“How can someone be led by the Spirit? Must I hear an audible voice to be sure? I would not want to miss the road at all.” Being led by the spirit is not all about hearing voices, there are several ways God communicates with His people. “What do you mean?” Take for instance how we communicate on a day to day basis; is it only when you see me and hear my voice that you know it is I? Apart from hearing me speak face to face I could phone, send a text, email you, write a letter, or send a messenger. “Any of them could be faked!” Hah! But you are correct. You could always check if those are consistent with my character, and with what I had earlier said. “Please explain further.”
Luke 2 is rich in God’s leading. See how Joseph was led to Bethlehem to fulfil the birthplace prophecy about Jesus: a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be registered. Joseph, too, went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem… While they were there, the time came for her to have her baby Lk 2:1, 4, 6(ISV). Obeying constituted authority thus was being led of God’s spirit. It’s the same way Saul was led to Samuel and David to Goliath.
In consistency at your duty post you are also led. “How?” Those shepherds were on duty when the angel met them. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, watching their flock during the night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them Lk 2:8, 9 (ISV). “I’d love to hear the angelic voices and see the visions but am afraid of error.” Good for you; God has more common ways He speaks to us.
When Joseph and Mary took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord Lk 2:22, 23(ISV) they were being led by the spirit to meet Simeon. Obey the scripture’s teachings: that’s being led by the spirit most certainly. “How was Simeon led?” Oh, he was prompted within to go there at that time. Moved by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple courtyard. Mary and Joseph were bringing the child Jesus into the courtyard at the same time. Lk 2:27(GW). Anna the prophetess was similarly led Lk 2: 36,-38. Obedience to authority, following the teachings of the bible, angelic visitations, promptings of the spirit; all are equally the leadings of the Spirit.
“How do I avoid error in being prompted within?” Consistently obey the teachings of scripture and constituted authority. You’ll be less likely to err in the courts of promptings and visions; Simeon was practiced in obedience you know. Simeon… was righteous and devout Lk 2:25(ISV).
Sunday 25 December 2011
Friday 23 December 2011
Where is my daughter? Week 51, 2011
Fred is fine brother, regular at the fellowship and willing to do anything asked of him. Even when the numbers in fellowship dropped below 10 you could count on him to be present. He is regularly cheerful and committed to prayer. In fact he was a member of the fellowship’s prayer team. At that time the fellowship had 2 functioning activity groups meeting within the week: evangelism and prayer. Fred was in prayer, and he was constant. During programmes he would do the manual work necessary to make things work.
He worked faithfully at the hospital’s plant house and would have no part with any of the unrighteous works of darkness called sharp practices. Even when his supervising officer would dream up a plan to raise money by false declarations through the plant house and generator Bro Fred was a constant stumbling block to such plans; needless to say he and his job had been threatened more than once. On a number of occasions he had brought such incidents for prayer. In the course of interacting with him and listening to him his inner burden was made known: he had a missing grown up daughter.
It was a painful thing for him to discover his over 17 year old daughter was missing. And she had been gone for over a year. A neighbour had threatened to deal with Fred, and now Fred was sure through diabolical means that man was responsible for her continued disappearance. He’d resorted to fire for fire. Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. Aim your spear at everyone who hunts me down, but promise to save me. Let all who want to kill me be disappointed and disgraced. Chase away and confuse all who plan to harm me. Send your angel after them and let them be like straw in the wind. Make them run in the dark on a slippery road, as your angel chases them. I did them no harm, but they hid a net to trap me, and they dug a deep pit to catch and kill me. Surprise them with disaster! Trap them in their own nets and let them fall and rot in the pits they have dug. I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Ps 35:1-9 (CEV)
Bro Harcourt (then fellowship president) gently rebuked him, urging him to forgive and telling him things would change when he stops praying in such a manner. Reluctantly at first, but gradually he stopped praying in that way. Weeks passed, months went by and nothing seemed to happen. But he held on in faith, convinced God would hear his prayer and return his daughter. Then one day news came from the police that someone fitted the description of his daughter and was searching for her father. Could it be true? He followed it up, and lo it was true! After over 2 years she that was lost had been found. Whole, healthy, and intact.
Bro Fred has since retired from the National Orthopaedic Hospital
He worked faithfully at the hospital’s plant house and would have no part with any of the unrighteous works of darkness called sharp practices. Even when his supervising officer would dream up a plan to raise money by false declarations through the plant house and generator Bro Fred was a constant stumbling block to such plans; needless to say he and his job had been threatened more than once. On a number of occasions he had brought such incidents for prayer. In the course of interacting with him and listening to him his inner burden was made known: he had a missing grown up daughter.
It was a painful thing for him to discover his over 17 year old daughter was missing. And she had been gone for over a year. A neighbour had threatened to deal with Fred, and now Fred was sure through diabolical means that man was responsible for her continued disappearance. He’d resorted to fire for fire. Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. Aim your spear at everyone who hunts me down, but promise to save me. Let all who want to kill me be disappointed and disgraced. Chase away and confuse all who plan to harm me. Send your angel after them and let them be like straw in the wind. Make them run in the dark on a slippery road, as your angel chases them. I did them no harm, but they hid a net to trap me, and they dug a deep pit to catch and kill me. Surprise them with disaster! Trap them in their own nets and let them fall and rot in the pits they have dug. I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Ps 35:1-9 (CEV)
Bro Harcourt (then fellowship president) gently rebuked him, urging him to forgive and telling him things would change when he stops praying in such a manner. Reluctantly at first, but gradually he stopped praying in that way. Weeks passed, months went by and nothing seemed to happen. But he held on in faith, convinced God would hear his prayer and return his daughter. Then one day news came from the police that someone fitted the description of his daughter and was searching for her father. Could it be true? He followed it up, and lo it was true! After over 2 years she that was lost had been found. Whole, healthy, and intact.
Bro Fred has since retired from the National Orthopaedic Hospital
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Ben's testimony Week 50, 2011
It was a dark Wednesday night as I went for the night vigil and was assaulted by a vigilante man. His blow to my eye caused it to start bleeding. I could no longer see. Immediately I cried out “Blood of Jesus protect me from evil men”. I was rescued by another man who listened to my story. My night vigil was spent lying down in prayer bleeding from the eye. You see I had previously been operated on both eyes, and that left one was the good, seeing eye. In the morning I was examined by the ophthalmologist. She mourned at the condition of my eye. It was collapsed, I could not open it, and I could not see with it, I had been bleeding from it. She said “Only God can save the situation now. My taking you to theatre is just a formality.” Later she counseled me that everyone has a cross to bear. I did not argue with her, but convinced blindness is NOT for me cancelled that statement in agreement with my wife.
Brethren came to my aid financially, prayers were offered up by so many on my behalf. The ophthalmologist was seeing me without demanding consultation fees. God gave me a word: Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; that frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; that confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; Isa 44:24-26(KJV) I held to it, speaking it into me incessantly day and night.
Since the police became involved in the incident I was to be examined by the police doctor and on the way there 2 months after the incident my eye kept bleeding that the brother with me turned back and said “Only the living pursue cases. Let’s leave the matter”.Sometime later following examination sight had come to the eye. A professor of ophthalmology told me “If what is written on the folder is what happened to your eye then it is impossible for you to see!” Did God not say I am the LORD that maketh all things; that confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers? The assailant’s family wanted an out of court settlement, but when we presented a bill of about N200, 000 they balked, and had a lawyer represent them.
Pus and blood were coming intermittently despite all medication; and the vision was unclear. I decided to forgive and informed the police I was no longer interested in the case. My wife had been encouraging this. From then on the vision became clearer and today over 2 years after the incident there is no further discharge or bleeding from the eye and I read with the eye even without the aid of glasses!
Ben lives in Enugu, a printer and prominent member of the FGBMFI
Brethren came to my aid financially, prayers were offered up by so many on my behalf. The ophthalmologist was seeing me without demanding consultation fees. God gave me a word: Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; that frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; that confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; Isa 44:24-26(KJV) I held to it, speaking it into me incessantly day and night.
Since the police became involved in the incident I was to be examined by the police doctor and on the way there 2 months after the incident my eye kept bleeding that the brother with me turned back and said “Only the living pursue cases. Let’s leave the matter”.Sometime later following examination sight had come to the eye. A professor of ophthalmology told me “If what is written on the folder is what happened to your eye then it is impossible for you to see!” Did God not say I am the LORD that maketh all things; that confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers? The assailant’s family wanted an out of court settlement, but when we presented a bill of about N200, 000 they balked, and had a lawyer represent them.
Pus and blood were coming intermittently despite all medication; and the vision was unclear. I decided to forgive and informed the police I was no longer interested in the case. My wife had been encouraging this. From then on the vision became clearer and today over 2 years after the incident there is no further discharge or bleeding from the eye and I read with the eye even without the aid of glasses!
Ben lives in Enugu, a printer and prominent member of the FGBMFI
Monday 5 December 2011
Everything is double, double Week 49, 2011
“What reward could there be for forgiving others? Isn’t it just If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins Mat 6:14, 15(CEV) ”. Is that so? What song were you singing? “Everything is double, double. I am believing God for a double portion before the year runs out.” Is that scriptural? “Of course; that happened to Job. All Job's brothers and sisters and former friends came to visit him and feasted with him in his house. They expressed their sympathy and comforted him for all the troubles the LORD had brought on him. Each of them gave him some money and a gold ring. The LORD blessed the last part of Job's life even more than he had blessed the first Job 42:11, 12(GNB). But I thought we are discussing the reward of forgiveness.” We are, we are. Why and when did he get it? Did he do seed faith, did he give to a powerful man of God? “Oh God just compensated him.”
Not quite; there was something he did first: Then, after Job had prayed for his three friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had had before Job 42:10(GNB). At no time did Job ask for a double portion, nor did he have to pray for restoration but he gets twice as much after he interceded for his friends who were so insensitive to him.
“Are you saying asking for a double portion is sinful? Elisha asked and got.” Did you also notice Elisha forgave his enemies when he could have destroyed them? When the king of Israel saw the Syrians, he asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, sir? Shall I kill them?" "No," he answered. "Not even soldiers you had captured in combat would you put to death. Give them something to eat and drink, and let them return to their king." So the king of Israel provided a great feast for them; and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to the king of Syria. From then on the Syrians stopped raiding the land of Israel2Ki 6:21-23(GNB). You have been desiring promotion and a double portion from God; now you see how to get them. “Just one thing: are you against seed faith and sowing into men of God?” By no means, but Gal 5:6(GNB) teaches: For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love. If you do not forgive you do not love and faith won’t work!
Not quite; there was something he did first: Then, after Job had prayed for his three friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had had before Job 42:10(GNB). At no time did Job ask for a double portion, nor did he have to pray for restoration but he gets twice as much after he interceded for his friends who were so insensitive to him.
“Are you saying asking for a double portion is sinful? Elisha asked and got.” Did you also notice Elisha forgave his enemies when he could have destroyed them? When the king of Israel saw the Syrians, he asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, sir? Shall I kill them?" "No," he answered. "Not even soldiers you had captured in combat would you put to death. Give them something to eat and drink, and let them return to their king." So the king of Israel provided a great feast for them; and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to the king of Syria. From then on the Syrians stopped raiding the land of Israel2Ki 6:21-23(GNB). You have been desiring promotion and a double portion from God; now you see how to get them. “Just one thing: are you against seed faith and sowing into men of God?” By no means, but Gal 5:6(GNB) teaches: For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love. If you do not forgive you do not love and faith won’t work!
Wednesday 30 November 2011
What is forgiveness? Week 48, 2011
“I won’t talk to him, I just can’t!” I thought you said you have forgiven him. “I have, but I can’t forget what he has done. I won’t harm him, won’t block his way; but don’t expect me to actively help him. He is proud, knowing nothing …supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself 1Ti 6:4, 5(MKJV). ” Don’t use any scripture as an excuse to retain an unforgiving spirit; don’t be like Absalom. Absalom wouldn't speak at all to Amnon. He hated Amnon 2Sa 13:22(GW). “I said I have forgiven him; I just want to be left alone.” I won’t push you but remember Col 3:13(GNB): Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. How can you have forgiven if you won’t talk to him or pray for him? Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you Lk 6:27, 28(CEV). “Oh I’ll pray for him alright: may he reap what he sows in Jesus’ name.” That’s certainly not what you asked me to pray for the last time you realised you offended God: you asked for mercy. Treat others just as you want to be treated Lk 6:31(CEV). You have to truly forgive.
