The question we have to ask ourselves is “I do not know how much time I have, nobody does.  Whether it is seventy, fifty, forty years or eighty, hundred years…We should ask ourselves critically, how have I done so far? How have I used the talents God has placed in my hands?” … if we answer that sincerely, we’ll know that we have to redeem the time…

Indeed, there are many things that we need to do to ensure that we can give a good account of ourselves in Heaven…God is looking for people who would use their talents to the fullest, who use everything they have been given…

God bless you

Mrs Sola David-Borha

Executive Director and Deputy CEO of Stanbic IBTC Chartered Bank Plc

But for God to pick him out would indicate that God had seen many good qualities in him. And so Samuel told him, “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, you will prophesy, and you will be changed into another man” (I Samuel 10:6). This is indeed a wonderful word that describes what happens to a man when he is filled with the Holy Spirit: He is changed into another man. This is what all of us need to experience continually.

But Saul had to be recognised by the people also as the man whom God had chosen to be their king. So Samuel called all the people together and told them that a king would be selected by God from their midst. Samuel did not name Saul. Instead he cast lots – by tribes first, then by families and then by individual names – believing that the Lord would sovereignly control the lot. The lot finally fell on Saul. When they looked for Saul and they couldn’t find him because he had disappeared. He had hidden himself, because he did not want to become the king.

Notice ten good qualities that Saul had.

1. He was faithful and thorough in his work. In 1 Sam. 9:3, we read that his father Kish had lost his donkeys. Kish told Saul to go and search for them. Saul conducted a thorough search in all the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah. His father had given him a job to do, and he did it thoroughly. He didn’t just go looking for the donkeys for a few minutes and come back saying, “I can’t find them.” God picks up people who are faithful in small matters like looking for lost donkeys!

2. He was wise. When a long time had elapsed and he still hadn’t found any of the donkeys, he told his servant, “Let’s go back because my father will now be more concerned about us than the donkeys.” (1 Samuel 9:5).

3. He knew how to respect God’s servants. When his servant suggested that they go and meet a servant of God in the city, Saul said, “Let’s take a present for him” (1 Samuel 9:7).

4. He had a humble opinion about himself. When Samuel told Saul about God having chosen him, he replied, “Who am I? Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Samuel 9:21).

5. He did not boast. When his uncle asked him what Samuel had said, Saul told his uncle that Samuel said his donkeys had been found, but he did not tell his uncle about Samuel anointing him as king (1 Samuel 10:15,16).

6. He stayed in the background. When they selected him to be the king he hid himself in the baggage. He was a man who wanted to be hidden (1 Samuel 10:22).

7. He was longsuffering. When Saul went to his house, certain worthless men said, “How can this man deliver us?” They despised him and did not bring any present. But he kept silent even though he was publicly anointed as king (1 Samuel 10:27).

8. He was zealous to help those in need. When certain people of Israel were attacked by their enemies, they sent messengers to Saul, who immediately gathered people to go and help them (1 Samuel 11:1-7).

9. He was courageous. Saul went and fought the Ammonite enemies courageously and saved the Israelites (1 Samuel 11:11).

10. He forgave his enemies. When Saul came back victorious from the battle, some people wanted to kill those who had earlier rejected Saul as king. But he would not allow anyone to be killed (1 Samuel 11:12,13).

This was the man God chose, who had all these wonderful qualities. Yet in a few years he had lost his contact with God, lost the anointing of the Spirit, lost his humility, lost his character, lost his kingdom and lost everything. This is the sad story of many servants of God today too, who started out well.

God help us all to finish well

Bode

“A handful of prominent evangelical activists are defending their decision to attend television host Glenn Beck’s conservative rally in Washington this weekend after some Christians complained that evangelicals shouldn’t be partnering with Beck because of his Mormon faith …” CNN Blog

We are in a vicious spiritual battle – no prisoners are to be taken. Instructions are to kill, steal and destroy at sight. However tactics are more refined to wait patiently for unguarded moments and strike to wreak utmost damage at the time of greatest weakness.

David regrets an act of stupid carelessness that costs the life of 85 priests. I Samuel 22[22] David said to Abiathar, I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all your father’s house. (Amp)

David felt responsible for ignoring the presence of Doeg the Edomite at a time of weakness and sensitive exposure. The Edomite tribe are the descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob. Holy Scriptures describe this tribe as hated by God from the womb even before they fulfil a destiny of resisting and tormenting the children of Israel.

Recall the final meeting of Jacob with Esau. Examine this meeting a little closer if you will.

Genesis 33[12] Then [Esau] said, Let us get started on our journey, and I will go before you. [13] But Jacob replied, You know, my lord, that the children are tender and delicate and need gentle care, and the flocks and herds with young are of concern to me; for if the men should overdrive them for a single day, the whole of the flocks would die. [14] Let my lord, I pray you, pass over before his servant; and I will lead on slowly, governed by [consideration for] the livestock that set the pace before me and the endurance of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir. [15] Then Esau said, Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me. But [Jacob] said, What need is there for it? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord. (Amp)

Esau offered to unite with Jacob in direction and Jacob, as tactfully as he could, responded negatively with very polite and acceptable excuses not seeking to create offence. Even when generous manpower was offered – Jacob declined in very kind language. Jacob knew that cooperation or any alignment or gift from Esau – the enemy of God will pollute his covenant and ultimately lead to his destruction.

Many generations later we see Edom unveiling their true colours in examples of future recorded incidents of hatred against Israel…The first – the Edomites resist the passage of the children of Israel in the wilderness. Second, Edom cheered happily as Israel was carried into Babylonian captivity and brutally massacred. Third, Doeg the Edomite engineered the massacre of scores of priests as Saul hunted for David.

Numbers 20[14] And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying, Thus says your kinsman Israel: You know all the adversity and birth pangs that have come upon us [as a nation]: [15] How our fathers went down to Egypt; we dwelt there a long time, and the Egyptians dealt evilly with us and our fathers. [16] But when we cried to the Lord, He heard us and sent an angel and brought us forth out of Egypt. Now behold, we are in Kadesh, a city on your country’s edge. [17] Let us pass, I pray you, through your country. We will not pass through field or vineyard, or drink of the water of the wells. We will go along the king’s highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed your borders. [18] But Edom said to him, You shall not go through, lest I come out against you with the sword. … .[21] Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory, so Israel turned away from him. (Amp)

Psalm 137[7] Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites, that they said in the day of Jerusalem’s fall, Down, down to the ground with her! (Amp)

In another scenario, Samuel violently disagrees with Saul (genteel but fearful, stupid and disobedient) in his decision to preserve Agag – the Amalekite King against the instructions of God to wipe out the entire ruling dynasty. Samuel executes instant correction – but too late. Haman the Agagite (a descendant) emerges generations later with the agenda to completely exterminate the Jews in the days of Esther. God dwells in eternity and gives battle instructions not just meant for our immediate context (I Samuel 15; Esther 8:3).

