The Story behind “Perfect Fall Wedding : The Coming of Christ”

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Bode Ososami

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A fourth book has typical challenges in the sense that one begins to feel somewhat jaded and must recover perspective as though indeed there is something else coming that is yet to be said as it should. “Three” in the Bible is the number that denotes perfection …the revelation of God in the Trinity. Four is three plus one … that which proceeds from His complete perfection and that must be His creative work. “Four” is emphatically the number of Creation;

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Genesis 1:14-19Genesis 1:14-19
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: the day...: Heb. between the day and between the night ¹⁵ And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. ¹⁶ And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. to rule the day...: Heb. for the rule of the day, etc. ¹⁷ And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, ¹⁸ And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.

WP-Bible plugin).

Perfect Fall Wedding is therefore perhaps more creative than previous works. It is not a book about true or false predictions. The metaphor of marriage and a love letter from the groom to His bride was for me the very best canvas with which the creative agenda of the Godhead could be completely and thoroughly understood. Indeed there are snippets in the Bible to help us deal with every challenge and truly the Bible can be a prosperity book, a government manual, a guide for ethics, a cure for social maladies and even more…but this is like Peter being shown where to find the fish but after invited to come and dine only to discover prepared bread and fish was hot and ready waiting …his fish search irrelevant.

In my few years of teaching, and I have taught extensively the contents of this book, I have not found a picture so familiar and easy to relate to and understand and yet so compelling to tie the plans of God together as the marriage of the Lamb does –from before time into Genesis to Revelation and the after-time. I have not found imagery so vivid to explain heaven, hell, eternity and judgment as that of a wedding. The joy of purification, having dominion and remaining apart is no more hard to appreciate or seen as drudgery when this is understood as part of preparations. Also I have not known any other ceremony with more prearrangements, colour and style. God created us with a style and flourish that is uniquely His – through this metaphor we catch some glimpse of it. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is but nothing compared to what God has laid out.

Why the obsession with “Fall” … the season of the feast of Trumpets which I have said in the Book foreshadows the Rapture. We know the significant events in the calendar of God did not merely occur they were announced by prophetic fulfilment of feasts as given to Moses in Leviticus. But the Bible warns us not to relax in the winter, spring and summer and expect to be set for His coming in the Fall. More importantly a saint unprepared for Him anytime will not be prepared even at a given set time…noting that preparation is given to the Bride – a grace she receives, but cannot originate. The chosen bride will without doubt be prepared.

The book is not about how to live a happily married life, but it does emphasise divine directions as it pertains to marriage ordained by God and not man. Marriage is therefore always a spiritual and theological issue and not a civil construct. This book is not remotely new revelation – only that present day readers I suspect peep in the word nervously … finding right answers to trivial questions … rather than be given to diligent study and examine research, context and previous interpretations allowing the Holy Spirit to guide. Also the great achievement of post-modernism is to suggest to a world with itching ears that Biblical truths are nothing but plain fantasy. Only crazy people will believe in a millennium reign of Christ with His saints. Existentialists will call this book – a mere piece of futurism and an escape from reality due to inability to cope with today’s challenges.

The key aim of Perfect Fall Wedding is to help the preparation of the bride – the Church – chosen from the foundations of the world. The bride will glow with joy browsing through the chapters and will keep her letter. Many others, atheists, non Christians will feel a tug in their heart – a call to return to what has always been there – back to your husband , your maker. But some will read and feel excitement, entertainment, annoyance, a thrill, a sense of fantasy, amusement, outright disgust, unbelief and anger –like someone devouring the contents of a letter written to another and wondering …what utter nonsense.

Isaiah 54 [5] For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Interested readers can find more details in the online information kit download. Also Two free e-books of the author are being offered with purchase of a copy. (To obtain the bonus e-books you will need to enter details of purchase on the online form and you will be auto-responded with download password/instructions).

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Be Discerning Lest You Pray Your ‘Earthquake’ Away

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Bode Ososami

There was a period of time when my pastor consistently talked about the need for every Christian to be discerning. At the time, I thought- if you are not discerning, you can always talk to those who are. I have also heard people say that only very “spiritual Christians” discern; as though it is something special for a select few. I have found however, that not only is it available to all Christians; it is a big necessity.

Hebrews 5: 14Hebrews 5: 14
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. of full age: or, perfect use: or, an habit, or, perfection

WP-Bible plugin “Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”

This skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong makes us discerning and the bible says it is available to the mature who allow their spirits to be trained by the Spirit of God through His word.

