‘You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone’ (Eph 2:19, 20)

The kingdom of God is not static, it is not passive; it is not dead. The power and the peace of its Government have no limits. Within there is life, order, activity, beauty and glory like in no other. Among its citizens there is a continual growth to maturity and unity of the Spirit!  They are seeking and searching to find treasures hidden in the dark. Its soldiers take new territories from the enemy, all this for the glory of the King. But it is not just the men who are seeking the Kingdom of God. The wonder of it all is that the Trinity is searching to find people on earth worthy to populate heaven.

For example, it is said that America is the richest country on earth. Millions from all continents want to go and live there, especially because of the freedom of worship. But the miracle is that America itself is looking for people to come and live there. Initially, men come as immigrants. After some time, passing the test of loyalty to the country, they become citizens, with all the privileges afforded to the native born. Many apply to come but there is a particular type of people the government is looking for. They want good, obedient, faithful and hardworking people. They want the best of men, the champions of other nations. Who can blame them?

In the same way, the kingdom of God has extended this gracious invitation for people to come in and become citizens. The call is made to all men. The entrance is given only to them who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. They all come as poor sinners.  But somehow they have faith and hope in the King of Glory. This entrance into the Kingdom of God is always a miracle and a royal privilege.  It cannot be purchased with money or with any other valuable thing available on earth. It is a gift of grace given by the King of Kings. Rich or poor, educated or not, black, white or yellow, the call is made to all men. Come to Jesus! The visa is given at the foot of the Cross where the ground is level, so that no man can boast.

This is the eternal and glorious truth: Salvation is of God alone! The price for the admission in the Kingdom is too great for any man to pay. None is qualified to enter on his personal merit. All men without exception are born sinners and they are enemies of God. We are born outside the Garden of Eden. Sin produces death. Our only claim is that Jesus died in our place for the remission of our sins.  It is only the blood of Jesus shed on the Cross that can save sinners like me and you.

No religion is good enough. To become a child of God you must be born again, by the power of the Holy Spirit! God is love and He is looking for lovers like Him. The Father desires to bring more lovers of Jesus into heaven. He likes them to be around His Son. God calls them sons. The atmosphere in heaven is one of holiness and worship, one of beauty, purity and power. There is glory in heaven like in no other place in the universe. So I say to all who read these words:

‘Surrender unconditionally your life to Jesus Christ! This is the best decision you will ever make on earth! Go to the Cross! Gaze long on Christ Crucified! Let the Holy Spirit convict you of the sin of unbelief! Let religion lose its grip upon your soul! Open your heart to the Holy Spirit so that He can fill you with peace and joy, the seal and the proof of eternal life!’

This is the Gospel of Grace! This is what I believe! This is how I became saved! This is my testimony!

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

I have eternal life!

I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God!

My permanent and eternal address is in Heaven!

These statements are final and true!

In Jesus name, Amen!

Some of the pilgrims have already entered the rest promised and provided by the Lord. Many are still on the slopes, slowly coming towards the gate of God’s house. This is a word of encouragement for them who are still on the way. Come inside!

What are the conditions to enter God’s house? To whom does the gate open? Who are the ones who will not make it?

FAITH IN GOD’S WORD

The first condition to enter is to have faith in God and in His Word! For as long as you doubt God’s existence or His promise of rest, you can never enter that blessed house. This entrance granted to you is the proof of your faith in Christ and your tested obedience to His commands. The Word of God divides the people who claim to know God. There are two groups: some enter God’s house and others are rejected. The ones who enter God’s rest are the faithful, obedient believers. The reason why the gate did not open for the second group is sin; doubt and rebellion in particular.

Be warned! The battle is the fiercest just before the gate! The devil will try all his strategies to make you doubt the Promise of God! The devil will try to discourage and to confuse you. He will like you to lose focus and forget the reason for this prayer. He will deceive you to reject the prophetic anointing, the word spoken to you directly by the Holy Spirit. Reject this wicked doubt!

But God is faithful! God knows His job! God never fails! Trust God to perfect all that concerns you!

‘Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,

Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,

In the day of trial in the wilderness,

Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me…

So I swore in My wrath,

‘They shall not enter My rest!’

‘There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience’ (Heb 3:7-11; 4:9-11)

What a wonderful promise? God says that if I believe in Him I shall be like Him. I will enter a life of peace and fruitfulness whose source of success is not of this world. I will not work like a slave but like a son. My life will not be defined by how much I make per hour. My destiny is not limited by the level of my education or lack of it.

