Monthly Archives: March 2018

WORSHIP THE LORD!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

These are few pictures taken last night as we celebrate the Cross and the Resurrection. Our church is called: Father’s House Bible Church, Warri- Effurun, Nigeria! The presence of God was very strong! You can see Pastor Richmond Leigh, my husband, beating the bell during the Nigerian praise songs! These are pictures taken from the all night service yesterday. We love worshiping God! He alone is worthy! Hosanna in the Highest! Jesus is Lord! Jesus is alive! 

Joseph 1

Viada

FH 13

MM at FH

RSL 5

 

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, His large crowd of disciples were happy and praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. They shouted: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God.” Some Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, make Your disciples stop shouting!” But Jesus answered, “If they keep quiet, these stones will start shouting.” (Lk 19:37-40)
 
This picture is taken some years ago, on a trip to Israel. My husband and I, with some brethren from our church, are walking down the Mountain of Olives, through the same pathway Christ took when He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. As it was then, so it is now. The religious spirits still want to shut up our mouths, so that we should not praise our God. But that is not possible! We shout with all our strength! Like blind Bartimeus we must shout above all other voices! Stones cannot shout when we are here praising God! Shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph! Jesus Christ is Lord! Jesus Christ is alive! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!!! Glory to the Lamb of God!!!
The road to Jerusalem

GOD BLESS NIGERIA FOR ME! 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

I live in Nigeria since 1980. Most of the customs here are very different than in my birth country, Romania. Long ago I made a choice; I take it as a duty to learn the traditions of people here. This is so that I may not ignorantly offend the very people I try to help spiritually. That will not be helpful to my testimony as Christian. By the grace of a God, I chose to show proper respect to Nigerians and all people I encounter!

Many people have helped me along the way, but my husband in particular. He has been my mentor to help me understand the way Nigerian people think and behave. Over the years, he has patiently explained to me how to talk, dress and behave here. It has not been easy but it is my privilege to work here, where God has sent me. I honor my husband and my pastor, Dr. Richmond Leigh! God bless you Sir!

(In the picture, my husband and I dressed in Nigerian outfits)

Tali and I 5

SPRING TIME JA-GA-JA-GA

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

“See! The winter is past: the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land” (SS 2:11, 12)

A man had a dream. He saw a set of big feet in the sand. They were orderly and moved on a straight line. Then he saw another set of feet, much smaller, going zig –zag, all over the place. After sometime, the smaller feet became one with the big ones. Inside each big foot there was the shadow of the smaller one. That went on for a long time.

Then later he saw that the two sets of feet separated once more. The smaller feet went like mad, zig- zag all over the place. Here in Nigeria, that type of ‘crazy’ pattern we call it ‘ja-ga-ja-ga’.
The man saw the Lord Jesus in the dream and asked him about these three designs in the sand. The Lord said that when he was ‘a baby’ Christian, he was walking quite independent from Him. He was still stubborn and over active. Then the two sets of feet merged together. That is when he became a mature Believer, one with Him in will and purpose.

Then the man said to the Lord: ‘I understand that. But please why are our feet separating again? Did I backslide? Did I become as stubborn and overactive as at the beginning? I am worried Lord…’ The Lord smiled and said:‘No, My beloved….That ‘ja-ga-ja-ga’ pattern you saw is when we started dancing together…’

This evening, during the prophetic prayer meeting, we just danced in the presence of the Lord. All the chairs went up side down as we did pirouettes and tangos and waltzes and cha-cha –cha under the stars. “Dance with me Lord, Lover of my soul! To the Song of all songs…”

Right now my feet are hurting but my liver smiles….

(In the picture, my husband, Pastor Richmond Leigh dancing for the Lord during a Sunday service in our church, as Brother Felix is praising God with singing: ‘Daddy God, I love You sooo…’)

RSL 4

PRAYER REQUEST ON BEHALF OF MRS. C

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
A Christian sister sent this request for prayer. She has a lump in her left breast. The doctors suspect that it is cancer. She is 39 years old. She and her husband are born again attending a Pentecostal church in Warri. They have three small children. They have been referred to a teaching hospital for confirmation of the diagnosis and for radiotherapy. She needs prayers and words of faith. Right now, she is under attack from an evil spirit of fear of death and depression!
 
Dear Intercessors, thank you for your prayers! I will forward your comments to her! God bless you! We remember that nothing is impossible with God!
 
This is the Word God gave me for her: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you” (2 KG 20:5)

I MISS MY FATHER’S BREAD

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Lk 15:17)
This is an encouragement for the prodigal sons and daughters.
The younger son went away, to ‘a far country’ to waste his inheritance. He lived a prodigal life. The world ‘prodigal’ means to waste; it means to scatter something that was once a piece, into small and useless pieces. He spent all his money on ‘riotous living’, from party to night club and back. Losers gathered around him and encouraged him in his wild dreams. This went on until all the wealth was gone. He then ‘joined himself’ to a man, who hired him to feed the swine. Hungry and cold, lost and lonely, he arrived at the bottom of the valley of life. None can help here…Only God!
 
