The Bible presents two broad ways and dispensations when speaking of prospering and the principles of enterprise.  Both ways involve diligence particularly in sowing seed which refers to applying an input.  The input could be our business ideas, our career efforts, and our investments in skill development, sacrificial giving or even financial investments of our surplus.    These two ways are different but we often can confuse one for the other or be found in a mix, not really having left one approach fully while seeking to enter the other.

Egypt, in the Bible, was a luxurious and wealthy empire but for the children of Israel it represented the place of their captivity and bondage where they were enslaved to deliver target productions of bricks.  It represents a dispensation of wealth which enslaves the child of God to mammon – a wicked and crafty hard task master.  Egypt can appear welcoming, rewarding and fair – but has a natural disposition to kill, steal and destroy when the opportunity presents itself.  Canaan is the land of promise, flowing with milk and honey, but occupied by hostile tribes occupying cities with mighty walls, representing strongholds of thought – which must be pulled down.

Between Egypt and Canaan is the wilderness experience, a place where the Israelites grumbled and murmured – never understanding the ways of their God, but often seeing His acts of deliverance and miracles of provision.  In the wilderness, the Israelites though not in Egypt still think like Egypt but on a journey out of Egypt to the place of promise.  Only few of those who left Egypt enter the Promised Land, but a new generation of Israelites enter and become the citizens of the Land of milk and honey – the land of rest.

When we consider wealth, we see the three environments.  Egypt, The Promised Land, Canaan and The Wilderness.   We also should know where we are.  Many Christians are still struggling in the wilderness having left Egypt.  The unsaved are in Egypt. But wealth and beauty is in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11[8] “Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, [9] “and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ [10]  “For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; [11]  “but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, [12]  “a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.

[13] ‘And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, [14] ‘then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. [15] ‘And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’ [16] “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, [17] “lest the LORD’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you.

Ezekiel 29 [3]  Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. (KJV)

Psalms 95[8] “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial  in the wilderness, [9]  When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. [10]  For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.’ [11]  So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’”

In  Holy Scriptures, we can locate our environment and seek salvation to enter into rest.  One can also see that the experience and expectations differ depending on where they are with God.  My prayer is that you enter the land that drinks water from the Rain of Heaven

Extracted from Wealth out of Ashes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen

It is the period for lists … more exactly I mean shopping and gift lists, as malls are crowded with people. Lists are necessary so we do not rely only on our memory for things that are important. Every item on a shopping list has a price, be it a mink coat, Ipad or a Christmas card – and may often require that we forgo something else to acquire that listed as important.

I have compiled my lists …these are thoughts, experiences and principles I would wish to be real in my life and never forget. I look at each list and items as having tagged prices all pleading for a different sacrifice from me … as I remember that Christmas is about Christ who paid for my salvation.

Romans 12 [12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Top Ten most Comforting Thoughts in the Bible

1. We are saved by faith in Christ and not by our works of righteousness
2. The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sins confessed to Him from which we repent
3. Death has no sting nor the grave any victory for the saint
4. God is faithful to supply all our needs according to His limitless riches
5. The mercy and love of God reaches to the heavens and unfathomable depths … none has ever stretched it to its limit.
6. Saints are safely kept in the palm of God’s hands … God looks after us.
7. Christ who has gone to prepare a home for His bride is soon coming back for His own.
8. God lays a table before us in the presence of our enemies …our cup overflows.
9. By the stripes on Jesus at the cross we already are healed … Divine health is already our portion
10. None of God’s children will be forsaken or have cause to beg

Top 7 most joyful experiences/narrations in The Bible

1. The conception of Sarah when the odds were completely against her bearing a heir for Abraham. God is faithful to do as He has promised you.
2. Jacob’s realisation that Joseph was still alive and well and prospering. Never say it is over.
3. The transformation of the mocked and barren Hannah to a mother of many. Wait on God
4. The marriage of Ruth – a hopeless Moabitess to the kinsman Boaz. Soon you will laugh.
5. The welcome of the returning Prodigal Son. You can return to Christ and receive a rousing welcome.
6. The woman at the tomb realises that Christ is risen … the tomb is empty. Jesus is alive
7. The rescue of Rahab the Prostitute from the annihilation of Jericho and admission into honour. Do not say God cannot use or rescue you.

Top 10 most attacked Principles in the Bible

1. God wants us to prosper only as our soul prospers … spiritual prosperity – a righteous walk comes first
2. The debtor is a servant to the lender. Escape the bondage of debt.
3. Many will profess doing great things in the name of Jesus … yet He will say I never knew you.
4. There is no greater virtue than knowing God … no higher calling or assignment than worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth
5. We cannot serve both God and Mammon – we all love one and hate the other.
6. Without holiness … no man can see God.
7. God created us for His pleasure and not the other way round
8. The wages of sin is death
9. The best and worst are yet to come in God’s Eternity. Heaven and Hell are real.
10. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. God does not change.

Isaiah 51:7-8 “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.” 

