Power For the Next Level

 

Power means “ability or opportunity to do something”. 

“Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the LORD said to him: ‘You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1).

God said to the children of Israel at Horeb, “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain” (Deuteronomy 1:6). Like Israel, many of us have dwelt long on where we are now. It is high time we moved on to the next level.

You don’t move to the next level of life until you have possessed the territory where you are now for God. The power to dominate one level or another comes from God. From Genesis 1:26-28, we realise that God has given us power and dominion. When we understand our kingdom mandate or authority, then we can move by faith to possess where we are and then proceed to the next level. Our prayer must be for renewed power and strength to possess where we are now, before we can move to the next level.

WHAT IS THE NEXT LEVEL?

Where is the next level? What does the next level represent? The next level may mean a higher level of calling God has for you. The next level is a higher responsibility from God. For Joshua, the next level represented the unconquered territories meant for the remaining nine and half of the tribes of Israel. (Joshua 13:1,2). Two and half tribes had got their land East of the Jordan, but the rest tribes were yet to get their own land West of the Jordan. The remaining land were to be possessed by conquest. To move to the next level, we must be ready to fight for our allotments and inheritance.

THE KEY TO THE NEXT LEVEL IS FAITH

You can only get to the next level by faith. Caleb moved to the next level of his life by faith. In Joshua 14:6-11, it does appear that Caleb was at one level for 45 years. But in verse 12, he was now ready to move to the next level. Then, he said to Joshua, “give me this mountain…” He proceeded to conquer and possess Hebron. The next level is already beckoning at us. All we need to do is move by faith to possess the next level God has for us. You already have the power for the next level in you. The Angel of God said to Gideon, “go in this might of yours.”

THE REMAINING SEVEN TRIBES

When we get to Joshua 18, seven tribes are still to be assigned with territories. In this chapter, Joshua reprimands the remaining tribes for not taking steps to possess their allotments. He then gives them with clear instructions on steps they should take to move to the next level.

In addition to faith, to move to the next level also requires strategy. Moses gave the children of Israel a strategy with which to possess the unconquered land. “Pick out from among you three men for each tribe, and I will send them; they shall rise and go through the land, survey it  according to their inheritance, and come back to me…You shall therefore survey the land in seven parts and bring the survey here to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God” (Joshua 18:4-6).

THE NEXT LEVEL FOR THE CHURCH

For the Church, the next level represents the unconquered areas of the Seven Mountains of our society. Each one of us may be in one of these mountains. The mountains or spheres are:

Education, Politics and Governance, Economy, Business and Commerce

Media, Arts, Entertainment, Religion, Family.

We can start by possessing and influencing our own spheres of influence for God. From there we can proceed to the next level.

Dealing with Satanic Arrows

 

Dealing with Satanic Arrows

In the realm of spiritual warfare, the concept of “evil arrows” is both biblical and relevant to our walk with God today. Evil arrows are one of the enemy’s devices, and we must not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. Understanding the nature of these spiritual arrows, their origins, and how to counteract them is crucial for living a victorious Christian life.

What Are Evil Arrows?

Evil arrows are not physical projectiles but spiritual attacks aimed at our minds, bodies, and spirits. These arrows can manifest as sudden sickness, unexplained fears, financial turmoil, relational discord, or any number of destructive events that seem to strike out of nowhere. They are targeted assignments from the enemy meant to derail us from our divine destiny, sow doubt, and diminish our faith.

Psalm 91:5-6 warns us, “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” This scripture clearly identifies the arrows that fly by day—spiritual assaults that come at us when we least expect it.

Where Do Evil Arrows Come From?

Evil arrows originate from the kingdom of darkness, the domain of Satan and his demonic forces. The enemy, knowing he is already defeated by the blood of Jesus, still seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

These spiritual attacks can be launched through various means:

-Curses and Hexes: Spoken words, often by those dabbling in witchcraft or occult practices, can become spiritual arrows aimed at believers.

Negative Words and Criticisms: Words carry power. Negative declarations, gossip, or criticisms spoken against us can open doors for these spiritual attacks.

-Fear and Doubt: The enemy capitalizes on our fears and doubts, using them as entry points for his arrows. If we allow fear to take root, it becomes a launching pad for further attacks.