The lowest place is the point of grace. Out of many things to remember in his father’s house, the son remembered the bread!!! That soft bread was always on the table, more than enough for sons and servants. He thought he will never remember the father’s love and provision, but now, all he could think of was the fresh baked bread at the Father’s House.
 
The backslider will always remember what he wants to forget. He cannot run forever. He will remember the taste of the Word of God, feeding the soul. He will remember the sound of worship and the touch of the Spirit. There is none like it. The world has no idea of what is best in this life. Child of God, you who run away from your very self… God will so arrange the circumstances of your life that you will not have peace in this world. Sooner or later you will experience the longing for the reality of the Spirit and your heart will lead you home. Father God is waiting for you! Son, come home!
 
(In the picture is Nigerian bread, the best bread in the world)
Bread

OLD AGE ABUNDANCE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible” (Lk 1:36, 37)
 
Angel Gabriel came from heaven to Mary. His words were not his own, but God’s who sent him. Just imagine that! What does an angel know about ‘old age’? Does the word ‘menopause’ is whispered in heaven? How do they talk about barren women in the angels’ club? An angel does not grow old. His wings do not turn grey. No wrinkles are found on seraphic angels. They do not understand the weaknesses and trials we humans face on earth.
 
The doctor in Jerusalem surely told Elizabeth that she is too ‘advanced in years’ to be a mother. Her priest gave her no more hope. Her dream of having a baby has to be buried with her. Her prayers met God’s door locked. No angel had the key. She may have resigned to be a foster mother to other children. Maybe she can be a teacher… or a nanny to other children… what else?
 
But things changed overnight. When men give up, God comes down. Always study the moment when hope seems dead. God likes to come at the end waiting times… God likes to do things like these; just so that we give Him alone all the glory. That day God sent a special Angel with a life drop taken from the ocean of glory. The Angel brought a message of love from above. No sickness, no weakness, no mountain of opposition could stop the Word from conceiving. Elizabeth’s name means ‘My God is Abundance’. As simple as that: God the Provider came and gave her a son. The God of abundance brought baby John to his waiting parents.
 
What is the lesson? Divine abundance may come early or may come later in life. But it will come at last!. Just believe! Let the poor say: I am rich! Let the sick say: I am healed! Let the single say: I am married! Let the barren say: I am a fruitful vine! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Dreams may still come true! For like the angel said: with God nothing will be impossible! What do you lose if you believe? Glory to God!
old woman pregnant

LOVE NEVER FAILS

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1Cor 11:23-25)
 
Yesterday we had a beautiful Holy Communion service in our church. We did it in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ! By the power of the Holy Spirit we remembered that our Lord’s love conquered the betrayal of Judas. There is pain in love, but there is no fear in love! Agape love is the champion, now and forever!
Once you give your life to Christ, you must experience the peculiar pain of betrayal and rejection. As a sinner you do not feel this pain because your heart is hardened by sin. Once you become a citizen of the Kingdom of God, love becomes the way of life. Love is open to be wounded. Only love can be betrayed. Only love can be grieved. The risk to be rejected, to be envied and to be wounded by the enemies of love is very high. The devil tempts your friends to betray you for a reward. Few resist this unholy bribe. This ‘grief to glory’ life style is called ‘the royal way of the cross’. But one thing is clear: ‘Love never fails’ (1Cor 13:8)
 
Personally, I tried to avoid rejection but it is not always possible. It comes from the most unexpected places. The pain is always raw because the heart is now more tender. I have learned to ‘manage’ this pain thru the power of the Holy Spirit. With time, I have discovered, that the pain is still great but the length of the pain is getting shorter. This is because now, in the midst of the pain, I have learned to ignore it and seek my Lord Jesus Christ. I find Him in the midst of pain more than in celebrations. By the grace of God, I do not seek pain, but I use it well. “It is all for Your glory Lord; and even for my good! I worship You forever!”
HC 1

WORSHIP THE LORD!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
Jesus loves me (Lia Leigh) I cannot tell why…
Jesus loves me (Lia Leigh) but I cannot tell why…
On Calvary tree, He suffered, bled and died for me (Lia Leigh)…
Jesus loves me (Lia Leigh) but I cannot tell why…
 
Worthy, Worthy, Worthy is the Lamb upon the Throne!
Worship God, Jehovah Sabaoth! The Lord of hosts! Worship the One who has never lost a battle! Worship the God who can never lose a battle! Worship Jesus Christ who leads us in a triumphal procession for the display of His glory! Worship Jesus Christ, the Word of God, riding on the white horse, on behalf of truth and righteousness! Worship the Lord Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords! Worship the Lord of the holy Sabbath! Worship the Captain of our salvation! Praise the Lord!
 
