Waiting on God's Promises by Adonai Magazine

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . o r g

COVER STORY

GOD’S Waiting on

Promises

...

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. hat happens when God makes you a promise? Does He always fulfill it right away? If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced times when you have to wait. The waiting time is what I call the “middle.” What I want to share with you is what to do during that middle time—between the promise and its fulfillment.

God made a promise to Abraham that took twenty years to happen. So however long you may have to wait, you need to keep believing God and remember the promise He made you, whether it’s something He put in your heart or something directly from His Word. Just like He did for Abraham, God will not forget the promise He made to you. He will bring it to pass.

A Promise from God When Abraham and Sarah were very old, Abraham went to God asking for an heir because they couldn’t have any children. “And [God] brought him outside [his tent into 4

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . o r g

the starlight] and said, Look now toward the heavens and count the stars--if you are able to number them. Then He said to him, So shall your descendants be” (Genesis 15:5 AMP).

Scripture says that Abraham believed God. He believed that promise wholeheartedly. Now, you might not understand fully why that is so amazing unless you really understand Abraham and Sarah’s circumstance. You see, Abraham was eighty years old and Sarah was seventy when God gave this promise to Abraham. But even though having a child was beyond anything that could happen naturally, Abraham still believed God. I’ll bet that day outside the tent with God was one of those goose-bump kind of days for Abraham, and I suppose the day Isaac was born was pretty exciting too. But what about the time in between—the twenty years it took for Isaac to be born?

Keep Believing Through the Middle Like Abraham and Sarah, we spend a lot of time living in the middle, and a lot of important things happen during that time. It’s when we’re tested and tried. It’s when we become real men and women of God, and it’s during these times when we find out if we really trust Him. It’s not that diﬃcult to obey God and believe Him when you feel and see things in motion or when you’re receiving your promise. But it takes more faith to go all the way through the middle and not give up on God when you don’t see or feel anything. We need to remember this: If we will wait on God and get things His way instead of doing it ourselves, we will have joy from the beginning

of the promise until it comes to pass. So Abraham waited those twenty years. Romans 4:18 (NIV) says, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him…” When Isaac did finally come, God’s promise was fulfilled. Abraham had his own child, born in a supernatural way, to a woman who could not have children.

Tired of Waiting on God We have to guard against becoming weary during the wait. Along the way Abraham and Sarah became weary and took a detour from the promise of God. Tired of waiting, Sarah went to Abraham and suggested he have a baby with her maid, Hagar, because God had prevented Sarah from having children. She had an idea she thought was helping God’s plan, and Abraham listened to her and did what she said. But when Hagar got pregnant, Sarah and Hagar were filled with contempt for one another. Sarah blamed Abraham for the whole thing and instead of a miracle, they had a mess. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael who did not live in covenant with God, and his life was filled with hostility (see Genesis 16:12; 17:20-21).

So you see, there are two ways we can live: • The supernatural (Isaac)—God gives a promise, you make it all the way through the middle and receive that promise. • The flesh (Ishmael)—You hear what God says, get tired of waiting and do your own thing. Unfortunately, many of us create our own Ishmael’s. You may even be dealing with a mess right now because of something you got into, trying to make something happen in your timing instead of waiting on God for His timing. But the great news is that you don’t have to stay in that mess. God’s grace will help turn those situations around for good. Make your mind up that whatever the middle consists of, you're going to make it through and keep believing God. You’re going to have to roll up your spiritual sleeves, get ready to fight the good fight of faith, and be willing to say, "I am here to stay. I am not turning back. I am pressing through, and I am going to be what God wants me to be. I am going to do what He wants me to do, and I am going to have what He wants me to have…no matter how long it takes!" For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-CD series Living Without Frustration. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org. Ladies, join Joyce Meyer for the 30th Anniversary Love Life Women’s Conference September 20-22 in Saint Louis, MO. For more information, go to www.joycemeyer.org/womensconference. Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 90 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Living Beyond Your Feelings (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org. Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

The name Adonai is translated Lord in the Bible. Adon means, “steward administrator, master, or Lord.” The addition of ai to adon intensifies or elevates its meaning, changing it to mean “the ultimate Lord, the Supreme Lord, or Lord of all.”

