MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (29)

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!” (Mk 3:24-26)

There are two kingdoms and each has a king. The first one is called the Kingdom of God. It is ruled by the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Its aim is to declare on earth the glory of God the Father and to bring its citizens to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of men. The method of increasing its boundaries is by faith and love in Jesus. This is an everlasting kingdom that will defeat all others.

The second one is called the kingdom of darkness and it is ruled by the prince of the power of the air called satan. It is a wicked evil organization made by demons and fallen angels. Its aim is to fight God and His people, to kill steal and destroy all that is good. All sinners and all unbelievers are citizens of this kingdom. Its increase is by terror, fear, intimidation, witchcraft and manipulation. The head of this kingdom has been defeated by Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Its destruction has been prophesied and it shall be complete.

These two kingdoms influence all structures on earth. Each nation, business, family, each marriage or relationship is ruled by one or the other. For example, it is not possible that both Jesus and satan rule your marriage. There are no two kings in one domain. Satan is the first to apply for leadership. He comes with fake promises of prosperity and pleasure. If at least one of you agrees to his terms, he will take over the relationship and slowly destroys it from inside out. But if you reject its claim and promises, and invite Jesus to control your home, it shall be done!

“Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands” (PV 14:1)

This is a very good example to see how two women behave differently in regard to their marriages.  The wise woman values her soul, her husband and children. She desires a godly testimony. She pays the prize for ‘building’ a home. This is a work done with love, patience and prayer. She shall enjoy the work of her hands. Eventually, all the glory for her successful marriage goes to Jesus, her king. Her marriage is a cell of the kingdom of God and increases its borders. God rewards that spiritual labor and blesses the home with peace, love, joy and unity.

But the other woman is foolish, not because she is illiterate, but because she has yielded to the power of satan to control her words and actions. Her home cannot stand. In Greek, this word means to be established in the covenant of peace, to continue undisturbed and without divorce. But the foolish woman’s house shall be the opposite: shaky, troubled, and unhappy and eventually shall scatter thru divorce. Her house is divided and broken to pieces that cannot be ‘glued’ together. The puzzle will never be completed. The purpose for that wrong marriage cannot give glory to God.

It is very painful to love and marry an unbeliever, to dream lofty dreams of a good life with another whose main purpose is to serve satan. The end is divorce and painful broken hearts. As a pastor, I meet all sorts of women. The wise ones have peace, joy and hope. They are humble. They come for counsel and they are teachable. By faith they solve their problems with the help of the Holy Spirit. They make progress and increase their testimonies. Their marriages improve.  Unfortunately, I also meet proud, foolish women. They come for counsel but they do not take it. They talk too much. Their prayers do not change anything. They are too emotional dramatizing their pains at home. They blame their husbands for everything. They quickly consider divorce without any fear of God. They are troubled like the sea and do not enjoy the gift of marriage. Eventually they end up as bitter defeated women and haters of men. They become jealous on the success of others. They are spiritually dangerous, fallen stars and polluted wells. That is the painful side of being a pastor. My duty is to fight this self –damaging and wicked foolishness and to point them to Jesus for salvation and deliverance. My success in ministry depends on their response. Some change and some refuse to change. But the Word of God never changes…

Recently a foolish ‘sister’ came to see me to confess her many wicked and foolish choices. Her wicked careless behavior has damaged her testimony and her marriage. She asked for forgiveness concerning her long standing rebellion against my ministry as a pastor. She has rejected all the words of counsel I gave to her. She told me: “Malia, indeed God is with you! For all the pain I caused you over the years, you should have left the ministry. You should have gone back to your country. It must be God keeping you here in Nigeria, giving you the strength to go on. I saw that you are not even using the pain I inflicted on you to punish others. Thru it all you have remain calm and loving to all. It must be God, truly…”

This is a true saying, you need the power of the Holy Spirit to do ministry! Yes, today I want to give all the glory to God for finding me worthy to be called a pastor! I give all the glory to God for healing my heart from the many disappointments in ministry over the years! God did not allow me to see only defeat, but has given me many sweet moments of success and breakthroughs!  I want to give God all the glory for the strength to move on and for the many blessings along the way!

In Christ I declare:

For the success in my life and ministry, all glory to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit!

My home, my marriage, my children, my church and my ministry shall stand forever!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared…But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries” (Ex 23:20, 22)

This is the Gospel of Christ found in the Old Testament. God the Father has designed the plan for our salvation. God the Son has executed it. The Holy Spirit applies it to our own understanding. Christianity is a journey of faith. We are not just walking somewhere, aimlessly. God has prepared a special place for us. As a Christian, you need to recognize that you are directed to a particular place, to fulfill your own destiny. God leads and we follow.

The word Angel means the Messenger of God, King, Teacher or Prophet. All these are the offices of Jesus Christ. He is the Angel who leads us on to a path that ends in a particular place. Jesus told His disciples:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn 14:1-3)

Jesus knew exactly where He is going. He knew for sure that He will prepare a place for them in heaven. He also promised to come back again to take them with Him to that very place.

In Exodus 23 the place described is not heaven, for there are no enemies there. Heaven is the ultimate destination. But this place prepared represents the blessings we have in Christ. God wants us to mature as believers. As you can see, the blessings promised are more than just the basics of life: food and shelter. God wants to give us a true identity as His children, a sense of direction in life, fulfillment, prosperity, healing, deliverance, fruitfulness and victory.

One of the major spiritual laws is this: GOD REWARDS OBEDIENCE! The word ‘reward’ means payment for service, extra gifts and blessings. If you obey God’s Word you shall be rewarded. If you rebel, you shall be punished. There is no escape from this law. For example, if you obey God’s Word, He promised to take over your battles in life. He will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your own adversary. This is not my wish. This is God’s promise! In Hebrew an enemy is someone who attacks to push you to fall. An adversary is someone who wants to cage and bind you, to limit your progress. The promise for the obedient children is this: If any one attacks me, God will attack that person. It is not my duty to attack. God will do it for me! If someone plans to cage me and limit my progress God will do the same to him. I have seen people fallen for my sake. I have also seen people bound and stopped in their tracks for my sake. They could not move on! God did it! This is the Word of God!

As for me, long ago I made up my mind to obey God’s commandments. I started reading the Bible when I was in my thirties. Once I was ignorant and God showed mercy to me. But when light shone on my understanding I made up my mind to simply obey everything in the Bible. For example, I read: “Thou shall not kill!” Immediately I made up my mind that for as long as I live I shall never kill, attempt or desire to kill any human being. I will not kill with gun, with poison, with slander or with abortion. By the grace of God I kept my promise. My simple obedience has been rewarded beyond any dream. God is my witness! God is my reward!

In Christ I declare:

God has a plan, a hope and a future for me!

I am lead by the Holy Spirit to God’s blessed place, promised and prepared!

I obey God’s commands!

God shall fight my enemies and shall oppose my adversaries!

I am free!

To God be all the glory!

In Jesus name

Amen!

 
“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1Pet 3:15)

There are times when I meet hopeless people. They are so entangled by the sins of the past or by the troubles of the present that they cannot see any hope in the future. The opposite of hope is called despair. That means you either have hope or you have depression. No one who has hope will kill another man or commit suicide.
As a believer you should never despair of life, no matter the circumstances. Even if the doctor says that your sickness is incurable, even if your spouse says there is no more marriage, even if you find yourself kidnapped in the bush, even if armed robbers shut their guns…in all things and all circumstances, as a believer in Christ, hold on to your hope! For as long as you breathe, you have to believe that God has a plan that includes hope for you.

