GOD PUT A NEW SONG IN MY MOUTH

“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord” (Ps 40:3)

For the past 7 weeks I had a bad cough. That was inconvenient enough, for I hate sickness. But my pain was that I could not talk well and I could not sing. My ministry was attacked. Last week Sunday I ministered the Word but I was not confident enough that I can sing without coughing.

Finally, yesterday in Saturday class, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, I sang…an old song but new and fresh to me…I was ‘shy’ at the beginning, but the anointing took over and like an eagle I soared freely….the devil has lost another battle…the worship must continue…may these words of faith touch you today!

”Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One…Give thanks for he has given Jesus Christ, the Son…and now…let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done…for us…GIVE THANKS!’

All glory to the Lamb upon the throne! Hallelujah!

“And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness” (2Sam 15:23)
“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered” (Jn 18:1)

The Kidron valley is on the eastern side of The Old City of Jerusalem, separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. It continues east through the Judean Desert, towards the Dead Sea, descending 4000 feet along its 20 mile course. In Hebrew, the word ‘kidron’ means darkness. This valley was a rubbish dump that collected the sewage of Jerusalem. All the animal carcasses left after the sacrifices at the temple were also dumped there. During the reign of godly kings, al the idols were destroyed and thrown in the Kidron valley too to be burnt to ashes. That is why the valley was permanently covered with smoke, a symbol of hell. The first time the Kidron valley appears in the Bible is when David was betrayed by his son Absalom. To protect Jerusalem, David decides to abandon his beloved city and weeping, he crosses the Kidron Valley going up on the Mount of Olives. He is a symbol of Christ who on the night of his betrayal, He also crossed the same valley to go to the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives. He was arrested by soldiers lead by Judas, one of His disciples.
Both these men were kings betrayed by their people. Both crossed the Kidron valley humiliated and rejected by their own people. Each had just some few men following them. Their friends, Ahithophel and Judas betrayed them. But they both came back victorious. After the death of Absalom, David came back to his throne, and all the nation repented of their sins. Jesus shall come back again and his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, as a victorious King forever (Zech 14:4).

The Kidron valley represents a form of hell, of death. It is the lowest man can go while still alive on earth. David said: ‘Though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me…’ (Ps 23). A mature Christian is not afraid to cross the valley of the shadow of death, for even in hell, God is with him. This valley separates the true and the false believer. The religious person may walk thru fields of flowers and streets of marble, but he can never cross over the valley of the shadow of death. It is at the edge of this valley that your fake friends will draw back, for no amount of money, kisses or promises will be able to buy their confidence to mix with the dry bones. But the true believer will cross over anything, for God is with him.
The lowest points in your life, as unpleasant as they may be these are your protection from evil. The valley is not the end of the story. The mountain of transfiguration is still ahead, where heaven touches earth and all things become new. Your sickness, your needs, your challenges…these are not the end of your story. Your sin foes not define you anymore. Your fears are not your master anymore. Something has happen! You are now a child of God! Old things pass away and everything becomes new! Jesus destroyed death thru death. We shall do the same. As the flesh dies under the power revealed at the Cross, my spirit rises to prove that Jesus is Lord!

“I am forever grateful for saving me, my Lord…”

 
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philip 4:6, 7)

This is again one of the most wonderful scriptures in the Bible. The danger for me is to read it, like it, even preach it but fail to apply it in my present circumstances. That danger ‘to be a hearer and refuse to be a doer’ of the Word, is in fact a very common deception coming from the devil (Jam 1:22).
So this early morning, as I allow the truth of God to sink deep in my spirit, I decide (once more) to obey the Word. In other words, from this very moment, I will completely refuse to be worried about anything at all that concerns me. I shall not worry about my health issues, financial or family things. Let the world divide itself into two, I shall not worry at all. Why? Because God commands me not to, and I really want to obey His Word! No matter the situation, I shall refuse to allow anxiety find a space in my heart. Does this sound as a crazy woman’s wish? Let it be so, let it sound crazy or impossible, but I have made up my mind to honor God’s Word and not worry anymore!

Anxiety takes a lot of energy out of a person. Unchecked, it becomes a mental sickness. Who wants that? Nobody! Then if I don’t worry, what will I use my time, my emotions and strength to do? I shall pray? Pray for what? “In everything by prayer…” From this morning on, I shall pray about all things, big and small. I shall believe that God hears my prayers and that He has all what it takes to solve my problems. I shall believe that prayer is the contact point between heaven and earth.

