COMPASSION STOPPED THE HORSES

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“You said ‘No, we will flee on horses…’ Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you. He rises to show you compassion… Blessed are all who wait for Him.” (Is 30: 16 – 18)
 
This is the royal road of salvation. Many holy pilgrims testify to it. From time to time, I am troubled in my soul and I do not know why. I pray and ask God to come to me. I wait for God quietly and patiently. I know that God does not tempt me. I am confident He knows that I wait. I know that He will not give me more than I can bear. I know that He is Almighty and He is Kind. It is not His fault that I find myself so troubled. I know that it is sin living in me. My problem is that I do not know what sin plagues me. I do not want to assume anything. I want God to come, to expose the very sin that troubles me. I am willing to repent. I want to repent. Just to know the truth, that is all I need…
This waiting is hard. Waiting for God to come is never easy. There is a false hope called ‘fleeing on horses.’ I become impatient with God and just go away, abandoning my position of waiting. The horses look attractive; they look strong. The horses that call me are ‘Money’ and ‘Fame’. They invite me to a life of activity, of ‘ministry’ far away from this ‘demanding’ God. My hope is that I become a master rider. I can teach others to ride them too. I can enroll in horse races and become a champion of the world. On top of a horse I look taller and more impressive with my achievements. I will look more ‘corporate,’ more ‘posh’ than others who can only afford lowly donkeys or walk on foot…
Far away from the restrains of his Father’s House, the prodigal imagines himself a champion. But this ambitious life of sin has no rest and no peace. There is no oasis in the desert of the world. When thirsty, there is no cup and no well to drink water… just a continual lust for more medals and more trophies. A sinner is a lonely champion. He kills all to climb the mountain of fame. Along the path, he makes only enemies. He has no friends. He fights to win. He has forgotten the power of love and life. Salvation and rest are strange dreams killed to feed the horses. At last, forsaken and guilty, he plants the flag of sin on top of the Everest of his own childhood selfish ambition…
 
Success without God will surely damage your soul. Money without God will surely dry your heart. Marriage without God will surely destroy your vision. Come back to God!
 
This is God’s promise: ‘Even now, I rise to show you compassion!’ I say ‘Amen, Lord! Show me compassion, according to Your promise!’
 
In Christ I declare:
God is merciful to me, a sinner! God loves me! God shall come to help me!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
 
(From my book The Doe of the morning)
Horses

I’M COVERED

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” (Ps 105: 13 – 15)

The people of God belong to Him. Like a mother, He teaches them and nurses them. Like an eagle, He trains them to spread their wings and fly, to fulfill their destiny. Like a father, He teaches them to be strong, to stand and fight the battles of righteousness. He anoints them to be kings and priests. He changes them to be holy, as He is holy. He alone chastises them, when need be. He may use others to do the work, but God is in charge of their lives, from the beginning to the end. No other nation, king, tyrant or devil can take the rod from God’s hand to inflict needless wounds on His people. This is the promise of God that in every pain, once I humble myself, I will find God in it! Seek and you shall find! Do not waste your pains! Find God in their midst!

In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! My Father God loves me! He chastises me for my own good, that I may be holy like Him! No devil will be able to harm me in any way at all! No weapon fashioned against me shall prevail! I am a king and a priest in the Kingdom of God! I am anointed with the Holy Spirit and power! I am covered by God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

(From my book The Doe of the Morning)

Doe of the morning

GOD BLESS THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN FROM OUR CHURCH!!!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (MT 19:14).
 
These are some pictures with our children’ ministry in the church (Father’s House Bible Church, Effurun-Warri, Nigeria). These children are ministers and worshippers of God, born again and Spirit filled. This is my prayer: May the anointing touch you and refresh you today. Praise the Lord!
Children FH 1
Children FH 3
Children FH 4
Children FH 5
Children FH 6
Children FH 7
Children FH 9
Children FH 10

THE PROMISE, THE PERILS, THE PASSION AND THE PURITY OF LOVE IN MARRIAGE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

‘If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married’ (Deut 24:5)

‘Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love (may you always be captivated, exhilarated by her love… Let her surround you with her love… You should be attracted to her and stay deeply in love… Learn her ways always and think on her love… Be lost in her love forever) (PV 5:16-19)

‘The Lord is the Witness between you and the wife of your youth … God is the Witness when you made your marital vows to the wife of your youth’ (Mal 2:14)

My husband and I are married for 44 years. We have three adult children and seven grandchildren. We married as unbelievers. Later, we became saved and now we have a Bible based and blessed marriage. We are spiritual parents, pastors and mentors to many younger people. For the past two weeks we have been on a wonderful, needed and restful God’s gift to us vacation. We are now ready to come back home, to the holy work, demands and privileges of ministry.