- Sin and Disobedience: Persistent sin or disobedience in our lives can give the enemy legal ground to attack. It’s crucial to stay aligned with God’s will and repent quickly when we miss the mark.

How to Stop Evil Arrows

The good news is that we are not defenseless against these spiritual attacks. God has equipped us with mighty weapons to stand firm and extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). Here are key strategies to stop evil arrows:

Put on the Full Armour of God: Ephesians 6:10-18 outlines the spiritual armor we need. The shield of faith is specifically mentioned as the means to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Daily, we must gird ourselves with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.

Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is a powerful weapon against spiritual attacks. Be vigilant in prayer, covering yourself, your family, and your circumstances with the blood of Jesus. Declare God’s promises over your life and stand in faith.

Use the Word of God: Jesus Himself used the Word to counter Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). Speak scriptures out loud that affirm God’s protection, provision, and promises. The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Walk in Holiness and Repentance: Keep short accounts with God. When we walk in holiness and quickly repent of any sins, we close doors the enemy might use to attack. Confess your sins and receive God’s forgiveness, standing in His righteousness.

Stay in Fellowship: Isolation makes us more vulnerable to attack. Stay connected with other believers who can stand with you in prayer, offer support, and provide godly counsel.

Worship and Praise: Worship shifts our focus from the problem to the Problem Solver. It creates an atmosphere where the enemy cannot stand. Praise confounds the plans of the enemy and brings us into alignment with God’s presence and power.

While the enemy may send evil arrows our way, we have divine strategies and spiritual weapons to not only withstand these attacks but to thrive in the midst of them. Stay vigilant, stay prayerful, and stay rooted in the Word of God. Remember, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

David prayed in Psalm 144:6: “Flash forth lightning and scatter them; shoot out Your arrows and destroy them” (NKJV).

If you don’t shoot God’s arrows, the enemies will shoot their arrows. “Put yourselves in array against Babylon all around, all you who bend the bow; shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD” (Jeremiah 50:14 NKJV).

If you don’t get the enemy; the enemy will get you! Shoot down the enemy and his arrows will fall off his hands just like Ezekiel 39:3 says. “Then I will knock the bow out of your left hand, and cause the arrows to fall out of your right hand” (NKJV).

Conclusion: Shoot the arrows of God by your prayers, decrees, and declarations, and let the enemy fall like David slang the stone and Goliath fell on his face to the earth (1 Samuel 17:49). You won’t be a victim of the enemy’s evil arrows in Jesus’ name. The deadly arrows of God will destroy the enemy operating in darkness in their hiding places. Begin to shoot the arrows of God!

TAKE ACTION!

#LatterRain

Disgracing Evil Patterns

       

Disgracing Evil Patterns

Evil patterns are negative cycles or destructive behaviours that repeat from generation to generation. These patterns can manifest in different forms—poverty, sickness, broken marriages, untimely death, and more.

The Bible addresses such issues as generational iniquities or curses that can affect a family line, but the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can be delivered from these evil patterns.

UNDERSTANDING EVIL PATTERNS

a) What are Evil Patterns?

Evil patterns are recurring negative events that follow a predictable cycle, often seen within family lines or personal lives. These patterns can be financial struggles, health issues, or relational breakdowns that repeat across generations.

Sources of Evil Patterns:

Evil patterns often stem from ancestral curses, spiritual covenants, or unbroken iniquities that persist due to unconfessed sins or spiritual ignorance (Lamentations 5:7).

The Influence of Generational Curses:

The Bible speaks about the sins of the fathers visiting the children, indicating how patterns of iniquity can pass from one generation to another (Exodus 20:5). However, in Christ, we are given the power to break free from these curses.

Biblical Example: The Israelites suffered generational iniquities until they turned back to God for deliverance.