Having considered a few things that have happened in my life and around me, I have found that when we do not have this skill, we can keep going round and round the same mountain in life and never go forward. One may never even know that one isn’t moving forward because there is some motion going on just that it isn’t taking you forward. If you do not have the skill, you will fight useless and/or every battle, you will not recognize the things that you need to recognize in life to go forward e.g. mate, enemies, friends and you will wrongly interpret situations. If one interprets a situation wrongly, you are bound to act wrongly and if you do, you may loose a chance of life forever.

Mathew 28: 1-2w 28: 1-2
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugina “Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning…Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone and sat on it.”

An earthquake is usually a sign that terrible things are about to happen. People will lose their lives, homes and family members. It usually brings great pain, loss and suffering. Earthquake can also describe a great shaking in the life of a man. However, this time the earthquake signaled the resurrection of the first begotten of the father; the one that had conquered life and death and liberty was about to be proclaimed to mankind. If at the time, there were undiscerning scientists they would have done their best to prevent it. If God had shown some of us that there would be an earth quake (because sometimes He does not give us the total picture so we may not know why) we would have prayed it out of the way but this was one earthquake that would turn our lives around for good forever.

If you pray the earthquake away, the angel may never come down and then the stone may never be rolled away. Sometimes we deceive ourselves when we say things like “oh God is a loving God and would use a less painful or difficult method” but what if that particular angel who is equipped to roll away the stone is always preceded by an earthquake?

The same way, I have found in life that one does not have to fight every battle. If it is not one necessary to take you into the fulfillment of your destiny, it would be an unnecessary battle; one put in place by the enemy to make you dissipate energy. Worse still, death can actually occur because we failed to be discerning.

May God help us go through the training that will make us discerning.

(Article by Bemigho Omayuku)

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Prayers for God’s Mercy regarding situation in Japan

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Searching for understanding on how to pray more specifically for Japan … I discovered some points shared on the internet…I have adapted some of them for use…( see link to Prayer points…) A lot of our prayers this week could be dedicated to the victims of this terrible devastation …you can join by praying as you feel led. This week, in Church …we are gathering to continue to pray for Japan.

Ephesians 2[4] But God — so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, [5] Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ( [ delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). (amp)

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste ... but sweet will be the flower.

1.First and foremost, pray peace, safety, and comfort over the people. Officials reported as of late evening on 3/14 (US time) that thousands have been confirmed dead, with thousands still missing. As you have noticed in the footage on the news, you can hear the fear and panic in the voices of the people during the earthquake and tsunamis. They are still dealing with the shock of that. And even now, you can hear the sorrow in their voice as they mourn the loss of loved ones. Countless people are still desperately searching for family. What’s worse, some areas have no cell service, so plenty of families still don’t know whether or not their loved ones have survived. Many are without power. Food, water, supplies, and shelter are limited – and to top it off, they are facing cold, windy weather with rain and snow in some areas, and with temperatures expecting to fall to 27 degrees fahrenheit by evening. This gives concern that some without shelter can develop hypothermia.

2.Pray for salvation. Pray for boldness over the believers who are now in Japan all across the nation – beyond the areas affected by the quake/tsunami/power plant. Culturally speaking, Japan is a very reserved nation when it comes to sharing the Gospel. Unbelievers consider Christianity a foreign religion, and most people practice Buddhism or Shintoism in a customary/superstitious way. Many Japanese do not share their faith with family because they fear offending them, or think they simply will not understand the difference between their religion and Christian faith. Please continue to pray that believers there will experience a newfound courage to share the Gospel with their friends, family, and loved ones – and that God will open the hearts, minds, and ears of those who need to hear the Gospel. They desperately need to experience God’s love, mercy, and freedom. Luke 21[15] For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

3.Pray also for relief workers/reporters in the area. As you can imagine, the psychological impact these rescue workers face is dire enough to send any healthy-minded person into shock, depression, panic, and post-traumatic stress. Pray peace over their minds & hearts so that they can remain calm and work efficiently to clear rubble, rescue survivors, and even remove bodies.