I was thinking this morning about the lessons I have learned during this trip. One very important lesson is how much God loves us and our marriage. I am using my husband and I as point of contact but these blessings apply to all the children of God who are married or who desire to be married. From the scriptures quoted above you see that God is the ‘invisible’ but the Almighty Witness of your marriage vows. He is the Forever Faithful God. He expects faithfulness from you, the husband and the wife. When you are newly married, young and in love, you wonder why is God ‘worried’ about the danger of adultery or of our love becoming ‘lukewarm’? God is never worried but He knows the snares ahead, the wickedness of the devil and the weakness of our flesh. The truth is that Marital love is fragile. It needs nourishing, tender care and protection. Marriage is a temporary covenant. But God designed that marital love is a glorious fountain of eternal blessings, a forever treasure not measured by human words or ended by death. You must recognize the value of your love in marriage and be ready to fight to keep it hot and pure.

Read again the scriptures above. The dangers of marital love failing is ignoring it’s needs, it’s language, it’s destiny. In the Old Testament, the man who just got married was exempted for one year from going to war and having public duties placed on him. In today’s language, it means that trying to solve too many problems, even extended family’s troubles or answering old friends’ demands for entertainment upon the couple will weaken the marriage relationship. Remember that the outsiders (enemies and even friends) do not care about the level of passion of your love in the marriage. But you should care! Be careful and jealous to protect it!

God is especially interested in the marriage with ‘the wife of your youth’. My husband and I fall into this category of blessings. It is a subject I study a lot. The command to the couple is to enjoy one another! This is a practical advise: (if it is possible) marry when you are young! Then stay faithful in your marriage even when you grow old (it is possible)! It is your duty to cultivate passionate and pure love in your marriage! ‘The wife of your youth’ does not mean a young looking wife who has done cosmetic surgery to look young or one who dresses like a teenager. No! It means she is the wife that you married long ago, when both of you were younger. Time changes the size of your waist. Wrinkles appear on your face… But the love you had for each other during your youth must become stronger and brighter not faded and failing! This is God’s wish and command! The husband in particular is commanded to be attracted spiritually, emotionally, mentally and sexually by his wife, to the end of their life! He is to be attracted continuously by her internal beauty (that never grows old) and even by her external beauty (represented by her breasts, whatever size or shape these may be).

This passionate love is described as an intoxication with wine, as getting lost from the world in the safety of her embrace. Do not be afraid or ashamed to display passion among yourselves. This life long special marital love is a powerful antidote against adultery. It is an internal shield! The devil hates this love. But God loves this love and helps you keep it to the end!

Question: Dear husband, how do you keep enjoying the wife of your youth? Advice: Listen to her words! Feel her pains! Try your best to solve her problems and to encourage her! Pray for one another! Listen to the sound of your laughters! Buy gifts for one another! Like us, take some time alone, vacation time, far from the routine work at home and even far from the kids. Have time alone with each other. Talk to each other. Do not stay on the Internet for hours! Discuss new topics, interesting just for the two of you. Pay the price to learn who your spouse is, like us, even after 44 years… You will be surprised that you will discover new good things, new challenges to pray for and new gifts to share…

My husband and I have passed thru many trials in trying to keep the passion in our marital love. We had to fight many battles defending our romantic love. This warfare is not strange. It is to be expected. But we are witnesses that it is possible to marry in love and stay married in love!!! We recognize and honor the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, as the third Person not only of the Trinity but of our marriage. We have proved that ‘a three strands cord cannot easily be broken’. To God be all the glory!

Thanking God for this vacation I pray God’s blessings on all of you dear brethren who read my notes… May your marriage be better and may the wine of joy over flow in your home! In Jesus’ name!

(In the picture, my husband, Past. Richmond Leigh and I)

RSL and SLL 4

WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD?

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds, unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift,
And the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift,
Or firm remain?”
(Hymn)
 
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 6:19, 20)
 
(In the pictures: some years ago, my husband and I traveled into the beautiful fyiords of Norway (these are very deep channels of water between mountains). Our mighty ship was securely anchored with three ropes. All I could think of was God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit holding us securely to Himself! No matter the storms of life, the hope we have in Christ, is unmovable, unbreakable, holding eternally to the Rock of Ages, Christ Crucified and Resurrected! Like we say in Nigeria: “No shaking!”)
Anchor 2
anchor 1

BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”
-Psalm 27: 14
Discouragement is despair when facing obstacles as you move on in your destiny. Despair is seeing all things negative without any hope that the situation may change. Discouragement is the number one form of temptation and attack on the believers by the devil. When you face an obstacle, pause and remind yourself: it is not the end of the road! It is not the end…
 
In Christ I declare:
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; therefore I shall fear no man, no devil and no circumstances! When my enemies attack me, they shall stumble and fall! Though an army of troubles besiege me, my heart is not afraid! Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will still be confident that I will live and not die, and declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! I am hidden and totally protected in Christ! My head will be lifted above my enemies who surround me! Against all odds I shall be promoted! I shall see the downfall of the wicked that plan evil against me for no reason at all! I will sacrifice with shouts of joy and glorious praise in the sanctuary of God! I am strong with the strength of the Lord! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
In Jesus’ name!
Amen!
 
