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At the just concluded solemn assembly of worship, prayers and the word of the Redeemed Christian Church of God themed “Let the Fire Fall”, Pastor Enoch Adeboye shared several gems of divine wisdom and insights…but there is one solemn thought that keeps niggling at my soul.  It is seen in a story.

Many years ago amongst the people of Ife-Wara in Nigeria ( a small community of humble villagers) was a very peculiar tradition. At the wedding night, it was considered normal that the bride would be found to be a virgin and customary that the family of the groom would return to the bride’s family with special additional generous gifts and singing in confirmation of this - to thank the family for keeping their daughter unspotted.  However, if the groom discovered the bride not to be one, then there would also be a visit by the groom’s family with songs of shameful mocking and demeaning presentations.  Because of this tradition – the honour of families were guarded and linked to how well they trained and kept their daughters.  This “crude” practice provided somewhat effective checks to curb immorality.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye narrated an application of this tradition (many years ago) in the story of his dear sister and her lady friend. The lady friend got married first and there was dismay and an embarrassing alarm as the groom’s family came later in the night after the wedding with mockery to report that she was not what they expected.  The turn of his sister came years later and the Adeboye family was of course naturally anxious especially ma Adeboye (young Enoch’s mother) who fretted endlessly at the prospect of shame if her daughter was found defiled.  Everyone in the community understood and accepted the tradition and there was no small relief when later in the night, the guests came with joyful singing and beautiful generous gifts indicating all was well.  I understand these traditions still exist in some communities.  You will tend to find even before the gospel came to these communities that immorality was low as the associated social stigma was greatly feared.

Discussing the “The last fires”, Pastor Adeboye spoke of two final fires. The first fire is the Fire of Hell which is for the damned who rejected the grace of the gospel or backsliders or the carnal who lived in reckless or just careless abandon.  

Revelation 20[11]  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12]  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14]  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15]  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The second is the fire that will try our works and service to God to see the quality and judge for appropriate reward

 I Corinthians 3[11]  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12]  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13]  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. [14]  If any man’s work abides which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15]  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The summary of it all is that in the future are days of discovery for all acts – hidden or known.  And also all that was done with questionable motives (i.e.  from God’s perspective). God Himself will administer the fire to try all our deeds and just as in the wedding  illustration narrated above … it may be a day of ugly revelations and regret or could be a day of joy.  The time to reflect on this and adjust is now  … do not set yourself for an ugly epilogue. 

True ministers will be thanked for preparing people for heaven.  False shepherds will be humiliated for teaching an alternative gospel often for influence, money or approval of men. We are in an era that mocks many biblical moral instructions as “legalism” or impossible to practice because of “innate” challenges even when we know many of these disciplines and acts of self control and separation have been embraced before – even amongst rural unbelievers.  In Christ Jesus we can climb even higher up the mountain of consecration and like a soaring eagle excel in ethics … in Business, Ministry and personal life…

Do pray for the purifying fire of God to touch your failures, losses and sorrows  - your successes, gains and gladness – your projects, health and wisdom – your today, past and future….crying for healing, revival and mercy…and grace to change your ways.

What type of songs will be rendered for you at the final assembly?

I do pray for mercy and that we shall meet in Heaven .. someday. 

Bode

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Genesis 26[12]  Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

II Kings 8[1]  Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

There are special blessings reserved for those who have made themselves special to God.  This confirms once again that God treats us the way we treat Him.  How are you treating God today?  When a seven year famine was coming upon the land, Prophet Elisha saw many people but singled out the Shunammite woman for that piece of information.  Not only that He guided her away to other lands without famine.  If you are close to God, He will guide you away from danger.  One thing we learn is that God has a solution recipe for every famine.  In Kings 17:1-16, after self-inflicted famine, God asked Elijah to leave for the place He had arranged for him to be provided for.  God always has a place of refuge in times of famine.  Sometimes that place may be outside the area affected by famine but at other times it is within the famine-ravished land, as in the case of Isaac in Genesis 26:1-16.

Isaac thought of escaping to Egypt to avoid the famine but God warned him to stay there and sow.  He obeyed and got so great a harvest that he became the envy of the Philistines.  When he had become prosperous and enlarged, Gerar could no longer contain him.  Apart from a secure location, there are things you can do to escape famine.  Quite a lot of people travel out searching for greener pastures.  Many Nigerians in Nigeria are living better lives than some who left these shores hoping to escape the hard times.  Even in your profession, trade or business, if you are precious to God, He will warn you of imminent storms and give you the recipes to apply. Cultivate a working and lasting relationship with the Lord and you will access relevant information that could affect your today or tomorrow.  Remember God is the original haven from famine.

