Category Archives: Leadership

An End to Recession and Oppression. A Prophetic word for 2012

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All over the world there seems to be crises – a siege of evil, be it in politics, economics, education, morality and particularly so in religion.  Depression seems to be lingering even longer than the over three years that God had ordained for it to be in the times of Ahab … causing many to ask, when are we going to experience the “rains” again.  The Bible indicates that God will often use dearth and oppression to draw the attention of His own to their false altars and remind His own, that the juxtaposition of Baal worship and worship of Jehovah in the palaces of Ahab may be convenient for Jezebel but is not acceptable to God who demands purity.  Still,  at the appointed time God turns the hearts of His own back by His divine intervention, and there will be showers again.

These are like the days of Ahab, an evil King, married to Jezebel the epitome of idolatry. Most prophets have been already killed –silenced by Jezebel’s baits, others dine and serve Ahab in his palaces – useful only to hide the hundreds who must remain concealed to protect their livelihood and thousands who had not bowed the knee to Baal but who also remain quiet as the altar of God remained in ruins, and the people who remain uncommitted, neutral … and Jezebel likes it so.   A broken altar always leads to trouble. It is man’s prerogative to boastfully scatter the altar of God … it is God’s to withhold rain and close the heavens.

And there was one isolated – Elijah (a man subject to like passions as we are, who prayed earnestly) and who at the appointed time was told to go and show himself to Ahab.  The encounter of Elijah with Ahab is bizarre …

I Kings [17]  And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? [18]  And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

At the United Nations, a world leader recently proclaimed that Religion is in the way of progress in advancement of Human rights without which peace is evasive … even as the liberal press all over the world continually labels the “narrow” paths of Christianity as offbeat to a search for global harmony and to be shunned if the troubles of civilisation are to cease.  We seem to miss the link between evil and continued recession… comatose to the decay that is the real undoing of the times.

At the time appointed God locates Elijah who lays the blame boldly at the feet of Ahab – the King that oversees the forsaking of God’s commandments (now termed legalism) and follows after Baal alongside the worship of Jehovah.  Elijah says it is Ahab’s creative syncretism and wickedness that has caused the recession and oppression.  Elijah knows something that Ahab does not know – and that is God has decided to end the period of suffering and usher in wellness and turn the hearts of His own back to Him again.

The confidence in God causes Elijah to challenge Ahab to a spiritual duel, repairing God’s altar and crying to God in prayer culminating in a dramatic divine intervention and slaughter of 450 of Baal’s prophets and another 400 prophets of the grove.

I Kings 18 [37]  Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

I found an old prophetic message that speaks to the heart by Revd. Jackie McCullough delivered at an arena that dramatically foretells Elijah challenging Ahab and his alliances.

In 2012, God does a new thing and it will be well. The prophets of Baal and the prophets of the groove are in for a most horrible and terrible surprise. The sound of abundance of rain will be heard again unexpectedly even as God raises His own to repair the broken altar of the Lord.  A new purity of worship will be heralded as power is transferred from the wicked grip of Jezebel’s prophets and her political proxies and a new revival of justice, righteousness and Godliness will be evident.  This is the doing of the Lord.

Be on the right side.  Reflect on a previous blog post on Resolution to be a serious Christian in 2012.

I Kings 18[21]  And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Do not fret – if in Christ, instead be still and know …   If you are not in Christ, it is time to return.  The fire of God is about to fall.

 

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Christianity, Politics, National Crises and 2012.

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Historians will often blame religion as the hidden driver of most crises – the tool most preferred for the most evil power schemes. Atheists suggest its elimination to pave way for new accord, the lukewarm embrace a compromise without savour and many others remain aloof, uncertain … but God indeed is sovereign in all the affairs of men.  One observes common patterns in different country situations … albeit more pronounced and violent in some scenarios than others.

Religious variation and extremism always play well in politics for those skilled in playing the right strings knowing well that the citizenry remain more loyal to religion and this bond can be exploited.   A country political leader in a multi-religious polity once openly said “Religion cannot be ignored as a potent weapon for mass mobilization…” How is religion best manipulated as a weapon of mobilization?  Again the Bible illustrates it in the case of Jeroboam, a King who successfully created and mentored a false religious order to hold on to power as he feared that pilgrimages to Jerusalem will ultimately threaten his kingdom.

