturally intervening in this act of “worship” he even told the servants “we will come back to you” (Gen. 22:5) note the “we” not “I”.

As Abraham may we always be on the “mountain of the Lord”, that place of intimacy with Him such that everything we do in obedience to Him is an act of worship unto Him.

May we also have the following attitude: if whatever I give up is returned to me by the Lord then “praise the Lord”, if it is not then I still say “praise the Lord”, for God is in absolute control and knows what I need and what is best for me for the fulfillment of His plans and purposes for my life.

There are spiritual and natural blessings and rewards God will release only after we have proved ourselves to be obedient to His commands.

Jehovah Jireh provides us with what we need. God provided Isaac to Abraham as a means to ensure His promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations or a means through whom nations will be blessed would come to pass.

Isaac was the promised son given to the world from God through Abraham. Likewise Jesus is the promised son given to the world from God through Abraham’s descendants Mary and Joseph, specifically the God chosen royal lineage of David which Joseph is a descendant of.

When Adam and Eve sinned, God was grieved that His most favoured creation, created for fellowship with Him would desert Him through disobedience.

God our merciful Father, even when He pronounced punishment on Adam and Eve for their disobedience to Him (read Genesis 3) also pronounced a means of escape. This means of escape was Jesus Christ, God called him (Genesis 3:15) the “seed of the woman” that will crush the head of the serpent (Satan).

Here we see that at the beginning when all things were created the seed of the woman, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is spoken of as being already victorious in spiritual warfare for the sake of mankind. He was destined to arise on earth to overcome or defeat anything birthed by Satan.

Let us meditate on the following: Jesus is written of as being the Word who was in existence and with God “in the beginning” of creation and came to dwell among men on earth (John 1:1-14). By and for him things were created and “he is before all things” (Col. 1:16/17). Another evidence that Jesus existed before the foundations of the earth was that he was the Lamb that was slain by whose blood the heavenly warriors in God’s camp (Michael and the Angels) overcame Lucifer the fallen angel and his hordes (Rev 12:11).

Jesus Christ the Messiah is the provision descendants of Adam and Eve need to make peace with God through reconciliation to a place of fellowship with Him. This is why Jehovah Jireh who knows and desires to meet the needs of His beloved creation sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of the world (John 3:16).

JESUS WAS BROKEN FOR MANY, SO WE WOULD LIKEWISE BE BROKEN FOR MANY.

Jesus told the men who were seeking him (John 6:24-29) after he performed the miracle of multiplication of loaves and fishes not to labour for “meat” that perishes but for the meat that endures unto eternal life which he, Christ would give them.

He was speaking this way because he knew their motives, they were not seeking him because of the miracles of God, but because of the food he gave them to eat. Jesus however wanted them to understand the futility of life without God; He is the provision “meat” they needed for eternal life or their salvation. In order to do the works of God they needed to believe in him whom God sent.

That we will always say and be instruments of God to lead others to say what the crowd replied “Lord always give us this bread” (John 6:34 KJV).

Jesus said that Manna, the food God gave to the Israelites when they were in the wilderness was not the true bread from heaven, but he, Jesus is because  he is the bread of God that came down to give life to the world (John 6:32-33)
Jesus also said “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 KJV)

When an individual accepts Jesus Christ the “Bread of Life” as Lord and Saviour, God’s predestined plan for their lives as an instrument to bring eternal and abundant life (John 10:10/11:25) of God to multitudes is made possible. This plan is their Abrahamic inheritance because as a believer in Jesus Christ, they are called to be a blessing to nations.
“And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal 3:29 KJV)

GOD IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST: JEHOVAH JIREH IS THE BREAD OF LIFE

Brothers and sisters, here is the great mystery and cause for us who believe in Jesus Christ as our precious Lord and Saviour to rejoice, that God himself came as our much needed provision in the person of Jesus Christ!

While Isaac and Jesus Christ were both given by God and for the purpose of mankind’s need for redemption, Isaac was a human being called and chosen by God, while Jesus Christ was God himself.

Yes Jehovah Jireh gave Himself as the ultimate and once and for all sacrifice for the sins of mankind when He came to earth as the sacrificial lamb (Rev 12:11) or “seed of the woman” (Gen 3:15). The provider became the provision or means for redemption.

He who had no sin became a curse or a sin for sinful man. (2 Corinth. 5:21)

Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person (Heb 1:3 KJV).

God was in Christ reconciling the world back to himself (2 Corinth. 5:19).

The angel’s announcement to Mary as to how Jesus would be conceived, by the Holy Spirit (who is God) overshadowing her, affirms who Jesus was
“35…The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35KJV)

Let us always have at the forefront of our minds, the true nature of Jesus Christ, not only as the Son of Man or “child” “born into us” but also as the Son of God given unto us (Is. 9:6) “Given” because he existed before creation and is God Himself. God came down Himself as a Man of War for the sake of inhabitants on the earth warned by Michael and the Angels following their Victorious warfare in heaven when Satan and the other fallen angels were cast down to earth (Rev. 12:11-13).