Famines affect people differently.  While the majority may be experiencing its worst times, a minority may be experiencing its best moments. (Pastor E.A. Adeboye)

Culled from “Open Heavens –Daily Devotional   14 February 2010” by  Pastor E.A. Adeboye  who is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. 

 Sin is sin and merits punishment, whether you acknowledge it or not…Martin Luther

 “If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, “You do not understand,” or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other’s highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.” ‘IF’ by Amy Carmichael

Bode

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Dear friend,

The victories of God are unusual in that they do not come with weak persuasions but with a strong hand.  What does this mean?

Exodus 6[1]  Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

As you also study Exodus 5, you may liken yourself to Moses just before God spoke these words. Perhaps, like Moses your previous well meaning initiatives have turned to a fiasco. You find yourself unequally yoked to strange partners, chained by your greed and passions.  Even after many years toiling in the wilderness for your father-in-law, you hear God and you launch on your assignment only to be resisted firmly and make little progress. Your “Pharaoh” does not just say “No”…but in a rage increases the bondage, scatters the people to more fruitless searches, disasters to distract them and unites them only in complete disdain of you and your tactless cries.  You have sunk to your lowest point and wonder what next…and join Whitney Houston to sing the words of R. Kelly…you imagine that you can not bounce back…but your imaginations insult the King of kings.

“…About to lose my breath … There’s no more fighting left … Sinking to rise no more… Searching for that open door.   And every road that I’ve taken …Led to my regret…And I don’t know if I’m gonna make it…Nothing to do but lift my head…I look to you …I look to you…And when all my strength is gone…In you I can be strong…I look to you…I look to you…And when melodies are gone….In you I hear a song, I look to you …” sings Whitney

Indeed look up to God for great strength. When God says “ Now” it does not mean “later”.  Some implications of His strong hand:

1. Past frustrations, previous victories , mockery, distractions, popularity, or lack of it, or sudden deterioration of your situation are all irrelevant.
2. The length of time in bondage…whether your trouble is generational or a lighter genre is of no consequence
3. Inability to fathom how God will move is evidence of a strong hand and the sudden nature of change proves this is an unstoppable force at work.
4. The strong hand of God forces the strength of all opposition to work to your favour
5. It is the strong immortal untiring hand of God holding us that keeps us and not our mortal hands  holding God.

Exodus 12 [35]  And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: [36]  And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

When God freed the children of Israel they spoiled the Egyptians and were given their treasures and wealth.  It was the gold, fabrics and wealth transferred that was used to build the Tabernacle and its precious objects and symbols of God.  God is transferring wealth into your hands. These are not gifts of Sodom that come with errors, confusion and unquenchable thirsts, but ordained wealth to nurture God’s purpose through you.  Indeed, you were told all riches will make you sin… but these blessings do not add any sorrows to your life.  Instead they will make you sing a new song …composed by a fulfilled Moses and the Lamb of God.

Rev. 15: [3]  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. [4]  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Trust in Him and get yourself equipped for what’s coming…your sudden change.  Understand how to handle Kingdom wealth…take a basic accounting course to be a better steward…learn how to use spreadsheets…invest in skills and wisdom to handle wealth…sing the song of the fulfilled…start something new and fresh for God…move forward in Him.

For getting some Bible perspective on your finances, there are some good internet links you can start from  David Ramsey, Bible Money Matters, Christian Personal Finance.    But most importantly my friend, never forget the Blood of Jesus.  If all that happened to Moses was merely a shadow and so much was accomplished with the blood of animals - consider the boldness, grace, liberty and victory we  have in the New Covenant in Christ Jesus and the power in the Blood of Jesus.  With an unveiled face let your lifted eyes remain always lifted to Him who has given you a new song.

As you behold the King of kings…Remember - Now is the appointed time.

May Jesus Christ always reign in you.  Amen

Sincerely,

Bode

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Susan Magdalane Boyle (born 1 April 1961) is a Scottish singer who came to international public attention on 11 April 2009, when she appeared as a contestant on reality TV programme Britain’s Got Talent, singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables. Her first album was released in November 2009 and debuted as the number one best-selling CD on charts around the globe.

 Matthew 2 [2]  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

If I had to choose the most inspiring person in 2009 – it would no doubt for me be Susan Boyle. Not because she is an obvious success as her first album tops the charts and the audience applaud yet another performance.  It is not even that her talent is exceptional and her songs well chosen – it’s her life that sings to the heart. Many will discover through listening to her story the joy of beginning afresh even at the twilight of life…

Boyle remains active as a volunteer at her Catholic church in Blackburn, visiting elderly members of the congregation in their homes.  An awkward inelegant stocky spinster she was…swinging ungracefully for years between mental anguish, depression and loneliness…with few friends and fewer invitations. Almost 50, she picks herself up…with little support or encouragement.  I watched her video on the TV Programme and observed the audience snigger mockingly as she clumsily introduced her act.  Susan’s life sang…and the mockery ceased.