“You weary me; what does it mean to forgive? I hope you are not expecting me to forgive and forget. I don’t have memory failure.” True forgiveness is no memory failure but a removal of the poison of bitterness, the desire for punishment and revenge... “I am not punishing him now!” Wait, let me finish. It shows up in blessing the offender. Consider Joseph and his brothers. For him forgiveness was not to distance himself from them when they came into Egypt. He could have had his revenge but he didn’t; he could have been aloof and not talked at all with them but he took them in. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them Gen 50:21(ESV). Genuine forgiveness is shown by blessing the offender.
“I don’t want to be a hypocrite; I certainly don’t feel like blessing him.” Whoever talked of feelings? Speak with your mouth before God what you must in obedience; feelings will come later. Walk by faith not by feelings. “I can’t do this on my own.” I know, I know, let’s come before God and ask for grace, and set a date all of 3 of us will see. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you Prov 25:21, 22(ESV).
“You weary me; what does it mean to forgive? I hope you are not expecting me to forgive and forget. I don’t have memory failure.” True forgiveness is no memory failure but a removal of the poison of bitterness, the desire for punishment and revenge... “I am not punishing him now!” Wait, let me finish. It shows up in blessing the offender. Consider Joseph and his brothers. For him forgiveness was not to distance himself from them when they came into Egypt. He could have had his revenge but he didn’t; he could have been aloof and not talked at all with them but he took them in. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them Gen 50:21(ESV). Genuine forgiveness is shown by blessing the offender.
“I don’t want to be a hypocrite; I certainly don’t feel like blessing him.” Whoever talked of feelings? Speak with your mouth before God what you must in obedience; feelings will come later. Walk by faith not by feelings. “I can’t do this on my own.” I know, I know, let’s come before God and ask for grace, and set a date all of 3 of us will see. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you Prov 25:21, 22(ESV).
Monday 21 November 2011
Unanswered prayers Week 47, 2011
“What kind of a woman is this? Hehn? I’ve never seen a more wasteful...” Take it easy that’s your wife you are speaking about; the very mother of your children. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them Col 3:19(ISV). “So it gives her the right to drain my money? My hard earned money!” I thought the money belongs to you both. “Don’t start your preaching now. That woman is just the cause of my downfall. All my labours in prayer and fasting; I can see why I have received no breakthroughs. All the seed faith, all the ...”
Ah thank God you have received the revelation of your errors. “Yes, yes, I erred in marrying her. We should just separate. If I go from her I will be free from these quarrels. She’s a witch in short.” Stop that! Who has bewitched you? You are the reason your prayers are hindered not her. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered 1Pt 3:7(ESV) .
“Why blame me; always siding with my foes.” Am I your enemy because I tell you the truth? “Look, other women are not like her.” Other women? Are you being secretly enticed to unfaithfulness? You want God to close your heavens? Have you read Mal 2:13, 14(CEV)? And what else are you doing? You cry noisily and flood the LORD's altar with your tears, because he isn't pleased with your offerings and refuses to accept them. And why isn't God pleased? It's because he knows that each of you men has been unfaithful to the wife you married when you were young. You promised that she would be your partner, but now you have broken that promise. “I haven’t committed adultery.” I didn’t say you had. Your problem stems from unforgiveness not her. If God is to respond to any prayer of faith then the one praying must forgive: Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith. Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you Mk 11:24, 25(CEV).
It is never the right thing to rail at anyone, especially your wife. You have several faults of your own God has forgiven. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Eph 4:31, 32. Unforgiveness hinders prayers greatly.
Ah thank God you have received the revelation of your errors. “Yes, yes, I erred in marrying her. We should just separate. If I go from her I will be free from these quarrels. She’s a witch in short.” Stop that! Who has bewitched you? You are the reason your prayers are hindered not her. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered 1Pt 3:7(ESV) .
“Why blame me; always siding with my foes.” Am I your enemy because I tell you the truth? “Look, other women are not like her.” Other women? Are you being secretly enticed to unfaithfulness? You want God to close your heavens? Have you read Mal 2:13, 14(CEV)? And what else are you doing? You cry noisily and flood the LORD's altar with your tears, because he isn't pleased with your offerings and refuses to accept them. And why isn't God pleased? It's because he knows that each of you men has been unfaithful to the wife you married when you were young. You promised that she would be your partner, but now you have broken that promise. “I haven’t committed adultery.” I didn’t say you had. Your problem stems from unforgiveness not her. If God is to respond to any prayer of faith then the one praying must forgive: Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith. Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you Mk 11:24, 25(CEV).
It is never the right thing to rail at anyone, especially your wife. You have several faults of your own God has forgiven. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Eph 4:31, 32. Unforgiveness hinders prayers greatly.
Saturday 12 November 2011
Forgive him Week 46, 2011
“You do not know what he has done. Look at how he abandoned me to pursue his own business.” But he is your husband; the money from that business goes to meet your needs. “What needs? What greater need than the presence of my husband when the pregnancy he caused is being threatened. I am bleeding and he runs off, saying he has some commitments.” But you are in good hands... “Which good hands? Don’t defend the indefensible.” Please forgive him; you have offended God far more than he has you. “Why are you always defending him? Look if I let go and leave him he will do worse. When I deal with him now thoroughly he will think twice before trying something funny next time. Only put your hand on him, and see what a fight you will have; you will not do it again! Job 41:8(BBE)”
I am not here to defend him but to crown you. “What are you talking about?” Do you remember the story Jesus told on forgiveness? The Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts. He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. Mt 18:23-24 (GNB). “This is talking about money…” It’s talking about forgiveness. “So how does that crown me?” Notice it is a king who forgives the offence. The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go Mat 18:27. When you fail to forgive, you are a servant: the man went out and met one of his fellow servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and started choking him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he said Mt 18:28 (GNB), and remain a servant at the same level with him who offended you. The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount Mt 18:34(GNB). Make yourself a king over him by forgiving him. Refusing to forgive not only robs one of the grace and mercy he is already enjoying; it is a missed opportunity to be a king over the offender.
"That's a funny way to interpret a parable." Ah! Have you forgotten Be merciful just as your Father is merciful Lk 6:36(GNB). It makes you like God; it makes you godly to forgive. “But it makes me weak not strong to let go all the time, it sounds a bit foolish.” Remember what seems foolish in God is wiser than men; and what seems feeble in God is stronger than men 1Co 1:25(BBE). I would like to be a king from heaven’s perspective won’t you?
Sunday 6 November 2011
You too can walk with God Week 45, 2011
“What does it mean to walk with God?” Well it is what God requires of you. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Mic 6:8. It means to fellowship with God, to have Jesus as your companion. You must humble yourself to walk with God.
To walk with God is the privilege of all who refuse to soil themselves. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy Rev 3:4. If some at Sardis could keep their garments, you too can in the midst of compromisers.
“That’s just the point: I have been a habitual sinner.” Consider Rahab, consider Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out Luk 8: 2 she did not dwell on the past but walked with Jesus: When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem Mar 15:41. Did you have a sinful past? You too can walk with God.
To walk with God is to live in wholehearted loving obedience to His word. And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book 2Ki 23:3 .
“I think family life will get in the way...” Enoch was the son of a man. Are you a child? You too can walk with God. Married with children? Facing challenges of quiet time and home pressures? You too can walk with God Gen 5:22-24.
“I am yet to see God’s promises fulfilled to me...” Noah was 500 years before he got 3 sons Gen 5:32. That was never recorded before in scripture. The promise of God had not manifested in his life yet he walked with God. Methuselah was alive in his time, and Adam lived to Methuselah’s. Even if he told Noah it has never happened before, Noah still walked with God. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God Gen 6:9. Are you yet childless after so many years? You too can walk with God. Have you waited so many years to see answers to your prayer and now you are old like Elisabeth and Zechariah? You too can walk with God.
Can I say that Jesus may walk with you but will not follow you? You must follow. Those who walk with God walk in His presence, and also walk after Him. Follow the glory cloud Num 9:16-23.
To walk with God is the privilege of all who refuse to soil themselves. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy Rev 3:4. If some at Sardis could keep their garments, you too can in the midst of compromisers.
“That’s just the point: I have been a habitual sinner.” Consider Rahab, consider Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out Luk 8: 2 she did not dwell on the past but walked with Jesus: When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem Mar 15:41. Did you have a sinful past? You too can walk with God.
To walk with God is to live in wholehearted loving obedience to His word. And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book 2Ki 23:3 .
“I think family life will get in the way...” Enoch was the son of a man. Are you a child? You too can walk with God. Married with children? Facing challenges of quiet time and home pressures? You too can walk with God Gen 5:22-24.
“I am yet to see God’s promises fulfilled to me...” Noah was 500 years before he got 3 sons Gen 5:32. That was never recorded before in scripture. The promise of God had not manifested in his life yet he walked with God. Methuselah was alive in his time, and Adam lived to Methuselah’s. Even if he told Noah it has never happened before, Noah still walked with God. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God Gen 6:9. Are you yet childless after so many years? You too can walk with God. Have you waited so many years to see answers to your prayer and now you are old like Elisabeth and Zechariah? You too can walk with God.
Can I say that Jesus may walk with you but will not follow you? You must follow. Those who walk with God walk in His presence, and also walk after Him. Follow the glory cloud Num 9:16-23.
Sunday 30 October 2011
The old prophet (2) Week 44, 2011
“What are you suggesting; that I be discipled by him into a corrupted image? Never!” Ah, be careful in this arrogance of yours. God sent David into Saul’s court not to learn Saul’s evil ways but to teach him. “I say I have nothing to learn from him. Saul hunted David to kill him while in his court.” Yes; and running away from the palace did not stop the hunt. Let me finish. Despite Saul’s wickedness he eventually bowed to spiritual pressure and gave David the blessing as the next king of Israel. David thus persevered and became the greatest king in Israel. “It was Jonathan who blessed David as future king: And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this."1Sa 23:17(ESV).” Yes, but Saul did so too: And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand 1Sam 24:20(ESV).
Was it not the same with Eli who recognised Samuel as having accurate message from God? So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him."1Sam 3:18(ESV). Was there not an implied hand over by Eli to Samuel here? Scripture afterward recorded Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground 1Sam 3:19(ESV). Which of them, David or Samuel, treated the erring older minister with this scorn, disrespect and disdain you now show?
“Well, I can stay but he is still an old prophet.” I pity you. The old prophet forced himself unto the man of God from Judah; did your supervisor force himself on you? “Well, no. I applied to join this ministry.” As led by the spirit not so? Well in the case of the old prophet the Spirit of God strictly charged the man of God from Judah not to stay in that land, but return through another way: for so was it commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.'" 1Ki 13:9(ESV). Their meeting was because the man of God delayed in returning. “Delayed?” Yes. When the sons of the old prophet told their father which way he was going, by the time the old prophet saddled the donkey and came the man of God was sitting down. And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak 1Ki 13:14(ESV). There may be something of Saul in you God wishes to deal with. I fear lest you be worse. If you call him old prophet because he errs, how come you are under him? Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand.
Was it not the same with Eli who recognised Samuel as having accurate message from God? So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him."1Sam 3:18(ESV). Was there not an implied hand over by Eli to Samuel here? Scripture afterward recorded Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground 1Sam 3:19(ESV). Which of them, David or Samuel, treated the erring older minister with this scorn, disrespect and disdain you now show?
