My prayer for you

Dear friend,
! see that there is still much secret desire and dream in your heart, to do something great for God, in this life time…I pray for the power to change regrets into actions and to accomplish your dreams!
In Jesus name
Amen!

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams)
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)”
(Eph 3:20, 21)

In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God!
I shall fulfill the purpose of God for my life!
In Jesus name
Amen!

FREE INDEED

“You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. If you keep on biting and devouring each other watch out or you will be destroyed by each other…live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Gal 5:13-16)

Freedom is one of the greatest gifts God has given to His children. Freedom means to be independent from the oppression of another; it means to be a citizen and not a slave, to enjoy all the privileges given by the Government without paying for them; It means to be able to choose, to walk unrestricted; to be outspoken; to be pure (not united or mixed with something else); to be a king, sovereign in your own domain. The opposite of freedom is sin, bondage, slavery, inability to make a decision; it also means to be caged, dumb, blind, weak, corrupted and adulterated.

Jesus died to set us free from the bondage of sin and the penalty of the law. In the passage above the believers are warned not to take the Christian freedom for granted and not to misuse it. That is sin and it will defeat the purpose of liberty. In Christ we are free but there are conditions for freedom to be maintained. Salvation is an eternal gift, but freedom can be lost, at least partially, by falling into sin.
Christian freedom means not ‘indulging in the sinful nature’. Once you are born again, sin is dethroned and the Spirit takes over. But in the body, there is some remnant sin that has to be killed daily by the same Spirit of God. This sin does not reign anymore, but it can cause damage to your testimony of a free soul. This sin has its own voice, and wants to manifest. The freedom we have in Christ is to make the right decisions so that sin dies and the Spirit lives. Freedom is not a gift given to the flesh. We are not free to the extent that we shall continue to enjoy sin. Many believers take the gift of freedom for granted and refuse to mature spiritually. We are free from sin and not to sin! Selah!

Another way to manifest true Christian freedom is to obey God’s law and love others. Agape love is sacrificial. We are to ‘serve one another’ selflessly. Your freedom should not be the reason why you hurt others, why you are careless with their feelings. Flesh has to die! There is no power on earth that is able to kill the flesh except the Holy Spirit. That is why we read the Bible, pray and walk lead by the Spirit. This holy combination is poison to the flesh and food for the spirit. Freedom then is revealed as worship to God and service to the brethren. Within its holy boundaries true freedom is spiritual passion, mature love and purity of heart in the power of the Holy Ghost.

In Christ I declare:
I am free from the burden and punishment of sin!
I love God with all my heart!
I love, encourage and serve the brethren!
I put no stumbling block in another’s path!
I do not trespass the holy boundaries of freedom in Christ!
I am grateful for the gift of freedom!
I die to self and to the world!
I live and walk lead by the Holy Spirit!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS!

Today was a busy day for our church. We had a wedding in the morning. Before 10am we had the compulsory ‘sanitation day’. By law, everybody has to stay at home and clean the neighborhood. Then the news came that most of the roads are closed because a ‘big’ Government official came to town. Because of the traffic, not even the bride and the bridegroom could come to church before noon. After the ceremony most people went to the reception venue. Our prophetic prayer meeting starts by five. Few came and most of them were tired. How do we go on? What do I do with a tired congregation who feels too guilty to miss the service but has too little expectation of any blessing to come?
The answer is simple: invite the Holy Spirit to come and take over the tired joints and dry faces.
I made up my mind that if nobody wants to follow me into the Holy of Holies I shall go alone. I still had some ‘jetlag’ from the travel but that was not enough to stop me ‘redeeming the time’ tonight. I relaxed into the embrace of the Beloved. I reminded myself that the service is not unto my reputation (for I lost mine at the Cross). The gathering of the people is unto the Lamb who seats upon the Throne.
We prayed then we started singing an old much beloved song:
‘You don’t have to worry…and don’t you be afraid…joy comes in the morning…troubles they don’t last always…for there is a Friend called Jesus who will wash your tears away…and if your heart is broken…just lift your hands and say…I know that I can make it…I know that I can stand…No matter what may come my way…MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS!’
Suddenly the Holy Spirit came to take over the evening offering. The feeling of tiredness and boredom disappeared. One after another the souls looked up over the hills…the Helper came galloping on the clouds of glory… Then I knew instantly that all is well, for in His presence there is fullness of joy…even the crumbs can heal…the crickets played the guitar…the children danced…and none could stop the injection of hope and power coming from afar…Revival has a peculiar fragrance and it was all over the building…
Yes, this is the secret of true ministry, the majestic Person of God the Holy Spirit taking over a hopeless situation than none wants to redeem.
He directed our spirits to Jesus Christ, the Lord. Such of good reminder we needed; that there is none like Him…each encounter with the Lord reveals His loveliness and precious face…you can never be the same once you gaze at the Strength of Israel! Beyond words to express the grace of our Lord, the One who calls us up unto the Mountain laden with spices, rivers of wine flowing to the thirsty…life abundant and free…this is my Beloved, this is my Lord, you daughters of Jerusalem!
‘Thank You Lord, for Your presence this evening. My soul has found rest. My life and all is in Your hands. You said that none can pluck me away from Your resources and power, from your sense of direction and love. Lord, I believe!’
Good lesson tonight: no matter how tired you are, come to church! It is better than anywhere else!

