“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. “Do not be amazed that I (Jesus Christ) said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn 3:6-8)

MY TESTIMONY
Do you remember the very first time you prayed to God? I do! I remember the very day and the words I said; I remember the state of my heart. It was 14th of March 1986. I was in my thirties, happily married, mother of three children, successful as a medical doctor. I had all I wanted in the natural. I did not believe in God and I said it openly to all who care to listen. I looked confident in my unbelief. But there was this secret pain and hidden fear that God sees me and I may have to meet Him one day to give an account for my words and actions. The best I could do was to ignore my quiet but constant guilt.

I was brought up in communist Romania and I did not know of any who ‘believed in God’. We were told by teachers in school that faith is just an imagination and that God is not real. We were told that there are no spirits, only the natural life, what you see and touch. It is true that sometimes I found myself asking for an explanation for the source of my love I had for my husband or children. That love could not be touched or seen but it was real to me. I also loved literature which is spiritual in content, beautiful words touched my heart. I sensed that there is more to life than the natural, but I already believed the lie that God does not exist. Unbelief became a stronghold, it defined my personality.

Looking back I see that the evil spirit of unbelief gave me lying words for its own protection. They were mechanical and cold words; they were not really mine. I wonder now at my foolishness, the bondage of talking nonsense with such confidence: “I don’t believe that God exists”. Some people agreed with me, many rejected what I said. Few had the courage to love me enough to pray that I may see the light in Christ. On that day I prayed at last and God came down and His Spirit filled me. What a day! What a moment! I knew in an instant that I will never be the same again! All the lies of unbelief died in a moment of truth!

After I became saved, I had to fight unbelief’s brother called doubt. The devil knew that I will never believe the atheistic lie. But he brought a new strategy so that I will doubt the promises of God. Doubt tried hard to enter in the space where unbelief once dwelled. I observed that doubt looked much more acceptable, even fashionable. It was then that I made my own decision: ‘I will trust God for miracles, for the supernatural, with all my heart!’ Because of this faith, I became lonely, like a crazy person.

Loving passion and true faith always look wild to the doubters. The spirit of religion is the foundation of doubt; it accommodates it and even encourage is it. To a religious man doubt is a form of freedom, to believe or not to believe. The true faith is too ‘narrow’ and it looks like bondage from afar. This is the effect of deception of sin, deep seated in the heart of the unsaved.

You need to consider this revelation and confront any stronghold of doubt in your heart. This matter is too serious to be joked about or to be ignored. Grateful are they that press on to be ‘free indeed’. Words cannot describe the joy of total deliverance from the deception of religious doubt. I challenge you to try it, dear reader! All glory goes to God for His unspeakable gift!

In Christ I declare:
I am a born again child of God!
I am baptized and filled with the Spirit of the Living God!
All the glory goes to God for my miraculous salvation!
In Jesus name
Amen!

Yesterday, we have finished our evangelistic program at the Olu’s Palace grounds. It was successful beyond words. There was no rain, no wind, no violence, no trouble and no accidents. Everybody did their best to honor the Lord. We praised and worshiped God. The Word of God was preached and many souls came into the Kingdom. We give all the glory to God, our Father in Heaven!

(In the picture, a glimpse from the Nativity drama. The angels came to announce that Jesus was born. All people, even the market women bow down in adoration)
“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Lk 2:13, 14)

“He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Lk 10:18, 19)

Recently, a young sister came to see me. In the natural, she has everything to be happy. She is a beautiful woman. She is married to a handsome man, a believer. They have a beautiful baby. They both have good jobs. So what is the problem? She said that for the past two months she has been depressed, for no good reason. She feels that she has not ‘achieved’ anything in her life. She feels ‘useless’ and ‘anxious’. Immediately I saw the shadow of Jezebel at her back. I spoke courage and faith into her. Spiritually, she was too passive. She needs to ‘wake up’ to her duty as a woman of God, wife and mother to fight back the enemy. I then prayed for her. I told her that she should not even come to see me if she does not have a testimony of victory and deliverance. She told me that just this few minutes of fellowship has strengthened her.

