“These people are grumblers and fault-finders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (Jude 1:16)

In the ‘last days’ dangerous people shall be used by the devil to cause much damage to others, to relationships and to the Body of Christ. Many marriages will end in divorce because of the ignorance of such spiritual issues. These are negative people who criticize some and flatter others, as they like. They crate divisions and confusion. These ‘grumblers and fault-finders’ are proud, selfish and immature men and women who ignorantly connect with the devil, also called the Accuser of the Brethren. I pray that you may ‘see’ the danger and fight against the influence of such evil spirits over you and your home!

THE ACCUSER- DEFINITION

*Someone who finds fault attacks and offends others especially in public

*He who blames and condemns others openly, holding them responsible for his own sins

*He who boldly confronts others, face to face and demand they prove their identity or qualifications

*He that resists and provokes others so that they sin when responding in anger

*He that treats others as enemies, opposes them (in the court of law), in the presence of witnesses

An accuser is someone who is a fault finder. A moral fault is a weakness, a sign of an imperfect character. It is a sign that the person failed under stress; was not able to abide in the truth and compromised his conscience. It is a sign of an error in choice making and of failure of judgment because of inadequate knowledge and loss of focus. Mostly it is as a result of confusion and fear. It ends with disappointment of expectations, shame and guilt.

The devil accuses the children of God, looking for their faults and weaknesses, to put them to shame and guilt.

Reading these words, maybe you feel discouraged already and you ask yourself: Who then can stand? Who is so mature without faults and weaknesses? Who can in his own power resist and fight the devil? The truth is: none! That is why we are commanded to press on into the fullness of Christ, to become mature and tried in character, dead to the flesh and alive in the Spirit. This is such a simple advice, clearly commanded in the Bible, but, O…so few obey it. Constant victory in spiritual warfare is a sign of spiritual maturity and a proof of an established heart in Christ.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev 12:11)

The first thing to do is to repent from all sins. Stop speaking negative things. Stop grumbling! Reject bitterness! Be grateful to God for your life, however it is! It can be worse than that! Thank God for His grace! Stop finding faults with others. Nobody is perfect!  Like the merchant looking for the pearl of great value, seek to find blessings in others! Look for good things in them and encourage them!  Sever all connections with the devil, the Accuser of the Brethren. Child of God, be encouraged! Victory is possible! That is why Jesus Christ died on the Cross, to set you free from the punishment, bondage, shame, guilt and power of sin! Freedom is not only promised! Freedom is a blessing available to all believers in Christ Jesus! Resist the devil and he must flee form you! Be free! Be a blessing!

In Jesus name, amen!

“Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace… So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter” (Est 5:1, 2)

This evening we have our mid-week service. Each time I enter the sanctuary I prepare my heart with a scripture or prayer. This evening I am inspired by my sister, Queen Esther. This is a glimpse of a wonderful and powerful act of worship. Esther is in serious trouble. It is a matter of life or death. She needs the help of the king. She dresses with her royal robes and stands at a distance facing the throne. Her life is in his hands. The king sees her there. A life time of romance passes by in a moment of time. Will love live or die? Suddenly, the king lifts his golden scepter towards her. She draws near the throne, bows down at his feet and touches the scepter. She acknowledges the authority of the king and she submits to him. Then the king offers to her ‘even half of his kingdom’.

This is the story of ‘the third day’, the resurrection day, when death has died. Esther represents us, the worshippers. I dress with the royal robes of righteousness, purchased for me by the Lord, at the Cross. I stand at the Door of the sheep. Jesus is that Door. Jesus is my Shepherd. I know His voice. I long to hear His voice afresh…

I face the throne of mercy and grace. I come in boldly, in faith and submission, in worship and with a burden of prayer. I find favor with Him who seats on the throne. The King of kings lifts up the golden scepter of grace towards me. I draw near, bow at His feet and touch that amazing glorious grace. I openly acknowledge that Jesus is Lord!  That Jesus is my Lord! I love You, Lover of my soul…All fear is gone! In His presence there is fullness of joy. No matter the situation, from this moment on, “I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me” (Ps 32:4). Comforted by His majesty, strengthen by His raisins of hope, I call on you brethren follow me, to come in. Draw near and touch God’s grace! Great blessings shall overflow your situation…Come…Come…I left the door open for you…

“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord

Shall flourish in the courts of our God

They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing,

To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Ps 92:12-15)

The Cedar of Lebanon is a beautiful evergreen tree that grows on the mountains of Lebanon, Israel and Turkey. It starts to flower late, when it is about 30 years old. The oldest trees found in Lebanon are more than 1000 years. These are symbols of fruitful old age, mature spiritual men and women, serving God and His people in the church.