“No other name, like the name of Jesus! No other name like the name of the Lord! No other name like the name of Jesus, is worthy of honor, is worthy of glory, is worthy of power and of praise!”
SLL 30

HARVEST OF LOVE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

“We love each other because He loved us first” (1Jn 4:19)

The prophetic prayer meeting was very good. We praised God and we prayed to Him. We are in a season called ‘Shallom’. It is a season of fruitful peace and harvest of joy. I shared with them my testimony. On Monday it was my birthday. My husband ‘took me out’. We went to Shoprite mall and watched the latest movie called ‘Black Panther’… (if you have not watched it, for my sake, please go and watch it!)… The cashier asked us if we want economy or VIP ticket. We both felt like teenagers excited to enjoy an evening out. My husband quickly said: “Two tickets, VIP, please!” I don’t know why I felt so excited. For you just to understand my excitement, let me explain… In Nigeria it is not common for people to go to the movie house. I have lived in Nigeria since 1980 and I do not think I have ever gone to the theater to watch a movie. We usually watch movies at home. But this experience was so different. The VIP section was upstairs, at the balcony. The seats downstairs were filled with people. But up there it was only one other man and us. We sat down. The leather seats were wide and soft. You press a button and it went on relaxing mode… Then a young man came to bring ‘popcorn’ and juice for us. He said that it is ‘complimentary’ for VIPs. Wow… Then he quietly asked if we want food too. My husband said: ‘what do you mean food?’ He said: ‘we have jolof rice and chicken, salad, dodo …’ With all the excitement I forgot that we were hungry. My husband ordered jolof and chicken. I was shocked that we can eat and watch movies in the same time… Shoprite tried for us-ooo! I was celebrating my 64th birthday. But I felt like 24! Halleluiah!

 

I told the congregation, that they should not listen to this testimony as spectators. They should identify with the blessings of a mature marriage and joy overflow. God’s gifts are always good. God loves not just me or my husband. God loves you! God’s plans for you are good and not evil. In the natural, life gets more difficult with old age. But in Christ, life gets sweeter. Eternal life is not just a long infinite life. It is a sweet and exciting, ‘no limits’ type of life full of worship and love. I tested it and testify to it! Jesus loves you! Let every fear of the future, of poverty, of old age… die now! Let every inferiority complex, every shame about your identity disappear now! In Jesus name, amen! We sang: ‘Jesus loves me (Include your full name here…), I cannot tell why; Jesus loves me (your full name here…) I cannot tell why; On Calvary tree, Jesus suffered for me; He loves me (your name…); I cannot tell why…’

 

Then the Holy Spirit reminded us how good God is. He called us to a re-surrender to Jesus. I reminded them of my testimony as a baby Christian. I gave my life to Christ in March 1986. I felt so grateful to Jesus for saving my soul that I wanted to give Him something good as a gift. I was thinking what to give to Him. What will my Savior like? Then I said: ‘Lord Jesus, I want to give you all my money. If I wake up tomorrow and discover that all my money in my account has disappeared, I will praise You. That means You took the money. Do you want my money Lord?’ He said: ‘No, keep your money’. Then I said: ‘what else can I give to You? Do you want my medical certificate? I suffered many years to become a doctor. If I wake up tomorrow and I will not remember how to prescribe Panadol, I will be very happy. It means that you took my skill to be a doctor. I will look for another job and I will praise you forever!’ The Holy Spirit said: ‘I do not want your certificate’. I was confused… I said: ‘Lord, You have saved my soul. I still want to give You something. What do You want from me?’ Immediately He answered: “You! It is You that I want! I want your heart, your body, your will, your soul and your spirit!’ I was shocked… Me? Small me? It is me that You want, Lord? Then take my life completely Lord! No conditions! No regrets! No looking back! I surrender all… I surrender all… Unto Thee my Blessed Savior… I surrender all!’

FH 11

SINGAPORE, AN INSPIRING STORY 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Last Sunday service I dressed with a traditional Singapore dress as a sign of intercession on behalf of Nigeria, my adopted country. Please read about the success story called Singapore. Nigeria can be the same!

Singapore is an inspiring success story. Like Monaco and the Vatican, Singapore is also a sovereign city- state. It is located in the Southeastern Asia. An English man called Stamford Raffles founded colonial Singapore in 1819. It has gained its independence from the UK in 1963. It is a ‘small’ island, 15000 times smaller than America. In one hour you can drive from coast to coast. It has no oil, gold or any natural resources.

Even then, Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transport hub. Its standings include: the most “technology-ready” city with the “best investment potential”, the second-most competitive country, third-largest foreign exchange market, third-largest financial centre, third-largest oil refining and trading centre, and the second-busiest container port in the world. The country has also been identified as a tax haven. It attracts many investors from all over the world. Singapore has the world’s highest percentage of millionaires and billionaires in the world, with one out of every six households having at least one million US dollars in disposable wealth. The economy is known as one of the freest, most innovative, most competitive, most dynamic and most business-friendly in the world. The port is the second busiest in the world after Shanghai.

Singapore is consistently perceived as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, along with New Zealand and the Scandinavian countries.

Tourism forms a large part of the economy, with over 15 million tourists visiting the city-state in 2014.

