Ordinarily you would have ignored the remark, but it has come repeatedly: “If you love me then prove it”. The demand to prove your worth, prove your love, prove your manhood is an ancient tool of manipulation. It takes the focus away from the evil demanded as proof, and diverts the discussion to “How can I be sure you are what you say you are?” It has been used on youths relentlessly. A predator having wormed his way into an unsuspecting pure virgin’s affection now pressures her: “Prove your love!” Demanding from her what must be given only after “I do” in the presence of her parents and the ministers of God. “Are you with us? Then take these from your family and bring them here.” And so the pressure to prove I am an independent person, not tied to the apron strings of my parents pushes you headlong to steal, lie and do whatever it takes to gain acceptance by those you look to, not knowing you are the prey. Don’t give in. Remember Samson: Jdg 16:15(ESV) And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and you have not told me where your great strength lies.” When Delilah spoke these manipulative words her real interest was the 1100 shekels of silver promised by each of the 5 lords of the philistines to obtain Samson’s secret (over $142,000). He caved in; she took the money. Samson is history. If you give in your self worth drops precipitously, and when complications set in you hear “How am I sure I am the one?” Even if you married them. Suicidal thoughts have in this way come to some who fell. Never give in.
Listen - it is Satan speaking those words to you, tempting you. Mat 4:3(ESV) And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” Jesus never needed to prove His sonship to Satan, or to the world. Neither do you. Three times in the wilderness experience the temptation was “Prove you are the Son of God; prove it by doing something other than what the Father has said, prove it by toeing a different path” but each time He chose the way of the word. “It is written…” The very works you do in obedience are the proof of your sonship. Jn 10:24-25(ESV) So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me,” many a miracle did the Lord Jesus Christ; at no time did he turn a stone to bread. The person who you should prove yourself to is God your father. The proof of your independence, of your love, of your manhood lies in doing the opposite of what the tempter wants. Mt 27:40 (ESV) “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” but Jesus did not do so. He did the will of His Father and died on the cross. That gave proof to those there of His sonship Mt 27:54(ESV) When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” after that God gave the greatest proof of sonship Rom 1:4 (ESV) and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead. Living by every word of God is the proof of sonshipSunday, 30 August 2026
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Standing in His council Week 34, 2026
A lot of talk goes on, a lot of preaching is ongoing, but so much of it is ineffective in transforming people’s lives. Is there a certainty about delivering the word that makes it effective? Jer23:22 But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. Take note of what God says here: it’s not that “they might turn the people”, or “they could”, but they would have turned them from their evil way. There is this guarantee from God for effectiveness. The same effectiveness is assured in Is 55:11: so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. This means that to be effective as a carrier of God’s message, I must first stand in His council before proclaiming it. The matter is beyond simply saying scriptural words. First stand in His council. Is this not why the order in Act 6:4 puts prayer ahead of ministering the word? “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Brother, what comes first with you? Times of intercessory prayer in the presence of God before talk, or have you delegated prayer? “But I pray before starting the message. I always do” you say. Well done, I need something beyond that opening prayer.
What does it mean to stand in His council? How is it done? The council is where matters are raised, decisions taken, and the word to accomplish the decision is sent forth. Remember Job1:6? Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD: that was a council. After the matters arising, the word that went forth was executed effectively. So also in the matter of Ahab and the battle at Ramoth Gilead. Whenever the council has sat, any who has stood in that council carries the word which will definitely be effective.
Are you a minister? Seek to stand first in the council ever before you teach, before you lead choruses, or before you lead in worship. Don’t be in a hurry to give out words. What does it mean - standing in His council? Jer 23:18 For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Standing in his council is so as to see and hear His word. If we are to stand in His council it must be to pay attention and listen. So many times I love to talk and talk in prayer. Ask and ask, speak and speak. My prowess in prayer measured in my imagination by how long the stream of words can keep coming. Words of praise, of petition, of decrees…When you arrive at His council you stop talking and pay attention. You listen for His word, listen to His word, and pay close attention. And that is what happened to Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 6. Isa 6:1, 6-8 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple… Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send…” he saw, heard, listened. There is a lot to learn from here in the preparation to enter the council of God.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
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?