I Kings 12[25]  Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. [26]  And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: [27]  If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. [28]  Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. [29]  And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. [30]  And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. [31]  And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

Political powers have an age-old fear and satanic envy of the allegiance and loyalty of followers of Christ.  The doctrines of the Bible if followed will protect the traditional family, outlaw murder of the unborn, eschew ostentation, corruption and greed but will cause an unpredictable social revolution and shifts of power.  That is why Christ says He did not come to make peace even as He is the Prince of Peace.  He is already peace for those who will reject their past life and accept Him. Today’s Jeroboams will not have that so they midwife their own genres of worship in bewildering variety. Obama, Clinton and indeed most successful power brands must legitimise their own brand of faith to retain the control they need …  new priests like Oprah Winfrey are not fortuitous.  Who is attending these temples and does this manipulation work? Watch the polls and votes for admired persons for a feel of the influence. To unseat the president, the faithful may have to choose between a Mormon, a repented serial adulterer and whatever else can survive “Jeroboam’s” political filter. The crisis is more spiritual than physical.

In  Nigeria, the pattern is similar but perhaps more physical, crude and even violent. Past hurts and injustices have perfected a religion of hatred, grabbing and competition for influence … secretly sponsored and operating through proxies to destabilise and possibly balkanise the nation for fiendish gain … a different Jeroboam.  The weaknesses of basic policing, security and judicial order make terror and fear the best appliances.  Unchecked repetition of religious manipulation and violence normalises and legitimizes its application on both sides of the warring fence.  All this consolidates “ Jeroboam’s agenda ” as there is no united voice or moral authority to address issues of corruption, nation building, abuse of power, moral, social and infrastructural decadence … and worse, terror and fear seem to insulate against true faith and the gospel. But why are “Jeroboams” successful at their wicked craft?

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia addressing the World Evangelical fellowship on 4th May, 2001 said..

“Intolerance breeds injustice, injustice invariably leads to rebellion and retaliation, and these will lead to escalation on the part of making reconciliation impossible.  It would appear that during times of stress, despair and frustration, people become increasingly irrational, and do things which they never think they are capable of…and so we see hideous brutality perpetrated by the gentlest people….Once started religious strife has a tendency to go on and on, to become permanent feuds. Today, we see such intractable inter-religious wars in Northern Ireland, between Jews and Muslims and Christians in Palestine, Hindus and Muslims in South Asia and in many other places. Attempts to bring about peace have failed again and again and again.  Always the extremist elements invoking past injustices, imagined or real, will succeed in torpedoing the peace efforts and bringing about another bout of hostility.”

John 5[1]  Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. [2]  Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate  a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. [3]  Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [5]  One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. [6]  When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” [7]  “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” [8]  Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

Religion is like the scenario of the invalid for 38 years in the great company of other disabled … it just will not get better, and will continue to be a vassal for powers that know how to exploit it.  A friend said recently that crises are good… if it makes us go again to Christ and begin to live for eternity again, a day at a time.  Crises wakes slumbering powerless Christians, depleted – by carnalities (formerly called sin) of once possessed inner strength … trembling like Gideon in a cave …  in need of revival and reconnection to the arm of the Almighty via repentance and rededication.  Granted I thought my friend to be harsh to say this at a time when many still mourn losses of lives from the Christmas day explosions in Abuja, Nigeria and many do the right thing to vigorously reposition to protect their families and property from further attacks.

2012 is the year I must be strong in my inner-man to be salt and light … inner strength that produces external victories to evangelise as Christ ordered with not just my lifestyle but to tell everyone there is power for them to begin to walk again … making disciples for Christ.  Every one rescued from Jeroboam’s grip is one less potential spiritual or physical terrorist.  Every convert lost or follow-up postponed can easily be gain someday for captains of evil spreading another gospel.  My undoing is my refusal to be salt and light and actively spread the gospel as my Lord commanded.  Where I refuse to shine, darkness creeps in. God forgive me.

John 18 [36]  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. …John 12 [25]  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

What does it mean to hate our life in this world? Strong words used by Jesus. Hate does not mean tolerate or endure peaceably but implies strong passionate disdain.  Jeroboams succeed because we love our life and our vanities and convenience.