Henry Ayensu Franklin Kwaku Kyei Pas. Abraham Obadare Dr. Myles E. Munroe Joyce Meyer Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Jimmy Evans Dr. William D. Watley Dr. Kelafo Collie M.D. Elsie Osae-Kwapong Rev. Nick Anane-Agyei Cre8ive House

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Columnist Columnist Columnist Columnist Columnist Columnist Columnist Advertising Manager Spiritual Advisor Graphic Design

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 3870 White Plains Road Suite 2 Bronx, New York 10467

Tel: 347 449 5892 | 646-436-1486 advert@adonaimag.tv www.adonaimag.tv

BAHAMAS OFFICE Tel: 242 441 4314 • 242 225 3574 kelafocollie@gmail.com

347 449 5892

TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL: ADVERT@ADONAIMAG.TV Deadline for placing advert in the next issue is 20th day of every month

DisclaimerAdonai is published once a month by Cre8ive House Inc. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate.

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Franklin K. Kyei

Editor of the Adonai Magazine Send your letters and suggestions to the editor at info@adonaimag.tv or call: 347 449 5892

Misplaced Focus visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

stepped out of the meeting room to get some fresh air, after ministering to the congregation about the the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A young man followed me outside and asked me to pray for his swollen feet, after narrating the story of how he had been to crusades organized by the Late Idahosa Benson, Morris Cerullo, and other renowned men of God to be prayed for to no avail. He then spoke about how my ministration had convinced him that if I prayed for him, he would be healed. The Spirit of God revealed to me when he finished that this young man’s focus was on human personalities; and that his faith was invested in the men whose names he mentioned, and not in Him (Jehovah God); hence his unfortunate story.

This young man’s faith attitude is a very common development; subverting the faith and hopes of many in the body of Christ. Such attitudes also foster deception and cultic developments; even in so-called evangelical churches. People who have been taken in by this attitude tend to become obsessed with gifted men of God to the point where they reverence and adore them and their teachings more than the Lord Jesus Christ who does the works through them and the Bible respectively. This development is very unhealthy for the Church of God. It sets us up for disappointments, disillusionment and failure; because scripture says that “cursed is any man who puts his trust in Man.” (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Even though some level of trust is needed in the way we relate to our spiritual leaders, we should never be obsessed with them; because they are fallible. This crisis is informed by the ignorance, deception, and indiscipline of some in the pew and the pulpit. The Apostle Paul cautioned against it in I Corinthians 1:2631; 2:1-5; 3:1-7. His preaching emphasized the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, and themselves as servants for Christ sake (2 Corinthians 3:1-6; 4:5-7). Paul exuded 6

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

humility in his writings; always seeking to exalt Jesus and abase himself; because he knew that they were earthen vessels who could not save, heal, or deliver any soul. In fact, his approach to ministry rejected the flaunty superimposition of the human factor on the workings of the Holy Ghost, which causes the faith of the pew to be built on men and not on God. John the Baptist also said, ‘He (Jesus) must increase but I (John) must decrease” (John 3:30). Christian ministry must never, therefore, increase anyone in the minds and eyes of the people above the Lord Jesus.

The bible says if a person thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:3). We have not been called to Lord over God’s heritage, but rather to serve as examples and pointers to the Lord (I Peter 5:3), who does the saving, healing, and restoration. Any contrary attitude in leadership clearly signals ignorance, pride, and haughtiness that do no good to both the pulpit and the pew. It is a situation nurtured by the carnal and deceptive desire for recognition and exaltation before man. The intent of the pulpit should be to exalt Jesus, and the focus of the pew must be to seek, know, and depend on Jesus and not the flesh and blood vessels being used by Him. Spiritual leaders must be respected and honored in the body of Christ; but that is where the story ends. No man or woman of God can save a single soul. No man or woman of God can heal a single disease or transform a single life. We have been called to lift up Jesus, increase Him and decrease ourselves; to seek first His kingdom, and not our personal kingdoms; because we are never sufficient of ourselves as to be able to do anything by ourselves, so why not direct the focus of the pew to the one who does the work, and who alone deserves the praise. Amen.