There is that subtle conflict that faces a man doing his best to follow the ways of righteousness and order his life according to the laws of God. Deep in his heart he knows that what he is doing is the correct thing. It is the lasting and eternally profitable thing to do. But then the rest of the multitude around him are making fun of him as if he is the stupid one.
They make him feel as if he doesn’t know what he knows. They deride him as if he’s behind, he’s backward… he’s outdated. The pressure often comes from the fact that he is alone and they are a multitude. He alone sees the value of what he is standing upon; all the others see value in something else. Worse still, the multitude can readily point to the benefits of their own way but he has to tell one long, lonely story of someone else, somewhere who benefited from this his own righteous way. And he and his principles look unreal, unreliable and in all sense unreasonable. That is the problem. That is the pressure. That is the source of the “fear” that God was talking about.

Yes, the righteous way is a lonely way. The godly route is a narrow route, it doesn’t accommodate the multitude. It doesn’t, most times, accommodate “colleaguing”! It doesn’t allow conferencing! No! It doesn’t allow comparisons and competition with mates and acquaintances. Those that must go that way must look straight on . . . focussed, only on Jesus and His demands. And that is a real pressure on mortal minds like ours.

Many times we wonder if God “understands” this pressure. Many times we wish He will just allow us go the multitude way . . . and, as God, still brings His will to come to pass, after all He can do all things. Can He not? Why doesn’t God work through the normal easy way of least resistance that the world and her multitude normally advocate? Simply because, God is not a man! And he is not like the sons of men that will eventually buckle under pressure! He knows the way of the multitude is the way of man . . . slippery and untrustworthy! He knows that one day, these same confident boasting crowds of men will come around to repent and say “I’m sorry, I goofed, after all, I’m only a man”. So instead of bending to our cry to save us from the pressure of shame and kindred resistance, He simply looks us in the face and says . . . .

Isaiah 51:12-13
“I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?”

Who are you . . . that you should be afraid? I think that is where the problem is. I think that is the real issue! Most righteous men do not realise who they are. They probably know the value of the principles they try to live by, but they do not know the real value of being a righteous man! That’s why God asks the question . . . “who are you? Or better still . . . “who do you think you are?” Let’s get the question is simpler English . . .

Isaiah 51:12-13 – Bible in Basic English
“I, even I, am your comforter: are you so poor in heart as to be in fear of man who will come to an end, and of the son of man who will be like grass? And you have given no thought to the Lord your Maker, by whom the heavens were stretched out, and the earth placed on its base; and you went all day in fear of the wrath of the cruel one, when he was making ready for your destruction. And where is the wrath of the cruel one?”

Are you so poor in heart? Are you so unaware of the riches of Grace available to the righteous man? Are you so in disconnect from the reservoir of divine resources available in God and available to whosoever follows Him? Why are we so poor in heart? . . . And has so undervalued our heritage? Why do we fear the multitude . . .? and shrink under their mockery and reviling? Is it not because we have lost sight of who we are and lost sight of who our God is? Is it not because we have forgotten His antecedents? The Fear of man is poverty of a kind, a poverty of the heart!

Our poverty in heart is a reflection of our poverty of memory. The simple matter is that we forget. We forgot our Red Sea and the “standing wall of water” for us to pass! We forgot that He did it again in Jordan by another way . . . So He can be trusted to do it again and again in a million and one ways, if He says so! We forgot the Manna which our fathers freely ate and knew not how it came! We forgot the water flowing from the Rock inside an acclaimed Desert! We forgot the pillar of cloud by day, for shade; and the pillar of fire by night, for protection!We forgot, we forget. That’s the problem. We always forget! And so we focus on the wrong things and fear the wrong person!

Why fear man if you fear God?! Why succumb to Man’s pressure if you have yielded to God’s command?! Why shrink under the multitude’s reproach, if you have accepted God’s assurances?!

Our poverty of heart is often also a poverty of faith and confidence in God! We believe men more than we believe God. We fear more than we have faith. Meanwhile, Fear is faith in the opposite direction. Fear and Faith are equal and opposite. Faith says, “I believe God is able to do what He has promised. Fear says, “I believe the Devil is able to do what he has threatened. Fear is the exact reciprocal of Faith. As Fear is increasing, Faith is decreasing. As Faith wells up in the believer’s heart, Fear ebbs out from his thoughts and emotions! As you feed your fear with the words of men, you starve your Faith of the Words of God. So, really, its up to the righteous man to decide what to allow to fill his mind. So, let’s do a turnaround today! Lets give honour to WHOM honour is due and fear to WHOM fear is due! Let’s change the focus of our heart and redirect the thoughts of our meditation. Let’s dwell on the law of God hidden in our hearts. Let’s dwell on the righteous principles we already know. And the fear and the reproach of the multitude will soon lose their pressure on us.