Please remember this: spiritual warfare is not easy. You need to prepare for it.  Jezebel is not a coward. She is not afraid to fight. The so called ‘queen of heaven’ appears as a beautiful goddess dressed for war. There is no one who can win the battle against her except the one who is born again and Spirit filled! Selah!

She has her own peculiar strategy. Her primary strength is the power of witchcraft and pride. She manipulates and deceives; she speaks with confidence and lies without blinking an eye. This queen speaks confidently of her beauty, accomplishments and wealth. That boasting is intentional, designed to oppress and discourage others around.  Her spirit produces anxiety and confusion; peace and joy are lost. Like a fly caught in the spider’s web, her victims feel hopeless to fight back and cannot retrieve their peace and joy. They remain passive and weak spiritually, waiting for death to come. This weakness is covered up with much activity on the outside. She introduced the worship of many gods alongside the worship of Jehovah producing doubt. Lastly she sends arrows of discouragement intended to weaken the servants of God. The great prophet Elijah runs away from his responsibility when she threatens him with untimely death.

This is a personal testimony: I remember once a woman in the church, she passed me by.  She greeted me and moved on. She was not rude or loud. But I suddenly felt oppressed and intimidated. A wave of unexplained fear enveloped me. I felt like a man driving an old ‘Beetle’ car passed by an extra-long trailer at high speed. My body trembled at the passing wave of evil spirits. I could not have known her spirit except by this ‘close encounter’. These things are real; these are not just my imagination.

What is the solution? You need to be saved, born again by the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to just be religious or go to church. You are to be filled with the Word of God! Study your Bible. More than any other method, the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to minister to you. One of His works is to convince you that the condemnation of satan and ‘the great prostitute’ is sure (Jn 16:8-11; Rev 17:1). Dwell in the presence of God! You will see the fall of satan as clear as Jesus saw it (Lk 10:18). Also, in particular, you need to trust God for her sure downfall! Jezebel’s death in disgrace was prophesied. The dogs eat her body and though she was a queen, she could not be given a royal burial. Put on your whole armor of God and do spiritual warfare until the darkness gives way to light and your victory is manifested. Fight to finish in the name of Him who declared on the Cross: “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30)

In Christ I declare:

I have overcome Jezebel spirit by the Blood of the Lamb and by my testimony!

I exercise my authority to trample and overcome all the evil spirits that attack me!

Nothing at all shall harm me! This is the promise of my Lord!

I plead the Blood of Jesus over my life and my family!

My victory is in the name of Jesus who declared that it is finished!

To the glory of the Lamb!

In Jesus name

Amen!

 
“Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead” (2Sam 23:9, 10)

David was known as the greatest king of Israel. He was a worshipper, a warrior and a godly leader. He trained a group of men who become ‘The men of Valor’. Generally, men are attracted by fame and wealth. They are ready to worship and follow successful leaders. But these men joined David when he was at his lowest. They came to him in the desert when he was a fugitive. By the grace of God David became their mentor and leader. It is to his credit that he could change ‘ordinary’ men into true champions who by their exploits, they still inspire millions today. This is a picture of the grace of God who alone changes sinners into saints!

Eleazar was one of them. He led the Israelite army against the Philistines. His name means “God is my Helper”.
Initially the people of God ‘taunted’ the enemy. This was the reverse of the battle when Golaith was the leader. This was a war of words, a pre- battle game. Suddenly, the Philistines attacked them. They panicked and all of them ran away. They liked the entertainment of battle, but not the battle itself.
Eleazer was left alone in a barley field (1Chr 11:12). He decided to stand alone and fight to finish. He held his sword until his hand became tired, but still he did not stop fighting. His hand ‘froze’ on the sword. The word means to cleave, to join in marriage. ‘What God joined together, let no man put asunder’. Eleazer kill them all. God won a great victory that day. Later, the Israelites came back to rejoice at the deliverance and to partake in the spoil. Oh, men never change…

Lessons: A true man (woman) of God will be ‘strong and courageous’ even when all human helpers run away. He will trust God alone. He will protect the space and ministry that has God entrusted to him, even if it is a humble ‘barely field’.
Do not follow the cowards! Do not follow the crowd, for most of the time they are wrong! Stand your ground and fight as a champion. “One with God is majority” said Mary Slessor, a missionary sister to Calabar, Nigeria.

