THANKS-GIVING

 
Dear daughters,
This is what God has provided for us today. It is your parents’ food on the table. It is rice, beans, dodo, chicken stew and greens. As you remember, everything you see is organic. I, your mother, I am so happy in Nigeria! Here people complain a lot… I understand… It is true that many things do not ‘work’ here but the food is good and it is even getting better. Please thank God for His grace and provision to us! Rejoice with us! When you come to Warri, remind me to cook exactly this dish. It is very sweet…
We Love you, children,
Tali and Malia

Nigerian food

(this is a little note to our children I am sharing with you)

OVERFLOW OF HOUSES

PRAISE REPORT

This testimony is given to the glory of God, to the shame of the devil and for the encouragement of the people of God!

God gave us this new church building as a sign of His love for us. As you may have known, it was the members of the church that provided all the resources and the labor to build the house of God. We did not take any loan from the banks and we do not owe anybody any money. Glory to God!

Then the miracles started coming. Since we dedicated the facility late last year many people have bought lands and started building their houses. This is a sign that the same anointing is over-flowing to bless many. These are only two examples: last week a couple has finished their house and entered in. They promised to use their home as a ‘lighthouse’ for the Lord. Today we dedicated another house. This couple have made a vow to bring drinking water to the church every week until they shall enter their own house. I am a witness that they have been faithful to their free vow. Today is their day. From today on, they shall not be tenants anymore. The senior Pastor and the brethren went to dedicate their house.

These people are not “millionaires”. They are hard working and faithful children of God. These testimonies are a proof that it is good to serve God! It is also good to humble yourself and submit to the authority God has placed over you. It is also a proof that you do not need money to build a house but you need faith in the living God! May your faith increase! Nothing is too hard for God!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! All glory to God!
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” (PV 24:3)

PRAISE REPORT

 
“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth” (Ac 1:8)

Today, Pastor Leigh and I, we met with a young couple who has just decided to attend our church. His father is a Bishop in a church in another city. Both husband and wife are born again for some years. They were attending the Warri branch of his father’s church. But they were not too happy. They started praying that the Holy Spirit will lead them to a new church. Two weeks ago they decided to attend Father’s House. Both of them were so excited. They said that they are very happy with the church. They said that the atmosphere of worship and the preaching of the Word of God have satisfied their souls. They have peace to stay here. They said that for the first time they know what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He also said that the fire in his bones is so much now that he can’t stop talking about Jesus. He said that this is the first time that he has the power to witness to strangers in the bus. In the past he was too shy. We give God all the glory for touching lives and marriages in Father’s House Bible Church!

THE HAND OF GOD UPHOLDS ME

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is 41:10)

In the Book of Esther the name of God is absent. But Jehovah God directs all the events from beginning to the end. Nothing is accidental. That is called the “Providence of God”. As believers in Christ we know that God sustains and directs all human affairs. The devil attacks and tries to spoil God’s work, but never forget, this is God’s world! God created this world! God is in charge! Fear not!

I heard a preacher say this: “Providence is the hand of God wrapped in human events”. Today, thank God for the invisible mighty hand of God that carries you, sustains you, embraces you and directs your path thru the people and circumstances around you! Thank God for the nails pierced hands of Jesus who died to save your soul! Others may be ignorant and blind, but you should know and believe that the hand of God is strong on your behalf! Worship the Lord!

God's hands

MY MIRACLE IS DONE FOR ME

 

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (Jn 15:7, 8)
 
‘Ask and it shall be given unto you’ (Mt 7:7). This command was given by the Lord at the beginning of His ministry. He encourages all believers but especially ‘the baby’ Christians to ask in prayer. He promises that the answer to their need ‘will be given’ to them. Three years later, just before going to the Cross, the Lord encourages His disciples, the mature believers, to also ask. But this time He said that the answer to their request ‘will be done’ for them. He did not say ‘given’ but He uses another word: ‘done’. From these promises we see that the answer to the prayer of God’s children may be ‘given’ or may be ‘done’. In Greek the word ‘given’ means to offer or to grant something that is on display. But the word ‘done’ means to manufacture, to produce, to generate something from raw material; it means to become, to come into being or to come to pass; to assemble the parts until the product is finished, to perform. Interestingly, the same word means to be married. It is like joining two parts to make a new thing that is whole.
 
The best way I can describe the difference between these two promises is this: a baby Christian is like a little girl who goes with her mother to a shop where there are many beautiful dresses on display. The mother asks her: ‘what dress do you want?’ She looks at them and says: ‘The purple one, mum…thank you…’ The mum buys the dress and it shall be ‘given’ to her daughter. Now see the difference… The mature Christian is like a woman who also needs a dress. She goes to a shop to buy one. But in that shop they do not have readymade dresses on display. They only have beautiful silk materials of all colors. The Owner of that shop is a ‘Fashion- Designer’ called Jesus. He will take the measurement, design the dress and sews it. There is a period of waiting until the dress is ready. But that dress is more beautiful than words can describe for it is made specifically for the woman by the same Designer who created the stars in the sky.
 
