When I a poor lost sinner before the Lord did fall
And in the name of Jesus for pardon loud did call
He heard my supplication and soon the weak was strong
For Jesus took my burden and left with me a song

Chorus
Yes Jesus took my burden I could no longer bear
Yes Jesus took my burden in answer to my prayer
My anxious fears subsided my spirit was made strong
For Jesus took my burden and left me with a song

Oft-times the way is dreary and rugged seems the road
Oft-times I’m weak and weary when bent beneath some load
But when I cry in weakness how long O Lord how long
Jesus takes the burden and leaves me with a song

When I was crushed with sorrow I bowed in deep despair
My load of grief and heartache seemed more than I could bear
Twas then I heard a whisper you to the Lord belong
Then Jesus took my burden and left me with a song

I’ll trust Him for the future He knoweth all the way
For with His eye He’ll guide me along life’s pilgrim way
And I will tell in heaven while ages roll along
How Jesus took my burden and left me with a song

This song was written by Rev. Johnston Oatman (1856-1922). He worked as a businessman most of his life, primarily in the insurance business. Although he never influenced the world via a pastorate in a church, his hymns have influenced many generations by their powerful, yet simple, messages. Songs like “No Not One” and “Count your blessings” contain great spiritual truths, but are also simple enough that a child can understand and relate to them.
Mr. Oatman was never paid more than $1.00 for any hymn that he ever wrote even though they were extremely popular and are found in many hymnals today. Rev. Oatman gave God at least 5000 burdens, pains and sorrows, for he wrote the same number of hymns. He may not have been wealthy in money but His account in heaven still overflows.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet 5:6, 7)

I pray today that if you have a burden you are bearing, that you will take that burden to the Lord and ask Him to exchange it for a song!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

 “Say to God: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to the work of our hands; for in You the fatherless find compassion.”

God says to you: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily…”

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them” (Hos 14)

This is the last chapter in the Book of Hosea, the prophet. The whole Book is sad and painful but at last we see the hope for the future. Hosea is a true prophet, his ministry is unique. God commands him to do a strange thing: to marry a prostitute and to have wayward children. His family life will be ‘hell on earth’. His pain is great; none can understand, except God who called him. His pain forces him to come closer to God. Hosea is God’s man, a true prophet to the nations!

These are the lessons for us:

1. REPENT AND RETURN – Stop and change direction in life. New strategy will be revealed, success assured! This is a period of transition in your life. It is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. Have hope! Have faith! Your latter part of life will be better than the first.
2. COME WITH YOUR WORDS – Pray continually! Pray more; in English and in the Spirit! God wants to hear your voice! Access is granted to you in His presence. Do not complain to men anymore. They can’t help you because God wants to talk to you. Reject the evil spirit of religion. Forgive all and forgive yourself. Bring to God all your questions, all your arguments, all pains and joys, your secret poems and buried songs, silent dreams, prophetic utterances and all. God wants to answer you Himself! You have been found faithful in little things – so you will have authority over greater things. This is God’s decree 
3. FRUITFULNESS AND INCREASE IS APPROVED – GOD LOVES YOUR FAMILY– You can only plant the seed. God alone gives the increase, the multiplication, the harvest. Your God is the God of your wife and the God of your children. God is with them as He is with you. They are not ‘second hand’ citizens. God has forgiven them from backsliding, rebellion and foolishness. They will change and serve God. You will never regret having children. They are God’s gift and reward. Give your children to God. You can never be their God. Only God is God! Let the Cross kill your natural emotions for your family. See them as God’s property. You have done your best as a parent. Now is time for God to take over your burden. Trust Him!
4. WISDOM WILL REWARD YOU WITH LONG LIFE –Foolishness and ignorance is shameful and a hindrance to progress. Wisdom comes from God and He will give you the power to live successfully, no regrets, no sorrow. Your life is not in the doctor’s hands. Your life belongs to God! God rewards you as you diligently seek Him! God will make your paths straight, simple and easy. You will be a sign and a wonder to people. They will be surprised at your new strength and joy to serve God. You will work less and you will make greater spiritual and eternal impact. Just promise to give all the glory to God!

You are forgiven, healed, made wise and loved freely!