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Dr. Myles Munroe

For Books or Teachings by Dr. Myles Munroe on CD, audio or video tapes, call or visit us at: Bahamas Faith Ministries International. The Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road. P.O.Box N-9583, Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 341 – 6444. Fax: (242) 361 2260

visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

“Rediscovering the Priority”

Priority is defined as: the principal thing, putting first things first, establishing the most important thing, and primary focus. It is also defined as placing highest value and worth upon. If our priorities determine the quality of life and dictate all of our actions and behavior, then it is essential that we understand and identify our priorities.

The principle of priority is important to the concept of the Kingdom of God. Why? Because if priority is the essence of life, then we should want to know what our priority in life should be so that we can live eﬀectively. It may surprise you to know that most of the people in the world are driven by incorrect priorities that occupy and control their entire lives. God established His priority at the beginning of creation and made it clear by His own declaration to mankind. Jesus Christ came to earth and reestablished God’s number-one priority. During His first discourse introducing His primary message and mission, Jesus established God’s priority for all mankind with several powerful and straightforward statements: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matt 6:25).

The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without a purpose—life with the wrong priorities. Moreover, life’s greatest failure is to be successful in the wrong assignment. Success in life is measured by the eﬀective use of one’s time. Your time is important because your time is your life. And the key to eﬀective use of your time is establishing correct priorities. First things first!

Jesus’ admonition to us not to worry implies that these basic needs for maintenance should not be the primary motivator for human action. Our confidence in our Creator’s obligation and commitment to sustain His creation should lead us to transfer our priority from our basic human needs to the priority of cultivating and maintaining a healthy relationship with His Kingdom and with Himself.

he greatest secret to living eﬀectively on earth is understanding the principle and power of priorities. Life on earth holds no greater challenge than the complicating daily demand of choosing among competing alternatives for our limited time. Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities. How we use our time every day eventually defines our lives. Life was designed to be simple, not complicated, and the key to simplifying life is prioritization. So then, what is the principle and concept of priority?

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Pas. Abraham Obadare

Pastor Abraham Obadare is a minister at Christ Apostolic Church WOSEM, New York City •Our TV programs show: Queens: QPTV 34 on Wednesdays at 10:30pm & Fridays at 5:30pm, Brooklyn: BCAT 56 at 12am on Sunday Long Island: CABLEVISION 20 on Saturday 7:30am Tel: 718 658 8981. visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

Can God “Alone” Take Care Of Me? e live in a world that is becoming unpredictable by the sight of global events surrounding us. Fear and uncertainty have become the norm. This has resulted in people turning to diﬀerent mediums for security and providence. Questions such as the above title have become a puzzle in the lives of countless millions. Everything else is failing that man holds unto. “If I don’t try to take care of myself and find some backup powers, will God take care of me? Can God’s power alone be enough for me? Would a mere trust in Jesus Christ protect me from the dangers of life and take care of all my needs? I think it’s good to trust Christ, but one must also get a backup. A little juju won’t hurt. A charm in the corner of my home and oﬃce might come in handy. After all, one should not put all eggs in one basket. Is this your question today?

Unfortunately, this is the mindset of many people who attend churches or identify themselves with Christ. Many people call themselves Christians but still seek other gods in this day and age. To tell you the truth, such people are being misled by the devil; deceiving and destroying themselves in the act. If this rings a bell, automatically there is need for an immediate turn around. My advice to you is to forsake diviners and other powers of darkness, because there is no other God besides Jehovah. The Bible says that Idol worship is stupid and vain. Therefore, you should cease from practicing it. The Lord says if you stop it, he will restore you spiritually and materially. Idol worshiping is stupid and vain because: – There is no other savior (Isaiah 43:11). – None besides Jesus (Isaiah 45:6). – There is non-like our God (I Sam. 7:22). – Idolaters lack knowledge and have shut their eyes 10