In the secular world old age is something to be dreaded. This is because most young people fear to lose strength and beauty. I still remember how I felt as a teenager. For me, a person in his forties was ‘old’.  I felt sorry that life has passed them by. I thought that old men have no hope. I hated to think of the future for that future included the fearful mystery called old age. When my parents retired from teaching, I felt sorry for them. Staying at home every day seems like punishment. Some old people were happy to retire so that they have more time to pursue their hobbies. But most retirees got old quick and did not enjoy their season of harvest on earth.

When I became a believer, I had to reevaluate all my definitions and principles. My understanding of all things pertaining to life had to be based on the Word of God. My Romanian background, my family values and the culture I come from, all these had to bow to the Word of God. The mind of Christ overwhelmed them all. I discovered that old men in the Bible are at least as useful as the younger generation. I also discovered that God has a plan and a purpose for each season in our lives. The grace of God does not diminish as we get older. There is no retirement from serving God.  I am impressed with the fruitful life of old servants of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Caleb, Daniel, Simeon, Ana, Zechariah and Elizabeth, and many others. Apostle Paul calls himself ‘an old man’ (Philemon 1:9) but he still writes letters to others, travels and does ministry unto the end.

In the church, there is always need for older men and women to lead, counsel, teach and mentor the younger generation. An older preacher who is on fire for the Lord is a treasure to be cherished.  He knows the Word of God and he has life experience on his side. The older people have more time to study the Word of God, to pray, fast and intercede, to encourage others thru Emails and phone calls. Because their material needs are less, many old people have extra money that can be used in blessing others in need. Also, they can open their houses to practice the ministry of home fellowships. Therefore this is the best time to invest in their heavenly account.

This is the conclusion: God can use any man or woman who is willing to serve Him! The young and the old!  We can’t stop the aging process but we can be renewed daily and retain a young fresh active and joyful spirit to continue ministry (2Cor 4:16). It is only death that should stop us from doing ministry on earth. Let the younger generation learn to respect the old saints and submit to their wisdom and anointing. Let the older people continue to serve God! As for me and my household, we shall worship and serve God to the end!

In Christ I declare:

With long life God will satisfy me and show me His salvation!

My spirit shall be fresh and fruitful even in my old age!

I am a teacher, a mentor and a mother in Zion to the younger generation!

My body gets older but my spirit is renewed daily!

I honor and respect the older saints and mentors from whom I’ve learned so much!

I shall declare the wonderful works of God to the end!

For as long as I have breath, I shall preach the Word of God!

My life shall give glory to God unto my last breath on earth!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Eph 6:1-3)

This testimony is given to the glory of God all and to honor my father, Professor Albai Ion, who is now in heaven. By honoring him I claim the promise to live a long and happy life on earth. In Jesus name, amen!

This evening I remember an event in my life, something that happened long ago. I was a teenager. I won the competition as the best in mathematics in my junior secondary school in Orsova, Romania. In that capacity I went to the state capital for the bigger competition, representing my school. Over there I met other champions from all over the state. Most of them were boys. I still remember how confident they looked, well dressed, talking confidently and discussing their exploits in the field of mathematics. No one noticed me and if they did so, they did not talk to me.

This is a little from my background: My school was a small school. I went there with my father who was my teacher in primary school. He always encouraged me not to be intimidated by anyone. He told me to relax and do my best. Even today I still feel his love for me. He said that he trusts me to win the competition. I went inside the exam hall. He was waiting outside the door. That gave me a good feeling, that I am not alone. Both of us were hungry for the train was late and we had no time to eat. He promised to take me to a fancy restaurant after the exam.