If you are born again, your soul was not saved with silver and gold. Jesus died for the forgiveness of your sins. The Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross was the price God paid for the saving of your soul. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a Gospel of hope. It presents forgiveness for the past sins, healing for the wounds of the present and hope for the future. There is no greater better news that man can ever hear in this world than this: God loves you and He sent His only begotten Son to die in your place, that you might live! I believe God’s Word! My soul is saved now! That is my faith! One day my body shall be redeemed too! That is my hope! I believe that after my work is done here on earth, I shall go to heaven to live there forever, in the presence of God. That is my sure hope!

Maybe you ask: What is hope?
Hope is defined as the confident strong desire and trust that the future is better than the present or the past; it is the joyful anticipation of greater things to come. To have a glimpse of hope, you must look ahead and upwards. Hope is a very strong spiritual chemistry of the heart. It is not weak at all! It is not just wishful thinking that ‘maybe one day things will change, somehow…’ No! Hope is sure of the reward ahead!

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” (Rom 8:24, 25)
In the Bible there are two things connected with hope: it is invisible and it is located in the future. It may not be seen at this very moment but it is there for sure! It is worth it to believe in hope and to wait on God! It is worth it to persevere until the invisible becomes visible. That means believe that one day, the promises of God will become visible testimonies. If you are born again, there is ‘a holy eager restlessness’ to see the manifestations of God’s Word in your life. Patience does not mean passivity. I wait patiently but I also have an active faith to desire to see the fulfillment of God’s promises. That is why I believe in miracles! The sickness may give me fever but it cannot destroy my hope that one day my body will be healed!

This is my testimony:
Like every human being on earth, I was born a sinner. I did not believe in God. I was successful as a wife, mother doctor and all. But inside my heart I was hopeless and troubled. I did not believe in heaven or hell. When people tried to convince me about the existence of God I had many reasons to prove to them that they are foolish and their faith is a joke. Prayer to me was a waste of time. Church for me was a business center for ignorant people. Many tried to preach to me but I was too proud of my unbelief. But things started changing…the words of hope coming from the anointed lips of the true children of God made me hungry to experience the same. I was too stubborn to accept defeat immediately but little by little I sensed a new strange desire in me to have a new hope. I needed something to sustain me and my family.
The first time I read the Bible it was not pleasant at all. I did not find hope or encouragement in it pages. But something really happened. As much as I hated the truth, I became ‘addicted’ to it. I sensed that God wants me to pay to price to come closer to Him. I suddenly became desperate to become God’s friend. I was tired to be His enemy. I continued to read the Bible. I welcomed the pain of repentance. I was hoping against hope to find hope one day… Limping and weak, I finally touched the Cross. To my great amazement I met the Savior there waiting for me, no words of condemnation from His lips, just love to heal my soul. I became truly born again by the Spirit of the Living God. What a change…Eternity is not enough for me to tell my story, how Jesus came to save my soul…

This is my boast: In Christ I believe that I shall go to heaven. For the unbelievers my hope seems like denial of reality, foolishness and day dreaming. I am not surprised…That is how I felt in the past…But we are commanded to patiently give a reason for the hope living in us. Explaining the reality of the hope of glory is one of the greatest ways to evangelize others. Remember, that the world has no hope. Only the believers have hope. Jesus (who is God) says: “My prayer is not for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You” (Jn 17:9).
As a believer in Christ I have hope because Jesus prays for me right now where He is in heaven. I am sure that one day I will meet Him in heaven. There is no need to be angry at my hope. No need to fight it because it cannot be destroyed! Not even death can destroy it! It is a Living Eternal Hope, the gift of God to me! But if you humble yourself and come to surrender your life to Christ, my hope shall be yours too. I promise you, this is the truth!

In Christ I declare:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name!

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand”
In Jesus name
Amen!

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Josh 24:15)

(I just discovered this old song. I am surprised at the wisdom of this secular singer…Yes, God can speak in many ways…)

You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

You might be a rock ’n’ roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You may be a businessman or some high-degree thief
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief

You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk
You may be the head of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name

You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord, you might even own banks

You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin’ in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir

Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed

You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray
You may call me anything but no matter what you say

Chorus:
You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

(Bob Dylan, 1979)

MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (28)

“As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (PV 27:17)

Marriage is the best field to practice godly friendship. Wife and husband should be best friends. True friendship is a gift from God. It is an added blessing to the intimacy of marriage. Love is a sacrifice. Friendship is ministry and sacrifice too. In the scripture above there is this little secret on how to keep the marriage fresh and fruitful. God’s prescription may surprise you! It is not by roses and kisses, but by the sharp iron blows exchanged between mature, trained lovers. Yes, love is painful before it is sweet. The Cross comes always before the Crown.

In Hebrew, the word ‘sharp’ means to use an instrument, a weapon, like the ax to cut away what is damaging to the character or to the relationship of love.  Think of surgery without anesthesia. But imagine the joy to have a tumor removed and the friend to be healed. As a doctor, I have seen pain inflicted for the good of my patients. They did not appreciate it immediately, but they all came back with gratitude and health revived. The lover detects ‘a tumor’ in his friend who is ignorant of it. He has to cut it off. The blow may come unexpectedly. There may be no time for ‘public relations’. There may be no place for apologies. Kisses do not work in times like these…

Truth is like a sharp double edged sword. Love is the surgeon; it cuts and it frees. True friendship does this surgical work with patience, skill and wisdom. True friendship improves itself. True marriage grows taking strength from all the roots around, pain, joy, crisis and all.

The sharp weapon is used to affect ‘the countenance’ of the friend. The husband can use it on his wife and the other way round. This spiritual blow is done as it is needed. In Hebrew, the word countenance means face, favor, honor, purpose, presence, war or employment. These are the different levels affected by the truth spoken in love.  Once the blow is successful there shall be an increased beauty, favor, honor, a sharper focus and purpose in life. This is the work of the Holy Spirit who directed the blow. The strength to do successful spiritual warfare increases. There shall be promotion in the office as the quality of the work of your hands increases. This is a spiritual surgery that indicates victory and deliverance. Pain in not always bad! If the ax is not sharp, the worker wastes too much time in any project (Ecc 10:10). That blow to your friend will make his mind, attention, memory and spiritual sensitivity sharper than ever before. Wounded and healed, he will now speak less, and make greater impact. He will work less and make more money. He will be more discerning and wiser, choosing the best option to move on. Yes, that is the work of spiritual pain between true lovers…A couple that fights and divorces because of painful words, must be foolish or they are unbelievers. For a believer does not waste his pain.

“Let the righteous smite me, [it shall be] a kindness; And let him reprove me, [it shall be as] oil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it…” (Ps 141:5)

This scripture has greatly helped me over the years. Even before my husband became reconciled to God, I chose to look at him as a righteous man. For God assured me that he will be saved and he will be in ministry! I decided that no matter how painful his words shall be to me, I shall take that pain like medicine to increase my anointing. It worked! My tears became worship to God. Mercifully, it was not often, but when the pain came, ‘I swallowed it’ like medicine. I had no fear of bitterness. God was using all things to bless me! My trust was in God alone! As for my pain, I kept it between me and God. I solved must of my crisis thru prayers alone. I fasted and prayed until the trouble melted away. Finally, the day came when my husband surrendered his life to Christ. I did not want a religious man, but a true saved soul as a life partner! God granted my prayer! My husband became truly born again! What a day that was…We have heaven to rejoice there forever…

This is my word for you:

If you pass this road of loneliness and pain in marriage, do not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian…continue to pray…trust God… worship God… the grief is not forever…weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning… take the pain as medicine…it will not destroy your love, it will only heal your heart…God is in control…Let the pain become the aroma of Christ in you, for the world needs that rare perfume collected from the lilies of the valley… Trust me you shall not die but live and declare the mysterious and wonderful works of the Lord! You shall counsel and encourage others coming behind you! God knows His job! You are His child! It is not over until is over! There is light at the end of the tunnel!