Sunday, 9 August 2026
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.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
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
Sunday, 26 July 2026
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
Sunday, 19 July 2026
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.
Sunday, 12 July 2026
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 3rd and final attempt at the 3rd 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 3rd 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 4th 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 2nd 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.
Sunday, 5 July 2026
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
Sunday, 28 June 2026
The hand of God Week 26, 2026
One of the most desirable elements in life and ministry is summed up in the phrase “The hand of God”. 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.” It speaks of God’s power, God’s influence, and active involvement to bring about His divine purpose.
See what happens when the hand of God is on a person: Ezr 7:28(BBE) And has given mercy to me before the king and his government and before all the king's great captains. And I was made strong by the hand of the Lord my God which was on me, and I got together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. You are made strong. Another translation would say “I took courage”. What makes one strong and firm in the face of impossible situations? Courage and strength come from the hand of God on you. Do not go to alcohol or look at bank balances. The hand of God on Elijah made him run faster than Ahab's chariot: 1Kgs 18:46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way Ezr 8:31(ESV). There is a cry because of insecurity in the land. Kidnapping is rife; even those asleep in their houses have been taken. The hand of God guarantees safety.
Getting capable men, reliable people to work with you is crucial, as no man is an island. Many a venture has stalled and died for lack of capable men. When the hand of God is on you, that changes: Ezr 8:18(NIV) Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah's sons and brothers.
How about the matter of favour before men? Before Kings and men of influence and resources? Ezr 7:6(ESV) Ezra went up from Babylonia… and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Note that this happened not only with Ezra: Neh2:8 (ESV) And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. Did you notice that it was everything Ezra asked for that he received? Why twist your speech to extract money from men when the hand of God will bring everything you need, all you ask? Instead of running after men or positioning yourself to be seen by men to get favour or resources, get the hand of God upon you.
It is what makes people know He is God: Ex 7:5(ESV) The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them. Is it only in the Old Testament that we see this? No: Acts 11:21 (ISV) The hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Would to God we would cry out to God for His face, and His hand will be on us, rather than for money on evangelism. Surely this is the meaning of “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”!Mt28:20 (ESV)
Lest you think these are not for us today, remember 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.” It is for all. For us. Now, please note that it is those who seek Him, not seek His hand. Those who seek Him. 2Chr16:9(ISV) The LORD's eyes keep on roaming throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts completely belong to him, so that he may strongly support them.
Sunday, 21 June 2026
The father’s presence or presents Week 25, 2026
I think the elder son had genuine cause for displeasure. How come the father gave him nothing to celebrate with after years of slaving for the man? Is that not the way to discourage loyalty? Celebrate the returnee lavishly whilst giving nothing to the faithful.
Are you very sure the father gave him nothing all those years?
Of course, yes. It is well documented; he would have appreciated even a goat but had nothing Lk 15:29(ISV) But he answered his father, 'Listen! All these years I've worked like a slave for you. I've never disobeyed a command of yours. Yet you've never given me so much as a young goat for a feast so I could celebrate with my friends.
It’s a pity you can’t see what he had and was in danger of losing. Many people miss it also
What could that be? He was affirmed as the bona fide owner of the present estate. Lk 15:31 (ISV) 'My child, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
His father’s presence. Did you notice it was the first thing he reminded the son about? It took me many years to realise it. But what was at the father’s heart was not the estate. His presence meant more. In anger, the son was risking the most important thing - the presence - because of a matter of presents to the younger son. Lk 15:28(ISV) "Then the older son became angry and wouldn't go into the house. So his father came out and began to plead with him. What comes first is not “everything I have is yours” but, “My child, you are always with me”. In serving God that comes first also Mk 3:14-15(GNB) and he chose twelve, whom he named apostles. "I have chosen you to be with me," he told them. "I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons."
What’s the use of the presence without the presents?