To You O Lord be all the glory, now and forever!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

“Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better”
(Matthew Henry)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…And from such people turn away!
For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of GULLIBLE WOMEN LOADED DOWN WITH SINS, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but THEY WILL PROGRESS NO FURTHER FOR THEIR FOLLY WILL BE MANIFEST TO ALL as theirs also was” (2Tim 3:1-9)

As we see in the scriptures above, there is a peculiar danger coming against the women in the church. In the Bible, the man is the symbol of Christ and the woman is a symbol of the church. In other words, there is an attack coming from the evil spirit of religion upon the living churches!
These religious hypocrites are also cowards. Their victims of choice are the weak willed, doubting, religious women in the church. These are described as silly, foolish or gullible. The attack is also against the homes, for if the mothers are deceived, the children will also fall. That is the plan of the devil: The spiritual decline of the next generation!
We are told that these agents of the devil come ‘creeping’ into the homes. This word means to move slowly, close to the ground, on hands and knees, trying to escape notice. In Greek the word means to dress up, to wrap around with clothes. It is the picture of creeping plants around a tree. These people embrace you with open arms of fake love, which soon become the steel chains of bondage. Their friendship will weaken your spirit, your prayer life, your commitment to the way of the Cross and holiness. The proof that the relationship is demonic is this: If you try to break the relationship you shall experience fear of loneliness and unnecessary guilt.
‘I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God shall escape her but the sinner she will ensnare’ (Ecc 7:26)
These religious agents are trained in spiritual ‘creeping’. They look humble, timid, quiet, but they are extremely persistent and stubborn in evil doing. These are skillful, silent thieves. They come to steal your peace and joy or to damage your faith. They come to settle in your house as friends or prayer partners. They are smart enough to avoid confrontation at the beginning of the relationship. They look nice and spiritual. But their primary assignment is to establish a foothold for the devil to monitor and weaken your spiritual life. If you suspect them of evil they are ready to apologize, but after the apology, they still do not retreat their steps.
Lesson: Be careful with anyone who apologizes without producing fruits of true repentance for all to see!

‘From such turn away’ -we are commanded! ‘Turn away’ in Greek means to deflect, to avoid danger. It is like driving a car. You go on a straight path, but you do not sleep at the wheel. You are watchful to see any danger coming from the opposite direction. You are aware that on the same road there are drunk drivers or suicidal crazy people. You should not be ignorant of their plan to kill themselves, dragging you along in their destruction. Defensive driving is prudent driving. You have to be ready to quickly avoid a head on collision with these mad people.
Maturity means to be balanced in all things, strong when you need to be strong and flexible when you need to be flexible. This prudence proves your holy identity. ‘A prudent wife is from the Lord’ (PV 19:14)

Dear daughter, Come to the Cross! ‘There is room at the Cross for you…’ Come to Jesus! He alone is the Truth!
Truth is a Person. Truth is not a crowd. Truth is Jesus Christ. Truth is scarce. There are many liars but very few faithful and honest people in this world. Be such a one! Always fellowship with the Truth, no matter how painful it is, for the result is fruitfulness, freedom and glory. If you live by the truth you will never be lonely, for Truth is a Person. ‘Speak the truth in love…’ and lies can never kidnap your soul!
Dear Daughter, This attack is wicked and cowardly. But do not draw back! Be blind to what the devil shows to you! Open your eyes and see this season with the eyes of Christ! There is no need to weep! There is no need to fear! Strengthen yourself in the Lord! All the preparation in the past, all the fasting and prayers, all the prophetic utterances…these point to Jesus, your Lord! This is the time to stand for Jesus! We are not alone! Are you not seeing it? This is our moment to shine for Jesus! There is an open door of faith and ministry for the women of God at this very hour! May your eyes see the Cross and the glory that follow! Your reward shall be a greater anointing in ministry, spiritual maturity, the blessing of marriage and the heritage of godly children.
I plead the Blood of Jesus over your body, soul, spirit, marriage, work, ministry and children! I trust the speaking ‘of better things’, the preaching and pleading of the Blood of Jesus over you!
Even right now, I rejoice! The victory is ours,
In Jesus name,
Amen!

“Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are. They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.