In Christ I declare:

The pain coming from my husband (my wife) has become the oil joy to me!

My anointing has increased!

I love Jesus Christ!

My marriage is blessed!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM” (Lk 1:48-50)

Each prayer meeting in our church is unexpected in direction as the anointing of the Holy Spirit takes over the hungry hearts. The first thing I want to say is that it is an extraordinary privilege to be a pastor, a teacher and a worship leader in a living Church. There is no better gift or better job that I desire. Thank God that I did not buy my titles with money and have not stolen my office from another. It is God’s call. It is God’s gift and it is irrevocable! God alone takes the glory for every drop of holy success in our ministry, approved by the fire of His presence.

We started the meeting well. What I mean by ‘well’ is this: the brethren did not ‘spoil’ their spiritual appetite with ‘fast food, corner street false prophecies’. They came un-ashamedly hungry. As a mother, pastor and teacher, I always appreciate genuine hunger. I feel it. There is a drawing in my heart. Their need has a voice that excites me. I become happy and willing to be spent. Hungry people become true friends.

Then we praised God! We sang different choruses, especially about the power of the Cross and the Blood of Jesus! Then I went to the altar and encouraged each one to pray; not to meditate, sing or dance, just pray. Each was to invite the Person of God the Holy Spirit to come to the meeting!  I say this often: “If the Holy Spirit does not come, we cannot continue with the service. We do not know how to pray or preach without the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We do not have a religious ‘plan B’. It is not enough to know that the Holy Spirit is here. We want Him to move in our midst, to refresh us, to grant personal revival to each of us, to give new gifts and new blessings…

Come Holy Spirit we need You, Come Holy Spirit we pray…Come in Your fullness and power, Come in Your own special way…”

We continued to press on in prayer…we ‘mixed’ it with worship as the Spirit was leading us…suddenly, there was an anointing of breakthrough…we had the liberty to pray against sickness, against demons…we prayed for deliverance and financial blessings…we still continued to worship, in English, Nigerian languages and tongues…anything that can help the anointing was received with grateful hearts…Hungry willing people are not too choosy…if something gives glory to God, let it flow…

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed…we became broken at the feet of Jesus, we became soft, tender and grateful…we started thanking God for everything…for our children in particular…the anointing was so strong that parents were thanking God like they have never done before, even as their children are teenagers or older…

I saw that one of the singers in the worship team was ‘lost in the Spirit’. I gave him the microphone to say whatever God is telling him. He suddenly started singing: “I see…God is turning all things around for my good…I see…I see…” We started seeing victory and prosperity all over the sanctuary. Do you see what faith can do?

The worship team could not stand…they were sitting on the floor singing…I hope you appreciate this for three of our choir members are little children…they were singing with tears on their faces…Wonderful…Wonderful!!!

I prepared my message. I was waiting for an opportunity to stop this ‘crazy’ prophetic worship but I could not find a way…the atmosphere was too charged…Suddenly I saw two brethren worshipping at the altar, tears running on their faces. Both are young skinny men in their thirties. Both have sickle cell anemia, an incurable disease. Both of them came to my office in the past informing me that they want to marry this year. Each has found a believing sister who is Genotype AA. Each has problems with the girls’ families, rejecting them for their status. Each of them has outlived all the doctors’ predictions.

Over the years I have learned to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. If the needs of the congregation are ‘normal’ then I can preach. But if the needs are too great for people to listen to a human voice, then the Holy Spirit takes over and does what only Him can do. No man can heal incurable diseases, heal broken hearts, repair disasters or give second chances to tragic cases…all these in the same meeting….Surely, this evening they do not need me. They need God!!!

So I relaxed…I let myself go…Suddenly, the wings of the Spirit carried me up and for a moment I forgot about myself, Warri and the troubles of life…All I could do was to worship, adore and long for more. Inspired by Mary, I started singing…“O, Lord! We magnify Your name! For the things You have done and the battles You have won! Only You are worthy or our praise! We magnify Your name!” The Holy Spirit surrounded us like the mountains surround Jerusalem. We felt protected and strong! Testimonies shall follow!

I have just closed from my ‘evening shift’ of working for God! I cannot tell you how refreshed I am! The unity of the Spirit among the brethren was so much that for sure miracles have happened today! For God owes nobody!  It is all by His grace! God came down from heaven at 6:45 pm tonight! He left the heavenly windows open for the late comers…Partake from this anointing! Freely we have received, freely we give!

In Christ I declare:

Let the weak say: I am strong!

Let the poor say: I am rich!

Let the barren say: I am fruitful!

Let the oppressed say: I am free!

To God be all the glory

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves (1Pet 3:3-5)

Sarah was a ‘holy woman of the past’. But the Bible is not just a history book. It is the ever living Word of God, a present help in times of need. By the grace of God, we shall study how to become ‘holy women of the present!’

I am very grateful to God for my ministry as the pastor to the women in our church. Some time ago, in our women fellowship, we’ve discussed the topic of how our outward appearance affects our testimony. We called that sermon ‘The fashion of godliness’. I want to share some personal observations following that sermon. I shall not call names for we are only interested in applying spiritual principles. When there was an opportunity for me to rebuke or advice, I called the particular sister alone to my office for a private talk. When there was need for prayer, I prayed. These are some of my personal observations:

*I called some sisters and explained to them that their dresses are too short, too tight or too revealing. Initially they argued and became defensive. They said that their mothers at home saw nothing wrong with the dresses. Some even told me that their own husbands complimented their outfit in the morning before coming to church. I did not want to argue with them. I do not want the dress to be a hindrance to our relationship. But the word was given. ‘Pray! Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God!’ There was nothing more to add. Later, I discovered that these same sisters had deep issues. Their marriages were not happy. The same husbands that complimented their ‘sexy’ dresses abused their wives at home. They did not trust them with money and did not respect them as women of God.

*The women who always come to church with dresses that are transparent, too short or too tight, are not committed believers. Most of them are just religious unbelieves. As a pastor, I have not seen spiritual fruits in them. They have a tendency to be lonely, rebellious and quarrelsome. They do not encourage me as their pastor. They make my work harder. They are thorns in my flesh and care not for my feelings. Of course, thru it all I learn to be patient and faithfully continue in the ministry of prayer and teaching. And the Holy Spirit strengthens me and for that I am truly grateful to God!

*Lastly, more good news: Many sisters have changed so much, inside and outside. Sometimes it is hard to remember how they came here. The difference is so great! The inward beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that is of great worth in the sight of God is already shining forth. This is pleasing to God and a wonderful encouragement to me as their pastor. To God be all the glory!

In Christ I declare:

I am a woman of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves (1Pet 3:3-5)

Sarah was a ‘holy woman of the past’. But the Bible is not just a history book. It is the ever living Word of God, a present help in times of need. By the grace of God, we shall study how to become ‘holy women of the present!’

I am very grateful to God for my ministry as the pastor to the women in our church. Some time ago, in our women fellowship, we’ve discussed the topic of how our outward appearance affects our testimony. We called that sermon ‘The fashion of godliness’. I want to share some personal observations following that sermon. I shall not call names for we are only interested in applying spiritual principles. When there was an opportunity for me to rebuke or advice, I called the particular sister alone to my office for a private talk. When there was need for prayer, I prayed. These are some of my personal observations:

*Some women want to do it right, but they are ignorant. Many come from families where there was no proper teaching on behavior, manners or proper appearance in public. Some sisters told me that their mothers ‘pushed’ them into sexual immorality. Many grew up thinking that without seduction they will never marry. Their dresses reflect such lies. It is our duty as pastors and mothers to teach the younger women how to behave and how to dress. It is not an easy or quick work. But it is a necessary work. After the sermon on ‘fashion’ some sisters told me that now they see the need to change in the way they dress. I prayed with them and I saw the changes since then. They dress more modest, simpler and they even look happier.

