The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Nigeria Issue 031

The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Nigeria
Issue 031 | Sunday 27 December 2015
JOYFUL
NOISE
Editor-In-Chief
Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo
Editor
Pastor Modele Fatoyinbo
The WriteCrew
Published by
The Commonwealth
of Zion Assembly
Guzape Hills,
Asokoro Ext.,
Abuja, FCT,
Nigeria
www.cozanigeria.org
www.cozanigeria.tv
www.cozairadio.com
New Life
in Christ
I urge you to receive the
new life that God has for
you in Christ Jesus. Just say
this simple prayer in faith:
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe that Jesus
Christ is your Son.
I believe that He came
to the earth in the flesh,
was crucified, died on the
cross and was buried.
I believe that on the third
day, He rose up from the
dead and has since ascended
into heaven. I receive into
my human spirit everything
that Jesus purchased for
me by His death, burial and
resurrection. I confess Jesus
Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I am now a new creation. Old
things have passed away and
everything is new. In Jesus’
name, I hereby renounce every
covenant I might have entered
into with the devil, wittingly
or unwittingly. I am free
indeed. Thank you, Jesus, for
saving me. I am born again!
Amen
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REV. BIODUN &
PASTOR MODELE
FATOYINBO
Senior Pastors, COZA
New Beginnings
“A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance” - Ecclesiates 3:4
As the year draws to a close and time draws the curtains on it, we all sit back and reflect on how well
or not-so-well the year went. Many times, we are tempted to ignore the great things that happened
and focus on the things that did not go according to plan. The temptation to get moody or depressed
may be real, but remember that it is our year of Thanksliving. We are the breed of people that are
grateful every time, everyday, all year round. We are the generation that thanks God for who He is and
what He has done for us. Even if others cannot see them, we know that God has definitely been good
to us. How about the accidents he saved us from? The close shaves with death? Remember the many
times He healed us or our loved ones? What about the several times He showed up just when the world
thought we would be put to shame. Oh, don’t let the world around you talk you out of the gratitude!
Whatever the past threw up, it is time to thank God for a great future. There’s a time to weep and a time
to mourn. There’s also a time to laugh and a time to dance. Cast off the garment of weeping and break
into a dance. Everything is about to change for you! The days of weeping are over. Refuse to throw a
pity-party. Refuse to be the one everyone has to comfort. Be the one who comforts and encourages
others. Be the light in someone’s night. Be an answer to someone’s prayers. Get over yourself.
12 Days of Glory couldn’t be coming at a more appropriate time. God has designed these Twelve
Days as that defining moment when your life switches powerfully. You will live a life beyond your
wildest imagination if you would only take God at His word. You will carry out exploits for the
Kingdom that will make you marvel. You will be a veritable tool in the hands of the Almighty God.
Your best days are just ahead. Even if weeping endures for night, joy always comes in the morning.
I speak joy, jingles and melody in your homes. I speak a supernatural turnaround into your spirit. You
will do well. God will surprise you. God will settle you. I know you believe these words, so prepare
like your life depends on it. 2016 will be the most extraordinary year you have ever experienced!
You will do well.
Blessings!
M
ary was baffled at the manner of
salutation from the extraterrestrial
being that towered above her. His
words were powerful, and his message heavy.
She thought it through as he spoke. Naturally,
she was caught between two thoughts. On the
one hand, she was glad she was chosen to be
the mother of the Son of God! Who wouldn’t
be? It was enough that she was chosen for an
angelic visit, it was all the more fascinating
that she was chosen for an assignment as
powerful and important as mothering the
Son of God. On the other hand, she had no
means of carrying out the assignment. She was
not married. And, worse, she was a virgin!
Sometimes, God chooses the least likely
person for the most vital assignment. He called
a stammerer to speak to the King. He called
a slave to rule Egypt. He instructed a poor
widow to feed the prophet. He raised a single
man to fight armies. He asked an illiterate
fisherman to raise the Church. He used a
young virgin to birth the Saviour of the world.
You see, God does not think as men do. Since
He sees the end from the beginning, He can
confidently start from anywhere. He knows
how to take a shepherd from the sheepfold
to the palace. He knew He could take young
Daniel in captivity and still make him relevant
in one of the greatest governments of his
day. He knows how to route you from where
you are to where He wants you to be.