IDENTIFYING EVIL PATTERNS IN YOUR LIFE

a) Recurrent Failures:

Do you notice a pattern of failure in specific areas of your life—businesses failing at the same point, relationships breaking down in similar ways, or constant health problems?

b) Patterns in Family History:

Often, evil patterns are identifiable by looking at the family tree. Is there a history of untimely deaths, poverty, barrenness, or addiction that seems to affect multiple generations?

c) Spiritual Discernment and Prayer:

Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to discern if a particular issue in your life or family has its roots in spiritual bondage (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Biblical Example: Gideon realized that his family had an evil pattern of idolatry, and God instructed him to tear down the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27).

BREAKING FREE FROM EVIL PATTERNS

a) Repentance and Confession:

One of the most powerful keys to breaking free from generational curses and evil patterns is genuine repentance. Confess your sins and the sins of your forefathers, seeking God’s mercy and deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14).

b) The Power of the Blood of Jesus:

Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the curse of the law, giving believers authority to declare freedom from every generational curse and evil pattern (Galatians 3:13-14).

c) Prayer of Deliverance:

Intense, persistent prayer is needed to break free from spiritual strongholds. Pray specifically against the evil patterns you’ve identified, using the authority of God’s Word (Matthew 18:18).

Biblical Example: Jabez prayed a specific prayer for deliverance from the evil pattern of pain in his life, and God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

4. MAINTAINING DELIVERANCE

a) Living a Righteous Life:

After breaking free from an evil pattern, it is important to walk in righteousness, staying close to God through prayer, studying His Word, and living in obedience (Isaiah 1:19).

b) Renouncing Evil Alliances and Agreements:

Many evil patterns persist because of covenants, oaths, or spiritual agreements made by previous generations. Renounce any ungodly ties to ancestral practices or spiritual connections that may keep these patterns alive (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

c) Spiritual Vigilance and Warfare:

Continue to engage in spiritual warfare through fasting, prayer, and declaring God’s promises over your life. The enemy will attempt to reintroduce old patterns, but through vigilance, you can maintain your victory (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Biblical Example: After being delivered from evil, the Israelites were commanded to avoid the practices of the nations they conquered, ensuring they did not fall back into old patterns (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).

- You must determine to change the pattern or enforce a change on the cycle or pattern e. g Jacob Matt 11-12.

You must break up from the habit you’ve gained from your Pedigree

​You must say it out that your case is different from the usual occurrence from your background.

-You must possess the spirit of a fighter I.e battle the matter in the place of prayer.

​you must fight to win and to break up your cycle. Isa 25: 3-4,Isa 10 :27

​when you make up your mind to be strong , God will be your refuge in the storm.

​when you are ready to fight the enemy,

God is ready to fight the enemy and he will supply strength to you.

-Engage the power of His Spirit to brake the cycle. Act 10:38, Rev 12:11, Zach 9:11 -Engage the power from the blood of Jesus

​Engage ​the power from the word of God -Involve the power of fasting Isa. 40:31

It is possible to be free as if the devil does not exist if you can fast and pray .

CONCLUSION:

Evil patterns are real, but they are no match for the power of God. Through the blood of Jesus, we have victory over every generational curse and evil pattern. Today, as we pray and declare God’s promises, every evil pattern in your life and family will be broken, and you will walk in the freedom Christ has given.

The Law of the Spirit of Life

 

                                                          The Law of the Spirit of Life

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬

The Spirit brings life. That is, the divine law imposed by the Spirit imparts life—an everlasting spiritual vitality. Jesus likened this to “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). We have truly been “made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, NKJV).

The love of God is like air for us. We need it to live and the Holy Spirit gives it to us.

God’s love inspires us to trust him, be our true selves, and tell others the good news. When the love of God captures your heart, you will no longer use words like “debt,” “duty,” and “responsibility” to describe your Christian walk. Living religiously is a drudge, but living righteously becomes easy when we are empowered by the Spirit of the Father’s grace.

When you were born again or put into Christ, you received his Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. The Spirit of Christ poured out the Father’s love and set you free from the law of sin and of death.

• The law of the Spirit of life is liberating.

You can activate and function within this higher spiritual principle through three main practices:

Walk According to the Spirit: Habitually aligning your daily decisions, actions, and habits with the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than fleshly desires.

Set Your Mind on the Spirit: Focus your thoughts on spiritual things rather than worldly or carnal concerns, which naturally results in "life and peace".