4.Pray over the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. As of 3/14 10:00pm MT, officials told residents 20-30km to stay indoors, and ordered workers at the plant to evacuate, as well. 50 workers stayed behind at the plant to pump seawater into the reactors to attempt cooling them. Pray for those workers that they have the strength to continue working hard, as they have displayed extreme bravery by staying behind. They have also issued a 30km (18mi) “no-fly” zone around the Fukushima plant for fear of radiation levels, although they are dropping once more. Pray that all nuclear radiation leaks stop and people are unharmed…in spite of the poisoning. Acts 28[6] Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

5.Pray for Miracles and Good news: As aftershocks continued people are living in great fear of still future shocks. It is not certain that the worst is over. Continue praying that God will still the earth beneath Japan, and that the aftershocks and tsunami warnings will come to a halt. I don’t believe they can handle any more devastation.You may have seen the headlines of one case, where an elderly woman in her 70s was rescued 4 days after her house was washed away by the tsunami. There are similar stories being told; there are still survivors in the rubble! Pray that workers can experience the miracle of finding survivors amidst the rubble, and that lifts the hearts of rescue teams and locals with hope. These people need all the hope they can get. Pray that God will flood Japan with hope. Pray for miracles.

6.Pray for Revival! Grant us, your sinful creatures, to repent and return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved … May every heart-breaking loss – millions upon millions of losses – be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures’ pain. O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.

7.Pray for God to Relent! Jonah 4[1]…for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm. Father we know you as the God who is abundant in grace, plenteous in mercy who relents from doing harm…You are good all the time. Relent O Lord we pray because of your loving kindness…like you gave Nineveh … give us one more chance to return to you…send grace as you sent to Nineveh.

In Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen

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Bell denies Hell, Forbes celebrates the Richest, Earthquake and fears of Nuclear meltdown cripples Japan

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Bode Ososami

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)

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Prayer points for Middle-East, Earthquake victims, Revival and the Present times

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Bode Ososami

These are times of fires, quakes and disturbances but also times of revival. One way we may respond is in the place of prayer. Prayers are best when helped by Holy Scriptures and patterned to God’s ways of working in the affairs of men. In the Middle East there are strange socio-political flames burning. In Egypt a new democracy perhaps is about to be birthed. In Nigeria, there is a political transition. Earthquakes in New Zealand. We need to perceive the invisible, hear the inaudible and be guided and helped to remain on the right path where divine help already waits. We need His abundant grace and mercy for God to overlook what only He can forgive and send His angelic hosts to rescue from many unseen traps.

Begin by thanking God for His goodness and kindness. All things are possible to you, if you believe. Confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, forsake the old ways and your past sins and ask for the impossible things in your life. Receive grace to make needed corrections. And believe in JESUS name!

I summarise below five suggested prayer points linked to current themes.

1. Middle-East: Let the Holy all consuming fire of God stop every other strange fire from erupting in more riots and chaos. Let the true fire of heaven lick up every fire that burns to entrench more darkness, stop revival and the spread of the gospel. Amen

Judges 15[6] Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire.

I Kings 18[38] Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

The Philistines would rather see their own burnt than be the bride of Samson.

The prophets of Baal knew how to send strange fires on the earth but this time in the presence of Elijah they could not. The fire of God when it came down…licked up everything on its path.

2. Election/Leadership Transitions: Lord frustrate every insincere political alliance that will bring hardship to the people with a curse of heaven, that the people may rejoice under new leaders. Amen

Judges 9 [19] If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: [20] But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

Abimelech (son of a concubine) sourced funds from Baal and hired vain persons from Shechem and Milo to kill all the sons of Gideon except one that hid himself so he would emerge as leader. A curse was pronounced on the insincerity of his murderous and greedy rule. Later we see this alliance culminating in mutual destruction.

3. Revival : Lord, you had enough mercy and grace to spare Nineveh – a people with no pastors, churches, meetings, prophets or even any prayer intercession, Send revival that will revisit the nations,homes, neighbourhoods and your church – exposing oppression, pride, corruption, secret defeats, vices, ambitions and error ; a revival that will reach far into the uttermost corners of Korea, Middle East, Japan and China. Lord spare us! Just as you spared Nineveh and ushered revival. Amen

Jonah 4[11] And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

4. Comfort for the Hurting: Holy Spirit…you are the promised Comforter. Come and calm and comfort the hurting and the pained all over the world (shaken with earthquakes and turmoil) as mortal men cannot. Give us the Comforter. Amen

John 14[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

5. Let there be Light: Lord, your children are engulfed in strong deceptions and darkness once again seems to have covered much of the earth. Because of mercy, send your light and separate the dark and evil from the pure and true…let the distinctions be clear and unambiguous and make us children of your light. Darkness could not stop your separation. Do it again. Amen

Genesis1[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Amp)

May God answer our prayers and let our cries be acceptable and find His favour at His throne room of grace and mercy. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Also pray for the author and this blog.

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Haiti, Poverty and the Post–Recession world

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Give generously and sacrificially to help Haiti at this time as you enjoy this song by Josh Woodward titled ”Motionless Land” (Click this link to see song video) .

