As we come from the four corners of the world for our 8th Annual Holy Convocation, we present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service. We come with grateful hearts ready to express our praise and adoration unto the one and only God our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we entered 2015, we entered singing, “He is here, Hallelujah, He is here, Amen, He is here, Holy Holy, I will bless His name again, He is here, listen closely, hear Him calling out your name? He is here, you can touch Him, you will never be the same. Such security and confidence causes us to proclaim as our theme for this year, “OUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE.” St. John 1:12-13.

 

     The first chapter of Saint John makes it clear that all things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

 

     What an amazing promise. Those who surrender to Jesus as the One who brings us back to the Father gain a new identity as a child of God. As a result, we have supernatural rights, a new heritage. My children don’t have to beg for dinner—it is part of being in the family. They have my name and therefore have access to all that our family owns. This is what John is trying to get across to us—it is the Father’s good pleasure to give us His kingdom.

 

     As we go forth as the Apostolic Faith Churches of Deliverance working in our assignment, expanding the Kingdom for the King, it is with deep conviction and desires to please our Lord by keeping the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace. We strive in the spirit of obedience knowing that God will protect us from all manner of hurt and harm.

 

     As your Chief Apostle, I’m so privileged to be among you with the Lord allowing prophecies to be over our lives that were to happen in our fifty’s. These prophecies were given in services and confirmed by witnesses which cause us to continue on in the faith. Therefore seeing them all coming to pass as prophesied is a blessing to us, because many are called but few are chosen. Saints we were validated through suffering and with signs and wonders following.

 

     Looking back in retrospect the closer I got to my purpose the madder my adversary became. Even to the week of my birthday, I was tempted to be distracted so that if I had wavered I would not receive the promise. But thanks be to God for the victory I had learned a long time ago that was already ours and all I had to do was stand still. I did just that, I stood in who God had called me to be. I now have a greater respect for the scripture, though they slay me, yet will I trust Him.

This deeper relationship with Christ Jesus has now caused me to be thankful of the things I’ve gone through. The closer you get to your purpose the more the enemy will go dig up things from your past. We who have truly repented should be glad that we know the chemistry of Christ blood and what happens to our past sins… they are underneath the blood of the cross of Calvary as far removed as darkness is from the dawn. In the sea of Gods forgetfulness is good enough for me….Praise God !!! MY SINS ARE GONE!!!

 

     I pray this week will be an experience like none other and that we will give God the honor and glory due unto His Name. As the people of God, we need to always remember we had a purpose before anyone had an opinion … and we are not looking back because that’s not the direction we’re going. So in my conclusion, come now let us hear from The Lord since God has erased the trash of our past and He is preparing us for the treasures of our future!!!

 

I love you, your Chief Servant

 

Apostle Carl Daniel Lykes, Sr.