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (Jn 10:27, 28, KJ)

In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God!
I follow Jesus!
I have eternal life!
I can never perish!
I am un-pluck-able!
My life is in God’s hands!
I am forever safe!
In Jesus name
Amen!

Fruitful death

 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12:24, 25)

The Cross is not just a historical event. It is also a practical revelation for the Believer. Jesus died and He rose again. That is my destiny too. I do not have to wait eighty years for ‘my death’ to come. By faith, in Christ, I can ‘die’ now…to sin, to my fleshly desires and to the world. This death is not just a doctrine. It is also a sacred experience. Many claim they obeyed this command. But the proof of obedience is only seen in the future. It is the supernatural, unexplained, abundant, spiritual and always surprising fruitfulness of a soul who lives in the power of resurrection and to the glory of God.

Disobedience to this command means deep, incurable loneliness. Any area of your life that is still ‘in your power’ shall have no mate, no child, no friend and no disciple. In spite of many prayers and much labor, there are many lonely lives, barren marriages and isolated ministries all over the world.

The solution is simple in theory but not easy in practice. It is the application of the Cross, with its shame, weakness and glory. You have to let go of your life and surrender it to God. This is not just an event in the past. The Holy Spirit shall reveal areas of your life that are yet to be planted in the vineyard of God. Even with your marriage, this surrendering rarely happens on your weeding day. You may pray about it but in practice it takes some years before you are ready to let go, so that ‘the falling and dying’ of it produce abiding results of maturity and fruitfulness.

Practically, how do you know that you have not yet surrendered a particular area of your life and ministry to God?

The answer is this: self is still active there! You still love it; you still defend it; you are still very jealous and possessive of it. When men criticize that area of your life, you feel grieved and angry and you quarrel to defend it. Once you give it to God (where it belongs) immediately you have peace and miraculously you start enjoying your new free life. Much pain can be avoided in marriage once the surrender is complete. This is the secret of true godly success in the Kingdom of God. This is the only prescription for healing and happiness in this world and in the one to come. Nothing else works quite the same. Your pain should not be in vain! Your tears should not wet your pillow for too long! These should direct you to the feet of Jesus who died and rose again. He is the only way to truth and life everlasting! May your heart receive ‘the injection’ of truth today! And finally, be free indeed!

 

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

I die to self and to the world!

I am hid in Christ!

When He appears, I shall appear with Him in Glory!

I am a fruitful vine!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!

HOME TROUBLE

 

“He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live” (PV 15:27; AMP)

Marriage is God’s idea. Because of that, it should be a blessing. God should be at the center of all decisions made in the family. The unity of the Spirit, peace and joy should rule the home.

‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ (1Tim 6:10). Much sorrow can be avoided if God is in charge of your bank account. Greed destroys marriages and relationships. Mammon is the author of ‘home trouble’. For the sake of money men betray best friends and divorce increases in the land.

In the scripture above the word ‘greedy’ describes a man who is ready to bribe, steal and kill for the sake of wealth.  This man hates to have a legitimate job. He does not want to obey God’s Word so that the work of his hands will be blessed. He may be religious but he does not pay his tithe and is not faithful with his offerings in the house of God. What excites him is ‘unjust gain’. He oppresses the weak and attacks the vulnerable. He gains money from fraud and extortion. His profit is stained with the tears of many. The whole family revolves around his financial plans. Their joy is connected to his wealth.

Like a horse trained for battle, he ‘smells’ blood and is ready to attack. Each contract is a battle field. He does not just want money; he needs to feel like a champion. He needs the conquest and the victory. He is merciless with the losers. He plunders them and rejoices in their defeat. He needs to feel the power of control. He hears the cry of his victims, powerless at his feet. His favorite song is ‘The winner takes it all’. He rejoices in emptying the pockets and the hearts, money and joy is finally in his pocket…

People fear him and abandon their property running away…Like Ahab in the field of Naboth he rejoices at the blood purchase and is finally happy! This man is a troubler to his own family and a spiritual liability to the community. His wife and children suffer under the anger of such a tyrant, never able to enjoy the wealth that drained the life of many souls.

May God forbid that I should be close to any man like that! May I never envy the riches of greedy men! May I be satisfied with God’s portion for my life! Father God, have mercy on the families of greedy men!

 

In Christ I declare:

I am God’s property!

My property belongs to God!

All my gifts and wealth are from God!

I pay my tithes and I am faithful with my offerings to God!

I hate bribes and I will never use my money to manipulate men!

I plead the Blood of Jesus over my home!

My home is blessed, filled with peace and joy!

I reject greed and the love of money!