So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? “Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important” (Col 2:18-23; TM)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
(2Tim 3:1-5)

The scriptures above give us a sad picture of humanity on earth. Basically, the people become worst; their hearts more corrupted and wicked as time passes by.
Since Pentecost, we are living in ‘the last days’. The second coming of Christ is imminent. We can see that the influence of evil, the spiritual darkness and ignorance increases day by day. It is more and more difficult to keep a strong and pure testimony as a child of God. The weapons of the devil are becoming more subtle. You need to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit to triumph in all temptations. That is why your primary desire is to know the Person of God the Holy Spirit! He is the key to success in all spiritual warfare. It is not as important to know who the devil is, as to know the One who defeated the devil. You need to fight all battles from a position of victory. That is the revelation of Calvary. Go to the Cross! Study it, and you shall be saved!

The greatest danger against the people of God comes from within, from men who claim to be saved but they are agents of the devil. You need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to identify such people. There is nothing in the natural to differentiate them from you and me. They quote the scriptures; they pray in tongues, they sing in the choir. They do much work in the church…
They claim to be born again and Spirit filled, but this is the danger: they are not! These are religious unbelievers!
The church is a mixed multitude. We do not drive people away just because they are unbelievers. We pray that more people should come to church, to listen to the Word of God, so that they may repent and be saved. But we are not ignorant of the possibility that active agents of the powers of darkness are on a mission to infiltrate the church and plant evil seeds of false doctrines and other deceptive ideas.
It is the prophetic responsibility of the leaders to sound the alarm, to call people to stand and pray. The pastors should call the attention of their congregations about attacks against the Body of Christ. The husband is to call his wife and children to warn and expose the attack of the devil upon their home. The wife is his helper in this holy work. In the absence of the husband, it is the wife’s responsibility to call the children to prayer and Bible studies. They should expose ‘the fruitless deeds of darkness’ for the Bible condemns ignorance, carelessness and false security, especially in time of war (Eph 5:11)

Who are these dangerous people? These are religious men and women who claim to be saved but are totally deceived. This is the truth: ignorantly or not, they work for the devil. They read the Bible and quote scriptures. They know the weakness of the children of God because of past familiarity with them. They direct their ‘ministries’ especially towards the immature, weak willed believers who have not paid the price for a spiritual established heart. They betray the interests of the Kingdom of God. It is said that the damage a traitor does from within is a thousand times greater than that of an army coming from outside.

Child of God, FEAR NOT!

It is time to sound your trumpet for Jesus Christ!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

We are building our new church sanctuary in Warri, Nigeria. Our church is called Father’s House Bible Church. The main sanctuary shall accommodate at least ten thousand people. Almost all the work is done by the brethren in the church. The senior pastor, Dr. Leigh (fondly called TaLeigh) supervises the building like ‘a spiritual engineer’. We have made a vow to  God that we shall not borrow money to build God’s house. He has promised to supply all that is necessary. God is faithful. Since we have started the construction there has been no accident, to theft, no fight. That is indeed a miracle. All the glory goes to God!

(bellow are some pictures as we continue to build)

‘He brings the clouds (of rain) to punish people, to water His earth and show His love’ (Job 37:13)

We just came from a trip to Israel.  Over there the land is dry, painfully longing for water. Just few hours of flight, and we arrived at Lagos airport. Since we came home, for the past one week, the rain has been pouring on and on. These are two different countries; these are two different seasons.  But this is the same earth and this is the same God.

Have you ever asked yourself, why does it rain? The scientists’ have their own answer. But for me, God’s truth reigns over all else. I see in the Bible that God sends the rain. No drop on my umbrella is there by mistake. God sends the rain for three main reasons:

The first is to punish, to chastise the people for their sins. During the time of Noah, the rain became a mighty flood of judgment. Only Noah and his family escaped the watery grave. During the time of Elijah, the withdrawal of rain was a sign of God’s anger, for the people gave themselves to wicked idolatry.

The second reason why there is rain, it is to water the earth for the plants to grow. God promised His people, that if they obey His Word, he will send rain from heaven. If they rebel against His Word, the drought will be the judgment of death (Deut 28)

The third reason is that rain is God’s sign of love and mercy to men. Even the unbelievers partake from this mysterious blessing (Mt 5:45). I look thru the window and see water covering my neighbor’s compound… I see some people with yellow rain-coats trying to find a way to cross…suddenly I get it: This is not just water! This rain is a sign from heaven! Warri, God loves you so much! His mercy is flooding your streets and your homes…other cities will envy you for the blessing of revival at last!