In these last days, many church leaders have betrayed their calling. They preach another Jesus and another Gospel. For them, entertainment is more interesting that evangelism; humor is more attractive than the honor of God.
The sword represents the Word of God preached in the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Eleazer held his sword to the end, you be faithful and preach the true Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected! Do not be afraid! Do not be discouraged! The Lord shall be with you wherever you go!! Be strong and courageous! God shall help you! God shall reward you

In Christ I declare:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73:26)
In Jesus name
Amen!

“Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen…

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful…”

(2Tim 2:14, 23, 24)

This is a strong warning to all believers and especially to the ministers of the Gospel. We are commanded not to quarrel. This command is to be applied in our private lives and during ministry. A servant of God should not quarrel. Period!

A quarrel is a verbal conflict between two antagonists. Words become weapons of hatred, anger and bitterness.  Each party insists on his own opinion. Quarrels poison and damage relationships. Most of the time the quarrels are stupid and foolish, for the arguments are about petty things. A quarrel will make you deviate from the truth into the trap of slander, gossip and godless chatter.

When the quarrel is about doctrines, revelations and religious interpretations is ‘of no value’, no profit at all. You cannot argue about the Bible and force men to believe the truth. That is the work of the Spirit of God. Quarreling about the Bible is a proof that the Holy Spirit has been grieved. The correct way to minister is to be filled with the Word and to be led by the Spirit. Be kind to your ignorant ‘enemies’. Teach them patiently. Pray that God may use you. It is a privilege to preach and teach God’s Word. In all things give glory to God!

In Christ I declare:

I forbid quarrels!

By the grace of God I shall be wise, patient, kind and loving!

I shall teach God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him.

If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him”

(2Tim 2:10-12)

Apostle Paul is teaching Timothy, his son in Christ, how to be a good Christian and minister of the Gospel. These spiritual lessons are eternal and for our benefit too. We are reminded that godly men shall suffer persecution. The world hated our Lord. Therefore, we cannot expect a different treatment. All believers testify to this: the moment you become born again, the people around you change their attitude to you. Friends and relatives who loved you, suddenly become enemies for no good reason. If you claim to be saved and you have not experienced this strange hatred, it may be that you are just religious. For devil does not attack you, except he sees you leaving his prison of darkness for the freedom of the wonderful light of Christ. This persecution is not an easy thing. But there specific are ways the Lord encourages us and even reward us for partaking in it.

First of all we are encouraged to look at the Lord who suffered so much in the midst of sinners. The Lord is our primary example in sufferings. He is the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and has now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2) The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ, strongly believed will support a Christian under all sufferings in the present life.

Secondly, the sufferings of Apostle Paul are a great encouragement to all believers.

Thirdly, our sufferings as believers will encourage all who know us.

As believers, be prepared! It is my desire to encourage you in the royal way of the Cross, the only true way to enjoy Christianity. We endure much persecution for the sake of our Lord. Some see us and wonder. Others join the enemy and mock us. Later they may repent. Few come to our side. Little by little we learn to stand firm for the sake of Christ. We see the glory ahead and we learn to endure joyfully. This peculiar pain draws us nearer to the Lord and we are rewarded with His sweet presence.

This is my testimony: I still remember how surprised I was reading the Lord’s command to die to self, to lose my life for His sake, that I may find it. I thought that my death will be in the future, when I am ninety or so…I did not know that in Christ I have to die NOW. In the Spirit realm death produces life. So I learned to die to self and to the world. I learned to live in Him. The power of resurrection started to manifest in me. I became spiritually fruitful. This is the mark of a mature Christian that he can endure all things without complaining, that he can rejoice in all things. As you take you cross and follow Jesus, He rewards you with an increased authority to be practiced in His name. Your ministry shall influence nations. In all things Christ is glorified and that is all that matters.

In Christ I declare:

I died (in the past) to self and to the world!

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me!

I endure persecution for His sake!

I reign with Him!