In the New Testament the Church was warned 2 Cor. 6 [14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?KJV

The Bible perspective on warfare suggests some uncomfortable painful realities…

1. The enemy of God can emerge even from the same womb that delivers a friend of God. Close family (not people from far lands) can provide the best terrain to unleash resistance against divine purpose in our lives (Jacob and Esau were twins).
2. If you make friends or forge any alliance with the enemy of God ( in marriage, business, politics)– his ultimate plan will be to destroy you and terminate your destiny – perhaps not immediately but a patient agenda of destruction is strategically executed.
3. Patience is a weapon that the enemy has well mastered in a world programmed to seek instant gratification...the devil can wait for decades before he strikes – understanding well that the carnal believer has been nurtured to want everything now. Biblical battles sometimes run through centuries and war strategies and tactics can span generations.

Back to Evangelicals, Mormons and Catholics, Rabbis, Moslems etc. Perhaps another blog will dare to draw the spiritual battle lines…and I admit lack of boldness and astuteness to tackle this only in a few paragraphs …but the Bible is bold to declare in James 4[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. The enemy of God is the friend of the world

Acts 13[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. [9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, [10] And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? The enemy of God perverts the right ways of the Lord

But we are to love our enemies … Indeed, this does not mean to act in stupidity. In the same way we love animals but do not sleep with pythons…nor permit a mad dog to run loose on our children’s play field. Is it still difficult to see that every alliance, agreement and accommodation with the enemy of God can have damaging future consequence ?

I Peter 5[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Surrender fully to Christ – All that are truly His and believe He is the only way to the Father are on His side of the battle. The enemy of God in this battle of faith is not necessarily always the person who disagrees with our favourite social, cultural, and church positions or counters our progressive thoughts and values … and may well be. Also consider the polite language and civility of Jacob in managing the separation from Esau . We do well to always avoid strife.

Phil 2 [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Also, we see the paradox that there was fear to join the early Church even as multitudes came.

Acts 5 [13] And none of those who were not of their number dared to join and associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them. [14] More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed [those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him joined and gathered with them], crowds both of men and of women, (amp)

May God give us the wisdom to be set apart for Him yet shine in a dark world … always acting without strife and in love…and that many come to know Jesus.

Lord as you guided the wise men not to return to Herod…show us the enemy we must simply avoid … Let your word also teach us how to love in a dangerous war. May our carelessness not hurt our destinies or the destiny of others.

Amen

(Originally posted in The Christian post)

At what stage will God answer our prayers 100 per cent? Is it when our leaders are 100 per cent righteous or when the whole nation becomes righteous?

I believe that time will come when a certain percentage, not all of us, of the nation will be 100 per cent committed to seeking Him. I will illustrate that one. When God was going to destroy the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, and He visited Abraham, His friend and He told Abraham, this is what I am going to do.

Abraham began to plead for the city because he had relatives there who were precious to him. He started by saying, ‘God, if you can find 50 people in the two cities, will you destroy the 50 with the unrighteous multitude? God said, if I find 50 there, I will spare the city. Abraham kept on pressing until he got to 10 and God said if I can find 10 people in the city doing My will, I will because of them, spare the city.

Unfortunately He couldn’t find 10. In other words, God is not going to wait until the whole nation – leaders and followers – have become committed to Him. He is looking for a percentage. Unfortunately, we don’t know that percentage. He knows that one and that is one of the reasons why everyday, we are struggling to get more and more souls saved. I am convinced beyond all doubt, that while we could apportion some blame to the leadership, a big blame also belongs to the followership. I have always said that in a nation of thieves, the leader will be a thief because a nation will get the leader it deserves. If we are all transparent people, if we are all honest people, if we are all against corruption, we will only vote into office people who are not corrupt. But if during the preparation for election, for example, somebody comes to you and says he wants you to vote for him and you say ‘fine, where is my bread’; and he gives you some money and you pocket it. When he gets to office, he will want to recoup the money that he has spent and when he begins to steal you don’t have any mouth with which to talk.

But if all of us say to someone, we are voting you into office, we are not demanding anything from you now, we don’t want your money; but when you get there, spend our money to take care of us. If he gets there and he begins to enrich himself, then we can rise up as one, and ask him, ‘what money are you stealing and what is the purpose of stealing it? We did not take any money from you’.

But as long as getting to office is going to be dependent on how much money you can spend on us before you get in there, when they get there, they will regard getting there as an investment and they will want returns for their investment.

So, the problem is not just with the leadership, it is also with those of us who vote them into office.

Originally published in RCCG North America site

God bless you as you register to vote. May God be glorified in all your voting decisions.

Amen

Paternity testing was the goal of a recent court case involving a former partner of Tiger Woods. The case was handled by a Florida judge who dismissed a paternity case filed against Tiger Woods by Devon James. The adult movie actress, whose real name is Melinda Brinling, alleged that Tiger Woods was the father of her 9 year old son Austin after reportedly having a relationship with the professional golfer sometime in 2001.

Woods grew up a child prodigy, introduced to golf before the age of two, by his athletic father Earl, who was a good standard amateur golfer and one of the earliest Negro college baseball players at Kansas State University. Earl Woods (Tiger’s father) was born in Manhattan, Kansas, some 125 miles west of Kansas City. Earl’s father Miles had five children by his first wife Viola, and six (of whom Earl was the youngest) by his second.

Three generations of broken homes suggest a pattern playing in the life of the star golfer. Where do these patterns originate and how are they broken? What has this got to do with “Altars” – a place of sacrifice?

Genesis 8[20] And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. [21] And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.

Genesis 12[7] And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

The early patriarchs were always building altars to the Lord at strategic points recognising that a greater covenant always had to subdue the older. We also note that the early fathers were from wicked heathen backgrounds. Every life has an altar already built speaking and enforcing certain covenants and behaviours …many of which are powerfully irresistible and negative. When we surrender to Jesus we break up with these past altars and their powers have no dominion over us. However, our prayer and devotional life is a new and living spiritual altar that must always be kept burning with sacrifices of praise and selfless service and obedience to God. Indeed we become living sacrifices.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. –Leonard Ravenhill.