(From my Book, The Doe of the Morning)

MY SONG FOUND IN THE STORM

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
Jesus commanded His disciples. ‘Let us go to the other side…’
-Mark 4: 35 – 41
 
They ‘left the crowd behind…’ This was to be a personal test for the disciples alone. ‘Tired as He was’ Jesus went to sleep in the boat. Then a furious storm started. The waves were higher than the boat. Initially, the disciples did not bother to wake Jesus, knowing Him to be a carpenter and a teacher. Jesus was not a fisherman like most of them. He cannot help… or so they thought… But when the wind increased and the boat was almost overturned, they cried to Him in despair: ‘Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?’ Jesus woke up and rebuked the winds. The storm suddenly stopped and it was completely calm. But in the midst of that wonderful peace, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their doubt. They looked at Him as a class teacher, as a liability in the midst of a crisis. It was obvious that they lacked mature faith in Him. They did not believe that Jesus is God ‘who never sleeps or slumbers,’ in control of all things.
Just like them, many believers trust God only before or after the storm. But in the middle of a crisis, they reverse back to their elementary fears and doubts. They go to their natural way of thinking, to the common sense of the flesh, and like lost children, they panic and cry. Mature faith remains unmoved by circumstances, trusting the God who can stop the wind with His very breath. Mature faith has the same peace before, in the middle and at the end of the trial. Trials are like tunnels. Before the train enters the tunnel, it is light. Suddenly darkness comes. For a time it seems as though the darkness will never end. That pain, that weeping, that loneliness… it seems like it will go on forever. But at the end of the tunnel the sun shines once more. Tunnels are not graveyards. We are just passing through. All these trials and temptations, all these things you battle with, they only come ‘to pass.’ Our life should not depend on the circumstances. Christ is our life. Our faith is rooted in the Cross and in the Promises of God. Heaven is our destination. Joy is our portion. Eternal life is our inheritance. These are blessed things that have come to stay. Do you boast about your faith only when your feet are set on dry land? Do you have the same faith in the middle of the storms of life? Remember, it was Jesus who said: ‘Let us go to the other side.’ Do you trust Jesus to finish what He has started in you? Do you trust Jesus in between the shores? Do you trust Him when He is silent? Do you trust Him when He is sleeping? Do you trust Him when He answers the prayer of others, but ignores your own?
This is my testimony: Jesus has been with me always. I am a witness to His faithful fellowship, no matter the circumstances. His Word comes to me with power. He has been with me in riches and poverty, in sickness and in health, at home and abroad. Why will I doubt Him now? Why will I fear the end of the matter? Why will I fret in the midst of things unknown? Why will I be sad when men betray me? Why will I lose my temper when men provoke me? He has commanded me to rejoice always, so I will rejoice! He is my Shepherd and He is my God!
 
In Christ I declare:
Jesus is my Savior and my Lord! I trust God before, in the middle and after the storms of life! As for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord! Always! And forever! ‘This is my story; this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long…’
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
 
(From my Book The Doe of the Morning)
Ship
 
(I took this picture from the 13th floor of our cruise ship. A passenger was left behind. He missed the ship. A courageous speed boat faced the mighty waves and brought him back as we were already cruising in the North Sea. I have never seen so much effort done to help a single man not to miss ‘his destiny’… how much more God will take care of us to the end so that no one will be left behind….Wonderful…)

A ROMANTIC ADVENTURE OF A SECRET FIND

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“I will give you the treasures of darkness; riches stored in secret places; so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name!” (Is 45:3)

Do you want to be embarrassed and overwhelmed by an Account with ‘no withdrawal limit’? Then come to the Cross! Look long on the Crucified! Touch His Blood! Hear His Voice! Feel the death of the past! Sing a New Song! All is for you!
Whatever treasure you find there is yours! And it is free! The price has been paid! The Lamb has overcome!

In Christ I declare: I have access to all the wisdom of God! I have the mind of Christ! I have free entrance to all the million years of treasures, hidden away from the eyes of evil men and devils, visible and invisible! My wealth is gloriously safe! My wealth is a gift from the Father! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LORD, GIVE ME YOU!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

“Please show me Your glory.” (Ex 33:18)

This evening, the prayer meeting was wonderful. This ‘wonderfulness’ was not because we were smart, spiritual or strong. It was purely because the Wonderful Counselor was in our midst. Initially, we tried to pray some little prayers but ‘the engine oil’ of the anointing was not enough for such a time as this… Wobbling between petty requests, we finally got to the mind of the Spirit. He said: ‘Glory!’ This became was our congregational and individual prayer: “Oh, Lord, Please show me Your glory.” (Ex 33:18). We also prayed: ‘Lord, give me You!’