Jonah 2[8]  They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Our enemy is not Islam, politicians, Jeroboam’s priests or another new religious proxy but the lying vanities we observe that are leveraged to manipulate us … that cause us to forsake our mercies.  Let 2012 be different. Holy Spirit, Revive us again. Let God do a New Thing. God have mercy on us all. Come to Jesus.

Pray for Nigeria. Pray for your country…Pray for your leaders. May 2012 be a different year.

Amen

 

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Pragmatism and Fighting the Monster of Corruption

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The monster has not come for games.  It has studied the battlefield and watched the protagonists closely for centuries and is deft in laying out tactics to remain unvanquished.  This monster understands well three vital things which it uses to maintain his grip.

  1.  Pragmatism is the real religion of many professors of ethics and many are simply as motivated to material comforts and/or prominence as any other.  Pragmatism means we must do our best to secure a reasonable and practical conclusion on matters in front of us – doing of course our best given the circumstance.  Everyone bribes and can be bribed … most with money, others with honour and elevation and almost all with compliments, attention and recognition.
  2. Morality for most is not absolute and the context will determine the case.  Every case can be argued and we need to probe the context to establish truth.  Truth can be true in a case and untrue for another – depending on who is presenting it or arguing for it.  It is the end that justifies the means ….and this creates different scenarios and possibilities – enough to sustain every evil action.  The best minds can argue decadence to be right.  Everything can be contextualised.
  3. It seems all dread inconvenience, bad news, shame, loneliness and lack more than they fear the hell that they preach about … if they still truly believe it.  Most will only have pragmatic perspectives presented and will eschew rather than help people grapple through real ethical dilemmas.  All like good news and worship happy endings.

Corruption is not new.  Indeed at its height, the Roman Empire was the most impressive human administration the world had ever seen. Roman legislation was indeed effective and is still the basis of the legal code of many countries. Yet, many have said it was corruption that hastened Rome’s downfall.  The Romans were experts in juggling a corrupt judicial system and knew how to play the cards of the law as was required.  They were the ultimate pragmatists.

Acts 24 [22]  And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. [23]  And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. [24]  And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25]  And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26]  He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

The apostle Paul suffered under corrupt Roman officials. Felix, the Roman governor recognized Paul’s innocence but hoped to be bribed by Paul to secure his release – after all this was only the pragmatic solution to enable Paul have the freedoms he needed to preach and do the work of God.  An ally in Felix would also have been most helpful. What practical value will an incarcerated Paul confer? “ None “ says the positive pragmatist. Surely, Felix deserves some consideration for his kind intervention.

Instead of bribing Felix, Paul spoke about “righteousness and self-control.” Felix expecting a more practical discussion was incensed and had Paul retained in prison.   For many what the monster demands is not money, but our services or an assent to evil or a quiet silence –  anything to secure our freedoms from the bonds of the gospel and the love of God which restrains us. But we are yoked to Christ and must do as the Holy Spirit commands …  in this our coast is supernaturally enlarged to do even more.

What is pragmatism?  This is how Steve Jobs would have defined it.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” (1955-2011)

But this is how the Bible describes the voice speaking in our hearts…Jeremiah 17 [9]  The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Paul is not perfect and surely did not plan, when his life was interrupted on the way to Damascus, for a ministry in the prisons of Rome or to be crucified like a criminal, but the bonds of the gospel to which he called himself a slave demanded it.

The monster of corruption offers a wealthier, longer and healthier life, perhaps an opportunity in the lush courts of Felix to preach …  but all that – did not affect Paul.  Perhaps even though Paul did not dent the corrupt order, he saved his destiny and his soul – continuing in a pitiable incarceration from which he penned most of the New Testament.

The monster of corruption and injustice notes the identity of Paul, isolates him from his team and leaves him alone, waiting to hear of his eventual death and ignoring his tears in the sad corridors of a dark jail as he penned his works.

To my friend reading this post – be strong and courageous; continue to stand for truth.  There is a new anointing in Christ not to be overcome by corruption.  You will laugh last…all your private tears will soon be completely wiped away.

(Adapted from a real scenario and dedicated to the reader silently and privately suffering for battling the monster of corruption)


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Goliaths, Pharaohs and a New Dawn for a Great Nation

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President Goodluck Jonathan, the President of Nigeria – as the world’s most populous black nation today celebrates her 51st independence anniversary, says the future is bright and assures that the many challenges facing the nation will be eventually overcome.

