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

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.

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

For investors, a double-dip, if it materializes, would be a throwback to 2008, with a floundering economy punishing stock returns. Jeff Tjornehoj, Lipper’s research manager for the United States and Canada, says the Dow Jones industrial average could touch 9,000 by the close of 2010. “Is it reasonable to expect it? I think it’s reasonable to put some odds on it,” he says.

Nahum 1[9]  What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

2 Kings [7:1] Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. [2]  Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. [3]  And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? … [18]  And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria: [19]  And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. [20]  And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.

As we enter the second half of the year, it remains to be seen if it will be the best half or another record low as a double-dip manifests.

The 4 lepers in 2 Kings did not have much theological background and perhaps never even heard the prophesy of Elisha. They simply came to the conclusion why not do something…if they did nothing they would die anyway.  There is someone reading this blog with an idea, a dream, a new book, a new business, a new plan…and the odds of success seem grim given all the indicators. But consider what would happen if you did nothing.  The difference between the worst case of your new venture and your do-nothing scenario tells you to move forward.

Move forward in the Lord…the flood gates of heaven have opened for you. Enjoy a new beginning. The blood has cleansed you and brought you justified for an overflow of blessings. May you be so extraordinarily blessed in this second half of the year that all who associate with you will also be blessed.  Amen

An area of caution …watch your confession. Your words have consequence.

At a deeper level we see these 4 lepers as unwanted strangers ready to die … they gave their very lives… consider what you could ultimately loose if you do not move in self-sacrifice … Zac Poonen writes on the spirit of sacrifice …

In Ephesians 5:25, it is written that “Christ loved the church and gave HIMSELF for her”. To build the church, we have to love the church in the same way. It is not enough to give our money or our time. We have to give OURSELVES – our Self-life.

When God wanted to describe His love to man, He could compare His love with only one earthly example – the love of a mother for her newly-born child (See Isaiah 49:15). If you observe a mother, you will see that her love for her baby is full of the spirit of sacrifice. From early morning to late at night and right through the night, a mother sacrifices and sacrifices and sacrifices for her baby. And she gets nothing in return. She endures pain and inconvenience, year after year for her child, joyfully, expecting nothing in return. That is how God loves us too. And that is the nature He wants to impart to us. But it is impossible to find a fellowship anywhere in the world about which it can be honestly said that they all love one another like that.

Most believers know only how to love those who agree with them and who join their group. Their love is human and is far removed from the sacrificial love of mothers!!

Yet Divine love is the goal towards which we should be striving. So each time we sing the above lines, we should not only honestly admit that our love is not yet like that, but also confess our hope and longing that our love will become like that one day.

A mother does not care whether others around her are sacrificing anything for her child or not. She joyfully sacrifices everything herself. In the same way, one who has seen the church as his own baby will not be bothered whether others around him are sacrificing anything for the church or not. He will sacrifice himself joyfully, and he will have NO complaint or demand against anyone else. Those who complain that others are not sacrificing for the sake of the church are not mothers but hired nurses. Such nurses have fixed working hours and will complain when the nurse for the next 8-hour shift does not come on time.

But a mother does not work 8-hour shifts each day. She works a 24-hour shift daily – year after year – and she does not even get paid for it. Even when her child is 20 years old, the mother’s work is not over!! Only mothers can have milk for their babies every day. Nurses cannot produce milk for the babies they care for. In the same way, those who are like mothers in the church will always have a word for their spiritual children – in every meeting. Many elders have no word for the church because they are nurses, not mothers.

A mother does not expect any payment from her children. No child ever pays its mother for her service. In fact, if you were to calculate the wages a mother should be paid, at the rate of Rs.20 per hour (as paid to nurses), you will find that every child owes its mother more than 3 million rupees, by the time it is 20 years old!! Which child can ever repay such an amount to its mother?

Now the question that comes to us is: Who is willing to work like that for the Lord and for His church – without receiving any payment, but giving oneself, day after day, year after year, until Jesus comes? If God can find just one person with that spirit anywhere, He will use him to build the church, much more than He can use 10,000 half-hearted believers who try to serve Him without the spirit of sacrifice.  When Jesus returns to earth and you stand before Him, will you have any regrets over the way you lived, or will you will be able to look back over a life spent usefully for the kingdom of God?

Many are drifting along and wasting their lives on earth. Wake up before it is too late, and ask God to show you that His way is the way of sacrifice. He who has ears to hear let him hear.