Isaiah 8:12-14 “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Originally published under the title the “Poverty of the Heart” by Gbile Akanni (Gleanings – www.livingseed.org)

Deuteronomy 31[6]  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Let God do A New Thing in your life.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed “A New Thing” will hold Dec. 12th- 17^th 2011.  As part of the yuletide events try something different to set the tone for the holiday season by attending. You can join online to be strengthened in your spirit.  See Trailer below for details.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bro. Gbile Akanni

Lord, I found my passions going the way of the earth. Earthy desires, like those of the men of the earth, conspire to make me heavy towards you. Earthly attachments, earthy longings, earthward attractions still show themselves in my natural mien. I seem to battle, some of the time, with a force of gravity pulling me towards earth’s activities and earth’s concerns and earth’s matters. When Lord, would I actually be free to soar the realms above? Beyond sinful lusts and worldliness, I found a general mental earthwardness that makes me yet more comfortable with the men of the earth than with the eternal beings above.

Why is it that I prefer to talk with men than to commune with God! Why do I feel it an uphill to go plunge in the labour of prayer and intercession for the things of Thy kingdom? Why am I more relaxed, capable of consuming precious hours in the fraternity of humans than to spend a mere day alone with God? Why should I rather more easily plunge into hours of discussion with my wife, chatting with my brethren, disciples and men than to sit alone and have HIM come pour into my soul instead?

Why do I prefer Counselling to Communion? Teaching to Meditating on the Word? Ministry to Devotion? Why should earthly labour, even if for God, seem to be the sweeter than being with Him? Am I not earthy, earthly and earthward?
Earthly labour, earthy chores, earthly concerns, earthy cares . . . legitimate, not even sinful, seem to more easily carry the day to the detriment of returning and resting in the holy presence. Why do I go through the endless cycle of running out and running in, burning out and coming back for refill? Why do I prefer to be refreshed than to remain ever fresh? I detest this earthwardness! Lord please break its hold over me!  It was David the King that cried . . .

Psalms 119:5-6 … “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.” 

O that my heart was pre-conditioned to seek Thy face!  O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence!  O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You.

While I am bound in this earthly, earthy and earthward tabernacle, Lord, may I yet daily relish the secret ecstasy of Divine communion. May I possess as my permanent possession, the joy of living, moving and having my being in you. Let the rejoicing of my heart, the merriment of my soul and the excitement of my laughter be of finding You and feeling You in the centre of my bosom. Alas… I discover a new deliverance at last.

Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

(Gleanings from livingseed.org)

Hebrews 11:6 also tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Therefore, if I am going to abide in the Lord, I must seek the Lord and if I seek the Lord, I will not lack any good thing. Matt. 7:7-8 assures us that if we seek we will find.
However, the Bible adds certain conditions to our seeking and finding. Isa. 55:6 tells us “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, all ye upon Him while He is near”. This means there is a time when we can seek Him and find Him. Proverbs 8:17 says “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me”. Some seek God when it is already late, but you must seek Him first; first thing in the morning; before you go to work, before you get married…and so on. “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33.
Now after I locate the house, I must knock at the door. The Bible says that”…if you knock it will be open unto you.”  So I want to abide in a house, therefore I seek for it, I find it, I knock the door and the door is open. The next thing is I would want to do is check if it is suitable for me or not. Psalm 34:8 says “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Many have tasted the Lord and know that the Lord is good.

Another secret of fruitfulness is to be freed from the Adamic nature, bound by the inherent dust to strive and fail by receiving a breath of life from God. Dust must return to dust, but there is a Spirit man (a breath of life) received from God that must eventually return to God.

Genesis 2[7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

 

Ezekiel 37[9] Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. [10] So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. [11] Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. [12] Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, [14] And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it , and performed it , saith the LORD.

Christian Revival is a phenomenon that transforms dust to a mighty kingdom army by the agent of the breath of God. When we speak of revival, we are not talking about meetings, but of a sovereign move of God, as seen in the Welsh revival. In the Welsh revival a nation was changed in weeks. Thousands of unsaved people, all at one time, were moved by a heavenly influence to repent. Pubs were emptied, the work place was ablaze with talk about salvation, and churches over-flowed with sinners wanting to get saved. The word ‘revival’ is used to explain the amazing results of an outpouring of the Spirit of God. A revival is here.

God will insist on holiness. If you are going to be revived and transformed and discover fruitfulness as never been seen, then you must be holy, abide in Him and receive that breath of life that liberates you from the curse of the dust and battles with creeping things.

A victorious and fruitful army of God is emerging. This army abides in the word of God, is strengthened to overcome and prepared to meet with Christ – Husband and Commander in Chief.

The first question you ask yourself is this: Is there any such thing as a counterfeit Christian in church and in the world? Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said there is, and right there in church. Here is the story He told His disciples:

It is not for me to go round looking for the counterfeit Christians in church but to look inwardly and ask myself: “Am I a counterfeit Christian? Have I truly experienced Christ? Is He alive in me at home, at work and in church? It is not my neighbours that make me a true Christian. They are there to test whether I am really what I profess to be. My life as a Christian is to reveal the life of Christ to my world beginning with the people I live with at home each day from my spouse to the rest of my family and moving outwards to the place where I work and then to the church where I visit less frequently each week.