 

The religious spirits tried to hinder the flow. They tried to distract us, reminding us about our natural needs. Suddenly, angry voices remembered us that we need to cook for tomorrow; that we need to pay the house rent at the end of the moth and school fees for children… But the Holy Spirit, the Lifter of our heads was pointing to much higher. ‘Where Lord?’…It was a good choice to disengage from looking around, from looking at our circumstances… Nothing new in Nigeria… same old stuff, not worthy to be brought before the throne of grace… but what else should we pray for?…

 

With the strength that moves the mountains, we looked up on the beautiful face of Jesus… the Author and Finisher of our faith… Without faith no one can pleases the Lord… Faith makes us pleasing to God… it was so refreshing to feel pleasing to our Savior… Then Grace sang a solo song… the song of the unmerited favor money cannot buy… ‘Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me… I once was lost… But now… But now!!! I am found!!! Was blind but now I see! Grace is greater than all our sins… We rejoiced in the grace released at Calvary… Old things passed away before our very eyes… all things changed and became new… It is a newness that lasts forever, the unfading newness of life… Then the heavenlies opened and we were invited in… We steeped in like Moses…Like David… No fear…  we are walking on the clouds of glory… I’m not afraid! ‘Show me Your glory!’

 

For a second I panicked… I looked around… simple men and women… from Effutun, Nigeria… None was properly dressed… No designer clothes… just some Tee-shirts and jeans… We did not look like much… It flashed thru my mind that if the big men of God knew the release of glory here, they could have come to fill their buckets with it… But none came… It was the glory love of the Father for us… for us… for us… We looked like the servants who filled the jars of water at the wedding in Cana… we were entrusted with the secret of the party when the sadness melted in jars of clay…We kept pouring wine to others…The Bride must be happy tonight… the special wine kept for the last hour… We got drunk in His presence… We ‘managed’ to say ‘Thank You’ to the King of Glory… Shaking, we gratefully piled one crown on top of another, we crowned Him as the King of kings… Fear free and glory gazing we bowed down to worship Him alone…

FH 7-4

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“There shall be showers of blessing;
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honor Thy word.

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.”

(Daniel W. Whittle)

(The picture below is dated: 4 July 2014…the brethren from our church pouring the concrete on the drive way of Father’s House Bible Church, Effurun-Warri, Nigeria…every body was working with zeal and joy… I remember that it was raining but everybody counted the rain not as a problem, but as a blessing)

FH 7-3

AUTUMN IN ROMANIA

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
I was born in Romania. Over there, it is autumn now. Since 1980 I live in Nigeria (Africa). For all these years I did not experience ‘autumn’ here. I sometimes miss my Europe weather. I still remember the golden color of the leaves, the cooling of the air, the time of harvest, a romantic sadness and the preparation for winter. To me, memories are like poems. I tried to adjust to a place that has only two seasons: ‘Hot and dry’ and ‘Hot and wet’. But in my spirit I still follow the pattern instilled in my childhood. My spirit finds order in ‘the old things’, tested by time and captured by fading pictures. For me, this is reaping time, harvest time! Wherever you are, there must be a time to seat down and count your losses, your gains, and all the blessings that have come your way. “Thank You Abba Father, for everything!”
 
(In the picture, me visiting my home town, Orsova, Romania, last autumn. Behind me is the secondary school I attended where my parents were teachers too. Like the leaves at my feet, these are golden memories…)
SLL 54

BE HOLY AND GET UP! 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. However, one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” (PV 24:16)

“There is no single definition of holiness. There are dozens, hundreds. This is the basic definition: Holiness is being like God, who is holy. It means being spiritually and morally pure, hating sin! There is another definition that I am particularly fond of: being holy means getting up immediately every time you fall!!! Each time you fall into sin, or you make a mistake, look at your wrist watch and see how long does it take you to get up from your fall! The faster, the better! The more you hate sin, the holier you are! You should quickly acknowledge and confess your sin, repent of it, with humility and joy.

Holiness doesn’t mean never falling into sin. It means being able to say as fast as possible: ‘Lord I am sorry for my sin! I am sorry that I have grieved Your Holy Spirit! I declare that Your grace is enough for me! Yes, Lord, I confess that I have fallen a thousand times. But thanks to You, I have gotten up again, a thousand and one times. Right now, this very moment, I hold Your hand and I get up from this dirty ugly gutter of sin! You are the Lifter of my head! I praise you for my lifting, for the restoration of my testimony as a righteous man (woman). I receive strength to stand in You! I receive peace and joy! You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains! To You alone be all the glory! Your Word is yes and amen! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!’

Quick and deep repentance done with humility and thanksgiving is a peculiar mark of holiness!