Question: Is it that God does not know about my problems? Of course He knows all things. But He commands me to pray for everything. I shall accept the challenge to think that without Jesus I can do nothing. But in Christ, I can do all things! So I will take everything that comes my way as a point of prayer. I will pray more and not less. I shall be more grateful for this opportunity to pray for everything. Thanksgiving shall become my foundational thinking. All men have problems and anxieties, but not all know Jesus, and not all pray. I recognize that I am a part of the blessed holy remnant of God’s people; I am not perfect but I am a prayer warrior. I appreciate this wonderful privilege and supernatural way of knowing God, therefore I am grateful. Then the peace of God will come and surround me, cover and heal my soul. Peace makes me happy! Then my body shall be healed too!

I refuse to borrow the chronic anxieties of my parents, my teachers, my neighbors or my doctors. I refuse that burden! I shall be free from anxiety and I shall pray! This life style shall define me from today on. Are you trying to imagine how will my life be? Without the load of daily anxieties and filled to the brim with prayers and praise, how will my life be? It has to be better, no doubt at all! It has to be easier, no doubt at all! Christ in me, the hope of Glory will shine brighter for all to see… I can only win and I can never lose…I shall be happy, free, supernaturally wise and strong. Miracles shall follow me. They have to! So, here the holy adventure begins!

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1Cor 10:13)

This is one of the most wonderful promises of God. I applied it often, especially in times of need. Please read it knowing that it is God’s Word to you. What are the lessons?

*Temptations must come; they are unavoidable. The devil tempted Jesus so he will tempt us too. Do not be surprised when the attack comes, when the evil day comes, when things are hard and they make no sense. Temptation is not counted as sin. But a sinful response during temptation is sin.  God monitors your response to the evil attack. If you endure temptation successfully, you shall be promoted and receive the crown of life. If you fail during the temptation, you shall suffer loss. The intent of the devil is that during temptations, you should forget God and backslide; that you should shift from your stable position, even if a little. He will be very happy if you abandon your sure foundation of faith. Do not let the pain of the attack overpower your mind or emotions to the extent of doubting God. The pain will come and go, but your God abides with you forever!

*All temptations are ‘common to man’. They are ‘ordinary’. There is nothing special or unique about an evil attack. The devil does not create. He only repeats himself. The way he deceived our ancestors, that same way he will try to deceive you too. By studying the Word of God we can find the strategy, how to successfully resist temptation.  For example, God promised Abraham and Sarah a son. There was no need for plan B. There was no need for Abraham to go into Hagar. That was a mistake, a sin of doubt concerning the promise of God. They should have waited until Isaac came. By reading the Bible we are encouraged to avoid their mistakes.

*God is faithful to His promises. God does not tempt you! God does not plan your downfall! God does not lie! If God has spoken, that Word must come to pass. Make up your mind to honor God by trusting Him 100%. If you trust God, you shall not be disappointed; you shall not be put to shame! That is another wonderful promise!

*God is with you inside the problem. He monitors the size of the problem. You are not alone during temptations! God knows your strength too. He is intimately involved in your life. The temptation is to make you better, stronger, not to make you fall. God is in charge of your problem. At the last minute (as God counts it) He will open your eyes to see ‘the way of escape’. This is the exit out of a burning building. It is the miracle open door out of an impossible situation. All your attention is to find this miracle door. When the temptation comes, the door is designed as part of it. God never panics thinking of solutions at the last minute. God is never confused! Your problem does not intimidate Him! The door of escape, the solution, is part of the problem from the very beginning. You shall find it and suddenly you are free!

It does not matter if the challenge is about health, finances, marital and family issues. These things differ. But one thing is sure: God never changes! Jesus is forever the same, yesterday, today and forever! God is always faithful! God has never lost any battle and he will not start with you! Let me tell you this: Even if you plan to prove God unfaithful, you shall lose the game! Because the truth is this: God is faithful to His promises! That is how God is!

May your eyes open to see the faithful door of escape! I say: Enough of this sickness! I say: Enough of this stress!  It is time to leave this furnace and go outside in the cool evening under the rainbow of peace! Let’s celebrate deliverance! Let’s honor freedom! Jesus is Lord!

“A wise man is strong,

Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,

And in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (PV 24:5, 6)

Recently I had a serious challenge with my health. Sickness is like a prison, makes you lonely and ashamed. I did everything I knew was right. I reminded myself that God is with me in all situations. I also prayed for wisdom, for that is God’s day and night open prayer line. The Holy Spirit comforted me and did not allow me to fear the evil associated with temptation. As difficult as the sickness was, the peace of God that passes all understanding was my permanent companion.