We can rest assured therefore that as they overcame in heaven by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony, so too every believer in Jesus Christ who resolves to live a life of obedience and trust in God will overcome.

We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37)

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed.

Deborah Esther
©Deborah E. Nyamekye 13/12/2015

(posted on 13/12/2015 & 16/03/2016)

Part 2 of 5 Part Series – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose & Oneness with the Father.

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Part 2: Jesus, One with Father – The Good Shepherd, Jehovah Rohi

One of the descriptive ways that Jesus expressed how he and Abba Father are one is when he said “I am the good Shepherd…” (John 10:11 KJV). He was describing himself as such as a means of teaching and encouraging those who had accepted him as their “Rabbi” or Lord and Saviour at the time and of course for believers in him like you and I thereafter.

The characteristics of the Good Shepherd we read about in John 10 are not only Christ’s but God’s also as evidenced in His relationship with Israel. The principles God used in relating to Israel are prophetically the same as those He uses in relating to believers in Jesus.

As God “made His own people [Israel] go forth like sheep” (Ps.73:52 NKJV) through the wilderness, so in the person of Jesus, he leads us, His children as sheep in our life path.

” [God] guided them in the wilderness like a flock…He led them on safely, so …they did not fear…” (Ps. 73:52-53 NKJV).

Jehovah Rohi begins Psalm 23 “The LORD is my Shepherd”; It is a combination of the personal name of God, Yahweh (or Jehovah) with His descriptive name Rohi meaning “My Shepherd”. This name speaks of God caring for his people practically and providing spiritual sustenance.

You may feel like you are in the wilderness, but don’t be afraid because you are actually going through it, rather than imprisoned in one place, for the Lord did not bring you out of “Egypt” of affliction or the kingdom of darkness to leave you in the middle of no where. As God did for the Israelites, He has a perfect plan to fulfill your destiny and answer your prayers according to His will.

The Israelites, God’s “Sheep” were suffering at the hands of pharaoh while in Egypt. God heard their cry and in His appointed time He sent Moses as their deliverer out of Egypt through the wilderness to Canaan the land God gave their forefather Abraham.

Do you at times wonder where you are heading in life? These questions pop into the heads of many a believer in Christ so you are not alone. However be encouraged for you too have a destiny in Him as one identified as His child. As soon as you were saved, God by His might placed you on a journey towards “Canaan”.

In the new covenant be reminded that safety in our journey of sanctification to be more like God and the fulfillment of our destiny is assured because Jesus has already purchased our redemption on the cross of Calvary.

God called you by name out of darkness or the realm of the “thief & robber” into His kingdom through the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

“…he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” (John 10:3 KJV)

Jesus also gave his life in exchange for yours.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11 KJV).

Meditate upon the magnitude of love God has for you which compelled Him to do such a thing.

His authority is given to us to rule and reign on earth. As ones empowers against Satan and his demons, we overcome curses and afflictions.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19 KJV)

God required His “sheep”, Israel to follow His leading by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21-22 NKJV), so too he requires you and I to follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and I’m known of mine”. (John 10:14 KJV)

“my sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand, my Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one”(John 10:27-30 KJV)

Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and recognise that it is him speaking and as a result follow his leading.

We have available to us spiritual gifts which Paul encourages us to desire (1 Corinth.12). A key spiritual gift is the gift of discerning of spirits.

The ability to discern whose voice we are hearing, our own satan’s or God’s has become increasingly more important because of the increase in false prophets, teachers and pastors. These come in disguise as the “Good Shepherd” speaking for God in public places including churches and set up their establishments to deceive as many people as possible.

These false shepherds are as the hireling who do not care for Jesus’ sheep and expose them to danger (John 10:12-13).

My prayer is that the LORD will always empower those who are truly His to always distinguish His voice from our own and all the many voices that speak to us attempting to command or instruct us to deviate from the will of the Father.

Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12), He is also the Word of God that existed before creation and came to dwell among men (John 1:1-14)
This is why Psalm 119:105:
“Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”(KJV)
sums up who Jesus is, the means through whom we not only go to the Father (John 14:6) but also through whom we are led to where Fathet is taking us.

In the absence of Jesus physically with us, we have the Holy Spirit of truth who among other functions, guides us and testified of Jesus, reminding us of His teachings. (John 14:26/16:13)

Brethren, as you can see we have all that we need to know the way we should go so as to fulfill the destinies God has predestined for us. Let us therefore always be zealous in our walk with God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this is the only way we will succeed in staying on the narrow way to eternal life.

“…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”(Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed.

Deborah Esther

(Click for Part 1: What’s in the name Jesus? Honouring the Messiah’s Identity & Purpose)
©Deborah E. Nyamekye 12/12/2015

(posted 12/12/2015 and 9/03/2016)

Part 1 of 5 Part Series – Jesus’ Identity, Purpose & Oneness with the Father.

