“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is” (Gal 5:7-10)

This is the picture of an ordinary man who trains to be a great athlete. Let’s call him Brother Gold. He has paid the price to be a champion, a hero and an inspiration to many others. He is now running the marathon at the Olympic Games and he wants to win the crown of gold. The race starts… All is well for a while… Brother Gold is making good progress. Suddenly, another athlete comes from his right side and skillfully pushes him down. He is shocked at the viciousness of the attack. He staggers. He falls. He loses precious seconds. Others from the back are passing him by, running to the finishing line. On the ground, Brother Gold has to make a quick decision: he is staying there on the ground, crying for his loss and broken dreams or he will get up and trust God for the supernatural strength to run to the finishing line. It is easy to lie down in defeat. But if you do, you will lose your chance to win a medal, your testimony as an overcomer, your dreams to be a champion and the opportunity to trust God, to experience the release of His strength in times of need.

For me, these are too many loses to consider quitting. I choose to get up when I fall. I have learned to wipe my tears after I weep, to pray in tongues when no other words make sense, to start praising God when all things seem lost. I have learned to trust God for the impossible. I do not trust myself. I know that even with all the training, without God I can do nothing. But I can do all things thru Christ who strengths me! From my experience, the devil does not bother to attack when I train for the race in the lonely hours without spectators. But when God opens a ministry door for me, when there is a chance for me to win a medal or to gain a new testimony, then the devil suddenly attacks. The devil wants me to stop obeying God’s Word. He wants me to start believing in cheap religious lies. He wants me to grieve the Holy Spirit. The devil wants me to fail and not to recover. But I trust God!

The devil cannot stop a child of God from moving on but he can hinder him. In Greek, the word ‘hinder’ means to break the road across so that you have to slow down; it means to drag you from behind, to prevent you from moving ahead, to make you anxious and confused. The hindering agent tries to prevent your free movement and your progress in life. God promised to punish all human agents of the devil who attack His children!

You can see that this runner started well. In the beginning he was strong in the Lord, having faith that he will win the crown. He was running the race obeying the truth of the Gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected. Everybody thought that he is the new champion in town. But then, something unexpected happened. The devil cut across and succeeded in hindering him from obeying the truth and from moving forward. The attack was sudden. The runner was unprepared for it. He forgot that there are enemies around him who are jealous on him because he was making progress. He forgot that the race must be combined with spiritual warfare. He forgot that not all athletes are his friends. He forgot that there is a devil. Forgetting this, he fell. All this forgetting happened because he listened to the lies of the devil.

These are some common lies the devil uses to attack the minds of committed Christians: ‘you are running too fast – slow down… you are too holy – take it easy… you are working too much in the church – work less… your offering in the church is too much – reduce it… you pray too much – God knows your needs so you should pray less…you look too ‘hot’ for Jesus – cool down a bit…’ Once you allow these doubting ideas to penetrate your mind, you will slow down spiritually. Your crown, your expected reward will look farther and farther. You will feel tired spiritually and physically. You will feel too weak to pray, especially to do warfare. Slowly, a form of depression sets in. You will feel discouraged to move on. You feel like dying internally. You become slow. You feel like backsliding or giving up on your dreams. The only One who can help you at this dangerous moment is God, the Holy Spirit. He is the only Helper who truly helps and the only Comforter who truly comforts.

What should you do? Repent from even considering backsliding. Repent from complaining against the unfair pain of persecution. Remember: all true born again believers suffer persecution. You cannot avoid it! Persecution is a sign that you are making progress! Thank God for the pain! Nothing and nobody should slow you down from moving forward to see Jesus! Finally, these are some good questions for you to meditate upon: You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? Who held you back … Who hindered you… who tried to stop you… who agitated you… who tried to keep you from trusting the truth… from being influenced by the truth? Reject all evil spirit of hindrance, lies, depression and discouragement! Holy Spirit please take control! Run to the finish line! Against all odds, if the devil likes or not, you can make it! With the gold medal on his neck, with the crown on his head, standing on the podium and waving to the crowd of witnesses, Brother Gold sends you encouragement in the power of the Holy Ghost! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

(In the picture: Michael Phelps cried after he won his 19th Olympic medal as the U.S. second-leg swimmer of the 4×100-meter freestyle race)

“God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecc 3:11)

All the Word of God is good for me. But there are scriptures in the Bible that immediately encourage me and without fail. I am sure that you know the story of how Haman was disappointed when he was told that Mordecai, the man he was planning to kill, has been promoted by the king. It is found in the Book of Esther, chapter 6. What amazed me recently is the timing of these events. It is wonderful to see how God orchestrated the events.