“I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy” (Lev 11:44)

fall and rise

LET YOUR GLORY FALL

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“Let the weight of Your glory cover us
Let the life of Your river flow
Let the truth of Your kingdom reign in us
Let the weight of Your glory fall…”

Safety is not the absence of danger, but living in the center of the presence of God.
Move on closer to the Throne of God!
Disappear in His shadow of light.
Lean on His everlasting arms.
Listen to the heart beat of the Father.
The fragrance of incense offered by the saints caresses your cheeks.
No noise, no fear, no worry! Too high for all that…
The Bridegroom smiles and calls your name…
Now, you are safe!

‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust’ (Ps 91:1, 2)

(Pictures of me and my husband during the Sunday service today)

SLL 53

RSL 8

FROM PAIN TO PRAISE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:8, 9).
The thorn in the flesh troubles me, weakens me, oppresses me. It is a hidden pain. I prayed that it may be removed. I thought that its removal will be my healing, my deliverance. But the Lord said: ‘Leave it there. It is the attack of the enemy but I approve of it. It will dry your doubts, fail your fears and oppose your oppression. Thru it all, your spirit shall become stronger and your faith shall stand. My grace is what you need. My favor on you is the key to healing and ministry. Let the Cross do the deep work in you. The fruit is for My glory and it will surely manifest. Trust Me not only at the beginning of your walk with Me; not only for the destination. Trust Me for the journey. Every step together… The beauty of communion…We are in this together. Enjoy My presence. Relax and follow Me! Talk less and sing more! My grace and My love is all that you need… I love you, child…’

TESTIMONY OF CHANGE 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

I just received a wonderful testimony from a young wife and mother. Since last year, she has been attending our church (Father’s House Bible Church, Effurun-Warri). Reading it, I sense the leading of the Holy Spirit helping this young couple. When the Holy Spirit shuts a door, He opens another. You can see that God blesses spiritually first, and materially second. God rewards genuine faith, humility and spiritual hunger. This testimony is given to the glory of God, to the shame of the devil and for the encouragement of others!

“Dear Malia,
I want to share my testimony with you Ma.Please bear with me Malia its a long write up.God has been so good to me and my family. In July last year my husband stopped attending church services and when i asked he told me he was no longer flowing with the way the message was being dished out and he doesn’t like the pattern of the service (we were members of …. Christian Church).

I felt bad every Sunday when I go alone to church. People that knew us in church will always ask after my husband. But I kept on praying and fasting about it, waiting patiently on God to help me touch his heart.

On the 3rd week of September 2017 I woke up to prepare for service and I was amazed to see that he was willing to attend church that day. We got set and left the house. I noticed he was taking another route driving a different direction from that of our church.i was quiet because I dint want him to change his mind but our daughter curiously asked him where we were going to. And then he said: ‘I am taking my girls to our new church… don’t worry girls you will like the idea…’ At this point I was still quiet and calm, praying and thanking God for the breakthrough in my mind and for God to have his way. I prayed: ‘let it be a church I could relate with…’ Few minutes later we got to Father’s House Bible Church.

He parked the car and while we were still inside he turned to me and said: ‘a few days ago I was driving when I heard the Pastor of this church preaching in the radio and it was an instant connect.I couldn’t stop or change the channel.The Pastor was deeply rooted and so straight to the point. Infact let’s go in so you can hear for yourself. I have never been here and nobody invited me here…’ I said ok!

Prior to this time I have heard about the church so many times and have been invited to come for Nativity and Jesus Mega Party by my friend of over 20 years, who is a member of your church.
But since my husband doesn’t like the idea of going from one church to another I have never honored any of the invitations.

I was so elevated in my spirit that day and I really liked and enjoyed the church service. I started the weekly foundation school classes and also midweek service. In a short while i learnt a lot and it felt like I was so new in Christianity. My faith was increasing and I found my place. (I will like to say at this time Malia that the presence of God is truly really in Fathers House Bible Church)

The first week of October came with a major temptation. I got a call from my husband who left the house few hours ago for work,saying he had an accident on the major expressway and the car somersaulted 3 times into the bush. Let’s thank God because he is fine and without any scar! IT WAS GOD!!! The next day I got 2 different calls from family members saying it’s because we changed church that’s why the accident happened. I just ignored them…

In December I had finished the classes and shared my testimony with my friend that my husband has never missed Sunday church and midweek service since we started attending the Church. And to me it feels like I have a brand new husband. He became deeply rooted in the word of God and in prayers. Our marital life became even sweeter. ALL GLORY BE TO GOD!

In Jesus Mega Party 2017 I held my daughter by the hand and as we entered the field i prayed with faith that God will bless me with the fruit of the womb for the second time after 7 years.

In February 2018, Malia you declared in one of the services that God has answered prayers especially to the new comers. I BELIEVED THE PROPHETIC WORD! That same week I found out I was pregnant. After series of costly medical procedures that failed and after 7 years of waiting, GOD DID IT NATURALLY! First trimester I couldn’t move much. I missed going to church but I always hooked up online to our YouTube live services on Sundays,Wednesdays and all night services. God has kept me with a healthy pregnancy through the months. I am due to have a baby boy this month of October. I have faith everything will be fine! I will keep in touch!