We must recognize that a lot of good can come from religious observance, without the knowledge of the true God and His Christ. Take the life journey of a fake currency. A fake $500 note may be used to buy bread to feed the hungry. The bread seller may then pass it to the rice seller and then to the meat seller and after a journey of twelve years it would finally arrive at the bank to be lodged by a car dealer. Then the bank subjects it to scrutiny and detects that it is a fake currency. Now the fact that it was and had always been a fake currency did not stop it from doing some good along the way. It might even have visited churches and done some good there too. But all that good could not change the fact that it is a fake currency posing to be what it is not. This is why supposed Christians could go far but never far enough to prove the reality of Christ. Only the grace of God in Christ Jesus driven by the Spirit of God can empower us to stand up to the pressures of compromise with evil.  Counterfeit Christians may be hard to detect in church. We say here in Nigeria that every toad is squatting so it is difficult to say the one that has diarrhoea. In church we all put on our very best behaviours and try to say the nicest things to the most difficult people.  At work, we lose some of the constraints of church. At home where we may be king and queen, we tend to lose even more restraint. How often do very nice people at church and at work turn monsters at home? How often do very nice people at church turn monsters at work? Monsters are generally uncommon in church but not altogether rare.

Part of our self-examination as Christians must hinge on the word conversion or change. The truth of our faith is that God put on human nature so that through faith the nature of God can be experienced by man. It is not just that we become children of God by faith. It is that through faith we begin to reveal the nature and character of God in our dealings with others in the world. Faith draws down the spiritual inner strength that drives the change. And this is the change that must be for us to be sure that we are no counterfeits.  A young Christian asked me the other day how one could change his way of life. My response was straight forward: The first step is a very strong desire to change. The Holy Spirit always works effectively where He can see very strong desire. When we study the Word of God with this quality desire, the life of Christ will stare us in the face as we study and the Spirit of God will empower us to effect the necessary changes like – unyielding love, humility, integrity, kindness, compassion, willingness to forgive others as well as ourselves, self-control, self-denial in the pursuit of righteousness, consistent rejection of compromises with evil, seasoned speech that edify the hearers at home, at work and in church, suffering for what is right and much more. Nobody can work these works of righteousness in their own strength. We all need daily, nay moment by moment inner strengthening by the Spirit of God to stand up for Christ in this world.  The truth we must grasp is that Almighty God gave us eternal life in the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through the knowledge of Christ, this eternal life is expressed in this world through our lives. This is that eternal life which our Lord Jesus Christ described in these words:

John 17[3]  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

It is when my life reveals that I know God: when my dealings with others show forth the character of Christ, then I can be assured that I am no counterfeit.   It is for this reason that we must make a difference wherever we are as Christians because we are expected to reveal the character of Christ no matter the cost.  This is a daily challenge and that is why those who had gone before us admonished us in this way:

Genuine Christians know the daily struggle to keep on the straight and narrow road at home, at work and in church. Counterfeits tend to struggle in church to stay godly but lose all restraint at work and at home.  If a nation that boasts that 50% of her population are Christians is not being transformed, then the churches in that nation must be full of counterfeits. This calls for deep self-examination. It poses a challenge to each Christian. We must know that God has called us into Christ so that the world around us can see Christ in us and through us. Every nation will change when a good percentage of its people are changed. I cannot control change outside of myself. My greatest challenge as a Christian is to be a changed person so that the world can see the nature of Christ in me and through me. If the world around me is not full of light, then it is either that I bear no light at all or that the light I carry is weak and faint and so cannot dispel the darkness around me. As Children of Light, let us rise and shine ever so brightly in every corner of our world – church, work or home, to the glory of our God. He who has called is very faithful and is a true and consistent rewarder of all those who love and serve Him. Our labours can never be in vain either in this world or in the world to come.

May the Holy Spirit empower you to take your place in the frontline of the struggle for righteousness in the very place where you are now, to the glory of God and His Christ, Amen.

Here is the true test of counterfeit Christianity for each and every professing Christian, myself included…

Dr. Onuzo is an acknowledged conference and seminar speaker in different parts of the world. He continues to be available for the work of the ministry despite his busy clinical work. He is also the Associate Pastor of the National Headquarter’s Church of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. He is married to Mariam, a medical doctor and they have four children: Dilichi, Chinaza, Dinachi and Chibundu

Late Brother Mark Ojunta - Calvary Ministries

About this time last year, I wrote an article “Recession proof love – Remembering 911” which focused on the impact on incidents as this on our hearts and difficulties in loving the unlovable.  Still finding it relevant – I have republished the thoughts in that article.  Please read on  - and also find my other related articles - as you spare some thoughts also for many other nations, peoples and families in other geographies that have been devastated by terrorism …. I also received the letter in my mail – I have republished below

Dearly Beloved Colleagues,                                                                      

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is to inform you that the burial for our late bro. Mark Ojunta who was shot by the Boko Haram on the night of August 27^th, 2011 has been fixed for September 30^th , 2011 by his parent. This burial will take place in his village in Abia state.

