Day 1: Morning Session (Word 2)
Speaker: Pastor Adebayo Akomolafe
Topic: Building to Last Through Divine Direction
The Necessity of Divine Direction
We are prepared in order to be built to last. Whatever is not built to last is sure to fail. If it is not built to endure, it is sure to crash. But on this mountain, God is equipping us with the light, empowering each and every one of us to build to last in the name of Jesus. None of us will crash.
We have come to receive the covenant fundamentals for built-to-last adventures. We have been receiving layers upon layers of these fundamentals. Just a while ago, we engaged the spirituality plus. In this session, we are looking at The Focus.
No one ever outgrows being led by the Spirit of God. The subject of divine direction is critical to build and to last. If we must build to last, then divine direction is a must.
I heard from God’s servant when he was speaking to us in the first session from
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ
we are lively stones, built up a spiritual house. This reminds me of the construction industry. A building cannot stand without proper approval from the necessary authorities. Building without approval is in vain; the authorities will come after it and, in most cases, pull it down.
Permit me to say our spiritual houses also require divine approvals in order to be built to last. Any destiny being constructed without or contrary to divine approval every effort invested is in vain. It’s only a matter of time before such a destiny crashes. Efforts will be wasted; time will be lost. My prayer is that none of us will waste efforts in building our destiny in the name of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, walking in divine direction is walking in the approval of God. And whatever God approves is sure to stand the test of time.
Please take note, no one can ever do without divine direction, and no one can ever outgrow the leading of the Spirit of God.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
That means until you are led, you are not a son. Divine guidance is a must for every child of God.
It means to be guided, to be directed, to be taught, to be shown the way. And we all need it in the journey of life.
Jeremiah 10:23 makes it very clear:
Jeremiah 10:23 O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps no one can direct their own steps.
In Psalm 23:1, the Bible says,
In Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want
If the Lord is our shepherd, then according to
Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture
we are the sheep of His pasture, a sheep without a shepherd is lost. The activity of the shepherd in our lives is to direct us so we don’t end up in the mouth of the wicked ones. That will not be anyone’s portion in the name of Jesus.
Just as no one can ever outgrow feeding, no one outgrows divine guidance. The day you stop eating, it’s only a matter of time before you waste away. That is the same way: you may be acting like you know what you’re doing, thinking you don’t need direction, but very soon you will know you don’t know what you’re doing. Anytime a believer begins to lead himself, he has lost out of his range. We won’t lose out of our range.
Proverbs 16:25: There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death You can’t lead yourself. Please take note.
The Example of Apostle Paul
We have the example of the Apostle Paul in
Acts 20:21-23 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
He was testifying, but then he said, “I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.” Verse 23 says the Holy Ghost witnessed in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions awaited him. It was not safe for him to go there. God had specifically called him to the Gentiles. He began to think he had accomplished so much and now needed to go to the Jews. When you begin to lead yourself, you will begin to lose out. You won’t lose out in the name of Jesus.
From the story of Apostle Paul, we see that there is no substitute for divine direction. There is no substitute whatsoever.
· The Anointing is not a substitute. Paul was anointed, but the anointing is not a substitute for direction
Acts 21:10-11 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
· Revelation is not a substitute. Paul was a man of abundant revelation
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure
but when revelation lacks direction, frustration and limitation are the result.
· A Divine Call is not a substitute. No one may doubt your calling
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 22:10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do
but if you are not submitted to His guidance, you are bound to be limited and suffer frustration.
We shall not be limited in the name of Jesus.
We have the examples in our own commission. Many years ago, this commission went to a city that was assumed God was leading us to. We were in that city for six years. Nothing was finding expression. Heavily anointed, on mandate, but no expression. Our father asked God, “Why is nothing happening?” And God said, “Because I didn’t send you there.” Years later, when God opened the way to that same city, there was an explosion. Why? It was time. You were not there. Don’t miss your time in the name of Jesus. We will not miss our time.
The Greatest Asset
The voice of God is the greatest asset of the believer. Access to the voice of God is our greatest asset in the adventure of life.
Please note that God is only committed to lead us as much as we are committed to following Him. Therefore, we must subscribe to His leading if God must continue to lead us. Isaiah 48:17 says, I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
Why We Need Divine Direction
Someone may ask, “Why do I need divine direction?”
- Because there is a way that seems right to a man. The fact that it seems right does not make it right
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
You may see everyone running in one direction, join them, and discover that while others are making it, you are struggling. Why? It is not the will of God for you. You are diligent, consistent, sacrificing, but nothing is happening. Check if that is the direction of God.
- To avoid being a wandering star
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Without a vision (divine direction), the people perish. If you don’t know where you belong, you will wander around like a wanderer, and as you wander, you are heading for a crash. You are ordained to be a star, a pathfinder, a trailblazer in your specific territory. Don’t struggle where it is not your territory.
- To avoid the struggle for survival
Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever
When God is leading, everything is calm. You don’t struggle for anything. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, there are no struggles. In the midst of enemies, He prepares a table for you. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow you.
- To secure our adventure in life
Isaiah 45:1-3 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel
The stability of our future and our destiny is a product of the purity of our leading today. This commission has grown from strength to strength for 44 years because every step has been backed by divine guidance, accurate direction from the Lord. You are next to be secured in Jesus’ name.
How to Access Divine Direction
How can I access divine direction?
- Through the Word
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path
The Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If you are a Word lover, you will never lack direction. Our father has testimonies of how most of his leading has been through the Word. Get loving the Word. Get living by the Word.
- Through the Inner Witness
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Holy Spirit speaks to us in our inner man through promptings, nudgings, and spiritual perception
Acts 27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
- Through Prayer of Inquiry
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Call upon me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things. Only those who ask questions receive answers
2 Samuel 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand
Never take a step without asking the One who knows the way.
- Through His Voice
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice
Watch out for the voice of the Lord. It is often a still, small voice
Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 10:19
The Spirit speaks today. On this mountain, you will hear the voice of the Spirit.
- Through Divine Encounters (Visions)
Job 33:14-18 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
God speaks to us through pictures He shows us, visions from heaven.
The Blessings of Divine Direction
What are the blessings of walking in divine direction?
- The Assurance of God’s Presence
Exodus 33:14-15 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
When God is with you, His presence goes with you. When God is there, nothing can be against you
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Supernatural Restoration
1 Samuel 30:8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
Have you lost anything? Let God guide you, and He will bring it back. You are never late when you allow Him to guide you
Deuteronomy 32:10-12 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
- Supernatural Supply
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
When God sends, He provides. You shall not want. You will recover all.
- A Stress-Free Life
Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way
Psalm 12-3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
Proverbs 3:16-17 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
His ways are ways of pleasantness and all His paths are peace. His commandments are not grievous
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
- The Removal of All Fears
Exodus 3:7-10 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
8And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
9Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
10Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Exodus 4:21-23 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
When God is leading, fears are gone.
Enemies will flee from you.
- Supernatural Breakthroughs
Jonah 3:1-10 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,
Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Isaiah 45:1-3 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
He will lead you and open the crooked places.
He triggers supernatural feats.
- Assured Victory
Joshua 6:1-20 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.
And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.
And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.
And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.
So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.
And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.
And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
You can’t be led by God and be defeated in the battles of life.
- Divine Refreshment
Psalm 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. You will enjoy the refreshing of the Lord.
As we subscribe to His leading, none of us will crash in the name of Jesus Christ.
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