During this challenging time, God surprised me by sending special, trained, loving, faithful, experienced and wise warriors to pray for me and counsel me. The first of the list is my husband of 40 years. From beginning to the end, he was a source of faith, great strength and love. I have never been so sick in the past, so now I know the meaning of being one ‘in sickness and in health’. Yes, marriage is a wonderful thing, no matter the circumstances.

But God surprised me by sending other servants of His, with the right words spoken at the right time. These ‘angels’ reminded me of my own sermons… of my own words spoken to them in the past. Seeds planted long ago to help them in their hour of need, came back to me as a harvest of faith and strength and hope. These true friends helped me to reject the lies of the enemy and to stand for Jesus. They did not waver in their support. Their words brought much encouragement to me. They lifted me up when I was about to fall. How blessed I am that all my friends are wise people, that foolishness is far from my camp, that prayer warriors lifted their voices on my behalf, that together we can share in this wonderful testimony of healing and victory!  Yes, God honored me by sending true intercessors at the lowest point during this trial of health. The time of pain became a door for much grace revealed to me. I am humbled and grateful! Indeed, God is faithful!

“Dear Father, I thank you for Your presence in my life…I thank You for Your Word and for Your Spirit…I thank You for sending Your faithful servants to support me during this battle with sickness…I thank You for the lives of all people who prayed and encouraged me at the time of my need! Please bless them with the blessings of Christ! We share in the joy of healing and the victory against the forces of darkness! We give You alone all the glory! In Jesus name Amen!”

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…” (Jam 1:5, 6)

In this world we experience many challenges: health, financial, marital, children, ministry, jobs…As different as these trials are, there is a common need in them all: the request for wisdom from God.

Wisdom is the skill, the capacity, to practically apply the scriptures in daily living. Many people memorize and quote the Word of God but they seem unable to apply what they know. The Word of God remains a stranger to their lives, more like a decoration than real food for the spirit. The scriptures do not ‘work’ for them. They lack godly wisdom.

Wisdom is not the same as intelligence or education. There are many men who have PHDs but their lives are a mess. Wisdom is a gift from God giving to the humble that have faith. They recognize the need and the value for it. That is why James says: “If any of you lacks wisdom…” We all lack wisdom, we are all basically weak, ignorant and foolish, but few recognize the need for wisdom from God.

For the people who desire wisdom the advice is to ask, to pray to God. Wisdom does not come from men, so do not look around for none can supply it. Wisdom comes only from God, so look up and pray with faith. God may find fault with other requests when we pray amiss, but the prayer for wisdom is always answered, 100%. This is a great encouragement, for any answer to prayer is a stepping stone to increase your faith for later challenges. When God sends His Word of Wisdom, it is always generously done. You shall know what to do in your present circumstances, and even much more than that. God encourages us to be wise children; this is one of His attributes as a Father. The wisdom of God always leads to victory and greater testimony.

Practically, what can you do? If you are sick: pray for wisdom…if you are in trouble: pray for wisdom…if you have financial stress: pray for wisdom…The prayer is the same, God is the same, but the answers are many, adapted to your needs. O, the sweet power released when God speaks to you… directing your path… His Word of Wisdom may be very different than the human common sense you are used to. But wisdom from heaven never fails. It is the love expression of the Wonderful Counsellor, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God.

Let’s Pray:

“Father, I have a great need.  I come to ask for wisdom for my situation right now. I believe that You will give it to me according to your promise in James 1:5. I promise to give You all the glory when my problem is solved. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!”

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity” (PV 28:13, 14)

Your relationship with God will reflect in all other relationships you have on earth, including your marriage. You can only be a good a friend, wife or mother if you are first of all a good servant of God. God cannot be deceived. This is God’s law! God monitors your spiritual seeds and harvests in your matrimonial home! If you are a secretive person, if you refuse to openly acknowledge your sins and if you are not willing to repent, you shall ‘fall into calamity’. In Hebrew, the word means trouble, affliction, depression, misery and evil. A secretive hard hearted person shall fall into temptation and is not protected from evil. Divorce and the bad name of a betrayer are only few of the miseries ahead. Like with Pharaoh, God hardens the heart of some people as a sign of divine punishment. God told Moses in advance that the king of Egypt will be hard hearted that he will refuse to yield to the Word of God. The whole country was destroyed because of the stubbornness of its leader. Once the Blood of the Lamb was shed, Pharaoh eventually had to bow to Jehovah and let God’s people freely go (Ex 9:12).

