Arrows of Impact (2) Week 33, 2026

 Act 18:9(ESV)  And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent… God’s programme is that we speak and be not silent, as Jesus Christ spoke to Paul. God’s intent is that our marketplace be our pulpit. As we work, we should identify and wisely use the opportunities to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and not only do an excellent work there. (Note that excellence is compulsory for believers). That is one of the targets of arrows of impact. God wants the gospel proclaimed as we work.

Is49:2(ESV)He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.  Arrows of impact are hidden in the shadow of His hand. Arrows of impact dwell in the secret place of the most high. Their personal prayer lives, their personal altars are hot and not cold. They don’t feed on the word simply in family, fellowship and church devotions. They spend quality time with God on their own. As they stay in the shadow of His hand what is their prayer burden?  See it explicitly put in Col 4:3-5(ESV) Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Our prayer burden must be the burden of God. We must pray those prayers God has asked us to. Here we see some of the items: praying for opportunities for God’s word to be proclaimed and that in your marketplace too, praying for a clear message to be given with every proclamation, and praying for wisdom to make the most of every opportunity. Is this your constant prayer?

Isa 49:2(ESV)…he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. The polished arrow is pruned by God for even greater fruitfulness. Do your work in such a way as to be a credible witness. You may have to choose between working in such a way as to enhance your legitimate Private Practice and working in such a way as to powerfully deliver the gospel of Christ. God shows us how in Tit3:1-2(ESV)  Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. When you behave like this even a little message from you has maximal impact.

Isa 49:2(ESV) …in his quiver he hid me away. The quiver is where other arrows are. What company do you keep? To truly have impact: deliberately groom believers, and provide antidotes to the poisoning and corrupting speeches and philosophies that accost us. Mal3:16-18(ESV)Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Speak to strengthen one another and from there move out to impact your world. Are you training to be an arrow of impact in today’s world?

Arrows of impact Week 32, 2026

 Is 49:1-2(ESV)  Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.  

God has planted you in the health fields (your marketplace) to speak for Him. Your office, your shop, and your business is your market place and many come to you there. The consulting room, the clinic, and the ward round are places where the nations meet you, where the ends of the earth come to you, and therefore where God intends for you to be a sharp arrow presenting the gospel message of Jesus Christ clearly, while also giving quality healthcare and other social service simultaneously. Verse 2 says: He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. 

Why is it necessary to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in our consulting rooms whilst giving quality care, examining the patient or ordering investigations? Why is it necessary to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in our places of work and trade as we earn money and make a living? Why is God insisting that even in ward rounds, as you coach residents and students, as you evaluate treatment programmes and execute unit protocols on the patient, you introduce the gospel? To understand this see what happened to Paul when he was not recorded as presenting the gospel in the market place. Act 17:2-3(ESV)  And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” He was anointed, an apostle, and preached the correct message but what happened? Acts 17:5 (NIV) But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. Paul was preaching in the synagogue but from the marketplace opposition came which stopped him before he was done. He is forced out of Thessalonica! Acts 17:10-11 (NIV) As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Again in Berea he is forced out of the city. Remember persecution was not new, and even though believers were scattered abroad in the days following the persecution (after Stephen’s martyrdom) the apostles were not forced out of Jerusalem. Act 8:1 (ESV)  And there arose on that day a great persecution … and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. So why is Paul forced out? However in Acts 17:16-17(NIV) While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he … reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Study the scriptures: from this point when he proclaims the gospel in the synagogues as well as the market place no one ever succeeds in forcing Paul out of the city. He leaves at the time of his choosing - even when there is a serious riot in Ephesus. Never omit to proclaim Jesus in your work place.