I am spiritually fruitful!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained” (2Tim 2:8, 9)

Apostle Paul was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel of Christ. There is a strange hatred in men’s hearts against the Word of God. Except they become saved and then things change. Paul was called an evil doer. But he was a happy man, for the Gospel he preached before and even during his incarceration will continue to have its way. The servant of God was in chains, but the Word of God cannot be chained, for it is alive forever.

What does it mean that the Word of God is ‘not chained’? In Hebrew the word ‘chained’ means to be bound, to be knit together or to be tied down. The Word of God cannot be restrained by any human law or authority; its free movement to the hearts of men cannot be hindered by anybody; it cannot be controlled by any force, natural of spiritual; no man or demon can block its influence. The Word of God is supreme. No judge or government can stop the work of the Word of God in the souls of men.

Over the years, men have tried to destroy the Bible. But they have all failed. For almost 2000 years the unbelievers have attacked the Bible. They burnt it; they forbade it; they mocked it; they insulted it. I know for I was born in a Communist country. I did not see a Bible before coming to Nigeria in 1980. But no matter what evil men did, the Bible is still the number one best seller in the world. Emperors and popes, kings and priests, princes and rulers have all tried their hand at outlawing and destroying the Bible; they all died and the Book lives on! Millions of copies are published and sold annually. For example, I read that in the 20th Century the Bible outsold it’s nearest competitor by 1 billion, 200 million books! Incredible, no other book was even close. At least part of the Bible has been translated into over 2197 of the 2796 languages of the world. How do you explain that?

Thank God for the Bible! If you are a Believer, the greatest treasure you possess in your house is your Bible. Do you know that? More than furniture, cars, degrees, deeds of lands and houses, the Bible is your best property, your greatest insurance and wonderful Friend. Let’s thank God today for giving us the Word of God. We may be sick, but the Word is never sick. We may be tired, but the Word is never tired. We may be ‘broke’, but the Word of God is power, joy, peace, health, prosperity and eternal life! The promises of God are yes and amen! No man or devil can stop them! Faith 100%! Doubt 0%! To God be all the glory!

In Christ I declare:

The Bible cannot be destroyed!

I love the Bible!

I trust and obey the Word of God!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name, Amen!

There is a peace that passeth understanding;

There is a joy the world can never know;

“Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then we have confidence towards God” (1Jn 3:21)
A good conscience is a powerful spiritual blessing. It brings confidence in prayer.
The opposite is called Guilt. It destroys the desire to seek God, pray and worship.
Repent of all known sins! Then rejoice evermore!
In Jesus name
Amen!

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things!” (2Tim 2:1-7)

Paul teaches us how to be a good Christian and minister. You need to intimately know and appropriate the grace of God. This is much more than a doctrine in your head. Grace is very practical. If there is any success in ministry the credit goes to the unmerited favor of God upon the minister. No man should boast of the things he knows or he does. I repeat… the secret of successful ministry is found in the power and sufficiency of the grace of God. If God smiles on you, that is success in life!

The mystery of Christ and His Gospel must be preached to all but entrust to only ‘faithful men’. These are the true sons and servants of God. They are a rare, holy remnant of grace. Look for them like men look for treasure in the trash. The evil spirit of religion is an enemy to ministry and will hinder you. Persevere in warfare as a soldier. Do not be distracted by the world and its offers. Be faithful to your exercises as a champion. Be sure that you know the Olympic rules so that you obey them. Rebellion is attractive but deadly. Many have been disqualified from the games. Some received but later lost their crowns. Be hard working as a farmer. Know the seasons. Trust God for a mighty harvest.

God pays His workers. This is not a secret but the proven testimony of millions since Adam. As with Paul, this is my prayer for you today: Do not trust your human understanding! Be careful with the religious doctrines of devils. Pray for the light and for the leading of the Holy Spirit! These prayers are not ‘fancy’ but very practical. God will answer them! May the Lord give you understanding in all things! May God grant progress, success and increase in your ministry! In Jesus name, Amen!

In Christ I declare:

I am strong in the grace found in Christ Jesus!

I shall use this supernatural strength to preach the Gospel of Christ Crucified!

I shall lift Jesus higher and men shall be drawn to the King of kings!

