Can it be that now the labourers are many but the harvest is little? I used to know it was said the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Not so my dear, I assure you the harvest is yet plenteous. Why else would the Lord say "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me."Act 18:9, 10(CEV). Well I don’t know about you but I have so many workers hanging around with nowhere to go. Do you mean there are no more mission fields; all places have been fully covered? Not exactly, but how can I send them where there are no support facilities, no accommodation... Well why not? Did not the Lord warn those who were to follow He has nowhere to lay His head? As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Lk 9:57, 58(ESV). Ah, not these workers, not today. If I try that when they see war all of them will turn back. God didn't lead them on the road through Philistine territory, although that was the shortest route. God said, "If they see that they have to fight a war, they may change their minds and go back to Egypt." Ex 13:17(GW).
So the problem is not that the harvest is small but we lack the right kind of workers. Are you suggesting I send out people without caring for them? Are they slaves or what? Shelter is a basic need. May I tell you that those whom God sent, who brought in large harvest where not deterred by shelter or the lack of it? To this very hour we are hungry, thirsty, dressed in rags, brutally treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure1Cor 4:11, 12(ISV). I still don’t feel comfortable sending them out. My dear it’s not only you that is uncomfortable, I believe God waits for the right kind of worker before sending people. Have you read Paul’s statement by the spirit in Phil 2:19, 20(ISV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare? He also had people around him, workers he dared not send: For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus Christ Phil 2:21(ISV). The harvest is still plenteous. If you are not experiencing that the matter is still we lack the right type of labourers. Ever wondered why some townships swarm with churches while the villages lack? You talk a lot; let’s see you give up your house.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Exceedingly, abundantly, above... Week 32, 2012
It was like my eyes cleared. I had just parted with over a million naira just like that. And the money was not mine. It was my church’s money. It had been raised with a lot of effort; effort in prayers, encouraging people and sacrificial giving. We had been raising money to build a befitting house unto God in the Redeemed Christian Church of God branch I served both as chairman building committee and later as assistant pastor. It was a huge responsibility for me as a junior resident and a young father, but I applied myself wholeheartedly to the task. Now it was handed over to a man with nothing to take back to the church. What had I just done? Had I missed it? Was I misguided? Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding Prov 3:5(ESV).
After we had exhausted ourselves believing God and raising as much funds as possible for our building plan valued at millions of naira, we were at 1.5 million naira and could not seem to move forward. So we kept the money faithfully praying and believing God for a breakthrough. A man of God came to our church said, “You have a project at hand which you have not enough money for...” My attention was caught. A solution was surely coming. “What you need to do is to sow this money you now have into the life of a prominent man of God.” He emphasized that man of God was not to be himself. After that we agreed to do what the minister said, and agreed the man of God would be our daddy at Redemption Camp. We purposed to do this seed sowing quickly.
Following inquiries we learned if you wanted to see him without an appointment you had to be at his residence before 6am. We traveled down to the camp and we got there early, before 6am, and discovered others were already there before us. The man of God was having his family devotions. After this he came out to see us. He received what each person had to bring, thanked each one and briefly laid hands on our heads in prayer and moved off. And that was that. I walked away wondering if that was all, and contending with the thought that the money was all gone with nothing to show for it. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…Eph 3:20(ESV)
Nothing happened thereafter for many months. The building of course was stalled. Suddenly the news came down to us. Daddy G.O. was reminded by the Spirit that a certain church in Enugu gave him some money. The Holy Ghost asked him to send it back ten-fold! He checked his records, took note of the church and the money, and sent for us. I was ecstatic! Tenfold increase in less than 1 year. In obedience we had sowed not knowing exactly what to expect. This was fifteen million naira. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap Lk 6:38(ESV).
Emeka is a surgeon living in Enugu, the church building is in progress by the tunnel crossing.