It had a population of 5,6 million, out of which about 3 millions are the native and the rest are foreigners who live and work here. The Singaporean dollar is almost equal with the U.S. Solar. Acute poverty is very rare. The Government has many laws to help the needy. For example, the government gives $500-1000 per month to needy households, providing free medical care at government hospitals, and paying for their children’s school fees. The Singapore government also provides numerous benefits to all its citizens including: free money to encourage residents to exercise in public gyms, up to $166,000 worth of baby bonus benefits for each baby born to a citizen, heavily subsidized healthcare, money to help the disabled, cheap laptops for poor students, paying most of the utility bills and more.

Buddhism is the most widely practised religion in Singapore, followed by Christianity and Islam. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. Education for primary, secondary, and tertiary levels is mostly supported by the state.

Singapore’s healthcare system ranks as 6th overall in the world. It has had the lowest infant mortality rate in the world for the past two decades. Life expectancy in Singapore is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country 4th in the world for life expectancy. Almost the whole population has access to improved water and sanitation facilities. There are fewer than 10 annual deaths from HIV per 100,000 people. Adult obesity is below 10.

The majority of the population is of Chinese, origin followed by Malaysian and indian descent. Racial and religious harmony is regarded by Singaporeans as a crucial part of Singapore’s success, and played a part in building a Singaporean identity.

What is the most interesting fact about Singapore is that about 50 years ago, this land was a backward swampy place. One man changed all this. He is known as the founding father of Modern Singapore. Harry Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015) was the first Prime Minister of Singapore, governing for three decades. Lee is known for transitioning Singapore from the “third world to first world” in a single generation” under his leadership.

Clearly, Singapore is a success story among the nations of the world. What impressed me is that with good leadership and the people’s cooperation nations can really change. This evening I pray for my resident country Nigeria where we live and do ministry. May God have mercy and change them into better. With God all things are possible!

(In the pictures me dressed in Singapore traditional dress and the before (1960) and after (today) pictures of Singapore)

SLL 28

Singapore

THE LOVE STORY OF MY PEOPLE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

THE PLAYERS IN THE DRAMA:

*The King (God the Father)

*The Prince (Jesus Christ, the Son of God)

*The Bride (we the believers, the Church)

*The servants (messengers) of the King (Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists…)

*The Farmers- Tenants of the King (the first set of invitees- the sinners, the reprobates)

*The second set of guests, both good and bad – the sinners who repented and by grace got saved

*The naked man- from the first set of guests, also an unrepentant sinner, a reprobate

 

THE STORY

Once upon a time there was a great King whose name was Elohim. He was very rich. He had a Son whom He loved very much. The name of the Son was Joshua. The King had a very big palace. He had many servants, all faithful to Him even unto death. The King also had a big army who was made of generals and never lost a battle. The greatest desire of the King was to bring honor to His Son. He judged each person He met by the way they responded to His Son. He made it clear to all, far and near, that if they honor Him, they must honor His Son too. Even the children in that Kingdom knew about this decree.

 

The King had a big fertile land on the hill. He decided to plant a vineyard on it. He wanted to make the best wine in the country because He was preparing for His Son’s wedding in the near future. He hired workers from different countries to attend the vines planted by Him. The King prepared all things at the site: a wall around the property. He built a watchtower as protection against the thieves. He dug a winepress for the grapes to be crushed and made wine. He expected good results in the future. He was seeing the crystal glasses filled with sparkling red wine and the joy of all His guests drinking it. The plan was god and the investment was made. He made a deal with His workers and they decided on a percentage of fruit as payment for their labor, not earlier than the harvest time.

 

The King made an announcement that he will travel out of the country for an important event. His Son, the young Prince Joshua, will be in charge of the palace and of all the affairs of the Kingdom in His absence. The King knew that the Prince has fallen in love with a beautiful but simple girl and that He wanted to marry her. The Father has approved of the marriage. He told the Son to wait until He comes back from travel and then, He will personally supervise the preparations for the wedding. They all agreed to be so.

 

After the King left, for a time, all things went well. Then the time of harvest has come. The King sent a message to His Son, reminding Him that He should tell the farmers to keep aside His share of grapes for the royal wine. The Son sent three of the palace servants to His Father’s vineyard with the reminder. To His greatest surprise, the farmers seized the servants; they beat one, killed another and stone the third. The Prince tried to be calm and patient. He sent more servants but His Father’s tenants repeated the wicked action.

 

The Prince informed His Father about the crisis in the Kingdom. They discussed the best way to bring order and peace in the land. The Father suggested that there is no need for more servants to be killed by these unreasonable tenants. He told the Son to go there Himself to remind the farmers of the agreement made with the King. The Father’s hope was that the farmers will respect His Son and their future King. The Son knew that it will be a very dangerous encounter but there was no other way to reclaim the King’s vineyard. The Prince informed His Bride to be that He will go to do His Father’s business and He may not come alive, but the wedding will go on as planned.  This word was very puzzling for the girl. Prince Joshua’s words made no sense to her but she trusted Him with all her heart.