“Well, I can stay but he is still an old prophet.” I pity you. The old prophet forced himself unto the man of God from Judah; did your supervisor force himself on you? “Well, no. I applied to join this ministry.” As led by the spirit not so? Well in the case of the old prophet the Spirit of God strictly charged the man of God from Judah not to stay in that land, but return through another way: for so was it commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.'" 1Ki 13:9(ESV). Their meeting was because the man of God delayed in returning. “Delayed?” Yes. When the sons of the old prophet told their father which way he was going, by the time the old prophet saddled the donkey and came the man of God was sitting down. And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak 1Ki 13:14(ESV). There may be something of Saul in you God wishes to deal with. I fear lest you be worse. If you call him old prophet because he errs, how come you are under him? Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
He’s an old prophet Week 43, 2011
How dare you classify your supervisor as an old prophet? “Is he not one? Look at his antecedents, saying the Lord said but he lies. Then the old prophet from Bethel said to him, "I, too, am a prophet just like you, and at the LORD's command an angel told me to take you home with me and offer you my hospitality." But the old prophet was lying 1Ki 13:18(GNB). He is an old prophet and I can’t listen to him; he has nothing to offer me.” This arrogance of yours is deadly. Is it not God who sent you to be under him? “God? Why would God do that?” Yes, why would God send Samuel to Eli’s house? “He was not sent to Eli’s house but to the Lord. Get your facts right. ” My facts are right, your sight is not. “Watch it o.”
I am, I am. Tell me who put Samuel through on the right response to the voice of God. “God called Samuel three times before he realised it was God...” No. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the young man 1Sa 3:8(ESV). It was Eli who realised it was God and this “old prophet” taught him ministerial ethics. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place 1Sa 3:9(ESV). God would have had to call many more times for Samuel if not for Eli’s intervention. “It’s like you side with old prophets; I trust you are not becoming one.” I see. By the way how did Hannah know her prayer was heard? Was it not the pronouncement of this same old prophet? And the extra children she had, you know there was no talk of that in her agreement with God, was it not the prayer and blessing of this same Eli? Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, "May the LORD give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the LORD." So then they would return to their home. Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters 1Sa 2:20, 21 (ESV). “She sowed into God a child and reaped.” Have you forgotten the power of priestly pronouncement? "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." Num 6:23, 24, 27 (ESV). God has a divine purpose for placing you under him. Submit to him and let it be done.
I am, I am. Tell me who put Samuel through on the right response to the voice of God. “God called Samuel three times before he realised it was God...” No. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the young man 1Sa 3:8(ESV). It was Eli who realised it was God and this “old prophet” taught him ministerial ethics. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place 1Sa 3:9(ESV). God would have had to call many more times for Samuel if not for Eli’s intervention. “It’s like you side with old prophets; I trust you are not becoming one.” I see. By the way how did Hannah know her prayer was heard? Was it not the pronouncement of this same old prophet? And the extra children she had, you know there was no talk of that in her agreement with God, was it not the prayer and blessing of this same Eli? Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, "May the LORD give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the LORD." So then they would return to their home. Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters 1Sa 2:20, 21 (ESV). “She sowed into God a child and reaped.” Have you forgotten the power of priestly pronouncement? "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." Num 6:23, 24, 27 (ESV). God has a divine purpose for placing you under him. Submit to him and let it be done.
Thursday 20 October 2011
Don't drive me me out Week 42, 2011
In Jesus’ name, in JESUS’S name you spirit of darkness leave. I say leave me in Jesus’ name! Why are you struggling and trying to drive me out? You invited me here. Invite you? You have no place in me. OUT I say. Ohh, but I am at home here. At home? There is no fellowship between you and I: For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2Co 6:14-16 (ESV) you cannot be at home. You do what I like, you use my methods, practice my craft, send men to where I desire; I am at home. What a laugh. I send men to God’s kingdom and don’t practice your craft. You are a liar and father of lies. There is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie he speaks in character, for he is a liar and the father of lies Jn 8:44(ISV).
You command death on all who offend you. There is no forgiveness in your heart for any enemy. “Pursue them, destroy my enemies! Do not cover up their iniquity, let their light be turned into darkness and blot them from your book.” That is your well established rote. It has led to so many coming over to our side and we rejoice with you. I am at home here I say. How can I be having this discussion with you, I said GET OUT! Why send us away?
Us? There is no us. Unforgiveness has been living here for a long time and whenever and wherever he is established I go also. You can’t separate us. I said you are a liar. I simply pronounce God’s judgement upon sinners. Certainly it is right for God to pay back those who afflict you with affliction 2Th 1:6(ISV). I have no such unforgiving spirit. You talk as if you do not know what you do. Did not Isaiah say of the Holy One of God : yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors Isa 53:12(ESV)? But you do what I want, what we want. You intercede against them and send them to us. I have nothing to do with it. It’s God’s judgements. Did you not know what we said to the Holy One of God when He came against us? " Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Mt 8: 29(ESV). Hah! 2Thess1:7, 10 give the time. Is it time? God! Help me, JESUS! I repent. And the LORD said, "The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?" Zec 3:2(ESV) Alright, alright I gooo.
Will the oppressive spirit attack you too?
You command death on all who offend you. There is no forgiveness in your heart for any enemy. “Pursue them, destroy my enemies! Do not cover up their iniquity, let their light be turned into darkness and blot them from your book.” That is your well established rote. It has led to so many coming over to our side and we rejoice with you. I am at home here I say. How can I be having this discussion with you, I said GET OUT! Why send us away?
Us? There is no us. Unforgiveness has been living here for a long time and whenever and wherever he is established I go also. You can’t separate us. I said you are a liar. I simply pronounce God’s judgement upon sinners. Certainly it is right for God to pay back those who afflict you with affliction 2Th 1:6(ISV). I have no such unforgiving spirit. You talk as if you do not know what you do. Did not Isaiah say of the Holy One of God : yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors Isa 53:12(ESV)? But you do what I want, what we want. You intercede against them and send them to us. I have nothing to do with it. It’s God’s judgements. Did you not know what we said to the Holy One of God when He came against us? " Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Mt 8: 29(ESV). Hah! 2Thess1:7, 10 give the time. Is it time? God! Help me, JESUS! I repent. And the LORD said, "The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?" Zec 3:2(ESV) Alright, alright I gooo.
Will the oppressive spirit attack you too?
Have you been paying tithe? Week 41, 2011
That is what my wife asked me. Things had not been getting along well with us for no reason, as I could see. It got so bad that once about four months ago when my wife was about entering the car I had repaired twice that month, the latch came off on her hands. She wondered aloud what was going on and pointedly asked me if I had been faithfully tithing. I had not.
I became a Christian over 20 years ago and started tithing as soon as I began receiving a salary. I have been quite irregular with the tithe, and it would appear to me things were not going on as expected for a Christian. I had several devourers up my purse. Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you Mal 3:8, 9 (ESV). People would just get sick in the house, and my car just kept breaking down. I would repair it and it would again break down about twice in the month. I had sold land four years ago and received N2.7M from it. My wife asked me to tithe the money but I felt that I should not. I invested N1M of it in bank shares that same year in oceanic, first bank and bank PHB, but now the net worth of those shares is about N200, 000. But I did tell them this, 'Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Live the way I told you to live so that things will go well for you.' Jer 7:23(GW)
I now remembered an incident after my wedding seven years ago which should have taught me the lesson. I had been saving up money for the wedding but when the right bride did not come I used up the money. In short I took loans to wed. After my wedding was owing a friend about a N100,000; when I got my next salary I told myself if I pay my tithe it may not be enough to settle my debt but I conferred with my wife and I decided to pay the tithe . I took the tithe out of the salary and left the remaining money in the house and went to church. I paid my tithe and on coming back to the house discovered thieves have entered my house.
They removed the burglary proof from the wall, broke all the locked wardrobes about four in number ,my heart took a leap as I remembered that I left a big sum at home. My neighbour lamented that the thieves broke his wardrobe and took his money. Lo and behold I checked the my wardrobe and discovered that my money was intact then I knew that as He said in Malachi that when we pay our tithe he will rebuke the devourer for our sake is very true: I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Mal 3:11, (ESV). My car went to repairs recently, and has remained ok, and my children have stopped being sickly. Coincidence? No. It pays to tithe.
Ifeanyi lives at Trans Ekulu and works at the Orthopaedic Hospital
I became a Christian over 20 years ago and started tithing as soon as I began receiving a salary. I have been quite irregular with the tithe, and it would appear to me things were not going on as expected for a Christian. I had several devourers up my purse. Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you Mal 3:8, 9 (ESV). People would just get sick in the house, and my car just kept breaking down. I would repair it and it would again break down about twice in the month. I had sold land four years ago and received N2.7M from it. My wife asked me to tithe the money but I felt that I should not. I invested N1M of it in bank shares that same year in oceanic, first bank and bank PHB, but now the net worth of those shares is about N200, 000. But I did tell them this, 'Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Live the way I told you to live so that things will go well for you.' Jer 7:23(GW)
I now remembered an incident after my wedding seven years ago which should have taught me the lesson. I had been saving up money for the wedding but when the right bride did not come I used up the money. In short I took loans to wed. After my wedding was owing a friend about a N100,000; when I got my next salary I told myself if I pay my tithe it may not be enough to settle my debt but I conferred with my wife and I decided to pay the tithe . I took the tithe out of the salary and left the remaining money in the house and went to church. I paid my tithe and on coming back to the house discovered thieves have entered my house.
They removed the burglary proof from the wall, broke all the locked wardrobes about four in number ,my heart took a leap as I remembered that I left a big sum at home. My neighbour lamented that the thieves broke his wardrobe and took his money. Lo and behold I checked the my wardrobe and discovered that my money was intact then I knew that as He said in Malachi that when we pay our tithe he will rebuke the devourer for our sake is very true: I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Mal 3:11, (ESV). My car went to repairs recently, and has remained ok, and my children have stopped being sickly. Coincidence? No. It pays to tithe.
Ifeanyi lives at Trans Ekulu and works at the Orthopaedic Hospital
Abraham's reward Week 40, 2011
“Abraham’s blessings are mine, Abraham’s blessings are mine! I am blessed in the morning, blessed in the evening ...” So what is this blessing you claim so forcefully? “His reward; the LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys Gen 24:35(ESV).”
Was that THE reward? Hummer jeeps, fat accounts, houses... “Wait now, read the next verse: And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him he has given all that he has Gen 24:36(ESV). God really rewarded Abraham. What greater blessing than to have children after you who receive the heritage from you?”
That was not the reward God promised. Let’s not see the reward of obedience from the standpoint of things; things gotten from God, and perhaps always in comparison with others. When God promised a reward it was far greater than any thing: After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward Gen 15:1(RV). “I don’t mean to sound disrespectful but this sounds nebulous. What does that translate to in tangible things?” Abraham also wanted tangible things, in fact he said "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Gen 15:2(ESV). Here God offers you Himself, saying “I am your reward”, and you say “What will you give me?” I feel years later God now asked “Is it Me or the child?” and was relieved when Abraham emphatically said “It’s you Lord”. So God now knew Abraham fears God Gen 22:1-12. Unbelievers and sinners can and do have flocks, money, and children after them Mt5:45, but only the righteous have the LORD as their portion. The LORD is my inheritance and my cup. Ps 16:5(GW). Don’t reduce God’s reward to mere things.
“Can one really blame Abraham? We live in a tangible world...” My dear if you have a husband all he has is yours too. Because God was Abraham’s portion his tangible inheritance is the world. “The world?” Yes God promised Abraham and his descendants that he would give them the world Rom 4:13(CEV). So when you claim Abraham’s reward know what you are claiming. “Yes: the whole world!” How slow you are to learn: God Himself. He has given us his promises that are of the highest value. Through these promises you will share in the divine nature because you have escaped the corruption that sinful desires cause in the world.2Pe 1:4(CEV).
Was that THE reward? Hummer jeeps, fat accounts, houses... “Wait now, read the next verse: And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him he has given all that he has Gen 24:36(ESV). God really rewarded Abraham. What greater blessing than to have children after you who receive the heritage from you?”
That was not the reward God promised. Let’s not see the reward of obedience from the standpoint of things; things gotten from God, and perhaps always in comparison with others. When God promised a reward it was far greater than any thing: After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward Gen 15:1(RV). “I don’t mean to sound disrespectful but this sounds nebulous. What does that translate to in tangible things?” Abraham also wanted tangible things, in fact he said "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Gen 15:2(ESV). Here God offers you Himself, saying “I am your reward”, and you say “What will you give me?” I feel years later God now asked “Is it Me or the child?” and was relieved when Abraham emphatically said “It’s you Lord”. So God now knew Abraham fears God Gen 22:1-12. Unbelievers and sinners can and do have flocks, money, and children after them Mt5:45, but only the righteous have the LORD as their portion. The LORD is my inheritance and my cup. Ps 16:5(GW). Don’t reduce God’s reward to mere things.