“There shall be showers of blessing:

This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing,

Sent from the Savior above…”

I hear the rain drops falling on the garage roof. Suddenly, it is not just the same repetitive, meaningless sound, coming from ‘the ordinary’ rain water.  Slowly…I start to hear a long forgotten tune I once knew as a child…then the words fill the gaps in between the drops and here is a poem…This is not just water falling…it is my Father’s cleansing embrace; His greeting and love song from afar…

’Look, He is coming with clouds…’ (Rev 1:7)

Suddenly I hear my name…I run outside and stand in the rain in my garden. I look up!  I throw away the umbrella. It has become my enemy now.  Drenched under the showers of blessings, mercy welcomes me in this new raining season. For such a long time I felt like a foreigner in Nigeria. But now, the rain has welcomed me home. This is my Father’s House! This is my Father’s Rain! This is my Father’s Love!

“Lord, I believe!”

‘Listen! My Lover! Look! Here He comes! Leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills…

‘Come away my Lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice laden mountains’ (SS 2:8; 8:14)

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, HE LED THEM UP ON A HIGH MOUNTAIN by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased. HEAR HIM! ” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.

But Jesus came and touched them and said, “ARISE AND DO NOT BE AFRAID! “

When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but JESUS ONLY” (Mat 17:1-8)

The Promised Land is relatively small in size. It is a land of great contrasts, never boring. It has very fertile areas and also desert places. It has mountains and valleys. While on earth, our Lord’s life was connected with different mountains.

The devil took Jesus on a mountain to tempt Him. Jesus thought His first sermon on the Mountain of Beatitudes. He was transfigured on Mount Tabor. He was crucified on Golgotha Hill and ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Mt 4:8, 5-7; 17:1- 8; 28:16; Lk 24:50, 51; Jn 19:17).

Today we shall discuss about the transfiguration of our Lord. We did He do that? What is the value of this experience? What are the lessons for us today?

Our prophetic word shall be: ‘It is time to climb up!’

We trust that the Holy Spirit shall help us to understand the message He speaks to the churches, in Jesus name, amen!

FIRST WARNING- PREPARE AND CLIMB SLOWLY!

We shall climb slowly to avoid what is called Altitude sickness: This is a medical advice but we shall apply it spiritually to our situations. Read and pray:

The human body behaves best at the sea level altitude where the oxygen level is 21%. The higher man goes, the more the challenge increases for the body to adapt to the lower concentration of oxygen.

The body becomes sick at an altitude higher than 2000 meters. The air becomes thinner and the low oxygen is affecting the body. Altitude sickness usually occurs following a rapid ascent and can usually be prevented by climbing slowly.

Generally, the symptoms resemble the flu (or malaria): weakness of the body and of the mind, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, stomach illness, dizziness and sleep disturbances (insomnia)

Some athletes train at higher altitudes and their red blood cells adapt by increasing the number. Then they come down to compete and they have the advantage in the race.

There is a limit after which the body cannot adapt to the low level of oxygen. The height above 8000 meters is called ‘death zone’ for no man can live there for long.

Now you can appreciate the sacrifice some men have paid to climb the highest mountains of this world. That is why they are called real champions. Any mistake at that altitude is fatal. It takes much preparation and courage to be a true champion!

These are basic revelations received ‘on the mountain’:

*Jesus Christ is Jehovah God!

Jesus Christ is God, Jehovah Elohim, the Creator of the heaven and earth!

On the mountain, we shall have an encounter with the Trinity! This will purify, establish and enlarge our spiritual vision of God. It will also plant the supernatural desire and burden for revival, on behalf of the people left behind in the valley.

Lesson: God knows when we dwell for too long in the valleys of life; when we become infatuated with family concerns, work, ministry, material prosperity, sickness and other temptations. We tend to forget the truth that Jesus is not just our Teacher, Savior and Friend. He is always much more than that: Jesus is God! He will call us to a higher vision of Himself!

*Jesus Christ alone choses the place for the revelation of His glory!

It is the desire of the Lord for us to go higher in our spiritual life. We do not go up on the mountain by ourselves. Jesus ‘led them up’ and they followed. Jesus chose the particular place to reveal His glory. Jesus will choose the particular form of blessing and promotion for you, as a background for His glory in your life.

Lesson: Do not assume that you know the place of blessings. Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus! (Lk 9:23)

*Jesus alone choses the particular people who shall be ‘promoted’ spiritually!

