Despite man’s advancement in many areas, human relationships continue to present problems all over the world. Business concerns and agencies spend huge sums employing personnel to promote harmony among workers. Well, one might think it is understandable that self-centred, unconverted people find it difficult to get along with each other, but surely when people are born-again and have become new creatures in Christ, such problems can never arise. For, after all, when God is the center of one’s life and service, what possible room can there be for the petty problems that besiege others?

Yet, sadly, no proof is needed of the fact that Christians fight and quarrel with each other, all over the world. Many are not even on speaking terms with some of their fellow-Christians; some cannot even stand the sight of certain other Christians. The Name of God continues to be disgraced in the world by the behaviour of professing believers. Jesus said that the world would identify His disciples by their intense love for one another. This was – generally speaking – literally fulfilled in the first two centuries of the Christian era. The world looked at the Christians with amazement then, and exclaimed, “Behold how these Christians love one another!” Today, the story is different and the world often says, “Behold how these Christians hate one another!”

Relationships are indeed most important. Gifts, talents, methods, techniques, programmes and finances are all secondary to people and to inter-personal relationships. The church can fulfil her God-ordained function as the light of the world only when there is true Christian fellowship among her members. Likewise, an individual believer can become a minister of life to others only when he himself has learned to live according to the law of love with his fellow-Christians.

The Bible plainly and repeatedly teaches that no Christian can have fellowship with God without fellowshipping with other believers. You cannot walk with God if you do not walk in love with your fellow-believer. The cross on which Jesus died had two planks – a vertical one and a horizontal one: Jesus came to bring peace not only between man and God (vertically) but also between man and man (horizontally). The vertical and the horizontal relationships go hand in hand. You cannot have the former if you ignore the latter.

John, the apostle of love, has some very strong words to say on this matter. One of the evidences, he says, of genuine conversion is that a man begins to love his fellow-Christians. If a man does not have this love, it is a sure indication that his conversion is spurious and that he is heading for eternal death (1 John 3:14). Doctrinal correctness was not the only test that the apostles applied to ascertain where a man stood in relation to God. Later on in the same letter, John says that if a man claims that he loves God while hating his brother, he is a liar. Mark that! The proper name for such a man is not “believer”, but rather, “liar”! And John’s logic is irresistible. He says a brother is visible whereas God is invisible. If you cannot love the visible, it is impossible to love the invisible. (1 Jn. 4:20).

Now compare this with the experience of most “believers.” Love for God is usually assessed in terms of busy activity in Christian work or in terms of rapturous feelings of delight experienced in a meeting. These can be most deceptive. I have come across believers who are out of fellowship with other Christians, who testify nevertheless to “wonderful times of prayer” and to “amazing results in service.” How could they possibly be walking with God when they have not even made an effort to settle matters with other members of God’s family against whom they have a grudge? Surely Satan has blinded their minds to the truth of Scripture!

Often, we do not realise what we deprive ourselves of, when fellowship is broken with other believers. The Bible tells us that we can discover the breadth, length, depth and height of Christ’s love and be filled with all the fullness of God only along “with all the saints” (Eph. 3:17-19). It is only as we know the reality of fellowship with the believers God places us with, that we shall be able to enter into an experiential understanding of the love of Christ and of the fullness of God.

The one – no matter the level of anointing, who cuts himself off from any fellow-Christian ( no matter how high or low in hierarchy), even for perhaps so called good reasons, thereby deprives himself of the experience of Christ’s love and grace which could have been his through that person. When we fail to live by the law of love, we rob ourselves of some of Christ’s riches and some of God’s fullness

Adapted from article by Zac Poonen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Few are raving about a wonderful book I just read “In light of Eternity” The Life of Leonard Ravenhill by Mack Tomlinson….truly a masterpiece to be cherished and a goldmine of spiritual gems and inestimable treasures.  I have often pondered why we must give much enthused attention to sifting through thinly disguised abominations promoted with clever disputing – literary “pork” harbouring worms that only pollute body and spirit while we shut the window and draw the curtains against fresh air and far more beautiful enlightened views of the jewels of God as found in this well written biography of a believer.

