ACTIVATE THAT DUNAMIS
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1Co 4:20 KJV)
Drawing from ‘The Pastor’s Desk’ of last week, I pointed out that Dunamis is inherent with believers. Why do we need to activate the Dunamis? The reason is quite obvious – Satan, who is our chief enemy is an outlaw. It is not in his character to conform. No; he does not know how to do it.
Power is the ability to do something. Without power, you cannot carry out any action. And if the power is your right from God, you must rise to any challenge that comes your way. The moment you identify with God, you have become the devil’s main target. Think about that!
Remember the Bible says that he is an accuser of brethren. (Rev 12:10) To make a success of your daily living as a child of God, you must activate that dunamis. To carry out any spiritual assignment and make a success of it, you must activate your inherent dunamis. That dunamis cannot afford to remain dormant.
Had the Prophet Elisha not stood up to challenge the River Jordan that day, it was ready to terminate his onward journey. (2Kings 2:10-14) Apostle Paul never imagined Elymas would be a stumbling block to the governor receiving the Gospel of Jesus. (Acts 13:6-12) But he was quick to realise and stopped him on his track.
People of God, don’t leave your life to chance. If you are indeed a child of God, Dunamis is inherent with you. The earlier we understand the better. But it must be activated. A stove is only effective when it is able to supply fire. The power of God is real and still available. The effectiveness is only accessible to those who are ready to activate it.
Now, hear this: The River Jordan did not terminate the destiny of Prophet Elisha. I pray that no power will terminate your destiny in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
DUNAMIS – INHERENT WITH BELIEVERS
"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." 1Co 4:20 KJV
That verse could be understood as "The subject of the Kingdom of God is not just in human eloquence; not just in the excellence of speech; not even in doctrines, but in power.
The original Hebrew word used, εν δυναμει was transliterated as dunamis. Dunamis means potentiality. According to its use in the verse, it can be understood as an inherent strength, power, or ability residing in a thing under its nature. It implies that the quantum of the same power available in God is transferred to man by virtue of being His heir. Think about that!
How I wish the Church of this age allowed this statement to be engraved in their subconscious. How I wish the statement had the same meaning God intended. Some amount of the same power in God, belonging to believers because they are His children! Wow!
With the simple message of the Cross, one expects the Holy Spirit to descend in His might to enlighten, quicken, convert, and sanctify believers as it happened with the apostles. The Holy Spirit enabled them on all occasions, demonstrating the truth of their calling by miracles. Effortlessly, the power of God was operative upon men’s hearts, subduing their lusts and corruptions, and bringing their hearts in subjection to His will. But today, we constantly witness the children of God with no power evident despite the elaborate claims that we have better understanding of God.
Although God has graciously made His power available to His children, the vast majority of us are completely oblivious of who we are in God. A lot more are so indifferent. Rather than honouring the children of God for the greatness of their God, the world is quick to conclude that there is no difference between them after all.
Beloved if dunamis, as expressed above, is supposed to be inherent with you, I decree it shall not elude you at this season. And the grace to manifest that dunamis in all your endeavours, receive it now.
The Christian Father Full of God’s Power
A Christian father is called not merely to provide, but to lead his family in the strength and wisdom of God. When he is full of God’s power, his role in the home becomes a divine assignment rather than a mere responsibility.
Spiritual Leader
The Christian father leads his family in faith. He mirrors Christ’s love and sacrifices for the church (Ephe 5:25). He sets the tone for spiritual growth, initiating prayer, Bible study, and godly conversation. Like Joshua, he declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15).
Protector and Provider
Being full of God’s power, the father stands as a shield over his household. He not only works to provide materially (1 Tim 5:8), but also safeguards his family emotionally and spiritually, alert to the enemy’s attempts to sow discord or fear.
Teacher and Discipler
A godly father takes seriously the command of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go…” He teaches by example and word, correcting in love, and guiding his children toward Christ. His life reflects the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), forming a living lesson in godliness.
Loving Husband
His relationship with his wife sets the standard of love and respect in the home. Ephesians 5:28 urges husbands to love their wives as their own bodies. His love, patience, and humility lay a strong foundation of unity.
Man of Prayer and Power
A Christian father filled with God’s Spirit is a man of prayer (James 5:16). His strength is not his own, but from the Lord (Eph 6:10). His dependence on God empowers him to lead with grace, conviction, and courage.
In all things, the Christian father reflects the Father heart of God—guiding, protecting, and nurturing his family in love and truth. When filled with God’s power, he becomes a living testimony of Christ’s presence in the home.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY - By Bro. Chidi
A PROMISE KEPT
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh ....” (Joe 2:28 KJV)
An outstanding attribute synonymous with God – keeping promises.
Joel, the post-exilic prophet, prophesied of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit around 820 BCE. About 787 years before The Day of Pentecost.
The Day of Pentecost was characterized by unprecedented events.
· The sound of a mighty rushing wind
· The sound filled the house where the followers of Jesus were.
· There were visible tongues of fire.
· The tongues of fire rested upon each of them.
· Everyone without an exception was filled with the Holy Spirit.
· They all spoke in new tongues.
· People who came from different parts of the world testified,
“.... We hear them speaking in our own languages ...!” Act 2:11.
Following that indescribable experience, there was a spontaneous sermon delivered by the curious and uneducated disciple – Apostle Peter. His preaching generated a unique spiritual hunger and thirst for divine direction. The people requested, “What shall we do?”
How many assemblies of ours today with great crowds ask for divine direction after several hours of messages? After a great gathering of believers, do people not return to their homes in a state of indifference or even worse off? Week in and week out, the preaching passes without the smallest degree of spiritual excitement. It is nothing but dull and uninspiring as the preacher was not inspired by God to start with.
Beloved, God has not withheld the experience of Pentecost from the believers of today. If the apostles and the rest of the followers had that great experience at Pentecost, God is prepared for a repeat even in greater dimensions. On a day like this, true believers are supposed to be challenged and cry to God for a fresh fire. Why? The experience of Pentecost did not happen by accident; it was A Promise Kept by God.
A PRAISE OR A BRAG?
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (Luke 18:11-12 AKJV)
A great choice! Innit? The Pharisee’s introduction was so impressive. He started by thanking God. Anyone may be envious of his choices and claims. He fasts twice a week and gives tithes of all that he possessed.
According to Leviticus 16:29-31 and 23:27, the law prescribed a fast on the Day of Atonement. All other fasts are supposed to be voluntary, such as for repentance and earnest prayer. So, the man chose to do more than the Biblical requirement.
But is this actually a praise or a brag? I think it would have been a praise, but the man deviated. The issue of fast raised by this Pharisee shows that he thought of fasting as a public exercise to display his spirituality. He thought that because he fasts and pays his tithes, he is better than other men who are extortionists, unjust, and adulterers.
Listen, when you fast, you’re not doing it for God; rather, it is to edify you. And paying your tithes and offering is an excellent choice. Your decision will be channelled towards a good course, and God will undoubtedly reward you. Howbeit, for this to be acceptable before God, your heart must be right, and your motive must not be defective.
So, on a day like this, what God wants is that you come with a heart of gratitude in humility and simplicity of praise. Thank Him for all He has done. Thank Him for all He is doing. Thank Him for all He will do. Don’t compare yourself with anyone. Focus your attention on yourself. What God did for you is for you. Just praise Him wholeheartedly, lest your praise become a brag.
Experiencing the TRUE GOD.