Our late brother died at the age of 36 years as a martyr on his field among the Kotokos, first martyr in CAPRO in our 36 years of existence as a ministry. All our staff in Shuwa Arab, Kotoko and Kanuri were on the list of this sect to be killed. The National office immediately evacuated our missionaries when this was known.  Bro. Mark took his family out on Friday but he went back to the field because he had convert class with some believers on Saturday. It was in the night that the sect came to where they were staying, knock at the door and he tried to escape but could not get away.

“Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7: 56. Jesus the Lord stood up from His throne for Stephen as he was being ushered into His presence as the first martyr. What a glorious way to be translated into the presence of the Lord. Bro. Mark died among the people whom the Lord sent to reach with the love of Christ. Wednesday of that week brother Kola Kehinde, our National Coordinator in UK spoke with him about the possibility of him coming to join the UK team. His response was, he wants to invest more years into the work among the Kotokos and hand it over to believers before he can consider leaving. What a passion and commitment! Four days later he was translated into the presence of His Master. “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? …. “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Hallelujah!!!

“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation he fell asleep…” Acts 13:36a. May the Lord help us all to serve God’s purpose for our lives. Please pray for Sis. Ema, his wife, Kambe (3yrs) and Akira (9mths) their children for grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. For his father, mother and his sisters. Pray for wisdom and provision as we prepare for the burial. Blessings.

Amos Aderonmu, International Director,Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) www.capromissions.org …reaching the nations since 1975

In the times of abundant iniquity, the love of many – Jesus Christ said would grow cold. In the bid to survive even as media networks fan the fiery embers of fear for fiendish gain …as increased competitiveness for scarce resources and harsh economic climate persists – many must find themselves vulnerable to a hardening that always comes surreptitiously to the unguarded.

Matthew 24[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

I ask myself – how can I make the love of God in my life that manifests in practical acts of charity for others especially those I perceive as unlovable … recession proof? I also ask myself some questions…

1. Would I still love God if suddenly sent to the back of a lonesome desert? Or suddenly denied of a much desired breakthrough? How warm would my love be if suddenly exposed to very different cultures and peoples?
2. When faced with opposition and strong resistance that cause me to buckle – can I still be thankful? Am I happier when I have my way and miserable and fretful when I can not?
3. Do I (in subtle ways) take credit for the good things God is doing – forgetting to thank Him? Do I despise His chastening not thanking Him for the things I do not understand or like?

What separates children of God in the Bible, with recession proof love for God and His creation, from the others who struggle?

I discern three principal things worth noting …

1. They trusted completely in the work of God in their life and others and in all the events impacting them…knowing that all things must work out for their good as they obeyed Him.
2. They relied more on spiritual weapons – principally prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, leaning always on the mercy of God.
3. They never saw themselves in any way disadvantaged or at a loss – when events appeared contrary to their expectations – knowing God has limitless avenues to work out and fulfil destiny.

I recall a scene in a Christian film I watched of a blind man offered his eyesight but only if he accepted to serve the devil and bear his mark forever… He received sight for a few minutes and was asked to make a decision…would he rather remain blind and be saved?

If riches, enlightenment and great influence would cost me my salvation would I agree to let these go? Would I turn my back to Jesus If I risked losing all the comforts, social safety nets and wealth as a result of obeying Him completely…

A.M. Royden said “Learn to hold loosely all that is not eternal”. Jesus once met a rich man who would not follow Him.

Luke 18[23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. [24] And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Jesus – the best preacher ever – the living word … could not convince this rich man. How come we have so easily convinced Him? Perhaps we have presented to him a more practical perspective.

As we remember 911…and the painful lingering memories… let us also remember what the Bible says about love…

I John 4[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

I John 3 [10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The real plan of September 11 to defeat a nation may have worked far more effectively than many would think if it has lured many out of dwelling in love…even love for the unlovable.  Lord, help me – that in these unusual times my love may be found recession proof…never waxing cold.

Amen

There is a place of greatest wealth and unimaginable luxury and abundance with beautiful mansions that are yours forever.  I speak of mansions built of precious stones that never depreciate or need repairs. I do pray to see you there – someday.

John 14 [1] “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] “In My Father’s house are many mansions;  if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

For Paul, to live was to abide in Christ, knowing Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering – but to die was great gain, for through death – crowns, mansions and glory in Heaven will settle all reproach and accounts in His favour, even as he enters to unsurpassable beauty and wealth.  Perhaps you imagine, you are already a good Church going man, living in wealth with trillions and will live till 150years, having managed every crisis and come up even stronger, healthier – the Bible has a different perspective. Your long period of bliss on earth is described as just a few days full of trouble compared to His eternal wealthy place.

Job 14[1] “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. [2] He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.

Indeed, not all will die, but the dead will rise first – and the early saints believed so much in this superior resurrection that many of faith refused deliverance.

Hebrews 11 [35] Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

There is no space ship that will take anyone in this body to this place of greatest wealth.  Even if there were, a body suited for eternity is needed to enjoy the wealth forever. A second in God’s wealthiest place will cause all who enter to wish they had given Him even more, loved Him even more, trusted and believed Him more, sacrificed even more, and been more obedient.  They would all wish they had been martyred and wish they had dedicated their careers, time and talents – for how could we possibly have doubted a God so good and faithful?