I had heard several of Ravenhill’s messages and thought I knew what to expect…but still was struck at the inspiration of bold truths we hear are passé by today’s spiritual arrivistes. Though only a well told biography you cannot but be strengthened by the timeless verities evidenced in a man who stood for old-fashioned holiness and with his dying breath still proclaimed not  just in words but even more in uncommon living example..”It is possible to live a holy life…I did it”… To a generation whose highest morality is “do your best” – this must be revolutionary insight. The book is rich in thoughts about God, words of light, letters of encouragement, poetry, hymns and truths that go to the depth of the soul to bring spiritual beggars out of the dung hill…to set them among princes again, and to make them inherit the throne of glory.

Every young Christian must read this book to hear the different voice of someone who rudely screams in the wilderness that a life of true devotion and full consecration to God is not just feasible but is the expected norm.  Len says holiness comes more easily when we live, see and act always “in light of eternity” .  It is no  wonder that the truths concerning eternity remain today’s most attacked pillars…the real target being the purity of our walk with God.  Len was a man who prayed probably more than he did anything else and spoke of many he knew who also prayed – which he called “Life’s highest Calling” every day for hours. He prayed not to be known or successful but for a deep-rooted Revival (God’s way) which he believed only God could send.
(See Video below)

In his 40s, Len was involved in an awful hotel fire incident (November 1951) which he escaped only with very serious internal and bone injuries that could have silenced many mortals … but this is a man who must live to tell us how he overcame the shadow of debilitating pain and death itself to live out a full destiny that proved to our generation a rare walk with God.  When in 1994 – a life of 87 yrs passed like a vapour…. relatively few came to his funeral.  But then all his life, he sought to point men and women away from himself and back to Christ.  So why should his death be any different?  He did have one regret he expressed in his last year:”If I had spent more time alone with God rather than preaching and planning how I was going to change the world, I would be a very different man” … Leonard often read in his sermons a favourite poem quoted in the book titled “A hundred years from now” by Walden Parker…

It will not make much difference, friend, A hundred years from now
If you live in a stately mansion or on a river scow;
If the clothes you wear are tailor-made or pierced together somehow,
If you eat big steaks or beans and cake … A hundred years from now.
It won’t matter your bank account or the make of car you drive,
For the grave will claim all riches and fame and the things for which you strive.
There’s a deadline that we all must meet and no one will be late.
It won’t matter then all the places you’ve been, Each one will keep that date.
We will only have in eternity – what we gave away on earth,
When we go the grave, we can only save the things of eternal worth.
What matters, friend, the earthly gain for which some men always bow?
For your destiny will be sealed, you see … a hundred years from now.

Leonard Ravenhill  was perhaps even more blunt in his poetry…see below “Excerpts from Heart Breathings”  By Ravenhill.

No peace like a river attendeth my way
My sorrows like sea-billows roll.
This heart-breaking lot has just taught me to say,
It is hell, it is hell in my soul.

My sin – O the grief of this guilt in my heart -
My anguish, not part, but the whole,
All adds up to loss, and I bear it alone;
It is hell, it is hell in my soul.

Now Satan can buffet, sore trials can come,
When life is all out of control;
My conscience just burns, and dark memories haunt,
It is hell, it is hell in my soul.

But, Lord, haste the day that will chase off this night,
And scatter this doom from my soul.
With tears I repent, so, dear Lord, let me know
There is hope and relief for my soul.

With great condemnation I fall at Thy cross,
To confess, not in part, but the whole
Of a sin-blighted life, and to cry to be cleansed,
And to plead, “Take control of my soul.”
Only then can I joy and rejoice as I sing
Now it’s well, it is well with my soul.

(Enjoy video below)

Rather than send a prophet we will scorn on our blogs, God this time emerges as His own voice.  On the 11^th March 2.46pm an earthquake in minutes leaves tens of thousands suddenly dead – in Japan leaving behind a trail of unimaginable destruction, fear and terror.  Rob Bell says the victims are in heaven.