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

and heart to the light, so don’t follow them (Isaiah 44:18). You cannot call yourself a Christian and still consult fetish powers. Jesus and the other tricky imitators and sign performers don’t mix - See Deut. 18:10-14. Yes, in our culture and all over the world, powers of imitation exist, but take no part in fellowshipping with them, because they are an abomination unto God. Let’s examine some of these deceptive mediums as shown in (Deut. 18:10-11) : There are people: (a) who make their children pass through fire; (b) who use divination i.e., foretelling, prediction – by consulting images or examining the entrails of animals sacrificed; ( c) There are observers of times: those who consult stars and make believe they can divine one’s future; (d) Enchanters: those who use magical spells, incantations – with things covered up, muﬄed up, secret arts and tricks – to bind people; (e) Witches; (f) Charmers; (g) Consulters with familiar spirits: servants of evil; (f) Necromancers: one who interrogates the dead – hoping to know the future. Don’t be part of this, because diviners and their followers shall be ashamed together. Be perfect before the Lord. Serve only the God who is our Creator and Savior. You say to yourself, if I have no alternative, how could I possibly survive? Can God alone take care of me? The answer is YES! God can take care of you. He is the only alternative there is. No options beside Him. He loves you, and will care for you, and you will not be forsaken (Isaiah 44:21-28; 3-6). Return today, He won’t share His glory with anyone. Jesus alone is absolutely reliable.

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Jimmy Evans

visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

The Enemy of Sexual Fulfillment:

Unresolved Anger

e don't always talk about it in church or among our friends, but sexual problems are one of the main causes of tension between married couples.

I've counseled many couples who marry with great sexual energy and attraction only to end up fighting—or even divorcing—because of sexual problems. Unresolved anger is one of the main causes of sexual tension. Anger is inevitable in every marriage. There is simply no way two people can live together without getting upset at each other on a regular basis. Even healthy couples struggle with this. The issue isn't whether we will experience anger, but how we deal with it.

4:26, the Apostle Paul tells us to admit our anger but not to let the sun go down on it. He's not giving a technical rule—if you're still angry after sunset, you're in big trouble!—but reminding his readers that anger shouldn't be ignored or swept under the rug.

Why? Because sexual health depends on much more than our bodies' response to sexual stimuli. Sex is tied to our emotions, as well—and unresolved anger hijacks our emotions. When we don't deal with anger, we allow feelings of hurt, mistrust, or violation to fester within our emotions. The more these feelings accumulate and remain unresolved, the more it will be reflected in our sexual responses.

There is a direct connection between our emotions and our sexual responses. When we can resolve marriage issues successfully, our sex lives are great! We are unhindered and able to fully express our physical love.

In marriage, sex acts as both a thermometer and a thermostat. As a thermostat, sex makes marriage better. Good sex increases the emotional temperature of the marriage and generates feelings of intimacy and goodwill.

But when issues go unresolved and anger or frustration builds, our sexual desires change. We become less interested in sex. We are less responsive. For this reason, I believe unresolved anger is the most dangerous element in marriage.

But as a thermometer, sex reflects the state of the relationship. It oﬀers a warning signal during times of diﬃculty. A lack of healthy sexuality between a couple for any significant length of time ought to warn them that unresolved anger may exist in their relationship.

How should we handle anger? First, it is critical for husbands and wives to be honest about their emotions.

If you recognize this in your marriage, be honest with your spouse. Allow your spouse to be honest with you. Discuss your feelings, commit to forgive each other, and refuse to allow anger and emotional wounds to remain.

Second, husbands and wives must allow honesty from each other. If you want to be treated with grace, compassion, and understanding from your spouse, then you must extend the same grace, compassion, and understanding toward them. Third, anger must be dealt with quickly. In Ephesians 16

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Anger robs you of the intimacy and sexual pleasure every married couple should experience. Your marriage is too important to let anger go unresolved.

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Elsie Osae-Kwapong

Email Auntie Elsie at elsie@adonaimag.tv

visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

Hi Adonai kids, Its another month for us to learn the Bible #om

Exodus 20:2-17. (King James Version)

This time I want you to describe the picture of the man holding two tablets in his hands.