After we had exhausted ourselves believing God and raising as much funds as possible for our building plan valued at millions of naira, we were at 1.5 million naira and could not seem to move forward. So we kept the money faithfully praying and believing God for a breakthrough. A man of God came to our church said, “You have a project at hand which you have not enough money for...” My attention was caught. A solution was surely coming. “What you need to do is to sow this money you now have into the life of a prominent man of God.” He emphasized that man of God was not to be himself. After that we agreed to do what the minister said, and agreed the man of God would be our daddy at Redemption Camp. We purposed to do this seed sowing quickly.
Following inquiries we learned if you wanted to see him without an appointment you had to be at his residence before 6am. We traveled down to the camp and we got there early, before 6am, and discovered others were already there before us. The man of God was having his family devotions. After this he came out to see us. He received what each person had to bring, thanked each one and briefly laid hands on our heads in prayer and moved off. And that was that. I walked away wondering if that was all, and contending with the thought that the money was all gone with nothing to show for it. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…Eph 3:20(ESV)
Nothing happened thereafter for many months. The building of course was stalled. Suddenly the news came down to us. Daddy G.O. was reminded by the Spirit that a certain church in Enugu gave him some money. The Holy Ghost asked him to send it back ten-fold! He checked his records, took note of the church and the money, and sent for us. I was ecstatic! Tenfold increase in less than 1 year. In obedience we had sowed not knowing exactly what to expect. This was fifteen million naira. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap Lk 6:38(ESV).
Emeka is a surgeon living in Enugu, the church building is in progress by the tunnel crossing.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Freedom through bondage week 31, 2012
“I want to be free to do whatever I please! I find your rules restrictive, especially for a young person like me. How am I supposed to enjoy life for goodness sake?” What kind of restrictions are you talking about? “All these your laws on relationships: no kissing, no holding of hands, no staying out late either.” I am not in any way trying to enslave you; I want you to be free to enjoy life. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come 1Tm 4:7, 8(ESV). A lot will go wrong naturally if you don’t keep certain rules. “Is your church different? I know people who allow their own to do that and more. They promise freedom!” I see. Beware of any who gives the impression you can play with sin. By talking high-sounding nonsense and using sinful cravings of the flesh, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. Promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves to depravity, for a person is a slave to whatever conquers him 2Pt 2:18, 19(ISV).
“Look the birds and bees are free as air. I want to be free too.” These Bible principles of life are the laws of liberty. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey… Jas 1:25(CEV). Even birds must keep to certain rules to fly; they must adopt certain positions for effective flight. “Well I feel I am caged in.” Listen: only in bondage to righteousness are we truly free. The one who feels free to drink and smoke anything sooner than later becomes an addict. How many suffer because of bondage to alcohol, sex and drugs! “I have no plans to be enslaved, just free to do anything, these desires come pretty strong and isn’t it best to give in once a while? And I was not talking about alcohol.” Yielding to the urge for sin depresses righteousness. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should Gal 5:17(CEV). Anyone who sins becomes enslaved by it: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! Jn 8:34(CEV). The struggles you have now will be overcome when you offer yourself as a slave to God and righteousness. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves, the benefit you reap is sanctification, and the result is eternal life Rom 6:22(ISV). Do you want a clean free holy life? Become a slave to righteousness.
“Look the birds and bees are free as air. I want to be free too.” These Bible principles of life are the laws of liberty. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey… Jas 1:25(CEV). Even birds must keep to certain rules to fly; they must adopt certain positions for effective flight. “Well I feel I am caged in.” Listen: only in bondage to righteousness are we truly free. The one who feels free to drink and smoke anything sooner than later becomes an addict. How many suffer because of bondage to alcohol, sex and drugs! “I have no plans to be enslaved, just free to do anything, these desires come pretty strong and isn’t it best to give in once a while? And I was not talking about alcohol.” Yielding to the urge for sin depresses righteousness. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should Gal 5:17(CEV). Anyone who sins becomes enslaved by it: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! Jn 8:34(CEV). The struggles you have now will be overcome when you offer yourself as a slave to God and righteousness. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves, the benefit you reap is sanctification, and the result is eternal life Rom 6:22(ISV). Do you want a clean free holy life? Become a slave to righteousness.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
The Hired Servant week 30, 2012
Why do you call him that? He served you well. I don’t doubt that he did; but he still is a hired servant. All the features are there. Which features? You pointed out that he served well not so? He was very dedicated and committed and God has blessed him abundantly on every side. He has prospered financially; and has both male and female children. Yes he has received his pay and has retired from service. And when you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. As the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him Dt 15:13, 14(ESV).