If the spiritual altar in Christ Jesus by His blood – is not kept burning … we are not just carnal but old powerful parental altars established in previous generations unknown to us can begin to speak again. This was why Christ always warned the delivered and healed sinner to be watchful and sin no more as carelessness was invitation for great trouble. The commandments to pray without ceasing, never to look back and not permit spiritual cracks in our armour is not a call to fanaticism but requirements for spiritual survival. We should also not be quick to compare our spiritual journey and battles with another’s because we do not understand the altars they deal with. When we see brethren backslide or fall into disrepute we are often quick to judge actions and speak ill of them as weak rather than overpowered … in need of help for God’s altar to be rebuilt and reignited by His Spirit.

Gideon we also see had to pull down his father’s altar before he could move forward – many also need to do this. Judges 6[27] Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. [28] And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

In times of Recession, negative financial patterns leading to stagnation, suicide and depression may not always be due to suspected visible factors but to powerful altars in our past.

Elijah knew what to do (I Kings 18) and that is to silence the voice of every other evil altar of Baal on which offerings and sacrifices have been made to affect destiny either in the past or present. But that is not all…we must prepare a new altar by surrendering to Christ (for His blood speaks of love, mercy, new beginnings and peace – terminating all evil past covenants) or repair broken down prayer/devotional lives – if already a Christian … and begin to be a living sacrifice of praise and service and obedience to God. Ask God to send a fresh fire upon your life …keeping you always “hot” – never lukewarm for Him.

Previous generational patterns of infidelity, financial ruin, sexual perversion, moral delinquency, sickness, early/untimely deaths, fruitless efforts etc … especially when they run through more than two generations should put us on the alert…especially the first son. Prayerlessness and not being watchful and sober in Christian living are luxuries we cannot afford.

Tiger may have inherited many positive aspects as everything seemed to be in place even from the age of two to ensure he emerged a star – the highest-paid professional athlete in the world, having earned an estimated $90.5 million from winnings and endorsements in 2010. But the spiritual altar of the past still speaks of revenge, marital instability and confusion…and waits to be demolished. The most important issue could not be cured by financial success and was never dealt with.

Hebrews 12 [24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. [25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape , if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Romans 12: 1 [12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

I pray every altar speaking negative patterns into your life will be silenced in Jesus name. Lord help us – especially to challenged leaders in public arena – that the fire of Christ in our lives will never go dim.

God bless you. Surrender to Jesus – the new and living way.

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

Enjoy the following sermon videos …

A lesson from that article and Bible text is that we become what we continue to (voluntarily or involuntarily) see and not necessarily what we like, understand, admire or even approve of. An element therefore to winning the battle is to sponsor and project on the internet and indeed other media considerably much more material to promote more interest in the living truth … every spirit-filled Church therefore will have a strategy for digital media.

It is often said that we are losing youths because they are bored with doctrine … and do not care for the narrow paths. However, I see more industry in the camp of the antichrist to see that every conceivable and subtle alternative and substitute is consistently projected through all possible media including the internet… while the Church remains too cocooned in tradition to understand and respond to the issues and strategise accordingly.

How is strategy typically formulated ? You may want to consider some thoughts to structure an approach for a Digital media strategy as it relates to your area of influence after much prayer and seeking God’s direction.

1. Understand the context of the battle i.e. look closely at the terrain you desire to impact for Christ… Be candid to note strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the Church. Understand the alternatives and arguments being proposed to capture the minds of saints…and close substitutes offered. Understand the strategy of the enemy.
2. Detail the issues facing the Church within the context of the digital space…as well as potential responses.
3. Evolve a vision for the Internet as well as mission and quantifiable objectives (e.g. – hits, virtual membership, posts, online decisions etc…)
4. Determine after considering the issues where the battle must be frontal i.e. direct counter positions or Bypass i.e. indirect approaches. Find niches that are very important e.g. reaching children…Another strategy is a diversionary strategy to get the enemy off-guard or diverted by a decoy and then attacking vulnerable points .
5. Detail actions for each objective with timelines and resource implications…understanding that there must also be confidentiality in spiritual battles. Elements of the battle would not be openly shared.

To win this battle – the word of God must be prominent in whatever is projected on the internet. An avalanche of the undiluted word in different modes and forms is a sure battle axe. The word (not my arguments, opinions, interpretations or clever thoughts) is potent and powerful…Hebrews 4[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As Christ strengthens us and gives us His wisdom to formulate and execute His direction…we are sure to win. To do nothing is to be defeated already.

God bless you.

In summary I list below five pieces of baggage related to finances – giving more attention to discuss the last of which I admit a bias to see as perhaps more encumbering especially from a spiritual perspective. All these items come in a deceptive garb but really are merciless predators positioned to tear apart God ordained destiny.

• Idols
• Certain lingering experiences
• Untested assumptions and misread observations
• Fears
• Philosophies of Achievement – Humanism

Idols: We unconsciously embrace the good and the not-so-good in kindred, leaders or examples of admired persons. How many lusted over 50 room mansions of celebrities? … Or gaped as films and TV commercials arrested our thoughts and screen idols alighted happily from white limousines (not considering that this joy could be only part of another script – unreal). Why is “Idols” – reality television competition – so popular in all nations? Many vain but well acted mind-distorting scenes and images remain etched in the mind, influencing desires and distorting priorities. We also tend to embrace the brand of faith and beliefs of people close to or historical icons admired by us. We unconsciously hold on to fond but made-up memories of people to whom we feel attached – clinging to models God may want released. These idols have crept into worship …producing music and pastoral theo-tainment instead of discipleship.

Certain lingering experiences: A vivid memory of the disgrace over bankruptcy or a grieving relation unable to meet bills can be foundational in a life that commits to wealth as ultimate protection to be obtained at all costs. This positive urge to succeed can also become a maniacal drive tending eventually to criminality. God give me grace to be freed of the chains of a corrupted past. We are accustomed to conditions that formed us – sometimes unable to appreciate a different wholeness paradigm. We simply do not know better…and cannot appreciate or desire the healing we need.

Untested assumptions and misread observations: Many have wrong perceptions of most situations. We impute truths in academic texts, classics, religious and philosophy literature, music lyrics, poetry and drama…traditional folklore and sundry documented narratives until completely mind-washed with fantasy. Many unproven suppositions are mixed in our most noble thoughts. Advertising reshapes realities until dangerous vehicles (like debt) resemble useful appliances of salvation – at least for a season. (See previous article on myths.)

Fears: Chiefly, the fear of failure and disgrace. Hindrances and opposition are overestimated – helped by fears. Fear helps to overrate the things we imagine will hold us down. Many have successfully overcome major adverse swings in fortunes and bad winds to emerge much stronger. But most are still afraid to move forward should they fail. Fears also include exaggerated thoughts of inferiority and distortion of perceptions/impressions as it relates to acceptance of others or the authority of others to stop us. This baggage encourages oppressive covenants innocently entered for protection and alignments with fraternities promising some insurance. (See article Dare to fail.) Fear robs of all the things we could do or have done and be – if we had no fear. Fear offers instead second-rate “safer” options and destiny substitutes having cremated and buried many great works, books, ministries, inventions and new business initiatives.