Who is this man?..................................................................... What is he holding?................................................................ Who gave it to him?...............................................................

Who is he taking it to?........................................................... Fill in the blank spaces below and re-arrange as it is in the Bible.

ANSWERS IN NEXT ISSUE

Do not commit ........................................

Do not ....................................

Do not desire wrongfully..................................................

Honor the ...................... day and keep it............................

Do not bear.......................witness against your .................. You shall have .............................................. before me.

Do not..................................................................................

You shall not make unto you any ........................................ Honor your ..........................and.........................................

You shall not take the name of .................................in vain w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Have a happy Easter holidays

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

BIBLE GAMES

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

Dr. Kelafo Z. Collie M.D.

Dr. Kelafo is a life coach, leadership developer and trains persons into purpose worldwide. He is president of Kingdom Apostolic Ministries Intl. and Kingdom Apostolic School of Ministry. He is the author of two books “You are my Father, I am your Son- Understanding Kingdom Sonship” and “ Re Ordering the Nation- Principles to transforming the Bahamas”, visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

Seizures Disorder or Fits seizure is a sudden change in behavior that is the consequence of brain dysfunction:

• Epileptic seizures are caused by electrical hypersynchronization of neuronal networks in the cerebrum cortex of the brain. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures due to a genetically determined or acquired brain disorder. Approximately 0.5 to 1 percent of the population has epilepsy. Causes of Seizures Epilepsy — Less than fifty percent of epilepsy cases have an identifiable cause. Some causes include: • Brain tumors • Stroke • Intracranial infection • Cerebral degeneration • Congenital brain malformations • Inborn errors of metabolism • Some seizures are caused by metabolic derangement, drug or alcohol withdrawal, strokes or brain infections. In the elderly, vascular, degenerative, and neoplastic etiologies are more common than in younger adults and children. Epilepsy in children is due to congenital brain malformations than in other age groups. Certain environmental or physiological precipitants or triggers immediately preceded the seizure. Some patients with epilepsy tend to have seizures under particular conditions, and their first seizure may provide a clue to their so-called seizure trigger. Some strong emotions, intense exercise, loud music, and flashing lights are often experienced immediately before the seizure. Other physiological conditions such as fever, the menstrual period, lack of sleep, and stress can also precipitate seizures, probably by lowering seizure threshold rather than directly causing a seizure. However, the majority of patients with epilepsy have no identifiable or consistent trigger to their seizures. In addition, triggers are the sole cause of epileptic seizures in only a very small percentage of patients.

The primary objectives of the medical evaluation of the first seizure are to establish whether the event was a seizure, and if so, whether it resulted from a correctable systemic process or whether the patient is at risk for developing further unprovoked seizures.

Several conditions can cause nonepileptic events that can be mistaken for epilepsy; these conditions include syncope, psychological disorders, and transient ischemic attacks A careful history, physical and neurologic examinations, and laboratory evaluation are usually helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. A detailed description of the seizure should be obtained from the patient and witnesses and should include the circumstances leading up to the seizure. Other items in the past medical history and a physical and neurological examination are also important in the evaluation of a first seizure. Diagnostic studies should include laboratory studies (electrolytes, glucose, calcium, magnesium, hematology studies, renal function tests, liver function tests, and toxicology screens), an electroencephalogram, and a neuroimaging study.

Treatment includes: 1.) Antiepileptic drugs are not always indicated after a first seizure. Medications such as Valproate sodium, Valproic Acid, Carbamazine. Also benzodiazepines are used for control of active seizure. 2.) Driving may need to be restricted in patients with frequent seizures. 3.) Hospitalization may be required for patients who have a first seizure associated with a prolonged postictal state or incomplete recovery. Other indications for hospitalization include status epileptics, the presence of a systemic illness that may require treatment, a history of head trauma, or questions regarding compliance. For further evaluation consult your physician. Remember that the Lord is your healer!!!! w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v

w w w. a d o n a i m a g . t v