I am a soldier for Christ!

I am a champion for Christ!

I am a farmer for Christ spreading the seeds of life!

God is my reward!

My joy is full!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Blessed shall you be in the land God has given to you” (Deut 28:6, 8)

My husband told me this morning that the police informed him that the Udu Road area is so dangerous that I should not attend the crusade. The risk of my kidnapping for money was very high. He chose not to tell me until this morning. He only prayed. As for me, God surrounded me and I had no fears at all. By the grace of God I was there ‘life’ (as they say in Nigeria).

“The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger” (Jer 7:18)
The name ‘Jezebel’ means chaste, pure, like a virgin. Her name is the very opposite of who she is in reality. She represents evil, seducing, wicked and deceiving spirits that come to kill, steal and destroy. She attacks your peace and joy; the unity of the Spirit in your marriage and church. Once she discovers that you want to pay your tithe and you want to use the money for the Kingdom of God, she will attack your finances.
Jezebel was a princess, the daughter of a pagan king and the wife of Ahab, one of the Jewish kings of the Northern Kingdom. She was a very wicked woman who manipulated everything for her own benefit. She killed without mercy anyone who opposed her. She was a religious woman, sponsoring the pagan religion of her country inside Israel. She was reckless and bold enough to openly fight the true prophets and the servants of Jehovah. Her husband was weak willed and she compensated for that with strength and courage as a man. Many looked up to her as their true leader and worshiped her faded beauty and fake courage.

“And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” (1Kg 18:24)

The Prophet Elijah was prepared by God to confront and resist the evil spirit of Jezebel. For three and a half years, Elijah learned to live by faith alone when the whole country was dying of famine. He also learned to trust God for the miracle power of life and death. He had to know God intimately without the help of any man. That faith became a bold assurance to stand for Jehovah in the midst of the multitudes. In the confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah proved to be a man of God indeed. He alone stood for Jehovah. The hundreds false prophets of Jezebel opposed him. This confrontation was unto death. The winner will kill the loser. The false prophets prayed and nothing happened. Elijah prayed to God Jehovah, and fire came down on the prepared altar and burnt the accepted sacrifice. Elijah’s victory was in the name of El Anah Esh, meaning ‘The God who answers by fire’. The victory was on behalf of all the believers, even the weak ones. They all in one accord repented of doubt and fear of Jezebel and together they killed all her prophets.

Lesson: if you want to have victory from the bondage of the evil spirit of Jezebel, you must be fully prepared spiritually. That comes thru the study of God’s Word, fasting and prayer. You must wait for God’s timing. The Spirit and the prophetic anointing of Elijah is the instrument God uses even today to confront the spirits of the false prophets and of Jezebel to deliver the captives. Elijah was a man ‘like us’ but for three and a half years he lived in God’s presence, learning to trust Him. This is such a long preparation for the victory of one day in the future. Just imagine how many prayers, how many tears and cries gathered during that time… How many times he repented of doubt, fear or weakness of the body…

DO NOT ATTACK UNTIL YOU ARE FULLY PREPARED!

We are told that Elijah ‘prayed earnestly’ (Jam 5:17, 18). The word earnest means to be very serious, to fear God, to repent and wait for God’s mercy to be revealed. There is no joking, no fun and no religious entertainment in these prayers or in this worship. This is an intense, focused, faithful routine and dedicated ministry to God, in the secret chamber. The approval of God upon this life style, as a living sacrifice, will be an open, clear victory for all to see, to be encouraged and set free.

Do not be deceived! The battle against the evil spirit of Jezebel is not easy; it is not done on the surface, using human wisdom or cosmetic prayers. It is not a show. It is not entertainment or gimmicks.  To confront such a ruler of the power of darkness, such  wickedness in high places able to deceive mighty nations, for that you need the filling of the Holy Spirit and His anointing.

Like Jesus said: ‘This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting’ (Mk 9:29, AMP).