The Testimony of Divine Healing Week 31, 2026

 A few years ago, Amaka had twisted intestines and was in multiple organ failure. She was slipping in and out of coma. An emergency operation was booked, and blood transfusion ordered. Brethren and relatives prayed, asking God to show mercy. In one of those moments that she lost consciousness, she found herself climbing up a staircase and met a man  in white clothes who asked her "Do you want to receive mercy?” She answered “Yes” and he responded,  “You will see mercy by dawn." When she gained consciousness, in her words “I thought it was live, I didn't know it was a dream but I kept pondering on that incident." The evening before the scheduled operation, an anaesthetist came to the ward and after review of her case-notes told her husband and her mother that she may not live through anesthesia. She asked not to be quoted.  However her husband decided to go on with the surgery.

Is 28:21 (GNB) The LORD will fight as he did at Mount Perazim and in the valley of Gibeon, in order to do what he intends to do—strange as his actions may seem. He will complete his work, his mysterious work. Whilst undergoing blood transfusion, she saw a team of doctors and nurses walk into the room; each carrying a small tray with different fresh, blood dripping organs. The team lead beamed a smile and she recognised him as the man who asked her if she wanted to see mercy when she was on the staircase. He signaled one of those carrying trays to step forward and give her what he was carrying. Without a word she understood he was asking her to sit up and eat. She resisted eating having been told to eat nothing before the surgery. She saw herself sitting up, and she took the organ and ate. She ate each of the organs one after the other, and the last one was so large - like the shape of a heart. After a few minutes the team lead smiled and they left the room. Ps 107:18-20 (ESV)  … and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.   He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 

She suddenly noticed that she became fully aware of her environment, and was strong. She could sit down (something she had not done in weeks), was hungry and felt like pooing. As she was in the toilet pooing, she heard her name being called by her mother with a voice filled with fear and anxiety, (possibly thinking she was dead and had been carried out). She answered from the toilet and her mother raced to her, saw she was alive and had walked to the toilet to ease her self. She began to cry and ask what happened.

She narrated her experience to her and asked her to give her tea and bread as she was hungry. As they were talking and she was taking tea, the surgical team of the hospital came to take her to the theatre and met her eating. The lead doctor got mad at her mother and all efforts to explain that she was fine proved abortive. One of them said that they will believe the story if another scan that confirmed that everything was okay was done. They immediately went for a scan and all the reports showed that all her organs were normal! The angelic intervention and healing was really mind-blowing to all the hospital staff and patients. She was discharged. That was how heaven answered to the cry for mercy and sent angelic medics who brought spare part organs. All glory be to His  name.

Amaka worships with Dominion City in Imo

Standing fast Week 30, 2026

 “Stand by the roads…”If the requirement to hearing from God at the crossroads is first to stand and ask, then we need to know - how shall we stand? How shall anyone stand? 

What does the Bible say? Php 4:1(GNB) So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!—this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord. This is how to stand firm! Listen to the instructions following this statement. First: unity. Php 4:2-3(GNB)Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living. Be in unity, and help those having challenges with working together. We can sometimes be so “right” that we become totally wrong. When I insist on my own way to the point that we can no longer work together, I am not standing. Ever heard of brethren who had a quarrel on the bible theme to choose? One stood on Mt4:4, the other insisted he heard Lk4:4. Check the two passages please. From Ps133 we know God commands blessings, even life evermore, as we walk in unity. Remember that when we work in unity the world will know God sent Jesus. Jn 17:23(MKJV)  I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me. Why do every other thing and yet neglect being in unity as the word of God says? Husband and wife - are you united? If we are not walking in unity, we are not standing. If I am uninterested and aloof when I see brethren walking in strife - how can I possibly be standing?

What more? Php 4:4-5(GNB)May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. At the crossroads, at every point in life, look for and dwell on the hand and purpose of God. And so rejoice in what God is doing, can do and will do. 1Th 5:16(ESV)  Rejoice always. Rejoice even in tribulation. And o - be gentle with everyone, especially those who oppose you. 2Tm 2:24-26(ESV)  And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil…

What again? Php 4:6-7(GNB) Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. This is a vital part of standing. I will not dwell on it now. Surely we hear on this again and again. It is a part of standing firm.