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Lk 6:47-49)

Happy New Year! Today is the beginning of a new month and a new year! We shall fast and pray to understand the proper foundation to be laid as we begin this new season in our lives. There are many false, fake, unstable and failing foundations. Many people make resolutions based on these wrong foundations. For example: trusting in men or in yourself, trusting in your doctor to keep you healthy, in your lawyer to keep you out of troubles, having a better business or making more money, getting married, having children, moving from one city to another, empty religions … these are all foundations that will fail to bring you strength, mental stability, spiritual growth, peace and joy.

The Lord Jesus said that a foolish man (woman) builds his house on the ground without a foundation. The foolish man is impatient to finish his house quickly. Digging a foundation makes him feel is ‘a waste of time’. The foolish man is greedy not wanting to spend money on a foundation. He wants his house to be built cheaply and quickly. He deceives himself. He only thinks of today, how he will boast about his great present achievements. He does not think about the future. He does not care about the inheritance or the name he will leave to his children and grandchildren. He has false hope. He does not prepare for possible trouble ahead. His house shall stand for a while but it will surely fall in times of need.

But the wise man (woman) builds his house well and strong. He starts with a good foundation, fixed on the Rock. He is patient to build to last. He is willing to pay the price for a good house that will stand strong in the future, no matter the possible trials and temptations. He builds slowly and surely. He studies the good pattern of other builders who have succeeded to build strong houses. He has a good inheritance and a good name to leave behind, to his children and grandchildren. He is not afraid of the future. His hope is sure because his trust in God.

In Christ we declare that:
JESUS CHRIST IS OUR ONLY SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION, NOW AND FOREVER!
WE ARE WISE WOMEN OF GOD!
WE SHALL STAND STRONG!
OUR WONDERFUL TESTIMONIES SHALL MULTIPLY!
WE SHALL REJOICE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Prayer points: We shall be wise women of God. We shall daily study the Word of God. We shall apply the scriptures in our practical lives. We shall pray daily, to grow spiritually. We desire to have more testimonies, how God has helped us! We shall be examples and inspirations to our husbands, children, grandchildren and others around. We reject any evil spirit of fear, poverty, religion, impatience, greed, pride, disappointment, discouragement and foolishness. We shall serve God more than in the past! We are willing to pay the price to be filled with the Holy Spirit! We give God alone all the glory for our lives and future successes! In Jesus name we pray, amen!

(In this picture taken in 2000, our youngest daughter Jemine Leigh Oakes, is praying to be a woman of God, a godly happy wife and mother…all her prayers have been answered … I use her intercession as a point of contact for all children of God who pray that this year will be different, much better and happier than ever, in Jesus name, amen!)

‘The Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful’ (Deut 16:15)

A dear brother in our church who is happily married and a wonderful father, who is a worship leader in the choir, working full time as a teacher, surprised us yesterday. Some months ago he told us that he wants to start farming. He got a plot of land outside the town. He said that he will go there each weekend to plant vegetables. He said that it will be good exercise for him. He is a ‘city boy’ and has no experience with farming but he was willing to learn from those who know better. Yesterday he came with a bag full of fresh cucumbers, to give us as a gift. These are his ‘first fruits’. He said that they are ‘organic’. I see that God has blessed the work of his hands. As a teacher, all these years, even as a worship leader, it is hard to see visible fruits. But this harvest of cucumbers brings joy to my heart to see that God has indeed blessed this our son in Christ! Praise the Lord!