No warfare is easy. You need to find your place in the Body of Christ, to submit totally under the delegated authority God has placed over you. Trust God for your spiritual covering. You need to delight in the study of God’s Word and to see an increase of harvest of righteousness each season of your life. You have to be free totally from fear of man and fear of failure. You need to confirm your strategy with the spiritual counsel of other established, mature, trusted and faithful believers. ‘Redeem the time for the days are evil’ trusting God for the moment of battle.

When all is said and done, be strong and courageous, for your victory is sure! The destinies of many people and nations depend on your decision today! Take the whole armor of God! Stand and fight! Be healed! Be free! In Jesus name, Amen!

“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection” Ps 18:30)
There are many ways to live your life. There are many strategies to solve a problem. Most men take the ‘easy’ way, avoiding spiritual labor, confrontation with sin or applying loving necessary pain. They forget or conveniently ignore the Word of God: ‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (PV 27:6). Trying to avoid pain, they injure themselves! Looking for kisses, they burn their lips.

“And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust” (2Sam 16:13)

Here King David is at his lowest. His son Absalom rebelled against him aiming at the throne of Israel. David wants to avoid a direct was with his son. With a handful of loyal men, he leaves Zion weeping. Suddenly they meet with a man called Shimei. He is from the tribe of Benjamin, the same with former King Saul. He curses David blaming him unjustly for killing Saul. All his curses are lies. He forgets that it was Saul who wanted David dead. He forgets that it was David who spared his life at least two times. When David was on the throne, he was afraid to express his feelings. But now, he insults David because he can do so. It is always painful to hear men slandering your name. It is more so when you have fallen and you can’t defend yourself.

Shimei is a bitter angry man. His tribe has lost the battle. He blames God for the failure and attacks God’s servant. This is how angry people react. They will insult you because you remind them of God.

What did David do? He did not defend himself. He allowed the wicked man to go on without a word. He left the matter to God who knows all things and who can truly vindicate a suffering man.

After Absalom’s death, as David was coming back to take his throne, Shimei appears again. This time he looks repentant asking for forgiveness for his wicked words. David forgives him but before his death he commissions Solomon to judge Shimei as guilty.

May the grace of God manifests upon your life today, that when slandered, you do not respond with evil, but with good! You may regret words spoken in haste but you shall never regret the royal silence of judgment when dealing with an angry fool. Best of all, be like Jesus:

“For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully… For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

“Who committed no sin; nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously…” (1Pet 2:19-23)

Just in case you have not heard…
Just in case you have forgotten…
Just in case I was not clear about it…
Then this is the truth: I am a child of the Most High God! I am born again by the Spirit of God! I am a servant of God! Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord! I am filled with the Holy Spirit!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

“BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the Word which was preached to you” (1Pet 1:25)

Yesterday a dear sister came to visit me. She said that she went to a restaurant to buy food. It is a place my husband and I go sometimes. The chef in charge recognized her as my friend. He told her that more than twenty years ago I preached the Word of God to him. He was working for a company that was affiliated to our Hospital, Lily Clinic. He said that each time he came for treatment I preach and pray for him. He also said that he hated it; that he angrily complained to others that the ‘oyibo’ (white) doctor is wasting his time with religious stuff. After we sold our hospital and became pastors, we lost contact with him.

The chef told the sister that when he recently saw my husband and I, he remembered the words I spoke to him long ago. He then quoted these to her:  “You need to be born again” “Religion cannot save you, but Jesus can” “Prayer is stronger than medicine” “All diseases have a spiritual root that you must address” “Doctors have limitations, but God is Limitless” “You need food not only for the body, but for your spirit too” “The best inheritance you leave to your children consists of spiritual blessings” “At the name of Jesus every knee must bow, including your sickness and sorrow”… These are some things he remembered I said to him long ago. When he was young he hated the Word of God. But now, he goes to church and he appreciates the seeds planted in his soul.

This testimony is given to the glory of God and to the shame of the devil. As you see, the Word of God never dies! The seed of life planted in hard hearts can still germinate after many years.

It is also my desire to encourage all the believers. Do not be tired to speak about your Savior. Do not by shy with your testimony! Tell others about Jesus! Do not be afraid! Do not be discouraged! You do not need to be a pastor or a graduate from Bible School. If you are a child of God then you are His appointed ambassador. There are many hungry, needy souls all over the world. Preach the Word in season and out of season!