This is the challenge: It takes more faith to ask for a dress you do not see with your eyes at the beginning. You need to trust the Divine Taylor. It is expected that the disciples should stretch their faith and trust God for a ‘designer’ miracle. The answer shall be ‘done’ for them. Many mature believers get jealous on the baby Christians who go and easily ‘receive’ their miracles. There is no need for that. For no readymade dress will fit as good as one made specifically for you!
 
This is the lesson: Do not be discouraged! Trust God to ‘produce’ your miracle, to assemble the parts for the finished product. He will prove His love for you as a Bridegroom loves His Bride. But you need to have faith and patience. There is a waiting period until the miracle is ‘done’. For example, if you pray for the fruit of the womb, as a baby Christian you can ‘choose’ a baby from what is displayed to you in a dream or a vision. But if you are a mature Christian, you shall see nothing except the Word of God. You need to trust God to manufacture a baby who is just right for you. The time will also be perfect for the baby to come to you. This principle also applies to the prayer for a life partner, buying a house or the request for other needs. This promise of God is about a creative miracle for you!
 
But there is a price to pay! For them who abide in His Word, God provides an utterance for prayer that will ‘create’ the answer. For a time you do not see the answer to your prayer. But you have to trust God that He will ‘do’ it for you! The condition is to abide in Christ and His Words to abide in you. The word ‘abide’ means to stay in a given place and in active expectancy; to continue without interruptions; to dwell, to endure, to be faithful to Jesus to the end. You need to resist and reject the evil spirit of religion, doubt, fear, rebellion and backsliding. Then you can qualify for a ‘designer miracle’. The second condition is this: the Rhema Word of Jesus must abide in you. You need to have a love relationship with your Bible. The word ‘Rhema’ means ‘a specific utterance that flows like water’. This is the written Word of God and the prophetic utterances the Holy Spirit gave you in the past. These Words must ‘flow like water’ in your soul. The Word of God shall produce roots and fruits in you. This faithful abiding gives glory to God and will surely reward you with a ‘designer’ miracle. What better promise than this do you want? If these promises do not challenge your spirit this morning, to study the Bible and to pray more, I don’t know of any other thing to say to help you….
 
“Lord Jesus I love You! You are the Lover of my soul, the Author and Finisher of my faith and the Designer of my life! Thank You for the wonderful gracious and great promises You have given to me! I worship You…”
 
In Christ I declare
I abide in Christ and His words abide in me! I ask now for what I need! Right now, the answer is manufactured for me in heaven and shall be delivered to me on earth! I believe 100%! I trust God and I wait! My life and my miracle shall glorify God!
In Jesus name,
Amen!
The bride of Christ

WHERE IS PHINEHAS?

The prayer meeting was very good. All glory to God! There was a great longing in the people’s hearts for intimacy with God. This is a good sign. In the past we prayed against ‘junk spiritual food’. The people are to come hungry for reality and thirsty for the living waters. This time they obeyed that command. The longing was expressed thru warfare praise and prophetic worship. We bound the evil spirit of religious entertainment that makes people passive as spectators. This time the whole congregation was like one body and one Spirit seeking God’s face. The troubles of life were abandoned at the foot of the Cross and we could soar like the eagles in free worship. Then the word came. It was taken from Numbers 25.
 
“Where is Phinehas?” The evil spirit of Balaam is attacking the Body of Christ. It is the spirit of the false prophet that tries to make the church worldly. In every church there shall be women who try to seduce the Christian men! Many seat and do nothing! They know it is wrong to be passive but they still continue the gossip doing nothing!
 
This is a call for the fathers, the mothers, the pastors, the leaders… you need to have the Phineas spirit! In every church you can find men like Zimri (whose name means singer, worship leader)! In every church you can find women like Cozbi (whose name means liar, deceiver, failure and vanity)! But where are the men like Phinehas? Any church that has men and women filled with the anointing of Phineas is bssed by God and shall experience revival.
 
“Phinehas… has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal… Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace; and it shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God…’” (Nu 25:11-13)
 
What are the characteristics of Phinehas?
Phineas had zeal, but not any zeal! He had zeal for God’s sake! To protect the honor and glory of God! He was very sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He was led by the Holy Spirit. He knows what God wants and obeys the voice of God! He rejected passivity and chose to be actively involved in the Father’s business! Moses and the congregation were repenting, weeping, praying. He too was praying. But when God called him to action he left ‘the prayer meeting’ and acted! He knows when to pray and when to act! He confronted the sinners with his sword! This is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God! Never confront sin in your wisdom or strength! Never confront evil without the Holy Spirit and the Word! When Phinehas acted, the plague stopped immediately. The plague of sin can be stopped by the action of one man! He was rewarded personally by God! God commended him! God blessed his children and his descendants with a covenant of peace!
 