My identity is hid in Christ alone, the eternal fountain of all blessings and treasures manifest. I will not live to work. I will not work for my daily bread. My promotion is not based on how many hours I clock in. I work for God! I testify about Jehovah Jireh!

My life shall be defined by Grace; by the manifestation of this unsearchable treasure, the unmerited favor of God. I will work little and make a lot of money, so that I can promote the interests of the Kingdom and help many people. My holy generosity shall be financed by the Banks of heaven.

I will supervise and others will work for me. My God’s given wisdom and gift of administration shall be in demand. I will say: ‘Good morning’ and miraculously, $1,000,000 shall appear as credit in my account. My greeting is a blessing that people will covet.

Are you laughing at my faith? I will not stop you, but you shall see the miracle of this peculiar prosperity working in me. One day you shall be tired of mocking and you shall come to join the choir.

If there is any work I should do now, it is to strive to enter the front Gate of God’s house! Jesus is the Gate! I shall not stop short of the Gate! I shall not climb over the fence! I shall not jump through the window. I shall not just admire the golden paint of the handle. I shall not just day dream and imagine streets of gold, then at last go back to my idiotic doubt culture. I shall stand and knock until the Owner comes and opens the door. And I shall enter in….

This is the holy pledge I make to my soul!

In Christ I declare:

I am saved!

I am free indeed!

Heaven is my eternal home!

Christ has given me rest!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

‘Not every one that said to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…’ (Mt 7:21)
This is the true story of two light houses built long ago. During a great storm, one fell. You can see the remains. Later they build another and that one is still standing.
This is a parable in pictures! The religious fake believers shall fall, but the true believers in Christ shall stand and give light to many!
‘You remember the lighthouse that was built off the coast of England by Winstanley. The architect was confident that the structure was strong, and laughed at the criticisms upon it. To show his confidence, he took up his abode in the building. In the midst of that fearful November storm, how little that confidence availed him as the structure was caught in the grasp of the winds and shaken to pieces!
Now another lighthouse stands there well founded, well builded, and lights the mariner to the safe harbour. So that character that is rightly founded and builded in Christ will not only be secure itself, but light others to security’
(C. H. Spurgeon 1934-1892)

‘O God, why have You cast us off forever?

Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old…

The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary.

Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place…

They set up their banners for signs…

They have set fire to Your sanctuary;

They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground.

They said in their hearts,

“Let us destroy them altogether.”

They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land…

We do not see our signs;

There is no longer any prophet…

Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast!

Do not forget the life of Your poor forever…

Arise, O God, plead Your own cause!!!’ (Ps 74)

“Dear Heavenly Father,

We need You. Please incline Your ear and listen to the cry of Your Beloved. We are in great danger. I call You in this day of trouble, answer me and I shall glorify You!

Birds of prey have entered Your house. Their voices are loud and their laughter so cruel. They have destroyed all that was good, all the gifts You have given to us. They use the golden vessels of Your worship to drink wine and to make merry. They have their own banners, their own music and their own prophets. They steal Your words and scatter them. They spoil the faith of many. They are bold and harsh, violent and rude. They manufacture miracles but the healings do not last. They break the hearts of the poor and oppress them with yokes too hard to carry. Your people are discouraged and hide away in caves. There is no true prophet to speak Your Word. There is a famine of the hearing of Your Words. Their prophets dream fake stories and deceive the simple. Their leaders make merchandise of your Gospel. They promise people peace, when there is no peace. Prayer has become a burden and worship is a wasted interlude.

Father God, remember the glory of Your name! There is no name like the name of Jesus!

Father in Heaven, please remember Your congregation! We are gathered in Your name! We are the sheep of Your pasture! We are the people of Your inheritance! We are the people of Your covenant!

Our hope is in You alone! If a man could have helped us, we could not have bothered You, O Lord. But no man and no angel can help. Salvation is of God alone. Your Sanctuary, Your Word, Your Name, Your Kingdom and Your Glory…all these are Yours alone. All power belongs to You! None can resist You, O Lord! We believe Your promises! Your Word is yes and amen to us! Your testimony is at stake in our lives! We plead for mercy, O Lord! Glorify Your name in our midst!

Father God, come and fight against the enemy of Your Bride! Cause confusion in their midst! Remove Your protection from them! May they be disappointed in their wicked plans!  May they fall in the pit they dug for us! Arise O Lord! Come down from heaven and plead Your own cause! Let people see that we are called by Your name!  Grant us revival, with true miraculous signs following!