“Can one really blame Abraham? We live in a tangible world...” My dear if you have a husband all he has is yours too. Because God was Abraham’s portion his tangible inheritance is the world. “The world?” Yes God promised Abraham and his descendants that he would give them the world Rom 4:13(CEV). So when you claim Abraham’s reward know what you are claiming. “Yes: the whole world!” How slow you are to learn: God Himself. He has given us his promises that are of the highest value. Through these promises you will share in the divine nature because you have escaped the corruption that sinful desires cause in the world.2Pe 1:4(CEV).
Saturday 24 September 2011
The reward of obedience week 39, 2011
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed Gen 12:3(ESV). “My reward shall be plenty, never mind these people who do not know God!” That’s what I used to say. In fact I often compared myself with others in terms of what I have and would feel, “Yes, I deserve this. I have obeyed God more than they have, so I deserve more than they.” So if I do not get material things I feel I have not been rewarded, or if I get what every other person gets I feel unrewarded too. Remember the labourers in the vineyard? When the first came, they thought they would receive more, but each received a denarius as well. When they received it, they began to complain to the landowner Mat 20:10-11(ISV).You think the blessing is only for you and your family? Not at all. The blessing promised Abraham is that he becomes a focal point to bless others, not that he monopolises the blessings.
Indeed the truly blessed man is he through whom all people get blessed. Consider what Laban said to Jacob: "Listen to me. I've learned from the signs I've seen that the LORD has blessed me because of you." Gen 30:27 (GW). Did not Potiphar get blessed because of Joseph? And from the time when he made him overseer and gave him control of all his property, the blessing of the Lord was with the Egyptian, because of Joseph; the blessing of the Lord was on all he had, in the house and in the field Gen 39:5 (BBE). What’s been happening since you have been in charge?
When you look at the reward of Jesus’ obedience it went beyond Him. While it is true He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death--- his death on the cross. For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name Php 2:8-9(GNB); yet recall Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God Rom 5:19(CEV). The blessing of obedience makes you a giver, an exporter of the same. You become a contact point and cannot hoard it. Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Act 20:35(ISV).
So how much are people around you being blessed? How about your home? How much profit has your work place since you came? How many souls have come to salvation through your obedience? Or will your own blessing be different? Yet that’s not the fullness of Abraham’s blessing.
Indeed the truly blessed man is he through whom all people get blessed. Consider what Laban said to Jacob: "Listen to me. I've learned from the signs I've seen that the LORD has blessed me because of you." Gen 30:27 (GW). Did not Potiphar get blessed because of Joseph? And from the time when he made him overseer and gave him control of all his property, the blessing of the Lord was with the Egyptian, because of Joseph; the blessing of the Lord was on all he had, in the house and in the field Gen 39:5 (BBE). What’s been happening since you have been in charge?
When you look at the reward of Jesus’ obedience it went beyond Him. While it is true He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death--- his death on the cross. For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name Php 2:8-9(GNB); yet recall Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God Rom 5:19(CEV). The blessing of obedience makes you a giver, an exporter of the same. You become a contact point and cannot hoard it. Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Act 20:35(ISV).
So how much are people around you being blessed? How about your home? How much profit has your work place since you came? How many souls have come to salvation through your obedience? Or will your own blessing be different? Yet that’s not the fullness of Abraham’s blessing.
Sunday 18 September 2011
Sowing in tears (2) Week 38, 2011
“Why are you crying?” I just sent off my beloved to the NYSC, that battle ground, and the parting hurts. “You should not cry. Are you not convinced it is God’s will?” Leave me, let me express my emotions. You do not understand. “Yes I don’t. When you obey God it should be with all your heart. He did what the LORD considered right, but he did not do it wholeheartedly 2Ch 25:2(GW).” Why have you decided that I do not have a perfect heart? Because of my tears? “Yes of course obedience that is real, that pleases God is a delight, a joy. Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psa 40:7, 8(ESV). We were taught obedience that is acceptable is knowing the will of God and then doing it with the heart with joy. If you know it is the wish of God you should be rejoicing not mourning, singing and not weeping.”
I agree true obedience is with joy, but tears do not necessarily mean reluctance to obey God. You know, sometimes obedience comes first and joy comes in the morning. Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him Psa 126:5, 6(ESV). Our emotions being expressed do not necessarily mean we are less than wholehearted in our obedience. “I don’t understand.” Do you remember when your daughter was to marry, how you felt? “Oh, I still feel it.” Were you smiling then? “No, I cried.” You see! Yet I know we had prayed for her marriage and would you say you did not give her away with your heart? “Hmm!” So why did you cry then? “Just the thought of my baby now going away; it hit me hard but you know I never let anyone see me cry. You just happened to be around; why are you reminding me?” I am coming yet.
Did Jesus fully obey the Father? “Yes he was the pattern of wholehearted obedience.” Correct yet have you read: In the days of his flesh, he offered up prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his devotion to God. Son though he was, he learned obedience through his sufferings Heb 5:7, 8(ISV). Obedience is deliberate submission, even with tears.
“So Jesus did not always obey with joy?” He did, beloved, he did. The presence of tears is not the absence of joy. It is joy, not happiness. I have joy in my heart my beloved has reached the stage of NYSC, but pain in parting company.
I agree true obedience is with joy, but tears do not necessarily mean reluctance to obey God. You know, sometimes obedience comes first and joy comes in the morning. Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him Psa 126:5, 6(ESV). Our emotions being expressed do not necessarily mean we are less than wholehearted in our obedience. “I don’t understand.” Do you remember when your daughter was to marry, how you felt? “Oh, I still feel it.” Were you smiling then? “No, I cried.” You see! Yet I know we had prayed for her marriage and would you say you did not give her away with your heart? “Hmm!” So why did you cry then? “Just the thought of my baby now going away; it hit me hard but you know I never let anyone see me cry. You just happened to be around; why are you reminding me?” I am coming yet.
Did Jesus fully obey the Father? “Yes he was the pattern of wholehearted obedience.” Correct yet have you read: In the days of his flesh, he offered up prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his devotion to God. Son though he was, he learned obedience through his sufferings Heb 5:7, 8(ISV). Obedience is deliberate submission, even with tears.
“So Jesus did not always obey with joy?” He did, beloved, he did. The presence of tears is not the absence of joy. It is joy, not happiness. I have joy in my heart my beloved has reached the stage of NYSC, but pain in parting company.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Sowing in tears? (1) Week37, 2011
“I wish sometimes I did not know what God’s will is. It’s very painful at times; I wish I were hypnotised not to fall into temptations or disobey God.” Well for one thing ignorance of God’s wish will not protect you from judgement. But servants who don't know what their master wants them to do will not be beaten so hard for doing wrong Lk 12: 48(CEV). It is God’s design that we know His will for our lives and scripture explicitly instructs us to find out what is pleasing to Him. “Well I wish then to be led to obey without knowing it was God’s will.” What? Don’t you know that is the portion of those outside the kingdom? “Is that so?” The soldiers ignorantly fulfilled the scripture but Jesus knowingly did things to fulfil scripture Jn 19:24-28. Genuine obedience implies knowing God’s will and doing it with joy: I delight to do your will, O my God Ps 40:8.
Why are you so depressed? “I was at a meeting yesterday, the preacher said he wanted to bless us and asked us to bring all the money we had for prayers. After praying he now asked us to keep up our hands until the ushers came, and that we drop the whole money inside the bag so that we be truly blessed.” So why are you upset? I give all sometimes, and am at peace doing so. The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously 2Co 9:6(ISV). “Ah! My electricity bill was there as well as the money to pay my child’s school fees. I just struggled with myself wanting to run out but dropped in the money. But you know, I really wish I did not give like that and feel used. O my God! Who is going to pay my electricity bills and child’s school fees?” Clearly you have not given by faith, for if you had you would be at peace. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever Isa 32:17(ESV).
“I met the usher but he laughed and said I was sowing in tears and would reap in joy.” Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him Ps 126:5, 6(ESV). Well you did sow in tears and he’s gone off with glee! “Is that obedience, it resembles extortion.” God never intended for us to give with murmuring and a feeling of being ripped off.Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to 2Co 9:5(CEV).
“So have I lost out?” It was God you gave to, He will definitely take care of your needs, but know that you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver 2Co 9:7(ISV). Give generously with joy always. You can do better next time.
Why are you so depressed? “I was at a meeting yesterday, the preacher said he wanted to bless us and asked us to bring all the money we had for prayers. After praying he now asked us to keep up our hands until the ushers came, and that we drop the whole money inside the bag so that we be truly blessed.” So why are you upset? I give all sometimes, and am at peace doing so. The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously 2Co 9:6(ISV). “Ah! My electricity bill was there as well as the money to pay my child’s school fees. I just struggled with myself wanting to run out but dropped in the money. But you know, I really wish I did not give like that and feel used. O my God! Who is going to pay my electricity bills and child’s school fees?” Clearly you have not given by faith, for if you had you would be at peace. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever Isa 32:17(ESV).
“I met the usher but he laughed and said I was sowing in tears and would reap in joy.” Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him Ps 126:5, 6(ESV). Well you did sow in tears and he’s gone off with glee! “Is that obedience, it resembles extortion.” God never intended for us to give with murmuring and a feeling of being ripped off.Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to 2Co 9:5(CEV).
“So have I lost out?” It was God you gave to, He will definitely take care of your needs, but know that you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver 2Co 9:7(ISV). Give generously with joy always. You can do better next time.
Sunday 4 September 2011
Let it rain! Week 36, 2011
It was a hot evening in March, and became even hotter as flames arose from within a building close to mine. An electrical fault had resulted in a fire which threatened to consume the building and others around.
You see I live in a crowded place; a shanty of several wooden structures with zinc roofs clustered together so close you could hear conversations in adjacent buildings. There was little space between buildings, and ventilation was sparse, but it was home. It was the home we had been in for a while with our life belongings. My husband worked as a security man and sexton while I made a living selling “okpa” for people to eat. Life insurance and fire insurance were definitely not in our dictionary. As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! Psa 40:17(ESV).
The fire had now spread to the building next to ours, and the occupants were frantically removing property and attempting vainly to douse the flames with detergent water. Clearly it was time to evacuate! What can I take? What should I go for first? Where are the children? We quickly began taking some things out of the house; our neighbour was not spared, it appeared the house would be engulfed: the flames were already pouring into our building! When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won't drown. When you walk through fire, you won't be burned or scorched by the flames Isa 43:2 (CEV).
“Won’t you help move out the property?” my husband asked. I had stopped moving things about. What use was it? I paced around and prayed “God, you can’t allow this to happen to us. No God you just cannot. Today I shall know if I serve a living God! God I have to see your hand in this matter.” He rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected Psa 72:12 (GNB).
Suddenly the rain began, slowly at first. Could it be? It was too early for rains, was it a drizzle? It picked up strength and poured, boy it poured water down! My God had heard! This was His answer. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses Jer 10:13(ESV). The fire was completely put out by the rain. We were saved.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles Psa 34:3, 4, 6(ESV).
Sr Florence still lives in the shanty in New Haven.
Saturday 27 August 2011
Destiny at stake Week 35, 2011
How could the man be a threat to your destiny? It’s not possible, what power does he have? “He is the head of department and I am destined to be an architect. He wants to rusticate me. Any evil plan of darkness, destroy! Agents of evil, fall down and...” Wait, wait, wait, beloved. That’s not your destiny, that’s not what you were born again for. “What do you mean, I know God’s plan for my life. I was born to be an architect.” I do not dispute God plans for you to design and supervise, but you were born again to obey Jesus: the people chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood 1Pt 1:2(ISV). Now Jesus asked us to love our enemies and bless those who despitefully use us, are you not going to fulfill the reason God called you in this matter?
“This man, you are looking at God’s general plan for all believers, I am specific to my call. Are you trying to say God has no specific plans of profession for any one’s life? That’s unscriptural; look at Esther: If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this! Est 4:14(CEV). Was Joseph not destined to be prime minister in Egypt? ” He was, he was, but did he curse his brothers and Potiphar’s house on the way to it? Was it not by obedience to his father and by purity that God granted opportunities for that divine appointment Gen 37:10-27? Was it not obedience to the father that led Saul to Samuel and David to Goliath? God has destined you to obey Jesus, and every plan of His for your life must be fulfilled as you obey His commands. “Huh!”