The President, who gave the assurance in a televised address declared that his administration would spare no effort in tackling crime and building peace and likens the blockers of great nationhood to Goliaths and Pharaohs that will just not fade off as easily as many Nigerians will wish.

Many citizens observe that things are far from perfect and strain their imagination to observe or appreciate the new dawn that is breaking as an environment of improved governance and accountability, economic and fiscal discipline, a more professional and committed leadership team is slowly but surely emerging to transition an impatient citizenry with huge but yet to be realised potential.

Joseph Chamberlain once said “Great men are like mountains; we do not appreciate their magnitude while we are still close to them “even as Jonathan insists that there is much to celebrate declaring… “We must also take pride in our scientists. This week, Nigeria released 8 new high yielding cocoa varieties. This will help to transform cocoa production, across the 14 cocoa producing states in the nation,” he added.

The Bible records that the emergence of Jesus Christ and dawning of God’s very greatest revolution was received with even far less appreciation.

Luke 9 [9] And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Every new dawn comes with three vital elements. First, the element of Herod … the Goliaths, Jezebels and Pharaohs that represent spiritual battles that must be won to permit waning of powerful influences. Elijah and Elisha combined to anoint and empower Jehu to destroy the apparently invincible influence of Baal by a massacre of Ahab, Jezebel, seventy sons and many evil priests. It seems every great civilisation has had its political and socioeconomic revolutions – be it the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789 during the French Revolution or George Washington, leading the American Revolution.  The element of Herod is neutralised or vanquished.

The second element of new greatness is successful Transition. John the Baptist represented the transition that must identify, introduce and make way for Christ although he was not the Lamb of God, only a friend of the heavenly bridegroom. Transition elements must be tough, determined, selfless, impatient and perhaps even bold and courageous to be sacrificed as divine decoys to permit the concealed and fledgling revolution to eventually mature. Herod, after beheading John the Baptist, was surprised that someone even greater than John could be alive and thriving. Even Christ needed this element to prepare the way for Him. John the Baptist – the transition who prepared the way was perhaps disappointed, offended and beheaded, Herod was unable to stop Christ … and the new revolution that is Christianity still breaks out.

The third element is the New Dawn, the desire of all. I envision a new dawn breaking in a nation challenged with fighting many battles never been fought for fairness, justice, economic growth and new order of truth. New dawns do not just happen … For illustration, the American Revolution was the result of a series of new social, political, and intellectual transformations in early American society and government, collectively referred to as the American Enlightenment. Americans rejected the oligarchies common in aristocratic Europe at the time, championing instead the development of new enlightened paradigms of fairness.

Remember Nigeria in your prayers as she goes through unique transitions. Indeed Goliaths and Pharaoh will not be permitted to stop her …

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Feed my Sheep, Feed my Lamb and Feed Yourself

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Much has been written about a recent trend of “successful” and perhaps more entrepreneurial pastors expanding their reach to bless a wider group through books, talking tours and nationwide conferences. Many say it may not be God asking them to separate for as long as they do from the assembly in the local church and, as seen in some scenarios, even resigning thriving pastorates to respond to the call through other ventures.

Christianity Today wrote recently in an article of many like Francis Chan, Jim Belcher, N. T. Wright and, now Rob Bell, leaving local church pastorates, some of which were churches they themselves had planted for what seems like more lucrative full-time conference and book ministry.  It would appear that the local pastorate can provide an excellent platform that paves way for a broader more exciting and financially rewarding foray that does not require the tough ethical and doctrinal accountabilities (hassles) shepherding demands of the weary pastor whether in a small church or as part of a larger denomination. The sheep need a pastor to see Christ in and mentoring to maturity.  As pastors leave, what happens to the sheep of Christ.  Who will visit the unlovable in an era of do-it-yourself Christianity … and who will watch day and night in prayer over the careless?

The sheep may appear to have found new online savvy but they cannot see Christ as well on a podium or on a TV screen or on a blog as when they can feel the life of their pastor in his marriage, home and in how he masters challenges and defeats demons resisting him. In reality, the sheep want to be visited, heard and encouraged sometimes when the shepherd is exhausted and close to a nervous wreck battling his own challenges.