I kept quiet and tried to relax, as my father advised me to do. I ignored the ‘confident’ boys. Then the man with the envelope came and gave us the test. It was a difficult formula. I knew that if I can find the ‘secret key’ everything will fall into place. I quickly scanned the numbers. I eliminated the unnecessary things. I completed the easy ones, helping myself to go to the heart of it all. Then suddenly I had a flash of inspiration and I ‘saw the answer’. I finished in a record time. I was the first to give my paper. Going forward I saw the loud boys sweating and struggling. I somehow knew that they got lost in the details. I just knew that I am the winner. Just like my father said…

I came out from the exam hall, happy with my performance and happy that I will not keep my father hungry for too long. He kept his promise. We went to a fancy restaurant, the best I have ever entered in my life. I was the only child there but I was treated as an adult. I liked that feeling. I don’t think I remember what I ate for I was too excited with everything that day. We came back to the school in the afternoon. I went in as my father waited outside once more. They announced the results. One of the boys was in the third place. The most confident boy took second. Then silence filled the room. Who can be the mysterious champion? My name was announced as the winner of the state mathematic Olympiad. It was an ‘awesome moment’, as they say it. This is the first time that I was ‘seen’ as a champion outside my home. Later the other boys graciously congratulated me. Yes, it feels good to win! This is a true story. My certificate is still in my parents’ house, somewhere in an old drawer.

This story happened so long ago. It is like another life. But I never forgot it. I was not a believer. My family too did not believe in God. But God used the events of that day to teach me so much. These are few of the life lessons that stayed with me all this time:

*Each child is special!

*Do your homework! If you really prepare well for an exam, you shall pass it!

*Do not be intimidated by anyone! Mind your own business and you shall succeed!

*Humility and hard work are dynamite! They make a true champion!

*The love of the father is a wonderful blessing! Good parents invest blessings in their children!

*Be grateful if someone encourages you and trusts in you! That is the gift of God!

*I wait outside the door as my children pass exams in life! I walk with them in their challenges!

*I do not give up on my children! They are not left alone! I passionately love my children!

*It does not matter if you come from a simple or poor background! Things can suddenly change for better!

*Victory is possible! Dreams do come true!

I am now a mother and a grandmother. I have natural and spiritual children. It is a privilege to invest seeds of hope and faith in them. I pray for them, that they live spiritual, happy, fruitful and fulfilled lives! That their dreams will come true! I pray that they can overcome all inferiority complexes and obstacles in life and become true champions in whatever field God has assigned to them.

Lastly, my father, Prof Albai Ion is in heaven now. I know that he smiles as I type this letter… To God be all the glory!

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph 6:13)

The closer you go to the light, the more the pain and persecution. The closer you go to the center of Truth, to the deeper understanding of the Gospel, the more the devil will attack. A Christian is someone who knows how to dress well, how to put on the whole armor of God which is Christ Himself. Without this armor, you will fail in that evil day. This is how it is: For a long time things go well, and suddenly, unexpectedly, you shall be attacked by vicious evil forces of darkness. This is called an ‘evil day’. It is filled with a mysterious sadness and difficult to explained weakness. The word ‘evil’ means malice, slander, sickness, guilt, lustful thoughts, wickedness and vicious imagination. You feel like dying, but you shall not die! You feel sick, weak and sad…but these are only passing emotions that will soon go away. I promise!

It is a great thing to testify that you have done all that you can do to arrive in this place. You can only do your best! Now stand! You need to learn how to stand! Use the little strength left to you to stand, to abide in the same spot, to preserve the past gains, to hold on in the assurance that you are not alone and Christ is with you! Do not trust your feelings! Trust God! Dressed with the armor of God, stand therefore! You may not be able to make visible progress, but standing and defending your established position is called progress too.  Please remember, it is only an evil day, not an evil month or a whole evil year! The trouble will soon pass and you shall have a new reason to testify to God’s faithfulness and love! If you are there, just hold on….Do not even think of backsliding! The story is not over! The Helper is on His way! God is never too late! You shall yet praise Him! I promise!