Acknowledge Your Freedom: Rest in the finished work of Christ, recognizing that you are no longer under condemnation or the dictates of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17 :- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ezekiel 36:26 :- I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

The law of the Spirit of life refers to the rule or influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As new creations, we get to live in union with the Spirit of Christ, and the main way his influence is felt is through the outpouring of the Father’s love in our hearts.

Walk and Work in the New Law by Love!

2023 Prophetic Perspective: Engr. Sam Ezeokoli

 Welcome to AD 2023: The Year of Total Victory

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

(I John 5:4-5)

Victory as it is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary means to conquer, overcome, and prevail, and that is exactly what God wants in His children. From Genesis 3:15 to Revelation 15:2 God has promised that the Saints will prevail. Satan is destined for the Bottomless Pit and desires to take as many souls with him as is possible. We are in a battle for our very souls and the thing to be feared the most is not merely the death of our physical bodies, but the eternal damnation of our souls.

FOUR BASIC TRUTHS TO NOTE

1. Life is not a play ground but a battle field

2. Life is not a funfair, it is a warfare

3. Whether you are interested in fighting the battle or not, the battle is interested in you

4. It is a known fact that the Spiritual rules the Physical

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Let me share with you another mighty Scripture: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Think upon this verse for a moment - GOD ALWAYS CAUSES US TO TRIUMPH IN CHRIST! Not sometimes, but always! God has a complete and continual victory for us in Christ! Praise His name.

God has provided us with mighty spiritual weapons which, when used, will "pull down strongholds, imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (God's revealed will for us), and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). If we do not use these weapons that the Lord has given us, then WE will be brought into captivity. 

In Romans 8, Paul again reveals the complete victory which is ours through Jesus Christ. We can name anything we like; but he was persuaded that IN ALL THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST THAT LOVED US - MORE THAN CONQUERORS! The strongest onslaught the enemy can bring against us, we are able to effectively conquer, with plenty in reserve! We are more than conquerors through Jesus Who loves us! This is the kind of victory that God has for those who love Him and who believe the promises of His Word. We cannot go under for going over!

In Romans 8, Paul again reveals the complete victory which is ours through Jesus Christ. We can name anything we like; but he was persuaded that IN ALL THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST THAT LOVED US - MORE THAN CONQUERORS! The strongest onslaught the enemy can bring against us, we are able to effectively conquer, with plenty in reserve! We are more than conquerors through Jesus Who loves us! This is the kind of victory that God has for those who love Him and who believe the promises of His Word. We cannot go under for going over!

Irrespective of your situation, there is surely hope for you if you accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Appropriating the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ reverses all negative situations (Revelation 12:11, Isaiah 53:4-5).

Why would you remain in that situation when the Blood of Jesus Christ is readily available for you to appropriate? There is no situation in life beyond redemption by the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. All you need to do is call on Jesus Christ right away in faith, accept Him into your life and begin to appropriate His Blood for your total victory.

Say this prayer genuinely from your heart… “Lord Jesus, I call on You today for help, I accept You into my heart as my Lord and Saviour, please forgive my sins, wash me in your Blood, break every yoke of the devil off my life by the Power in your Blood, and give me total victory in life in Jesus Name, Amen”.

Remember that in Egypt, the children of Israel were saved from death by the blood of goats and rams which was placed at the doorpost of their houses and when the destroyer came, he passed over their houses. All that the people needed to do to be free from death was to stay in the house. Jesus is that house and all you need to do today to be saved is to stay in Christ. 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 KJV

 Your salvation has the provisions of heaven for your victory over the adversary. God did not bring you out for you to fail, but to live a victorious life. It is easy to understand that we have been redeemed with the blood of the lamb. You must also have an understanding of the reality of the blood that makes you acceptable in the presence of the Lord.  Ephesians 1:7 declares: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (KJV).

 The blood of Jesus gave us redemption. We were bought back from the adversary; so, Satan has no right to accuse us of anything. The price has been paid in full with the blood. As a result of the victory which we have in Christ Jesus, we are supposed to live a life of ease. You must understand that the blood of Jesus has given you complete and total victory over every opposition that comes against you.

