JAMMING THE JUGULAR CHOKE-HOLD – Day 3

Click here to download the First Fruit Fasting message:  – 030722- (JAMMING THE JUGULAR CHOKE-HOLD)                    WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT                 FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLWOSHIP (JULY 2022 EDITION) Day 3 Theme:          JAMMING THE JUGULAR CHOKE-HOLD Texts:            Exo.1:8-12; 3:7-10; 12:12-14,29-36  In our past meetings, we explained the theme as arresting, neutralizing, interfering with or terminating the strangulations of life following the activities of devils, diabolical men and divine retribution. We considered the manifestations of the strangulations of the first two types after showing their aetiology. Then, we treated their management. Our message today is very timely and crucial. Topic: JAMMING THE JUGULAR CHOKE-HOLD OF DIVINE JUDGMENT Texts:   Jer.9:23.24; Hag.1:1-11 The choke-hold of the Lord is of keen interest because it is based on righteousness and can be readily placated by the wise, having been intended for the good of the offending mortals (2Sam.24:11-14; Jer.29:11). However, His mercifulness must not be taken for granted, as He is firm in His dealings, having no rival, and is not venal (Ps.50:9-13; Rom.2:6,11; Heb.12:29). The proud and stubborn never get into His good books (Job 22:29; Pro.3:34; 8:13; Jas.4:6).  MODE: Divine judgment can be direct or indirect.  Direct: The Lord directly metes out the chastisement to the erring as He kills and makes alive, wounds and heals (Isa.45:7; Deut.32:27; Lev.10:1-3; 2Chro.26:15-21; Hag.1:9-11; Acts 5:1-11; 1Cor.11:27-30).  Indirect: The Lord employs or deploys an agent to carry out His will; which can be (i) Angels (2Sam.24:15-17; 2Kgs.19:35), Mortal men (1Sam.15:1-3), Elements/lower creatures ( Exo.8;9;10), and even Fallen angels (1Kgs.22;19-23).  MANIFESTATION: The degree of divine discontent varies according to the gravity of the offence before Him (con. LK.12:47). It goes from mild rebukes like loss of peace/joy, bodily ailment, business challenges, etc to capital punishment. The loss of peace of a believer is strangulating. Peace of mind is one of the indices of being in God’s will (Isa.32:17;Jas.3:18). There can also be apathy, barrenness, confusion, diseases, embarrassment, and failure of erstwhile functional things; loss of favour. MANAGEMENT: Divine strangulation can only be appeased through humble appeal as demonstrated by Ahab (1Kgs.21:29). David (2Sam.24:14,17), Ninevites (Jonah                             3:4-10). Failure to humble self will result in divine resistance which cannot be challenged It must be noted that an erring set of God’s people can reach a point where God’s judgment becomes inevitable (Jer.6:13-17; 7:16). However, the negative experiences are designed to recover the people of God (Jer.29:11). Our nation is undergoing divine judgment and shall ultimately come to restoration (Cons. Isa.60:1-6). After the coming storm, Nigeria shall rise again and the mouth of gainsayers of Christianity shall be stopped (2Pet.3:3-5). Generally when the erring repents, God forgives and rescinds His judgment. (2Chro.7:14). Where He needs to make a mark to stop a repetition of error, He will do so. (2Sam.12:13,14). Let’s rise to call upon God for ourselves, and the nation.