Let your motive be pure! Do not think of money when you preach to others. Just do it for Jesus’ sake! For He is worthy! Share the few scriptures you know with others. I know that in some countries, open evangelism is forbidden in the offices or on the streets. Pray for wisdom and for an open door. God is greater than all: Government workers, millionaires, lawyers, police or judges.

Be faithful in ministry! God will reward you for preaching the Word of God, no matter how little you do it! Yes, you heard me well! God shall REWARD (PAY) YOU for doing His work! I am a witness, I know!

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

I am a servant of God!

I am an ambassador of Christ!

I preach Christ Crucified!

For God’s glory alone!

My reward is great!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free” (Gal 4:30, 31)

One of the most common mistakes we make as believers is to confuse two women: Hagar and Sarah. These two women were both mothers. Abraham was the father of their children. What was then the difference: Sarah was a princess of Jehovah and Hagar was her house maid, a slave bought with money from Egypt. God gave Abraham and Sarah a promise that they shall have a son who will be part of the covenant of grace, freedom, supernatural increase and eternal blessings. Hagar received no promise like this. Her child was of flesh and born into bondage.

Let’s say you meet Sarah and Hagar. Can you tell the difference? If you use natural senses or human wisdom the answer is NO! Sarah was the princess but she was often found in the kitchen, cooking for her husband and son. When the three holy men came to visit their tent, Abraham told her to cook food for them. Sarah can be seen with flour on her skirt and oil on her apron. Hagar was also busy with household chores. But often, she will remove the dirty clothes and dress well. Because she was much younger than her mistress, she was much more attractive to the eyes of men. These two women lived together for many years. Both were ‘wives’ to the same man, Abraham. Many people thought that they were ‘mates’. It was impossible to tell the difference at the beginning of the story…

You need to pray and wait for God to reveal. Hagar is a woman of the flesh. The works of the flesh manifest in her (sexual immorality, hot temper, slander, manipulation…). For a long time these may be covered with a religious paint, with good works of ministry. But sooner or later the rain of the Spirit shall wash the paint and the truth is revealed.  If you thought she was Sarah, you shall be shocked and disappointed when light shines and truth is revealed. Once you see it clearly that she a bondwoman, you need to drive her away, for ‘a slave does not have a permanent place in a home’ (Jn 8:34, 35).

Sarah is a woman of God. She is not perfect but she is born of the Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit shall manifest in her (love, peace, patience, joy, kindness, self-control…). For a long time, these ‘exotic’ fruits may be covered by a religious paint too. But sooner or later truth is revealed. If you thought she was Hagar, again you shall be disappointed, for Sarah is God’s royalty. She is the true mistress of the home and shall dwell in the house of God forever (Ps 23).

If you are truly born again, then you are of the lineage of Abraham and Sarah. Your inheritance is in Christ. You are living by faith in God’s promises. You are free and free indeed. The anointing of the Spirit destroys all yokes of bondage. You shall mature from faith to faith. You shall be promoted from glory to glory.

Lesson: do not only look for you spiritual father. Look for your spiritual mother too, for there the secret of your inheritance is. You are either a prince or a pauper. You are either free or a slave of men. Truth may be disappointing at the beginning but welcome the truth that sets you free. Your relationship with Sarah is eternal. Your relationship with Hagar is temporary. Seek the things above, the eternal things that never fade or pass away. Then you will never be disappointed. Peace and joy shall be your portion. Goodness and mercy shall follow you forever! In Jesus name, Amen!

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

THE GRACE OF INTIMACY

“And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt” (Gen 45:4)

Joseph is a type of Christ. His brothers are stunned at the revelation that he is alive and well. They are speechless. Fear and shame grips them. They are not used to be in fancy palaces, in the midst of such display of wealth. Then Joseph calls his brothers closer to him.

Lesson: We are sinners saved by the grace of God

Lesson: Jesus died and shed His Blood to pay for our free entrance into God’s presence

Lesson: No man comes close to God except by the personal invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“They will have their own ruler again, and he will come from their own people. I will invite him to approach me,” says the LORD, “for who would dare to come unless invited? … So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Jer 30:21; Heb 4:16)

With all the pain and all the prosperity, Joseph is still pure in heart, a loving family man. Egypt represents the bondage of the world. But Egypt has not changed his heart. He is not bitter and he is not proud.