Don’t get me wrong; God does have specific professional plans for people’s lives, but the profession is NOT your destiny, it’s too small. Your destiny is your destination, where you end up, not a port of call. Architecture is a port of call, a divine appointment, but your destiny is Christ. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers Rom 8:29(ISV). Bless the man in obedience, for when a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him Pro 16:7(ESV) and if he is obstinate, God will yet use it all to bring you into His divine appointments for you. After all, in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will Eph 1:11(ESV).
“This man, you are looking at God’s general plan for all believers, I am specific to my call. Are you trying to say God has no specific plans of profession for any one’s life? That’s unscriptural; look at Esther: If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this! Est 4:14(CEV). Was Joseph not destined to be prime minister in Egypt? ” He was, he was, but did he curse his brothers and Potiphar’s house on the way to it? Was it not by obedience to his father and by purity that God granted opportunities for that divine appointment Gen 37:10-27? Was it not obedience to the father that led Saul to Samuel and David to Goliath? God has destined you to obey Jesus, and every plan of His for your life must be fulfilled as you obey His commands. “Huh!”
Don’t get me wrong; God does have specific professional plans for people’s lives, but the profession is NOT your destiny, it’s too small. Your destiny is your destination, where you end up, not a port of call. Architecture is a port of call, a divine appointment, but your destiny is Christ. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers Rom 8:29(ISV). Bless the man in obedience, for when a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him Pro 16:7(ESV) and if he is obstinate, God will yet use it all to bring you into His divine appointments for you. After all, in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will Eph 1:11(ESV).
Is it the Master's plan? week 34, 2011
“You mean is it in the master plan surely.” No. It has to be in the Master’s plan for your life. As he told them goodbye, he said, "I will come back to you again if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus Act 18:21(ISV). “Look God has given us the potential to accomplish things, so go right ahead; it is in the master plan, I mean master’s plan.”
I see; how many children do you have? “Four. Why do you ask?” How many more are you expecting? You should not have less than 30. “I beg stop that! What am I doing with 30 children?” Don’t you know you have the potential of having at least one child each year as a woman? And your husband has the potential of fathering millions of children; how come you do not seek to fulfill that potential? “I don’t see where this train of discussion is getting us.” You don’t? It is not all things that are possible that are necessary. We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good 1Cor 10:23(BBE). “Explain some more.” You have the potential to be any and every professional in this life. Your brain is that good. You can train yourself to excel in every sport; your body is that fearfully and wonderfully made, yet you dedicate yourself to a select few for efficiency. Fulfilling your potential must be tempered by fulfilling the plan for your life.
“This master’s plan business…I don’t want to be a poor missionary in some odd country depending on charity for basic needs!” Is that the lie Satan plants in your mind about following the master’s plan? Have you forgotten Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may win the respect of outsiders, and have need of nothing 1Th 4:11, 12(ISV). God is looking for those who pursue no plans of their own, but His plans; who do not resort to their own devices to bring things to accomplishment but His methods , strength and grace alone. That is true fellowship with the master.
“You are so preoccupied with checks and standards, huh!” But why not? Which apprentice is not preoccupied with getting the job done to his master’s specifications; which contractor has no care for the job specification? What other ambition can I have? Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him 2Co 5:9(YLT). The Inspector is at the door, can’t you hear behold the king comes?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare … Jer 29:11(ESV)
I see; how many children do you have? “Four. Why do you ask?” How many more are you expecting? You should not have less than 30. “I beg stop that! What am I doing with 30 children?” Don’t you know you have the potential of having at least one child each year as a woman? And your husband has the potential of fathering millions of children; how come you do not seek to fulfill that potential? “I don’t see where this train of discussion is getting us.” You don’t? It is not all things that are possible that are necessary. We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good 1Cor 10:23(BBE). “Explain some more.” You have the potential to be any and every professional in this life. Your brain is that good. You can train yourself to excel in every sport; your body is that fearfully and wonderfully made, yet you dedicate yourself to a select few for efficiency. Fulfilling your potential must be tempered by fulfilling the plan for your life.
“This master’s plan business…I don’t want to be a poor missionary in some odd country depending on charity for basic needs!” Is that the lie Satan plants in your mind about following the master’s plan? Have you forgotten Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may win the respect of outsiders, and have need of nothing 1Th 4:11, 12(ISV). God is looking for those who pursue no plans of their own, but His plans; who do not resort to their own devices to bring things to accomplishment but His methods , strength and grace alone. That is true fellowship with the master.
“You are so preoccupied with checks and standards, huh!” But why not? Which apprentice is not preoccupied with getting the job done to his master’s specifications; which contractor has no care for the job specification? What other ambition can I have? Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him 2Co 5:9(YLT). The Inspector is at the door, can’t you hear behold the king comes?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare … Jer 29:11(ESV)
Friday 19 August 2011
The Standard of Obedience Week 33, 2011
“What do you mean by standard; isn’t obedience the same anymore?” Well, for one thing what you confidently call obedience might not be obedience at all. “What do you mean?” Do you recall that rich young ruler who ran to kneel at Jesus’ feet? When Jesus said to him, “Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself” Mat 19:19(CEV) remember his response? The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do? Mat 19:20(CEV). He was quite certain he obeyed but when Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Mat 19:21(ESV) it became clear he loved himself more than the poor; he loved his possessions. When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions Mat 19:22(ESV)
“Well he must have been doing it in part, he just wasn’t perfect. Probably he should have got a pass mark.” Pass mark? You might as well have awarded a pass mark to King Saul. When he did most of what God commanded he insisted "I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction” 1Sa 15:20(ESV). But the LORD said to Samuel, "I am sorry that I made Saul king; he has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands” 1Sa 15:10, 11(GNB). Are we like that, confident that you obey God when in reality you do not?
“Wow God’s standard is so high!” My dear: Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all Jas 2:10(GNB). It just underscores the fact that no one can be justified through trying to keep the laws; that man should have seen the impossibility of getting into the kingdom through keeping the laws and pleaded for mercy. Instead he went away sorrowful. God has locked all people in the prison of their own disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all Rom 11:32(ISV).
We need mercy before God to enter into eternal life: We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for no human being will be justified by the works of the law Gal 2:16(ISV).
Monday 8 August 2011
In the valley of shadows week 32, 2011
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge Psa 71:15(ESV). There were 6 of them standing by the side of the road. With lots of amulets around them and long guns pointed straight at the car, they looked like herdsmen as they moved steadily towards me with pointed guns I was sure were ready to fire. They had selected the location of this ambush well. It was uphill by a curve; you couldn’t see them as you come, and since it was uphill the car slowed down as we got to them. I knew I had money in the vehicle, lots of it. Apart from a few bits here and there, there was N100, 000 I had picked up from a client which was right there in the car with me. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles Psa 34:17(ESV).
There was a bus behind me so all thoughts of suddenly reversing and running away was futile. I could have fought with them; shouted at them. I am a man. But with no gun and in the cold reality of 6 guns pointed in my direction I thought the better of it and meekly submitted to the robbery.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD! Psa 143:5-7(ESV). Not long ago we had been in the village and by 3am my pregnant wife ruptured her membranes. We had to get into the car and head back to Enugu. God granted safe delivery and we now have a bouncing baby boy. Moreover I had this swelling on my wrist which had bothered me for a while. It was diagnosed a ganglion. One day I spoke to it and commanded it to be uprooted from its roots. Without surgery the swelling disappeared. As you can see it has not reoccurred. Now I was faced with armed robbers.
It seemed they realised they were missing something. “Where is the money?” they asked repeatedly. “Haven’t you taken it all?” I retorted each time. Yet despite coming again and again to where the N100, 000 was kept it was not discovered, it was not taken. Other items were collected however. They were not through with me yet. I was ordered out of the car to follow them. It was getting dark now. It was well after 6pm and I was compelled to enter the valley with them. They kept asking me for money I wondered if I would be killed or a ransom demanded for my freedom. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me Psa 23:4(ESV). We went down and down until I could no longer see the road, just the skies. Suddenly 3 of them moved off and one approached me. He felt my pockets; they were empty. Then he asked me to go away. Praise the LORD!
Bro Jude is a lawyer in private practice in Enugu
There was a bus behind me so all thoughts of suddenly reversing and running away was futile. I could have fought with them; shouted at them. I am a man. But with no gun and in the cold reality of 6 guns pointed in my direction I thought the better of it and meekly submitted to the robbery.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD! Psa 143:5-7(ESV). Not long ago we had been in the village and by 3am my pregnant wife ruptured her membranes. We had to get into the car and head back to Enugu. God granted safe delivery and we now have a bouncing baby boy. Moreover I had this swelling on my wrist which had bothered me for a while. It was diagnosed a ganglion. One day I spoke to it and commanded it to be uprooted from its roots. Without surgery the swelling disappeared. As you can see it has not reoccurred. Now I was faced with armed robbers.
It seemed they realised they were missing something. “Where is the money?” they asked repeatedly. “Haven’t you taken it all?” I retorted each time. Yet despite coming again and again to where the N100, 000 was kept it was not discovered, it was not taken. Other items were collected however. They were not through with me yet. I was ordered out of the car to follow them. It was getting dark now. It was well after 6pm and I was compelled to enter the valley with them. They kept asking me for money I wondered if I would be killed or a ransom demanded for my freedom. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me Psa 23:4(ESV). We went down and down until I could no longer see the road, just the skies. Suddenly 3 of them moved off and one approached me. He felt my pockets; they were empty. Then he asked me to go away. Praise the LORD!
Bro Jude is a lawyer in private practice in Enugu
Sunday 31 July 2011
The Olympic games Week 31, 2011
Did you watch the last one? It was instructive. Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward 1Cor 9:24(BBE). “Yep! Hussein Bolt broke the world record in 100meters and 200meters. Imagine running 100meters in less than 9.8seconds yet looking so comfortable.” It is the 200meters I particularly noted. “Yes, it was more strenuous for him; he really had to work...” And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown 1Cor 9:25(BBE). Actually it is not Bolt that I found most remarkable in that race. “Oh? Who could have caught your attention?”
Who came 3rd in that race, do you remember? “Yes I do; an American athlete came 3rd but was disqualified.” An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules 2Ti 2:5(ESV). It was a pity; he was already celebrating when he was called aside. In the replay it turned out he took 3 steps outside his lane in the curve. Imagine after all the training and efforts only to be disqualified; he got to the finish line but would not be crowned. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified 1Cor 9:27(ESV). “In fact some were crowned in the games and later had their medals removed because they took banned substances; I know one whose name had to be erased from the record books.” Yes, erstwhile multiple medal and record holder Ms Jones.
“I didn’t realise you were so keen on sports.” Well the Holy Spirit uses sports to teach us concerning our service to God. How terrible if after our labour and the cheers of men we be disqualified. “I should have known it was not sports you are after.” My dear it’s not enough that you are still in the race or got to the finish line, but did you serve according to God’s rules? “But who can know until the final day of judgement?” Just as it is the athletes’ responsibility to know the rules and know when they were breaking them God expects us to know now before the judgement day. Listen to the Holy Spirit, the chief coach, He’ll tell you; Paul knew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing 2Ti 4:7, 8(ESV) . Are you running to win?
Who came 3rd in that race, do you remember? “Yes I do; an American athlete came 3rd but was disqualified.” An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules 2Ti 2:5(ESV). It was a pity; he was already celebrating when he was called aside. In the replay it turned out he took 3 steps outside his lane in the curve. Imagine after all the training and efforts only to be disqualified; he got to the finish line but would not be crowned. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified 1Cor 9:27(ESV). “In fact some were crowned in the games and later had their medals removed because they took banned substances; I know one whose name had to be erased from the record books.” Yes, erstwhile multiple medal and record holder Ms Jones.