The prayer meeting was wonderful. We praised God and prayed. Led by the Holy Spirit we did something special and holy today. There is a young brother in our church who just lost his mother. He was supposed to marry since last year but he did not have a job. Finally the opportunity came early this year. The wedding was to be in July. But something sad happened: his mother had car accident and drowned in the river. She was buried yesterday. The brother came to the prayer meeting this evening. He was standing alone at the back of the sanctuary. I saw him there and called him to the altar. We prayed for him. He prayed and prophesied for himself. Then by faith, the married men ‘adopted’ him and promised to help him in every way possible, spiritually, emotionally and financially so that the wedding can still hold in July. We declared that all help giving to this wounded soldier shall be counted as credit in our heavenly account. The married made a circle around him and embraced him praying, in a way only men of God can do. His ashes became beauty by the power of the Holy Spirit. Than You Lord Jesus!

Then the Word came:

PIERCING GREED
“For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1Tim 6:10)
This is a warning to the believers! The devil wants to pin you down! In Greek, the sentence ‘love of money’ means greed, avarice or covetousness. Avarice is defined as an excessive, selfish and unsatisfied desire for wealth or material gain.   This love of money is ‘the root’ and not ‘a root’ of evil. The word ‘evil’ means something bad, wicked, worthless; able to injure or to cause sickness. To be worthless it means to have no value, no effect, to be useless, unable to serve of help. This love of money is a great deception for with all that wealth on earth, you are left poor and sick, without helper or comfort. This love of money is able to make you ‘wander from the faith’. The word means to be seduced, to be lead astray from truth, faith and safety. This is a dangerous downhill fall. The danger is to ‘be pierced with many griefs’. The word ‘pierce’ means to penetrate entirely, to transfix. It means to impale and hold motionless. To impale it means to pierce with a pointed weapon; to torture, to fix in an inescapable and helpless condition (like insects with a needle in an insectarium).

The picture is that of a man, walking on a safe and happy road. Suddenly he goes aside to pluck a poisonous plant that has thorns on its body. He only sees the beauty of that flower. He is unaware of the poisonous thorns that will torment him a life time and make him incurable sick.  The word ‘hasten’ means to flow like water, fast, reckless and dangerous, like a car without breaks going downhill.  He will suffer and die by the road side, seeing others happily moving on. The griefs are the bitter regrets and pangs of conscience that cannot stop until death comes. What a tragic picture… “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another (god)” (Ps 16:4)

Father God we repent of all forms of idolatry, greed, avarice, covetousness, ungratefulness, wickedness and selfish ambitions. We chose to worship You alone! We are grateful for Your Provision! In Christ we declare that You are our God! You are our Portion in the Land of the living! You are our Reward!  In Jesus name, amen!

(in the picture you see a butterfly impaled on a pin)

This is part of a letter from a young man who was our children’s friend. He is now an adult, a very successful man in his career.He is married with a daughter. After more than 25 years, he contacted me. He says that his spiritual life is not too good. He wants to be better and suddenly, he remembered me. He wants me to advice him. This is part of my answer to him .These words may benefit someone there who has similar struggles. To mature spiritually is very important! If you are spiritually stagnant, you can never be happy as a Christian! Pay the price! God will make a way!

“Dear …
I am so happy to hear from you, after so many years…I am also happy to know that you are now married and a father too! Thank God!

I still remember you…The number one challenge you had in the past is that you often compared yourself with others. The Bible calls that foolishness (2Cor 10:12). You have to ‘forget’ other people. You have to chose to discover your own path in life. I believe that God has given you the gift of leadership but you have not being willing to step into it. You chose to follow others even when you should lead.

This is a question: When last you had ‘a heart to heart’ spiritual discussion like this one? You wife is also a very important factor in your spiritual search because she is one with you. If she is willing to pay the price to be a true spiritual helper, then your labor will be less and your progress faster. But if she is not willing to help and challenge you, if she accepts you as you are at the present, then she is not helping you.