Philosophies of Achievement – Humanism: These are positive meditations and mental exercises to influence seen and unseen creation to attract wealth and success. The Andrew Carnegie Dictum was to spend the first third of one’s life getting all the education one can, to spend the next third making all the money one can and spend the last third giving it all away for worthwhile causes. Andrew Carnegie was involved in philanthropist causes, but he kept himself away from religious circles. He wanted to be identified by the world as a ‘positivist’. In “Think and Grow Rich”, Napoleon Hill popularised Edison’s philosophies that perhaps foreshadowed today’s “prosperity” “humanist” and “motivational” movements…offering a mental solve-all that captured a generation. Napoleon piped his formula for success paralleled on studies of patterns common to achievers of the day. This new music enchanted billions ripe for the bait… and many slide down under the grip of a new lord – self. Others embraced perhaps unknowingly the occult behind the mask of brotherly love, charity, extra-biblical esoteric truth and generous philanthropy. The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil again tastes better than that of life. The sufficiency and sole supremacy of Jesus Christ is debatable and His throne can be shared.

Napoleon Hill’s models of humanism were great inventors, achievers, thinkers and philanthropists like Thomas Edison,George Eastman,Henry Ford,Elmer Gates,John D. Rockefeller, Sr.,Charles M. Schwab,F.W. Woolworth,William Wrigley Jr., and John Wanamaker. The good end was said to justify any means or mix of beliefs. i.e. a good man was one who did good things in a bad society – free to worship whatever he fancied.

Edison believed “Nature is what we know. We do not know the gods of religions … nature made us — nature did it all — not the gods of the religions…. what you call God I call Nature, the Supreme intelligence that rules matter.” In 1932, Eastman (who changed the face of photography when he found the Eastman Kodak company at New York) committed suicide with a single gunshot to the heart, leaving a note which read, “My work is done. Why wait?” Ford and Adolf Hitler admired each other’s achievements. Henry Ford said “I adopted the theory of Reincarnation when I was twenty six. Religion offered nothing to the point. Even work could not give me complete satisfaction. Work is futile if we cannot utilise the experience we collect in one life in the next.” Ford captured the final breath of Edison in a test-tube kept till today in the Ford Museum. Gates introduced the science of “mind-using”. Rockefeller became an oil “Baron”. Schwab the steel magnate who became notorious for his “fast lane” lifestyle died broke. Woolworth the stores magnate was deeply fascinated with Egyptology and spiritualism. John Wanamaker, the father of modern advertising was a Pennsylvania Mason. Norman Vincent Peale – a Protestant preacher and also a Scottish Rite Freemason – another later day piper of humanism wrote “The Power of Positive thinking” described by a critic as “The Bible of American auto hypnotism”.

Luke 9 [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

There are few that have not had to deal with any of these besetting weights in one form or the other. Many still do not see the junk… after all carrying them seems to work just fine. However, where they are not boldly conquered, “innocent” baggage transforms to hungry dragons waiting in the den that life eventually throws all into. The most ravenous of these beasts being “Philosophies of Achievement” or more accurately “Doctrines of demons” – as disciplines of the mind and mental manipulation to influence others graduate into more elaborate ritual. Once the bait is bitten, the snare closes and many drown in destruction.

Hosea 4[6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…

I Timothy 6 [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Ephesians 4[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Daniel already conquered when alone he purposed firmly not to defile himself and said “no Babylonian junk food for me”. When the beasts saw him in the den they only saw Christ – the Lion of Judah. Compare this to the mongers of his destruction – quickly and completely torn to shreds before slipping down the cave.

Perhaps “baggage” items are in your house…still lurking somewhere in more private chambers. Domestic pets you call them … fed by your attention but soon to manifest their vicious identity. Unlike Daniel …who from the onset purposed to be apart…it took a while for me to risk confronting the baggage once and for all…only to find there’s even more than I thought that I could ever list … I do not justify them but rather still go to my prayer closet to express my frustrations at the Throne room of God – laying all my ugly burdens at the feet of Jesus…not finding shameful rebuke but always encouragement, help, fresh mercy, resolve and strength as Jesus moves out the rest of the rubbish and rebuilds where I went amiss.

Nehemiah 4[10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Nehemiah rebuilt successfully. Pray that the Holy Spirit should reveal your own peculiar baggage (lion) and receive grace to see what the word of God calls rubbish. God help us to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus…and may His grace be sufficient for all our prosperity. May Christ help us to victory. May we be made truly financially whole by Him.

Success is for the will of God to prosper in our lives. In Christ – you will succeed. Conquering is to master the things that seek to master us internally and externally. Like Daniel – you will conquer. Finishing well is to make Heaven and earn the well done of God. Like Nehemiah you will finish well. Amen

John 14[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(Originally published in the Christian Post)

Daniel 11:32 “The people that do know their God shall be strong”

(Zac Poonen originally published this post under the title “Don’t be afraid of being Slandered.“)

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:8-11)

The church in Smyrna faced the “blasphemy of those who say they are Jews” (Rev. 2:9). Slander is something that all of God’s faithful children have to face. Notice here that the slander and opposition that this church was facing was from those who called themselves God’s people – “those who say they are Jews, but are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).

Those Jews were religious people, who studied their Bibles (Genesis to Malachi). Yet the Lord called them “a synagogue of Satan”, because they were hypocrites. That is why they persecuted the true disciples of Jesus.

Many a synagogue that was started by God-fearing Jews degenerated into a synagogue of Satan over a period of time. In the same way, many churches that were started by God-fearing believers, have also degenerated into “churches of Satan”, in God’s eyes, today.

Opposition for the true disciples of Jesus today, comes not just from heathen religions (which is understandable), but also from “those who say they are Christians, but who are not, but are a church of Satan”.

Today, if we said that a so-called Christian “church” was “a church of Satan”, many would accuse us of being un-Christlike. But they forget that it was Jesus Himself Who rebuked Peter saying “Get behind Me, Satan” (Mt.16:23), and that it was Jesus Who called this group of religious people “a synagogue of Satan”. He would use exactly the same strong language today to rebuke “churches” that have drifted from their calling.

Jesus warned His disciples, “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue; but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. And these things they will do, because they have not known the Father, or Me.” (Jn.16:2,3).

What He said then that the people in a synagogue would do to His disciples, was in later centuries done by “churches” too. In the middle ages, God fearing disciples of Jesus were killed by “Christian” inquisitionists.