Last fortnight was somewhat unusual and unforgettable in many regards as events unfolded.  A very optimistic verdict is declared to the pleasure of the populist vote that God will not commit any to the eternal damnation of a fiery inferno we call Hell.  Rob Bell suggests, in his latest book promo, that God is too benevolent to destroy people like Gandhi and your good great grandmother who did not have a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  They do not deserve such a heinous punishment for such minor glitch given their other noble qualities. Bell lays his cards on universalism as he confidently strays farther from biblical Christianity. Universalism, in its broadest terms, preaches that all go to heaven and that there is no hell. A few are outraged – many relieved readers will be hoping this to be true as they anxiously wait to devour the “better news” in the gospel according to Bell in “Love wins”- sure to be a best-seller.

9^th March, in a perhaps unconnected development – Forbes announces its list of the world’s richest on the planet … parading on its top ten a few celebrated agnostics, atheists, Hinduists, and some not so committed church goers…the richest African is a Muslim. There are no sober reformed Calvinist Presbyterians or the more fervent Pentecostal “born-again” happy-clappy bunch leading this list. This may suggest they are not of as much economic relevance…and their “more demanding” Holy God has perhaps little influence on money matters on this earth or prefers to be a neutral observer watching. For the pragmatic post-modern thinker, these events as well as others perhaps raise questions on the relevance of God and the infallibility and sufficiency of Biblical truths…

Matthew 10[28]  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Haggai 2 [8]  The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

The question of ownership of all resources and power to act without accountability to any, and questions surrounding God’s anger and judgment all beg for answers. God finally speaks.

Psalm 29[5]The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. [6]  He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. [7]  The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. [8]  The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.[9] The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.[10] The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.[11] The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

See video

The Bible predicts many future great earthquakes as part of signs of the end, but also records several past earthquakes notably on Mt Sinai with Moses as he is given the Law; the death and resurrection of Christ witnessed separate great earthquakes; Paul and Silas are released from imprisonment as a great earthquake shook the prison.  We do not see earthquakes attributed to the evil one in the Bible – rather they seem to be a divine signature or exclamation to boldly proclaim God’s divine power beyond the realm of comprehension subsuming all other powers also reminding that all power belongs completely to Him. Power that also backs up His word – none of which is permitted to fall to the ground.  Earthquakes can remind us not to dispute or debate His revealed word … much like interrogating a 50 metre high Tsunami.

Psalm 18[7]  Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Job 9[1]  Then Job answered and said, [2]  I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? [3]  If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. [4]  He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? [5]  Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. [6]  Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

Hundreds of billions of dollars, life savings and treasures of generations instantly vanished under the waters and fires still yet to abate …

Luke 12[15]  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  Psalm 112[1]  … Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. [2]  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. [3]  Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

God says those who deny His existence have no excuse to do so.  He declares that all power in all forms – spiritual, economic, political and physical belongs to Him … who does as He pleases.  Read post Stephen Hawking may be a great physicist – but has no clue on God.

If a disastrous melt-down of earthquake-crippled nuclear reactors happens then perhaps Rob Bell and those who say or wish there is no hell…may observe a glimpse – in the tragic scenario of unstoppable release of death and destruction accompanying burning refineries, chemical plants and buildings – but still only a minor rehearsal of a far worse future unending inferno.  Obama may play golf as Japan burns, others will feel curiously detached or send help and sympathise as is always the right thing to do…but please do remember the reaction of the Lord Jesus Christ when people passed (appropriate or inappropriate) comments on tragedy impacting others…

Luke 13[2]  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? [3]  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [4]  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? [5]  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

…. except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish …  all races, billionaires, politicians, great, small et al.  We pray to be granted mercy to receive this grace to return …looking up to God again. Amen

Please visit link on how to help Japan i.e. relief options. How to help Japan : Earthquake relief options

Enjoy the music video

(Originally published in the Christian Post)

Philippians 4:12   [12]  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

There are many who know “how to be abased” who have not learned “how to abound.” When they are set upon the top of a pinnacle their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the fining-pot of prosperity. Oh, what leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things have been brought on through the very mercies and bounties of God! Yet this is not a matter of necessity, for the apostle tells us that he knew how to abound. When he had much he knew how to use it. Abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity. When he had a full sail he was loaded with much ballast, and so floated safely. It needs more than human skill to carry the brimming cup of mortal joy with a steady hand, yet Paul had learned that skill, for he declares, “In all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry.” It is a divine lesson to know how to be full, for the Israelites were full once, but while the flesh was yet in their mouth, the wrath of God came upon them.