Dear Friends, Think about all these things. If you are single and you pray for marriage, be sure that you marry a child of God. More than wealth or education, this is the most important quality of all. He may be poor today but if he is really saved, God is his Father and he will never beg for food. The spiritual status is the most important thing as you prepare for marriage. Remember that you cannot change your husband. Only God has access to a man’s heart. You can pray and try your best to help but you cannot convert your spouse. This is the truth!  To marry an unbeliever is a great deception; it means that you want to help a wicked person to practice more wickedness. And remember, God hates that unequal yoking!

Please meditate upon God’s Word…Is the Word of God penetrating your heart? Are you really changing from within? That is a good sign, for it means that the hardness of heart is melting away…Learn from the mistakes of others…pray for your marriage…pray for your children…pray for your heart…humble yourself…every hidden sin should be repented of!. Do not practice secrecy in the home. God’s Word is like ‘a hammer that breaks the rocks’ (Jer 23:29). Study the Bible! Pray always! This is the holy secret of successful marriage! To God be all the glory!

“Some Pharisees came and tested Jesus by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

“What did Moses command you?” He replied.

They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mk 10:2-9)

Marriage has been under attack from the beginning of human race. But recently the danger has increased manifolds. The rate of divorce in the western countries is above 50%.  This terrible statistics includes the Christians too. There are many authors who write books about marriage. But because marriage is designed by God, it follows that coming closer to God will make a marriage successful. Backsliding from God will destroy all relationships, including the marriage.

Our Lord tells the religious leaders that marriage was God’s idea. He quotes from Genesis, chapters 1 and 2. There was no mention of divorce when it was instituted. Even after the fall, divorce is an exception. God allows it because of the entrance of sin and the damage it does. Sin has damaged the image of God in man and the purity of God’s plan for marriage. God ‘hates divorce’ and He only allows it in extreme cases to prevent a greater damage to the victim. The main reason for unhappiness in marriage and divorce is given by our Lord. He said that ‘a hard heart’ will destroy the marriage. If both the husband and the wife have hard hearts, the risk of divorce is almost 100%. If one of them is a committed Christian and the other has this hard heart, the risk for divorce will be 50%.

The word ‘hard’ refers to a stony heart not easily penetrated by the Word of God. It does not easily submit, yield to pressure, repent or change. The heart is not capable of being sensitive, kind, patient or merciful. It is burdensome, oppressive, bossy and proud. It is troublesome; it takes pleasure in causing pain to others; it is easily provoked, angry or quarrelsome. It is difficult, hard to understand, unreasonable and unteachable. A person with such a heart does not finish what he starts, for there are many obstacles in its path.

The source of this hardness of heart is ignorance of God, His Word and His Ways. These are religious people who go to church; they listen to sermons but cannot understand any word. They are spiritually foolish, deaf and blind. It is a spiritual disease that only Jesus can cure. It is a sign of rebellion against God. If a habitually stubborn person provokes God in heaven, how do you think that such a one can have a happy marriage? It is impossible!

This is a warning to pray and be sure that you do not take marriage for granted. You should only marry a true born again believer. For all unbelievers have sinful hard hearts, even if they go to church, pray or read the Bible. Single sisters and brothers, please note: no husband can change his wife and no wife can change her husband. Marriage itself does not change the hearts of men. Only God does that! M\

May God have mercy on us! May the wisdom from above be imparted in this hour of need! May God be glorified in our lives! In Jesus name, Amen!

 
“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you…” (Ecc 9:9)

God invented marriage. He who created Adam said that ‘it is not good for man to be alone’. God made Eve from his rib. Adam recognized and accepted her back from God. As pastors, we conduct many weddings in our church. Each couple has a story, a testimony. It is a pity that many couples forget the God who brought them together. Marriage is not man’s idea, but God’s. If you desire a successful marriage, a godly home, the most important thing is to remember God!!!

If you are ignorant of the divine purpose of marriage, you shall misuse it and fail to bring glory to God in your home. That will end in much sorrow. The husband, the wife and the children have a duty to read the Bible and pray daily. The Word of God should rule all decisions in the home. They have to serve God in the local church. These things are vital for the peace in the home. Joshua was not just s great leader, but an excellent husband and father. . Jesus is the Head of the Church. This is His advice to all families, if they want peace, joy and prosperity!
“As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15)

When God created the man and the woman, they were both naked and felt no shame. After the fall of mankind, sin and shame came in. God cursed the snake and the devil that possessed him (Gen 3). Then God judged Adam and Eve. Both the husband and the wife have a tendency to serve idols, even if ignorantly. God exposed the secret sinful desire of the woman to control her husband. God’s judgment is that the husband will frustrate and defeat that rebellious desire in his wife. The natural woman is consumed with a desire to control her home. She wants to know everything the husband or the children are doing. She is restless and jealous, never at peace. Her marriage becomes her idol. She wants to take the glory for the success of her home.
It is different with the men. God commanded Adam to work and take care of the Garden. Work was part of man’s purpose in creation. But after the fall, the husband will go to work in a difficult environment. Work will not be a pleasure anymore, but a burden and a pain. The husband is consumed with the desire to be rich and successful in his business. He spends many hours and days outside his home, looking for money. He abandons his duty as a pastor to his household. His business is his idol. God and marriage trail behind.