You have to realize that we live in a crucial age
in God’s scheme of things and He has reserved
you for such a time as this. When you spend
time to minister to Him and to wait on Him,
you must listen for instructions. Is He asking
you to make new friends and drop old ones?
He may just be routing you towards your
destiny. Is He asking you to get new books?
He may be equipping you for where you are
going. As soon as Mary received the word,
the angel instructed her to go to another
pregnant woman, her cousin, Elizabeth.
Now, our minds are quick to ask why God’s
response to Mary was different from God’s
response to Elizabth’s husband, Zechariah since
they asked virtually the same question. Is it
possible that it is because they asked from
two different positions? You see, the angel
came to Zechariah as an answer to his prayer,
That dream will become a reality. I know you
understand the past tense of God’s word, and I
know you know that, in the Spirit, it has already
taken place. Much of what God has provided
for you legally has not materialized vitally. For
‘But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, you to take delivery of the promises, you have
Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and
to speak them. God was going to raise the dead
your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and army in Ezekiel 37, but He needed the prophet
you shall call his name John.’ - Luke 1:13
to speak. Over and over again, Jesus looked at
people who needed healing and asked them,
Zechariah had been praying for a child. He
“What do you want me to do?” Just because
had petitioned heaven for a baby. When the
God knows of it doesn’t mean He will handle it.
answer finally came, he began to express
Just because God has spoken doesn’t mean it
doubt. The angel may just have shut his lips
will happen. He needs you to get in agreement
before he could say more words that would
with Him. He needs you to believe and then
cancel what God was about to do in his life.
speak. It is not enough for you to believe and
not speak. Neither is it okay for you to speak
This brings me to the crux of the matter.
without believing. The two must work together.
Words are powerful. When God sent the
angel to Mary, He did not send him with a
“And since we have the same spirit of faith,
golden censer or a flask of oil. The angel did
according to what is written, “I believed and
not appear with a wand or staff of power.
therefore I spoke,”[a] we also believe and
The angel came with the word! The angel
therefore speak,” – 2 Corinthians 4:13
spoke, Mary received it and a process began.
Think about all the attacks and the setbacks you
We live in the days where people prefer the
may have had, and tell yourself, “It will happen!”
spectacular to the supernatural. They want
Think about how people have said your dreams
to see a man shake, jump and shout before
will never come to pass, and tell yourself, “It
they believe God’s word. This is not how God will happen!” Think about everything that
operates. Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary gives
ought to exclude you from God’s promises,
us a insight into the Modus Operandi of the
and tell yourself, “IT WILL HAPPEN!” God has
Lord. All Gabriel did was speak. However,
invested too much in you for you to fail. This is
it did not end there. If he had just spoken
not all there is to you! This is only a bend and
and left, it would not have happened. Mary
not the end. If you would just agree with God’s
had to receive it in her spirit. As soon as
word and keep confessing it, your life will be
she spoke those words, a process began.
a wonder to many. Man may have counted
She did not have a child the next day and
you out but God is not done with you yet.
neither did she have cramps that week, but
the pregnancy process began immediately.
As your Pastor, I speak into your life: That dream
will happen! You will carry and birth your own
I particularly like the way the
children. You will fulfill purpose. I speak long
Berean Study Bible puts it:
life and divine health into your home. You
will be late for tragedy. You will be on time for
“I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.
favour! Your life will please God. Your life will
"May it happen to me according to your
be a shining example for the world around
word." Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38
you! Your testimony will make news in this
city. You will never know a better
May it happen to me! Dear child of God,
yesterday, in the name of Jesus!
what God says that you believe in your heart
and repeat with your mouth will happen!
You will do well!
3
Dr. MIKE MURDOCK
Dr. Mike Murdock is in tremendous demand as one of the most dynamic speakers
in America today... He preached his first public sermon at the age of 8 and his first
evangelistic crusade at the age of 15. He Began full-time evangelism at the age of
19, which has continued since 1966. Has traveled and spoken to more than 14,000
audiences in 38 countries, including Asia, East Africa, the Orient, and Europe.
Noted author of 200 books, Dr. Mike has composed more than 5,700 songs, appears
often on TBN, CBN, BET and other television network programs and has a weekly
television program called "Wisdom Keys with Mike Murdock". He is a Founding Trustee
on the Board of International Charismatic Bible Ministries with Dr. Oral Roberts.