Many have asked for mercies that they might satisfy their own hearts’ lust. Fullness of bread has often made fullness of blood, and that has brought on wantonness of spirit. When we have much of God’s providential mercies, it often happens that we have but little of God’s grace, and little gratitude for the bounties we have received. We are full and we forget God: satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven.

Rest assured it is harder to know how to be full than it is to know how to be hungry–so desperate is the tendency of human nature to pride and forgetfulness of God. Take care that you ask in your prayers that God would teach you “how to be full.”

” Let not the gifts Thy love bestows estrange our hearts from Thee.”  As the sound of abundance of rain is heard again, this time I am making a decision by the grace of God to be a better witness and make better use of the opportunity to create a more conducive discipling environment for God to use as He pleases.

It is well…begin to prosper again.  Amen

Level 1: In John 3:5, He spoke of being “born of water and the Spirit”. This is “the cup of salvation” (Psa.116:13), with which we begin our Christian lives. With this cup of water, we are cleansed and brought into God’s kingdom as His children.

Level 2: In John 4:14, Jesus went further and spoke of that cup becoming “a well (spring) of water”. This is a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit, where all our inner longings are met by Him, so that we live in perpetual victory and joy, lacking nothing. A man who has a well in his own compound is not dependent on the city corporation’s water supply. No outsider can turn off his water supply, for he has the source of water within his own compound. This is how it is with the Christian who has found the secret of perpetual abundance in Christ. No-one outside of him can cut off his supply of joy or peace or victory (Jn.16:22).

Level 3: In John 7:38, Jesus went still further and said that the well would now become a river, and many rivers, flowing out of the believer. This is a picture of overflowing abundance. Such a believer is able to quench the thirst of many needy people around him. Whereas a well satisfies only our own longings, rivers of living water make us a blessing to many people, wherever we go.

The blessing with which God blessed Abraham was, “I will bless you….and in you ALL THE FAMILIES of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen.12:2-3). This is the blessing that can now be ours through the Holy Spirit (Gal.3:14). When God blesses us to the point of rivers flowing out of us, many families in many parts of the country and even in the whole world can be blessed through us.

“The good news of the gospel is that we can be saved from sin and be a blessing to others. We can now have rivers of living water flowing out through us constantly, and be a blessing to every family that we meet. We can be merciful to others just as God has been merciful to us. We can release others just as God has released us. We can bless others just as God has blessed us. We can give freely to others just as God has freely given to us. We can be large-hearted to others just as God has been to us.

A.W. Tozer in his article Five Decisions For Spiritual Power says:  “If you are really serious about your spiritual development – the gaining of new joy, new power and new life – then you should make certain decisions in your heart concerning your life, and proceed to keep them.  “One decision is: Never pass on anything about anybody else that will hurt him.

“`Love covers a multitude of sins’ (1 Pet.4:8). The talebearer has no place in God’s favour. If you know something that would hinder or hurt the reputation of one of God’s children, bury it forever. Let God take care of it. `With what judgment you judge, you will be judged’ (Matt.7:2).”

If you want God to be good to you, you must be good to His children. The rules of our Father’s table demand that you don’t tell stories about others who are sitting around that same table with you, no matter what their denomination, their nationality or their background.” (From the book THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS).

It will be a good thing if all of us make that decision today – never to pass on anything about another that will hurt him or his reputation – and keep that decision, not just for the rest of this year but for the rest of our lives. Those who have lived by that decision in past years have found that when they discarded the worthless from their daily conversation, and spoke only what was edifying and profitable, God in turn, fulfilled His promise, and made them His spokesmen – His mouth (Jer.15:19).