Finally we prayed to be like Phinehas. We repented of passivity and laziness. We rejected lies and religious spirits. We prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We prayed for boldness and strength to defend the honor of God’s name. We prayed for the gift of intercession and spiritual leadership. We prayed for our church, for the choir and all the other ministries, for our marriages and children. In Jesus name, amen!

PRAISE REPORT AND PRAYER REQUEST

This letter is from a dear daughter in Christ. She is a wife and a mother. Four months ago she fell and broke her leg. She is still unable to walk well. Please pray for her! All glory will go to God for her testimony of healing! In Jesus name, amen!

“My dear Malia.. I’m now able to walk within few steps, but since the condition is not stable yet, sometimes I could walk, sometimes my leg gets swollen and I couldnt walk, sometimes my leg gets very stiffs and it was hard for me to walk.. But I disregard those times when I couldnt walk.. I use those downtime moment to partake the Holy Communion.. It’s the main nutrition for my legs and body.. Last Saturday, the Lord gave me ONE WORD: WALKING. Everytime we walk, one of our foot is always ahead of the other.. Since I receive that rhema: WALKING. So I’m gonna continue walking, Malia.. Walking not only physically walking both my legs, but also walking forward with my faith and spirit towards Jesus, Malia..

Even though, what I see is disappointing due to my inability to walk normally yet, the business (globally) is very slow, I dont have daughter(s) yet, I dont own a comfortable house yet, but JESUS and His presence is my only reason to be excited for. I’m starting to look for His heart, His face, His presence instead of His hands to bless me.. Just by mentioning the word of JESUS, I find new strength and courage again to WALK again and again. No matter how many times I fell, how many times my legs sore and in pain, I will get up and stretch up just because He is my reason to live.

My situation has not changed much, but praise the Lord, my view and my focus has changed. Lately, I have asked my sisters in law to help me to find a doctor to consult about the thrombus in my leg (behind the knee) which caused me to have swollen leg and the blood circulation is not smooth.. When it swells, my right part of the right knee is very very very cold and stiffs. Thats my real condition at this moment after 4 months have passed since my accident…Thank you for praying for me…”

BREAKING THE ALABASTER BOX WITH DANCING

 
“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets” (2Sam 6:14, 15)
This is one of the most touching storied in the Bible. Jesus is getting ready to go to the cross. The religious leaders became frustrated trying to arrest and kill Him. They were looking for ‘a sly’ way to capture God without offending His people.
This is a very great revelation: in Greek, the words ‘seeking to kill’ are the same with the words ‘seeking to worship’. Herod sought Jesus to kill Him and the Wise men sought the same Jesus to worship Him. You can see, same words, opposite actions…O, how the appearances deceive so many… how religion has ‘killed’ truth and the joy of salvation…but yes, it is possible to find Jesus in the midst of sinners and murderers of His presence…Seek until you find Him whom the world wants dead…Seek Jesus and you shall find eternal life!

Mary decides ‘to sacrifice’ the most expensive treasure she has: an alabaster box of very expensive, fragrant ointment (Mk 14:1-11). The price of it was about a year of wages.

Worship is sacrifice. It will cost you personally. It will cost you time, money, and emotions. The religious people will despise you and you shall lose your standing with them. No true worshipper still keeps his reputation in the midst of religious ‘wolves’. Your worship shall trigger anger in others, enough to destroy and kill the best of men. Do not be deceived, worshipping God is costly!

David understood the power of the presence of God. The law of God is simple: he who hosts the Ark , that man and his house hold shall be blessed beyond measure. The joy of worship manifests itself in music, singing and dancing. That is what David did. He brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem with the sound of trumpets. Did you hear that sound? TA-TA-TAAAAAA!!!!! That is godly, flesh- disturbing noise! Boast that you know your God! Sing unto God a new song for Him alone! Dance on that holy ground until your feet hurt!
Please observe: David did not dance for entertainment! He did not dance to please the lust of flesh. David did not even dance at the beat of the drums…Just like Mary of Bethany, David danced at the hidden music, the beat of his heart, as worship overflew the bounds of his spirit…

For as long as church is ‘as usual’ the Holy Spirit will remain ‘cold’ and He will not move. But when God’s children step into the light of His presence, with grateful hearts and dancing feet, the religious ice melts and God’s smile is revealed once more.
Do not seek miracles! Seek the God of miracles and all good things shall follow Now, let the trumpets sound and let the worship begin…
Let’s dance…

AS HE WAS

 

 

 

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was…” (Mk 4:35, 36)

 

This is the end of the day. Since morning Jesus was in a boat preaching to the multitudes. At last, He said: “Let us cross over to the other side”. They took Him along in the boat just ‘as He was’. This is a great revelation. Jesus needs nothing else to be Jesus! The sentence: as He was’ means ‘as I AM”. That is the name of Jehovah God!!!