May light shine in the darkness! May the blind see and the poor rejoice! May the sick be healed! May the depressed be comforted! May people be saved and delivered! May the glory of God cover our land like the waters cover the sea! May freedom blow its trumpet!

I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over all!

Thank You Father for reading this letter….We wait for You to come…

I love You Lord!

Your Turtledove…’

‘I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.

The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.

I know the Bible is inspired because it inspires me’

(D. L. Moody 1837-1899)

‘Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth’ (Jn 17:17, AMP)

In the natural, it takes about a year for a baby to walk unaided. It takes even longer for a child to come to maturity and to learn how to love His parents and others. In the same way, in the Spirit realm, it takes a long time for a believer to mature and to learn how to love God and others. It is a long and difficult journey and few are ready to pay the price. Salvation is the open gate for your soul and through it you go into another ‘country’. The difference is radical; from total spiritual darkness you enter into God’s Kingdom of marvelous light.  The passage at the gate of salvation is free because Jesus paid it all. Please take notice: it is not cheap, but free. Jesus died and shed His blood so that we can be saved.

After passing thru that gate, there starts the road toward maturity, which the Bible calls ‘sanctification’ or becoming holy. Not all people are willing to pay the price for sanctification. Spiritual growth is not equal to all men. Few are willing to be trained by the Holy Spirit. Some study the word of God, they learn the art of prayer, they value the fellowship of the brethren and so they make fast progress. Others are satisfied to be barely saved. They trail behind becoming a source of discouragement to many.

Because we are all born into sin and have chronic bad habits, we easily grieve the Holy Spirit through willful disobedience.  We all need radical training. God the Holy Spirit is willing to be your teacher. He prepares you to meet and worship the King of Glory. It is true that the way to the throne has been opened forever by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. But you still need much preparation of the heart to draw near God without the condemnation of your conscience. This work is done only by the Holy Spirit! No religion, no church, nobody else can change the heart of man.

The Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, is the greatest Worshipper ever. Thru this process of sanctification, you will become more and more like Him. None in all creation can make you a true worshipper except the God who saved your soul. You need to learn to apply daily the revelation of the Cross of Christ.  As your flesh dies and your spirit rises within you, you will start to reflect the beauty and the glory of Jesus in this dark and dangerous world.  The Holy Spirit shall comfort you to be able to endure to the end. The presence or the absence of this peculiar internal comfort and strength will separate the religious people. Sooner or later, the fake worshippers become tired and go back to their life of sin.  But God raises His army of worshippers, a standard against all the wickedness in high places. Your life style of worship is a great and living testimony for God’s power, His glory and His love to you.

Child of God, this is your eternal destiny! Worship God!

In Christ I declare:

I worship God!

I was born to give glory to my Savior, Jesus Christ, my Lord!

I shall pay the price for sanctification, for this is God’s will for me!

I shall fulfill my destiny!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.” (Ps 91:14-16)

In these last days the Bible says that there will be ‘perilous times’ (2Tim 3:1). The word in Greek means something that is extremely difficult, terrible and dangerous. It means you will often encounter negative situations. You will meet religious hypocrites, people who will let you down and betray you when you least expect it. The devil is behind them, trying to weaken your will and your commitment to Christ so that you will backslide. This is the truth because it is God’s opinion as recorded in His word.

There are only two ways to react to it. You either take the warning seriously and prepare your heart for the battle, or you ignore it at your own loss. The flesh is a coward, hates to be warned and to prepare to please God. But if you walk in the Spirit, the warning is a sign of love from God the Father and you will surely appreciate it.

The main strategy of God in these last days is to manifest His ‘love that never fails’ (1Cor 13:8) to His children. Another word for love is worship. God ‘the Father is seeking worshippers who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth’ (Jn 4:23, 24). Worship means extreme, total and sacrificial love. Because true love never fails, true worship also never fails.  The more you worship God, the fewer mistakes you make in life. God wants His children to live a life of worship, manifested as spiritual freedom and total victory.

To be a worshiper is not just to be a singer. It is not enough to just go to church and ‘do spiritual things’. A worshipper is a true, intimate spiritual lover of God. A true worshipper knows the heart of God! He is practicing the royal art of taking the cross daily and following Jesus. If you pay the price to be a true worshipper, God will protect you. You will live a long and fruitful life. This is the promise of God.

Like any good work, it is hard at the beginning to sustain a life- style of worship. The flesh wars against your spirit and will prove resistant to any change in you. But God has the final say in any matter. God is faithful! If you are willing and truly desire to live for God’s glory, you will become stronger in the pursuit of God. Daily, the Holy Spirit will encourage you by the oil of joy everlasting.