 

The Father approved that the wedding invitations should be sent to all the corners of His Kingdom. First of all the invitations were sent to the rich and great men.  Many of them were relatives of the tenants on the vineyard. The royal card said that all the preparations for the wedding were made. The oxen have been killed already and the tables were ready. The next day the Prince went to meet with the union of the farmers on His Father’s vineyard. He saw a great mountain of grapes ready to be crushed into wine. The harvest was very good just as the King expected. The tenants saw the Prince and discussed among themselves. ‘This is the heir to the throne…Let’s kill Him and start a democratic government. We can all take turns and be presidents of this rich country. We are the work force here. We should not be exploited anymore. The Prince is the only obstacle to our dreams of becoming rich men…’ They lifted their hands and captured the Prince. They publicly disgraced Him. They tore His royal garments and being naked, they nailed Him on a wooden fence. They killed Him and rejoiced in their victory.  On the other side of the town, the invitations cards have been rejected by the relatives of the tenants. They knew that the Prince will not survive to see His wedding day. They excused themselves saying that they are too busy with work for the King.

 

The Bride wept in total despair. She wept until she had no more tears. She was a widow before her wedding day. There was no one to help, no one to listen… Alone in the room, she waited for death to come from the hand of the same murderers. There was an announcement that all the friends of the Bridegroom will be killed also.

 

Suddenly, in the midst of this tragedy, the trumpets sound! The King is back at His palace! He finds the ground red with blood. Many of His faithful servants are dead! His only Son is dead!!! The Bride to be has collapsed in one of the palace rooms. The King was very angry. Riding His white horse, He went to His vineyard and found the tenants happy, celebrating their victory, still drunk with wine… His wine! With just one word, the King killed them all. He then sent His army to kill all their relatives and accomplices, all the ones who refused to come to His Son’s wedding. No one has ever seen the King so angry before! At last, He took the Body of His dear Son and carried it to His private room. Inside there, alone, where no man can enter, He gave Him the kiss of life. The Son stood on His feet!!! The wicked people forgot that the King has the power to give and take life. The Son came and knelt before His Father. The news went round in the whole palace! The Son is alive again! Hail to the King of kings! The whole Kingdom celebrated and rejoiced with the King and His Son! The Bride to be ran from her private chambers. She came before the throne, shaking with fear and joy! She said that there was a man, one of the tenants, who came to her apartment and tried to rape her. He confidently told her that her Prince is dead and that she belongs to him now. She collapsed as dead in the middle of the room. The thief, thinking that she was really dead, and scared by the sound of the trumpets, ran away and hid in the great palace.

 

The King invited all the people from His kingdom, good and bad, rich and poor, sick and cripple… all of them from far and near. Those who have repented from their association with the wicked tenants became the guests at the wedding. Each one of them was given a purple robe at the entrance, having the picture of the Son on it and the seal of the King. The hall was full with people loudly praising the King’s goodness, wisdom and power! The angels surrounded the place amazed at what love can do… The sick were healed and the crippled stood and danced for joy! The sorrowful became happy and sang a new song in honor to the King and His Son! The wedding banquet became a praise and worship festival! The crystal glasses were filled with the wine from the King’s vineyard, just the way the King saw it in the vision of the past. The Prince and His Bride sitting together at the right hand of the King joined the choir…Halleluiah!!!!

 

In the midst of these joyful festivities, the King got up and went to personally greet the guests. He wanted to be sure that each one is satisfied with the food and the wine. Each guest was happy, dressed with the royal purple robe. Suddenly, by the side of the door, the King sees a naked man. What? Who is this man? No robe, no wine, no joy? He asked the man how he came inside the palace. How did he enter the throne room without a robe? Then the Bride said that this is the man who tried to rape her in her room. The King told all His guests to look at this man who refused to honor the His Son! At this accusation, the man was speechless. The King arrested the thief, bound his hands and feet, and threw him in the place prison, to a place or darkness and eternal torment.

 

The King, The Prince, the Bride and their children, lived happily ever after. I know this story because I am one of their descendants… Today is my birthday and I remember the love story of my holy ancestors… To God alone be all the glory!

 

(Matthew 21 and 22, Luke 14 and 20, Revelation 5 and 19)

SLL 28

THE WORD OF THE LORD TESTED HIM

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

“Moreover He called for a famine in the land;

He destroyed all the provision of bread.

He sent a man before them—

Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

They hurt his feet with fetters,

He was laid in irons.

Until the time that his word came to pass,

The word of the Lord tested him.

 

The king sent and released him,

The ruler of the people let him go free.

He made him lord of his house,

And ruler of all his possessions,

To bind his princes at his pleasure,

And teach his elders wisdom” (Ps 105:16-22)

 

The prophetic prayer meeting was very good. The brethren came hungry for the Word of God and excited to praise God. The preparation of hearts done by the Holy Spirit before the service starts is vital in the success of the meeting. We praised God with all our strength. Pastor U, his wife and two children had a serious accident last Saturday as they were coming to church. The car they were in turned over (‘somersaulted’ as we say in Nigeria) 4 times. They all came out ‘without a scratch’. Past U led us in prayers of thanksgiving and worship. We used him as a point of contact for others, who were involved in accidents, or could have died thru an untimely death thru sickness or armed robbery. Many came to the altar to thank God. We could have died, but God!!! We are alive not by mistake! We live because Christ lives! Thank You Lord! ‘Oghene Migwo!’ (Lord Thank You!)