“I didn’t realise you were so keen on sports.” Well the Holy Spirit uses sports to teach us concerning our service to God. How terrible if after our labour and the cheers of men we be disqualified. “I should have known it was not sports you are after.” My dear it’s not enough that you are still in the race or got to the finish line, but did you serve according to God’s rules? “But who can know until the final day of judgement?” Just as it is the athletes’ responsibility to know the rules and know when they were breaking them God expects us to know now before the judgement day. Listen to the Holy Spirit, the chief coach, He’ll tell you; Paul knew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing 2Ti 4:7, 8(ESV) . Are you running to win?
Thursday 28 July 2011
The Sanctuary Shekel Week 30, 2011
“What’s that?” The standard of measurement in God’s business: And all your judgments shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary, twenty gerahs shall be the shekel Lev 27:25(MKJV). “So how do you translate that to pounds and kilograms today?” It’s not that type of measurement that I refer to. “Which?”
Once the culvert and gutter in front of my gate was being built up, it cost me some money to do it... “What has this got to do with sanctuary shekels?” Hold on. It cost me a bit to build it, and the supervisor assured me it met recognised standards. For a couple of years or more there was no incident. Do you remember when the government began tarring the street roads? “How could I forget? The drainage was worked on at the same time.” Yes; the government workmen were digging up gutters and got to my place. “It’s up to standard” I insisted. “You don’t have to dig it up.” “We’ll see about that” he said. After looking it up he started digging, dismantled the culvert, and found it was indeed up to standard so they put it back for me. The workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work 1Cor 3:13(ISV). Boy did that teach me a lesson!
“So what has that got to do with the sanctuary shekel?” Don’t you get it yet? The sanctuary shekel represents God’s standard; the divine standard which never devalues or changes Jud 1:3 … the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. It is not the common place shekel, the shifting standard of this world. "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances Amos 8:5(ESV). The world has deceitful standards you know. You may get along with your standard for years, just like for so many years many people had their structures undisturbed and it appeared it did not matter so far you have something, but one of these days God will come and actually measure. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss… 1Cor 3:14, 15 (ESV). Any structure not up to standard will be destroyed.
“So how do I know if I am building to standard? How do I get this sanctuary shekel?” Why not get familiar with the standard himself? Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, Mat 11:29(GNB). What’s your standard?
Once the culvert and gutter in front of my gate was being built up, it cost me some money to do it... “What has this got to do with sanctuary shekels?” Hold on. It cost me a bit to build it, and the supervisor assured me it met recognised standards. For a couple of years or more there was no incident. Do you remember when the government began tarring the street roads? “How could I forget? The drainage was worked on at the same time.” Yes; the government workmen were digging up gutters and got to my place. “It’s up to standard” I insisted. “You don’t have to dig it up.” “We’ll see about that” he said. After looking it up he started digging, dismantled the culvert, and found it was indeed up to standard so they put it back for me. The workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work 1Cor 3:13(ISV). Boy did that teach me a lesson!
“So what has that got to do with the sanctuary shekel?” Don’t you get it yet? The sanctuary shekel represents God’s standard; the divine standard which never devalues or changes Jud 1:3 … the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. It is not the common place shekel, the shifting standard of this world. "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances Amos 8:5(ESV). The world has deceitful standards you know. You may get along with your standard for years, just like for so many years many people had their structures undisturbed and it appeared it did not matter so far you have something, but one of these days God will come and actually measure. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss… 1Cor 3:14, 15 (ESV). Any structure not up to standard will be destroyed.
“So how do I know if I am building to standard? How do I get this sanctuary shekel?” Why not get familiar with the standard himself? Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, Mat 11:29(GNB). What’s your standard?
Sunday 17 July 2011
Who have you come to see? Week 29, 2011
Conferences are such a wonderful time; I find them very refreshing. “Oh yes. I get to meet brethren I have not seen in a long time; in fact I met my wife in one of such meetings. Each time I go to that conference ground I remember how we met.” God truly does many things at such meetings but I think it is for those who come to worship. Do you come to worship or to see brethren?
“What do you mean? I come for both.” Consider the Greek worshipers: Some Greeks were among those who had gone to Jerusalem to worship during the festival. They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."Jn 12:20, 21(GNB). Those who really want to worship do not want to see you. They do not come to conferences to see kinsmen or friends.
“You know Phillip is a Greek name and these people are Greeks.” No; they have come to worship so they want to see Jesus, not the presiding minister… do you remember the crowd that went looking for Jesus? “Yes He fed them in the wilderness.” That he did. They had come to him to hear him. They had no care for food. When evening was coming they were more interested in his word than necessary food like Job. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Job 23:12(KJV). It is no surprise he fed them (Mar 6:34-43). When they started looking for him again it was not for his word. They wanted to force him into some things; they wanted bread, not the bread of life. This time around they were bitterly disappointed and left him (Jn 6:14-66). Just like Herod.
“I thought he wanted to kill Jesus?” His son: Herod Antipas also wanted to see Jesus, not to have his life changed, but to be entertained, to watch a miracle happen. Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see him. He had heard about Jesus and hoped to see him perform some kind of miracle. Lk 23:8(GW). When Zacchaues wanted Jesus he left his home but Herod stayed in his palace, like the father who pretended to want to worship. Eventually he met Him; a bound and silent Jesus was sent to him. Beware lest a bound and silent Jesus meet you. Search your heart very well. If you worship me, the LORD your God, I will bless you with food and water and take away all your sicknesses. In your land no woman will have a miscarriage or be without children. I will give you long lives Ex 23:25-26(GNB). Who have you come to see?
“What do you mean? I come for both.” Consider the Greek worshipers: Some Greeks were among those who had gone to Jerusalem to worship during the festival. They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."Jn 12:20, 21(GNB). Those who really want to worship do not want to see you. They do not come to conferences to see kinsmen or friends.
“You know Phillip is a Greek name and these people are Greeks.” No; they have come to worship so they want to see Jesus, not the presiding minister… do you remember the crowd that went looking for Jesus? “Yes He fed them in the wilderness.” That he did. They had come to him to hear him. They had no care for food. When evening was coming they were more interested in his word than necessary food like Job. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Job 23:12(KJV). It is no surprise he fed them (Mar 6:34-43). When they started looking for him again it was not for his word. They wanted to force him into some things; they wanted bread, not the bread of life. This time around they were bitterly disappointed and left him (Jn 6:14-66). Just like Herod.
“I thought he wanted to kill Jesus?” His son: Herod Antipas also wanted to see Jesus, not to have his life changed, but to be entertained, to watch a miracle happen. Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see him. He had heard about Jesus and hoped to see him perform some kind of miracle. Lk 23:8(GW). When Zacchaues wanted Jesus he left his home but Herod stayed in his palace, like the father who pretended to want to worship. Eventually he met Him; a bound and silent Jesus was sent to him. Beware lest a bound and silent Jesus meet you. Search your heart very well. If you worship me, the LORD your God, I will bless you with food and water and take away all your sicknesses. In your land no woman will have a miscarriage or be without children. I will give you long lives Ex 23:25-26(GNB). Who have you come to see?
Sunday 10 July 2011
Whose revival? week 28,2011
“See that crowd? That’s a powerful man of God I tell you. He never fails to pull a crowd. This even exceeds last year’s overflow. Ah, I bless God!” What for; are you excited by crowds? “Haba this is the manifestation of God’s promise of revival. Have you not read the prophecy of revival in Micah, which is repeated in Isaiah?” In the last days the mountain of the LORD'S house will be established as the highest of the mountains and raised above the hills. People will stream to it Mic 4:1(ESV). Excuse me, what is the theme of this “revival” as you put it? “Limitless prosperity...” And last year’s..? “Sweat less success; and there were many testimonies of financial breakthroughs my brother.”
Sorry. That’s not the revival promised in Isaiah or Micah. “What do you mean? Look at the prophecy yourself. It talks of many peoples flowing into the house of God, declaring let us go to the God of Jacob, and that is happening here. Check out the mix of people. ” Yes, indeed what you have is a mixed multitude, not a revival. “Don’t get offensive”. I won’t; the Micah vision was of people who come to seek God, so as to walk in his ways. Then many nations will come and say, "Let's go to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways so that we may live by them." The teachings will go out from Zion Mic 4:2(GW). “You mean this group comes for something else?” Can’t you see that their heart is on financial gain? And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain Eze 33:31(ESV). How many of the testimonies are like Zacchaeus’ "Lord, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor...Lk 19:8 or the woman at the well? "Come and see a man who told me everything I've ever done! Could he possibly be the Christ?" Jn 4:29(ISV). These meetings are about man, and end with glorifying the man of God for even you are focused on the man. In the Isaiah passage you spoke of, in God’s day it shall be different. The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day Isa 2:11(ESV). So this isn’t a revival. The only resemblance I see is a crowd I’m sorry. “What do we do?” We keep praying. Since God said it, it must come to pass but we must keep striking the arrows until we have the full victory prophesied.
Sorry. That’s not the revival promised in Isaiah or Micah. “What do you mean? Look at the prophecy yourself. It talks of many peoples flowing into the house of God, declaring let us go to the God of Jacob, and that is happening here. Check out the mix of people. ” Yes, indeed what you have is a mixed multitude, not a revival. “Don’t get offensive”. I won’t; the Micah vision was of people who come to seek God, so as to walk in his ways. Then many nations will come and say, "Let's go to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways so that we may live by them." The teachings will go out from Zion Mic 4:2(GW). “You mean this group comes for something else?” Can’t you see that their heart is on financial gain? And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain Eze 33:31(ESV). How many of the testimonies are like Zacchaeus’ "Lord, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor...Lk 19:8 or the woman at the well? "Come and see a man who told me everything I've ever done! Could he possibly be the Christ?" Jn 4:29(ISV). These meetings are about man, and end with glorifying the man of God for even you are focused on the man. In the Isaiah passage you spoke of, in God’s day it shall be different. The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day Isa 2:11(ESV). So this isn’t a revival. The only resemblance I see is a crowd I’m sorry. “What do we do?” We keep praying. Since God said it, it must come to pass but we must keep striking the arrows until we have the full victory prophesied.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
He shall run and not be weary week 27, 2011
His walk wasn’t normal as he came from the bedroom for morning devotion. He just could not swing the legs well and was rotating it. No; it couldn’t be a viral infection. Not my son. I decided he had to go to school nonetheless. He did, but got progressively weaker I spoke to his teacher to spare him any strain. In fact she had to carry him into the class at a point. When I returned to pick him in the afternoon he could not walk. Back home it got worse. He had to be carried to wherever he needed to go and we quickly arranged a visit to the Orthopedic Surgeons the next day. After examining him an urgent visit to the pediatric neurologist was recommended. Needless to say we went immediately. Flashes of caring for a child crippled through childhood were coming to me, and had to be rejected in the name of Jesus.
At the neurologist’s place we had to use the push chair our children used from their 6th month to get him around. My 4 year old could no longer walk, standing itself was an effort. The neurologist confirmed he had a sudden onset of paralysis, said that he be given no injections, be allowed to rest completely, and return to see her in two weeks. School was out of the question; the weakness progressed to inability to clean up after toilet. In that period I gave him a cup to drink from and it slipped through his hands to the floor. He could not hold it. I knew of a fatal condition characterized by ascending paralysis. Might that be happening? No! In the name of Jesus Christ, no. He wept in frustration. It was hard to console him. What was happening to us? My wife wept.
His grandmother suddenly visited the day after it started, driven by an urge to stay a while with us. But for this definitely one of us would have had to stop work to look after him. Brethren were alerted to lift us up in prayer, and a chain of prayer quickly organised. We were counseled to run around, to do this or that, but were not quite convinced it was the way to go. Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today... The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent Ex 14:13, 14(ESV). In discussing the condition and developments God helped us not to say “He is crippled”. As a toddler he had fitted twice when febrile; and God had intervened. Suddenly on his fourth birthday without warning he convulsed. I mourned my failure, but it was the last of it. He has only needed paracetamol once thereafter in over 3 years; I have not noted any fever in him since. By God’s grace I will not. "It shall not be," said the LORD Amos 7:3(ESV).