One other point: Please keep the standards you have lived by up until now. Stand. Php 3:16(GNB)  However that may be, let us go forward according to the same rules we have followed until now.  You have reached a point where you give tithe before any spending. Do not change that now. You don't bend the truth to pass exams or get money. Don’t stop. Stand

Ask for The Ancient Paths Week 29, 2026

Jer 6:16  Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ It is very important to put things in perspective from the very beginning. The things you have been called to hear, to listen to in this message are not good ideas. No. They are not fables, ideas, or opinions of experts and seasoned men. If they are the ideas of seasoned men we would appreciate the words and message but we dare not throw ourselves into them unreservedly like that. We would have a back up plan in case they fail. What is the first thing written here? Thus says the LORD. It is the speaking of the Lord Himself. Recognise that. If you do see what will happen: Jn 21:7  That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. Some of you may have hesitations but recognise it is the Lord speaking in the Bible and throw yourself into the sea. Throw yourself in without reservation. Someone needs to throw themselves into the water today in Jesus’ name. Give ourselves without restraint or care into this worship heading to the Master. The reason some fail to experience the power of the word is that they treat it as an opinion. When it is recognised for what it is and acted upon for what it is, it always is efficacious.1Th 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. The things you hear are the words of the owner of the work, the very designer and maker of the race and service itself. What more?

Thus says the LORD. “Says” is present continuous. He is still saying what is in Jer6:16 today - still saying it now. Let us read it again together. Jer6:16 Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ God's plan is to give us rest and we must not miss it.

If we will but do all He says rest will be our experience. As we understand and apply the word, the effect shall be rest for our souls,, not restlessness

What is the first thing the Lord Almighty is saying? Stand! In every translation I checked it is "stand". The first thing isn't "ask", not even "look". But "stand". We need to hear from God. It is crucial. We need an accurate word, but we must stand before we hear. Eze 2:1-2  And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

  Hab 2:1  "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on a tower. I will wait and see what the LORD will say about me and what I will answer when he reprimands me." Some are asking, asking desperately but are not standing at the cross roads of life. They are shaking. Are you ruled by fear rather than faith? Stand. Stand so that God will speak with you. Converse with you. Some of us are at the crossroads in life are already compromising. Giving money to the policemen who delay us on the way to our programmes. Giving money to process our papers so we can go out to do missions. Paying money so our children can get into university of our choice. Which of us is not guilty? Paul was standing when Felix wanted bribes from him even though Jesus had said next stop is Rome. He stood and gave no bribes. Finally He heard God say "Appeal to Caesar. You will get to Rome as a prisoner". Stand. Stand. No compromise at the cross roads of life. Stand so God will speak with us.

If we seem not to hear despite desperate cries, check if you are standing. The times may change, technology and laws of the land will differ, but the good way is the same ancient path, the way that leads to rest. There are many roads but only one good way. The physiology of man cannot change despite the improvements in science, technology and Artificial Intelligence. Look for the ancient paths, ask for them and hear the word from God. God's plan is to give us rest even in his service and we must not miss it.

Mercy in examinations Week 28, 2026

 

It was after I had submitted the examination paper that my mistake dawned on me: I had omitted answering the compulsory question for the Pharmacy essay question. Failure to answer compulsory questions carried an automatic failure for the candidate! 

It was my 3^rd and final attempt at the 3^rd MBBS examinations in College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. In fact the examination was being taken along with the resit candidates of the set below me. Due to my not meeting the required attendance at lectures, I had been debarred from writing the 3^rd MBBS examinations at the first instance with my contemporaries. Two consecutive failures at the resits meant I was at my last attempt to clear the preclinical exams, both Pathology and Pharmacology. Failure now meant leaving Medical school, whilst my colleagues were busy preparing for the 4^th MB, which was a step away from graduation. What would happen now? Ps 107:17-19(ESV)Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. When I told Obi Echedom he said, “Go and prepare that question; you will most likely be asked in the viva”. We prayed. Brethren had been praying for us who had resits, and especially as we were on the verge of dismissal.