In Christ I declare:

I am a child of God!

I am a Lover of Jesus!

I am the Bride of Christ!

I worship God in Spirit and in Truth!

I obey God!

I am saved forever!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

‘Make haste to me, O God!

You are my help and my deliverer;

O Lord, do not delay!” (Ps 70:5)

King David had many enemies.  After he was anointed as the king of Israel, Saul persecuted him unto death. His enemies actively desired to hurt him, to make him fall and even to kill him. He prays for help and deliverance from enemies who are stronger, richer and more famous than him.

The first request he makes is for God to come down and fight against his enemies. He is asking God to confuse, weaken and embarrass his enemies for their unrepentant wickedness against God’s servant. He prays that his enemies shall fall and retreat from the selfish battle against God’s anointed.

The second thing he prays about is for joy and strength for the people of God, including himself. As God will answer his prayers, the two groups of people shall be separated eternally: some will become weaker and the others, stronger and stronger.

Lastly, he prays that God will answer these two requests ‘hastily’, that God should not delay His intervention in his circumstances. It is an emergency call from an anxious but faithful heart.

There are some things in this life that require an urgent solution. There is no more time to waste. Each minute is a step towards disaster. The pain is getting worse; the call from the bank more insistent, the marriage is on the edge of collapse…This is an emergency call to God for whom nothing is impossible!

But even then, David remembers that the greatest need of the hour, the greatest call for debt payment, is to be grateful to God and to give Him glory. This is the true emergency my heart must acknowledge! As I live my life in total dependence on God the Holy Spirit, as I remember to give Him thanks daily, the anxiety of urgent mundane needs loses its terror. I do not allow anxieties to become ‘old’ in my heart!

Without any delay, each painful fear is replaced by a prayer of faith and thanksgiving. Each exchange becomes a pearl on the string of my testimony as a child of God.

‘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’ (Phil 4:6, 7)

It has worked for me, it shall work for you!

“He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

Yes! Come, Master Jesus! (Rev 22: 20, TM)

In Christ I declare:

When I fear, I shall pray to God!

When I fear, I shall praise God!

In all things I shall give thanks to God!

My troublesome and unrepentant enemies shall become weaker, confused and ashamed!

The joy of the Lord is my strength!

God changes my anxiety into peace that guards my heart and mind against further fears!

God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind!

I am not a coward! Fear will never paralyze my mind!

I am an overcomer with a great testimony that seals my confession of faith in Jesus Christ!

God is never in a hurry, for in all things He knows the end from the beginning!

I shall never panic to the extent that I forget to pray!

Prayer is my oxygen to breathe and thanksgiving my beauty made from ashes!

There is no more delay! The enemy has failed! God has given me my heart’s desires!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name,

Amen!

‘We cannot rely on God’s promises without obeying His commandments’

John Calvin (1509-1564)

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Show no mercy to wicked traitors…
They return at evening,
Snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.
They wander about for food
and howl if not satisfied…

But I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning I will sing of Your love;
for You are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble!” (Ps 59)

David is surrounded by wicked men. These were his friends in the past. But they proved to be selfish opportunists; visitors coming to steal some left over grace. They are wicked traitors who now slander, curse and lie. They have forgotten the good way of love, mercy and self-control. They are now wayward and take pleasure in evil. They invent ways of doing bad things. Their consciences are seared as with a hot iron. They take pleasure in making others fall. These are like stray dogs, prowling around the city. Stray dogs have no master. They fight with other and are ready to kill for food. They are not completely wild, they are not wild dogs. They are afraid to go to the forest for wolves hate and kill them. They like to live in the cities, close to human habitation but in the same time, they are not domesticated dogs.

This is the story of a stray dog with no name…Let’s call him S. D.
He once had a home but hated discipline. He became jealous on the freedom of some stray dogs he saw through the fence, wandering on the streets. He ran away and got lost in the dark. His owner was heartbroken and wept for him for a long time. He hung yellow ribbons and posted pictures with his lost pet on the trees in the neighborhood. S. D. saw the pictures and urinated on the tree.
He passed the gate once he protected from inside. He still remembers the time when his master’s son comes back from school or when the garden lights go on… From behind some rusty trash cans, S. D. remembers, that once upon a time, he knew a life of love and care…his very name called for dinner or for play…but now…
‘Who needs a name? Not me…’
‘Who needs a home when the whole street is mine?’
‘No, I care not for love anymore…loves makes me weak, like a puppy…I am not a pet…I am now free to wonder about, to do what I want, to sleep where I want, to steal, to kill and to destroy…I am now a true dog…’ –S.D. said to himself…
What a pity…what foolishness…what danger…what a loss!