Thank you so much Malia for your words of encouragement in church and on this social media platform.They go a long way in my life. I appreciate your continious prayers.GOD BLESS YOU MA….”

STOP THE ARGUMENTS NOW!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars” (PV 18:19)
In Hebrew it means that if your true friend betrays you, the friendship is mortally wounded. Love becomes like a beggar, a fugitive on the streets of unfulfilled dreams. The broken heart will look for the home where it grew up but now, the gate is closed, the password forgotten. The split, the divorce will grow to become a monster, bold and loud, rude and wicked, too hard for mercy to conquer. A once close friend, when injured or deceived, becomes a potent and irreconcilable enemy. These are some sayings from wise men of old: ‘bitter are the quarrels of friends; those who love beyond measure will also hate beyond measure; deep friendship once injured is forever lost’. Jesus said this: ‘Woe to the world because of offences! For offences must come but woe to that man by whom the offense comes’ He said that it is better to cut off hand or foot and even pluck your eye than to offend, to injure, to betray ‘a little’ child of God (Mt 18:6-9).
Do not take your marriage for granted. Be very careful to avoid quarrels which cause division. Be sensitive when you sense that ‘the devil is in the room and the quarrel is coming’. The Holy Spirit will prepare your heart to sense that you need to keep quiet and still. Communication is like playing table tennis. Each partner feels like responding to the words of the other. Be careful: if the tone of voice becomes too high, the tendency to argue increases. Show self-restrain. Both love and self-control are fruits of the Holy Spirit. Talking is like driving a car. It is exciting to drive it full speed. It is fun to defend your opinions. But look at the Holy Ghost ‘traffic signs’. Keep below the speed limit. Learn to use your breaks. From time to time check your spiritual brakes, if the pads of patience are still functioning well and the oil of wisdom still intact. Quarrels between close friends, between husband and wife can end in disaster. You can wreck your marriage and it may not be possible to repair it on earth. Behave and speak in such a way that tomorrow, you do not need to apologize for your actions and words of today.
MY TESTIMONY
For me, apology is a friend and an enemy in the same time. For example, if my husband tells me that he is grieved by my actions or words, I apologize immediately. If I am not aware that he is wounded that is different. But if he tells me that I grieved him, the apology must come instantly from my heart. This is not the time to analyze my behavior. I know that he loves me. He prays for me. If he says I was wrong, then I am wrong. Period! Pain for me is a wonderful teacher. I do not waste it. I learn from everything, even from my ignorant mistakes. I apologize and promise to change. And I keep my word. I pray and trust God to change. I do not foolishly repeat the same mistake again and again taking for granted that the Holy Spirit will help us ‘to settle’. I always remember that love is a very delicate thing. A sudden electrical surge of one second can destroy a very expensive computer. Even so, a ‘little’ quarrel can damage trust and quench the spirit of love. So, I am very careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit! In Christ I declare that Jesus Christ is my first Lover! My husband is my second lover! Then follow the children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends! I thank God for them all! This is my story! This is my song!
Child of God, when things are hard, when tears freely flow and nothing is able to stop them, when you make mistakes, when you are misunderstood, when friends fail and family withdraws… then remember that God is always faithful! “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!” (Heb 13: 8). He was betrayed by sinners but He loved us to the end. Crawl into His loving arms and find peace. You may not have all the answers. You do not need to have all the deep revelations of conflict because God knows them all. He knows your heart. He knows that you love Him. He knows your weakness and your strength. He knows each word even before it comes on your tongue. He loves you with an everlasting love. You are secure in knowing Jesus, your Savior, King and Best Friend. He died for you. He forgives you. He is still with you inside your heart. No matter what, you can always rejoice! Love is not easy. But love is still the best gift of God. Be jealous over your heart! Cherish it! In all thinks give thanks!
SLL 19

ATTENTION PARENTS!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.” (Gen 5:21-23)
 