This hatred of the disciples of Jesus will reach its peak during the time of the Antichrist and the Babylonian “world church”. We must be prepared to face it when it comes. That is why we must not be afraid of the little slander and opposition that we face from so-called Christians these days.

We must never be afraid of being slandered – for Jesus Himself was maligned. He was called a gluttonous man, a false teacher, a blasphemer, an insane man, a demon-possessed man, a half-breed and one who had Satanic power (Lk.7:34; Jn.7:12; Mt.26:65; Mk.3:21,22; Mt.12:24; Jn.8:48).

He told His disciples, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul (a Jewish title for Satan, the prince of demons), how much more the members of his household!” (Mt.10:24,25).

Peter exhorts us saying, “Keep your behaviour excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Pet.2:12).

God’s promise to us is, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. And their vindication is from Me.” (Isa.54:17). So we need not fear slander. The Lord Himself will vindicate us at the right time. Until then we can afford to keep quiet and ignore what ungodly people say about us.

Daniel went to the Lion’s Den in disgrace but emerged to be honoured.

God bless you

By the altar we made our vows … Numbers 30[2] If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break and profane his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

The Washington Post – The Gift of the Gores heralds a new world view and model “… there’s another way to look at it. The Gores have handled their decision to separate with dignity and grace. In doing so, they have given us all a great gift — an opportunity for a deeply important and mature conversation about the changing nature of marriage in a time when women have equal opportunities, when people are getting married later in life and when life expectancy is much longer….Not only should we respect their decision, but in some ways we should rejoice in it…. I have known Al and Tipper Gore for almost as long as they have been married. There is no question they were very much in love. They were affectionate with each other, warm, teasing and respectful. I never heard a hint of any scandal….They were together for 40 years, raised four kids, shared a lot of pain and a lot of joy, they have had an extraordinarily exciting life together and they should be proud of that. But people change, even those who are deeply committed to each other...”

Many cite lack of money and falling out of love as two prime reasons for separation. The Gores had more than enough of both it seems …so what went wrong… or perhaps we should ask…did anything go wrong …even as this is presented as a new social benchmark to celebrate.

How important is God to us.

In Judges 11 [30] And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, [31] whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering. [32] Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into his hands. …[34] When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. [35] When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh! My daughter! You have made me miserable and wretched, because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break. ” [36] “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised, now that the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites. [37] But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends, because I will never marry.”

The modern era has perhaps justifiably emphasised falling in love, convenience, equal opportunities for women, and a long happy life expectancy – to be lived in self administered mirth and variety…over commitment to vows made to God concerning His gift of marriage to mankind…noting that while animals cohabit and procreate – only human beings marry.

Many today separate out of boredom! Money however is often pertinent in most separations and I do not mean inability to pay the bills. When couples drift…perhaps one of the first things to unglue tends to be the financial bond. A single financial plan that unites the family managed in a joint approach built on trust was presented at a recent marriage seminar I attended as a better practice to embrace. Openness and trust must be preserved. In plain words – be married to someone you can trust completely in money matters. An elder once commented that true Christianity, self sacrifice and love of God is tested and confirmed primarily in marriage.

Let me leave you with a more foreboding thought. If you think your spouse to be a waster consider that one easy way to usher the devourer (I do not just mean your attorney) into your finances is through divorce. I came across an apt headline on a divorce lawyer’s site “ Divorce your spouse not your money”. In my book Wealth out of Ashes, I wrote that divine displeasure has many serious implications including and especially financial costs. You will pay a heavy price in your attempt to buy yourself out of your vows as you ponder over…Who keeps the house? Who pays for the extra home? How do we ensure both get a fair share? The expenses of running two misaligned households, legal fees, child support, marital liabilities can be cheap in an online world but the enemy of our soul has a wide range of new levers for his devices. Wikipedia actually lists a range from $15m to Rupert Murdoch’s divorce bill of $1.7B. Divorce will in most cases make you much poorer…than letting your spouse be an active partner in your finances or indulge in another buying spree.

Do we wonder the Bible derides the fool in Ecclesiastes 5[4] When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Ecclesiastes does say all vows involve costs … marriage is no exception. God help us to be committed to our vows to you … and I have so much to learn.

Proverbs 4[23] Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Those who keep their vows at all costs have God’s eternity in mind. Suppose indeed you find like John Wesley (Church History Blog) that you married “trouble”… your reflections on destiny and eternity will make forgiveness and forbearance suddenly a cheaper option.

Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, with founding the Methodist movement … Wesley married very unhappily at the age of forty-eight to a widow, Mary Vazeille, and had no children. Vazeille left him fifteen years later. Despite his achievements, Wesley never quite overcame profound self-doubt. At age 63, he wrote to his brother, “I do not love God. I never did. Therefore I never believed, in the Christian sense of the word. Therefore I am only an honest heathen…And yet, to be so employed of God!” … Wesley travelled generally on horseback, preaching two or three times each day. Stephen Tomkins writes that he “rode 250,000 miles, gave away 30,000 pounds, . . . and preached more than 40,000 sermons.”He formed societies, opened chapels, examined and commissioned preachers, administered aid charities, prescribed for the sick, superintended schools and orphanages....Wikipedia on John Wesley.

Divorce is also not unforgiveable sin…and there is mercy and forgiveness in Christ.
The statistics are however becoming alarming as present day Christians discover seperation as an option that God allows (this was not the belief of previous generations of Christians) for even with sexual immorality we are taught to forgive. God also does not build ministry at the expense of marriage. Malachi 2.14-16; Mark 10.9; Matthew19: 7-9; 1Corinthians 7:10; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.

Life is about change. On the other hand, it’s comforting to accept in the Bible – Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.  Someone commented on this note that when life is unfair or when marriage ends for whatever the reason let it be done in decency. Matt.18:15-20 and I Pet. 2:15-16.

Lord …Help us to love you more than ever…and through Christ Jesus make us more than conquerors in our marriages. Help us make the right choices and embrace the right models – shunning ways that displease you. Help us to have more grace to be what you have destined us to be. Amen

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

Bode
Recessionproof was recently listed as one of 40 best blogs for Christian Finance advice and top five for Christian Finance Advice by a Church. To God be the glory.

Wikipedia defines “Globalization” as a process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures are integrated through global networks of communication, transportation, and trade. The term also refers to transnational circulation of ideas, languages, or popular culture through acculturation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjcRbblRje8

Groping to find God has a good ring to it and common sense suggests “globalization” is a good pill in economic recession to alleviate poverty, hunger and conflict. However, generous contributions to humanity and helping the cause of God for “spiritual betterment” does remind me of Cornelius in the Book of Acts.