It is no more news that over 200,000r 200,000
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja! Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin of the world’s poorest are dead. The aftermath of suffering, questions and anguish is still fully emerging even as many generously offer practical help and ask …why?

Ecclesiastes 7:12Ecclesiastes 7:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. defence: Heb. shadow

WP-Bible plugin …. and money is a defence…Proverbs 14[20] The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

I do expect many songs and blogs of encouragement on the Haitian Crisis even as Pope Benedict XVI, we read this week, has a new commandment for priests needing to get their message across to “Go forth and blog”

Also, listening to an insightful podcast BBC (Radio Wales)- All things considered on Haiti sets you thinking even more. Indeed an unfair proportion of disasters has hit the poorest nation in the western hemisphere – 4 earthquakes in the last 2 years, a landslide, a collapsed school, political turmoil, loss of life at an extraordinary scale and now this.

Could it also be the defenceless poorest are the most spiritually vulnerable as we also learn that religion in Haiti has long been a fluid mix of Catholic and Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions and animism, which for centuries have made the island country a battleground for Western missionaries? But we do seem to have at least evidence that the poor seem somewhat unusually vulnerable even to natural forces.

Poverty has dimensions that the comfortable may not be familiar with. The poor can be desperate and more akin to spiritual experimentation - easier victims for even minimally funded offerings. The poor are numbed to being targeted for hatred as years of repeated mental and physical abuse distort realities and crush esteem. Richer nations often cannot understand their plight and will tend sometimes in very bad taste to glamorize the quaintness in poverty in films like “Slum Dog millionaire”. Indeed many sell physical belongings and come to poor nations to help as missionaries offering hope and help – but some come with a rich and advantaged mindset. I have heard portrayals of links between poverty and the virtue of humility. Perhaps it is more true to say that the poor are not necessarily humble – they are often just plainly hungry, weak, abused, exposed and desperately in need often tending to criminality. The poverty of the worlds poorest extends beyond lack of material possessions to mental distortion from decades of abuse and low esteem, poor education and confusion worsened by spiritual bondage. The real disaster of poverty is down played to ease the conscience of the advantaged who sip cocktails in terraced parlours as they send generous aid quickly to nations buckling under crippling debt, political confusion and an ensuing darkness…as soon as media prick their hearts to do so…indeed, they buy peace and comfort of mind with their giving.

The suffering poor are quick to say there is nothing good about poverty and cry for more food, education, freedoms and liberating truths and will often ponder over the missionary who has never faced nor desires to face their devils but instead offers a blend of faith that seems at peace with their unseen warlords. They know as they politely receive food, medicines, hope and money from all that will bring them – but still secretly appeasing their deities – that only a bolder power confrontation will unseat the hierarchy of unseen principalities. They wait for food but also for a spirit-filled Paul to confront their peculiar “Diana of the Ephesians” (Acts 19)

But crisis can have its benefits…which will emerge someday.

It teaches lessons on “Faith in adversity” that only victims can demonstrate. The grieving need to hear the truth that God does not forsake us in affliction. Only those who have suffered and have been comforted are credible comforters.
Crisis can dislocate the debris of the past and allow a better future – creating the opportunity for a new beginning.
There is a “glow” under the ashes someone said that only the burnt can offer to a world with a distorted mindset unable to deal with some realities of life.

As the recession gradually recedes and a new lifestyle of moderation becomes the fad, perhaps the excess (instead of financing abortions in the west or another credit card spree) can be funnelled to cancel all the debts of the poorest nations like Haiti and offer sustained and more direct support for education, infrastructure reconstruction, basic healthcare and food supplies for the impoverished…even as corruption and other ills are tackled. All nations should make firm commitments to poverty eradication - recognising that poverty is evil. Stronger nations should help the weak.

Jesus Christ referred to the religious Pharisees (seen as the models of generosity, truth and integrity in His time) as a generation of vipers and when the people asked what they should do differently… Jesus did not say “give what you can” nor does He say” help the poor”… He answered quite plainly …

Luke 3[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

I suspect if all believers obeyed this very simple and plain teaching and give all that they should (not just to other Christians) … there will be far more progress. Christ knows about the corruption and the challenges…but still concludes that true Christianity bridges the gap between the rich and poor and doesn’t extend it and even does more than just reducing the chasm.

More spiritual warriors and perhaps less commentators are also needed to dislodge the grip of darkness that enslaves the poor…even as a new opportunity for enlightenment presents itself for the right response.

God bless you…as we pray for more grace to let Jesus reign in our hearts in 2010.

Bode