I reject the worship of Mammon!

I love God! I worship God!

I am a child of God and I shall live forever!

In Jesus name

Amen!

WITHOUT THE BIBLE

 

‘In the beginning was the Word…’ (Jn 1:1)

The Bible is the Word of God. We often take it for granted. Even the devil believes in God but he does not believe in what God says. The devil hates the Bible and I used to hate it too. Thank God for salvation!

For a moment, I want to imagine that I do not have a Bible. What will that mean to me?

 

Without the Bible, I will never know God as He really is. I will not know that He created all things, that He loves the world, that He has a Son who was willing to sacrifice Himself for me. I will not know that there is a Holy Spirit of life eternal.

I will not understand that I am not a good person, but a sinner, reckless, ungrateful, wicked and selfish to the core. I will not know that I need a Savior and a Master. I will be a self-sufficient fool.

I will not know that there is another realm, that there is a heaven and a hell. I will be so consumed with my life here on earth that I will be ready to kill just to be famous or rich. I will have no one to talk to when all men forsake me. Alcohol, drugs or sex, these could have been my only ‘friends’.

I will not know that my future is designed to be glorious. I will not be interested to sing for my voice is not perfect. I will not be interested to write books for my English is not perfect. I will be too self-conscious to shine before men, too shy to encourage them, too much a coward to rebuke them.

I will be afraid and have no comfort, just pretend that all is well. I will deceive others just for fun and never feel bad about it. My imagination will be wild, thinking of a possible romance and poems of other worlds. But I will not have the faith to believe that these can be true or possible to attain. I will not know that above beauty and riches, I can be holy and blessed. These words will be missing from my vocabulary. I will be dry, proud, confused and afraid. I will talk to myself daily, trying to encourage myself with empty words, knowing deep down that my ‘religion’ is useless, but having no other.

 

Ignorant and lonely, I will live and die without a purpose and without a name. I will be just another speck of dust, grey sand on the shore, no dream and no song. I will never know that I am loved unconditionally and passionately by a great King. I will not know that I am a princess and a darling, chosen as a bride before the mountains were formed from the sea. I will not know that marriage is a gift from heaven and that children are a reward.  I will never know that a Man called Jesus Christ loved me and died for me to make me new. I will never know the power of life that never ends. I will never know that death is defeated and the grave is now a garden. I will never know what true love is…

What can be worse than this?

 

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

The Bible is the Word of God!

I shall study the Word of God daily and pray always!

Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen!

 

GOD IS GOOD!!!

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever…” (Ps 100:5)
This is the story of a group of people called by the Lord to go up the mountain of His presence. Some pilgrims are already at home resting and enjoying the bounty of the Lord’s house. There are many rooms in the house of God, each has a different type of furniture, a different type of carpet…there are many wonderful gifts inside…look for your own..do not try to open another, it will not work…look for your own and you shall be so happy…are you not surprised that God has spelled your name correctly? Joy…Joy…Joy…God is good! All the time!
But there are still many travelers down the slopes, slowly moving up the hill. They struggle with obedience to simple commands. They have difficulty in believing the truth. What is truth? –asked Pilate?
The truth is this: GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!
The rich young ruler called Jesus ‘Good Teacher…’ He was rebuked for speaking words without understanding. Jesus said to him: ‘No one is good-except God alone!’ (Lk 18:18-19)
Such a simple revelation…But it is still so hard to believe it… Each step up the mountain requires total trust that God is indeed a good Person. We have to believe that He who called us to a higher place is faithful.
But when things get hard, doubt resident in the flesh starts grumbling. In the wilderness the people of God complained again and again doubting the goodness of God. .Even Jeremiah thought that God has ‘deceived’ him into ministry.
Why do we struggle so much in believing that God is indeed good?
The first reason is that we are not yet mature spiritually. The Bible raises our expectations concerning our blessings from God. As sinners we had no hope of any inheritance from heaven. But now, we are told that we are kings and priests. We start to imagine golden palaces and exotic temples. This is the result of fleshly, wild, un-sanctified imagination. For a long time we do not know how to control that. So we dream and claim all the gold from the streets of heaven and the pearls at the gates. Then I look around and see myself in the cheap apartment I call my home on earth, I feel disappointed and blame God…
The lesson is to have the mind of Christ, to understand all things thru His Word. Flesh and Spirit war against each other. Each has a different explanation of the things of life. I should always keep my eyes on heavenly things and then ‘I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living’.
‘Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, FOREVER!’

This is my eternal testimony and free confession:
“God is good to me and my family!
In Jesus name,
Amen!”