 Welcome to an Era of Possibilities and Total Victory! Please attend any Bible-believing and Holy Spirit-filled church near you to be deeply rooted in the Word of God to sustain your victories. Feel free to connect with us

Wake up the Remnants

Romans  11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.  11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Eight Earmarks of Remnant Believers

The Remnant are destined for dominion. Some are coming to the possibility that before the Second Coming of Christ this gospel of the Kingdom will be victorious throughout the entire world. We call these disciples the Remnant. The Remnant carries a subduing spirit as the scripture confirms. “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). 1. The Remnant know they are destined for dominion. When building churches preachers come to a decision, they either draw the multitudes or the remnant. Today those that gather the multitudes water down their message refusing to address sin and idolatry. Many issues are not confronted such as homosexuality, pornography, adultery, and national influence of corrupted politicians, failure of the public school system, and worldly music that is impinging the Church. Regardless of the withdraw others stand boldly like John the Baptist as a voice of one crying in the wilderness make straight a highway for our God. These are the Remnant. The uncompromisable Gospel still convicts of sin and confronts the demonic powers of darkness. This Gospel of the Kingdom is a stumbling stone for some and the corner stone for others. In every generation, the Holy Spirit anoints remnant believers, for it is the remnant that goes first carrying the banner of Christ’s victory. After a grand house is carpeted there are a few pieces of carpet left. These left over pieces are known as the remnant. No one knows what to do with them because they don’t fit anywhere. Some are discarded and others placed at doorways. The remnant carpet sits at the doorway and used to clean the bottom of someone’s shoes before entering. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit anywhere? The reason for that is because you really didn’t fit. You are probably part of the remnant. Remnant believers are different because they carry a different spirit. 2. The Remnant plays a major role in the restoration of all things (Acts 3:19-21). To them belong many “go first” apostolic opportunities because they carry a dominion spirit. A dominion spirit is one that is ready to take over for Christ. The Remnant rejects a fatalistic world view that Christ will rescue the Church right before the world is overrun by demon powers. They understand their apostolic call to build and restore. Scripture declares, “And they (the Remnant) shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations” (Isaiah 61:4). 3. The Remnant believes the spiritual man is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. To be a spiritual man means to be led by the Holy Spirit for it is written, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). . The Remnant are doers of the Word, not just hearers. James makes it plain, “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:22-24). 5. The Remnant stand in the gap and make up the hedge. As “repairers of the breach” the Remnant carry the culture of the Kingdom of God into a dark world separated from the love of God. Every kingdom has a culture, so too the Kingdom of God. The Remnant understands their duty to carry the light of Christ’s truth into the world. As already said the Remnant make a highway for Christ. Scripture says, “And they (the Remnant) that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). 6, To the Remnant the devil is defeated. The Remnant believes the Word became flesh, was anointed by the Holy Ghost and was crucified for our sins, rose from the dead, defeated Satan and all his demon hoards. They see the devil subdued under their feet and sing, “O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us and the nations under our feet” (Psalms 47:1-3). 7. The Remnant believes they can overcome the world through faith. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith” (1 John 5:4). To overcome means to subdue. In the Genesis mandate is the blessing to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue and take dominion.  These are five blessings, expectations, empowerments and responsibilities. The word subdue in Hebrew is kabash meaning to tread down, subjugate, subdue or bring into subjection. In the New Testament, the Greek word is nikao meaning to subdue. The Remnant believes they are born of God and through faith subdue the world for Christ. These scriptures confirm this belief. Let’s read these scriptures exchanging the word overcome with the word subdue. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh (subdues) the world: and this is the victory that overcometh (subdues) the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:13-17) These verses are clear, Christ gave His disciples the power to subdue the earth and bring it into subjection to Christ. As you can see the Remnant are destined for dominion. Other promises include: PEACE “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome (subdued) the world.” (John 16:33) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome (subdued) them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) TREE OF LIFE “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) NO HARM IN THE SECOND DEATH “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh (subdues) shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) HIDDEN MANNA “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 2:17) POWER OVER NATIONS “And he that overcometh (subdues) and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26) CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT “He that overcometh (subdues), the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5) PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD “Him that overcometh (subdues) will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:12) SIT WITH CHRIST ON HIS THRONE “To him that overcometh (subdues) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame (subdued), and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21) DEFEATED SATAN “And they overcame (subdued) him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) VICTORY “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory (subdued) over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Revelation 15:2) 8. The Remnant understand their call to invade, influence, and subdue the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. St. Athanasius saw the Remnant ability to carry the Word of God into society and bring glorious change. “When the sun has come, darkness prevails no longer; any of it that may be left anywhere is driven away. So also, now that the Divine epiphany of the Word of God has taken place, the darkness of idols prevails no more, and all parts of the world in every direction are enlightened by His teaching.” The Church can only lose the battle to Satan when it is overcome with doubt and unbelief. How you see yourself determines how the devil sees you. “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33). The Remnant see themselves walking in victory. Like Caleb they see the enemy subdued and under their feet. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