 

We human beings need to carry along different things for different purposes. For example, if I travel to a hot country I carry along my sun glasses, my hat and so many other things. When we travel to a big city like Houston we need a GPS for without it we will get lost. But not so with Jesus … He does not have to go back home and change His clothes or carry any other equipment or weapon. He went with them ‘as He was’. I pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see what I see. Jesus Christ is God. He is El Shaddai, ‘the Self-Sufficient God’. He does not need anything from anybody. He does not borrow from anybody. He does need anybody to live. He lives independently from His creation. He is not influenced or controlled by others. God think and acts by Himself and He is not subject to another’s authority. He is free. He has life in Himself. He is eternal, lasting forever and He never changes.

 

The name ‘El- Shaddai’ means to be ‘sufficient’ by Himself. It means to be enough to meet any need or any purpose. The question is this: why a self-sufficient God created man on earth? Does He need us? The answer is no! God does not need us in any way at all. We are a creation of His love and pleasure. He created us for Himself. He created us empty that we may be filled with His Spirit. God does not need us. But we need Him and we cannot live without Him. Another meaning of the word ‘shaddai’ is destruction. God destroys anybody who claims to be self-sufficient. It is a very dangerous thing and a direct provocation to El Shaddai to say that you are ‘self-made’. Please do not say that! Whatever good anybody sees in me is from God and He alone receives all the glory for my life!

 

Jesus went into that journey on the Sea of Galilee just ‘as He was’. He stopped the storm with His Word. The same Word that created the earth and the universe is able to stop any disturbance in His domain. This is the power of His Word. Right now, with the authority I have in Christ, I command every storm in your life (healpeaceth, marital, financial etc) to stop! I say : Peace be still! In Jesus name, amen! If you believe then testimonies must follow!

 

OVERCOMING GOSSIP

 

Gossip is defined as idle conversation about other people’s private lives which is unkind, disapproving or not true. Gossip is talk about sensational or intimate rumors. Idle people gossip. To be idle it means to be lazy, to habitually do nothing or avoiding work. Idle talk has no value or good purpose. It does not glorify God! A person who gossips habitually is also known as a tale-bearer, whisperer, murmurer or slanderer. A rumor is a form of gossip and it means to spread unconfirmed information about others. It is a statement that has no known authority as its source. It is talk or opinion widely disseminated with no clear source.  Gossip is superficial ‘small talk’ between friends. Strangers or enemies do not gossip with one another. The source of gossip is a familiar spirit.

 

GOSSIP IS SIN

Gossip is a sin. God hates it! It is found in the middle of the wicked things describing the reprobates. These are people who once had some knowledge of the God of the Bible but they chose to reject that little knowledge. They know that ‘the wages of sin is death’ but they still ‘continue in sin that grace may abound’. They are even mentoring others who want to learn how to practice evil and still look righteous. They do not fear God. They are hopeless fools and reckless rebellious people. Separate yourself from them! No matter what type of friendship or counsel they offer you, reject their offer!

 

THE POWER OF GOSSIP – ADDICTION

Gossip, like any sin, is sweet for time and it is very addictive.  Think of gossip as taking drugs, taking cocaine. If you allow your ears to listen to gossip, they will become ‘itchy ears’ never satisfied until gossip is supplied again. The same ears shall hate to listen to the Word of God or any serious topic that will improve your character. Gossip wounds the heart and settles in the deepest part of it. It becomes a root of much evil later. Once addicted to gossip, you need deliverance from that demon.

 

THE EFFECTS OF GOSSIP – DIVISION AND DESTRUCTION

“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (PV 16:28)

In Hebrew, the word ‘trouble maker’ is also translated as Froward. This is someone who is habitually inclined to rebellion and opposition. He is someone who resists and overturns the truth. He plants seeds of lies that look very much like truth. His purpose is to plants strife, discord and quarrels. Strife means bitter violent strife for superiority. It is the attitude of a worldly over ambitious person. A trouble maker creates mental confusion and anxiety with his words. His purpose is that others will fight themselves over nothing, over lies, and he will rule in the midst of that chaos.  Gossip is a poison to friendships. It hurts the person spreading the rumor, the person who listens to the rumor and the reputation of the person they talk about. It betrays and divides friends.

 

THE CURE OF GOSSIP – OBEYING THE WORD OF GOD

God blesses the obedient child of God! Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary to atone for our sins. The cross must work in your life. The flesh, with its entire sinful tendency will die! The spirit shall rise! The fruit of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man shall be manifest! No sin can survive the surgery of the Cross! Pray deliverance upon yourself! At the name of Jesus every knee must bow! God honors His obedient children!