He is still in church and has not retired. King Saul had retired from service many years even while sitting on the throne. Tell me how available he is for work. And when was the last time he participated in evangelism or led in prayers? He who before was the face of the ministry. These days we have to literally beg him before he comes around for anything. He speaks roughly, and now takes offense easily. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all… 2Ti 2:24(KJV). What activities and recreation are all around him lately? Is it not more and more commerce? Unedifying, suspect and occasionally out-rightly corrupting videos fill his parlour. Hasn’t he retired?
Don’t be too hard on him, he went through a hard time before his breakthrough. In those days he would go all night asking God to settle him, quoting scripture, claiming the headship. It is the hired hand that looks forward to his release date, that craves to be settled. The bondman craves for more service. In the day of his release volunteers himself for permanent service to the master. But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you …then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same Dt 15:16, 17(ESV).
So you want him to serve you always, eh? Why should I? Am I not a fellow servant? Was Paul’s pain over Demas selfish? For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2Ti 4:10(ESV). I wish he were running a successful ministry in that business; that he used it as a platform for evangelism, missions support, and mentoring young converts. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out… Mk 4:18, 19 (CEV).
He is still in church and has not retired. King Saul had retired from service many years even while sitting on the throne. Tell me how available he is for work. And when was the last time he participated in evangelism or led in prayers? He who before was the face of the ministry. These days we have to literally beg him before he comes around for anything. He speaks roughly, and now takes offense easily. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all… 2Ti 2:24(KJV). What activities and recreation are all around him lately? Is it not more and more commerce? Unedifying, suspect and occasionally out-rightly corrupting videos fill his parlour. Hasn’t he retired?
Don’t be too hard on him, he went through a hard time before his breakthrough. In those days he would go all night asking God to settle him, quoting scripture, claiming the headship. It is the hired hand that looks forward to his release date, that craves to be settled. The bondman craves for more service. In the day of his release volunteers himself for permanent service to the master. But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you …then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same Dt 15:16, 17(ESV).
So you want him to serve you always, eh? Why should I? Am I not a fellow servant? Was Paul’s pain over Demas selfish? For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2Ti 4:10(ESV). I wish he were running a successful ministry in that business; that he used it as a platform for evangelism, missions support, and mentoring young converts. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out… Mk 4:18, 19 (CEV).
Saturday, 14 July 2012
The Church's highest title Week 29, 2012
What is the highest title in the church? “The highest title is Bishop. You have the house of laity and the house of the clergy. Distinct among that class are bishops. In today’s church there is no higher title.” No, that is not the highest title in the church. There is a higher title than that. “Oh, I forgot. You mean the Archbishop ,no? Primate? Well Pope then. That is the highest title in the church …” Ha-ha. How wide off mark. Neither Archbishop, Primate, nor Pope is the highest title in the Bible. “Alright, bible eh? All of us are equal in God’s sight. There is none higher than the other.” I agree we are all equal in Christ, but that does not mean we all have the same status. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first Mat 19:30(ISV). Some people will be first and others last.
“Yes, I’ve got it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues 1Cor 12:28(ESV). An apostle is the highest office in the church.” I still disagree. None of these is the highest. I will ask you in another way. Who in the New Testament or church had the highest title, or were most significant? “I guess maybe Paul, or Peter, and they were apostles.” Alright. You don’t seem to get it. Let me show you. Rom 1:1 (LITV): Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God . “Eh! It clearly shows I am correct: it is the apostle.” When you have more than one title don’t you put the higher one first e.g. Prof (Dr)? “I agree. But what title other than apostle is in that verse?” Servant. Not only Paul regarded being a slave of Jesus primary and before his apostleship, so also did Peter. Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ…2Pt 1:1(LITV). In every place apostles introduced themselves with both titles, that of being a slave comes first. Even our Lord Jesus Christ has that title: Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4:30(GNB).