The word Anointing is a Greek word called chrisma or khris’-mah. Figuratively, it is the special endowment of the Holy Spirit. It is also called unction. It is God with a man, empowering him/her to function in a specific office, gifts (Supenatural endowment) and assignment(s).

Acts 10:38 says,

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him”.

“And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room”. 1 Kings 19:16

ANOINTING IS MEASURABLE

One of the characteristics of the anointing is that it is measureable. When it comes to God giving His anointing to man, He gives it by measure. One and the only person God didn’t give anointing by measure was His son, Jesus Christ.

“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit (Anointing) by measure unto him.” John 3:34.

The Bible made us to understand that God deals with each of us in different measures in everything He gives to us, whether it is faith Anointing, Grace, Wealth, Revelations, Strength, Gifts, etc. it is all comes to us by measure.

“…. God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. Romans 12:3

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7

The scripture revealed in 2 Kings2:9, “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit (Anointing Upon Elijah) be upon me”.

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life” 2 Corinthians 1:8

“But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto”. 2 Corinthians 10:13

MAJOR FACT ABOUT DOUBLE PORTION OF THE ANOINTING

1. IT ENABLES THE RECIPIENT TO ACHIEVE MORE THAN THE PREDECESSOR:

Elisha did what double of the exploits his master Elijah did.

Jesus desired that His disciples achieve more than He did while on the earth. In John 14:12 Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In John 5:20, He also said: For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

STEPS TO RECEIVING DOUBLE PORTION OF THE ANOINTING

In this subject, we are going to follow the steps of Elisha; because he was one and the only person that receive double portion of his masters anointing in the Bible.

1. ANSWER THE CALL TO FOLLOW:

“And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room”. 1 Kings 19:16

The above scripture was God’s instruction to prophet Elijah when he got discouraged in his ministry because of the threat from Queen Jezebel and he asked that God should take his life. Then, God asked him to anoint some persons which one of them was Elisha the son of Shaphat. God instructed Elijah to anoint him to be prophet in his room (stead).

It is crucial to understand that God’s purpose for anointing us is to be in an office. Anointing gives you not just an office but an identity. Anointing makes you TO BE….. It makes you to be an office.

Jehu was anointed to be king over his country Israel while Elisha was anointed to be prophet in the place of Elijah.

Again, God’s purpose for anointing is also to make replacement. When the scripture says that Elisha was anointed to be prophet in the place of Elijah, it means that he was anointed to replace Elijah.

After receiving that instruction, Elijah left and found Elisha plowing and he cast his prophetic mantle upon him which signifies that Elijah had fulfilled the instruction of God to him. Then, what was next? Followership!

Take note!

The anointing you don’t follow cannot follow you. That is to say, Elijah will never compel Elisha to follow the anointing that was cast on him but Elisha should willingly follow.

Here is what the scripture says:

“And Elias departing from thence, found Eliseus, the son of Saphat, ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen: and he was one of them that were ploughing with, twelve yoke of oxen: and when Elias came up to him, he cast his mantle upon him. And he forthwith left the oxen, and run after Elias, and said: Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said to him: Go, and return back: for that which was my part, I have done to thee. And returning back from him, he took a yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled the flesh with the plough of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate: and rising up, he went away, and followed Elias, and ministered to him”. 1 Kings 19:19-21 DRB

Until you learn to kiss some things good bye, you cannot become a good follower. Elisha had to kiss his parents good bye, kill his oxen and burn up the yokes to become a committed follower.