What is the solution? GOD!!! The remedy for both is to be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit! (Eph 5:18). Both need to be like Jesus! The wife needs to submit to her husband as Jesus submitted to His Father. The husband has to love his wife as Jesus loves the church. This is the divine formula for marital success! It is 100% guaranteed! Then God shall be glorified in that home! And yes, you shall enjoy your marriage like a piece of heaven on earth! May you drink from the King’s pitcher filled with the wine of Joy! Enjoy life together! Amen!

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Ps 150:6)

I am trying to find words to express my gratitude to God for a successful trip, even when more than half of the time I was in pain. This is God’s promise: God’s strength is perfected in my weakness. It is a strange scripture. Maybe I was too proud about my health, my strength, my gift of organizing things. This time I became like a baby, waiting for Tali to help me. Usually he is so fast…but these days he slowed down waiting for me to come along. Love never fails…God keeps the best for the last…if the devil likes or not, I shall enjoy my latter years and our mature marriage. Pain or no pain, my breath stayed with me, therefore I shall praise my God!

“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory” (Deut 20:4)

The battle was fierce but the victory is mine. O…sweet peace…
If you are a born again believer, in whatever situation, you are always the winner. This is not my wish. It is God’s Word! Victory manifests in many ways, but all these ways have something in common. They spread the sweet powerful fragrance of Christ, the Eternal Victor. In times of trials the devil attacks with lies, mostly the idea that the battle will rage on forever and there shall be no clear winner. These are all lies. The weeping may endure for the night, but morning is faithful to displace the power of darkness, with the songs of joy leading the transition.
At the Cross, the devil rejoiced to see the Son of Man defeated and humiliated. What he did not know was that the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Jesus died for our sins, that we may be forgiven, healed and changed, to become the sons of God. If the devil knew that the death of Christ will become the tree of life for many, he could not have killed the King of glory. But now it is too late, for the power of resurrection has destroyed even the memory of the power and shame of failure and death.

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Lk 12:49)

When Jesus came into this world of sin, His express desire was to bring ‘fire on the earth’. John said that Jesus will baptize His own with the Holy Spirit and with fire. God is described as a consuming fire.

What is the source of this fire? That volcano is found on the Calvary hill, at the Cross of Christ. It was there, hanging on that tree, the Son of God became a curse for us. It was there, when Jesus died for our sins that the fire of God came from heaven and consumed all things. The history of humanity, nothing and nobody was ever the same, after the Cross. Old things passed away and everything became new.

Fire stands for judgment. We are afraid of fire, for we know that fire has no mercy. All things, all labor and ministry shall be tried with fire. We all have an encounter with the fire of God. There is no salvation, deliverance, promotion or blessings that come without the fire. It purges the hearts and kindles passion in pure vessels. Once you pass thru the fire, you are safe. For example, the patient who survived the sickness called Ebola, has nothing to fear anymore. The wicked virus has tried to kill him but failed. The immunity of the body has won. This survivor is the best candidate to go back to the Ebola infested villages and with bare hands help the others. That is a picture of a man who has passed thru fire and survived. There is no more fear; only power and only joy. That is a picture of a believer baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Nothing shall hurt him anymore. The devil has failed in his life.

I heard of a story. There was a man and his little son walking in a park in New York. Suddenly a fire started burning along the path. In few minutes they were trapped by the blaze. The father tried to use branches to quench the fire, but all in vain. The wind was driving the flames closer and closer to them. Then the father knew that the only way of escape is to pass thru the fire. He carried his son on his shoulders, comforted him that all is well, and jumped thru the fire to the other side. Behind the blaze all was calm. For all things were burnt off. The fire can never go back to a place that is burnt. That is the law of the fire, it never goes back to where it has damaged.

There is a spiritual lesson here. Whatever things you have suffered, if God was with you during that trial, you shall never go back to them again. The devil tried to kill you. And really, you should have died. That sickness should have sent you to the mortuary. That stress should have given you incurable depression. That loss should have made you homeless sleeping under the bridge…But, by the grace of God you survived…This is your testimony, that passing thru the fire, you did not end up a corpse. Even the things that got burnt, have a new meaning for you, for God promised to give you beauty for ashes, joy instead of weeping and a victory song nobody can quench. In the furnace of affliction, Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego met with the Forth Man, the Son of God who is the King of kings and also the King of fire.