“Marriage should be honored by all…” (Heb 13:4)
The idea of being ‘a career woman’ is more common in the western world than in Nigeria where I live. But the advice is universal and we can all learn from it. I write this with a new found compassion for the older single women who made mistakes in their youth. Life is not easy. To be a woman especially is not easy… A ‘career woman’ is a woman whose main priority in life is achieving success in her career or profession. It may specifically refer to a higher interest in career than in marriage or having children. In other words, her job is her ‘husband’ and her office is her ‘child’. This term can thereby be used in contrast to what is called ‘a housewife’. Interestingly, there is no male equivalent. Have you ever heard of a “career man?” No!

The truth is that not all working and successful women CHOSE to be ‘career women’. They just ‘become too old to marry’ while working in their offices. There is a season for everything in life. They postpone marriage or having children until it is ‘too late’ for that. Time passes them by… Some delay motherhood for years because they feel they need to stay competitive in their businesses. Later they regret that decision. Some women believe that their dedication to their career, and the good that they are building through their work, is their ultimate legacy. Oprah Winfrey is the best example of that. Finally, some women have absolutely no interest in becoming mothers, their careers notwithstanding. Their identity is rooted in their business.

I am a medical doctor by profession. My husband and I ran a private hospital for about 20 years. I know the attraction of success, money made thru hard work and fame knocking at my door. I am a wife, a mother and a grad mother. I am now a pastor, in full time ministry. From the Word of God I find that the majority of women want to ‘settle’, to marry and have children. They want to have time to enjoy their home and the gift of motherhood. Most of the scriptures encourage the women to marry and have children. But because the women know marriage is hard work, it competes in their mind with the hours of work in the business. Many of them pursue a successful career or money instead of building a family. It is true: Marriage and motherhood is hard work and sacrificial ministry. The sacrifice is great but the reward is greater. I testify to that!

This is my advice to the women who come to my office battling between a life in the business world and another (simpler) life at home. This is not an easy choice. If you are working in the office, there are some advantages: you compete with others, to climb ‘the ladder of success’. You dress ‘corporately’ and you earn praises from men. This life style is very interesting, powerful, attractive and addictive. I know it. The other option is to choose to marry, have children and ‘manage a small’ business. Your husband who is now your ‘boss’ may appreciate your efforts or he may not. This choice is difficult. To be a happy wife you need to be loving, wise, spiritual and patient. But God will reward you at last…

But the worst thing is to live a life of regret. What I mean is this: you choose a career in business and you regret for sacrificing marriage. Or you choose to marry and cooking in the kitchen, you day dream about working in a Shell office or in a bank. Because I experienced both these life styles, I can give you a good, time-tested advice: a business career cannot satisfy your soul!!! The money you make cannot buy joy! The fame you gain cannot manufacture peace! Even your husband or your child cannot satisfy your deepest longings. Only Jesus Christ can do that!!! For me, this is what I believe: To be a happy wife and mother is more rewarding than any promotion in any office in any country. Dear sisters, women, wives and mothers, be encouraged today! Reject regrets! Trust God! May the Holy Spirit direct your path! May God help you to choose the right thing now! In Jesus name! Amen!

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” (Jn 5:6)
This is the story of a man who was paralyzed for 38 years (Jn 5:1-15). He was lying down by the pool of Bethesda, in Jerusalem. There was crowd of people there. Most of them were very sick and dying. Jesus passes thru the crowd and comes to this man. Jesus asks him: ‘Do you want to be made well?’ This is a ‘strange’ question. Why does Jesus ask a sick man if he wants to be well? Why does Jesus ask a blind man if he wants to see? Why does Jesus ask a poor man if he wants money? For us these questions seem unnecessary. But Jesus does everything with a purpose in mind. Every miracle must bring glory to God. The longer the wait, the greater the glory!

The reason why Jesus asked the man who has been waiting for 38 years in that situation if he wants healing is because that means a total change of life style. For example, you have always been poor, not able to feed or pay house rent. Then suddenly you become the owner of a mansion!!! Think of it… You who have never been married suddenly the best Christian man you know, that handsome and rich man says he wants to marry you. How will you feel? You who never had a child, suddenly you are pregnant with triplets. Try to imagine the change in your life…

If you depend on people for feeding, for prayers or for help, every moment of your life, you accept defeat and doubt as normal. But God loves you. For as long as you are alive and praying, anything can happen! God still works His wonders among men! In the midst of that crowd of hundreds of sick people, Jesus finds this man. He heals only this man. This is grace. This is peculiar love. No man can buy it with money. In that crowd, Jesus can locate you! After many years of knowing that you are dying, captive to incurable disease or slave to a hopeless situation… will you still trust God for a miracle? Sarah was ninety when she became pregnant with Isaac. What if she said to God: ‘I wanted to be a mother all these years. But now I am too old. I don’t want a baby again…’ Many people reject God’s gift because they think that they are too old to enjoy life! What a loss of opportunity!