2. SERVE THE MASTER:

One thing is to follow the anointing but another is to serve the anointing while you are following it. The anointing you cannot serve, you cannot contact.

You cannot receive the double portion of the anointing when you follow and serve in disloyalty or for material things to get. Gehazi followed the anointing of Elisha; but he got double portion of leprosy (For him and his generations) all because; he served deceitfully and in disloyalty.

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow”. 2 Kings 5:20-27 KJV

3. DON’T GIVE UP OR BE DESUADED TO GIVE UP:

One of the reasons why dissuaders don’t try out something is because; they sees impossibilities and waste of time to try it out and doesn’t want anyone who believes something is possible to attempt it. The sons of prophets in the time of Elisha are clear examples on this fact.

Elisha was a prophetic scholar that understood the moves of God. He knew too well that God was about taking his master away from him. Holding the memory of the prophetic encounter he had that converted him from being a farmer to being a prophet, not just being a prophet; but to be a prophet in place of Elijah his master. He understood that it requires Elijah’s anointing to be prophet in his stead and he had not gotten that yet.

In every city he went with his master, about five scores of the sons of prophets that were there would ask him according to the scriptures below:

“…. Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?….” 2 Kings 2:5

And here was Elisha’s reply:

“…And he (Elisha) answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

What were the above scriptures saying?

Elisha was just saying, I knew what you were asking; so keep quiet. Get your mouths shut and don’t try to say anything more. In fact, I am not interested in that kind of doctrine, so hold on with your message. I have something important I am pursuing. So, don’t try to distract or dissuade me with those words, okay! Even my master wasn’t able to dissuade me from following him till the end, how much more you. The scripture revealed that he kept on following Elijah!

Here was what happened when Elisha got the double portion of the anointing:

“And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit (anointing) of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him”. 2 Kings 2:15

A man that got the anointing is a man men will come to and bow to. Elisha was that kind of man. You too can become such a man if you say no to distractions and dissuaders words; but become a focus minded and committed follower of the anointing you’re called to anointed with.

4. GO EXTRA MILE AND STICK WITH THE MASTER TILL THE END:

One of the demands of the anointing is sacrifice. Until you understand this fact, you will definitely fail the test of anointing, and when you fail its test, you can never receive it.

Gehazi failed the test of anointing through covetousness, impatience, dishonesty and disloyalty.

It is crucial to beware of the anointing you follow. This is because; the anointing you follows that you rubbish will eventually rubbish you. The anointing you follows that you fights will eventually fight and destroys you and even you generation and generation unborn. David understood this fact and he never laid his hands on anointed king Saul of Israel.

One sacrifice anointing will demand from you is your comfort or easy life. So, anointing will put up a test to see if you will truly win the test and receive the anointing or fail it and never receive it. Elisha understood this fact and never succumbs to easy-life or comfort in the name of obeying his master; but went extra-mile for the anointing.

5. ASK FOR THE ANOINTING:

Anointing you didn’t follow, sacrifice for, committed to and ask for you can never get.

Elisha followed Elijah’s anointing, served for it, sacrificed for it, was committed to it; but he couldn’t get it until he was instructed to ask for it.

The scripture says;

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion (measure) of thy spirit (anointing) be upon me”. 2 Kings 2:9

What does it mean to ask for the anointing?

To ask for the anointing is to pray for it. When we ask, we are qualified to get; but when we fail to ask, we are not qualified to get.

Jesus taught His disciples this principle A. S. K;

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”. Matthew 7:7

James told his audience that the reason why they don’t have is because they don’t ask:

“… yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”James 4:2

The anointing you don’t

A – Ask, and it shall be given you

S – seek, and ye shall find

K – knock, and it shall be opened unto you

you cannot get it.

There is no measure of the anointing you ask that cannot be giving to you by God. Elisha asked for double measure of Elijah’s anointing and he got it.

Those who ask for the mantle (anointing) of the anointed they follows and walk in their faithful and godly steps predecessors will certainly experience the same grace upon their lives and double of their grace.