*The majority of the women in our church dress properly in a way that gives glory to God. They do not over-dress to impress, seduce or intimidate others. Their dresses and hair styles are not too flamboyant, too expensive or too provocative. This is a good thing! I thank God for their wisdom! From my experience over the years, it is rare to find such balance and maturity in this part of the world. In many churches, the women are under pressure to dress fashionably. The world dictates the standard of fashion even in the churches. The dress code for the workers in the oil companies and the banks lead the fashion for others. Many women desire ‘a good job’ so that they can dress ‘corporate’ when they leave their houses in the morning. They feel the need to be admired by their neighbors. This is the spirit of the world and it has crept into the churches too.

*For many women the church is a fashion platform. They come to church to compete with one another and even with the pastor’s wife. They all want to look good in the pictures or on the TV. It is often hard to see any difference between a church and a social club. The latest fashion is worshiped everywhere. That is why I am grateful to God that the Holy Spirit who restrains such immature behavior dwells in our church. We are not legalistic and do not insist on any particular style of dressing. We depend on the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things. His will is done without complaining. As a pastor, I give all the glory to God!

In Christ I declare:

I am a woman of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

 
“When Christ ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men (and women)” (Eph 4:8)

The women fellowship was done in the presence of God. We praised God and we testified of His goodness. Then we had a long prayer meeting led by the Holy Spirit. The following are the prayer points:
*We prayed for healing! Many sisters complained of fever, body pain and weakness. These symptoms look like malaria or typhoid fever. Both are common diseases in this area. But the medical treatment was not able to completely stop the sicknesses. We saw it as an evil attacks and we prayed against it! We shall not waste money in the hospital or at the pharmacy when God can heal us by His grace! We declared Jehovah Rapha as our Healer!
*We prayed for the spirit of worship. We asked God for the grace and the resources to be able to learn a musical instrument. We repented of the idea that we are too old, too foolish or too much ‘house wives’ to learn to play piano or guitar… For nothing is impossible with God!
*We prayed for the grace to join the pilgrims next year to go to Israel. Our feet must touch the streets of Jerusalem! God shall provide the money and the desire to go. There are no excuses anymore.
*We prayed for our husbands and children. No arrow of the enemy shall meet them. Their accounts shall increase and not decrease! These shall be promotion in the office! There shall be happiness in the marriages!
*We prayed for the single sisters to marry godly men!
*We prayed for the fruit of the womb. Children are a reward from God. A sister has been married for six years. She has never missed her monthly circle. This month she has missed it for two weeks. But she is in pains now…We rejected any evil spirit of miscarriage and sorrow. Another sister has been married for two years. She comes from another church. She got married there and none prayed for her as a bride, for the fruit of the womb. In our church, we always pray for spiritual and material blessings and also for the couple to have children. This evening we prayed for her! We told her that by faith, she should go and buy baby clothes. She shall be pregnant! To the glory of God!

We finally praised God for His loving care over us! To serve a God who answers prayers, that is a blessing beyond words! May Jesus Christ be glorified in this church! May the testimonies overflow! May the sick be healed! May the poor be rich! May the sinners be saved! May the barren be fruitful! May the singles marry well! May the mourning be turned into dancing!
“Father, Son and Holy Ghost, To You alone be all the glory!”

Dear friend,
By faith, may you partake from the river of anointing that is flowing to you right now! God is not a man that He should lie; not the Son of man that He should repent. God has said it! He shall perform it! Faith 100% Doubt 0%!
Come back with a wonderful testimony of salvation, healing, marriage, fruitfulness and miracles!
See you next year in Jerusalem!
May God’s plan for your life be fulfilled!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (27)

“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph 4:15)

Truth is a Person. Jesus Christ said:  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life”. Two thousand years ago, the world judged, rejected, condemned and killed the Truth. I am speaking about Christ Crucified. The only way to know the Truth now, it is by the personal revelation of the same Christ. This is done thru the work of the Holy Spirit, also called the Spirit of Truth. Without the Holy Spirit, anything you know as truth in your life is in fact a lie. Any word you have heard about yourself, if it was not spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that word is a lie! Parents lie to children. Husbands lie to their wives. Deception is a global plague that no man can stop. The devil is a liar and the father of all lies. The world is its domain. Truth is not what makes you feel good. Bad news can be true. Truth is not democratic. The majority may be deceived. Truth is not what you believe. A lie believed is still a lie. Truth is truth!

In Greek, truth means revelation, the removal of the veil and hiding nothing.  It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see. The veil that covers the truth is the blindness of unbelief, the judgment of God upon the world. You cannot discover the truth by study or by mistake. You must be lead into the truth by the Holy Spirit. That is why God takes the glory for every drop of truth you possess. The Hebrew word for “truth” means long lasting faithful strength. It implies an everlasting substance that you can trust!

The audible sign of spiritual maturity is found in the scripture above: speaking the truth in love! It takes many years of carrying your cross in Christ to be able to obey this command. This type of speech is a blessing, building relationships in the church and all godly marriages. It is not easy to speak the truth at any time. The evil spirit of religion and lies hidden in your hearer’s heart will instantly fight back. This is because truth is able to set free from all bondages. The devil will hate you for speaking the truth to his prisoners. You shall encounter the backlash of the tongue. You shall be accused as a trouble maker. Truth is always confrontational and creates enemies. Truth separates people. Lies are temporary. Lies are chains of bondage coming from the powers of darkness. But truth is part of the protective armor in spiritual warfare. Truth is like dynamite. Once spoken, it can never be hidden. Truth is everlasting and will always win. If you trust in a lie, you shall be disappointed. If you trust and speak the truth, God will vindicate you!

Truth is like bitter medicine. For a patient to swallow it must be wrapped in a sweet coating. Jesus came to bring Grace and Truth. Without grace and love, a sinner will vomit the truth. That is why you are commanded to speak the truth in such a way that your listener will not reject it. It is not enough to speak the truth. It has to be wrapped in a cover of love. This packaging of love does not mean sweet talking, flattering or pretending to be soft. Love is not just a romantic feeling. Love is as strong as death. Love is a fighter for the interests of the beloved. Love is patient and kind. Love is not rude and not selfish. Love does not harm the hearer. There shall be no damage, no loss and no failure when truth wrapped in love is given to another. A wise man said once: “For truth to be spoken in love you need the heavenly music of grace”. That sounds wonderful to my ears…it shall be power to my lips!

This is my personal testimony…

A successful marriage is always the result of victory in spiritual warfare. It has nothing to do with beauty of with money. There are times when my husband and I need to confront one another. These issues can be about our marriage, children, finances or ministry. Speaking the truth in love is the only way to establish the unity of peace. It is also the only way to make genuine progress in a difficult situation. We have learned over the years to pray before we speak. We are also good listeners. We ask the Holy Spirit for the timing of such a painful confrontation. As for me, Queen Esther is my teacher and my model, especially when I have to tell my husband some ‘negative’ things. Esther was in trouble. She had to bring some bitter truth to the attention of the king, her husband. It is not easy to tell your husband that his best friend wants to kill all his in- laws. She did it in such a way that the king saw the truth spoken in love and he yielded to it. The choice of words, the body language, the attitude of humility and respect are part of the eternal wrappings of love.