The miracle has happened! You suddenly become well. Now you need to change! You need to work and take responsibility for your life. From a beggar you now become the boss! You need to choose today! Jesus heals so that you become holy. Jesus saves you to become sanctified. Many people once they are healed, they use their health to go back to the world. Jesus warns anyone who prays for a miracle to use the new health and the new riches to remain in the faith and serve God more than before! If not, a worse thing may happen!

There is a demon called ‘Begging’. Another one is called ‘Complaining’. You need to let go of those demons! Stop begging men! Stop complaining! Pray to God! You must give your life to Christ! Your healer must become your Savior and Lord! You become filled with the Holy Spirit who is a generous Spirit! Walk by faith! You are strong enough to make others strong! You are rich enough to bless others with your money! You become spiritually mature to be able to pray for others in their need. Are you willing to be made whole? Do you really want this miracle of a changed life? Are you willing to pay the price to be a blessing to others? Then Jesus will come and touch you. He knows everything and everybody. His power has no measure. The suffering may be long but the healing is immediate. Come back with your testimony! Glory to God!

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil 4:11)
Many people ask me: ‘how can you be happy in Nigeria?’ I tell them that the secret of my happiness is not Nigeria, is not Romania and it is not America. My secret is not rooted in the ground of this earth. That is why it cannot be stolen and it cannot be destroyed. My secret of happiness, peace and success is found in Christ alone!

My life is not always easy. But I do not pray for ‘an easy life’. I pray to fulfill destiny in Christ. Things gained without effort will be lost without a tear. My discomfort in Nigeria has pushed me to Jesus and made me willing to answer His call for ministry. Joseph named his second son Ephraim. It means ‘God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction’. I identify with him. When the pressures of life come, I always look ahead to see what God will do with my pain. He always does something beautiful in His time. My pain is never lost. It becomes worship.

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands… when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God… as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord…’ (1Pet 3:1-6)

I shall now boast in the Lord! My husband and I are married for over 42 years. In Christ and by the grace of God, I declare that I am quiet, gentle, precious and beautiful! The Word of God says so! My husband says so! What others say it does not matter. I have learned over the years to speak less than my husband, especially when we are in public. For example, if he speaks 10 words, I speak maybe 3. If he is not around I can speak 8. You may joke about it, but this is the truth. I mentally count the times I open my mouth. If I do not have something good and godly to say, I am not ashamed to keep quiet. I do not have to prove that I am intelligent by talking.

But when I talk, I make sure that I am on my husband’s ‘side’. I do not come from the opposite side. I do not stand against him spiritually speaking. I do not threaten him positionally. I am never on the side of them who argue with him, even if jokingly. If I do not understand something he says I make a mental note to ask him at home. I do not want to ask him any question while others listen to us talking. If it is an ‘emergency’ I ask him in Romanian. Thank God, most people do not understand this language. I do this because I do not want to be seen as his boss, teacher or mentor. I gladly submit to him because of God’s command. I also do not ask other men questions in my husband’s presence. I do not want to be seen as a foolish ignorant wife. That attitude will place the blame on him implying that he did not teach me well at home.

You may say: ‘this is so hard’…You may also ask: ‘what is your gain in all this’? My gain is God’s pleasure over our home! The Holy Spirit is free to rest, move and work in us from inside out. Obviously, my husband and I are ‘a work in progress’ but if we obey God’s Word, the progress is faster. We love that!