When we returned to the neurologist movement had returned to the limbs, within a month he could walk, nay, he now runs! they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint Isa 40:31
At the neurologist’s place we had to use the push chair our children used from their 6th month to get him around. My 4 year old could no longer walk, standing itself was an effort. The neurologist confirmed he had a sudden onset of paralysis, said that he be given no injections, be allowed to rest completely, and return to see her in two weeks. School was out of the question; the weakness progressed to inability to clean up after toilet. In that period I gave him a cup to drink from and it slipped through his hands to the floor. He could not hold it. I knew of a fatal condition characterized by ascending paralysis. Might that be happening? No! In the name of Jesus Christ, no. He wept in frustration. It was hard to console him. What was happening to us? My wife wept.
His grandmother suddenly visited the day after it started, driven by an urge to stay a while with us. But for this definitely one of us would have had to stop work to look after him. Brethren were alerted to lift us up in prayer, and a chain of prayer quickly organised. We were counseled to run around, to do this or that, but were not quite convinced it was the way to go. Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today... The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent Ex 14:13, 14(ESV). In discussing the condition and developments God helped us not to say “He is crippled”. As a toddler he had fitted twice when febrile; and God had intervened. Suddenly on his fourth birthday without warning he convulsed. I mourned my failure, but it was the last of it. He has only needed paracetamol once thereafter in over 3 years; I have not noted any fever in him since. By God’s grace I will not. "It shall not be," said the LORD Amos 7:3(ESV).
When we returned to the neurologist movement had returned to the limbs, within a month he could walk, nay, he now runs! they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint Isa 40:31
Monday 27 June 2011
You did it week 26, 2010
“It was not I who did it; my cousin is the one who gave the money. I don’t give bribes; how then could I have paid money for unrighteous things?” But the money was given in your name. Did you instruct the payment? “Are you accusing me of lying? I was told at the ministry I can do nothing without a certificate so I left. My cousin saw my distress and promised to help out. I never asked him to give a bribe.” But you knew he did, and you knowingly picked up the certificate. “How was it my business how he conducted his affairs? If he gave a bribe on my account I did not sanction it; now don’t start shaking your head at me!”
Have you not read "Go, meet King Ahab of Israel, ... He went to confiscate Naboth's vineyard. Tell him, 'This is what the LORD asks: Have you murdered someone just to confiscate a vineyard?' 1Ki 21:18, 19(GW). God judged him, yet was it not Jezebel his wife who organized the murder? “Is this fair?” Fair? Was it not in Ahab’s name the letters were written and when Ahab learned Naboth and his sons were dead why was his curiosity not aroused? “I thought only Naboth died.”His sons were killed too 2Ki 9:26. Like you Ahab knew the matter could not be settled legitimately. "I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or to let me give him a better one," Ahab replied. "And he told me I couldn't have it." 1Ki 21:6(CEV). He, like you, was guilty.
“But he didn’t do it.” Mark you God said nothing to him until he went to benefit from the evil done in his name on his behalf. When he heard about Naboth's death, Ahab went to confiscate the vineyard. Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah 1Ki 21:16, 17(GW). David once longed for something too: David said longingly, "Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!" 2Sa 23:15(ESV). Knowing fully well how it was obtained refused to drink it. Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the LORD and said, "Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?"2Sa 23:16-17 (ESV). That you did not do it physically does not save you. You knew about it and went to benefit from it: you did it. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them! Eph 5:11(ESV).
Have you not read "Go, meet King Ahab of Israel, ... He went to confiscate Naboth's vineyard. Tell him, 'This is what the LORD asks: Have you murdered someone just to confiscate a vineyard?' 1Ki 21:18, 19(GW). God judged him, yet was it not Jezebel his wife who organized the murder? “Is this fair?” Fair? Was it not in Ahab’s name the letters were written and when Ahab learned Naboth and his sons were dead why was his curiosity not aroused? “I thought only Naboth died.”His sons were killed too 2Ki 9:26. Like you Ahab knew the matter could not be settled legitimately. "I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or to let me give him a better one," Ahab replied. "And he told me I couldn't have it." 1Ki 21:6(CEV). He, like you, was guilty.
“But he didn’t do it.” Mark you God said nothing to him until he went to benefit from the evil done in his name on his behalf. When he heard about Naboth's death, Ahab went to confiscate the vineyard. Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah 1Ki 21:16, 17(GW). David once longed for something too: David said longingly, "Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!" 2Sa 23:15(ESV). Knowing fully well how it was obtained refused to drink it. Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the LORD and said, "Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?"2Sa 23:16-17 (ESV). That you did not do it physically does not save you. You knew about it and went to benefit from it: you did it. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them! Eph 5:11(ESV).
Tuesday 21 June 2011
An ordained encounter Week 25, 2011
Don’t ask me her name, just suffice it to know she is a graduate and worked in the bank. She wasn’t working in Enugu when this happened. Please leave the issue of her identity alone for now. It should be protected don’t you think?
She has been screaming again in her dreams. I really don’t know what she dreams of that makes her scream like that but it has come on again and again. The screams are loud and disturb the entire ward. Hearing it makes me uncomfortable. I pray it stops. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep Psa 127:2(ESV). No she is not a psychiatric patient nor are we in the psychiatric ward. What am I doing in the ward? I have been admitted here for some time because of recurring problems in my pregnancy, and wonder sometimes what God has in mind for allowing me His child remain in the ward. But having met and befriended her I wonder less. The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way Psa 37:23(ESV).
I have been in the Lord for a long time now and experience His goodness. It’s been His faithfulness that got me this job in the laboratory at the Teaching Hospital. If you come to the PEPFAR lab you would meet me. I like to share my faith with clients. She cared to share her story.
It all came about because of a love affair. There is this man she has been getting along with and intended to marry. The man also is bent on marrying her, but her people would not agree. Along the way she became pregnant. It now was a shame and she decided against advice to terminate the pregnancy.
Where it was done; again please don’t ask too closely. It got complicated, septic, and this bank working spinster now had her womb messed up. Her people abandoned her completely. She had to battle for her life and it is through the mercy of God she is alive today. The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall Pro 4:19(BBE). Worse still since she came in here she can’t hear a thing. I am told it could be the complication of some drugs she was given. She has to look at you to make out what you are saying.
Her life has changed any way; since she made a commitment to Jesus. There is a peace that surrounds her, and she is such a warm personality. You wouldn’t have known her history if you weren’t told. Ah, do you see that man coming to see her? That’s the man she was pregnant for. He still visits her, but can things ever be the same again?
Thanks for coming; I know I will be discharged soon. Pray with me o! I want to have this baby out soon without further wahalla.
P.S. I delivered safely last month and am now on maternity leave
She has been screaming again in her dreams. I really don’t know what she dreams of that makes her scream like that but it has come on again and again. The screams are loud and disturb the entire ward. Hearing it makes me uncomfortable. I pray it stops. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep Psa 127:2(ESV). No she is not a psychiatric patient nor are we in the psychiatric ward. What am I doing in the ward? I have been admitted here for some time because of recurring problems in my pregnancy, and wonder sometimes what God has in mind for allowing me His child remain in the ward. But having met and befriended her I wonder less. The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way Psa 37:23(ESV).
I have been in the Lord for a long time now and experience His goodness. It’s been His faithfulness that got me this job in the laboratory at the Teaching Hospital. If you come to the PEPFAR lab you would meet me. I like to share my faith with clients. She cared to share her story.
It all came about because of a love affair. There is this man she has been getting along with and intended to marry. The man also is bent on marrying her, but her people would not agree. Along the way she became pregnant. It now was a shame and she decided against advice to terminate the pregnancy.
Where it was done; again please don’t ask too closely. It got complicated, septic, and this bank working spinster now had her womb messed up. Her people abandoned her completely. She had to battle for her life and it is through the mercy of God she is alive today. The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall Pro 4:19(BBE). Worse still since she came in here she can’t hear a thing. I am told it could be the complication of some drugs she was given. She has to look at you to make out what you are saying.
Her life has changed any way; since she made a commitment to Jesus. There is a peace that surrounds her, and she is such a warm personality. You wouldn’t have known her history if you weren’t told. Ah, do you see that man coming to see her? That’s the man she was pregnant for. He still visits her, but can things ever be the same again?
Thanks for coming; I know I will be discharged soon. Pray with me o! I want to have this baby out soon without further wahalla.
P.S. I delivered safely last month and am now on maternity leave
Tuesday 14 June 2011
All things are lawful..... week 24, 2011
“I kind of find raw, change of colour and spread abstract.” In case you found the other test a bit hard to interpret let’s see what the letter to the Corinthians says: "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything 1Co 6:12(ESV). Is it helpful even if it is legitimate? When reaching illiterates for Jesus, is it helpful to speak Queen’s English or Pidgin English? Although I am free from all people, I made myself a slave to all of them to win more of them 1Co 9:19(ISV). Hudson Taylor - that great missionary to China - was considered unserious by the people he was trying to reach because of his dressing. When he changed to a culturally more acceptable attire he was taken more seriously. So that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Savior more attractive Tit 2:10(ISV).
“Can I apply these tests to every issue in life?” No! I want you to note these tests only apply with issues without a written command in scripture; not like considering marriage to someone not born again. She is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian 1Co 7:39(GNB). No need to judge such things further.
“Well if the practice is part of culture it won’t affect your time with God, may not offend brethren and your conscience. So it would be safe huh?” Culturally acceptable doesn’t translate to spiritually acceptable. So don't follow the customs of Egypt where you used to live or those of Canaan where I am bringing you. I am the LORD your God, and you must obey my teachings Lev 18:3, 4 (CEV). Even if nothing is written in scripture against it, is it enslaving, addictive, controlling you? You know that programme on television you cannot miss, the match you must watch even if it means your prayer time shifts or that you miss fellowship that day? “Must I keep checking everything? At this rate you’ll have me check before I even think!” My apologies; live your life normally, but examination is a normal exercise for the sincere Christian. Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, do not you, that Jesus Christ lives in you? 2Co 13:5(ISV). “Suppose despite all these tests it is still uncertain, what happens?” Keep practicing it; just walk in integrity, and as you learn more and more it will become clearer. But solid food is for mature people, whose minds are trained by practice to distinguish good from evil Heb 5:14(ISV).
“Can I apply these tests to every issue in life?” No! I want you to note these tests only apply with issues without a written command in scripture; not like considering marriage to someone not born again. She is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian 1Co 7:39(GNB). No need to judge such things further.
“Well if the practice is part of culture it won’t affect your time with God, may not offend brethren and your conscience. So it would be safe huh?” Culturally acceptable doesn’t translate to spiritually acceptable. So don't follow the customs of Egypt where you used to live or those of Canaan where I am bringing you. I am the LORD your God, and you must obey my teachings Lev 18:3, 4 (CEV). Even if nothing is written in scripture against it, is it enslaving, addictive, controlling you? You know that programme on television you cannot miss, the match you must watch even if it means your prayer time shifts or that you miss fellowship that day? “Must I keep checking everything? At this rate you’ll have me check before I even think!” My apologies; live your life normally, but examination is a normal exercise for the sincere Christian. Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, do not you, that Jesus Christ lives in you? 2Co 13:5(ISV). “Suppose despite all these tests it is still uncertain, what happens?” Keep practicing it; just walk in integrity, and as you learn more and more it will become clearer. But solid food is for mature people, whose minds are trained by practice to distinguish good from evil Heb 5:14(ISV).
Wednesday 8 June 2011
leprosy test 2 week 23, 2011
Do not be quick to adopt uncertain practices. It’s not always appropriate to decide on a matter after the first examination. When unsure quarantine the matter for closer observation. Observe the outcome of such practices and see if it is worth imitating. Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith Heb 13:7(ESV). Take for instance this boyfriend/girlfriend issue. A recent survey shows a third of all “exclusive relationships” introduced sexual intercourse within two weeks. I’d say that’s a very risky practice. You can’t be disvirgined if you are never alone in a lonely place or behind a locked door with another, can you?
What do you observe for? The priest would check the matter for colour and depth. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean Lev 13:3(ESV). If it is eating into your worship and relationship with Jesus, changing its colour; ditch it. I used to read secular novels and noticed that following this my relationship with God was affected; I could not get into His presence in praise and prayer as before, my ability to receive from the Bible was diminished. A beloved spinster complained she could not get meaning from her devotional time with God. It turned out she was keeping a relationship with another man and it was turning physical.