This year – and every year – can be a happy year for all of us if we release everyone who owes us anything, or who has hurt or harmed us in any way. Bury those grudges permanently and be merciful to all men and thus make a new beginning with the Lord today.

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

Psalm 91 [5]  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; [6]  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. [7]  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

In an article by Daniel Pipes in 2002 entitled – Militant Islam’s New Stronghold it was stated “Nigeria: Disregarding both the Nigerian constitution (which stipulates a separation of church and state) and demographic realities (only 50 percent of the population is Muslim), Islamists of this West African country have adopted or announced plans to adopt some version of Islamic law in 12 of its 36 states since 1999.

Implementing Islamic law means forbidding such practices as the construction of churches, music performances, the wearing of pants, drinking alcohol and riding in mixed-gender taxis. Forced conversions to Islam are reported, as well as coerced divorces of Muslim women from Christian men. Vigilantes enforce Islamic law via punishments that include stoning, flogging and the chopping off of hands. Solidarity visits from Sudanese, Pakistani, Saudi, Palestinian and Syrian Islamists tie Nigeria to the wider forces of militant Islam and concludes that Nigeria may be undergoing a process of “Talibanization.”"

The UN Legal Committee attempted a (hard to finalise) draft of a convention, which reiterates that criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or other nature that may be used to justify them.

The difficulties in concluding this draft or even agree on definitions of terrorism come from sensitivity to ideological differences and the impossibility of agreement on the  political correctness of any cause – resulting in a widespread moral vacuum and only more free publicity – a gift to the terrorist ideologues. Even if damage can be inflicted on terrorist leadership, the manifesto proved capable of cloning itself in countless small local cells of potential terrorists. Countries such as the UK and US remain in a constant state of alert to uncover plots of indiscriminate criminal activity.  Nigeria with a virile and energetic young population has not just the moral vacuum, but also leadership and institutional vacuum which create the ideal environment to recruit.

My concern for the church is to watch its youths and rethink its paradigms on age-segregated youth ministry.  Scott T. Brown, an advocate of church reformation and the strengthening of families recently said. “Modern youth ministry is inherently destructive in its impact. It divides the church by creating generational division and multiple cultures instead of a unified ‘body”.  Families need to be stronger than ever, closer than ever and more united…Wealth and comforts easily weaken family structures as children are routinely shipped abroad to be schooled and exposed to uncontrolled media.  The deterioration of local secondary and tertiary educational institutions has not helped…and more Christian colleges/universities are needed…

Parents have a very important role in correction and upbringing and not the state, school or the church. Where there is no time now to know, influence  and control what your son is up to…there will be time later to sort the mess that is ahead…Correction of the youth is very biblical and withholding it is disobedience to God.

Proverbs 22[15]  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 23 [13]  Withhold not correction from the child…

Why do some convert to Islam?

Daniel Pipes also writes. “The poor are attracted to Islam because of its zakat, or alms giving, where 2.5% of all assets are redistributed to the needy. This was a huge difference compared to the aristocratic pre-Muhummad Mecca. The religious were attracted to the absolute “monotheism” of Islam, and the Koran’s strict commands seemed straight forward enough–providing a much needed law structure.

At least in America, Muslims convert by playing on the class structures and social structures in society. Specifically, the Nation of Islam converts in the prisons, where many African-Americans find purpose. The Nation of Islam believes that there is a white and Christian conspiracy to keep down all blacks, which is ridiculous….

The main reason for conversion is ignorance of Christ Jesus and His gospel, ignorance of Islam, disillusionment with society and false truth.”

1Peter 3 [8]  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: [9]  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. [10]  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: [11]  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. [12]  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. [13]  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? [14]  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye : and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; [15]  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The current recession has had its impact on the poorer nations and recovery for them will be slower…worse is the continued impact on social and ethnic tensions and the resulting disillusionment as unemployment of youths takes its toll…

A young Christian weaned on trendy gospel music lyrics and taught he will have so many wonderful things now, and not ever suffer anymore – comes to Christ set up for disillusionment … and anger…

Fellow Christian…remember Nigeria in your prayers as the year comes to an end…

God bless you

Bode

 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