Jesus had many followers, coming along for different reasons. From among the crowd He chose 70 and He gave them the blessing of ministry. Furthermore, He chose the 12 disciples who followed Him closer. But for this trip on the mountain, to receive this peculiar intimate revelation about His person, He further selects only three: Peter, James and John. These three are clearly the most spiritual, dedicated and loyal to Him. They are the same three who follow Jesus in the house of Jairus, to witness the miracles of resurrection of his daughter. Peter, James and John were also the same three who followed Him to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mk 5:37; Mt 26:37)

The lesson is this: be humble and faithful in the ‘valley’ ministry and God will call you to climb unto His Mountain!

Your reward will be the priceless gift called ‘the assurance of salvation’. God will seal you with greater understanding, anointing and authority for ministry.

This is what Peter said later:

‘For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  And we heard this voice which came from

heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain (2Pet 1:16-18)

May you desire a fresh encounter with our Lord!

May you long for His presence only!

May you have the courage to leave behind your family and friends, and pay the price to climb the mountain of holiness!

May you pay the price and pray for revival!

In Jesus name, amen!

At 29,028 feet (8,848 meters), Mount Everest is the tallest mountain of the world. It is considered one of the most challenging mountains to climb.

Though it’s impossible to say how many people have reached Everest’s summit at any given time since the number changes every year over 3,100 climbers from over 20 countries had made over 5,100 recorded climbs between 2000 and 2011. As of 2012 there were over 220 recorded fatalities. Modern changes in climbing equipment led to a sharp drop in fatalities, from 37% in 1990 to about 4.4% in 2004.

This is a list of true champions who reached the top of Mount Everest:

The first officially recorded summit was accomplished by Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) (29 May 1953).

The first woman to climb it was Junko Tabei, from Japan (1975).

Reinhold Messner (Italy) and Peter Habeler (Austria) were the first to climb it without supplemental oxygen (8 May 1978)

Min Bahadur Sherchan (Nepal), at 76, is the oldest person to summit the mountain (25 May 2008)

Tamae Watanabe (Japan), at 73, is the oldest woman to reach the top (19 May 2012)

Jordan Romero (USA), at 13, is the youngest person to summit the mountain (25 May 2010)

Erik Weihenmayer (USA), is the first blind climber to summit the mountain (25 May 2001). After that, he wrote a book called: ‘Blind to failure’

Apa Sherpa (Nepal)is the person who has made the most summits as of 2011, a total of 21 times.

Mona Mulepati and Pem Dorje Sherpa (Nepal) is the first couple to get married on top of Mt. Everest (30 May 2005). Because they belong to different caste they married without the consent of their parents!

(All this information I gathered it from different sites on the internet)

“Before the mountains were born…from everlasting to everlasting, You are God!” (Ps 90:2)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of GULLIBLE WOMEN LOADED DOWN WITH SINS, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 3:1-7, NKJ)

The women who fall during the trials of faith are called silly or gullible. If you look in the dictionary, you see that the definition of these words is fearful and tragic. A silly person is one who has a weak mind or a weak will. She is like a primitive, naked man who lives in the jungle, illiterate and unexposed to any form of education or culture. A silly woman is like someone who lives in the past, who has never seen a book or a TV set. She looks like she is under a spell, sleeping even when standing. She hears the sermon but she cannot ‘come to the knowledge of the truth’. She comes to church regularly, but this is a useless religious sacrifice. She may be old in age, but she has the mind of a baby. She cannot contribute intelligently to any discussion, especially to spiritual conversation. People do not trust her with anything serious. She may marry, but she can never be a true spiritual helpmeet to her husband or a teacher to her children. God forbid!
To be gullible it means to be easily duped or cheated. This woman makes unnecessary mistakes and she often fails in her assignments. She wastes good opportunities. She loses money thru wrong investments. She may look generous but her kindness is the result of manipulative spirits who deceive her mind. God forbid!
The devil has no compassion. Do not be sorry for the devil! Learn to separate from anything that corrupts and defiles your spirit. Make friends with true women of God. These are rare treasures but if you pray and seek them, you will find them.
As wives, ‘submit to your husband as unto the Lord’ (Eph 5:22). This is not a foolish submission unto bondage and sin. Marriage is designed by God to be a blessing and a protection against all sin, including deception. Talk to your husband about things that bother you. Trust that God will speak thru him. Any friend you have that your husband is not pleased with, just separate from such. Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If one falls, the other is to be strong and lift the wounded up (Ecc 4:10).
Read the Bible and pray daily; not to impress others with your spirituality but to give glory to God and to mature spiritually. Read the Bible until you find Christ talking to you from within its pages. Pray also that you may find the gift called ‘the assurance of salvation’. There are scriptures who can definitely impart that blessing to your spirit.
This is the holy road of the Cross! I encourage you to move on, fully confident that ‘God who started a good work in you, shall complete it until the day of Christ Jesus’ (Phi 1:6).
Finally, remember: ‘The reason why the Son of God was manifested was to destroy the devil’s work’ (1Jn 3:8)
May you take pleasure in destroying the devil’s works, thru the knowledge of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit!
In Jesus name,