For example, I NEVER command my husband to do anything! Even if it is very important to me! I can suggest a way of action and I leave it like that. I can say: “What do you think about this…” I give him time to see the truth I see. Impatience in marriage is criminal. I also NEVER raise my voice to my husband! That type of shout is useless in any relationship. It can only damage the respect and trust. If I have to correct my husband I keep my spiritual focus on Jesus Christ and the grace available by faith in Him. I identify with my husband’s weakness and together we draw courage from the cross. I NEVER say to my husband: “I told you so!” If God vindicates my stand, and my husband comes back to say that I was right, I never end that sweet moment of grace with any word of pride! I have never regretted true humility and patience as a garment to cover my sinful flesh. This is how our marriage has survived and has overcome many hidden traps and snares planted by the devil. That is why I say: to God be all the glory!

In Christ I declare:

I shall always speak the truth in love!

I shall never lie!

My marriage is blessed!

My ministry is blessed!

In Jesus name

Amen!

MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (26)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matt 5:21, 22).

Anger is a natural emotion. Men are angry when they feel threatened or afraid that they lose control. It is very easy to become angry. Just let your hormones take over your brain and your mouth. It is not easy to control anger. It is done with much prayer and deliverance. But it can be done!

God is angry with a righteous anger. He is our example. Jesus too was angry with the Pharisees who took God’s name on vain. But He was not angry when people insulted Him directly. He trusted God the Father for vindication.

“God is a just judge and God is angry with the wicked every day” (Ps 7:11)

God commands us to be angry like Him. We are to be angry with the devil and not with people. We are to hate sin.

The first time the word sin appears in the Bible is connected with sinful anger. Cain was angry and jealous against his brother Abel. God rebukes him but he refuses to repent. Anger is the very sin that stopped Moses to enter the Promised Land. God tells him to speak to the Rock and water will flow out for the thirsty people. But Moses got provoked with the rebellious and in anger he strikes the Rock. God gives water to them but later, He tells Moses that for that sin of uncontrolled anger, he will not enter the land of Canaan. Jezebel was so angry with Elijah that she was ready to God’s prophet. Many wars could have been prevented if the leaders could control their sinful anger. Many relationships could have endured if not for sinful anger and the bitter words that killed the hearts.

A good anger was displayed by Phineas when he killed the rebellious couple for the glory of Jehovah. God rewards him for that act with a covenant of peace (Nu 25). This is a difficult passage but the Holy Spirit will lead you into the truth.

This is a very practical question: When is anger sinful? When does the anger cross the line and becomes a tool for the devil? Anger has done much damage to relationships in general and to marriage in particular. Let’s study the Word of God!

Anger is sinful when it is uncontrolled by the Holy Spirit! Anger is sinful when it is:

*Too hot!

This type of passionate anger is called wrath. The passion is too much. The words spoken are too painful. Together with idolatry, witchcraft, adultery and selfish ambition these outbursts of wrath are a manifestation of the sinful flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Those who habitually practice these sins are not born again. The devil entered Cain because of unrepentant anger and so, he killed his brother.

When you sense another personality taking over your emotions and your mouth, when you say words that sound strange even to you, when you feel like fighting, when you wish another dead, then you have crossed the line. Stop it! Leave the scene! Pray in tongues for peace to come back to your soul!

*Too quick!

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (Jam 1:19, 20). Anger should not be your first choice to answer in a provocation. You should remain calm, praying in your spirit that God will give you a good word of peace with your enemy. The children of God are peacemakers and not quick tempered wild angry men. Anger lives inside fools.

“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools” (Ecc 7:9). The word ‘resides’ also means to settle down, to rest inside, to give comfort. Sinful anger is the tenant and the friend of a fool.

*Too long!

Be angry, and do not sin! Do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil” (Eph 4:26, 27)

This is such a simple advice: Do not go to sleep with your anger steal boiling. That will be the sleep of death. It will injure you and your marriage. God gives more than enough grace to settle disputes before 12 mid night. Be the first to say “I am sorry!” The earlier you apologies, the better! Marriage is a fragile gift, it is like glass! It can break into many pieces and no man can repair it! Do not just pretend that all is alright but as a criminal, your heart filled with silent bitter grudges and plans of vengeance. Settle with your enemy quickly if not it will be worse!

*Too often!

When anger becomes part of you, when it becomes your life style, then it is sinful. I know many wives who live in terror of their husbands. I know children whose only memories about their fathers is violence and intimidation. When you are known as a bully, when people avoid you because of your temper, then you have crossed the line. No matter the reasons for such anger, even if you think that you are justified in it, it is still sinful. People will avoid you. Punishment and destruction will be your portion.

“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (PV 29:1)

IN CONCUSION:

“Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul” (PV 22:24, 25)

Jesus says that an angry man is a criminal at heart. Do not make friends with an unrepentant angry person! Do not marry a hot tempered man of a bitter woman! That is a snare of the devil! Anger is not a sign of strength but a serious weakness of character. I counsel young people who plan to marry and I hear this often: ‘he is a good man but he loses his temper sometimes…’ That is a signal to stop the plans and still pray. It is like you want to marry a tiger. Even if he is not hungry always, one day he cannot control his instinct and he will swallow you alive! Some tell me: “I like to speak out my feelings. After that I forget about it. My anger is hot but it does not stay long with me…” To shoot somebody you need just s second. After that, you will have a life time of regret. Words spoken in anger are like daggers. They wound and kill.

Take this advice from me: Just the way you cannot marry an adulterous person, do not marry a hot tempered one! Do I hear an ‘AMEN’?

In Christ I declare:

I repent of any sinful anger that was too hot, too quick; too long or practiced too often!

I divorce the demon of anger!

I separate myself from any unrepentant angry person!

I plead the Blood of Jesus over my angry spouse!

Let the Blood of Jesus speak peace into my marriage!

The Holy Spirit has taken control!

In Jesus name

Amen!

MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING (24)

“And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil” (Eph 4:26, 27)

Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion in response to danger. Anger inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and behaviors, which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary for our survival. For example, you need some anger to go to war, or to a race and win.

Anger should not be suppressed, for then it produces internal damage. Many sicknesses are related to unresolved emotional problems. Suppressed anger becomes bitterness and grudge.  These lead to high blood pressure and depression. Anger should then be expressed but not in a way of hurting others. This is a simple advice: always THINK before you speak!

Be slow to become angry and be slow to speak! Your reaction to provocation depends on the level of love you have for God and for men. For love is not easily provoked and does not intentionally hurt others. When you are angry, you feel ‘hot headed’. You sense the adrenaline rising inside you. Your very organs and your brain demand to have a voice to shout.

To remain calm under provocation is a sign of spiritual maturity. The devil wants to take control and push you to do things and say words you will surely regret. When anger controls a man, wicked lies start pouring forth. An angry man exaggerates his pain. For few minutes he will ‘shoot arrows’ to wound his enemy and to defend his territory. Nobody in his path is spared. An angry man is very dangerous. He is ready to kill another to survive. Anger is very selfish. It does not want to calm down, to go to rest, except with another round of battle. When anger gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems especially in your personal relationships. Many marriages have been destroyed by uncontrolled anger.

In marriage there will be many reasons to be provoked. For two people coming from different background to live together until they die, that is a very difficult thing to do. Often, ignorance and selfishness will rise and provoke the other. It is a battle of control over many things: the vision of the marriage, the training of the children or the finances. The devil waits for a chance to steal a piece of the show. Anger is his tool. Lies are his bait. He is an old fox and has won many battles. Please remember this: You cannot defeat the devil with natural means. You cannot keep anger under control by your human power. You need the greater power of the Holy Spirit to win this battle against the demons of anger and lies. Once you have that victory, your marriage will be a blessing to you, as God designed it to be. If not, it is more like hell on earth. Also, your spouse is not your real enemy. As believers, we do not fight against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness, evil forces of darkness trying to control the home. The battle is always against the invisible demons. Once you believe that and you get ready to defeat them, you shall enjoy your marriage. You need to study the Word of God and pray daily. There is no exception to this!