Note: In honour of our Messiah and for our meditation and reflection, I will post each of the 5 part series every Wednesday until the Wednesday of week of Renewal Monday (which is the day after resurrection Sunday 27th March 2016)

Part 1: What’s in the name Jesus? Honouring the Messiah’s Identity & Purpose.

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We are first made aware of what name the Messiah was to be called according to the will of the Most High God when the Angel appeared to Mary to tell her she was chosen by God.

In Luke 1:31-35 we read the words of the Angel as follows “31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel[a] forever; his Kingdom will never end!”34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.”

As most Christians know, Jesus is the English name of the Messiah, our Lord and Saviour, who is central to our Christian Faith. Jesus is the name derived from the Latin form of the Greek name Iesous that is a rendition of the Hebrew name Yeshua which also has variants Joshua or Jeshua.

In Wikipedia we read that

-the name Yeshua is related “to the Hebrew verb root “rescue, deliver” and one of its noun forms, yešuaʿ “deliverance”.”

– “There have been various proposals as to how the literal etymological meaning of the name should be translated, including YHWH (God)saves, (is) salvation (is) a saving-cry (is) a cry-for-saving (is) a cry-for-help, (is) my help.
Yeshua was an early Biblical Hebrew name יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yehoshuaʿ which underwent a shortening into later Biblical יֵשׁוּעַYeshua`, as found in certain Hebrew texts”

Isaiah (9:6) was compelled by God to tell us the identity and purpose of Jesus in this manner:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

So when you say “Jesus” or “Yeshua” (God is Salvation) referring to our Messiah, you are actually coming in agreement with his identity and purpose as spoken by God through certain Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah.
You are also proclaiming his identity and purpose as mentioned in the New Testament as follows:
1.His oneness with God the creator.
Let us remind ourselves of scriptures that speak of the fact that Jesus and God are one
i. Jesus said (John 10:30) “I and my Father are one”.
ii.Jesus referred to himself as the “I Am” when he said “Before Abraham was, I Am” (John 8:58) in the same way God did (Exodus 3:14)
iii. Jesus “who being the brightness of [his] (God’s) glory, and the express image of his (God’s) person…(Heb. 1:3 KJV).
iv. Jesus “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature..”(Col. 1:15 KJV)

2. You are in agreement with what the following said about Jesus as they received from God or under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

i.The Angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary and said “31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33 KJV)

ii.The Angels who appeared to the Shepherds watching their flock at night:
” 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:10-14 KJV).

iii. Simeon a just and devout man who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” saw Jesus and “28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32 KJV) 34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.(Luke 2:34-35 KJV).

iv. Anna the prophetess who had been fasting and praying awaiting Jesus, when she saw him “she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38 KJV).

v. The Magi (wise men) from the east who came to Jerusalem looking for Jesus said “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matt.2:2 KJV).

vi. John who said of Jesus:
– “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2The same was in the beginning with God.3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.(John 1:1-5 KJV)
-He also said that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:9).

vii. Nathanael was impressed and surprised that by his words Jesus appeared to know him before he met Nathanael and so he said to Jesus “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel”(John 1:49 KJV).

viii. Peter who replied to Jesus’ question (“Who do you say I am?”) as follows “You are the Messiah, son of the living God”. (Matt 16:15-16 KJV)
As we can see our Messiah’s purpose and identity summed up in His name “Jesus” or “Yeshua” are expressed in scripture in various ways. I summarise above as follows:
God’s Salvation, Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Messiah, Son of the Living God, King of Israel, Light to the Gentiles, Glory of God’s people Israel, Lamb of God, the Word of God who became flesh, the awaited redeemer & consoler. A revealer of the thoughts & hearts of many as well as their rising or falling.

The significance of the name, Jesus cannot be under estimated. This is why the apostle Paul wrote “8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;11And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:8-11 KJV).

ANOINTED ONE
Christ is the English translation of the Latin Christus and Greek Khristos from the Hebrew word (Masiah) for Messiah meaning anoint. It was used as a title for Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus was anointed. He was the one whom the Spirit of God descended during His baptism and identified him as the beloved, well pleasing son of God (Matt.3:17)
Jesus spoke of His purpose many times affirming that indeed “God is salvation” but I highlight here one occasion, in the temple when he quoted Is. 61:
” Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 2:18-19 KJV).

A Poem I wrote in Honour of the Lord:

JESUS CHRIST

The Son of Man
a child born unto us
accursed for us.
A Lamb slain
with blood drained
on our sin
to set us free.

Fait accompli on a tree.

The Son of God
One with God
given unto us.
The Way for us
to
find God
know God
abide in God
become one with God.

Eternal life guaranteed.

Click & Enjoy this blessed song by Tasha Cobbs “There is power in the name of Jesus”

Next Wednesday 9th March 2016 to post Part 2: Jesus, one with Father -The Good Shepherd, Jehovah Rohi.

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed!
Deborah Esther
©Deborah E. Nyamekye 6/12/2015
(Posted 6/12/2015 & 2/03/2016)