Dr. Mike is the Founder and Senior Pastor of The Wisdom Center,
a Church with International Ministry around the world.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Pastor Matthew is the President and Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian
Centre, the largest church in Western Europe. An inspiring visionary, Pastor Matthew
launched the UK’s first church-owned television channel, KICC TV, and his television
and radio ministry Winning Ways is received by a potential audience of several
hundred million people in Europe, Africa, Asia, the USA and the Caribbean.
An award-winning and prolific author, Pastor Matthew has published more than 70 books,
and was recently honoured as the most influential black person in the public sector/
religion category by one of Britain ’s leading black newspapers, his influence on church
growth and evangelism has been noted by local and international news media.
Matthew Ashimolowo sits on the Board of Reference for many leading organizations.
With numerous requests for his comments from the media, Pastor Matthew is one
of the most exciting and inspiring Christian voices on the world scene today."
Pastor JT KALEJAIYE
Pastor J T Kalejaiye is a Regional Evangelist of The Redeemed Christian Church of God.
A father of fathers and a leading voice in ministry circles, across the world, Pastor J T
Kalejaiye has risen to be that sure voice of the supernatural and the risen Christ. A firm
believer in the power of the Living God, Pastor J T Kalejaiye is convinced that, “there
is nothing any man of God can do without the God of man.” This is evident in his
deep reliance on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as his ministry trademark includes
transformed lives, saved souls, signs, wonders and diverse kinds of miracles.
“This night, Iyanu must sele!”
That will be the voice of the calm but authoritative veteran of faith, Pastor J T Kalejaiye.
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Rev. FUNKE FELIX ADEJUMO
Rev. Funke Felix – Adejumo is a resounding voice of hope in this generation, with a passionate love for
God and humanity that resonates in her life and ministry. She is an accomplished Pastor and Teacher
with deep insight into God’s word. She is the president and founder of The Woman Ministries, a
ministry that networks women from all over the world with the purpose of empowering them to fulfill
their God-given destiny. Her annual international outreach known as, “The Woman Conference”, has
brought thousands of women from across the globe together, and have become reputed as a Godordained avenue, through which women connect with grace for their lives, homes and ministry.
She is married to Bishop Felix Remi Adejumo, the founder of Agape Christian Ministries
International- a ministry committed to the mission of ‘raising possibilitarians’, with
branches all over the nation and abroad. She and her husband are also seasoned
marriage counselors, and their ministry has been of tremendous help to many
homes, restoring and strengthening marriages all over the world.
Rev. SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ
Samuel Rodriguez lives for the purpose of reconciling the vertical and horizontal elements of
the Christian message; sanctification with service, righteousness with justice, truth with love, the
image of God with the habits of Christ, orthodoxy with orthopraxy, faith with fruit, rhetoric with
action, conviction with compassion and holiness with humility. Born to bible believing parents
who migrated from Puerto Rico, Rodriguez grew with a strong affinity towards mathematics.
A self described evangelical trekkie, Rodriguez also grew inspired by Billy Graham and Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. His ministry career began at the age of 14 with great God ordained favor
catapulting him as one of the preeminent speakers of his generation by the age of 20. Rev. Dr.
Samuel Rodriguez founded New Season Christian Worship Center on September 12, 2010. After
preaching at The Potter’s House with Bishop TD Jakes the previous month, Pastor Rodriguez felt led
by the Holy Spirit to plant a Christ-centered, bible-based, Spirit-empowered, multi-ethnic, transgenerational congregation in the capitol city of America’s largest state, Sacramento, California.
PASTOR CHRIS HILL
God is using Pastor Chris Hill to help to redefine the scope and influence of the post-modern
Christian pulpit. Over the past 7 years of his ministry, literally millions and millions of people
have heard his unique message of Hope. He became a Christian and began to preach the
Gospel before he was five years of age. Born the product of a broken family, he was raised
in the rough inner city ghettos of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Having served as an urban
youth pastor, an author, a professor, an activist, and an international evangelist, he comes
armed him with a fresh and global perspective. His insights into the Word of God are both
reverent and relevant enabling his messages to touch the lives of people from all cultures,
denominations, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. His animated and articulate approach
produces a gripping delivery that simultaneously captures both Saint and Seeker.
With a heart for people, God is using Pastor Hill to help reignite the historic revival fire of Denver. As
the leader of the 5,000-member church, The Potter's House of Denver, Pastor Hill serves the community
through feeding programs, homeless outreach, prison ministry and crisis counseling services.