TO LOVE FOREVER

‘Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends…I have called you friends…’ (Jn 15:13-15)
If I am a friend of Jesus Christ, then I lay down my life for Him. Simple! It does not mean that I go through the big crisis of death. It means that I lay down my life deliberately, just as I would lay out a dollar note on the counter, to buy something. For example, I have a day before me, twenty hours in all. I am going to lay it out in devotion and obedience to Jesus all through. I will remember Jesus every second of that day…His name shall be in my heart and on my lips, above all other names, easy to remember…
Love in action is difficult… and thank God it is difficult. Salvation is easy because it cost God so much, but the manifestation of it in my life is difficult. God does expect a man to be a man. Learn to stand straight you who crawl and beg for fame…God shall give you an original backbone made for measure…Then you can chose to lay down your life for others, not as a worm, but as a man of God…
There are many other voices calling my name…Fear is a familiar spirit who ‘has gone viral’; it so easy to follow its lead…Doubt is much more fashionable, a ticket to belong to the rich men’s club in town…Confusion has done cosmetic surgery and professional make over, calling itself ‘breaking news’…These have booked the best suites in the World Hotel..I am left alone bellow, on the corridors of faith, holding tight to the ‘down life’ of agape love…Suddenly, I hear timid foot steps coming from the floor above…closer still… who is this?…a thief or a friend…Anyway, it does not matter for I lost my fears in the lift coming down…to my surprise it is a someone I saw last night, holding to a bottle of wine, old lipstick and make up dirty…”Can you help me please…what do I do to be saved…to be forgiven…to love forever and not die…”
“Come to Jesus, my sister, me bride…”
“Lamb of God, I come I come…”
God saves a man and fills him with His Holy Spirit. What a wonder, this great salvation…
Please listen to this saint of old:
‘My son, now it is up to you to prove your salvation. Work it out! Let the invisible work I have done in you become visible to others. Be loyal to Me while the nature of things round about you try to make you disloyal. I have called you ‘friend’. Now stand loyal and faithful to your greatest Friend. My honor is at stake in your bodily life!’
(Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917)
In Christ I declare:
Jesus died to save my soul!
I now love and live forever!
I am free indeed!
I am fruitful and blessed!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

 

‘Eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart for it is NOW that God favors what you do…Enjoy your life with your wife whom you love…’ (Ecc 9:7-9)
Marriage is a gift of God. Some are married and some are not. You are to trust God for the gift of marriage. It does not depend on beauty or money. It is God’s gift. You have to humble yourself to receive the gift of marriage. Also, you MUST be happily married! This is God’s command! Any disobedience to God’s command is called witchcraft (1Sam 15:23). Any unhappy marriage is connected with the occult. You have to choose between your wife and a witch. You can’t have both! Chose marriage! Be happy! Tell your wife (your husband) that you are grateful for coming into your life, for sharing all things together! I am sure you are not blind…you see other women more beautiful than you…you see other men richer than you…but God said that you shall be married and it was so! Be grateful!
Be sexually and morally pure! Enjoy all things every day! Enjoy every minute for there is no another. Enjoy your marriage, your children and your family! Enjoy your church, driving to church, parking in front of your church…Enjoy the church activities, the choir rehearsals, the waiting for the service to start, the prayer times, the preaching of the Word, the worship, the offerings, the assembly of the brethren…Stop wishing for a better wife, a better church, a better opportunity to serve God and people…another opportunity may never come! Be at peace with all men!
A personal touch: My husband and I we travel a lot. Traveling is not easy. It adds stress that comes with changing your environment and meeting strange people. We always pray that wherever we go we shall be ambassadors of Christ and messengers of peace. We pray that people will remember us for good and not for trouble. We pray that the Holy Spirit will use our words and actions to minister life to the people we meet, long after they have forgotten our names.
We have discovered the sweet secret of successful fulfilled life in Christ! The older we get, the sweeter it is! We are happy and enjoy our lives in all circumstances. It is a wonder for our traveling companions but also a challenge to them to be the same.
I write these words on my laptop in a hotel room, far away from home…I do not know any man in this place…But as I look outside the window, I also see the sun and the sea, the birds and the sky, the same everywhere…and I bow my head in worship… things may change, but God is forever the same…and that is enough for me!

In Christ I declare:

I enjoy my life with my husband (wife)!
I keep sexually pure!
I shall be married!
I love God!
I love my church!
I am happy and at peace with God and with myself!
Thank You Lord…

In Jesus name
Amen!

THE MOUNTAIN IN THE SEA

 