I just read this counsel given by the specialists about stray dogs:
Stray dogs are not pets!
Do not extend a hand of friendship to a stray dog for he will misunderstand your love and bite it!
Do not bring a stray dog inside your home for he may attack you and kill your pets!
Do not feed a stray dog outside your gate for he is erratic in behavior and violent without restrain. He is sick in the body and mind. He can bite you and give you rabies, a sickness incurable in humans!
If you see a stray dog, call the veterinary police so that they can take it away to an animal shelter!

In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God!
I live inside a mansion in the Kingdom of God!
I belong to Jesus who is the Owner of my soul!
I love my Master, Jesus Christ, for He gave His life for me!
I am safe and protected inside His home!
I belong to the household of God!
I am not rebellious!
I am not unequally yoked with unbelievers, strangers or hypocrites!
I am not sorry for the devil and his agents!
I do not envy the wicked!
Every morning, I will sing praises for the pleasure of my Master!
I am completely satisfied!
In Jesus name,
Amen!

“I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing
in your gates, O, Jerusalem” (Ps 122:1, 2)

After a long and difficult climb, we have now arrived at our mountain shelter. The very sight of it brings tears of gratitude and joy to our hearts. God provides His house for the pilgrims so that they can come and rest from their daily labor, refresh in His presence, show their gratitude for all He has done and meet with other believers who walk the same path of life.
Coming to fellowship with the brethren in the presence of the Holy Spirit should be the holy duty of every believer. It is good to come to church during the week, but it is even more important to attend the Sabbath (Sunday) morning service. God commands us to keep the Sabbath day holy, to make it a special time of fellowship with Him. Ignoring this command meant death in the past.
Question: how do you feel when you wake up on Sunday morning and you remember that today is ‘church time’? Are you happy and excited or not? Are you going because of religious duty, a sense of guilt or for fear of punishment? Just in case you have forgotten, God looks at the heart and the motives of our actions are more important to Him than the action itself.

The Jews were commanded by God to come to Jerusalem, to the Temple, at least three times a year for the holy festivals. Jerusalem is high on Mount Zion so going there meant going up. Climbing My Zion was not easy but the pilgrims were happy to make the long trek up the hill. The temple, the house of God meant rest, refreshing, the joy of obedience and the hope of greater things. This is the general plan of the House of God.
The House of God in Psalm 122 is a wonderful place with seven rooms. It can also be described as the home base of Mrs. Wisdom, which she built high on a hill, overlooking the city in the valley. Her house has seven pillars connected with the foundation built on the Rock, which is Christ (PV 9:1-6). The following are the names of the seven rooms or the seven pillars: Standing and Security; Judgment (of sin) and Joy; Prosperity, Peace and Praise. (For easy remembrance of the rooms, especially for the new -comers, there are 2-S, 2-J and 3-P)

STANDING ROOM
This is the first room in the House of God. All over the walls it is written: Welcome! We have been climbing the mountain for a quite some time. We now arrive at the House of God and for the first time since the beginning of the journey, our feet are now horizontal, standing secure in the gate of the Temple.
The word ‘standing’ in Hebrew means to come to the place of appointment and confirmation. It is a place to be established, to abide securely and safely. No more shaking or fear of falling. This is a place from where backsliding is impossible. When I was down in the valley of the world, I saw this house and this room from afar. I was jealous of them who could enter. I did not imagine that one day my feet will be planted on this Rock. This is the spot I was searching for, where I can put down roots, where I can lay the foundation of my mansion. From here I can grow wings and start rising up in the fullness of Christ!

My dream is just beginning…All glory to God!

“The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.
She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,
unmindful that a foot may crush them,
that some wild animal may trample them.
She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers;
she cares not that her labor was in vain,
for God did not endow her with wisdom
or give her a share of good sense.
Yet when she spreads her feathers to run,
she laughs at horse and rider”

“Even the jackals present their breasts
To nurse their young;
But the daughter of my people is cruel,
Like ostriches in the wilderness” (Job 39:13-18; Lam 4:3)

THE BIBLE REVELATIONS ABOUT THE OSTRICH
The ostrich in the Bible is described by God Himself as a strong, beautiful but foolish bird. It is one of the wild animals that God uses as a visual aid when rebuking Job for talking without understanding. God created all the animals and each has a function. Man has domesticated some animals but the wild ones still remain a mystery to him. You can catch a lion and keep him in a cage. You can take pictures of his teeth, you can make him jump at the circus or the zoo, but you can never completely tame him. God alone knows everything about the wild animals. He alone is sovereign over all His creation. The tongue is in the same class with the wild animals. None can tame it except God (Jam 3:7, . This mystery concerning the freedom of the wild helps us to fear God – Elohim, the Creator.