Everybody loves a Cinderella story because we have an intrinsic secret wish (or shall I say weakness) to experience the fairy tale transformation chapters in our lives.  In the dark silent night at the height of the Recession of 2009…we saw suddenly in Susan Boyle an unusual glitter that required no major investment or smart money manager. ..and nothing could stop.  A true star takes us off-guard in its beauty and somehow can not be brought down.  We thank God for her late mother who saw what God had put in her daughter and continued to encourage her all through the dark years.  We thank God she was not created a  svelte and witty genius with long beautiful blonde hair. We thank God for isolating her enough to produce a fresh uniqueness that sparkles in a world exhausted with strange images, hype and self promotion. We thank God for the challenges that made her so authentic… 

The Bible said the wise men saw a star in the dark silent night that led them to Jesus.  As you listen to Susan sing “Silent night” in her debut album  - remember what she said…It’s not a beauty contest. Discover what God has put in you, has asked of you and shine at it… like Isaac as he dug wells and was resisted… do keep moving forward. Let them think what they wish …

“If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying. “Here comes number seventy-one!” “…Richard M. DeVos

I pray God’s encourager – the Holy Spirit…will speak a word to move you into a fresh beginning…I pray all the challenges of previous years will be mysteriously turned to assets…I pray you will laugh and feel you cannot stop laughing…I pray you will be perfected in Christ and will shine and lead people not to yourself but to what your great God can do…I pray you and many through you will come to Christ and become what God had created all of us to be – in our unique way…STARS of God.  A Holy Nation, not to be worshipped, but rather to encourage others to salvation in Christ Jesus.  

I Peter 2 [9]  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Boyle who will earn we are told at least £10m next year still lives in the family home, a four-bedroom council house, with her 10-year-old cat, Pebbles.

I pray Christ perfects and keeps her and us all unspotted and without blemish till that day … that soon coming day…somewhere in eternity where a great assembly will be applauding …but this time, for winning the real contest.

Enjoy the holiday season

 
Bode

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Philippians 4[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3John [7]Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.   

Psalm 62 [5] My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

We are entering the season perhaps few dread because of the traditions and pressures to show love through giving and the hard-to-resist marketing of items and offers for consideration.  Indeed, this is the month that cries spend; spend more and a little bit more.  Give… give more …give a little more.

I often wonder the perspective of Jesus … who as a baby received gifts from wise men…only to become as He grew the ultimate gift poured out to and for all of mankind. God also said the silver and gold is already His and so cannot need what He already has.  I do not want to speculate where the tradition of gifts and seasons celebrations really began as there are hardly scriptural references of saints celebrating birthdays.  Rather ominously – in the Bible, birthday celebrations were mentioned only twice.  Pharaoh’s birthday (Gen. 40:20) at which his chief baker was hung and Herod’s feast (Matthew 14:6 & Mark 6:21) at which John was beheaded.  I plead to someone reading…do not sabotage your finances or decapitate your future in this period as you seek to make an impression. Inappropriate collections to ministry can also lead to early termination … spiritually initially. Let God finance His work.

It is however a good time to tell people about Jesus and reflect on the approach of Jesus Christ to giving and Bible directions to inform financial decisions.  It is a time to model His ways for the world to see. What would Christ have done differently in this season as He lived the recession-proof life?  For all He needed was indeed provided.  Consider the following seven areas for examples.

1.God does not need your money but needs more of you and your repentant heart.  Be not under pressure to give to ministry if not led by the Spirit of God. Rather pay all your debts – be sure the basic needs of your family, care for parents, wards etc. are covered and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to give…Only give joyfully.

2.God is your source, therefore make your financial needs known to Him and do not be dependent on man or be expectant or excited in receiving from men. Do not form the habit of making your needs known to men. Do not leave an obvious hint of your need to the well-dressed neighbour in the church.

3.Be cautious of gifts you receive…never put any under pressure to give or be compelled to accept and consume every gift.  As you seek God’s face in giving, do the same in receiving.  Do not put yourself under undue influence as a result of significant receipts. If it seems very rude to return an inappropriate gift it may be easier to openly redistribute or channel these gifts to a known charity (office gifts are best handled this way…do not be seen taking inappropriate gifts from suppliers home). Remember,  Abram rejected the gift from the King of Sodom. Gen. 14 [22]  And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, [23]  That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich

4. Never be elated or excited at receiving money /gifts…you may just be a channel and it may not be for your consumption…seek God’s direction.  Similarly do not be upset if you lack or lose money…make your needs known to God.  A gift is often a test…be joyful when you have passed. Christ received from men and ministered His life to all. Do not be a random receiver collecting from those who do not receive your ministry. Be sure you are giving out more even to those you receive from.