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Mt 21:21, 22)
A mountain in the Bible stands as a symbol for many things. One of them is an evil stronghold, an obstruction along the way. It is positioned to block your vision of the finishing line. The aim of the enemy is to blind you to the reward, to the destiny crown promised by God. This mountain is demonic. It speaks discouragement to weaken your faith.
For example, when Nehemiah came back from Babylon, to rebuild Jerusalem, the enemy attacked him with doubts, fears and discouragement. The devil represented by Tobias and Sanballat opposed him saying that he is not able to finish building the wall. In the natural, things were very difficult. Even among the people of God, few had faith but many had doubts. This resistance to the work of God, to spiritual progress, is a mountain that has to be ‘thrown into the sea’. Nehemiah proved to be a true leader, defeated the opposition and finished building the wall of Jerusalem!
This is another word of faith:
“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.
‘What are you, O Great Mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” (Zech 4:6, 7)
The counsel God gave to Zerubbabel is this: in the fight against all opposition, the human power will fail, but the power of the Holy Spirit will never fail!  This is the promise of of Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. God challenges Zerubbabel to finish building the temple by praising and giving glory Him. God’s grace, His unmerited favor rooted in the Cross of Calvary is revealed as a mighty overcoming power that nothing can quench!  God’s grace means victory in the war against doubt and failure. Against all odds, the roof of the Temple shall be finished at the sound of fearful praise:‘Grace… Grace!’ Jesus Christ, the Capstone shall overcome!
It is foolishness to start the Christian race by grace and then try to finish it by human strength. Both the foundation and the roof shall be done only by the grace of God! Our salvation and our sanctification is possible only by the grace of God! The grace of God is a mighty weapon! Use it! You cannot ignore a blockage in an artery and hope that things will improve! The patient will end up with stroke! Do not deny the reality of spiritual attacks! Do not accept defeat! Do not remain spiritually stagnant! Do not be passive! Fast and Pray!
Listen to the voice of Jesus and you shall hear encouragement and victory! He said that if you have faith in God you shall destroy the enemy’s stronghold! Faith is 100%! Doubt is 0%! The size of the opposition does not matter; it can be a mountain, a hill or the sea…Your faith in God and in His grace shall overcome all oppositions! Fear not!  Declare war against the wickedness in high places! God will perfect all that concerns you!  Move on in your destiny! You can do it! I believe!
In Christ I declare:
I am saved! I am free!
By faith I destroy all opposition in my path as I follow Christ!
I fear not! I keep moving on!
I believe!
All glory to the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

THE CROSS MY HOME

‘O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?  Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?’ (Gal 3:1-5)
The Galatians were true believers. They had a good foundation. They started the Christian race well, salvation by grace, thru faith in Jesus Christ  But along the way they became careless with their soul; they lost their focus and went astray. They were backsliding internally and ignorant of it. They continued to come to church and learned the wicked skill of hypocrisy. Paul says that they were ‘bewitched’. The word means to betray your best friend; to fall in love with a stranger; to become infatuated with a mysterious, far away bright and beautiful star. This is the work of the evil seducing spirit of religion. It offers a counterfeit happiness that lacks commitment and royal poise.
On the surface, without spiritual discernment, lies are always more attractive than the truth. You have to seek and learn to appreciate the truth, before you can love it. But lies are cords to tie your soul into bondage and ever increasing sorrow. This deception makes a believer blind to the lovely face of Jesus, deaf to the truth that He brought to earth, foolishly rebellious against the grace of God.. The Cross of Christ makes no sense anymore…the Blood of Jesus seems to be ‘just blood’… Blind and naked, the backslider slowly loses his anointing and covering. Miracles cease and life becomes a boring routine. There is a prodigal waste of resources, of unnecessary pain and useless tears. Many years come and go, he may still go to church, at least on Sunday, but he is unable to have peace, to be wise and happy.
It takes a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to convict a backslider of sin. It is a miracle to become born again. It is an extraordinary privilege, a double miracle indeed to be arrested again by the Spirit of the only Living and Jealous God.
Every backslider comes back with stories of pain, failure and loss. Broken hearted he finally comes to the foot of the Cross and forever calls that spot HOME. Who can tell of the wonder of true salvation? Who can describe the chemistry of a soul set free? Who can speak of open eyes beholding the scepter of mercy? Who can write the story of men made perfect thru the death of their King? Even if I had a thousand tongues to sing the praises of my King, even that shall not be enough to describe the power, the beauty and glory of His Majesty on High!
” O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!’
In Christ I declare:
I am born again!
I destroy any spell of foolishness and seducing evil spirits upon my soul!
I set myself free to serve my God!
Jesus is Lord!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

WISE SAYINGS

“If I finish without my family, I do not finish…
Most pastors quit right before harvest…
God is all about fulfilling HIS vision…”
(Pastor Shawn Lovejoy, at a church conference, 2012)

Press on to the fullness of Christ!!!

A PROPHET’S REWARD

 

“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Mt 10:41)

 

The Lord Jesus says that anyone who receives a prophet recognizing the prophetic mantle upon him, that person shall receive a prophet’s reward. The word ‘receive’ is not a superficial word. People can receive a gift and throw it in the trash-can a minute later. That receiving is only temporary. Here we are told about receiving a prophet, not as an ordinary man in need of shelter, not as a poor visitor or as a stranger, but as the messenger of your God. It is said that the greatest honor you can give to any man is to receive his words, to obey his teaching. The Lord Jesus was training His disciples to go and preach the Gospel. He warned them that most people will refuse to listen to them. They should be prepared to continue to preach even in the face of many rejections. A prophet is not received by his natural family. Rejection from parents, siblings or children is one of the highest forms of grief. These are trials of faith to humble us in preparation for ministry. Success, especially if it comes too early, is a dangerous snare. But the Lord encourages us by saying that along the lonely way of life and ministry there shall always be people who will welcome us as we carry the prophetic mantle to the nations.Even when all hope seems lost, we shall meet people who will receive us for who we really are. They shall also accept the Gospel we preach. They will not argue or resist the truth.