God bless you

Bode

As I do not live in the US, I am more drawn to local news in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria where continued spills are reported to be almost a normal occurrence…a local reporter reports in the Daily Sun…

“In a third world country like Nigeria where democracy is at infancy hence people are afraid of government instead of government being afraid of the people which is the norm in a matured democracy like the USA, nobody is expecting President Jonathan to invite the families of oil disaster victims in the Niger Delta to Aso Rock for apologies or condolences as President Barrack Obama has done with the families of the eleven oil men who lost their lives in the Gulf of Mexico inferno. Nevertheless, as a country aspiring to be one of the twenty leading economies in the world by the year 2020, it is not utopian for the victims of oil spill in the Niger Delta to expect more empathy and positive response from the oil companies who are wreaking havoc on their lives and a government that derives 95% of its foreign revenue from oil sourced in the Niger Delta. What makes International Oil Companies, IOCs operating in Nigeria appear to be shying away from their responsibilities of keeping the environment in which they operate safe and secure for the sustenance of the inhabitants of the area while they are alive to their responsibility in the middle East, Europe and USA as reflected in the current efforts by BP in the Gulf of Mexico? …”

The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 9[16] Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Developing nations remain prayerful that offshore drilling bans in the US are lifted as this ban will only redirect more unsafe offshore activity to the poorer fiscally inept nations dependent on oil wealth…oil that will of course be exported eventually and refined to fuel the energy hungry west…

In business, personal life and ministry, the sin of selfishness can often be bewildering when exposed … Why should the failing of a brother in a far removed land bother me…especially as it does not come within my direct sphere of influence?

A favourite Christian writer in describing the Church’s most harmful transgressions listed Selfishness – the opposite of that love that seeketh not her own as one of the cardinal sins.

Recently, at the Methodist Church of Great Britain’s annual Conference, John Howard of the Joint Committee on the Ethics of Investment expressed concern, however, that environmental issues in some parts of the world were not receiving the attention they were due. He said: “The quantity of oil spilled every year in the Niger Delta is greater than the oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico up until now and yet it doesn’t get the same publicity.”

As we pray for national healing and restoration, especially in these tough years of recession, do consider that the gains of irresponsible oil exploration over the years always revert largely to the oil-rich west…

Joshua 7 [6]And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. [7] And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! [8] O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! [9] For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it , and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? [10] And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? [11] Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. [12] Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. [13] Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Perhaps oil giants are innocent as poor desperate communities sabotage and engage in illegal tampering of facilities – and poor villagers exaggerate claims … actually causing spills that they may be compensated…perhaps corruption makes it impossible to help the aggrieved…only God truly knows.

As prayers concerning the spill in the Gulf Coast continue … remember the “Achan” that hinders answers – the injustice of potential wealth built on destroyed lives. Also, do intercede for peace, forgiveness and an end to bitterness in afflicted poor communities far from the lush beaches of the Gulf coast…communities that may have been hurt continually for decades …

Job 42[10] And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Originally published in The Christian post.  For more insight on Oil Spill …read article on Oil Spill hits Louisiana Coastline.

Please also watch, for more context on this article, the video below. It provides more insight to the issues. (Views expressed in the video are not the author’s)

Remember – Jesus wants to be Lord of our lives. God bless you.

Bode

I have often wondered how much of love of Christ would remain if He were walking the streets of Manhattan…or preaching in London or healing in a village in India. How much attention will He get and what would be the reaction to His teachings…how much of His teaching would be politically correct … would He be the man of the year…would His spoken word – the Bible still be a best-seller? Will He be a rebel or perceived as a villain? I truly wonder.

Jesus said in John 6[63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. [64] But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. [65] And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. [66] From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. [67] Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

What drives the Elvis effect? Let us consider just three possible factors…

1. Money…money…and even more money. How much of our love of Christ has been overtaken by commercial considerations (perhaps of course to finance the gospel).
2. Ability to create fantasy out of reality. The dead are the easiest to fantasize with as they do not resist or deny or challenge our fantasies and caricatures. How much of the Christ we know is simply a creation of fantasy … a convenient appendage to our life? How very different from the Son of God who wants full control.
3. The selective acceptance or denial of parts of the life of a person especially where these parts are embarrassing, messy, unbearable and too incorrect or inconvenient. “While alive, Jackson had a reputation for being impossible to work with, a reluctant recording artist, who sabotaged most efforts to resurrect his career by his unrealistic demands….” quotes the Telegraph.co.uk – now you can buy a “Saint Michael Jackson candle, a Michael Jackson air freshener, and a Michael Jackson soft drink.”…without Michael’s unrealistic demands…

So much is said to be done for Jesus and His name used to brand many things … He told His disciples as He preached hard sayings ” will ye also go away”…unwanted, alone, wounded, beaten, He staggered to His crucifixion …a stranger was compelled to carry His cross…all His disciples fled…His best pals betrayed Him…He was mocked, despised… a man of sorrows acquainted with grief …Today, Jesus is a superstar…media empires fawn over Him, great assemblies adore Him…denominations claim they have special rights to Him….books, articles and almost every item has been dedicated to Him. People have not changed much.