This is my testimony: fire tried but failed to destroy me; its heat was not enough to disfigure my anointing; its flames could only purify my heart and my vision. I passed thru the fire of rejection, misunderstanding, sickness and slander. And I survived. Not only survived, but I am now qualified to encourage others coming behind.

So this is my word to you: Fear not! Like that father and son, let’s jump together to the safe place behind the fire…Follow me as I follow Christ…Let’s go to the Cross where Jesus died for our sins…Let’s go behind the Cross, where no sorrow, no pain, no rejection and no sickness can ever attack. Come on…that is the way…thru the fire, into the freedom of worship, the power of true anointing and the victory of the blessed!

“For life is more than food and the body more than clothing” (Lk 12:23)

We are spending some time in Houston, Tx, visiting the children and the grandchildren. Some few days I was really sick, with a mysterious cold that ‘missed road’ as we say in Nigeria. Here fashion is king. All the malls have a lot of stuff, dresses, shoes…in the past I used to get excited, seeing all that display…it is natural, you may say… But this time, it was different…Feverish, as I walked between the rows of stuff, all my mind was to go home and rest…I saw beautiful hats with ribbons, but I had a headache…I saw shining shoes, exactly my size, but my feet hurt…I saw leather bags of all shapes and styles, but my left shoulder was paining me… I saw some belts with studs but my waist was too stiff to try them on… I tried to smell some expensive perfume but I had a dry cough that refused to let me enjoy it… we went to some fine restaurants but I had no appetite for any food…

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1Tim 6:10)

These are ‘the last days’. The spiritual darkness will increase and men will become worse. But the light of God shines in the midst of darkness, unafraid and unquenchable. The people of God shall become stronger, more faithful and do exploits in the name of the Lord. Light is not intimidated by darkness for it is the winner.

One of the terrible manifestations of spiritual darkness is the replacement of the holy love of God with the love of money. There are many pastors who survive just by preaching and encouraging the love of money. There are many congregations who are lead astray from the truth of the Gospel. These end up as bitter roots, trouble makers, practicing ‘all kinds of evil’ that will bring much sorrow and disappointment at last. The love of money competes directly with the worship of God. It is an enemy to the knowledge of God. You cannot serve bot God and mammon. You have to choose one and reject the other.

This is a true story. Many years ago I visited a church here in Nigeria. During the sermon God gave me a word for the church. At the end of the service I asked one of the ushers about the protocol in that particular church. I said I wanted to talk to the pastor who just preached the message or to his wife. I was directed to his wife. I introduced myself and I told her that I feel in my spirit that they are going towards danger; that they are deviating from the safe path of godliness with contentment, that they encourage lusting after material things and greed as a life style. I told her to pray about it and discuss it with her husband. I told her that I personally have no gain in bringing this word; that I came as a messenger of God. She looked at me with a strange look and said: “Dr. Mrs. Leigh, I know you… Next time please do not bother coming with any word. We know the Bible more than you. What we need is money. You are a successful doctor and not a pastor. Tell your husband to bring money to church…we need money…” I was shocked. I could not comment. I greeted her and left. I never went back to that church. But the Word of God is true. This couple has suffered untold sorrows, much more than the problems ‘common to men’.

Greed is a terrible and shameful thing. Please be honest…These are good questions: Do you love money? Do you direct your life based on the profit you make? Is your job or your boss your god? Are you ready to take any risk and be transferred to the ends of the earth just for a better job? Is the choice of a spouse based on your financial calculations? Is the choice of your local church based on greed? Are you sadder when you lose money than when you lose a friend? Are you more worried by your lack of promotion in your office than by the grieving of the Holy Spirit? Is the choice of a Bank more important to you than the choice of a local church where you can serve God and fellowship with godly men? Does your Bank manager have more influence in your life than your pastor? Do you go to church to hear about finances all the time or you really want to know God?

The answers are sign posts on your path. You either go to heaven or to hell. There is no middle ground.

What is the solution? Jesus said that you should seek FIRST the kingdom of God and its righteousness and then, all other things, including money, promotions and other material things shall follow you. This is the Word of God. No man or devil can change it! May mercy and wisdom from above be your portion today! In Jesus name, Amen!