All these are for those with salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and who live a life surrendered to and controlled by Him – not just Church goers. If you have all wealth, assets, health, success, acclaim, happiness, greatness and other things this world offers and Jesus is not Lord and Saviour in your life, then you will be as a fool who conquered most things but got the most important wrong.

Luke 12 [16] Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. [17] “And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ [18] “So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. [19] ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ [20] “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ [21] “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

You did not heed to a most important teaching of Jesus who said;

Luke 12[29] “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. [30] “For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. [31] “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Can you not see that the natural life, the corruptible body and the best this world offers is already destined to ashes - for all one day perish and the earth will be “burnt up”?

2Peter 3[7] But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8]  But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [10]  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Hebrews 9[27]  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

Will this final crisis be only a chariot to usher you into the greatest wealthiest place of all where pain is completely conquered? It could be something to look forward to with earnest expectation…a place of no tensions.

Revelation 21[4] “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

However, without a life surrendered to Jesus Christ, you cannot see the wealthiest place and death begins the greatest negative crisis that continues forever.  If you find you can ignore the invitation Christ gives to you, consider again how this other great crisis was described and the journey down the bottomless valley of hopelessness never to come up again. Is this where you are destined to end up? You do not believe all this of course. But supposing you are wrong…is it worth the risk?

“Heaven is a fairy story for people who are afraid of the dark”  says Stephen Hawking but whose report will you believe?

Isaiah 53 [1]  Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? [2]  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. [3]  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Come to Jesus, today….article largely culled from the book Wealth Out of Ashes by Bode Ososami

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

Enough of looking up to men or women either at their virtues or their shame –  look up and consider God as the Eagle who emerges with an unstoppable fury, speed and power as the wind.   Surely,  no man but only God could possibly have given the eagle its marvelous abilities. The Lord once explained to Job that the eagle has built “her nest on high” (Job 39:27) at the tops of the very highest trees or cliffs. Men can neither reach nor disturb even his most feeble plans and arrangements  – so much so like the agenda of God for His people… unstoppable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relationships can be complicated. Often they put us in new and unexpected situations and they  can be a drain on our energy and strength. Sometimes we can develop negative attitudes toward those who are closest to us. Often, we expect too much from others, that they should be the answer to fulfilling our needs so that we will be happy. And herein lies the real problem that first, we fail to recognize that we are looking to the wrong persons for satisfaction. And second, we fail to recognise that happiness, joy and satisfaction depend on what we do and how we respond.

The truth is that it is not possible for human relationships to fulfil all of one’s needs. There is only one source of fulfilment and satisfaction which is through  Jesus, God’s Son, and the Anointed One. He is and has all that we will ever need.

While the world tells us that we need certain relationships and certain things in order to be happy. The reality is that true satisfaction comes primarily from the Lord rather than from others or from things. Our relationship with him will minister to and bring fulfilment of our deepest needs and produce the happiness and joy that we are all searching for.  Plus, He fills us up with joy, wisdom and strength so we can minister to to others; to our spouse and our family, to our neighbours, co-workers and community so that we can be a blessing to them. So it is our relationship with the Lord that should be our first priority. If he is satisfied with us, we too will be satisfied with our lives and our relationships.

How do we apply this then? What steps should we follow to find this happiness in our lives?

1. Spend time with the Lord Jesus each day in worship, praise and prayer; to learn to listen to his voice; and bring your thinking in line with his by meditating on his word.

2. Discover what your assignment is during your time spent with the Lord. Assignment? What assignment. Yes, we all have an assignment. You see, we are his representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20), the Lord has things he needs us to do and people he needs us to assist, just like the disciple, Ananias, in Acts 9:10-18. We all have a calling and a purpose to fulfil in the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:30).

3. We stay obedient to his word following the guidance of his Spirit.

4. Practice loving God and showing his unconditional to love to others (Matthew 22:36-40)..

5. Walk by faith and stop relying on what you see (Proverbs 3:5, Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 4:18)

6. And learn to stop following the impulses of our flesh by yielding to the control of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).

What happens as we follow these steps? We discover that joy does not come by gratifying our own desires but by bringing gratification to the Lord and fulfilling his desires. And as the Lord’s requirements are met, our needs will be taken care of, just like He promised in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” Thus, we never have to worry or be anxious. He will take care of our needs. We just need to be faithful in fulfilling what he has called us to do.

It is normal for us to focus on pursuing our hopes and dreams for a better future. Some are working toward completing an education. Others are looking to be employed with a bigger salary in better position or with a new company. Another may be seeking to be the best in his field of expertise or the best in her sport. Some may be seeking to move to a better house in a better neighbourhood. And others are desiring something new in their lives: to start a new business, to have a baby, to take a trip to visit a new destination or to start a new relationship. Most of these aspirations have to deal with our daily physical existence. But what goals and aspirations do we have concerning our spiritual lives, concerning our relationship with God and concerning our effectiveness for God’s kingdom?

Seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

How often do we ever hear believers say things like:

• “I aspire making abiding in Christ my daily habit.”
• “I want to learn how to receive God’s guidance and direction for every difficulty and challenge I may face.”
• “My goal is to excel in bringing people to Christ through personal evangelism lead by the Holy Spirit.
• “I want to bring glory to Christ though my testimony and talents.”
• “My goal is to see people delivered and healed through sharing and proclaiming God’s word.”
• “I want to dedicate my life to prayer and intercession for individuals to be delivered, peoples set free and nations opened to hear the gospel of Christ”

For most of us Christians it often seems that these goals that we have to satisfy the physical, emotional and financial needs of ourselves and our families should take precedence over our spiritual development and our relationship to the Lord Jesus and his kingdom. Yet, after being a Christian for 37 years I have come to see things differently. For over these years I have had the opportunity to discover, among those things which I aspired to obtain, which ones were worth pursuing and brought satisfaction. Too much of the way we think and our  desires and aspirations have been shaped by the world’s standards. We have been taught by the world to value possessions, status and power and even sin; but these things will never completely satisfy us; they are not enough in themselves to make us happy. Meanwhile, as we were busy seeking the things that the world tells us are important, the Lord has been busy also. He has been trying to get us into the position where we can hear from him, learn his principles and receive his blessing that will bring us true satisfaction.

So what about your current dreams and aspirations? How do they related to the Lord and his kingdom? Perhaps you are putting too much emphasis on your self and your earthly life. But there is more, much more if we would bring our aspirations in line with the Lord and his kingdom as Jesus explained to his disciples:

Most assuredly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be…John 12:24-26

See more in  God is my Source Blog by Alan Pasho

Aiden W. Tozer

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

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

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

Anyway, cakes were on my mind and I was smiling. Then I began to think of the trouble it goes through to become this thing that I see and seemingly fills me with joy. The thought of what the cake goes through to become what I like amazes me. The journey of cakes is interesting because before it gets baked, you don’t even want to taste it; it doesn’t look anything like what it will become. For some cakes, even after they are baked, they still are a far cry from what is presented at the event for which it was made. Indeed, the grander the event is where the cake will be presented, the worse the experience of the cake. Various ingredients are added to the flour and as each gets added, the cake goes through an experience because it has to be properly mixed. The mixing experience is no better even when the mixer is a machine.

The baker also has to be careful. He is required to pay attention to every detail so that the cake comes out just as it should. A little more of one ingredient than necessary may create another kind of cake. It has to be the right ingredients in the right quantities and at the right time. From one cake to the other, quantities and ingredients are different. Finally, the mix is ready and it goes into an oven for baking and at the right temperature. There is no cake without the mix getting in the heat. If the heat is too much, it burns the cake; if it is too low, mix becomes something else.

You would think that is where it ends but when it comes out, it has to be tidied again. Rough edges have to be trimmed to make it look nice and then if it is going to a real grand event, it needs to be iced beautifully. Icing is another experience altogether for the cake. Then as they say ‘voila’ cake is ready. It gets to the event and gets pride of place. It is absolutely on display. It displays the skill and craftsmanship of the maker.

I then realized that the story of our lives as Christians is just like the journey of the cake. When God is done, we put on display; displaying the manifold wisdom and craftsmanship of our God. We are like the cake in a grand event, on display and taking pride of place wherever we are. We are a city set on a hill and covered with the glory of the one who made us. What people see when they look at us is greatness of our maker.

Right now you may not be the finished cake ready for eating; you may be getting mixed or even in the oven and people are wondering what is going on. Take heart, it is because they don’t know what you will become. It is not their fault either; God has not revealed it to them. Only those that know about baking will understand what is going on and will begin to see the end even from the beginning.

What you are now, does not almost describe where you will end up or what you will become. The master baker Himself is at work. He is very skilled and has never produced terrible cakes. He always completes all his baking; never leaves any half baked. I can say confidently that He is good at what he does.

Zac Poonen

In Zechariah 2:5 The Lord says: “I Myself will be a wall of fire round about Jerusalem (the church).” The church does not have any earthly, denominational walls. You can’t come inside it by signing a doctrinal statement. Everyone has to come through that wall of fire if he is to become a part of the true church. That fire will burn up all his earthly ambitions and his desire to live for himself. Only then can he become a part of the Body of Christ.

Picture a city surrounded by a wall of fire. How can you enter that city? Only by going through the wall of fire. Everything that can be burnt will be burnt up by God as you enter through that wall. Only what cannot be burnt will go through the fire. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb.12:29). “Who can dwell with the consuming fire?” (Isa.33:14).

Preachers, through the years, have thrown water on that fire and quenched it so that nowadays anyone can walk in and join the church, while still retaining all their worldly ideas, their worldly ambitions and their love of the world. You can be certain that God is not in such a church, because wherever He dwells, He will be a wall of fire around that church.