Sure enough when my turn came for the viva and I faced Prof Onoaguluchi and the external examiner the opening statement was, “There was a compulsory question in your essay, you didn’t answer it, now answer the question.” Thank God for Obi Echedom. I had read the question on antiviral drugs, going through their classes, in preparation for the viva. Anti retro-viral drugs were new back then in 1989 and not surprisingly we were required to know about them. I answered as best as I could, with Prof Onoaguluchi taking over at a point in helping me complete it. Both of them were satisfied with the answer. I desperately prayed the viva would end there; my brain could take no more. The external examiner smiled in a way remniscient of someone confidently closing in on his prey and said, “Let us now go to other areas.” The living God intervened. Prof Onoaguluchi stepped in saying, “Er, no. I think we have got enough for now” and the viva was over! Had he read the dismay in my countenance? When I had 2^nd MB it was like that in Anatomy. I had not read osteology going in for the viva. How could you not read osteology? It was certain that bones would be set and questions would come from there. When the professor looked at me, he said, “Tell me about dural reflection”. That was the only thing I had prepared! To the glory of God, I scaled through but had a resit in Biochemistry.

The results of the resit exams were published later that day. Against my number for Pathology and Pharmacology was “Pass”, “Pass”. I looked again to be sure. I had just been delivered from leaving medical school in my final year. Obi Echedom met me when I got to Imoke hostels and asked how the exam went. “I passed” was my unemotional answer. "Is that how you are saying it?" he responded. Great was the deliverance, great the mercy. Ps 107:15-16(ESV)  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his gracious love, and for his awesome deeds to mankind. For he shattered bronze gates and cut through iron bars.   I sincerely implore everyone reading this to prepare very well for their examinations. Attend every lecture. Answer all questions you should. 

Attracting His hand Week 27, 2026

 I have seen more things that happen when God’s hand comes upon someone. See 2Kgs 3:15-16 (ESV)  And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools..” so when I sit under inspired worship, the hand of God will come upon me. That is why our singers and band must minister well o. It will attract God’s hand.

I am quite sure God’s hand came on Elisha as the harpist played, and that God moves in worship ministrations. They are glorious and uplifting, but does that mean the secret to getting God’s hand on someone is dependent on another person’s skill and unction?

What do you mean? The scripture is clear now. That is why God’s hand came upon Elisha.

My dear, in studying scripture, look closely. Look for where the Bible says “because” to conclude. Do not be like those who say it is because of Solomon’s 1,000 offerings that God asked him, “What shall I do for you?” whilst the scripture never said so. You know, at the temple dedication, they could not count the number of offerings made, yet God did not come back to him and ask, “What more do you need?” Nor did God make such an offer to David and his men when they offered lavishly for the temple. When Elisha was to prophesy another time, did he ask for a harpist? The secret to getting God’s good hand lies elsewhere.

How do I get to have God’s hand on me? 

The same way Ezra did. Ezr 7:9, 10(ESV) the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Notice that in this case there is a “because”. God’s hand specifically came on him because of specific things Ezra did: setting his heart to study, do, and teach the law. This is so for all persons, at all times: Ezr 8:22(ESV)“The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”

I see now; thank you very much. O may God turn my heart always to seek him always.

You have seen, but you need to see. Prayer is good. Seeking God is your responsibility; don’t blame God on this matter. Prov 16:1(RV)  The preparations of the heart belong to man: but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.  We must make the move - it is actually in our hands. Jas 4:8(ESV)  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Why are you saying this? What are you warning me about?

David told Solomon 1Chr 28:9(ESV)  “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Solomon made it a prayer point and did not play his own role. 1Kgs 8:57, 58(ESV)  The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. He has already given a command to this effect and wants all to seek him. You must use the energy prayer will attract. Col 3:2(KJV)  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Do it