Acts [10:1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, [2] a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. [3] About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” [4] And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. [5] “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. [6] “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

Yet, there is a huge gulf of difference between searching, admiring and helping God and God finding and visiting us. When God (through Peter) visited “good” Cornelius see what happened.Acts 10[44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. [45] And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

When God visited Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) -- one of the most brilliant intellectuals in his time -- also on a similar mission to rescue God’s work from “crazy “ beliefs … he was blinded for a while …and then the scales on his eyes eventually fell off Acts 9[18] Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized….Everything changed for Paul…He now considered his brilliance, richest gains and reputation as “dung” that he may know Christ -- confessing “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

Why is Globalization the new threat – even as it offers obvious remedies in Recession?

Job 15[16] How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? Gen 8 [21] … for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth …”

Globalization enshrines the goodness of mankind i.e. well meaning people can agree to make the world a better place and have power to do so although brutal world wars, revelations of shocking genocides amongst all race groups and the power of innate selfishness point more at our depravity and human helplessness. Globalization initially may indeed do a lot of good in the hands of gentlemen like Mr Blair…but when eventually abused…it can be catastrophic. The ultimate result will be to make God and faith irrelevant (for only a god that is not truly God will agree to be served and worshipped with others) producing instead a type of modern neo-imperialism – leveraging unequal conditions of economic exchange to enthrone economic, political and technological and military advantage which administers a brand of “good decent governance” on the rest. It also, more worrisomely, will be the prepared medium for modern western thoughts on moral and social issues – notably on life, marriage and rights of religion – to be imposed on “inferior” cultures.

But the greatest inevitable threat is that it creates the ideal setting for the person the Bible calls the “The man of perdition” in 2 Thessalonians to emerge.

2 Thessalonians 2 [1] Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, [2] not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. [3] Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, [4] who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. [5] Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? [6] And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. [7] For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. [9] The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, [10] and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, [12] that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

We already see the falling away (of Christians) … the next event is the emergence of this person.

As I pray God finds His Cornelius and blinds His Sauls … I respectfully suggest that since Blair also warns that Christians must speak out in an aggressive secularist society, he should perhaps embrace more of his “rock and roll” hobby …as a more relaxing pastime in retirement. But then nothing will stop fulfilment of prophecy.  Watch and pray…as you stand fast (Originally published in The Christian Post.) …now to another British Global icon BP.

BP names Dudley as new CEO

I published recently in The Christian Post why BP should not focus only on the path of image laundering … and that replacing the CEO plays the aggressive corporate mogul card rather than the sympathy joker which it needs.  Image laundering suggests more screens will be devised to cover truth…It has already been announced that Dudley is to replace Tony Hayward.

Allow me to repeat again some generally applicable Bible lessons on recovery … and that recovery is indeed possible even in terrible situations. The following are some required elements.

1. Open public admission of wrong and unfeigned repentance/apology -- coupled with preparedness to face the implications and not evade or downplay it. Instead of clever self-protection and expensive image laundering administered by PR consultants and lawyers, demonstrate heartfelt sorrow and genuine corporate pain that touches all in contact with BP. The real bitter tears, open regret and readiness to make amends laundered the soiled image of David not PR/image reengineering.

2. Resisting the temptation to dilute accountability by apportioning blame to partners or interests that could be “roped” in.

3. Integrity, honesty and generosity in settling the full bill to alleviate the impact on those adversely affected -- even if this seems suicidal to corporate interest. Sympathy can be a very fickle emotion…soon the aggressor becomes its friend. David became a spectacle of sympathy.

4. Planning and expecting to come out but not through a quick-fix “delete” button. There is a new open door hiding in most valleys though only few find it. BP for example can fashion out a new winning paradigm (not PR gimmick) for corporate ethics and responsibility -- especially as it relates to environmental protection…truly emerging as a new corporate leader.

What is common in both cases are that both Tony Blair and BP are powerful Global brands … and their thoughts, actions and decisions will affect our lives somehow …

Proverbs  [5]  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6]  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God bless you. Amen

Psalm 122 [6]  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

In previous writings I discerned a strong but not obvious link between oppression and recession. In dealing with issues related to economic recovery and prosperity (material and spiritual) one cannot detach from pains of the body of Christ … in quiet poor corners.

Ask Queen Esther. It is easier to sympathise with the plight of prisoners, AID’s victims, orphans, the hungry and strangers than to step into the arena of people groups targeted for complete extermination. Truly, only those unafraid to confront the flesh and have conquered their personal fears and self-life can challenge death and respond boldly and truthfully to challenge the progress of satanically inspired genocide.

Esther 4 [16]  Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. [17]  So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

The dialogue on ethno-religious persecutions is infinitely more complex for several reasons:

• Proponents risk exposing their identity in a deadly battle…making themselves instantly vulnerable to deadly personal attack or perhaps more effectively to be shunned and cruelly labelled as crazy fanatic misfits – loved only from a distance and excluded sometimes in subtle ways from normal economic and political participation reserved for more “correct” persons.
• Governments and its allied institutions mean well but are impotent in spiritual battles – often naively confused as to why normal peacekeeping palliatives have only played to worsen the situation.
• The real actors of spiritual warfare are described in the Bible as masked and concealed wicked puppeteers in high places pulling steel strings that control voluntary and involuntary vassals in industry, media, government and politics.

Back to the central region of Jos, Nigeria…where killings of Christians continue…

‘It has been pointed out that the attitude of all Western governments toward Islam is one of the most difficult and delicate problems of colonial politics. When the matter was discussed at the Edinburgh Missionary Conference (1910), the following resolution, characterized by great timidity, was passed “It is not singular that, in the effort to give to Mohammedanism the outward respect due to it in a region peopled by its adherents, the British officials should sometimes ‘lean over backward.’ But the Commission is of the opinion that in Egypt, the Sudan and Northern Nigeria the restrictions deliberately laid upon Christian mission work, the deference paid to Islam are excessive, and that a respectful remonstrance should be made to the British Government on the subject.”1′ from, The Law of Apostasy.

We do not want to be woken to realities of a serious battle with life and death implications. My friend Mark Lipdo in Jos sent an update and recent images captured to share to brethren on what carnage and persecution looks like and the inhuman ugliness we would rather not see…But can we love God if we do not love His children wherever they are ?  Can God prosper us if we remain ignorant or unperturbed on issues hot on His burner …

Lipdo reports  “On the 3rd of July 2010, at about 8.30pm the people of Kizachi Dawai Chawai community realized that Fulani’s in military uniforms similar to the one used by the Joint task force in Jos, Plateau State, surrounded the entire village. The incident that resulted to the bloodshed of innocent lives and destruction of property in Wukari town in Taraba State North East of Nigeria on 13th May 2010 began when a Police Area Commander, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) was transferred to the area. Who according to sources started erecting a mosque building in the Police Barracks, but was strongly advised by the Elders and Traditional Council of the Land to stop the building as such is capable of creating misgivings among the people. The fallout … five Christian youths were reportedly shot by police men and three of them died while the other two were badly injured as a result. This was what led to the escalation of the violence.