John 21[15]  … Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16]  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17]  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus spoke to Simon Peter and asked if he loved Him more than “these”. “These” would be fame, money, acclaim, ease, comforts, lofty personal aspirations and agenda.  If the answer is yes, then go and carry and feed the young silly sheep (lambs) and also their older sometimes unpredictable prickly parents. Christ needs those who love Him to pastor the sheep where He sends them – and remain there.

Pastoring as Christ ordained cannot be as thrilling as many would want it to be otherwise Christ will not repeat himself in three different sentences that the evidence of love for Him will be the patient duty of carrying the weak and rescuing the undeserving perishing. Feeding sheep includes staying awake to protect them from wolves, running to the cliffs to rescue some from falling headlong, helping to free the young unheeding lamb caught in a rough thicket, bringing out one that has fallen into a ditch, finding good pasture – leading and helping the thirsty to the quiet streams for a refreshing drink.  This will require both the rod and staff as teaching tools – not just power-point and jazzy multimedia.

The elegant and sophisticated Egyptians despised Shepherds and looked down at them, considering them to be the inferior of men … they typically earned the lowest wages and stayed outdoors and were smelly.

Genesis 46[34]   … for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.

The modern day shepherd has fared much better, and the pastor will have found many other pastimes on the internet, writing, touring, doing nationwide seminars – earning millions of dollars from a gift that a wider audience will pay for.  Is this not part of the call and is God  against rich and famous pastors?  Surely not.

Sheep in recent times have also become more risky to handle, and many wolves in sheep clothing have devoured not just other sheep but less discerning shepherds … and some may ask in their low moments – am I called to this.  Christ does not ask everyone to feed His sheep, only those who have been given the rare grace to love Him more than “these”.

Or perhaps Christ should have said  “Feed my lamb, feed  my sheep…and feed yourself”

( Published in The Christian Post )

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With Wings Like an Eagle

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The modern English name of the bird is derived from the Latin term aquila by way of the French aigle. The Latin aquila may derive from the word aquilo, the Latin version of Greek boreas, or north wind.

Enough of looking up to men or women either at their virtues or their shame –  look up and consider God as the Eagle who emerges with an unstoppable fury, speed and power as the wind.   Surely,  no man but only God could possibly have given the eagle its marvelous abilities. The Lord once explained to Job that the eagle has built “her nest on high” (Job 39:27Job 39:27
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? at...: Heb. by thy mouth  

WP-Bible plugin) at the tops of the very highest trees or cliffs. Men can neither reach nor disturb even his most feeble plans and arrangements  – so much so like the agenda of God for His people… unstoppable.

Unlike many birds, which abandon their nests after their young are hatched, the eagle keeps building upon her old nest, remodelling it, year after year. God has not abandoned you nor will He ever abandon His people. Eagles have wings wonderfully designed wings to soar (gliding with very little wing movement) for long periods of time at incredible speeds over 150 mph  – at altitudes as high as 10,000 feet  - and not tired.

The wisdom and power of this being God created helps us consider greater possibilities in the Creator concerning your situation. Take your eyes off the splendour and depravity of men for a moment and consider God and His awesome deeds reminding us of His unmatchable capabilities.  Reflect on the following passages in scriptures that occurred or are prophesied to occur with lightning speed and unstoppable force  to achieve what no one could stop or even anticipate hindering even in the slightest way …

Genesis 5[24]  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Exodus 14[21]  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land , and the waters were divided.

I Kings 18[44]  And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot , and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. [45]  And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. [46]  And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

2 Kings 2[11]  And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Acts 2[1]  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2]  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3]  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4]  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

I Corinthians 15[52]  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Pastor E. A. Adeboye – General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God writes concerning the 59th Annual Convention themed “With Wings like an Eagle”…

“ It’s an exciting journey as you prepare to ascend to the top; therefore you need to be focused and let nothing divert your attention or distract you throughout this Convention.  Be determined to enter into a deeper relationship and intimacy with your heavenly Father through fervent prayer, heartfelt worship and meditating on the Word of life.

The benefits of flying high like the eagle are immense; for the just shall live by faith.  This means that you are able to soar above fear, failure, traps and snares of the devil.  It also means that your insight and perception of spiritual matters become very keen …”

Indeed we are in times that many things are happening within and without that cause us sometimes to tremble with wonder…Turn your eyes off these things for a moment and consider Him who makes His saints an amazement against all daunting odds.