The devil loves to ask questions causing division, doubts, fears and confusion. It is very easy to be rebellious. It is very hard to love and to submit. It takes the training and the discipline of the Holy Spirit to achieve this mighty work of loving submission for Christ’s sake! I pray before I talk. I choose when to answer or when not to answer a question that is ‘thrown’ at me. My husband is the only one who has the right to ‘demand answers’ from me. No other person has the same right. I refuse to be intimidated into foolish submission by ‘strangers’ even if they are friends or family. That will mean betrayal to our marriage. I do not regret talking too little but I regret talking too much. This strategy of keeping quiet (well… most of the time) is not legalistic or religious. It is the result of the leading of the Holy Spirit who gives me the power to choose silence over speaking when silence is the winner.

Finally, this counsel is for couples who serve God together: Since we started the ministry, the greatest attack has been on our marriage in particular; to destroy the unity of the Spirit between us. The devil knows that if we are not united in the Spirit, we shall ‘fall’ as a couple. We may not divorce but we will be separated in our hearts. That fall will affect the ministry. The false believers in the congregation are very smart to detect and increase any division among the leaders. Because both of us preach and teach, both of us we need to be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our spiritual gifts are different. The way we approach the things of life and the strategies to solve problems are different. But we are born of the same Holy Spirit and we are one in Christ! The strength of the unity and the freedom of expression must be displayed each time we minister. Only God can do that! We know it! We appreciate it! That is why without the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, we do not know how to ‘conduct’ a service. That is why we are always so grateful for the Holy Spirit, our Comforter! This is our testimony: by the grace of God we are happily married! By the grace of God we are making impact as spiritual leaders! To God alone be all the glory! Amen!

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10, 11)

This is my testimony: I was born in Romania where the winters are always heavy. I married my husband, Richmond Leigh and we came to Nigeria in 1980, to settle. We had three children. Both of us we practiced medicine here. When we came to Nigeria I could not speak English. At the beginning I struggled. The culture, the weather, the food, the people… everything was different than what I knew about life back home. As a wife, mother and doctor, I struggled to remain happy facing opposition, misunderstanding and anxieties of life. There are no winters in Nigeria. For many years I missed the winter especially at Christmas. It is like I left my child(hood) far away, in another land. I had to let go of my memories which only hunted me… I had to forget the past so that I can receive new blessings…

This is a letter sent to me this morning from a sister who had to relocate to another city. She, her husband and children were faithful members of our church. This testimony is to the glory of God and for the encouragement of others. As a pastor I rejoice when our spiritual children move in life filled with faith, wisdom and courage. To God be all the glory!

“Good morning Malia, how are you? Malia since the last time l saw you, we didn’t move to… immediately. l believe all things work together for good, for they that trust in the Lord. There were some minor delays, but to God’s glory we have now moved. Its a new apartment two bedroom and l like it. Malia, l want to give God all the glory for bringing my family and l safely, we prayed that there would be no police harassment or car troubles, because our car had faults, to God’s glory, we were barely stopped by any police and the car drove smoothly, then before we left, my husband filled the petrol tank, because we didn’t have much money on us, but we prayed and we trust that the Lord will provide according to our needs and Malia few days after we arrived the petrol tank was still full, 1week after it had barely changed, 10 (ten) days later we are still using it,

“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is right for him.” (Gen 2;18)

My husband and I we are married for almost 44 years. From the revelation of the Word of God and from my experience as a wife, mother, grandmother and pastor, I write these notes…

God invented the institution of marriage. God alone has the key to a successful marriage. He gives that secret key to them who are born again and who want to know His ways in all things, including their married life. Because we are born sinners, it is very easy to take love or marriage for granted. To take for granted it means to accept or to use something or someone in a careless manner. In marriage, it means to live together, have children but without true love for one another and without giving glory to God. This is a sad but very common reality even in the Christian homes.

Human beings are created to love God and to love others. God invented marriage where love can have a place to grow so that He can bless it. True love means to intimately know each other. This intimacy requires spiritual maturity and emotional stability. Each partner needs to know self and the other. Marriage is a deep mystery and full time work of love. A lazy man will make a bad husband. A selfish woman will make a bad wife. The fear of intimacy is poison to satisfaction in marriage. It leads to loneliness and depression even while married. In this way marriage has lost its godly purpose.