More recently …on 17th July 2010…in Maza, a little village in Jos North Local Government area of Plateau State, five kilometers Northeast of Jos city center, has also been visited by the cruel Islamist style massacre that has plagued the region in  recent times. Since the inauguration of shari’a (Islamic law) by 12 Northern Nigeria States, Nigerian Muslims have increasingly demonstrated deep hatred for non-Muslims in their communities.  There are several instances of violation of Non- Muslims’ rights in these 12 States but little has been done to expose or confront it. However Muslims are quick to project appearances of similar treatment against them elsewhere in the country, particularly where Christians are in majority. Christians are perplexed by what now appears to be an apparent collusion between the media and the Muslims. Grumblings persist that media reporting often favor Muslims, no matter the situation.

This village which is located on the State’s border with Bauchi, just at the foot of the Plateau hills, was at the mercy of its attackers in the early hours of Saturday the 17th of July 2010. According to reports, at about 12:30am, some people, suspected to be Fulani’s, strategically positioned themselves around the community and began shooting in the air. Scared by the shootings, the villagers rushed out of their homes confused, and encountered the bullets, machetes and petrol fires of the perpetrators. This was an approach, similar to the 17th March 2010 gruesome attack on Dogo na hauwa village, southeast of Jos city center. The attack left 15 houses burnt, 8 people killed and 4 admitted in different hospitals. The mutilated victims include 4 children 3 women and 1 man. 7 of them died in the village and one later in the hospital.   The Pastor of a nearby Church was the most affected. He lost his wife, two daughters and his grandson also. The grandson was in his house when it was set on fire. His Church was also completely destroyed. Security men arrested one Haruna Mohammed and 3 others in connection with this inhumane crime. They were taken and are being interrogated at Rukuba Military cantonment in Jos…”

The body of Christ cannot be megachurching in prosperity if only a little toe is badly hurting.  Please be alert to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on these issues … praying  especially for wisdom, the spirit of forgiveness and mercy… doing also whatever you can … not just in Nigeria but in other locations of the world where persecution continues. Meanwhile do not be deceived to imagine this and other manners of warfare are not at your door… progressing a well staged agenda in your vicinity.  Rather be vigilant and pray.

Romans 8 [36]  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37]  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38]  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39]  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 42[9]  I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Please read Previous posts on Jos Crisis.  Also read the post “Why Go I mourning?” for an encouraging devotional by Spurgeon.

God bless you. Amen

Bode

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj4y8TNQud4

Not a second…Or another minute
Not an hour…Or another day

But at this moment with my arms outstretched …I need you to make a way
As you’ve done so many times before…Through a window or an open door

I stretch my hands to you…Come rescue me…I need you…Right away

If I never needed you before…To show up and restore
All of the faith that I let slip…While I was yet searching the world for more

The true best friend I have indeed…You’re my best friend I know indeed
I stretch my hands to thee…Come rescue me
I need you right away

The agony of being alone…The fear of doing things on my own
The test and trials that come to make me strong
The feelings of guilt, hurt, shame, and defeat
The way the trials that beat upon me
But to know Lord that in you I’ve got victory…Smokie

“Canst thou answer this, believer? Canst thou find any reason why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why yield to gloomy anticipations? Who told thee that the night would never end in day? Who told thee that the sea of circumstances would ebb out till there should be nothing left but long leagues of the mud of horrible poverty? Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow, and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair? Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter? Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! For God fails thee not. Dost thou not know that thy God loves thee in the midst of all this? Mountains, when in darkness hidden, are as real as in day, and God’s love is as true to thee now as it was in thy brightest moments. No father chastens always: thy Lord hates the rod as much as thou dost; He only cares to use it for that reason which should make thee willing to receive it, namely, that it works thy lasting good. Thou shalt yet climb Jacob’s ladder with the angels, and behold Him who sits at the top of it--thy covenant God. Thou shalt yet, amidst the splendours of eternity, forget the trials of time, or only remember them to bless the God who led thee through them, and wrought thy lasting good by them. Come, sing in the midst of tribulation. Rejoice even while passing through the furnace. Make the wilderness to blossom like the rose! Cause the desert to ring with thine exulting joys, for these light afflictions will soon be over, and then “for ever with the Lord,” thy bliss shall never wane. Spurgeon

“Faint not nor fear, His arms are near, He changeth not, and thou art dear; Only believe and thou shalt see, That Christ is all in all to thee.”

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Isaiah [54:1]  Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

In Christ we are more than conquerors. Amen

Culled from Spurgeon Devotional

God bless you.

Bode

According to CNN reports “one of two recent UFO sightings in China occurred almost on the 63rd anniversary of news that a “flying disc” had been found in Roswell, New Mexico.And like in 1947, people either choose to believe or be sceptical that visitors have stopped by from outer space. Nothing has officially been ruled in or out by Chinese officials, who are looking into whether the objects were private or military aircraft, rocket flares, reflection in the sky or something else. The first sighting occurred at Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan Airport, in the eastern part of the country, according to the state-controlled Xinhua news agency….Eighteen flights were delayed or rerouted and operations shut down after twinkling lights were spotted above the terminal around 9 p.m. July 7, the agency said. …”

Deuteronomy 4 [15] Therefore take good heed to yourselves, since you saw no form of Him on the day the Lord spoke to you on Horeb out of the midst of the fire, [16] Beware lest you become corrupt by making for yourselves [to worship] a graven image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, [17] The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, or of any winged fowl that flies in the air, [18] The likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, or of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth. [19] And beware lest you lift up your eyes to the heavens, and when you see the sun, moon, and stars, even all the host of the heavens, you be drawn away and worship them and serve them, things which the Lord your God has allotted to all nations under the whole heaven. (Amp)

Click here to view the embedded video.

I Cor 4[5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Studies also establish that the majority of UFOs are observations of some real but conventional object-most commonly aircraft, balloons, or astronomical objects such as meteors or bright planets misidentified by the observer as anomalies, while a small percentage of reported UFOs are hoaxes. Only perhaps 5% of anomalous sightings can be truly classified as unidentified in the strictest sense.