RecessionproofChristianlife invites you to be part of the landmark Convention holding from Monday 8th – Sunday 14th August, 2011 either online or directly  - please do visit the site on the 59th RCCG Annual Convention for more details …

You were created for the supernatural … to soar with wings high above the mountains … to excel, fulfil destiny and overcome the challenges of life … and ultimately be with the Master Eagle in His Eternal heights far above the shadows. Let God help you.

Song of Solomon 4 [16]  Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

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I cannot Come Down.

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Aiden W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer’s impact for the Kingdom of God is immeasurable. Like the prophets of old, he proclaimed the Word of God as he understood it – without compromise. His call was clear – repent from all sin, wholeheartedly embrace the cross, and follow Jesus in complete obedience.

I just read his biography by Lyle Dorsett “A passion for God”… refreshingly different. I have quoted the last paragraph in this book which is an extract from the timeless writings of Tozer.  Remember we are in the last days …whatever you want to do for Christ do it quickly, if you need to repent do it quickly.

It may be justly said that the writer of these lines is of all men the least worthy to call Jesus Lord or to speak in his sinless Name. Amen. So be it. Nevertheless I have a soul to save, a God to glorify, and no one can stand sponsor for me before the great assize. There I must stand alone; and if it should be necessary that I stand alone for a little while here, I shall not wish it had been otherwise when the day comes. If my fellowship is worth asking then it will be given to the saintly man, the humble man, and the holy. He who would call me to his side must have garments that smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of the ivory palaces. Let him show me his scars and then command my service. I shall not withhold it. Gladly will I toil beside the man who reminds me of my Saviour. As for the others, let them not trouble me. I am trying to show forth the glory of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light. It is a great work and I cannot come down.

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The Recession was Good for You

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Having the right attitudes to money and a stewardship mindset is important for financial success.  The Bible contains a lot of wisdom related to this.  Recently it was reported in Time (Moneyland) that the Charles Schwab 2011 Teens & Money Survey (Please download survey PDF report) suggested, if only in some small way, the recession may have changed attitudes and knowledge about money management in young people who experienced recession in one way or another. Attitudes are more positive and constructive than it was prior to the Recession.

Highlights from the data, from the online survey of 1,132 American teens between ages of 16-18:

  • “93% say their family was impacted by the recession
  • “64% say they are more grateful now for what they have.”
  • “58% say they are less likely to ask for things they want.”
  • “73% say it’s important to have enough emergency savings in case times get tough.”
  • “77% describe themselves as “super savers,” and only 23% say they’re “big spenders.”

Psalm 119[67]  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

There are consequences for doing things our way, this includes entering cycles of loss and ultimately the demise of all hope as crashes produce anger and more rebellion – even while grace still cries out that there is a way back.   We can still find our path back to God, the Owner, who is ever seeking good stewards.  A few more words to reiterate on stewardship.

1.God supplies our needs and will not have us hungry.  He does not supply our carnal wants or wasteful excesses.

2.Covetousness is trying to be someone God has not gifted us to be and without the grace and abilities.  This produces bitterness and anguish of spirit and much zeal without knowledge.

3.Remember, we do not own the gifts and wealth but we can have power with God to make wealth.  God does not seek our permission to give or take that which belongs to Him.  There are direct unfortunate consequences for seeking independence from God in managing His resources rather than depending on Him.

I will have you attempt solving the following puzzle.  Three frogs were lounging on a fence facing a pond. Then suddenly there appeared a big fat insect. As the three frogs watched it strut towards the pond, one of them decided to jump down and go after it. Now, how many frogs were left on the fence?

Was your answer 2, 3, 1r 2, 3, 1
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3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?  

WP-Bible plugin or none? The correct answer is three.  There were three left. One only decided to jump but he did not. It is not enough for you to decide to be blessed you need to act.

It is our doing and obedience that saves us and not our decisions. Doing is always costly and often painful. Perhaps the lessons from this Recession will lead to more than decisions.