I trust the few real friends of Michael genuinely mourned him – perhaps secluded somewhere not interested in the commercial allure – or the potential monetisation of their relationship with the star. They will remember the real person and hate the lies…the real things he said and why although most could not stand him…perhaps they understood him differently and still loved him. These genuinely wished he were not dead…as if he could walk into the room anytime…

Christian…do you expect Christ’s triumphant return…does this excite you…do you miss the return of the Lord so much that it causes you to purify yourself that His coming may be accelerated….or is your love yet another Elvis effect? Many loved Michael’s music but could not love Michael alive…Jesus is alive you know…He lives as surely as you can read this blog…and He still speaks over the fantasy….

Mathew 7 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

God bless you…may our love for Jesus keep growing stronger…Amen

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

Bode

Clive Staples Lewis was born in Ireland, the younger of two sons who claimed to have been converted to Christianity in 1931 and was, as he put it: “A very ordinary layman of The Church of England.” Undoubtedly a literary genius who authored 40-plus exceptional books which included poems, novels, children’s books, science fiction, theology, literary criticisms, educational philosophy, and an autobiography.

I did see the trailer of “Narnia – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” and with admittedly limited research/listening to related interviews and previews … the broad nice message of goodness over evil seemed inadequate to dispel my reservations. The strong inclination to spread the gospel of salvation by avoiding consecration and marketing the appeal of its other noble themes while also denying the Spirit is not new. What is novel (to me) is the deliberate heavy infusion of undisguised anti-Christian elements and bold sorcery…even as many leverage this unwholesome package for acclaim and perhaps many “converts”. Others, bored with simple exercises of devotion, engage in the dangerous pastime of uncovering hidden treasures in the vault of Holy Scriptures with spades of magic and shovels of mythology and spiritism…and foolishly expect no adverse consequence. A quote from C.S. Lewis …”I have the deepest respect for Pagan myths, still more for myths in the Holy Scriptures” (Problem of Pain, p.71)||pagebreak||

What does the Bible say about fascination with the occult, fantasy, magic, paganism and other relatives in this family?

Acts 16[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: [17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. [18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Many “Christian” leaders will say anything that sells Christ however indirectly is good – Paul disagrees. A good message/theme, the pointing out of Paul’s mission of salvation by this self-deceived damsel did not obscure the greater truth that only Paul could discern (despite the veil of fair words) that she spoke out of a polluted cistern.

Exodus 22[18] Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Deuteronomy [10] There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, [11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. [12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Isaiah 5[20] Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Acts 8[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: [10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. [11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. [12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. [18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. [20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. [23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Galatians 5[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these ; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

Truly many say The Chronicles, which have been in continuous publication since 1954 and have sold over 100 million copies in 41 languages, is innocent marvellous entertainment …expecting more lucid arguments and references to prove otherwise that this film, rife with demonic imagery and occult paganism, is wicked and unhelpful to build true faith. If it is a marvel at all it is a commercial one. More accurately it is a piece in the agenda to captivate the next generation away from genuine biblical traditions by confusing magic with miracles and the Christian supernatural with occult fantasy/dark spiritism.

John 9[40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? [41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Discerning elders who see folly and blindness and act boldly on it by shunning this film and not encouraging their children to see it or be sucked into the flurry of related artefacts soon to be pushed in the market to indoctrinate innocent souls into witchcraft … will turn many back to a different path of deliverance. We need the elders to speak. Others will however say …we already see…leave us alone…also on a different voyage. … only to reap through their children the coming harvest of a dreadful seed. We can of course ignore these intolerant “narrow-minded” warnings preferring to deal with the fruit of future deviant teen behaviour and strange desires and fancies. You can watch the trailer below…and come to your conclusions.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2 Corinthians 6[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

A Prayer of David in Psalm 17[11] They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; [12] Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. [13] Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: [14] From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure : they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. [15] As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Open our eyes, O Lord, give us discernment and save your children. Amen

(Originally posted in The Christian Post).

Bode