This is my story… As a doctor I delivered many pregnant women. As a pastor, I prayed for many women to become mothers and I rejoiced with them when their children were born. They all look so happy. But in my case it was different! I still remember the feeling I had once my first child was born. I was an unbeliever at that time. I was also very young. I prepared myself mentally and emotionally to be a wife and a doctor. I did not prepare myself enough to be a parent. Motherhood was bestowed upon me by a God I did not know at the time. Our first baby was born as a medical emergency before the expected date of delivery. They were complications… I was a medical student at that time… The doctor said that the chance for the baby boy to live is 50-50. But the baby made it! Oh, the relief… I looked at him… So beautiful… but fragile too… I suddenly became afraid that I will not be able to be a good mother to this baby. I also knew that our relationship will last for a life time. For better or for worst, that is a long time… I felt the mantle of responsibility fall on my young shoulders. Often, this mantle was light and easy but heavy other times. Our baby is a man now. He is a father of children. But the mantle of motherhood is still on me. I feel it. Motherhood thought me many lessons of life I could not have learned otherwise..At the beginning I struggled with it. I felt it as restrictive… But it stayed on… Thank God! .It was only after I became saved that I truly accepted it without complaining when hard days came by. I grew with my children… I now walk with it, in the assurance that God, who gave me these children, He is in charge of their lives and mine… We shall walk together, from beginning to the end. This knowledge makes me happy as a mother! Even as a grandmother… It gets better day by day! Motherhood brought me closer to God! Glory to God!
Enoch is listed among God’s many heroes of faith, but apparently, he wasn’t always such a spiritual champion. Something occurred in Enoch’s life that changed him for being someone who was ordinary into someone who was extraordinary. What was it that changed Enoch so much? He became a father!
 
Notice that the Bible says that Enoch walked with God ‘after he fathered Methuselah.’What his spiritual life was like before he became a father we’re not told. Scripture seems to indicate that it wasn’t anything special. But after Methuselah was born everything changed. What was it about this child’s birth that changed Enoch?
 
Parenthood has a way of changing most of us. It’s sobering to suddenly realize that you are responsible for taking care of this little life. But there is more. Enoch also realized that he needed to prepare his son for what was ahead.
 
Enoch’s son was named ‘Methuselah.’ Many of us know that Methuselah was the oldest man who ever lived. The Bible says that he lived to the ripe old age of 969 years. But Methuselah’s longevity of life was due to more than just good genes. Many believe that his name means: ‘when he dies it will come.’What would come? God’s judgment would come upon the world through a catastrophic flood.
 
Putting the numbers together, it seems that the year Methuselah died the flood came. Some have gone so far as to say that the day Methuselah died the flood came. How close the flood was to his death we’re not told, but we do see from his unique name and longevity of life that God does all He can to save men from judgment. We read from the book of 2 Peter:
 
“… in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?’ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:3, 8-9)
 
We’re not told who gave Methuselah his name. Perhaps it was Enoch. Perhaps it was God. Either way, through Methuselah’s birth, Enoch was suddenly made aware of the fact that he shouldn’t take his walk with God for granted. Parents must realize that they not only have the responsibility of providing for their children, they also have the responsibility of protecting their children, and preparing them for the future! Oh, the wonderful privilege and responsibility to be a mother or a father to children, both natural and spiritual! God bless you parents!
 
(Me and John, our first born, in Romania, about 1974)
SLL and JL

I SURRENDER ALL!!!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live!
 
All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now!
 
I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior
I surrender all!”
SLL 49

THE BURNING HEARTS

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

This is a wonderful sermon preached by Pastor Richmond Leigh (my husband):

This Sunday service, Pastor Richmond Leigh preached a sermon called ‘The Burning hearts’. The scripture was taken from the Book of Luke. “And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32). Pastor Richmond Leigh said that this is a post resurrection story. Two sad disciples of Jesus were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. One was called Cleopas. The other one was un-named. He stands for all disciples to the end of time, including me and you. They were sad because their Lord died on the Cross. As they were walking and talking, the resurrected Christ came alongside them. But they did not recognize Him. This ‘Stranger’ joined in their discussion. He was the same Jesus they knew in the past. But He was different. The resurrected Christ is different than Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus started preaching to them the Word of God. Then their hearts started burning with fire.

 

Looking at them, we see that the Cross has changed them. They retained some feelings and they lost some. The disciples were sad because Jesus died. But even in their sadness they kept their love for Him. They also kept their faith in Him. Previously, Jesus prayed that, even during trials, they will not lose their faith (Lk 22: 32). God answered that prayer. In this journey of sadness, disappointment and spiritual darkness, they still remained the disciples of Jesus. They continue to love Him. They did not speak unkind words about Him. But you can see that they lost their joy and hope. They lost their confidence that Jesus will fulfill His promises concerning their future. They still believed that Jesus was ‘a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people’. But hope was gone! They thought of Him as a good Man who tried His best but failed. They thought that Jesus failed to achieve His grand plans for the future. That is why they were sad. They lost their hope and their zeal for the Kingdom of God. The fire was burning low in their hearts.

 

These disciples were going down from Jerusalem to Emmaus. When you see people leaving the city to go and ‘settle’ in the village, it is a sign that they lost their fire, passion, zeal, their vision and desire to fight for victory. It is an interesting observation that Emmaus is still a village and Jerusalem is still a big city, even today. This is the situation with many Christians and churches. They used to pray for revival but not anymore. They have lowered their Christianity to a place of low fire and low passion. Many Pastors preach for and about money. They invite comedians and false prophets to tell them what their itching ears want to hear. They have grieved and quenched the Holy Spirit. Many Christians are sad and some have backslid. Many go to church looking for miracles or money. They do not go to church to seek God’s face or to worship Him. They have become bitter about Christianity. They have forsaken their ‘first Love’.