However is the situation you have to go to the cross of Christ and see the price God Himself payed to save your soul. The Cross will ignite something in your spirit, a new passion, a fire for your ‘first love’, which is too strong to take second place (Rev 2:4,5). Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is the answer to your problems!
Keep in touch…
Your mother in Christ
Malia”

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2Cor 10:12)
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Rev 2:4, 5)

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh 1:5)

I just received a message from a sister in Christ. This is her testimony: She works in a good company. She is a born again committed Christian. She is very good and faithful in her job. She has favor with her boss. But the boss’ secretary, an older woman has been a trouble maker since she got her employment there. She has been working there for many years. She is very negative, manipulative and intimidating. Many fear her, what she will say or do.

When this sister told me to pray about this situation, I told her that it may be possible the secretary is a witch; that she used occult means to stay for so many years in that job. I told the sister that the light of God upon her disturbs the evil woman. I advised her to use prayer as a weapon. I told her to just greet her “Hi or Hello” (as they greet in the US) and never to say “Good morning Ma” to her again. For that will mean to strengthen a wicked woman who can never be her mother. We prayed together that this woman will either repent, give her life to Christ or that she will leave that office. That prayer was about 6 months ago.

The sister just told me that the woman was sacked today. After almost 20 years of being the ‘queen’ of the company, she will be there no more.

This testimony is given to the glory of God, to the shame of the devil and for the encouragement of the brethren all over the world.

This is God’s promise: “God is just: he will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled” (2Thess 1:6, 7)

The word ‘trouble’ means persecution, wickedness and oppression. The word relief means to be free from unnecessary burdens, to be delivered, to be able to relax, to work less with greater results and more benefits. That blessed freedom is your portion!

Dear Child of God! These are facts: God hears and answers your prayers! Pray in all situations! Believe God and His prophets! Trust God for your deliverance, breakthrough and success! God loves you! God will help you! Wait and be patient! Help is on the way! Serve God the best you can! Just be ready to give God all the glory! You shall have many testimonies too! In Jesus name, amen!

“Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us… Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves…” (Josh 9:22-23)

Here we see how the Gibeonites deceived the children of God. This is a warning for all! This is the reality: true believers can be deceived and backslide for a time. But please observe that the victory of the enemy can never be complete! There are three major successes the Gibeonites may have wanted, but failed to achieve. The first is that they could not turn back the Jews; they were not able to send them back to Egypt. Secondly, they could not expel the Jews out of the Promised Land. Lastly, they could not stop the progress and destiny of the people of God. Israel continued to do great exploits and finally occupied the Promised Land. At last, Joshua calls the deceivers ‘cursed’ and slaves forever.

The Bible offers us the greatest encouragement. The only way the devil makes the Christian fall into sin is thru deception. No true child of God will sin openly and willfully. A believer may be deceived and fall into sin. For a time, he becomes a backslider. But even so, just like with the Jews, he will not lose its eternal salvation. A backslider loses the joy of his salvation, the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit and great opportunities or rewards for ministry. These are serious losses. But no believer will ever become an unbeliever again and ‘go back to Egypt’. They cannot be uprooted from Christ. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! If the devil likes it or not, our destiny as children of God shall be fulfilled! This is what I believe!

God works in all things for His glory and for the good of His people. This is how hope: God is never deceived. God will chastise His children. He will eventually bring them back to the Cross and the journey to give glory to God continues. A righteous man or woman may fall seven times but will surely rise again (PV 24:16). This is the promise of God!

Dear Child of God, be encouraged! Even if you fall, you shall rise again. The devil may steal your money or your joy but he has no power to send you to hell! You shall fulfill your destiny! For God’s name and reputation is at stake in your life! God is faithful! God can never lose any battle! He is able to complete and perfect your testimony! For His glory alone! In Jesus name, amen!

“But the children of Israel did not attack them, because the rulers of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the congregation complained against the rulers” (Josh 9:18)

This is the story of how the Gibeonites deceived Joshua and the other leaders. Disappointed, the people of God complained against their own rulers. They were ready to attack the city of Gibeon, to conquer it and take the booty. But Joshua stopped them because of the covenant of friendship they made with the Gibeonites. Even if it was the result of manipulation or deception, they could not cancel the covenant once made. Then the people ‘complained’. In Hebrew, the word means to murmur, to be stubborn or to carry a grudge. The people grumbled the whole night, refusing to move and co-operate the next day. To complain it means to accuse someone of causing pain and grief. Complaining is the beginning of rebellion.