“I would hardly call a servant a title.” Why? “It’s so demeaning, so degrading. A title should lift you up, give you honour, an air of importance.” I see, perhaps you have not heard Jesus’ words to apostles in Mk 9:35(GW) He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.” The servant is the highest title; the servant of all.
How do you introduce yourself to God’s people?
“Yes, I’ve got it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues 1Cor 12:28(ESV). An apostle is the highest office in the church.” I still disagree. None of these is the highest. I will ask you in another way. Who in the New Testament or church had the highest title, or were most significant? “I guess maybe Paul, or Peter, and they were apostles.” Alright. You don’t seem to get it. Let me show you. Rom 1:1 (LITV): Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God . “Eh! It clearly shows I am correct: it is the apostle.” When you have more than one title don’t you put the higher one first e.g. Prof (Dr)? “I agree. But what title other than apostle is in that verse?” Servant. Not only Paul regarded being a slave of Jesus primary and before his apostleship, so also did Peter. Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ…2Pt 1:1(LITV). In every place apostles introduced themselves with both titles, that of being a slave comes first. Even our Lord Jesus Christ has that title: Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4:30(GNB).
“I would hardly call a servant a title.” Why? “It’s so demeaning, so degrading. A title should lift you up, give you honour, an air of importance.” I see, perhaps you have not heard Jesus’ words to apostles in Mk 9:35(GW) He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.” The servant is the highest title; the servant of all.
How do you introduce yourself to God’s people?
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Has God confirmed you week 28, 2012
“Yes I have been confirmed. It was a glorious service. My parents were there; even my godparents made it for the occasion. I’d been itching for my first communion…” Lovely, lovely, but has God himself confirmed you? “It is like you are teaching a new doctrine. I know the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria for confirmation. I know some people teach that after salvation you must be sanctified. Which other confirmation are you speaking of?” There is nothing new in God confirming people: He shall also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1Cor 1:8(MKJV).
God has been in the business of confirmation for a long time. When you were being confirmed you affirmed the faith expressed by your parents and sponsors at your baptism as your own not so? “Yes.” You remember the promise first came to Abraham when he was still in his father’s house. When he demonstrated his faith God confirmed him. Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. Now you see how Abraham's faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was real by what he did. Jas 2:21-22(CEV). As you were examined before confirmation by the bishop so shall God examine you so as to confirm you from above.
“I agree he demonstrated his faith but I see no confirmation here.” Don’t you? For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Heb 6: 16, 17(KJV). By taking an oath God confirmed Abraham. At the time of this confirmation God said "Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son ..." Gen 22:12(GNB). “Now I know” implies God needed to find out. The courts of heaven required proof of faith.
“I am ready to give proof by my obedience, will God now confirm me?” Amen; but note God’s confirmation means a period of suffering and harassment comes first: after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you 1Pt 5:10(ESV). “I will surely overcome the incident.” O, it’s not a once for all occasion as the confirmation service. 1Cor 1:8 is in the present continuous tense. As tests come in cycles He will keep giving you strength, keep confirming you, to the very end.
God has been in the business of confirmation for a long time. When you were being confirmed you affirmed the faith expressed by your parents and sponsors at your baptism as your own not so? “Yes.” You remember the promise first came to Abraham when he was still in his father’s house. When he demonstrated his faith God confirmed him. Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. Now you see how Abraham's faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was real by what he did. Jas 2:21-22(CEV). As you were examined before confirmation by the bishop so shall God examine you so as to confirm you from above.
“I agree he demonstrated his faith but I see no confirmation here.” Don’t you? For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Heb 6: 16, 17(KJV). By taking an oath God confirmed Abraham. At the time of this confirmation God said "Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son ..." Gen 22:12(GNB). “Now I know” implies God needed to find out. The courts of heaven required proof of faith.