This is my testimony: I have learned over the years to control my anger when provoked by my husband, my children or other people. As an unbeliever I was not what you call a hot tempered woman. But occasionally, I could lose ‘my cool’ and say things that I will regret later. During provocations I will become bold and get ready to insult ‘my enemy’. I was always surprised at what I could say when angry. Normally I will not be so rude or harsh. When losing my temper I felt like wicked words were supplied to me even against my will. After I became saved, I made up my mind to control my anger. It was my personal ‘sanctification project’. I wanted to prove to my husband and to my children that it is worth it to be a born again person. I wanted them to see Christ in me, the hope of glory. In particular, I wanted God to be happy with me. I wanted God to use me as a sample of His grace, to boast about me to His enemies. Controlling anger has been a long and difficult road. But o…so worth it! I prayed that the Holy Spirit will embrace me, will immobilize me and will stop my tongue during provocation. He answered my prayer! Now, when I get angry, I suddenly feel weak and I am not able to respond with quarrels. My voice cannot rise. I try to think of angry words to say and I find none. I sense a supernatural peace inside me calming me down, reminding me that the battle belongs to the Lord! God’s manifested presence in me during provocation is my victory! Little by little, my husband and children have discovered that they shall not be rewarded with the memory of knowing ‘a crazy woman’ at home. They will not remember me full of anger and bitterness! They will remember me as a woman of God, a servant of the Prince of Peace!

To God be all the glory!

I encourage you to conquer the demon of anger and to save your marriage! By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can do it!

In Christ I declare:

I shall not let anger control me!

I uproot the devil out of my home!

My marriage is blessed!

My children are blessed!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22; TLB)

I come from a former Communist country. In school we were thought that God does not exist. The teachers told us that religion is a man’s invention to keep the poor people in bondage. They told us that there is no life after death. The best we can do is to work hard in this life and give some inheritance to our children. I believed that after death man disappears in a cosmic silence and nothingness. I did not believe in God or in the devil.

From time to time I dared to think that life is more than work, salary, marriage and children. I was a dreamer, a romantic at heart. I loved to read, anything like poetry, the biographies of famous men and true stories. I read many books. I loved country music. I played classical pieces on the piano. In school I was a perfectionist. I thought it was my duty to take first place in any exam or test that comes my way. I had no pity for losers. I felt very bad each time I failed any test. My parents were both teachers and of course, they were very proud of me.

The first time I had ‘an encounter’ with the word ‘God’ was in the first year of university. We were a group of friends and one day, we discussed what qualities each one desires in a life partner. Each one said something. I think I said that my future husband has to be intelligent and kind. Then Richmond Leigh, our Nigerian colleague said something so stupid that we all laughed with tears and made fun of him. He said: “I cannot marry a girl who does not believe in God…” God? What is God? I found myself looking at this young handsome man…he sounded so foolish…I pitied him and his parents in Africa. I made up my mind to help him be more ‘civilized’.

Richmond Leigh never repeated that sentence again. Few moths later he proposed to me. After many trials and temptations, against all odds, we got married. I did not want to remind him of his past foolishness. I was a little surprised that he proposed to a girl who clearly did not believe in God. I tried to forget his words about God. They made no sense anyway…But I could not uproot them from my heart. Like seeds coming from a strange tropical aromatic plant, they stayed in my heart for many years. I could not explain them. They just stayed there…

We were happy as two nice unbelievers can be. We finished Medical School and came back to Nigeria as a young couple with two little children in 1980. In 1986 I had a crisis conversion and became born again. Not long after that I became filled with the Holy Spirit. My life changed so much that my parents did not recognize me when I visited them. I was a new creation in Christ Jesus. I lost my all fears and my doubts. I did not look like a Romanian or like a Nigerian…I look like a peculiar person whose citizenship is in heaven. I became ‘foolish’ too, trusting God and praying to Him always! But this so called ‘foolishness’ became my protection and my strength.

Richmond and I, we are married now for more than 40 years. We are both pastors and in full time ministry in Warri, Nigeria. God had mercy on me for I acted in ignorance! Once the light shone, no one could stop it! I laughed at the words of God but I could not defeat them. Yes, God finally answered my husband’s wish to marry a woman who believes in God! This is my testimony…God’s ways are mysterious and they pass the human understanding!

“I never knew You will favor me this way…Thank You Jesus, Thank You my Lord” (Nigerian chorus)

Give your life to Christ! Become born again! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!

In Christ I declare:

I give all the glory to God for the salvation of my soul!

In Jesus name

Amen!

 
One of my daughters in Christ sent me a message this morning. She was worshipping and giving thanks to God! This is her testimony:
She has been working on a major project in her office. Many other people were involved in it. They trusted and delegated her to send it in before July 1st. Every day she added new material to the research. Her job’s promotion depends on this project. But as time went by she lost touch with the dates on the calendar.

Yesterday she came back from office, did some house chores, watched a movie and later she went to her room. She turned off the lights and she went to sleep. She was thinking that she still has another day to send in her work. She forgot that tomorrow is July 1st. At exactly 11:45pm she suddenly jumped up from the sleep shaking. She looked at her clock. It read 30th of June. She ran to her computer speaking in tongues but for whatever reason, it refused to come on. She then quickly dressed up with a bed sheet and entered her car driving like mad. She went straight to the Fed Ex office that is not far from her house and is operating 24 hours. Her fingers shaking, she finally sent the material. It was 11:56pm. She collapsed of joy in the chair. If she waited few more minutes, the boss could have been very angry and she could have lost her job.
The devil tried its best but failed completely!

I don’t want to be a quiet ungrateful mother! Please join me in thanking God who takes care of my children, natural and spiritual, both here in Warri and all over the world! Praiseeee the Looooooooord!!!!

In Christ I declare the Word of God over my children:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Ps 121)
In Jesus name
Amen!

“Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; impatience will get you into trouble”

“It is dangerous and sinful to rush into the unknown” (PV 19:2 GNT; TLB)

An ignorant man is an impatient man. Both ignorance and impatience are sins. Both are the work of demons.

A sinner is consumed by many desires. His soul longs for self-confidence, fame, wealth and for the pride of life. It has been said that superficial knowledge is very dangerous. If a man knows too little about a subject he will become proud and bossy. Most men are ignorant of their ignorance. It is also said that knowledge is power.

You say that you desire knowledge…what type of knowledge? In what field do you want knowledge? For the schools and their books in this world are many. “Much study wears the body” (Ecc 12: 12). There is a price to pay for deep knowledge. But you must choose the right field so the price is not wasted in useless adventures and weariness of soul.

The only knowledge truly worth living and dying for is the knowledge of God. If you know God, then you know everything. But you cannot attain that knowledge except God reveals Himself to you. He has already done that in the person of His Son. No man knows the Father except thru Jesus Christ. To know God is more than information. It is called eternal life (Jn 17:3). That is the knowledge you should desire!  Pay any price to seek that treasure! No other knowledge compares with it. The knowledge of any other field ‘puffs up’ and makes a man proud.

A proud man becomes restless with his social position in life. He wants to move on taking God for granted. He becomes impatient. He has little time to waste with weak people who need his help. He moves on fast like a car without brakes. “The man who thinks he knows something does not know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God” (1Cor 8:1-3). LOVE GOD!