Receiving a true prophet means receiving His Lord. If any man says he is a believer in Jesus and refuses to accept His messengers, that man may still be deceived and in bondage to empty religion. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev). Each time I see Jesus in someone’s eyes, each time I hear the voice of many waters during the new song of worship, each time I hold a hand and touch the stars and the scars…Boldly, I receive the words from lips of clay and tongues of fire…And I have peace…

 

In Christ I declare:

I trust in God and in His prophets!

I receive God’s messengers!

I love to give water to God’s prophets!

My reward is increasing daily!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

VICTORY IS POSSIBLE!

 

“Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1Cor 6:18)

The story of Joseph is full of wonderful lessons of life. He successfully resisted the seducing spirits in Potiphar’s wife. It is possible to overcome trials, especially sexual temptations. The unbelievers accept defeat even before the attack comes. They do not believe that God has provided a way of escape for them in the mist of trials. In the wild, most animals do not fight back when the lion attacks them. His size and roar paralyzes them and they faint with fear. That is how unbelievers behave. But it is not so with Joseph and with the true believers.

First of all we see that it was not his choice to be in a place where he can be tempted. Joseph is not like the foolish youth who ‘lacks judgment’ and goes down the street, in the evening, towards a place where prostitutes sell their bodies. That street goes downwards to hell. Many men have perished in its dark spirals of sin and death (PV 7). As for Joseph, it was not his choice to live in Egypt, in the house of the powerful Potiphar. He was betrayed and sold as a slave by his own brothers. Potiphar liked him and bought him with money. Joseph could have been like any slave, no freedom, no future and no joy. But in the house of his master he proved to be a unique man of godly character, faithful, humble and wise. God was with him and He gave him success in all things. Soon, Potiphar gave him responsibility over the entire household. Then the lion attacked. He obeyed the command to ‘flee fornication’. That landed him in prison for the life. Joseph was not yet a free man when he was promoted to the highest position any man, slave or free, could have. After many nights of silent tears, he came to a place of authority, honor, comfort and peace. What was his secret? He cultivated the presence of God! God was with him thru all the trials of life. ‘The anointing will teach you all things…’ that is the promise of God (1Jn 2:27). His faith in God gave him wisdom much above his years.

This is a great lesson for all: A wise man is a strong man! A strong man is a successful man! Selah!

 

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

I obey God’s commandments!

God shall reward me according to His promise!

I flee fornication!

I serve the only Living God!

I daily pray for wisdom from God!

I am strong and successful!

My life is a testimony of God’s grace!

To God be all the glory!

In Jesus name, Amen!

SWEET DREAMS


Then he dreamed…” (Gen 28: 12)
A dream is defined as a series of thoughts, emotions and images that occur involuntarily during sleep. Most people dream up to two hours each night. That means that a man spends about six years of his lifetime dreaming. The medical science has not yet discovered the particular center in the brain that triggers the act of dreaming. The research on dreams is extensive, showing that even animals and birds do dream. These are some facts:
Most people dream the same dreams repeatedly. Sexual dreams are less than 10 percent and are more common with the youth. Dreams stir the emotions, the negative are more common than the positive. The most common emotions following dreams are anxiety, anger, a feeling of rejection or happiness. Most people believe that their dreams have a deeper meaning and they look for religious explanations.
IN THE BIBLE
The ancient people, including the Hebrews practiced the art of ‘incubating’ dreams. They prayed that God would talk to them in their dream. Some will fast and go to sleep in the church. For example, both Eli and little Samuel slept in the Temple of God, possibly waiting for God to speak in their dreams. In fact, God called Samuel when he was lying down in the presence of God.
God uses dreams to warn people to repent. He reveals future events and the strategy concerning them.
This is how God revealed the future to Jacob, Joseph, the baker, the cup bearer, the Pharaoh and others.
God reveals Himself to the prophets in dreams. This is a common form of communication with the prophets, but a lower level compared with the intimate apostolic communion between God and His faithful friends. For example with Moses God speaks ‘face to face’ and not in ‘riddles’, parables or dreams (Nu 12:6-8). God reveals to Gideon the victory, encouraging him in the war next day. He reveals the strategy how to be a successful king to young Solomon who prayed and asked for it. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit comes with prophetic utterances, visions and dreams about God.
Dreams are to be tested thru prayer, for the false prophets use them to mislead God’s people.
Rebellion in the heart dries the source of prophetic dreams from God. For example, in the last years of his life, King Saul did not hear from God and had no more dreams from Him. The rebellious people are called ‘filthy dreamers’ (Jude 8). These desire prophetic utterances but do not submit to their pastors and spiritual leaders. The devil oppresses and misleads them thru deceitful visions and false dreams.
 ‘The idols speak deceit, diviners speak visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false; they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wonder like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd’ (Zec 10:2)
IN CONCLUSION:
Do you want God to speak to you thru dreams? Remember, it is what you mediate upon during the day that is the raw material of dreams in the night. So, meditate on lovely things, on GOD’S WORD. Do it day and night and you shall be successful. God will speak to you in prophetic dreams; He shall protect and establish you (Josh 1:8)!
Sweet dreams!
In Christ I declare:
I study and meditate upon the Word of God day and night!
God shall speak to me thru visions, dreams and directly, by the Holy Spirit!
I humble myself under the mighty hand of God!
I resist the devil and he shall flee from me!
I am free from tormenting dreams!
God has given His Beloved sleep! I am God’s Beloved!
I shall dream only God’s dreams!
In Jesus name, Amen!