What are the revelations concerning the ostrich?
We do not want to be foolish! So, what are the lessons we can learn and apply to be wise women of God?
*DO NOT DECEIVE OTHERS! SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE ALWAYS!
The ostrich ‘flaps her wings joyfully…’ but she cannot use them to fly. Her wings are useless but she boasts about them. The ostrich deceives people with her actions, she gives others false hopes. These lies are foolishness!
*BE A RESPONSIBLE, LOVING AND CARING MOTHER! PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN UNTIL YOU GO TO HEAVEN!
The female ostrich is not a good mother; she is careless, harsh and impatient with her chicks. She ‘lays her eggs on the ground…unmindful that a foot may crush them…she treats her young harshly’. Her nest is shallow and vulnerable. The female is restless in the nest. The predominant hen (like ‘the senior wife’) is careless with her eggs; she piles more than she can incubate. She rejects many of the eggs that just get rotten by her side. The other hens (like ‘the junior wives’) in the harem are even worst; they just lay eggs in the common nest and then, they totally abandon any responsibility for the future.
When in heat, the ostrich forgets her responsibilities as a mother and abandons her chicks. She just follows any male that chase her. Her young chicks become lonely, rejected and vulnerable to predators. The male ostrich is a better father. He incubates the eggs most of the time. Later he is the one who mostly takes care of the young.
*BE HARD WORKING AND PRAY THAT GOD BLESSES THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS!
She ‘does not care that her labor is in vain’. If anyone tampers with her nest, she destroys all the remaining eggs and goes away to build another nest. When nesting, there is always great loss; many eggs are abandoned around her. She is not patient to repair the damage and always starts afresh, wasting time and resources. With all her hard work over the years, she has no reward, no harvest and no gain to glorify God!

The ostrich is proud of her beauty, independence and strength. The ostrich has beautiful feathers that are sold all over the world. It is proud of its achievements as a champion in running. The ostrich is lonely most of the time for she looks down on other birds and animals that cannot run like her. She ‘laughs at the horse and the rider’. In particular, she mocks at the horse, once wild and free, but now domesticated and submissive to his human rider. She sees no gain in humility, submission and discipline. She enjoys being wild, wayward, foolish and proud.
The ostrich represents a woman who is proud to be single and looks down on them that are married. She is a career woman and a family home is not one of her dreams. She prefers to buy a car than to have a home. She may have children but she prefers to be a single mother. Even if married, she does not enjoy her home. She delegated all her work to her housemaids and nannies. Her husband is always tired. He is burdened with his business and also does her work. He comes home in the evenings to clean the house and take care of their children. She knows and she exploits the weakness of men. She knows that her husband loves a clean house and good children. She controls and manipulates her staff, both in the house and in the office. They fear her. They work for her, they flatter her; they provide and help her without any reward or gratitude.
She is good at entertaining. She can sing and dance. She is tough, rude, loud and proud of her style. She does not submit to anyone in authority. She can kick anyone who stands in her way. She intimidates and she controls. She trusts in her strength, beauty and achievements. She is wasteful with her gifts and money. She lives like a rich woman even when she loses all. She dresses with expensive clothes even when she has no money in her pocket.

So what is the conclusion?
God- Elohim created the foolish ostrich. God created these women also. Pray for wisdom! Know that not all women who go to church are virtuous women as the Bible describes them. We are commanded: ‘Do not yoke yourself unequally with unbelievers’ (2Cor 6:14). Do not make friends with them! Do not listen to their counsel! Do not trust your children to such women! These are dangerous teachers or fearful maids! Pray before you chose your children’s school! Pray before you employ any house help! Their carelessness is deadly. They are busybodies. Their unending mistakes cause terrible tragedies…May God forbid this!