You may say “I still have lovely times with God”, but that’s not all. Still bring up for checks. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days Lev 13:4(ESV). How long should I check it? 7 days? Well I guess that has to do with how long it takes to get revelation. It took Jeremiah 10 days to get a word from God. Patience. Take it again and again for re-examination until some decision can be taken.
And the priest shall look, and if the eruption has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease Lev 13:8(ESV). Is it spreading? Taking up and replacing precious time with God and family? Such things increase the temptation rate while leaving you in a weaker state. Pharaoh’s technique I call it. Make them work so hard that they won't have time to listen to these lies Ex 5:9(CEV). Being too busy for God and family is a distraction God warns against. Remember Martha and Mary? Martha was distracted with much serving Lk 10:40(ESV). If it’s raw or spreading, changed colour or deepening: keep away! I hope you find the test useful.
What do you observe for? The priest would check the matter for colour and depth. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean Lev 13:3(ESV). If it is eating into your worship and relationship with Jesus, changing its colour; ditch it. I used to read secular novels and noticed that following this my relationship with God was affected; I could not get into His presence in praise and prayer as before, my ability to receive from the Bible was diminished. A beloved spinster complained she could not get meaning from her devotional time with God. It turned out she was keeping a relationship with another man and it was turning physical.
You may say “I still have lovely times with God”, but that’s not all. Still bring up for checks. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days Lev 13:4(ESV). How long should I check it? 7 days? Well I guess that has to do with how long it takes to get revelation. It took Jeremiah 10 days to get a word from God. Patience. Take it again and again for re-examination until some decision can be taken.
And the priest shall look, and if the eruption has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease Lev 13:8(ESV). Is it spreading? Taking up and replacing precious time with God and family? Such things increase the temptation rate while leaving you in a weaker state. Pharaoh’s technique I call it. Make them work so hard that they won't have time to listen to these lies Ex 5:9(CEV). Being too busy for God and family is a distraction God warns against. Remember Martha and Mary? Martha was distracted with much serving Lk 10:40(ESV). If it’s raw or spreading, changed colour or deepening: keep away! I hope you find the test useful.
Sunday 29 May 2011
The leprosy test week 22, 2011
Listen, I’d like to share with you some thoughts on determining if a course of action is proper; those not explicitly written in scripture. For instance a lie is a lie and remains a lie. No need to judge it further. Jesus never lied and neither should we (white, black or other lie): and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless Rev 14:5(ESV). This guide comes from the test found in Lev 13 about determining if someone has leprosy; the leprosy test in short. If we agree sin (or any course of action unacceptable to God) is represented here by leprosy then applying the same principles help us accept or avoid such.
First, any suspicious behaviour, style of life or what you call it has to come before God. When a man has a rising in the skin of his flesh, or a scab or bright spot, and it is in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons the priests Lev 13:2(MKJV). The priests represent God. Check out the example of Moses: Moses brought their case before the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses Num 27:5, 6(ESV). With all sincerity take it to God. Sincerity unlike some who came to inquire of God through Jeremiah: make sure you have not decided on a course of action and just want God’s rubber stamp in the name of spirituality. When Jeremiah finished speaking to all the people all these words of the LORD their God, with which the LORD their God had sent him to them … all the insolent men said, "You are telling a lie. The LORD our God did not send you to say… Jer 43:1, 2 (ESV).
After thorough examination we can make immediate decisions. If it is causing a raw wound in the body of Christ, there is no need to wait further: if there is a white swelling in the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling, it is a chronic leprous disease in the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He shall not shut him up, for he is unclean Lev 13:10, 11(ESV). If it grieves the spirit within, wounding your relationship with the Lord, wounding other sincere believers, why wait further? Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ1Co 8:12(ESV). How will I know it is wounding me? Is the conscience still sensitive? The goal of this instruction is love that flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to fruitless discussion1Ti 1:5, 6(ISV).
First, any suspicious behaviour, style of life or what you call it has to come before God. When a man has a rising in the skin of his flesh, or a scab or bright spot, and it is in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons the priests Lev 13:2(MKJV). The priests represent God. Check out the example of Moses: Moses brought their case before the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses Num 27:5, 6(ESV). With all sincerity take it to God. Sincerity unlike some who came to inquire of God through Jeremiah: make sure you have not decided on a course of action and just want God’s rubber stamp in the name of spirituality. When Jeremiah finished speaking to all the people all these words of the LORD their God, with which the LORD their God had sent him to them … all the insolent men said, "You are telling a lie. The LORD our God did not send you to say… Jer 43:1, 2 (ESV).
After thorough examination we can make immediate decisions. If it is causing a raw wound in the body of Christ, there is no need to wait further: if there is a white swelling in the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling, it is a chronic leprous disease in the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He shall not shut him up, for he is unclean Lev 13:10, 11(ESV). If it grieves the spirit within, wounding your relationship with the Lord, wounding other sincere believers, why wait further? Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ1Co 8:12(ESV). How will I know it is wounding me? Is the conscience still sensitive? The goal of this instruction is love that flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to fruitless discussion1Ti 1:5, 6(ISV).
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Judge it first week 21, 2011
“Look I was fasting and praying when this dream came to me, I am supposed to do things this way; God has spoken!” Bro take it easy and judge it, don’t be in a rush. We must judge all things and test every spirit. Dear friends, stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God 1Jn 4:1(ISV). “Are you suggesting I have an evil spirit? How dare you. I am a tongue-talking spirit filled believer.” Please don’t look at it that way, are you not like Jesus? Even He who was filled with the Spirit without measure was given visions in the wilderness but not by God; the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness Mat 4:8(GNB) He used the word to judge it and had His victory: Then Jesus said to him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'"Mat 4:10(ISV).
“What’s wrong with doing it? Evangelist does it, and God is using him mightily. He must have tested it and found it is from God.” He is not the standard of conduct my dear. “You mean he is not your standard, jealous human being.” Of course he is not my standard, and I am NOT jealous of him at all. The standard of conduct and revelation is not who received it, or who is doing it, but the word of God. Even I speaking to you am not the standard. “How could you be the standard? Clearly you have forgotten not all things are written in scripture.” Agreed, but the standard of judgement in all is Jesus, the living word: on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus Rom 2:16(ISV). Does this fit in with His life and teachings? Your hesitation to subject things you want to do to the test of scripture is unbiblical and dangerous. Are you more spiritual than Peter who subjected his revelations to unnamed brethren? Then Peter began to explain to them point by point what had happened. When they heard this, they quieted down, and praised God, saying, "So God has given even the gentiles the repentance that leads to life." Act 11:4, 18 (ISV).
“And you can judge apostles now, eh?” Stop this spitefulness. Error takes root when men are no longer open to correction. God expects us to judge even prophetic utterances, how much more dreams. Two or three people should speak what God has revealed. Everyone else should decide whether what each person said is right or wrong 1Co 14:29(GW).
“What’s wrong with doing it? Evangelist does it, and God is using him mightily. He must have tested it and found it is from God.” He is not the standard of conduct my dear. “You mean he is not your standard, jealous human being.” Of course he is not my standard, and I am NOT jealous of him at all. The standard of conduct and revelation is not who received it, or who is doing it, but the word of God. Even I speaking to you am not the standard. “How could you be the standard? Clearly you have forgotten not all things are written in scripture.” Agreed, but the standard of judgement in all is Jesus, the living word: on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus Rom 2:16(ISV). Does this fit in with His life and teachings? Your hesitation to subject things you want to do to the test of scripture is unbiblical and dangerous. Are you more spiritual than Peter who subjected his revelations to unnamed brethren? Then Peter began to explain to them point by point what had happened. When they heard this, they quieted down, and praised God, saying, "So God has given even the gentiles the repentance that leads to life." Act 11:4, 18 (ISV).
“And you can judge apostles now, eh?” Stop this spitefulness. Error takes root when men are no longer open to correction. God expects us to judge even prophetic utterances, how much more dreams. Two or three people should speak what God has revealed. Everyone else should decide whether what each person said is right or wrong 1Co 14:29(GW).
Tuesday 17 May 2011
The vision is for an appointed time; wait for it Week 20, 2011
I was not interested in US immigrant visa lottery and told her exactly that. The lady disturbed me to put in for 2006 visa lottery. She offered to do all the applications for me and family. But as she kept pressing, just to get my peace I agreed but then kept forgetting the pictures. Four days to the end of the program, she came again to ask for the information and photographs. I then gave them to her just so she could leave me alone. At least I could now get some peace.
With a B.Sc in economics and an MBA in banking and finance, I was unemployed for 4 years. God had, in 1988, promised taking me to the USA. With the help of my brothers in the USA, I made several efforts to leave the country, to no avail. Eventually I got a visa to travel to Trinidad and Tobago in February 1996. I was excited! Unfortunately I was denied entry into the country for no clear reason. All efforts to explain myself and my itinerary with necessary documents fell on deaf ears. Instead, I was bundled into the next plane back to Nigeria. Deported! How humiliating. I wondered how God could allow that to happen to me. Devastated, I quietly decided to leave God. But no, I found myself continuing my service to the Lord steadfastly – God’s hand sustaining me. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay Hab 2:3(ESV).
I began producing and hawking popcorn for a living. I did this for 4 years and actually got married doing it. I also started making and selling ice cream, but the business became unsustainable a year after. God readily provided a job for me, allowing a seamless transition. Thus, I got my first formal employment 9 years after my MBA. Four and half years later, I headed a branch of an international IT company, where I was made to put in the US visa lottery. Two and half years after, I became the Managing Director of a micro finance bank. I felt settled.
Amazingly the visa lottery results came in 2007: I had been selected. I was stunned. The struggles came: why pull up and go to another land? My wife and I were both well established and starting anew was not a welcoming thought. By now (2008) the family had become comfortable, living in Trans-Ekulu a reputable part of Enugu. About that time, my wife was made a senior nursing officer. We turned to God. He reminded me that He foretold taking me to the United States 20 years ago. He arranged the application and ensured I put in; the lady who pressurized me so much had forgotten all about what she did! Initially, I wanted to take a leave of absence so I could retain my job and return to Nigeria until my wife passes her Board exams and gets a job, but God prevailed on me to trust Him absolutely and not look back. God provided funds and flew us on eagle’s wings to the United States in February 2009. "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” 2Sa 7:18. That is how, 21 years after God spoke, the promise manifested.
Greg now lives and works in Patterson, USA with his family
With a B.Sc in economics and an MBA in banking and finance, I was unemployed for 4 years. God had, in 1988, promised taking me to the USA. With the help of my brothers in the USA, I made several efforts to leave the country, to no avail. Eventually I got a visa to travel to Trinidad and Tobago in February 1996. I was excited! Unfortunately I was denied entry into the country for no clear reason. All efforts to explain myself and my itinerary with necessary documents fell on deaf ears. Instead, I was bundled into the next plane back to Nigeria. Deported! How humiliating. I wondered how God could allow that to happen to me. Devastated, I quietly decided to leave God. But no, I found myself continuing my service to the Lord steadfastly – God’s hand sustaining me. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay Hab 2:3(ESV).
I began producing and hawking popcorn for a living. I did this for 4 years and actually got married doing it. I also started making and selling ice cream, but the business became unsustainable a year after. God readily provided a job for me, allowing a seamless transition. Thus, I got my first formal employment 9 years after my MBA. Four and half years later, I headed a branch of an international IT company, where I was made to put in the US visa lottery. Two and half years after, I became the Managing Director of a micro finance bank. I felt settled.
Amazingly the visa lottery results came in 2007: I had been selected. I was stunned. The struggles came: why pull up and go to another land? My wife and I were both well established and starting anew was not a welcoming thought. By now (2008) the family had become comfortable, living in Trans-Ekulu a reputable part of Enugu. About that time, my wife was made a senior nursing officer. We turned to God. He reminded me that He foretold taking me to the United States 20 years ago. He arranged the application and ensured I put in; the lady who pressurized me so much had forgotten all about what she did! Initially, I wanted to take a leave of absence so I could retain my job and return to Nigeria until my wife passes her Board exams and gets a job, but God prevailed on me to trust Him absolutely and not look back. God provided funds and flew us on eagle’s wings to the United States in February 2009. "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” 2Sa 7:18. That is how, 21 years after God spoke, the promise manifested.
Greg now lives and works in Patterson, USA with his family
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