THE OPEN HOME OF WORSHIP AND WISDOM

“I will sing of mercy and justice;
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
Oh, when will You come to me?
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…” (Ps 101:1-3)
King David probably wrote this Psalm as he was preparing to sit on the Throne of Israel. These are the desires of his heart and now they became public vows. He makes this covenant with God in the presence of all. The people should know the kind of king they have. His throne is established by the justice of God. The righteous are encouraged and rejoice but the wicked should fear.
These are the three major promises David makes to God (each starts with ‘I will’):
*I will worship God forever. I will sing praises to God for His love, mercy and righteous judgments!
*I will walk wisely before men and within my house!
*I will set nothing wicked before my eyes!
Blessed is the man who has experienced God’s judgment of sin followed by His mercy. The Holy Spirit convicts the soul of sin and judgment (Jn 16:8). The pain and deep sorrow to know that I was an enemy to God cannot be forgotten by the human mind. It has to be replaced by the special grace and overcoming mercy available only before the Throne of God.
To an unbeliever, mercy seems like a handicapped weak child. But mercy is a warrior, an intercessor and an advocate on high. At the Cross, the mercy of the Lamb openly challenged and triumphed against the accusation of judgment’ (Jam 2:13). Blessed is the man who enters the standing room of such a revelation! True worship is the only way to express such freedom, such joy…
Once a man is free from the condemnation of past sin, he will surely desire to walk wisely, with purity of heart. A perfect heart does not mean a sinless heart. It means to be honest, to be real, to be teachable and submissive to the Holy Spirit who leads the way into all truth. By the power of the Word of God, in obedience and trust, the believer changes from inside out. He becomes holy. All ungodly motives of doing things are replaced by the new way of life eternal. He hates sin and runs even from the appearance of evil. His life, marriage and home become a reflection of Christ dwelling there, full of grace and truth.The home is the base where true profitable godliness must be displayed. A true believer should be the same when outside, in the midst of strangers or at home with his wife and children. Selah!
Surround yourself with genuine people who fear God. Hire only them who are really kind, hardworking, humble and faithful. Fear not! Be a true godly leader of men by directing them towards Christ! Separate yourself from the hypocrites, from the ungodly men! Actively influence all over which God has given you authority!
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” (Mt 5:14-16, TM)
In Christ I declare:
I am a man (woman) of God!
I am a royal priest and an ambassador for Christ!
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
I will worship God forever!
I will walk wisely outside and inside my home!
I will reject and destroy all evil I find in my way!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

LOVING EACH OTHER

(by Richard Steele, 1672-1729)
“This is both the husband’s (Col. 3:19) and the wife’s duty (Tit. 2:4). Love is the great reason and comfort of marriage. This love is not merely romance, but genuine and constant affection and care for each other “fervently with a pure heart” (1 Pet. 1:22).
Marital love cannot be based on beauty or wealth, for these are passing, and not even on piety, for that may decay. It must be based upon God’s command which never changes. The marriage vow obliges “for better or for worse,” and married persons ought to consider their own spouses the best in the world for them.
Marital love must be durable, lasting even after death has severed the bond (Prov. 31:12). This true-hearted love brings true content and comfort in its train. It guards against adultery and jealousy. It prevents or lessens family trouble. Without it, the marriage is like a bone out of joint. There is pain until true holy love is restored”
May this be your portion, in Jesus name,
Amen!

‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

So sweet to trust in Jesus
(by Louisa M. Stead, 1882)
The story behind the song:
According to the story: It was a beautiful sunny day. Louisa M. Stead, her husband, and her daughter Lily, decided to go for a picnic. They went picnicing on Long Island Sound. While having their picnic, the Steads heard a scream. It was from a young boy. Mr. Stead ran to the rescue. Louisa Stead and young Lily watched helplessly as Mr. Stead and the boy drowned. Their troubles were not over yet, however, and without her husband, Mrs. Stead became very poor and destitute.Yet God never left her. He provided for her always and she and her daughter made it through. Louisa learned to trust God, and thus the words to the song ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.’ Shortly after this incident, Louisa and her daughter Lily moved to South Africa where they became missionaries. The song is included in many hymnals and has been recorded by many artists.