 

Then the Word of God came. Prophetically we are in a season called ‘Shalom’. We are at the end of a spiritual war. We won the victory. We now must do what people do in times of peace. The singles shall marry; the married couples shall have children; the poor shall buy land and build houses. God will bless the work of our hands! In Jesus name, amen! We study the life of Joseph. He is a type of Christ.  He has two prophetic names. The first name was given to him by his mother Rachael. It is ‘Joseph’ meaning ‘increase, multiplication of blessings’ (Gen 30:24). The second name was given to him by his king, the Pharaoh. It is    Zaphenath Panea (Reveler of secrets, divine wisdom) (Gen 41:45). We identify with the anointing of Joseph. We cover ourselves with his mantle. We shall experience a supernatural multiplication of blessings and we shall know the deep things of God. We shall not be afraid of small beginnings. Like Jesus who fed thousands with just few loaves of bread and few fishes, we shall trust God for a divine increase of the small resources we have now. We shall know the mind and the will of God. We shall not make mistakes as we proceed forward. God sent the famine before He provided a Savior, Joseph. In the same way, God will send famine on the very location where we shall start our business. We shall prosper in the very place where others have failed.

 

God spoke thru two dreams to Joseph. God told him that he will be the leader of the family and of the nations. His brothers hated him for telling them the prophetic truth. They rejected Joseph’s dreams. In doing so, they rejected Joseph’s God and destiny. But nobody can stop the Word of God from performing. Their envy was criminal. They wanted the ‘dreamer’ dead. Joseph experienced rejection and persecution because of the Word of God. But at last, after many years and many tears, the Word of God came to pass. He became the Prime Minister o Egypt and from that position he saved his family.  Between the proclaiming Word and the manifesting Word, the Word of God tested Joseph. He had to fight hell itself. But his faith stood the test. He believed to the end. As Joseph, we shall trust the Word of God to the end!

 

In the same way, God will perform every Word spoken to us. No matter the attacks, no matter how long it takes, we shall hold on to the Word of God, for God’s glory and for our own good. We recommitted our lives to Christ again. Our faith was revived. Doubt is a luxury we cannot afford. From now on, to the end of time, we shall trust in the Word of God! Hallelujah!

Worship 2

THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT CHAINED

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the Word of God cannot be chained…the Word of God is not bound… is not imprisoned… ‘(2Tim 2:8, 9)
 
Our Women’s Fellowship was very good. What makes is ‘good’ is not that we look good or that sing well. God, who alone is good, made His presence known in our midst. That is why I say that the fellowship was good. Each time I minister, I prepare the best I can. I pray and prepare a good sermon. In fact, I always give the best sermon I have; the one that is the freshest on my spirit, the one that moves me first before moving others. I am always excited for the privilege to preach the Word of God. I am a surprise to myself. I could not have chosen myself to preach the Word of God in Nigeria. English is not my primary language and I am the only ‘oyinbo’ (‘white’ woman) in our church. Why God choose me as His servant is a wonder to me. But He did and now, I am glad. To me preaching is pouring my spirit out until I become dry and tired. I my tiredness, I rejoice and I have peace. I cannot explain everything that the Holy Spirit does thru my ministry, but I know that it is good. To God alone be all the glory!
 
This evening, we praised God, we sang and danced and prayed. Before the meeting, the Holy Spirit reminded me that even if I feel that I am in a prison of circumstances, the Word of God is not bound, is not restrained. The devil can bound my legs but cannot chain my mouth. I should preach and pray, not as a middle age overweight woman, one who has health issues and emotional needs. Forget about that! I should preach the Word like a (slim) bird flying in the sky. I should pray until I touch the hem of His garment! Well, this evening I could not preach what I had prepared. The anointing was very strong but it was a prayer and worship anointing. It became a prayer meeting. We prayed for the singles that are above 30 years to marry. We pray for the married women to be pregnant (Already we pray from a place of testimony strength. Five of the women in our fellowship, the doctors gave up on them, they have been called ‘men’ by their enemies, three of them are above 40 years… but they are now pregnant!!! Praise the Lord!). We prayed for the tenants to be house owners. We prayed for the weak to be strong, for the sad to be joyful, for the poor to be rich. We prayed for the ones whose birthday is in the month of March to be blessed with gifts from God and not from man. We decaled that we shall receive beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness! We worshipped our Lord Jesus Christ on and on! We sang: ‘Oh, Lord, You move the mountains…You have done before…You will do it again! Yahweh…Your name is Yahweh… You are the miracle working God, Your name is Yahweh! … You are God! There is no argument; You are God all by Yourself… Imela-o…Imela-o… Thank You Lord! For the things that You have done, Imela-o … Thank You Lord!!!’
SLL 26