For the past 24 hours three married women in our church have informed me that they are pregnant. All three had medical problems and declared ‘infertile’ by the doctors. I rejoice with them. It also means that our congregation is fruitful, for by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every truth is established. It is a wonderful privilege to be pastor to a living church. God bless Father’s House Bible Church Warri, Nigeria! Praise the Lord!!!! To God be all the glory!

For all who pray to be parents, this is the Word of God: “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb…” (Deut 28:11)

“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2Cor 5:7)
When preaching about living by faith and not by sight, the example of the Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert of Africa is a very god example. They really live ‘like the birds’. They do not farm or store their food. They hunt animals or gather fruits to eat. They live in temporary shelters and are ready to move on any day. They usually possess only what they can carry. The only concession most Bushmen have made to the modern era is wearing clothes. The desert is a very harsh environment. For a stranger, there is no food available. They are very good in reading ‘the signs of the times’. They know much about animals and how to hunt them. They use poisonous bow and arrows. They cook or fry the meat in the fire. They are very artistic. They draw in the caves scenes of their daily life. Most of them are pagans. They need faith daily to survive.
They do not look good to our ‘civilized’ eyes. They do not look like they can teach us anything. Is there any lesson?
What is the lesson? If we as Christians have such faith, we shall never complain about any hardship. We shall trust God daily for our daily bread and make much progress in life.
“Dear Lord, increase our faith! In Jesus name we pray, amen!”

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the way that is good and right” (1Sam 12:23)

This is what Samuel told the people of Israel, after they rejected Jehovah as their God and Samuel as a prophet. To pray is the mark of a true believer. You do not pray to please men You pray because of your relationship with God.

The Gibeonites succeeded in convincing the Jews that they can be good friends (Joshua 9). The people of God agreed to make friends with them. God commanded them not to make any covenant of friendship with the Canaanites for their will lead them astray (Deut 7). The reason why they fell to deception is that they did not pray. They did not ask the counsel of God. Lack of prayer is the main reason why believers are deceived. The devil deceives many into friendships or marriages with unbelievers. This form of deception is more common than you imagine.

The lesson here is this: always pray about everything! In things big or small, remember to acknowledge God. If ever you have been deceived, repent also of the sin of prayerlessness. Be careful especially in times when you ‘fall in love’, when you make commitments to ‘nice’ strangers. Pray that God will reveal the truth, for only Him knows the hearts of all men. “The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (PV 12:26)

This is my testimony: I love to pray! Prayer to me is like oxygen for my lungs, like food for my stomach. If God answers me or not I will continue to pray. Sometimes is easy and sometimes is hard. But I can never stop praying! Even if the devil begs me on his dirty knees, even if circumstances are difficult, I shall continue to build up my prayer life. For I do not know of any other way how to live my life! I cannot forget to pray, for prayer has become a part of me! To God be all the glory!

“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (PV 29:5)

Religious flattery is a common tool of deception used by the devil. Flattery is defined as insincere praise. It is a lie designed to make you proud and to weaken you spiritually. This flattery is a snare to cage your soul. Your mind, emotions and will shall be restricted if you allow flattery to poison your soul.

I read somewhere that the great preacher Charles Spurgeon was congratulated at the end of a Sunday service by one of the elders in his church who said to him: ‘Pastor, this is very good preaching! This is the best sermon you have ever preached!” The old wise man of God answered: “This is exactly what the devil whispered into my ears few minutes ago”.

What is the lesson? What should you do when people ‘compliment’ you, when they tell you that you are beautiful, that you sing well or that you preach wonderfully? Always be ready to give God ALL THE GLORY (not part of it) for any success He grants you to experience in life. Then you are free from the dangerous snare of flattery. Then you shall grow from strength to strength and shall do exploits! You shall be humble and wise! God’s favor shall be your portion! In Jesus name, amen!