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Is 30:21)

The flesh is restless. We get easily bored on walking the straight and narrow path. Things attract us to deviate, just for the fun of it. On the right, there is the pull of secular entertainment, the music of second hand cymbals and plastic trumpets. On the left is the attraction of legalistic religion…just tell me what to do and I will be happy…the choir sings and the congregation applauds…going home un-changed, that is what I want…

“Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given” (Jn 1:16)

Grace is defined as the unmerited favor of God. The only source of grace in the whole universe is God. Jesus came to earth ‘full of truth and grace’. Truth without grace is fearful to sinful men. But grace makes it easy to digest, so that truth changes us to be free and strong. When the grace of God abides on a man, things just ‘happen’ with ease and joy. Other men labour and struggle, but the man who has the favor of God moves on, thru all things unhindered. If you see a man who is successful without much labor, the only explanation is that the grace of God is on Him.

“May my prayer be set before You like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Ps 141:2)

Aaron was to come every morning and evening in the holy place. He was to add incense on the coals of the altar of incense. Then the fragrant smoke will rise to God. Without fire, incense has no smell and no power to rise. The fire that destroys other things is necessary to change the incense into an acceptable gift to God.
Incense is the symbol or prayer and worship. Most prayers are too ‘cold’ to touch the heart of God. The believer needs the fire of the Holy Spirit burning within for his prayers to be acceptable to God.

“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on The Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires” (Rom 13: 13, 14)

As believers, we are associated with Christ in two basic ways. He is the Savior and Lord, dwelling internally: ‘Christ IN YOU the hope of glory’. The Holy Spirit witnesses in your human spirit that you are saved. Then Christ can also be ‘put on’ outwardly, as a garment or an armor of light. Just the way we dress in the morning to go out for the business of the day, we take the garment of righteousness given by Christ Himself. All sinners are naked spiritually, easily predictable. But as a believer, as you put on Christ, people see that we are not naked, foolish and exposed. Our choices and actions are witnessed by others and they remind them of Jesus.

“There was no room for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7)
We arrived in Houston at about 6pm. After waiting on line at the immigration, hiring a car, following the GPS instructions in the city traffic, we finally arrived at our hotel. Jemine booked this hotel for us thru Expedia. What we wanted was an in-expensive room, close to her home, with full kitchen in case we want to cook Nigerian food later. Jemine has found this hotel that met all our requirements. Tired after the long flight, we came into the hotel’s lobby at about 9pm. A young man at the reception informed us that our room has been given to another person. He also said that they are fully booked, that they have informed Expedia about this situation. He said that their policy is that if the client does not come before 6pm, they will give the room to another. He said this without any smile or apologies. We tried to argue saying that our daughter has already paid for and the document says that we covered in case of late arrival. The young man did not care at all about our pleas. We then called Jemine. She said that Expedia was on the phone with her apologizing, blaming the hotel for a breach of contract. Soon Matthew and Jemine came to meet us there. Jemine was very upset with Expedia; ‘super-disappointed’ I heard her say to them. I found myself thinking…is this why some hotels are called cheap? Even here man can let down another…

Long story short, Expedia tried to repair the damage and offered us another hotel to stay. We drove there wondering if the new one is worst than the first…no need to worry, God has gone before us…we were directed to a wonderful hotel, given a suite there. The price of this one is 3 times the amount paid for the first. But Expedia said they will not charge Jemine more money. In other words we got a duplex for the price of a ‘boys-quarters’… Only God can do things like these…
We arrived tired at about 10pm at the reception of the new hotel. The whole atmosphere was different. The lady at the reception was nice, smiling. There were flowers everywhere (the other hotel had no flower at all). There was a beautiful hand made sign saying ‘Welcome Friends- this is an oasis of rest and laughter”. They gave us ‘a royal suite’. It was big and very clean…much more than we expected. So in one night, from tired disappointment to joyful peaceful rest, Jesus lead us thru, again…from ‘no star hotel’ to ‘many stars hotel’, just like that, we were not too tired to thank God for over-ruling our human choices.
The Star of Bethlehem is not just history. It lead us to a palace for the price of ‘a cut and nail’ (you know what I mean…). The story is not finished…Expedia also gave Jemine $ bonus, to cover up for the disappointment. The truth is that I saw this hotel when we were looking where to book, but it was too expensive for us. Apparently, Our Father in Heaven paid the bill. It was not too expensive for God.

Just in case you laugh at our faith, that is ok…I did the same for many years. There was a time when I trusted only in myself, my wisdom and my strength. I did not allow any room for changes of plans, for I never trusted God who could do that anytime, without apologies…
But it is so different now. Thank God I am not my own god anymore.