WHEN GOD BURNS YOUR FIELD WITH FIRE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
Absalom called Joab but he refused to come. He called him the second time but his call was still ignored. Then he thought of a way to attract his attention. He remembered that Joab’s field of barley was next to his own. He then told his servants to set it on fire. That was enough for Joab. He came immediately and did what Absalom wanted.
– 2Samuel14:28-33
 
These are two wicked and manipulating men. But the story has a greater spiritual meaning. When God is calling you and you refuse to answer, He can burn your field with fire. Your field is next to God’s own. You are God’s neighbor. God is not far from you. He knows everything you do, good or bad. What is your ‘barley field’? God can burn your property, your marriage, your money, your health…. The loss may be painful but the gain is greater if you come back to God. Many a man answered God’s call for ministry through the burning of his field. Jesus baptizes with fire, so He has everything necessary to burn the things you love more than Him. Some people, like Joab answer the call. But there are many, even with all the destruction around them that still refuse to come to God. Their ashes remain bitter and never turn to beauty. The truth is that once your field is burned, there is not much God can do to still call your attention. God says: ‘My Spirit will not strive with man forever’ (Gen 6:3). If the infatuation with idols is too great, like Ephraim’s own, God says: ‘Leave him alone….'(Hos 4:17). It is painful for fire to destroy the things you love. But it is even worse if God decides to leave you alone to the useless ‘comfort’ of your fake idols.
 
The best thing to do is this: If God is calling you then please come to Him immediately. Why Are you stubborn? Why tempt God? Why suffer so much loss and pain? God loves you and He will do anything to attract your attention… you need a Savior,a Deliverer and a Friend Forever! God Is calling you… Come home!
 
‘The Doe Of The Morning’
By Silvia Lia Leigh

 

fire

I AM SUCCESSFUL FOR GOD MADE ME SO!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:8, 9)

 

The children of Israel are ready to cross over into the Promised Land. Their great leader Moses is dead, but the Word is not dead. It is time to move on. God speaks to Joshua, the new leader. He does not tell him about new plans or strategies for battle, for he already knows them. Jehovah speaks words to encourage him and to instill a passion for success. These words will carry Joshua on eagle’s’ wings until all is accomplished and victory is attained.

The forty years in the wilderness was a season for seeking God. He gave them a vision of the wonderful Promised Land. He gave them dreams for the future. But a whole generation perished in the desert because of unbelief. Their children are ready now to enter into a new season of adventure to possess the land. It is in fact more than an adventure. It will be a battle for their destiny. From now on it will be clear who will taste success and will not.

The word success means to fulfill your God given dreams. All people dream good things…that one day they will have a home, a family, fame, security or riches. But not all people end their lives happily. In other words, not all believers live and die successful lives. Most remain ‘barely saved’ without a clear testimony of a successful and fulfilled life on earth. My family and I desire to fulfill God’s plan and purpose on earth! We shall be successful!

 

What is the recipe for successful Christian life?

*Understand the purpose of God!

God desires that you come to a place of trust having a testimony that gives Him glory. You are to change and become like Jesus. Then all people shall see that your miraculous life change with no other explanation than the touch of the Living God. Remember that your testimony is one of the most important riches that you have as a person. It is better to lose money and friends, reputation or opportunities, than to lose your Christ given seal of ownership! Never forget, it is God that is sending you ahead, to transition into success! God loves you more than any other. Trust Him!

 

*Have faith in the promises of God!

God said He will give you a land to possess. He will give you total victory against anyone who opposes you. The land or the ministry you receive comes with life time insurance of protection against the jealous, wicked and covetous men around you.

 

*Be sure of God’s presence with you!

No matter your situation in life, in the deepest valley of trials, in darkness, prison or on the hospital bed, you shall never be alone. God will give you favor in the presence of your enemies. God takes pleasure to overturn tables for you. When in doubt, touch your heart, feel the beat and wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Once you are sure He is with you, relax, for all things shall work together for good for you!

 

*Be strong and courageous!

These words speak of the strength to identify your blessings, to be able to grab them with both of your hands and refuse to let go. It also speaks of clear, steadfast and sound mind. These words are not just suggestions to you. These are commands to be obeyed. They come wrapped with the power to manifest them daily. God commands you to be focused and determined to be successful! When you are confused, tired, afraid or weak it means that you are rebellious to the command to be strong and courageous in life. Be filled with the Holy Spirit!

 

*Be not afraid and dismayed!

This is also a command from God. Cowardice is the fruit of rebellion and disobedience to the Captain of your salvation. In the battle for success there is no retreat. Backsliding, like divorce in marriage, is not an option to consider. In war, you can only go forward. Even if you die, you have to die fighting, defending your territory. There are too many weak, double minded people who claim to be Christians, but no testimony of manly courage and passion for godly success. Avoid these people!

 

*Ready, study and mediate on the Word of God ‘day and night’!