‘You saved the best until now’ Lord Jesus… (John 2: 10)

All marriages, no matter how strong, will eventually ‘finish’ their wine of joy and passion and end up ‘dry’: no hatred, no love, just ‘water- surviving’ arrangement. There is a moment when you discover that all the love has been exhausted on daily errands and routine of life. There is a moment when fear will grip the heart that your secret failure will become public display; ‘They have no more wine…’

That place of loneliness and shame is the moment for the true friend to step in and help. The best marriage counselors are not found seated at the table waiting to be served. They are found in the background among the servants who know the secret of brewing the miracle of supernatural love that never dies. Once you taste from the latter wine, once you allow God to love your spouse through your heart, your marriage will receive the stamp of heaven and will survive even death. Never forget the power of the latter rain! That is where the glory dwells!

In Christ I declare:
My marriage belongs to God!
Jesus is the Lord of my marriage, the Red Cord that can never be broken!
I will never lose hope in my marriage for my spouse is a gift from God and God never makes mistakes!
My marriage shall last until death will ‘part’ us! Nothing else will be able to destroy it before death!
I hate divorce!
Like the wine, my marriage shall be better as it we get older!
Holy romance shall always ‘bubble’ in my marriage!
The best is yet to come!
In Jesus name, Amen!

“In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had…
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked” (Jn 5:3-9)

Let’s take a walk by the Bethesda pool…So much sickness… so much sorrow…so little hope…
There is one waiting for 38 years to be forgiven and healed. But no man could help. Even when the Spirit moved, no man was strong enough, or fast enough, or stored enough compassion to help a dying neighbor. Sin and sickness hid the beauty of hope; a downhill fall…

Then Jesus came and with just a word, all things became new. A miracle…The weak feet could now carry the weight of God’s glory in His chosen vessel. Like an ugly worm in his cocoon, the last painful push for breakthrough and behold, the butterfly opens his wings to touch the light he has never seen before!
The Healer commands: ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!’
From now on this is your duty and and your ministry! Walk about for all to see! Walk and dance for the pleasure of your Savior!
Lest I forget, clean your place behind! Carry away your cocoon- mat! There is no need for it anymore! The comfort of sickness and the skill of begging men is replaced by healing testimony and a new step never tried before. Sell the mat and go buy your dancing shoes, my friend!

The enemy hides behind the colonnades; defeated and jealous he wants you to go back into the cocoon again; back to darkness; back to the place before the Encounter. The enemy sees you only as ‘the man with the mat’; with useless legs bound with cords of dried hope. The enemy is blind to the work of your Creator who, one brush in His mouth and another lifted up, designs rainbow wings in His secret place.
Your Friend, the King sees you as His worshiper, His lover, who dances with a banner lifted high.

So, Walk, Dance and in between Fly High! The Cage Door is open and the air on the mountains is clean. Wonderful music from above will teach you the way to be grateful!
“I am grateful, my Lord!”

In Christ I declare:
I am free indeed!
In Jesus name
Amen!

“So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.
Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (Ez 33:31, 32)

Many people (I call them ‘spiritual artists’) like prophetic meetings and prophetic utterances. They like to feel the rush of emotions when the secrets of hearts are revealed, when darkness gives way to the light of God. They like the sound of prophetic words spoken aloud in a congregation. They quote the prophet’s words to others, they admire them, they say ‘wow’, they imagine the background music compatible with the utterance for the season, they design T-Shirts and banners or dance to the tune of heavenly bells.
But…Now this is the sad part of the story…
They just like the sound of the words but they do not take them seriously, they do not obey them!
Is this possible? It is very common in fact.
God warned Ezekiel to be careful with people who pay the price for a visit, have the right greeting prepared at the door, have the attached smile and handshake, have all the flattery ready…but, they are not true friends at all! They are gossips and greedy for selfish gain. They came to visit the prophet to glean some ‘garage sale’ prophetic words, cheaply bought but with some little polishing and repackaging, they can make millions in their latest best selling books.

God’s Word is not a luxury, it is not icing sugar on our emotions, it is not chewing gum to keep us awake in the church. The Word of God is not for sale! The Word of God is life, it is salt, it is light in the darkness and the greatest weapon given to men!

In Christ I declare:
I trust in God and I trust in His Prophets!
Because of this, I am established spiritually!
I shall experience victory and prosperity!
In Jesus name
Amen!

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ…

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith” (Rom 1:1-17)

These words introduce us to the wonderful letter Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. The Book of Romans is the most important book in the Bible, by which we can understand ‘the technicality’ of our salvation and sanctification. All major revivals in the history of the church came out from understanding the revelations from this book. The doctrine of justification by faith is the foundation in understanding salvation. It is my counsel that you read it prayerfully. I promise that you shall never be the same.