Ah! Abomination. Heresy! You know this parable is about God the Father and us His children. The presence was what the younger son first lost before wasting the presents. Lk 15:13(ISV) A few days later, the younger son gathered everything he owned and traveled to a distant country. There he wasted it all on wild living. Many people are seeking God simply to get presents from Him. Jn 6:24, 26-27(ISV)When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into these boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. Jesus replied to them, "Truly, I tell all of you with certainty, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were completely satisfied. Do not work for food that perishes but for food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him." They don’t often please God and regularly leave Jn 6:66(ISV) As a result, many of his disciples turned back and no longer associated with him. The presence of God is the principal thing, not his presents or effects. Moses shows us that is what to look for. Then Moses told the LORD, "If your presence does not go with us, don't bring us up from here. Ex 33:15(ISV)
I see. In all life’s situations or challenges that’s what I will always seek. Ps 17:15(ISV) But as for me, justified, I will behold your face; when I awake, your presence will satisfy me.
Sunday, 14 June 2026
The rich man and Lazarus Week 24, 2026
This parable is a bit confusing. Is Jesus trying to teach us that rich men go to hell and poor men go to heaven? Is it a law that if you enjoy here on earth you suffer for eternity?
For one thing that story is no parable. Jesus never mentioned names in parables. He specifically mentioned father Abraham (who we know) and Lazarus in this story. A lot of the times the parables begin with “And He told them a parable saying…” as in Mt13:24, 31 Whether a parable or not, what does this mean? Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish Lk 16:25(ESV) . Will all who are rich go to hell? Is poverty the key to paradise? Is paradise a reversal of this life’s conditions?
The life after death is indeed a reversal for those who have been suffering for the faith, 2Tm 2:11-12(ESV) The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; however it is not poverty that took Lazarus to paradise or wealth that landed the rich man in hellfire. That much was clear to the rich man.
Now you have me confused. Where is all this stated in the story?
Look at Lk 16:30(ESV) And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ This clearly shows he knew what brought him there: his failure to heed the warnings given while he was alive on earth and repent. That is what he wanted by making the request in Lk 16:27, 28(ESV): And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ It was not riches. Have you forgotten Abraham was a very rich man? Gen 24:34, 35(ESV) I am Abraham's servant. 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. If it was wealth that took the rich man to hell then Abraham too should have been in hell.
Oh, I see. A second matter: salvation is by grace through faith, right? Why is it written in Lk 16:29(ESV) But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’?
Moses and the prophets all prophesied about the coming Messiah and bear witness to salvation by grace through faith. Lk 24:25, 27(ESV) And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Remember Rom 3:21(ESV) says But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: Whosoever has the heart for God and listens to Moses and the prophets repents at the preaching of Christ. Those who refused to hear Moses and the prophets refused to believe even when Jesus rose from the dead. That’s what Abraham foretells in Lk16:31(ESV). He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ Don’t be like them.
Sunday, 7 June 2026
Avoid aborted success Week 23, 2026
The church is doing very well now, sir. Our numbers are up..
Why do you say we are doing very well, is it just because our number has increased?
How many churches are experiencing any increase in number? We are definitely doing well.
Hmm. Be careful. 2Cor 10:12(ESV) Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. You may say we are doing well but there is a danger, we must double down.
Welfare needs? Doctrinal soundness? We were taught growing churches must be careful about those. In the first century they caused problems, but the Lord is there to help us.
Can you not see what I am seeing? We are growing, but is this where God programmed us to be at this time? Have you heard of the Joash phenomenom? That is what bothers me more.
I’ve never heard of it. What has it to do with us?
There is a heaven ordained victory per time for everyone, every church, as was for King Joash: 2Kgs 13:17(ESV) And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” The tragedy is that he fell short of it. 2Kgs 13:18, 19(ESV) And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.” his true success in making an end of the Syrians was aborted
I still don’t get it. What has that to do with us? Where is the threat?
Three victories look like success, but the prophecy, the capacity and mandate was victory until he made an end of Syria. He stopped too soon. Yes there are clear signs of progress in this congregation, but we are far from the capacity, not yet within the mandate. The greatest tragedy now would be to relax in prayers and evangelism, saying “Yes we have made a mark, others are not moving so well”. If we stop now the prophesied mark for us may be lost.
Prophesied? I didn’t know there is a specific mandate for us in terms of targets.
Have you never read Eph 2:10(KJV)? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. For each person, each congregation, in each season God has targets and divine expectations. That is what to focus on and compare with to know if we are doing well. We need more labour.
Why did Joash lose it? When rebuked he could have simply collected more arrows and shot!