This is a letter from a young sister. She is happily married with a baby. She has been struggling to overcome inferiority complex, doubt and fear of the future. She has made great progress. Please pray for her. God will perfect the good thing he has started.
This testimony is to the glory of God and to encourage others who have similar challenges!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim 1:7)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard” (Mt 20: 1, 2)

The kingdom of God is like no other. The King of this Kingdom is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Its constitution is based on grace. God does not owe men. God is the creator and the owner of all creation. Everything God does to man is by His grace alone. This grace works from beginning to the end. We are saved by grace, live by grace, and shall breathe our last by grace.  Jesus Christ came to earth ‘full of grace and truth’ (Jn 1:14). Grace means the unmerited favor of God upon men. No man can ‘claim’ anything from God. God is sovereign in all things even in the way He dispenses this grace. When we become born again we need to change our way of thinking to be in line with the Kingdom’s principles. The flesh is offended at the manifestation of God’s grace.

In the parable of the workers hired by the Landowner we see the grace of God in action and the reaction of people towards it. The first group of men hired early in the morning made an agreement with the Landowner. They expected to be paid $1 dollar a day (for example). The rest men were hired without any labor contract and promised to receive ‘whatever is right’. At the end of the day all the workers received the same amount. The ones without a contract rejoiced for they did not expect to be paid so well. But the first group of men, who worked since morning and ‘borne the burden and the heat of the day’ were disappointed. They started murmuring against the Landowner. It is true that they agreed for 1$ but now, they expected more since the rest received the same.

I want you to see this: This expectation is wrong. This is how the flesh reacts in the presence of the generous grace of God. This is a great lesson for us all: If you make a business contract with God, if you have your own personal selfish expectations what your reward for serving Him should be, then you shall receive exactly that, not more, not less. You will still be disappointed when you see others blessed more than you. No man should do such a ‘business deal’ with God! Do not limit God! Trust Him for He is good and generous like no other!  But if you say: “Father, whatever You consider right for me, I receive with thanksgiving, you shall be surprised that your reward is much more than all your dreams. His grace is very romantic and adventurous. God loves to surprise His children! Just serve God with all your heart and leave the rest to Him! Today, I thank God for His amazing grace!

HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

The prayer meeting was good. There was a hindrance at the beginning of the meeting so we did warfare and praised God too. I have learned over the years to do what is right and then to leave the rest to God. Then the preaching of the Word followed:

“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17)

In the New Testament there are three men said to be rich:

*The rich young ruler (Mk 10:17-22)

*the rich fool (Lk 12:13-21)

*The rich man with Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)

It is important to note that all these three went to hell!

The rich young ruler has everything men wish for: youth, authority and wealth. Many young men are poor and jobless. By the time they get rich they are old and cannot ‘enjoy’ the money. But this one ‘had it all’ in the world. Yet, he lacks on thing, the most important thing of all: eternal life. If a man gains the whole world and loses his soul, it profits nothing. The word ‘lack’ means to be inferior, deficient, to fall short of a normal standard, to be in want, to be left behind. Deficiency means to lack a necessary quality, to be imperfect.

This is a good thing: he wants to have eternal life. Muslims think of heaven as a natural place where the natural desires are fulfilled. The new age religion describes eternal life as reincarnation. The believers in Jesus Christ, we know what eternal life is! To know God! It means to go to heaven, the place where God dwells. This man too wants to go to heaven. He has heaven on his mind, but sadly he goes away to hell. There is no report that he was saved later. He wanted to ‘inherit’ eternal life. In other words, he wanted to be a son to Jesus, just like Elisha wanted to be the heir to Elijah. He is confused: he thinks of eternal life as something ‘to do’. He thinks salvation is of works.

Jesus responds with a rebuke. Obey the commandments of God! Jesus presents to him the last five commandments. These speak about the relationships between men. The young man confidently answers that he has kept ‘all of these since youth’. He is either ignorant or proud. Jesus looks and loves this man. Jesus is the friend of sinners. He confronts this foolish proud man with his lack, the hindrance why he cannot have eternal life. Jesus gives him clear commands to expose his love for material things and the need to have a relationship with God. He commands him to do the following: Go- Sell- Give- Come- Take up your cross- then Come and Follow Me! Jesus said that if you do these, you shall be rich indeed and have great treasure in heaven.