An impatient man makes many mistakes. He is daring enough to go on ahead of the leading of the Holy Spirit, therefore grieving Him. His ambition drives him like mad. By his religious ignorant zeal he leads many into danger. An impatient man is rebellious especially against the doctrine of Christ. He is also rebellious against his pastor whom God has delegated to teach him. The work, the ministry of an ignorant and impatient man is called wicked. Godly patience is the mark of a born again believer. An impatient zealous man is a religious unbeliever. Do not be deceived! Do not become friends with such people! Do not extend an invitation for them to come and visit your home! Do not sponsor such an evil work of rebellion!  Do you know that you are responsible to God on behalf of your guests at home? Who are your friends? To whom you give encouragement, money and help?

There is safety in knowing God and patiently serving Him alone!

“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God…If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work” (2Jn 9-11)

In Christ I declare:

I separate myself from any person who runs ahead of the leading of the Holy Spirit!

I reject the religious demons of ignorance and impatience!

I raise the standard of the Holy Spirit at the door of my house!

No one will visit me except approved by God!

I do not need many friends! I need godly friends!

I know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent!

I have eternal life!

All glory to God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,

And as a root out of dry ground…

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied” (Is 53)

What does it mean that our Savior was a tender plant growing in a dry ground? How Jesus did survive so much opposition? Why did He not die before His hour came? What is the secret of His holy success?

When Jesus was born everything was against Him. Herod the Great hated Him. He killed all the male children but Jesus escaped. Mary and Joseph were poor people. There was no other place for Mary to have her baby except the stable where animals stayed. There is no doubt that during her labor Mary experienced feelings of rejection and loneliness. No woman, however poor she is, wants to deliver her baby in a stable. I believe that it was also cold and she had to endure the unpleasant smell of animals. The pictures of Christmas may look romantic but the reality is different. Then they became fugitives in Egypt. Eventually, they come back and settle in Nazareth. Nathaniel said about that village: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” The childhood of Jesus was in a place where nobody saw any good thing coming from it. Jesus did not go to a regular school He learned the trade of carpentry from his father, Joseph. It is true that He was from the royal lineage of David. That could have been something good, but Israel did not have a royal dynasty. It was the Romans that now chose their kings who had nothing to do with David. When Jesus entered ministry, the disciples that followed Him were poor un-educated people. The religious leaders hated Him and rejected His teachings. The religious leaders arrested Him and brought Him before their tribunal. Jesus did not have any lawyer. He did not even defend Himself. He did not write any book. He was a king but He did not have any army. He was eventually killed on the Cross. Humanity killed their Maker on Mount Calvary. He was buried in a rich borrowed tomb. The Roman soldiers guarded the burial place. That should have been the end of the story…

All these factors against Him describe to us the ‘dry ground’ of the life of Jesus. There was nothing in His environment that helped Jesus survive or succeed. There was no place where He could lay His head… There was no man who can take the credit of saving His life.  How then did this Jesus survive all the hatred and negativity against Him? Not only survive, but how did He succeed to become the most famous Man all over the world?  Why is His name on our lips, more than 2000 years later? Why so many people call Him their Savior? Why do so many people worship Him, in every city, every country? What is the secret of His Holy success? The answer is that He is God! He is Jehovah, I AM, the self-sufficient God, who does not need anything man has to offer to live eternally. If you are a child of God, think about your Father…

If you are ‘trapped’ in an unloving marriage and your spouse does not encourage you at all… if you are a missionary and, with all your labor of love you see no visible fruits… If you live in an area where churches are all lukewarm, you desire to mature spiritually but there is no mentor, no Spirit filled pastor…If you are alone and afraid or even hopeless, then go to Jesus Christ, the hope of Glory! Go to Jehovah, the self-sufficient God who does need His creation to live eternally! Go to the Holy Spirit who will give you the strength to live and succeed even if the whole world is against you! For no ground is as dry as the one that held the roots of the tender plant called Jesus Christ! Allow the Holy Spirit to enlarge your vision to see how that Lonely Seed planted in that dry ground, against all the odds and plans of the devil, became the King of the Kingdom of God! If you are born again then you are part of the lonely painful travail that has satisfied the Son of God! This is the work of God! If God has started a work in you, nobody can quench it! No circumstance, no enemy, no devil can destroy the work of God! Once the zeal of God is involved in a work, nothing can destroy it!

This is our testimony! This is the very faith that propelled my husband and I to have the boldness to start a church in Warri, Nigeria. The ground is dry but the seed is Holy! The faith in Jesus Christ proved to be enough for us!

Let us be encouraged to trust God when all things go against us. Like Jesus, we do not need anything to survive and succeed, only God! Jesus is enough for me! I am satisfied!

In Christ I declare:

Even if the spiritual atmosphere in Warri, Nigeria is as dry as a ‘bonga fish’, the Kingdom of God shall be established here! Many souls shall be saved!

Father’s House Bible Church is blessed!

All the glory to God!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8)

A sister told me a very sad story. She comes from a polygamous home. All she knew during her childhood was strife and occult spiritual war. She was 21 when armed robbers came to her parents’ house. She was alone in her room. She was raped at gun point. Her parents where in the next room but could do nothing to help her. None died during that attack.
More than 10 years have passed since then. She is now married to a good Christian who loves her and they have two beautiful children. She goes to church. She believes she is born again. But her childhood pain and especially the rape incident have left deep scars in her soul. I was surprised when she told me ‘Malia, I am not a special person’. She is very beautiful but she feels ugly. She is a graduate but she feels foolish. She told me that she made up her mind not to weep anymore. The last time she cried was more than a year ago. She is full of fears, that armed robbers may come and harm her family, especially children. She acknowledges that her husband is a good and generous man but she is not really happy in her marriage. For the past few years she could not convince herself to go and visit her parents. She says that she has not forgiven them for not helping her at the point of her deepest need. She knows that there was nothing they could do with criminals carrying guns, but still she holds them responsible for her shame.

She is now a very busy successful woman. Looking at her, nobody will believe she carries such pain. But face to face with me she opened up and she shared her pain. She struggled to remain calm but thank God for the Holy Spirit who set her free to weep. “There is a time to weep…” This time, there were not tears of bitterness or anger, but tears of relief that a burden can be shared with someone stronger than her who will not judge her past. She kept this secret hidden in her heart for too long. Her husband knew about it but she was afraid to tell anyone else.

Today we had a Holy Communion service. She was in my heart when I took the bread and the wine. May the Blood of Jesus heal the broken heart of this dear sister! May the Blood of Jesus create a bridge of forgiveness and reconciliation between parents and their daughter! May God grant salvation to her parents! May God bring peace in her marriage! May God’s destiny for her be fulfilled! May she become a woman of God who can minister comfort and encouragement to other souls in need!

I use her as a point of contact to speak life, healing, peace and joy to other rape victims who read this letter! God loves you! No man can save you! No man can help you at the point of your greatest need! That is the truth! Only Jesus can help! He came to die for you that you may be free from the condemnation of sin! Jesus Christ, the High Priest, intercedes for you right now in heaven! There is no new Jesus! There is no new Gospel! Jesus Christ is the same forever! In these changing times, during different seasons of life, when people come and people go, let this be your strength and comfort: Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Believe in God! Come to the Cross! The Blood of Jesus has power to save and to heal! God bless you all!

“Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”

Lastly, please pray for me that I continue to find favor with the many people who come to my office in their time of need! I need your prayers! Thank you!

In Christ I declare:
I am washed in the Blood of the Lamb!
I am fully trusting God’s grace this hour!
My Savior Jesus Christ is the same forever!
Jesus has saved my soul and has healed my body!
Jesus Christ intercedes for me right now!
My God is faithful!
All glory to the Lamb upon the throne!
In Jesus name
Amen!