Marriage, love and true friendship are not easy. There are many snares to avoid, many tests to pass along the way. In the process of knowing one another, we fall into many temptations. Sacrificial love is risky because we are sinners saved by grace. We dream big but we invest too little for our dreams to come true. Most lovers get disappointed in life. A relationship can be wounded superficially or very deeply. Hurts received in marriage are very painful. The wounds of betrayal, even with prayers and patience, are slow to heal. It is easy to give up and decided to be ‘on your own’. This is the root of divorce. Many married couples have divorced spiritually or emotionally but they still live together. They sleep in the same bed and take care of their children. But their love got sick and died long ago. You should know that the devil hates Christian marriages. He will fight with all his strength to destroy your home. These are some lessons to improve your marriage. To apply these Biblical principles you need to be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.

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 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 to the end. Crawl into His loving arms and find peace. You may not have all the answers. You may 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 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 rejoice always! Love is not easy. But love is still the best gift of God. Be jealous over your heart! Cherish it! Give thanks to God for everything! Praise the Lord!

If praise is like perfume
I lavish mine on You…
Until every drop is gone…
I pour my love on You!
Imela-e….Imela-e…..

HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus” (Mt 14:28, 29)

The prayer meeting was good. To me, ‘good’ it means that the Person of God the Holy Spirit was here moving freely in our midst. The Holy Spirit gave us a word so that we can pray and worship God with it. This was the word: ‘Come back to Me!’ The Holy Spirit was leading the way so that we are able to come back to the Rock of our salvation. Thru thanksgiving, The Holy Spirit ministered entrance to us, into the presence of God, Thank You, Abba Father! The message was about Jesus and Peter walking upon the stormy waters (Mt 14:22-33). This is the story: Jesus miraculously fed thousands. They wanted to make Him king by force (Jn 6:15). He forces His disciples to take the boat, to cross the sea and to go ‘to the other side’. Jesus separates the disciples from the crowd because there is a danger to become attracted to desire only material things.  Spirituality is a personal race. The crowd may ‘swallow’ you into following a false gospel of ‘prosperity’. “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong” (Ex 23:2). Lesson: If Jesus commands you to go somewhere, you shall arrive at the destination. No storm is able to stop you! Jesus is the King of the storm! Fear not! In God’s time, you shall arrive at heaven! But God does not prevent storms in life. The trials come so that your faith is purified and your hearts established in grace. Jesus separates you from the materialistic crowd. Do not have too many friends. Do not follow unbelievers because they will drag you away from God. Pray for God to bring quality spiritual friends who challenge you to repent and to follow Jesus! True friends are more than gold!

It was a great storm. The boat was in serious danger. Jesus was not with them. It was in the middle of the sea and in the middle of the night. The wind was contrary and the waves terrifying. The disciples thought that they will die. At about 4 am Jesus comes walking on top of the waters. He was not running like somebody who is panicky. Jesus walked towards them calmly. Lesson: The trial will not kill you. Jesus will come to save you! Jesus is never too early and never too late.  They thought He was a ghost. Fear of death was added on top of fear of death. When fear is too much you should know that the devil is attacking you. How many deaths do you want to die? The devil is a liar! The stormy waters represent your problems. To be free from fear you need to see Jesus walking on top of your problems. For example, there is the problem of poverty, loneliness or sickness. What is it that you need? You need a fresh vision of the Resurrected Christ calmly walking on top of that poverty, that loneliness or that sickness. You need to hear the Lord’s voice that is stronger than the storm saying to you: ‘Come!’ His voice is above and louder than many waters (Rev 1:15). His courage will ignite courage in you. Because He lives, you shall live also! You shall come out from the boat of human effort and you too shall walk on top of your problems. The solution to all your problems is fresh spiritual sight and fresh spiritual hearing. ‘Walk like Jesus walked’ (1Jn 2:6). This is how progress, healing, deliverance and financial breakthrough is made. I pray that God will open your eyes to see Jesus, open your ears to hear His Word and give you the courage to get out from that passivity-doubt-fear boat into the faith that knows no borders. In Jesus name, amen!

“And He (Jesus) appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach” (Mk 3:14)

A Minister wrote me saying that he is frustrated with his ministry. This is my answer to him:

“May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace” (Ps 144:12)
This is my testimony: God has blessed me as a mother in Nigeria. This is me with my daughters: Jemine (the bride), Trish and Alina. Praise the Lord!