 

How does Christ deal with these sad disciples? By joining in their conversation! Child of God, Jesus will always join into your conversation! The Lord is never far from you! The Lord will always appear! He has never left you! The Lord speaks the Word of God to them until their foolishness and doubts are gone and their hearts fall in love with Him again. Immediately the fire starts to burn in their hearts, they turn around and go from the village back to Jerusalem! That is the sign of revival! The fire in a Christian’s heart can never go out completely. Even during seasons of backsliding, there is always a little flame under the ashes of disappointment and complains. What made the fire in their hearts burn brightly again? The voice of the Shepherd speaking the Word of God to them! Observe that Jesus did not tell them something new, a new prophecy about Himself or a new revelation. No! He spoke to them the Word they knew already! The Word of God! What is the source of revival? The preaching and the hearing of the Word of God combined with prayer done in the power of the Holy Spirit!

 

May your hope of glory be restored! May the joy of the Lord become strength to you! May your hearts be revived again! May your hearts burn again with love, passion and zeal for Jesus! Again! ‘Oh, Lord… set our hearts on fire again! For You!’ Worship the Lord!

Shofar Dr Leigh

SAD SMILES

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes; and as he passed by on the wall, the people looked, and there underneath he had sackcloth on his body” (2 Kg 6:30).
The king was dressed with royal clothes but underneath he was dressed with sackcloth. He was mourning in his heart but pretended life goes on as usual. He was troubled in his heart, but outwardly he wanted to show that he is a tough man, still looking like the king! He is like many Christians today who smile and look happy outside, but in their hearts they are troubled and afraid. What is behind this pretense? The evil religious spirits teach many Christians how to deceive others with smiles and sweet words. These people have perfected the skill of having a religious ‘testimony’ when peace and joy is absent. That is a lie!
As a doctor and as a pastor, this is my experience… For example, somebody comes to my office. I ask: ‘How are you?’ Most of them automatically say: ’I am fine!’ Then I ask: ‘Why then do you want to see me? Are you sick?’ Many of them say: ‘I am well. My enemy is sick’. At the beginning I was confused. With time, I had to learn that this is a spiritually coded answer meaning ‘I am sick but I cannot say it…’ The truth is that the person is sick and he (she) needs help. But they are too afraid to speak the truth. They fear that if they agree that they are sick, the sickness with become worse. They choose a sweet lie than a bitter truth. In my experience both as a doctor and a pastor, religious people are very difficult to help. They complicate themselves trying to come out of a trap. Hypocrisy is practiced to their disadvantage. I often have to say: ‘See, I am a doctor. You are in a doctor’s office. Relax and tell me the truth. It is not your enemy who is here. You look sick and you need help. Tell me the truth…’ Even then, confronted with the truth, they still struggle to speak it. They want me to fall into the same trap of deception. I often have to say: ‘My friend, if you are not ready to tell me the truth, you please go home! Leave my office! I cannot help you!’ Seeing that I am serious, he (she) finally submits: ‘Doctor, Ma… I … I…. I am sick. My stomach is upset… I need help… Please help me…’ That is the blessed breaking point when, by the grace of God, I can help. Pride, presence and religion go thru the window. Wisdom finds a place to manifest. Humility shines! The grace of God is experienced by both the doctor (pastor) and the patient. Truth sets free. Truth is healing. Truth begets the hope of freedom! The Hope of glory is greater than all! The true testimony of God’s touch is ready to be born!
As an unbeliever I too practiced false humility. I did not believe in God. I did not use religious words. But I was afraid to open my heart to people for fear of possible wounding. When I was sick I tried to heal myself. The doctor’s office was the last place to go to. When I was troubled by dreams, a pastor was the last person to visit. When I was lonely, I pretended to be ok. I gave the impression that I do not need friends. Truth was fearful to me. But when I got saved, I became a new person. I relaxed in the knowledge that my Savior Jesus Christ loves me. I learn to trust Him and the people He directed me to. I humbled myself! I learned to speak the truth in love and from my heart. I became free. Up till today, if you see me happy outside, it means that I have overflowing joy inside. If my face looks sad, it means that I am burdened for my sin or for another’s. My face and my heart are now like twins. No more pretenses! What a blessed freedom! I trust Christ when I am sad because He knows how I feel. He is ‘the Man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering’ (Is 53:3). I trust Christ in my joys for He is the happiest Man in the whole universe. ‘For the joy set before Him He endured the Cross’ (Heb 12:2). My Lord is my Wonderful Counselor and Friend forever! He never pretends so why should I?
This is my prayer for you: “Be free from hypocrisy and religious pretense! Be yourself! May the Holy Spirit do a deeper work in your hearts and free you to find your identity and destiny in Christ alone!” Glory to God!
Sad-Behind-Smile