“I am ready to give proof by my obedience, will God now confirm me?” Amen; but note God’s confirmation means a period of suffering and harassment comes first: after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you 1Pt 5:10(ESV). “I will surely overcome the incident.” O, it’s not a once for all occasion as the confirmation service. 1Cor 1:8 is in the present continuous tense. As tests come in cycles He will keep giving you strength, keep confirming you, to the very end.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Harvest at work week 27 2012
It was meant to be a routine call duty task, and I was somewhat tired. I was rostered to work with an internist. They help lighten the work and I looked forward to having one around. It was therefore not pleasing to me when I got a call from the one to work with me that day. “Please I will not be able to come and do the call today...” she said. That was disappointing enough, but her reason for not wanting to come made me cross. She said she was having waist pains! Imagine not coming to call because of dysmenorrhoea. I am a woman also and have done my work even with such episodes. The thought to insist on her coming to do the call came to mind but somehow I did not and let it pass. Even when I got into the hospital to take over from the morning staff and shared with them the words of my intern they did not appreciate her excuse.
Much to my surprise the intern who did the morning call volunteered to stay with me and help me through my call. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Mat 5:7(ASV).What a relief! I was not close to her as such and I wondered at her decision but she went about her work with me very cheerfully. She started singing a Christian song while doing her work. It struck me to ask her about her faith. I expected she was a Christian, but still I asked the question, “Are you born again?” fully expecting a “yes” from this good cheerful young lady. Instead she paused a while then said: “I try my best and attend church, but I don’t know what it means...” I had been asking God to use me, is this it? I asked “Do you think those good things will take you to heaven?” “Yes.” “Have you heard where it was said if you fail in one part of the law you have failed in all?” She looked confused. We were interrupted by a patient and I deferred the explanation. When she was free she returned to ask what I meant. I explained we are not justified by good works. “Jesus has been standing and knocking at the door of your heart and won’t force himself in. You have to ask him if not he is still outside Rev 3:20.” I asked her if she would pray with me. What would she do? Was I really about to lead her to Christ? She nodded and so we prayed together as I led her to Jesus. What gratitude I had towards God. I had come for work; God had a soul ready for harvesting! Suppose I had insisted the other intern must report for her duty despite her inconvenience; suppose I did not summon up courage to talk to her about Jesus? Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants Eph 5:16, 17(GW). The rest of the call went uneventfully. The following morning I shared the good news with a brother and we started praying for her. Sometime later I inquired after her and encouraged her to fellowship. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."Isa 6:8(ESV).
Ada is a laboratory scientist in Enugu
Much to my surprise the intern who did the morning call volunteered to stay with me and help me through my call. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Mat 5:7(ASV).What a relief! I was not close to her as such and I wondered at her decision but she went about her work with me very cheerfully. She started singing a Christian song while doing her work. It struck me to ask her about her faith. I expected she was a Christian, but still I asked the question, “Are you born again?” fully expecting a “yes” from this good cheerful young lady. Instead she paused a while then said: “I try my best and attend church, but I don’t know what it means...” I had been asking God to use me, is this it? I asked “Do you think those good things will take you to heaven?” “Yes.” “Have you heard where it was said if you fail in one part of the law you have failed in all?” She looked confused. We were interrupted by a patient and I deferred the explanation. When she was free she returned to ask what I meant. I explained we are not justified by good works. “Jesus has been standing and knocking at the door of your heart and won’t force himself in. You have to ask him if not he is still outside Rev 3:20.” I asked her if she would pray with me. What would she do? Was I really about to lead her to Christ? She nodded and so we prayed together as I led her to Jesus. What gratitude I had towards God. I had come for work; God had a soul ready for harvesting! Suppose I had insisted the other intern must report for her duty despite her inconvenience; suppose I did not summon up courage to talk to her about Jesus? Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants Eph 5:16, 17(GW). The rest of the call went uneventfully. The following morning I shared the good news with a brother and we started praying for her. Sometime later I inquired after her and encouraged her to fellowship. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."Isa 6:8(ESV).
Ada is a laboratory scientist in Enugu
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