Astrology, Horoscopes and the phenomenon of UFOs are examples of modern obsessions typified by inconclusive discourse and which God consistently warns not to give attention. The scriptures were not written to instruct us in astronomy, or in any of the physical sciences, but that we might have the certainty of life eternal…John 17[3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

The Bible teaches that God is the great controller of all our sight, hearing, speech, touch, taste and also other senses of balance, direction, motion and temperature etc. He is able to cause us to sense whatever He wills for His purpose. He caused the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots (that was not there) to frighten them off and achieve the transfer of wealth He desired. In similar ways He has mastery of all senses permitting the observation of whatever reality He determines. He can therefore go to battle not only with mighty angelic hosts but simply by twisting the senses as He wishes…even turning diviners insane…creating and assigning realities as He wills for as long as it pleases Him.

2 Kings 7[6] For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. [7] Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was , and fled for their life. [8] And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it ; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also , and went and hid it.

God may not be against science but we cannot trust our detection apparatus or the logic of valid observations over simple truths of scripture. Opposition to the word of God by seeking esoteric truths in horoscopes, “Brotherhoods” and pseudo-science religious cults are vain. Indeed, God only needs to send an appropriate imagination, perpetuating a continued delusion – with the objective to punish peculiar rebellion against His already revealed word.

Ecclesiastes 12 [13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

There are secret things that God must bring into judgment Himself…ours is to fear God and keep His commandments. Beware, Christians are warned not to be involved in horoscopes or engaged in vain searches (pretending to be science) in spheres we are to shun.

Remain always blessed. Amen

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

Bode

• Crisis is a time of intense shaking that leaves behind great strength, and removes the debris and impurities as well as preparing us for the future.
• Crisis is the time of building and shining to the glory of God as God is proved.
• Crisis establishes covenant relationships and trains you to restore others.
• Crisis repositions you back on the track God has destined.
• Crisis levels the playing field again and creates the opportunity for a fresh beginning.

Pastor Gabriel Oteka is in charge of RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE IKOTA AJAH – a Church Parish in Lagos, Nigeria and shares his testimony to the glory of God.

This time last year, I had lost all respect I had in the parish and every shred of dignity was gone. People began to leave the parish. I lost an elder and his wife because they felt I had lost the capacity to lead them. In 2008 we gave birth to a new parish and in the same week lost the tenancy to our accommodation. We had to make do with a training hall in a security company. We spent over two years here. Services were only on Sundays. Attendance dropped rapidly until we were less than twenty. In a move to remedy the situation we raised funds and paid a deposit of about $45,000 for a property of $200,000. The agreement was that we could go on the land and have our services there, but this we could not do because other parties suddenly came to stop us, claiming some dispute. At this point there was no more money and attendance had dropped so much that all hope was lost. One night I broke down in tears before GOD asking why He put me in this situation. Where did I miss it? Why all the losses? Financial, membership etc.

It was in the midst of this time of pain and confusion that GOD moved. I got a phone call to visit a couple in their home the following day.  I was not expecting much, because by now the burden had become larger than what could be remedied naturally. When I got to their home, after a few pleasantries, an envelope was dropped before me. When I picked it up it weighed more than a single cheque leaf. When I opened the envelope there were 3 cheques, the first read RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE  (equivalent of) $90,000, the second RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE  $90,000, the third cheque RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE  $90,000. My first reaction was to pinch myself to ensure this was not a dream. I took the envelope home slept, woke up, and the envelope was still there, I paid in the cheques and they cleared.  It suddenly dawned on me how faithless I had been. And that He had been on my case all along. Our GOD is very faithful. We have since started service on our land. PRAISE GOD.

Someone reading this blog should be encouraged. It was good all those who left you and abandoned you did so.  Stop weeping and be strong. God has not abandoned you.  Keep moving forward.  This Crisis will not break you but serves only to mould you into something better.  Remember God needs you to encourage someone else when God comes finally through for you.  It may not always be in a monetary form…but God surely comes through for His children as the floodgates of Heaven open.

God bless you.

Bode

1. Money, Riches and Achievement will make you happy and fulfilled.

Micah 6[12] For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. [13] Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. [14] Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. Riches, pleasures can be obtained but satisfaction is a separate virtue that God must send not necessarily as a consequence of wealth. Ecclesiastes 5[10] He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. The challenge is that riches promote lusts and desires that steal our hearts from God…and when we love silver we are cursed with never being satisfied and always wanting more…a path that leads to a downward spiral.

2. God gives us what we desire and supplies our wants.
Truth: God gives us what He decides in His unquestionable benevolence to give us for His glory and purpose. True works of God do not lack for funds.

Phillipians 4[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Needs are not wants…nor are they desires…Our needs relate more to God’s divine assignments and His purpose for our lives. He wants us to prosper as our soul and destiny prospers. This promise was made to Epaphroditus – a generous giver to Paul’s cause. God’s cause and all who align to provide to it will not lack. God may if He chooses but is not committed to finance our lifestyle expenditures … nor does He have to pay for our vain pursuits.

3. When we give to God – God owes us and we must expect to receive.
Truth: God commands us to give our Tithes, first-fruits and offerings out of love for Him and not as an investment.

Luke 17 [10] So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.We can never repay what God had done and still does for us through our giving of what He gave us in the first place…talk less of turning God to a debtor. The best of us are unprofitable from God’s perspective. He fulfils His word by opening the windows of heaven, causing men to give us and blessing us with increase as we love Him.  It is love of God that God responds to and not debt. Indeed how can we say we love God and argue about giving back to Him in our Tithes, First-fruits and Offerings and to bless others to His glory.

4. Seize the moment…your best life is now so amuse yourself and enjoy life.
Truth: Your best life is certainly not now !

Luke 6 [25] Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. The Bible is full of pictures that lets us see He saves the best for the last. His Eternity in Heaven is His best. His way is to serve the best wine last…the way of the antichrist is the exact opposite. Eternal damnation is the worst of all worst case scenarios…and it is saved also for the last. Christians are told especially in the end-times to endure … and that it will be worth the wait. The antichrist says there is nothing to wait for so don’t miss out on the joys of the moment at the expense of your soul.

5.We can believe God for harvests we have not sown, God does the impossible.
Truth: God has no limitation – for all the silver and gold in Heaven, Earth, with believers and unbelievers all belong to Him and He gives as He pleases. God does not deny His word on which He asks us to meditate on day and night.

Genesis 8 [22] While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. God is merciful  – He does not deal with us according to our iniquity but scriptures encourage us to change our seed if we want a different harvest.  We can not sow oranges and hope to harvest bananas.  Our kind words, sacrificial giving, service and industry can be seeds …we must pray God gives increase. Zero multiplied a billion times remains zero. Change your seed and reap a different outcome.

Galations 6[7]  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8]  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God bless you.

Bode