Machir, the son of Amiel Week 4, 2012

“Who is that? Never heard of him before! Where does he appear? Old or New Testament?” I laugh! You really have not heard of him before have you? He’s one of my heroes in the Bible. He appears just twice in scripture and is mentioned 3 times. “How can a man mentioned twice in scripture be your hero? What did he say or do?” His words are not recorded, but his deeds speak volumes. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar 2Sa 9:3, 4(KJV). The first instance was the Mephibosheth issue: he manifests to keep Mephibosheth until grace appears unto him to get into the king’s house. Taking in Mephibosheth certainly was an act of mercy. He was crippled, a liability, and his family had been at war with King David.
“And the second time?” More help for more persons; his coast has enlarged. Now David is in trouble and needs help as he flees from Absalom. Machir was among those who helped not only David, but all those with him: when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi … and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai … brought beds, … and wheat, and barley, and …, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness. 2Sa 17:27-29(KJV). Lodebar means pastureless, a kind of wilderness. Machir the son of Amiel helps those destined for the palace but passing through the wilderness experience until they are restored.
“What is so special about his own? Others did similar things.” Ah Machir sought no reward when those he helped now came into the palace and remained at his duty post. He does more though unrewarded by men. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls, even if loving you more and more, I am loved the less 2Co 12:15(MKJV) . Barzillai got kingly rewards on request for his son, 2Sa 19:31-39 and this passed on to Solomon’s time 1Ki 2:7. He takes in people others would not want, who could be considered a risk, but who have a divine call upon their lives. He sustains them until their time of manifestation and then releases them asking nothing in return and fades into memory.
If your gift is serving, devote yourself to serving others. If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others. If it is sharing, share generously. If it is helping, help cheerfully. Rom 12:7, 8(ISV)

Faith or Denial Week 3, 2012

“I am not a sadist: I cannot rejoice in people’s pains and sufferings even if you can do so.” You misunderstand scripture. Who said rejoice because of pain? Rejoice in the Lord always: So then, my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you; indeed, it is for your safety Phil 3:1(ISV), and with regard to tribulation we are to be patient: full of joyful hope, patient under persecution, earnest and persistent in prayer Rom 12:12(WNT). “I hope you do what you preach.” Paul who wrote these things was in prison at this time, his freedom removed, but he rejoiced nonetheless: always praying joyfully in every one of my prayers for all of you Phil 1:4(ISV) .
“Look I believe in faith and positive confession and all that, but let’s be real. I just see the troubles around. Let’s not live in denial...” Denial? What’s that? “Oh a state of pretence, declaring all is well when things are going wrong.” No. God does not expect us to live in denial at all. Denial refuses to acknowledge what is going on, what you call “reality” merely sees what is physical alone, while faith sees all this and receives open eyes to see God and His provision. Then he prayed, "LORD, please help him to see." And the LORD let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha 2Ki 6:17(CEV). Denial closes her eyes to things around, “reality” simply looks around at things, faith sees more for it looks up to see God’s salvation. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near Lk 21:28(EMTV). We live by faith; faith looks up: “My faith looks up to thee...” says a hymn writer.
“What good could there be in all this, what cause for rejoicing?” Rejoicing in the Lord gives strength: give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength Neh 8:10(ISV). Do you believe this situation will drive more people to pray? “Of course but that is no reason to inflict hardship on people.” So I rejoice anticipating more people seeking God sincerely at these times. Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually caused the gospel to advance Phil 1:12(ISV). I rejoice in God in the midst of these challenges therefore. Rejoice in the Lord I say! The LORD God is my strength—he will make my feet like those of a deer, equipping me to tread on my mountain heights Hab 3:19(ISV).

Rejoice Week 2, 2012

“Ah what kind of a year is this? I thought 2011 had gone with its woes but this one is hitting me.” Why is your face frowning like so? You want to break the skin of your forehead. “Look this is not a laughing matter at all; no jokes about it. I counted my teeth with my tongue in December so as not to get in debt but this fuel price is really crushing. Everything is just getting costlier and how to cope I don’t know for sure; these are bad times.”Ah I say it is a time to rejoice. Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing! Php 4:4(ISV). “I wonder how that is possible at times like this.”
My friend where is the source of your joy? If your joy is found in things and not Jesus, when things are taken you will be sorrowful. “What exactly do you mean?” Remember the rich young ruler? Jesus said to him, If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven. And come, follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions Mat 19:21, 22(MKJV). What caused his sorrow? He was about to loose possessions whilst he should have been rejoicing; he had just been invited to own the prince of peace. On the other hand when Jesus was about to be taken away from them, then only did real disciples have sorrow. A little while and you shall not see Me; and again a little while, and you shall see Me? Truly, truly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. And you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy Jn 16:19, 20(ISV).
When Jesus is your joy and not things, even when everything is taken from you, you will still rejoice. Has Jesus been taken away? “Things are more expensive” you say; is His grace more expensive? “I am not sure how we are going to survive” you moan; is His ability to save less sure? Rejoice I say my dear. Even though the fig tree does not blossom, and there are no grapes on the vines; even if the olive harvest fails, and the fields produce nothing edible; even if the flock is snatched from the sheepfold, and there is no herd in the stalls—as for me, I will rejoice in the LORD. I will find my joy in the God who delivers me Hab 3:17, 18(ISV).
Let us use this opportunity to let our God know our joy is found in Him alone, so did the saints before us.

A perfect heart week 1 2012

“Wow, it would be so lovely to be always accurate about God’s leading. I’m aiming at being 100% accurate.” I actually have something better for you. “Can there be anything better than 100% accuracy in God’s leadings?” Consider the wise men. After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who was born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."Mat 2:1, 2(ISV). “I don’t consider them accurate you know. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and was still there when they erroneously went to Jerusalem. Look what came out of it: Jesus was put in danger. Besides their type of leading, isn’t it suspect? Astrology!” It is true they went to the wrong town but have you considered God used that means to announce to Herod and the ruling elite the king had come? Angels announced to poor shepherds; wise men to kings and elite. God was giving everyone credible information about Jesus’ arrival.
“But why do you cite them?” Consider Herod, He called together all the high priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea. For that is what was written by the prophet Mat 2:4, 5(ISV). Herod was diligent in his search Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared Mat 2:7(KJV). After getting accurate information as to the birthplace what does he do? Plan to kill Jesus! And the scribes and priests? Much more accurate than the wise men, able to advice people on the mind of God with 100% accuracy yet they never went to seek out or worship Jesus. “Is that not better than Herod? At least they didn’t misuse the information”. Was it not that same group who later bitterly opposed and sought to kill Jesus? It’s not getting the leading but what you do with it. It appears those who receive accurately and do nothing about the message are at risk of ending up fighting it.
“So what’s better than having 100% accuracy in leading?” A perfect heart i.e. a heart of obedience is. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart Ps 119:33, 34 (KJV). With that heart God made sure they arrived safely. After the star they had seen rising led them until it stopped over the place where the child was Mat 2:9(GW). Knowing God’s will profits if you are set on obedience.

Led by the Spirit Week 52, 2011

“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).

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

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