5.Never purchase impulsively. Being able to afford an item does not mean you can go ahead to buy it.  Far more good may be done by considering alternative possibilities as God leads you. Do not purchase love with money (true love is not for sale) or pressurise others to spend to prove love.  Most giving can be selfish “investments” in disguise as it expects something directly in return from men….and God stops being your source. Prayerfully plan a budget for the season and adhere to it. Never use credit to show love as you buy gifts, spend to improve lifestyle or to entertain.

6.If in ministry, be cautious not to squander money collected from those poorer than you for your own personal luxurious lifestyle or family leisure use. God hates oppression of the poor. There will be accounts required of us.

7.There are many inexpensive things that are valued and leave far more endearing memories … your time spent with family and loved ones, an apology in a thoughtful note, a five minute call just to show you remember and truly care, rekindling of neglected relationships  e.g. with your teenage daughter, a word of appreciation to your pastor etc…these may cost almost nothing.

Enjoy the season…remember after all they call it Christmas…should we not be most like Christ at this time ?   And one most important thing…when we give as we must – remember we are to be generous to others especially the less privileged and not over-indulge ourselves…

Also, reflect on the following scriptures…

Proverbs 11[25]  The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 22: [9]  He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

I Timothy 6[8]  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 Have a blessed day. Amen.

Bode

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Matthew 6[24]  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  

There are two warring masters who are distinct in their influence to dominate your life, thoughts and very being.  You cannot be on the fence…indeed one master must be despised if the other reigns.  Christ says we cannot serve both.  He also teaches that we cannot be neutral to these commanding forces…if we are not under one domain by default we are under another.   I have encountered many Christian finance blogs that seem to suggest we can have the best of both worlds but this is not the teaching of Christ.  I have also seen so many great and helpful tools (some on my blog) that help us be financially responsible and often concerned (if we are not careful) that these do not become a new line of “modern toys “ that preoccupy us well. But we eventually miss the point as they do help us to win the urgent money battle only to lose the critical war.  When we put so much focus on money, we are always lured into a romance with an intensely jealous and controlling mistress that will not permit Christ any ground. 

How then can we know if we are serving “ mammon”? There are seven (7) simple questions in this blog.  Be certain that for each question you will only be able to hold on to one selection and never both.  If your life leans more to the bold italicised clause then perhaps  you are not in mammon’s grip. Then intercede for the freedom of others …

1. Is the Word of God on finances/money a pretext (something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object; an ostensible reason; excuse…to support or propagate a principle we already elect to embrace) OR  is the Word the main text that drives behaviour (the leading theme that controls our life – even when challenging to your acceptance)?
2. Are we focused on the situational ethics of money ( right behaviour based on current expectations of society and business culture) OR  are we committed concerning our decisions to the leading of the Holy Spirit of Christ – the interpreter of God’s word especially in the little things the world considers immaterial?
3. Where are we making friends/spending most our time/forging and leveraging our alliances…and investing our money and efforts? Is it mainly to make more money OR to win souls for Christ and be Christ-like?
4. Is our concentrated objective the stewardship and discovery of what Christ calls the True Riches OR any kind of riches will do?
5. Have we been mastered by Godly contentment and ruled by its humbling sceptre OR are we restless and anxious to preserve or achieve a lifestyle that is driven by lusts, passions and irresistible marketing of gadgets and materials?
6. Do we accept that worldly wealth though not evil in itself has a natural association with sin and can be our god requiring extra care for those who must embrace it OR  do we conclude that we can easily blossom in worldly wealth – drink and be merry.
7. Have we well addressed in our lives the foolishness of laying up treasures for ourselves here and being uncertain of the state of our eternal bank account – i.e. the state and reality of our eternal dwellings  OR we think eternity will take care of itself, let’s figure out how to pay today’s bill and manage assets and liabilities we can see.

Ephesians 1[7]  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

We will find out that Christ is right in that it is deception to conclude that we can be on both sides.. To have Christ reign is a full-time deal demanding full allegiance and devotion.  Similarly to be a servant to mammon is to be under a powerful influence that demands complete, unalloyed, homogenous and undivided attention to its gospel.

This does not mean we cannot be wealthy and be free from mammon. Possessions do not have to be another god. Instead, possessions should be a means of glorifying God and advancing the Kingdom of God – otherwise they will become destructive … eventually.

Ecclesiastes 5:[10]  He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Read more in my recent publication Wealth out of Ashes.  Also, for more reflections and related articles and free subscription to articles please click icon below. Be blessed as you also enjoy the audio teaching  “Christ’s view of Money, Mammon” on the side bar.

Bode