Dr. JASMIN SCULARK
Dr. Jasmin is a native of the Island of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Jasmin Sculark
is the Senior Pastor-Select of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD and
the Founder and President of Dr. Jazz Ministries. She is nationally and
internationally known as Pastor, Teacher, Author and Evangelist.
God has chosen to use this humble vessel to do a mighty work in this 21st
Century. In the summer of 2013 she was invited to be a speaker for Bishop
T.D. Jakes world renowned Mega Fest Conference. On March 31, 2014 her
new broadcast, “This is your best day yet” was launched on The Word
Network and as God saw fit on April 1st, 2014 Dr. Jasmin was appointed
the Senior Pastor-Select of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD.
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DAILY STUDY GUIDE
Monday: John 1:1-18, Psalm 72:1-11
Tuesday: Matthew 2:1-23, Isaiah 9:1-7
Wednesday: Luke 2:1-52
Thursday: Isaiah 7:1-17, John 16:1-24
Friday: Romans 6:1-23, James 1:1-17
Saturday: Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Peter 4:1-11
Sunday: Isaiah 43:1-21
John 3:16 - This is how much God loved the
world: He gave his Son, his one and only
Son. And this is why: so that no one need
be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone
can have a whole and lasting life. (MSG)
For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized
the world, that He [even] gave His [One
and] only begotten Son, so that whoever
believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall
not perish, but have eternal life. (AMP)
Therefore I can boldly say:
I am a recipient of divine benevolence
God’s love overflows in me
His mercy encapsulates me
His peace fills me up
His joy saturates my heart
His glory radiates from me
His power is available to me
His strength drives me on
He is the reason for the season
I am the reason He came.
My debts are paid in full
I owe no man nothing but love
I live in abundance
I spend my days in prosperity
and my years in pleasure
All good things are available to me
I am daily loaded with benefits
I am full, will remain full until I overflow
I am a testimony of His coming!
Because He came
I have the spirit of God
I have the life of Christ
No sickness shall come near my dwelling
Wasting and destruction are far from me
His goodness and tender
mercies are with me
Grace and Glory reside in my home
I smell like the field the Lord is blessing
I will shine brighter and brighter
till the day He comes again.
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HUMOUR
It was Christmas Eve in at the meat counter and a woman was
anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the hope of
finding a large one. In desperation she called over a shop assistant
and said, 'Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?'
'No, madam, 'he replied, 'they're all dead.'
~~~
Daniel, a seven-year-old boy, was asked to say thanks for the Christmas
dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. Daniel
began his prayer, thanking God for his Mummy, Daddy, brothers, sister,
Grandma, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the
food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas pudding,
even the cranberry sauce. Then Daniel paused, and everyone waited ... and
waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and
asked, "If I thank God for the fried rice, won't He know that I'm lying?"
~~~
A Baker was asked to print 1 John 4:18 on a wedding
cake. He forgot, and instead printed John 4:18.
1st John 4:18 (ESV) reads “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”
John 4:18 (ESV) on the other hand reads “For you have had five
husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband.”
~~~
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because
he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter.
Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block
10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note:
“I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket
I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”
~~~
Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are
those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord”, and there
are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!”
LAST WEEK'S
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
Creation
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1. Gabriel
3. Son of God
5. Micah
6. Bethlehem
7. Highest
8. Quirinius
10. Priest
15. Magi
16. Favor
19. Nazareth
23. Herod
24. Augustus
25. Sacrifice
27. Myrrh
28. Zechariah
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2. Egypt
3. Simeon
4. Dream
5. Manger
9. Star
11. Shepherds
12. Eight
13. Jacob
14. John
17. Immanuel
18. David
20. Elizabeth
21. Holy Spirit
22. Jesus
26. Anna
BEGINNING
FISH
BIRDS
FORMLESS
CREATE
FRUIT
CREATURES
GOD
DARKNESS
HEAVENS
DAY
LAND
EARTH
LIGHT
EMPTY
LIVESTOCK
EVENING
MALE
EXPANSE
MAN
FEMALE
MORNING
NIGHT
PLANTS
SEAS
SEASONS
SKY
TREES
VEGETATION
WATERS
YEARS
The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly
appreciates your donations and support.
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