 

Let’s pray: “Dear Heavenly Father we ask for forgiveness for indulging in the sin of gossip, slander and evil speech. We plead the Blood of Jesus on our behalf. We command every evil spirit of gossip and division to go away in the name of Jesus! Holy Spirit please come and fill us afresh! We give You alone all the glory!  In Jesus name, amen!”

PEACE TO YOU

 
“All of them are put to shame and confounded; the makers of idols go in confusion together” (Is 45:16) “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1Cor 14:33)

Confusion is defined as a situation when you lack understanding, you lack strength in your will and cannot make a free choice. Confusion affects the mind and the will. A confused mind is dis-orderly and anxious. Confusion is shameful. The root of confusion is ignorance and fear. The opposite of confusion is boldness, assurance, understanding and sound mind.

I was a confused person in my youth. Each time I took a decision, I regretted it instantly. I am now free from this torment. I bring good news to you. The Bible says that idolatry is the source of confusion. God is One but the idols are many. That is why if you worship any other thing beside God, you shall be confused. You shall be like a blind man. The only cure for confusion is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God is the Author and Giver of peace.

Confusion is from the devil. You do not have to live a life of confusion! You do not have to suffer the way you suffer! You do not have to go to sleep loaded with so many questions that have no answer! Jesus Christ is the only Answer you need, now and forever!

I command the evil spirit of confusion to leave you and go away! In Jesus name, amen!

Give your life to Christ! Not just religion or church! I mean settle your soul! Eternally! Go to the Cross! Jesus Christ died for you! There is peace available to you! In Christ alone!

OPEN DOORS

 
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close” (Rev 3:8)

The other day we checked in a hotel. It was an average hotel. Nothing fancy… The lady at the reception gave us the room’s key. On top of the key it was written: ‘Open doors you never knew existed’. God speaks in so many ways… For a moment I stood there, in the hotel’s corridor, and my heart missed a beat. I felt God’s love come close. Did I forget that God can open any door? It is so easy to forget good things…and so hard to forget negative things, to forgive offences of the past…But that is another story…

Back to open doors…God knows no limitations, no boundaries and no hindrances…Nobody can say ‘no’ when God says ‘yes’. Did I limit God? Did I write a list with possible miracles, breakthroughs and open doors? Do I desire to control God, to lead God? Why such a foolishness? Sin has planted folly in our hearts and we are ignorant of it. But then, the Holy Spirit comes and breaks the bands asunder, breaks cages and padlocks, and the bird is ready to fly, once more…
The door that Jesus opens is a door of safety, victory, stability and intimacy as reward.

These are His holy promises given freely, by His grace alone:
“I will force your enemies (poverty) to bow at your feet…
I will force your enemies (sickness) to acknowledge that it is you I love…
I will protect you from the painful trials coming to others…
I will seal you with My name that no one can erase…
The whole world shall see that you are My child and My servant and they shall fear you!
This is My promise to you! Just believe it!”

Today I pray for the grace to be able to surrender to God, again, totally, un-conditionally, from my heart…I pray for the grace to see invisible things, to hear the songs of angels and to be filled with the Spirit that opens doors no one can shut! In Jesus name, Amen!

In Christ I declare:
I am God’s child and servant!
I rule in the midst of my enemies!
My victory is sure!
Jesus has opened the door of favor to me!
I just passed thru this door!
In Jesus name
Amen!

open door

MY SONG THIS SEASON

 
“The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake” (Ps 23:1-3)

This is the song of the sheep. It is never the song of a goat, or of a wolf. It is always the sheep. Jesus is my Shepherd. I am His Sheep. This is just a little glimpse from our hearts bonded together.
The sheep needs her shepherd. The sheep cannot find green grass to eat, clean water to drink or a good place in the shadow to rest. The shepherd goes ahead to find the trusted path of life, peace and prosperity. The sheep needs to be reminded of a good rest, lying down in ‘green pastures’. If not she will run and run in circles or sleep standing on her feet. The shepherd makes the sheep ‘to lie down in green pastures’. This is the picture of a beautiful home where she can settle down. A hotel is beautiful but you can only settle in your own home. Green pastures are signs of springtime, of a new beginning, the birth of a new season. The shepherd leads on, tests and proves the right path. The waters are still and quiet, a settled spot of a happy relationship, a happy marriage.

I feel comfortable in my own skin; I desire nothing else than what it is offered to me by my Good Shepherd. My soul is restored by Him, for I am fed with the best seeds. I produce fruits. The field is beautiful because I am in bloom. I know that I am safe. I have no guilt to just be me. My hidden desires, the remembrance of my special dreams of long ago, things I could not tell men on earth, come to the surface, easily, flowing like oil on my head…

I look at Him… The shepherd nodes His head and says: ‘You can have those, the desires of your heart are yours now…’ ‘Mine Lord?’ ‘Yes, yours…’ I am afraid to ask but still I do: ‘All of them Lord?’ ‘Yes, all of them…’
I now receive… I joyfully accept my portion… I believe it is mine… No need to explain or preach about it…
It feels so good…
Now I know that forever and ever I shall not want, fail, fall, go lower, decrease, demote or die. My path goes upwards, closer to the House of the Lord where I shall dwell forever.