Count yourself blessed O stricken and afflicted.  I have encountered few who justified continued sin in their lives even with scriptures (as is common today) until mercifully struck down with financial or moral crisis and they found grace to cry and return to God for help.  It was easier to appreciate the gravity of misdeeds before God and seek repentance. Today, they have corrected many ethical situations that previously plagued their finances, marriage and life in general. Crisis (though not the preferred instructor we wish God to appoint) also teaches vital disciplines of prayer, humility and obedience that are not as well assimilated in today’s user-driven word environment.  Perhaps if we surveyed this aspect of the impact of the Recession, we may be able to establish improvements in our devotional life and like David also say…

Psalm 119 [71]  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

The Recession that did the most good was the affliction of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary that we might be saved and receive eternal life… Surrender your life to Him.

Now you are better armed to manage the windfall soon coming your way.

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

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Leading Change with a New Leap in Social Responsibility Evangelism

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Pastor Idowu Iluyomade

Churches in developing economies are stepping up on their role in Social Responsibility Actions. The Apapa Family of Parishes, which includes over a 1000 parishes in Nigeria, Europe and the USA,  is part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God – one of the largest Pentecostal fellowship of Churches – and is making bold moves in Social Responsibility initiatives as it plans this Sunday 5th June 2011 a special Crusade which merges ideals of Social Responsibility and Holy Ghost Revival.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye will be ministering to hundreds of thousands at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos in Nigeria and over 50,000r 50,000
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Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja! Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z 1! Vrstica 0 ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin hungry poor souls will be fed, clothed and helped to receive a perhaps more practical ministration – alongside the word of God which we pray ushers in a city wide Revival. The theme for the Crusade is “ Leading Change”

A Cancer Screening and Treatment Centre will also be opened as part of several initiatives in the Redeemed Christian Church of God which includes weekly feeding of the poor and hungry, free medical and other services and educational endowments and empowerment programmes for those who urgently need help to get back on their feet.

I John 3[18]  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Nigerians – a people blessed with a thirst for God and wealthy natural resources – are praying, as President Jonathan is sworn in for a new four year term of leadership, for a revival that transforms the hearts of men to seek God afresh and see the healing of a nation which over the years has been plagued with mind-boggling corruption, inept leadership, weak governance institutions and an overwhelming decay in infrastructure.

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade the Pastor-in-Charge, speaking for the family of Parishes noted  recently in the Punch Newspapers:

“Our main focus right now is Christian social responsibility because we believe that every organisation has an obligation to give back to the society and over the years, people know churches as organisations collect tithes and apart from some of the big orthodox churches that have done quite a lot in the society, Pentecostal churches, not many of them have been impacting on the society as such. So that is the thrust of the RCCG now, and particularly the Apapa Family. We believe that we should be involved in solving the social needs of the society and in that mode, sharing the love of Christ. So that is the heartbeat of the church right now. We believe that the church as change agent, should take the lead to sensitise and galvanise and challenge our nation’s spiritual, business and political leaders to be new champions of the new Nigeria. …

Through the years, through various programmes by the church, we have impacted various sectors of the society. We’ve done a lot of work in the education sector, but the major initiative is the cancer screening and treatment centre. From the statistics that we have, between 100 and 500 Nigerians are diagnosed every year with all manners of cancer and we believe that is one of the ways our church can contribute to complement what the government is doing. The government can’t do it all alone. The centre will be highly-subsidised and equipped with top of the range equipment. Right now, we have acquired a property in Surulere, it is being refurbished; the equipment are already in and we’re believing God that on June 5, Pastor Adeboye will dedicate the centre. It is going to be a full-fledged diagnostic centre and our plan is that wherever Apapa Family is represented in Nigeria, there will be each of these initiatives that we have started. “

On June 5, 2011ne 5, 2011
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WP-Bible plugin, at the Apapa Family EXCEL Crusade in Tafawa Balewa Square, Pastor E.A. Adeboye will minister on the theme “Leading Change”.  As other interest groups traditionally outdo themselves in fawning adulation and undeserved praise singing of status-quo, many observers are praying this leap will also be the advent of a new enlightened advocacy and better positioning for the church in Nigeria as a catalyst for improved governance, leadership accountability and social harmony even as a new chapter in a fledgling democracy unfolds.