If you believe in God, then trust Him with all your heart, for everything that concerns you and your family. Trust God for your health, length of life, choice of a life partner, choice of children, finances, choice of work and even for times of refreshing and rest. Trust God not only for the big things, but also for the little things, the in between things, the secret things, the details…
God over-rules my choices and it is my privilege to acknowledge that!!!

Like Joseph and Mary, when there is no room at the inn, God’s plan still goes on…the King of kings was born. Life eternal became the River of life in the desert of this world. God is the same…God never changes…our disappointments give God room to create a new thing, much better than anything our mind can imagine…Trust the Living God of miracles and wonder, the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of peace and the Mighty limitless God!

As for us, we enjoy our royal suite of many stars, courtesy of our Lord and Provider, Jehovah Jireh! Greetings to you all…may your faith increase…
Little is much when God is inside! Selah!!!

“Praise The Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Remember me, Lord, when You show favor to Your people, come to my aid when You save them…
that I may enjoy the prosperity of Your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of Your nation and join Your inheritance in giving praise” (Ps 106:1-5)

My husband and I were ready to come to visit the children and their families in Houston, Tx. We bought our (non refundable) tickets and prepared for a wonderful trip. We were to leave on Monday morning. All was planned and prayed for. Then the devil stroke a fiery arrow…
As we’re closing the service last Sunday, suddenly I felt a very sharp pain on my left shoulder. Then it spread to the whole chest. I could only pray in my spirit. I had a planned meeting with some brethren at the end of the service. I could not tell them how sick I was, but prayed for them for the days ahead. Earlier in the service, I shared with the congregation a word of encouragement, saying this:
if evil thoughts come to your mind, like birds flying over your head, you can’t stop them all, for many birds fly everywhere. But if one particular evil bird comes and lands on your head, do not be afraid, do not draw back with the bird sitting there…just be bold! Catch it and bring it to judgment facing Christ and His Word. Every word, every idea that is not of God must bow to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). I also told the brethren that they should not fear during these days of wars, rumors of wars and plagues. That they should stay focused, not looking around at the circumstances, but up and see Jesus, the King. For then, their victory is sure.

I did not know that in less than 2 hours the devil will attack me to swallow my words. The pain was terrible. I could not breathe well, I could not stand, I could not even lie down. As a doctor, this could have been ‘a heart attack’ or a sudden viral infection. These a very serious things…. With Ebola stories this was a terrible news…To travel abroad tomorrow seem impossible. Flashes of staying in quarantines, with mean nurses monitoring my dying days were coming like a flood to my mind. Why now? Why so painful, so sudden? This could not be ‘an ordinary sickness’…but how can I explain this to the health teams in the airports?

These worries were like the evil birds flying over my head…But in my spirit I knew it was an arrow, a spiritual poison. Thank God for a godly Holy Spirit filled husband. He became very angry at the devil. He commanded it to leave me and go away, in the name of Jesus! He then confidently prophesied that we shall travel tomorrow and enjoy this long awaited vacation. Another evil bird tried to land on my ears saying, that my husband is joking.
I remembered the words I shared with the brethren that morning. I took courage from the very words that came from my own mouth. The devil was mocking even my ministry…Do I believe what I am preaching, or not? Do I expect people to believe my own preaching, when in times of trouble I doubt it myself?
In the midst of that attack I chose to believe God’s Word! It is not my word, but God’s! I arrested all the evil ‘birds’ of fear of Ebola, heart attack or untimely death; of doubt, unbelief, witchcraft or spiritual poison. I brought these before the Word of God that says: ‘With long life will I satisfy you and show you My salvation…I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord’

The arrested birds died before the Cross. Not one survived. God answered my husband’ s prayer and honored his prophecy. Miraculously, even with the tormenting pain in my chest, I felt asleep for few minutes. I woke up and half of the pain was gone. O…the sweet relief…Before 12 midnight I was my usual self. I could pack my suitcase and we travelled like children who escaped the fowler’s snare.
Yes, I will enjoy my Holliday…
I will try to keep in touch with you all…

What is the lesson? The Word of God is supreme! No other idea should parasite your mind! Arrest all evil wild thoughts and bring them to the Cross! That is their burial ground! Try it and see for God is not a respecter of persons…also, remember the sermons you listen to in the church. These are prophetic helps in time of need.

Let’s pray: I come against any arrow of poison that is attacking you with sickness, weakness or intimidation! I declare that you devil are a liar! That your wicked words are all lies and we reject them totally! The Word of God is Truth! Holy Spirit come and take control! Change this impossible situation into a testimony that will add to Your praise! In Jesus name I pray, amen!