But the man ‘was sad at this word’ and goes away. You can see that money do not bring happiness. “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mk 10:22). In Greek, the word ‘sad’ means gloomy, depressed or hateful. The ‘word’ is ‘logos’ something said, preaching, doctrine, utterance, God’s revelation in Christ. This young man became depressed when he heard the Word of God. The idea of treasures in heaven made him sad.  He stands face to face with Christ, his only hope for eternal life. He has arrived at the gate of heaven. He becomes sad at God’s Word and from that gate made of pearls, he sadly goes away. Where to? Leaving Jesus, where do you to? It is only to perdition and despair!

We prayed and made a vow this evening, that no matter what, we shall never forsake Jesus Christ, our Savor and Lord, the Word of God made flesh! Never ever we shall draw back to perdition! So help us God!

“God will slow down and weaken your enemies! By the time your enemies gather to attack you, to destroy you and your family, by that time you shall be too strong for them. You shall defeat them! In Jesus name, amen!”:

(This is a prophetic word given last night, during the prayer meeting in our church)

We have just ended our women’s fellowship. We praised God for who He is. We shared testimonies of His love and faithfulness. This is our confession: God is good to us and our families. The Word came with anointing and power. It was about deception. We heard about how the Gibeonites deceived the people of God. This is a very interesting subject. Humanly speaking, as women, we are more prone to deception than the men (1Tim 2:14, 15). We prayed for ourselves and for one another. We did warfare against all lying deceptive evil spirits. The meeting was blessed by God’s presence. To God be all the glory!

“Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us…” (Joshua 9)

The story how the Gibeonites deceived the Children of Israel is not just Jewish history. There are many great lessons for us in it. The story is found in the Book of Joshua Chapter 9. At the end of the previous chapter, we see Joshua leading the people in a spiritual revival. He challenges them to come back to God, to commit afresh to be obedient to His Word. He builds an altar to God, just the way Moses instructed him. He reads aloud the Word of God in the presence of all; men, women, children and even the foreigners living among the Jews. Immediately after this event, they are attacked by the Canaanites. This is a good lesson: when we renew our commitment to God, satan will attack. In times of revival, we need to watch, pray and be prepared to resist the devil! Selah!

The attack came in two ways: A group of Canaanite kings gather together to plan and to openly war against the people of God. We ask ourselves: why did they wait so long before preparing to fight them? It is possible that they still did not believe that the Jews will win all battles and enter the Promised Land. Here we see that the enemy is slow to prepare a defense. This is the effect of the grace of God upon His people.

The second form of attack is thru deception. This is a more subtle form of warfare and more difficult to detect. Gibeon was the next city to be conquered by the people of God. After seeing the fall of Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites knew that they have no chance to win against the Jews. They did not join the other kings in an open war against Israel. They decided to play a trick, to deceive them into friendship so that they can save their lives. They dressed up with dirty rags and carried dry bread in their sacks. This was done to convince the Jews that they come from a very far land. Joshua and the leaders of Israel were totally deceived. They tasted from their provisions without ‘inquiring’ of God. By eating what was offered, they entered into a covenant of friendship with the Gibeonites. Three days later, when it was discovered that Gibeon was just the next town to be conquered, the Jews could not revoke the covenant made. The people of God became angry that their leaders were deceived. Joshua judged the deceivers. The punishment given to the Gibeonites is that they will forever be slaves to the Jews in general and to the priests in particular. Their work will be to carry water and wood for the temple of God.

A 60 years old man asked us to pray for him. He has just been diagnosed with cancer of the kidney, which has spread to other organs. He lives in England. The doctors do not give him much hope. They will administer chemotherapy to him. That is all that they can do for him.

He said that he is born again. my husband and I prayed for him. We encouraged him to put all his trust in God. We told him that here in Nigeria, the hospitals are not well equipped so the patients pray and trust God more than in Europe. We told him that God is the same everywhere. We reminded him that there is nothing God cannot do. He promised to pray every day for a miracle. Thank you for praying for him too. God bless you dear intercessors. In Jesus name, amen!