Sheep-1-1

LESSONS FROM KINGS

“Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings… who refuses all advice” (Ecc 4:13)

The story of King Saul is a sad story but there are many lessons for us to learn. King Saul was once the king of Israel. The people of God asked for a king to be like the other nations. Before then, God was their King, but they wanted a visible human leader. They rejected Jesus as the King of kings. That is how Saul became their king. God was grieved by their request but He was fair to Saul. God gave him the gift of a good start. Saul was humble (at the beginning) and handsome. He looked like a king. He had favor with men. People gathered around him and supported him. He had some success as a military leader. He was religious. He knew the power of the Holy Spirit and the prophetic anointing that can change a man’s heart. He had a wife (or wives) and children. He had a good relationship with the great Prophet Samuel, at least at the beginning of his reign. But he failed the basic tests of spiritual leadership. He disobeyed Samuel’s command to wait, taking upon himself the mantle of a priest. Even then, God gave him a second chance. This time he was to destroy God’s enemies. But he failed again. Disgraced, he declared himself to be a fool at last. He finally lost his peace, joy, authority, crown, testimony, his sons and his life. David replaced him as the king of Israel! What a story!

Saul has died long ago but his spirit is still on earth influencing many. What can we learn from this? These are just some lessons for us:
To be alive is a gift from God! Thank God that you are alive!
To be a leader (president, king, governor, pastor or husband) is a gift from God! Thank God for your office!
We should remain humble, faithful, submissive and obedient to God in all situations! Reject foolish pride!
We should be wise and take advice from others who are godlier than us! Thank God for your godly friends!
There are many losers, cowards and mad fools in position of leadership! Be not surprised that your leader is a fool!
If you lose favor with God, you shall lose favor with men! God gives grace only to the humble! Humble yourself!
If you grieve the Holy Spirit there is no hope for you! No matter what, do not grieve the Holy Spirit!
It is possible to take God’s gifts for granted! Always thank God for everything He has given to you!
It is possible to be handsome and in the same time a jealous, wicked coward! Do not judge people by the outward appearance! Look at their hearts! Test the spirits for they are not all from God!
It is possible to be promoted and still end in disgrace! Refuse any promotion if you are not ready to obey God!
It is possible to start well and end up badly! Finish your Christian race!
It is possible to be religious and not a child of God! Be sure that you are born again! Examine your faith!
It is possible to be a good and faithful follower even to a bad leader! Pray for wisdom!
It is possible to be a good friend to a bad man! Pray for more anointing!
Betrayal will destroy a man!
If you are unrepentant, unfaithful and disobedient to God, God will raise another in your place!
God’s plans cannot be frustrated. God is the final judge and He sees everything!
Take encouragement in your trials for suffering is not forever. Saul failed to defeat David! Your enemy shall fail to defeat you! This is God’s promise: In His time you shall be promoted and rewarded! In Jesus name, amen!
Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

crown

DOES GOD REALLY SPEAK TO YOU?

 

 
Have you ever heard the voice of God
Guiding you like a shepherd’s rod?
Some thing He spoke to only a few,
But He spoke to me, and He’ll speak to you.
 
They talked to Him, the prophets of old,
Their trouble to Him they always told;
They asked for guidance, and what did He do?
He spoke to them – and He’ll speak to you.
 
There will be times when you have to fight
To hold thought on Him and know the right,
But He’s always there, you’ll find it’s true –
Just listen for Him and He’ll speak to you.
 
When in times of trouble I turned to Him,
And chances of help seem mighty slim,
Lo, then, angel thoughts came clearly through –
Yes, He speaks to me, and He’ll speak to you.
 
Now, the answer may come by Bible word,
Or perhaps a voice never before heard;
Hymns, friends, angel thoughts, are but a few
Are the many ways He’ll speak to you.
 
So, child of His, please remember this,
Talk to your God if things seem amiss.
He will surely hear and He’ll answer too.
Yes, He loves and will REALLY speak to you.
 
-Michael M. Abrums-
 
Give your life to Christ and He will speak to you too!
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn 10:27)

I SPEND GOD’S MONEY

 
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions… Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes… But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Lk 12:15, 22, 23, 31)

The topic of money is very important to God. Jesus speaks a lot about money and wealth in general. The god of money, Mammon, is a direct enemy to the worship of God. The Bible offers clear principle for money management. It is our duty to read, study, meditate and apply these principles. Our success in life, our testimony as believers depends on how well we manage money. No school of economics is good enough for a born again believer. The necessary wisdom is found in the Word!