And then God goes on to say, “I will be the glory in the midst of it.” If you want the glory of God to be in your church, then you must allow Him to be a wall of fire around your church. The two go together. If you say that God’s standards are too high and you throw water on the fire, then God’s glory will not be in your church either. When the wall of fire goes away, the glory goes away too. Doctrine is important. But no doctrine can be a wall of fire. God Himself has to be the wall of fire. The most important thing in a church is not right doctrine but the glory of God. If that is there, right doctrine will follow. If that is not there, mere rightness of doctrine is useless.

“Come away from Babylon. Escape to Jerusalem” (2:6,7). What a word that is! We need to proclaim it to God’s people even today! Every believer has to make a choice to come out of Babylon. God will not catch anyone by the scruff of his neck and pull him out. The responsibility is the individual’s. You have to make that decision. But personally speaking, I never want to be part of any religious system that does not honour God and His Word. I want to be with the wholehearted people of God who are gathered within a wall of fire having the glory of God in their midst.

If you are seeking to build a church, then build a church like this. Any other type of church is useless. But you have to pay a price to build a church like this. You can’t just imitate a pattern that you have seen somewhere and try and reproduce that. God has to burn up everything that can be burnt up in your life first, before you can build a church that pleases Him. So make sure that every earthly ambition in you is burnt up. Make sure that you don’t love anything that God does not love, and that you hate everything that God Then you can be a man/woman whom God uses to build His church.

Time Magazine June 3, 2011 reports on Fertility-treatment innovations creating new possibilities for people who would ordinarily not have been able to have a baby a generation ago but now able to bring life into the world. Should the ranks of the newly fertile include the dead?

As medical and preservation methods advance (though there are rules today on how long cells are legally preserved) it may soon (if not already) be possible to have a child from a man that died decades and perhaps centuries ago.  Imagine how this is explained to the child. Consider the emotional challenges and potential for abuse.

In the Old Testament fertility was so important we saw the Lord instructing relations to give birth for other family members… the New Testament however did not embrace these practices that can be considered to be only singular acts of God’s permissive will. But still a living father existed in these cases.

Genesis 38 [7]  And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. [8]  And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

Once we saw the dead body of Elisha bring life back into the world as a corpse was thrown into the grave and the body touched the bones of Elisha.  But this is far different.  Would the Bible oppose fertility treatment innovations that bring life even from fathers long dead?  What does the Bible say about birth?

Psalm [127:1] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. [2]  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. [3]  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4]  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5]  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

The word of God teaches that children come from God as a reward bringing joy and happiness, covering shame and safeguarding the future for families and civilisations.  Having many children is a blessing from God – unfortunately many alternative mindsets seem to project otherwise. Having only two (fast becoming the norm) children is not what we can call a quiver full. A healthy population growth rate is also important to sustaining cultures and defending civilisations from threats.

Exodus 23 [26]  There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

God loves fertility but the Bible in Psalm 127 also emphasises that the Lord must build and seeking anyhow from any source may not be right.  Some medical alternatives to normal child bearing though not clearly sinful may prove in some cases to be vain – ultimately unhelpful to a fulfilled Christian family life.  We are still to examine findings of studies on children born through modern medical laboratory feats and have no way of concluding that God has not sent these children. We only conclude that God is mercifully using medical science to improve quality of life of His creation. But is He?

The case of using the sperm cells of the dead for fertility treatment is not the same as where the father dies after the child is conceived. The role of a father is very important to God … and deliberately setting out to have children without a father may not please God. The nuclear family is important to God.

Abraham is commended in Genesis 18[18]  Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? [19]  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

What the Bible clearly opposes is adultery, fornication and seeking children out of traditional (man and woman) wedlock…surrogate mothers may have neither committed adultery nor fornication and so we do not have universal positions on these matters and the Holy Spirit must lead on these issues.

But how far should families go to have children? Would Hannah have been relieved of waiting for Samuel by medical innovation? How would Sarah’s long wait for Isaac have differed if medical advancements existed for her to have a child? Do we fully understand the hidden costs of these innovations?  How far will these treatments go? Will child bearing become more of a medical innovation as people pay for what they want?  Why should I not just hire a poor lady in need of the cash to carry our family pregnancies?…What happens to the foetus observed to have medically challenges?  Will decisions to destroy foetus be easier to make once these are perceived more as laboratory production orders and not sent by God? (Goods to be returned)

Nigerians were recently shocked at discovery of an illegal thriving facility where women were generously paid to be pregnant (and not by artificial insemination) … obviously this entailed sinful acts of adultery, fornication if not prostitution. … But the same motivation to carry a pregnancy for money fostered this indecent illegality …only the technology to do this artificially was not as prevalent.  And did God not say He looks at the heart . Many will say they do this to give joy to others. In reality, many of these end up used for occultic rituals, undergound labour markets or bred for body parts.

What should be the ethical boundaries for these issues … can mankind be trusted (given our track record on ethics)  to draw these boundaries?  How should we counsel on these matters? Will people someday be bred like hamsters in a cage for military, entertainment or commercial purposes?