Amen!

‘The true meaning of words is only learned in the school of affliction’

(Mrs. Herman, 18^th Century)

‘O righteous God who searches the minds and the hearts; bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure!’ (Ps 7:9)

Psalm 7 is one of the imprecatory Psalms of David. The word ‘imprecatory’ means to ask God to judge, to curse your enemies. David is slandered and persecuted unjustly. He is a warrior, not a coward. The easiest option for him is to fight back and kill his opponent. But we see here that David choses to pray. He is asking God to intervene, to defend and to protect him.

Question: what do you do when evil attacks you, slanders your good name and provokes you, for no good reason?

Apparently, the enemy slanders David in the way he uses his power and his wealth. He calls David oppressor and tyrant, with no care for others. The attack is on David’s character as a man of God and a ruler of men. By the way, this attack comes to all children of God who are in positions of authority.

David then asks God to judge the motives of all his actions and judgments. He knows that he has to be ‘cleared’ out first before he can ask God to judge another. David comes willingly before the throne of God for the judgment of his heart. He is innocent of any wrong doing but only God knows the truth.

‘Judge me O Lord according to my righteousness; according to my integrity, O Most High’

The word ‘integrity’ means honesty, the absence of hypocrisy. In Hebrew it means perfection, completeness, simplicity and prosperity. David wants God to X-ray his heart about the ways he came to power and the means he used to become rich. He is not conscious of any selfish ambition or wickedness in his dealings with men, friends or enemies.  He is confident that all his blessings are gifts from God and he did not corrupt them thru worldly means. David also knows that the blessings of God are free from ‘sorrows’ (PV 10:22). He sees that the enemy’s attack and slander upon his name is totally evil. Therefore, he rejects the attack thru this imprecatory prayer.

In other words, David tells God:

“Lord, my enemies have surrounded me like hungry lions. They attack me with wicked tongues. They want to add sorrow upon the blessings You gave to me. They want me to feel guilty about the prosperity You granted me. They want me to abandon the position, the promotion You gave to me.

I need Your help, Lord…

I am not aware of any wickedness in my heart concerning my relationship with You or my dealings with men. You called me, I did not call myself! You made me king and ruler over men! I did not impose myself upon this throne where I sit now! You made me rich and prosperous. I did not dream about millions, fashions, chariots or crowns…

My enemy claims that I stole this wealth; that I cheated others to assume this office; that I killed my opponent to become who I am today. Lord, only You alone can help me! I put my trust in You!  Arise to defend me from malicious tongues who hate Your grace upon my life. Arise, O Lord! Do not keep quiet! Judge my case, for You are the Judge of all the earth! I trust You, Lord! Give me a testimony of honor, proven holy character and righteous vindication!

Punish my enemy! Like Pharaoh in Egypt, let the sea cover my persecutors! Like Haman of old, who built the gallows for Mordecai, let my enemy fall in the pit he has prepared for me! Let the trouble and the violence my enemy has brought to my soul, go back to his head. Let the sorrow he gave to me be his portion! Fight for me O Lord, for Your name in my life is at stake! Vengeance is Yours, O Lord!

You are Jehovah Elyon! I bring to You this little prayer! Use it to fight my strong enemies! I vow to praise Your name forever: for the turning of the tables, for the miraculous victory and the mighty triumph!

I will sing Your praises, unashamed and free! I will continue to be generous to many who are in need, planting seeds of righteousness wherever I go! Thanksgiving in my heart will remain my daily sacrifice!

Amen!”