*Covetousness, greed, these are sins. Jesus says that we should watch out for their entrance in the heart. We should be on guard at the door of the soul. Covetousness is a peculiar sin, for it is very deceptive. It is forbidden by the Ten Commandments.
Covetousness is defined as the desire to have more that we need; the desire to have what belongs to another and to use any means to get that (illegal power, intimidation, deception, arguments or even force).

Covetousness is hard to detect because money is a moving target. I may not start with greed, but the seed of it can be planted along the way, as wealth and the desire for personal comfort slowly increases. We have to pray, from time to time: ’Lord, am I getting greedy?’ The Holy Spirit who searched all things will bring light unto our understanding. The only way to fight crippling materialism is to give more money away, not to hoard them. There was a man who said that he was always worried he will lose his expensive clothes; that thieves will break in and steal them all. Then one day, led by the Spirit, he gave them away to some poor neighbors. Immediately he sensed a new joy, a freedom he did not expect. No more fear of losing, after you have lost!

*Unrepentant covetousness becomes anxiety and worry. The Lord Jesus has only one solution concerning the sin of worry: ‘Stop it! Do not do it!’ If you continue to worry after reading the Word of God, it means that you doubt it! Worry and doubt are twins. What is the solution? How can I be free from worry concerning my life, my finances, my children…?

The first thing to remember is God. He gave His Son for me to save my soul. He will surely give me food and clothes for the needs of my body! The second thing to remember is that God has placed an infinite value upon my soul. I am more expensive than the birds of the air. God feeds the birds, therefore He will feed me. My value does not depend on my performance in the office. It is God who tells my boss to pay me! I am created for beauty and glory! I should not lower God’s standard concerning the value of my person. I am God’s property! He will take care of His own!

*My money belongs to God. My time, my energy, my gifts, my family and all I have, these all belong to God. My money is not my money. He has made me a steward over the money in my account. This should bring great relief to me, that my money is not my own. It should also bring great fear of God for the awesome responsibility give to me. God monitors my spending. He rewards and chastises according to my investments. I should invest in Kingdom projects. I should tithe faithfully and should trust God for Hid Word of blessings. I should bring generous offerings to the church. I should help the brethren. The reason why we are not more generous with our giving is because of fear. We are afraid of poverty. We are afraid that God has forgotten about us.

*Money reveals the heart. My shopping list says much about the type of person I am. My treasure is where my wealth is. The way I spend my money is a sign: I am a fool or not!

*Money reveals the level of spiritual maturity. Children cannot be trusted with money and that is why do not give it to them.

Finally, it is God’s will to bless you, to make your life a blessing! You should indeed prosper in all things, spiritually and materially. The reason is so that we can invest in the Kingdom of God. Ministry needs anointing but it also needs money, to spread the Gospel of Christ. We cannot do ministry without the generous support of brethren whom God has blessed financially. In this, we share in the reward. God will also bless you so that you can bless others who are in need, so that thru the ministry of helps, Christ is revealed.

‘Father, You are so generous with me, so good always! Make me like You! In Jesus name I pray, amen!”

ME AND MY HOUSE

 

 

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh 24:15)

 

This evening we had our prophetic prayer meeting. It was not easy. Outside was raining heavily and many could not come to church. But there is always a faithful remnant, thank God for them.

 

The best way to describe the atmosphere was like a mother trying to wake up the children early in the morning on a cold winter day. They just do not want to wake up, to brush their teeth or to go to school. In the past, their crying made me angry and then I will shout at them or feel sorry for myself and complain. But today, the grace of God was enough for me to remain calm and grateful. I said: “Ok, if you don’t want to go outside that is ok. I understand your feelings. I will not force you. I will phone your teacher and tell her the weather is too bad. But you cannot stay inside and just sleep the whole day. We shall stand up and praise the Lord. You have no excuse not to praise the Lord…” Dressed in pajamas my children praised God today until the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came down…What a change…

 

Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Thank You for everything! For Your Spirit, for Your presence, for Your grace upon our lives… It is not easy to be a mother in Christ…but this I say: ‘It is well with our souls…’

 

We saw the angels with video camera and heavenly studio equipment recording us ‘life’. I am sure that we shall appear on the ‘breaking news’ in heaven: ‘Miracle! Warri worships God! Father’s House Bible Church praises God!’ The devil was totally disappointed tonight. Jesus can never lose!  Praise the Lord!

 

We then sang:

“You are the Lord, You are the Lord…

You are the Eyes I use to see

You are the Key that opens the door

You are the Owner of my soul

The Bush that burneth but never consumes

What shall I render to You Oh, Lord?