This is the true eternal secret of Christian success. Too many people depend on what pastors preach and Facebook says for their daily spiritual bread. The command to Joshua is to eat the Word, to digest it until there is an overflow. In Hebrew it means to read the Bible until you are able to teach and counsel others thru the Word. To study the Word is time and energy consuming. But it is still the shortest way to success.

 

A practical advice: Study your night dreams, for often they tell you if you are fulfilling the condition for success or not. If you meditate on the Word day and night, you shall dream good dreams in line with the Bible. If you have nightmares often it means that you disobey God’s command to study His Word.! Selah!

 

Another practical advice: if God has promised that you shall have your own house, there are only two ways to fulfill that dream: One way is to take three jobs and work from morning to night, gathering cement and wood to build it. It will take many years of labor and stress and you may not finish it. That is the unbeliever’s way. But the way of God is this: take only one job, so that you can pay your bills and use the remaining time to study the Bible. Do it consistently and patiently. Search for the meaning of each word. Pray for the deep revelation and understanding of the Word. Do it like you prepare to pass exams in the Bible School. Soon you shall observe that your character changes, your testimony as a believer starts shining thru and miraculously, sooner or later, the dream house shall be yours. If you say that you see no connection between Bible study and house building then I say that you are spiritually blind for the connection is there in the Book of Joshua.

 

IN CHRIST I DECLARE:

I am a child of God!

I and my children, we are prosperous and successful!

I and my children, we are not failures!

Christian success is possible and it is my portion!

I guard with all my might my testimony as a Believer in Christ!

I have faith in the promises of God! These are yes and amen!

God’s presence is with me everywhere I go! If I enter a plane, a car or a ship, I remember that God does not need a visa or a ticket. He is always with me on the land, on the sea and in the clouds!

I am strong and courageous! I do not faint, shake or run away! There is no going back for me! It is easier to die in battle and go to heaven than to go back to the devil! NO RETREAT!

I am not afraid; I am not confused! I am not a coward! God forbid! Nothing shall surprise me to break me; no circumstance of life will make me beg and worship the devil. I am done with him forever!

My eyes are fixed of the face of Jesus, I see Him smile and I hear the cheering coming from the cloud of witnesses.

I read, study, meditate and dream about the Word of God! I see myself preaching and teaching the Word and nothing else!

I press forward until the wine is squeezed from the grapes of my heart.

I press on until God speaks to me thru His Word. If I am tired I shall pray for supernatural strength but still not accept defeat!

I am intelligent for God made me so!

I am not timid!

From now on, my light shall shine and let all people come and see the wonderful works the Father has done in me!

All the glory to the Lamb upon the throne!

In Jesus name

Amen!

PRAY LIKE A DACHSHUND DOG

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Continue instant in prayer… Be faithful in prayer… Be persistent in prayer… Be devoted to prayer” (Rom 12:12)
 
This is God’s command: we should pray on and on until the answer comes. In Greek, this word means to be earnest towards a thing, to persevere, to be constantly diligent, to give yourself closely to a person as a servant, to wait continually upon, to be strong, patient and to endure to the end. God’s command is to pray and worship until you meet with Him. This is a spiritual attitude of continuous waiting on God to come and talk to you. It is a spiritual exercise that God rewards with His presence! But most Christians get tired of praying. The give up on prayer or to stop worshipping is a sin.
 
An old saint (Thomas Brooks) said that when praying, we should be like hunting dogs. For example: There is a type of dog called the dachshund. He is a small but very active hunting dog. He chases small animals like rabbits or squirrels. He is very alert and watchful. When he hears any movement he will bark loudly alerting his owner. He is very faithful to his master. His two front legs are like shovels. He digs the ground to get his prey. He was born to hunt. He is very bold chasing animals bigger than his size. He is very stubborn too. This dog does not rest until he gets what he wants.
 
The Bible says that we should ‘chase’ God in prayer like this dachshund dog chases the rabbit. We should not rest until we have an answer from God. That answer can be ‘yes, no or wait’. But an answer is an answer. We live by the Word of God. We are not ‘picky’ with what God offers to us. Even if God says ‘no’ to our request, we live by that answer. Everything God gives is a gift filled with grace. Something good comes out of it. The worst thing we can do is to stop ‘chasing’ God. For example, you arrive before the Throne of the King of kings and draw back in fear or doubt. From my experience, there are many believers who have this attitude: they draw back just before the finishing line. It is a slave mentality: you work hard and then, you abandon your harvest. The devil whispers to you that they are not worthy to have an audience with the King. Faith 99% and doubt 1% is still counted as doubt. God says that he will not take pleasure if we draw back from an encounter with Him. “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38). Faith is life! Doubt is defeat! Fear is failure!
 
Dear child of God, I encourage you to come back to the place of prayer that you have abandoned in the past! Come back, son! Come back, daughter! Do not keep the King waiting… Come back to the holy place of prayer! I am waiting for you there… Pray until you meet with God!
 
(In the picture a small but very bold dachshund dog fighting for his ball with a much bigger dog)
dogs