“So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”

And he said, “Here I am, my son.”

Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together” (Gen 22: 6-8)

Mount Moriah and Mount Calvary stand together as a wall around Jerusalem. Their destinies are connected. This story in Gen3sis 22 is a symbol of the Cross. Abraham stands for God the Father. Isaac stands for God the Son. In this chapter Isaac is not a small boy. His particular age is not given but he should be a man in his thirties. A boy cannot carry enough wood on his back to burn a human body. In the next chapter, when his mother Sarah dies at 127, he was 37 years old. Both Isaac and Jesus were born miraculously. Both Isaac and Jesus died in their thirties. God tells Abraham to leave Hebron city and to go towards Jerusalem, on the top of Mount Moriah. That was a three days journey. The events on Mount Moriah happen on the third day. Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. Abraham takes two servants. Not three or four, just two. He tells them to remain some distance away. They represent the two thieves crucified along with Jesus. But the last part of the journey is done by father and son alone. Salvation is of God alone. No man can take the credit. Abraham lays on Isaac’s back the wood for the burning sacrifice. The word ‘wood’ appears 5 times in this chapter. It stands for the burden of sin and death. Jesus carried his wooden cross to Mount Calvary. The same word ‘to lay on him’ appears in Is 53:6!

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all”

Both Isaac and Jesus were obedient unto death. They accepted the plan of their father even when it was very difficult. They were both persecuted by their brethren.

Isaac questions his father: “Where is the lamb?’ Abraham wisely answers: “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” He did not say ‘a lamb’ but ‘the lamb’. The ram found in the thicket was not a lamb.

The question “Where is the Lamb?’ was answered more than a 1000 years later; It is not any sacrifice, but a particular Lamb approved by God that could take away the sins of the world. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God was crucified on Mount Calvary. The first man to recognize the Lamb of God was John: “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29).

You have to use your imagination and see Isaac carrying away on his back the pile of wood that could have killed you. Do you know the Lamb of God? Has He taken away your sins? Are you free from the punishment and shame of sins? Do not look around at the circumstances. Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith! You may have heard this invitation but the Word of God never changes! Come to Jesus and become a child of God!

God provided His Beloved Son as a sacrifice for my sins. His provision is my protection forever! I am saved to the uttermost. I shall not lose my salvation for it is too deep in my spirit to be removed. He that started a good thing in me shall perfect it until that wonderful day when we shall see face to face! Hallelujah!

“Forever You will be

The Lamb upon the throne

And I gladly bow my knees

To worship You alone!”

In Christ I declare:

I am born again!

I am free indeed!

In Jesus name

Amen!

Last week a brother in the church received threats from kidnappers to pay a huge amount of money in a particular account. They said that if he refused, they will harm him and his family. He was shaking with fear. The pastor advised that he should not to make any deals with the evil men. Thank God he obeyed. He reported the matter to the police. But there is no other protection greater than faith in the Word of God.

This evening there was a sweet and strong anointing in the service. The Lamb of God visited us. We all bowed at His feet. God loves Father’s House. God loves us. Then the message followed.

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

So the Lord surrounds His people

From this time forth and forever” (Ps 125:2)

This is a very pretty verse but what does it mean that the Lord surrounds His people like the mountains surround Jerusalem? Pray for a fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit! There are seven mountains that surround Jerusalem:

1-Mount Moriah (Provision)

2-Mount Calvary (The Cross)

3-Mount Bethsaida (Mercy)

4-Mount Scopus (Healing)

5-Mount of Olives (Anointing)

6-Mount Opel (Protection)

7-Mount Zion (Strength)

Today we shall take a trip to Jerusalem.  We shall climb two of the mountains that surround the city God loves more than any other on this earth (Ps 87:1-3). I am talking about Mount Moriah and Mount Calvary. This trip will give you a fresh revelation of the price and power of love. In Hebrew, the word ‘Moriah’ is a combination of two words translated as ‘Seen or Provided by Jehovah’. The word means to see, to be near, to experience, to have visions, prophecy, to enjoy, to perceive, to provide, to have respect (for my needs). It is closely connected with God’s name as Jehovah Jireh, God the Provider. This is a great revelation: God’s provision surrounds and protects me. If God has given you a gift, marriage, children, money, friends…these are not liabilities. You do not have to defend them. You do not have to fear that you shall lose them. They are a wall of grace and protection for you.

Genesis 22 is one of the most powerful Chapters in the Bible. Here we are introduced to a love story on top of Mount Moriah. Abraham is 130 years old man. God wants to test him. This means that we are never too old to be students of the Bible and to receive a test from our Heavenly Teacher. The test is about the purity of his worship. . It was a test of love, to prove that there is no idol in Abraham’s heart to compete with God. The greatest danger to become an idol was his son Isaac. God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” This is the first time that the word ‘love’ appears in the Bible. Love is connected with testing, sacrifice and death. It is the reason for the ram substitute, the redemption provided to save Isaac from death. “Love is as strong as death” (SS 8:6)

Who is your Isaac? Is it success, education, your job, your reputation, marriage, your children, a hobby, money, properties or your own selfish desires? You need to come to Mount Moriah and offer your love there. You also have to go to Mount Calvary to see what the Father provided for the atonement of our sins and many blessings added to salvation. Out Isaacs can take the place of God and can ruin our worship. On Mount Moriah I lose my Isaac. Jehovah Jireh is a jealous God. He is also called El Qanna. On Mount Calvary I gain my Lord. Christ is my reward. Come to the Mountain where God can be seen! Come to the mountain where God provides Himself to you! I am surrounded and totally protected by God’s revelation of His provision.

In Christ I declare:

Jehovah Jireh is my God!

God has provided a sacrifice for my sins!

Jehovah Jireh ‘has respect’ for my needs!

I have eternal life!

God’s provision is my protection!

No more fears!

I am saved by the Blood of the Lamb of God!

All glory to God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

“Then the Lord said, “I will not allow people to live forever; they are mortal. From now on they will live no longer than 120 years.” (Gen 6:3, GN)

Adam and Eve could have lived forever. But sin brought death with it. After the fall men lived hundreds of years.  With sin reigning in man’s flesh, God made a new decree and limited the number of years man can live on earth. God said that it will be maximum 120 years. That is all they have to repent of their sins. Even after God’s decree, Abraham lived 135 years, to prove the grace of God on his life. Jacob was asked by Pharaoh: “How old are you?” He was embarrassed to say that he is (only!) 130 years old for his ancestors lived much longer than him. Moses lived 120 years.  Even at that age his eyesight wasn’t impaired and he was still vigorous and strong. These are just few examples of what we call ‘a long life well spent’. Why limit God’s plan for your life?

This is a question: How many people do you know who live above 100 years? Do you know that three quarters of all untimely deaths are preventable and life style related? This is the conclusion of medical science. We do well to pay attention to this information. Doctors say that you have to make a change in your life style if you want to live long. When you are young you do not feel the need to do that. But as the body ages you have to become wiser taking care of your body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

If you want to live long, this is the medical advice:

*Do not smoke cigars or take illegal drugs

*Do not drink alcohol

*Do not be overweight

*Reduce salt in the food

*Keep your Blood pressure under control

*Exercise your body and your mind

*Do not over-work. Rest and enjoy your life

Of course, as believers, we add this:

*Give your life to Christ! Be born again!

*Attend a good living church!

*Read your Bible daily. Memorize the Word of God. Apply (obey) the Word of God in daily living!

*Pray daily!

*Rejoice always!

*Repent of any known sin so that your conscience is at peace!

*Serve God in any ministry!

*Be a blessing to many!

*Marry well!

I wish you all long life and prosperity!

In Jesus name

Amen!