I will bow down and worship Your name

For You are my God”

THE ROSE

 

It is only a tiny rosebud – A flower of God’s
design; But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I –
The flower God opens so sweetly
In my hands would fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud This flower
of God’s design, Think how can
I think I have wisdom To unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day, And I’ll look to
Him for His guidance Each step of the pilgrim way.

For the pathway that lies before me
My heavenly Father knows –
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose.

white-rose-02

ETERNALLY FREE FROM SHAME

 
“For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED” (Rom 10:11)
In Greek, the word ‘disappointed’ means to be ashamed, disgraced, confounded, dishonored and bitter. Saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only cure for these terrible emotions. In other words, you are either in bondage to bitterness unto death or you are free to be eternally fulfilled in life.

I know that many people do not want to think or speak about death. I am a medical doctor by profession and I have seen people of ages die. The act of death is a part of the experience of life on earth. Some men live and die well. Others, they live and die badly. Life on earth is a testing and training ground. You have to choose your destiny! Christ and a life in Him, makes the difference. A Christian is a man or a woman who is ready to die without regrets. A Christian is one who lives life to the fullest to the glory of God. Without Christ, all old people become bitter, regretting their wasteful choices in life. You do not have to end bitter! Give your life to Christ! Now! Do not postpone the good thing you can do today! You need to plant godly seeds of satisfaction now, so that you can reap a harvest of mature satisfaction later in life. Use your youth to invest in God’s kingdom so that old age will be happy and fulfilled. This is wisdom talking!!!

Most dying people have regrets. This is according to Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse who spent several years working with the terminally ill patients. She recorded their last wishes in a book. These are their top five regrets:
1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
5. I wish I had let myself be happier

Regret means to have great sorrow and disappointment about things you should have done (or not done) in the past. It is the unhealed tormented pain of bitterness. It means to be disappointed with yourself about choices you made in life. The opposite of regret it means to have peace, joy, satisfaction and fulfilment. These are the colors of the rainbow at the end of all storms in life. These are the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the child of God. In Christ alone you can be a delight to God. Did you know that you can bring pleasure to Your Father in Heaven? It is possible to live and die free of regrets. In Christ alone you can live life to the fullest! Be a blessing and an inspiration to many!

From the list above you see that, above all things, the dying man regrets that he was afraid to live well! He is sorry that he lacked the courage to be real and true to his destiny, to the life God has called him to live on earth. In other words he wishes that he could have died to this world of sin! He wishes that he could have lived and served the Lord. It is true that it is never too late to give your life to Christ. The thief on the cross next to Jesus repented and surrendered his life to the Lord just hours before his death. But it is so much better to yield to the Spirit of God and give your life to Christ as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to have a godly testimony as a servant of God among men. To be used by God Almighty in His Kingdom and for His glory is the greatest work given to men and has the greatest reward. If you serve God your life will be full of joy that none can take away.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world” (Jn 11:25-27)

In Christ I declare:
I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God!
Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord! Because He lives, I shall live also!
The Resurrection and Life is my Lord and Savior! I shall never die!
I am a child of God! I am a servant of God!
I no longer live but it is Christ who lives in me!
To my last breath on earth, I shall not be disappointed or ashamed of my life!
I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me!
I rejoice always for I am blessed and highly favored!
With long life God shall satisfy me and show me His salvation!
In Jesus name
Amen!

SEE ME TO THE RIGHT

 

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1Jn 2:15)

 

I heard of an interesting little old story. There was a dog following two men. For a long time these three went along the road together. Then they arrived at a junction and the two men separated; one went to the right and the other to the left. The dog followed his master and went to the right. You cannot know the dog’s master until he is alone.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ said that you cannot serve both God and Mammon. You love one and hate the other. Many ignore this command and try to serve them both. They shall surely be disappointed. The love of God and the love for this world are opposites. You cannot reconcile them. Just like the dog following the two men, for as long as serving God and this world looks like they go the same direction, you will not know who is a true believer and who the false one is. But when persecution comes and serving God is not fashionable in your world, then you shall know in what direction your soul will go. You cannot know the difference between the true shepherd and the hireling until the wolf attacks. The true shepherd loves his sheep and will fight to protect them, even unto death. But the hireling runs away for he loves money more than anything. Orpah and Ruth followed Naomi together for quite some time. But at the junction of life, when the promise of salvation is by faith alone, Orpah kissed her mother in law and wept. She went back to her people and to her gods.

 

The Holy Spirit is sifting the churches. Jesus said: “Follow me!” This is a good time to ask, who do you follow? Soon, the confusion will disappear as the morning fog of religion fades away. The bright sun light of God will reveal the true lovers of Jesus!  There shall be some painful kisses and bye byes at some junctions in life when the true hearts of men shall be revealed. After that, the goats shall go to the left and the sheep shall follow their Shepherd to the right. The dog shall follow his master. See me to the right…

two men and a dog