 

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Tribute to David Wilkerson – A True Hero

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Founder of World Challenge, Inc.,David Wilkerson was perhaps best known for his early days of ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City, as published in the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade.  Reverend David Wilkerson passed on Wednesday, April 27, 2011l 27, 2011
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Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin. This post is to his blessed memory and features some of his writings.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29John 20:29
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29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  

WP-Bible plugin).

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.

Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.

That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”

Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”

Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

 

 

WE ARE TESTED BY OUR FALLS AND FAILINGS

I do not mean that Christians who fall back into old sins and turn back to the world are being tested. No, those believers face a shipwreck of faith.

But Peter warned, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:172 Peter 3:17
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17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  

WP-Bible plugin). Peter is warning believers who are growing in holiness and are set on following the Lord.

Some of you may have taken a fall in spite of all the progress you’ve made with the Lord. If I asked you what caused your fall, you might answer, “Brother Dave, it was a fit of anger. I was provoked by my own family and I blew up. I can’t understand it. I thought I was becoming a little sweeter, a little more like Jesus. But somebody just pushed the wrong button and I lost it.” You may say, “I’m only human. How much am I supposed to take?”

It does not matter that you were provoked or even that you were in the right. The provoking simply proved you need deliverance. Scripture says, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor [fighting], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [grudges]” (Ephesians 4:31Ephesians 4:31
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31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  

WP-Bible plugin).

God is going to keep testing you until you say, “I’ve got a spirit in me that’s got to go.” You will see no growth in Christ, no peace at home or on the job, until you can say, “You’re right, Lord—take it out!”

If you’re being tested in this area, or any other area for that matter, you may be thinking, “I feel so unworthy. How much ground have I lost? Does the Lord still love me?”

Dear saint, if you have truly repented, you haven’t lost any ground whatsoever. God puts his loving arms around you and says, “I allowed that to happen so you would see what’s in your heart. But you’re making progress. You’ve said you want to walk with me, and I’m teaching you. I know what’s inside of you and I’ll allow you to be provoked until you get rid of it all.”

Are you being tested? If so, just pray: “Lord, you’ve put your finger on some areas in me. Pluck them out of my heart. Encourage me, Lord, that I’m not going backward—I’m going forward with you!”

HOPE IN THE COMING STORM

David gives us a clear picture of Jesus’ attitude in the face of the coming storm. He speaks prophetically of Christ, saying, “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved” (Acts 2:25Acts 2:25
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25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  

WP-Bible plugin). The literal meaning here is, “I was always in his presence, beholding his face.” David quoted Jesus as saying, “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope” (2:26).

Here is the secret: Jesus kept the Father always before his face! Jesus continually sought out secret places to be shut in with his Father. And it was only after being in God’s presence that Christ came forth to minister, fully persuaded that his Father was always with him. “He’s at my right hand—and nothing on this earth can move me.” The Greek word for move here means “agitated or shaken, disturbed.” Jesus was saying, “None of these problems, evils or coming events can cast me down or shake my confidence. My Father is in complete control.”

Beloved, if we’re going to face the coming storm, then we need to be prepared so nothing disturbs our spirit. And the only way to do that is to spend time in the Father’s presence beholding his face. We have to be shut in with him—on our knees, practicing his presence, seeking him—until we’re thoroughly persuaded he’s at our right hand.

God is clearly telling us, “Don’t be moved or agitated by anything you see. Keep your eyes focused on me and you’ll retain your joy.” And, according to David, Jesus testified, “Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance” (Acts 2:28Acts 2:28
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28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.  

WP-Bible plugin).

It’s as if Christ is telling us, “I faced everything you’re going to face in the closing days of time. I had the same foreboding feelings, because I saw the coming storm. But I ran into the presence of my Father, and he lifted all my concerns. He showed me the outcome to it all. And in his presence I found all the joy, hope and rest I would ever need—to the very end. I have peace and joy because I’ve been with him.”

“My flesh shall rest in hope” (2:26)

In the life of David Wilkerson, hear the groans of a warrior who knows that the Kingdom of God endures violence and only the violent push the Kingdom agenda forward by force not by great planning and management. May God convict us anew of our prayerlessness and excess time before the TV and internet. The midnight groaning and wrestling with the kingdom of darkness to wrest souls of men and women from the clutches of “Pharoah” to let God’s people go out of bondage and serve Yahweh. Church is not an entertainment center, it is meant to be the equipment center for a militant band in active combat.

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