BLESSINGS FROM DAUGHTER TO MOTHER…

(Our daughter has graciously and willingly volunteered to gather the many articles and letters I wrote… into a book to be printed and released before January 2014. Please pray for the strength and for the resources for the two of us. Thank you all and God bless)

“Dear Malia,
It is almost 10pm and in the last few hours, all I’ve done is work on
the book. There were so many times I just started shouting out to the
Lord. I had many Selah moments. I journeyed with Rahab and so enjoyed
her story. I openly spoke declarations and sometimes went back again.
The Holy Spirit filled my room like a sweet fragrance as I read it. Tears filled my eyes when I read the entry were God Ran! Who am I that He should run to me…

I’m motivated. My back may hurt, but I change positions, I stretch, I
pray… I say, I’m doing this as unto the Lord so this back of mine,
this neck, they must comply. My body will listen to my spirit. And my
spirit will overcome. And let me say that I am happy for my
accomplishment today! God is faithful! I’m overwhelmed because I feel
His love.

There are many things I don’t know. Like in the meeting today. They
spoke of many things beyond my understanding. In the past my heart
will shake thinking oh how will I cope. Today, I was a confident
lioness. I just sat there as if I have a big secret… because I do! I
worked on the book even while they were talking… that is confidence,
no fear. This is because I feel like I have a personal contract from
the Biggest Boss in the universe. No one can intimidate me. I am
blessed. My marriage is blessed, my finances are blessed, my work is
blessed, my future is blessed. To God be the glory.

I write all these things to encourage you. Just in the time of editing
this book, God has empowered me. I feel strong, confident, blessed! I
don’t consider it to be a chore, but a reaping. I am excited! As we
move on, I feel the wind blowing on me, encouraging me. The finish
line is within my vision and I expect to meet God there too as He is
with us on the journey. You are blessed Mother! God has used you. He
is using you. And He will continue to use you. I am so proud to be
your daughter, your partner, your friend. May God bless you even more,
with all the desires of your heart. I believe!

Love,
Jimmi

DEFEATED DEAD DRUNKARD

 

“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement…And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues…

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”

(Rev 17:6; 18:4, 20)

 

There is a high rank evil spirit called ‘the queen of heaven’ or ‘the spirits of Jezebel’. This is a religious stronghold in many churches. It deceives men to live in a false confidence of salvation. For as long as you are ignorant of the existence and the strategy of this evil spirit, you cannot have peace and you cannot prosper. Even if you go to church, give offerings, pay your tithes, pray and fast, you still remain under her spell and wicked bondage. What is the solution?

First of all pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the root of your problems. The only solution is repentance and deliverance.  Come back to the Cross of Christ, back to the simplicity and purity of Christ, radically removing all forms of deception and religious entertainment in your worship. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you are to identify, repent and renounce all hypocrisy and wickedness from the heart. Do not be sorry for the devil! Do not be sorry for any idol! Destroy anything that competes with God in your heart!

No man involved in the sin of idolatry can ever prosper. Sooner or later, the mercy of God, His covering over that person is removed, leaving him exposed and vulnerable to the devil to attack and defeat. The curses of disobedience and rebellion are too many: chronic, often incurable sicknesses, both mental and physical; anxiety and confusion; unhappy marriages that end in divorce, wayward children, bondage, failure, frustration with work, general unhappiness and restlessness all year round… (Deuteronomy  28)

Every form of religious deception and entertainment in the church, is the product of false doctrines of devils, is the worship of the so called ‘queen of heaven’. Every form of sexual immorality in the church is a form of worship of this wicked demon. That is why sexual immorality among the Christians is so difficult to defeat, because it is not just a sexual addiction but a stronghold of false worship and idolatry.

 

 

Listen: Jezebel is a wicked power of darkness, a religious demon who rules in the heavenly realms.  You need to prepare your mind for battle. She hinders prayers, intercession and the true worship of God; she kills the prophets and sheds innocent blood.  She desires to have your heart so that you worship her. She hates God and wants to compete with Him in your heart. The Bible calls her a Criminal and the Mother of all spiritual prostitutes, of them that forsake God to give themselves to idolatry. She was over confident of her reign over the bodies and souls of men. She boasted of her eternal throne. She was deceived and many followed her in her deception. But the hour of judgment has come. The proud Queen who claimed heaven for herself has been judged by the True King of Heaven. We are to rejoice that her reign is ended and her victims are set free (Rev 17-19). The Holy Spirit has to open your eyes to see the victory of the Lamb and the vision of true worship in the church. Then believers shall be mature, they shall grow in the grace and in knowledge of Jesus Christ,  producing fruits for God’s glory!.

 

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God! I am born again and Spirit filled!

I hate and reject sin and any form of idolatry!

Jesus died on the Cross to set me free from the bondage of empty religion!

I have eternal life!

I totally destroy the stronghold of Jezebel in my life, my home and my church!

Let all her victims and prisoners be free!

I rejoice in the victory of the Lamb!

I will forever worship only the King of Kings!

In Jesus name,

Amen!