Lesson: the grace of God keeps a man pure and strong

“I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little” (Philip 4:12)

Then Joseph tells them about his plan of salvation. They should go and bring their father to Egypt. They shall settle in the good fertile land of Goshen, close to him. He repeats the words ‘my father…my father…’ He is so happy to know that his father is still alive and that he did not die a bitter, sorrowful old man. Jacob’s end will be better than his beginning. He commands them ‘to hurry’. His father must come quickly to rest and enjoy his later years in peace and prosperity.

Lesson: This is the hope of glory revealed in the Gospel! Our sufferings cannot compare with the glory ahead!

You can see that Joseph is a good son and brother. Joseph is not ashamed of his family. To the Egyptians the shepherds are ‘an abomination’. Many men who become wealthy are ashamed of their poor parents from the village. But it is not so with Joseph. He is like Jesus!

Lesson: Never be ashamed of your family. Love covers all sins and imperfections.

“Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (Heb 2:11)

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

God is calling me closer to Him and I obey His voice!

I reject the evil spirit of an orphan! I reject the evil spirit of rejection, bitterness and failure!

I receive the Holy Spirit of adoption! God is my Everlasting Father!

I am dead to the world and the world is dead to me!

My identity is in Christ alone!

Christ lives in me! He is the hope of my glory!

I am not ashamed of my parents, of my brethren, natural and spiritual!

I love them with the love of God!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

THE PERSONAL REVELATION OF CHRIST

“Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:1-5)

Always remember that Joseph is a type of Christ! If you can’t see Christ in his story you read it in vain. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to see the King of kings in the Book of Genesis!

Joseph tests his brothers to know if their hearts are changed. Eventually the time comes when he is ready to reveal himself to them. What was that breaking point? It was the speech of Judah. His older brother spoke passionately about the pain of their father. If Benjamin does not go back, their father will die of sorrow. Judah offers himself as a substitute, to be a slave in Egypt, in place of Benjamin. This is the moment when Joseph knows for sure that God has changed his brothers’ hearts. The same God that has been with him all these years and who elevated him to be the prime minister of Egypt, He is the same who has changed their hearts. He is now ready to reveal himself. He weeps openly. Then he tells all the Egyptian servants to leave the room. These represent the world. The revelation of Christ is done only to His own! Also we see how loving Joseph is. He does not want any stranger to know about the sinful past of his brothers or to witness their embarrassment. Alone with them he cries out: ‘I am Joseph, your brother…”

His words are like arrows to his brothers’ hearts. A saint of old said that this: a man who weeps in public to entertain others and a man who is too proud to weep, both are wrong. But the tears of Joseph are genuine. Jesus too wept at the tomb of his friend. His brothers were speechless. Fear grips them. This family reunion should have brought joy. But remembering the past sins, it was only fear, shame and pain.

Then Joseph tells them his life story. He does not hide their past sins but he points their attention to God who worked behind the scenes for His own glory.  Another old saint said this: “the sword is theirs but the hand is Thine’. Well said! Joseph tells them that it was God who sent him to Egypt to save the family from hunger and death. It is God who decided to make him the savior of his family. The old dreams have indeed come true.

SPIRITUAL LESSONS FOR LIFE

Tears are a gift from God. Jesus too wept at the tomb of his friend.

All sin and crime is useless. “Your sin will find you out” (Nu 32:23). No matter how long it takes, sin cannot be buried. It will chase you thru your conscience and expose you at last. There is no profit in evil. If it is not on this earth, then at the Judgment seat of Christ, all things shall be revealed and rewarded accordingly (2Cor 5:10).

God is not hindered by men’s weaknesses or sins. God uses all things for His glory.

In Christ I declare:

I shall maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Body of Christ, in the bond of peace!

I weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice!

I shall openly confess my sins and repent of them!

God’s power is perfected in my weakness!

To God be all the glory!

In Jesus name

Amen!