In these days of so much religious counterfeit preaching, going back to basics is wisdom indeed.

Apostle Paul was saved by the sovereign will of God. There is absolutely no sign that he desired to surrender his life to Christ. In fact it was the opposite. He hated the name of Jesus and persecuted the church. The resurrected Christ met with him on the road to Damascus and thru a crisis conversion he became saved. Here he tells us that the reason why God ‘arrested’ him was to make him a servant of the Gospel of Christ.

In other words, there are available jobs in the kingdom of God. I am talking about being servants to the Gospel of God. This is one of the highest paid jobs in universe! Just be sure you preach the right Gospel and you shall never regret it! To be a servant to someone, that person must be great and rich. The Gospel is greater than all men! To be a good servant you must understand your master very well!

God is looking for men to defend and serve the Gospel of His Son!

Let them who have ears, let them hear!

The word Gospel in Greek is ‘euaggelion’ from which the word ‘evangelism’ comes. It means the public announcement of wonderful news. During the Roman Empire, messengers were sent all over the land to tell people about the victories and trophies Caesar has won. The listeners were not there on the battle field, but thru the royal messengers, everybody was informed, believed and rejoiced.

In the same way, God is sending His messengers to inform everybody that His Beloved Son has completely defeated satan on the field of Calvary. We are to proclaim this total victory to all human beings, telling them to surrender, trust and obey the King of Kings from now on. At the hearing of the Gospel, God’s people rejoice and God’s enemies tremble! All human beings on earth, rich or poor, old or young, they all need the Gospel!

Preaching the Gospel means to proclaim Christ Crucified and the Victory of the Cross!!!

The Gospel is all about the Person and the work of Jesus Christ!!!

The name of Jesus was given to the second person of the Trinity for His work as the Savior. In fact the name Jesus, or Joshua, means ‘Jehovah saves’. The name Christ is the mighty name of power and anointing coming from the Holy Spirit.

God the Father invented the Gospel. No man could have imagined this way to heaven. God the Son cooperated with the desire of the Father and came down to earth in flesh. He lived and died to obey God, to glorify His name and to save the sinners. God the Holy Spirit applies this truth to our spirits so that we can believe and be saved.

Let me be even more practical…

The preaching of the Gospel is this:

Tell people that they are sinners going to hell and that they need a Savior!

Tell them that Jesus Christ is the only Savior!

Tell them that Jesus died on the Cross to save their souls!

Tell them that they have to come and completely and unconditionally surrender their all to Christ!

Tell them that anyone found outside Christ is hell bound!

Tell them that grace is found only in Jesus Christ!

Tell them that the Universe does not have even a drop of grace for anyone outside Christ!

Tell them that once they surrendered their lives they have to learn to be ‘obedient to the faith in Christ’! Tell them that true saving faith destroys the spirit of rebellion against Christ and His commands!

Tell them that if they are still persistently disobedient to God’s commands they are not saved!

Tell them that God ignored their disobedience in the past, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent and surrender to King Jesus!

Tell them that ignoring this word, this warning and command means eternal death!

Tell them that it is appointed to men to die once, after that there is God’s judgment!

Tell them that none of their good works and no man can save them! Only Jesus Christ can do that!

Do not stop hammering the nails in the flesh of your listeners until they bow to Jesus! The Holy Spirit will use your words to trouble their consciences and they shall lose their sleep until they surrender!

If you stop hammering the whole truth about Christ and His Cross as the only way to save men, it means that you are ashamed of the Gospel. If you are tired of evangelism, it means that you are ashamed of His Gospel! For there is no other reason for that!

Be sure Christ Crucified is the center! Whatever sermon you preach that does not have Christ in the center is a fake, useless ‘gospel’ that can never save anyone! The so called gospel of prosperity or approval by religious works, these are of the devil! God holds us responsible to preach the true Gospel and to preach it to the end! There is no favoritism with God! There shall be none with us, His servants! May your arm be strong once more! Hold the hammer and bang the nails! You can do it!

Jesus is Lord!

As for me, I vowed to God who called me to ministry to remain faithful to Him to the end! By God’s grace I shall never be ashamed to preach the true Gospel of God, which is Christ and Him Crucified!

I shall lift Jesus Christ my Savior higher and higher! May He draw your hearts after Himself!

May the power promised by God, to them who are faithful in ministry, manifest even right now!

May signs and wonders follow the proclamation of His Gospel even in this humble letter to all!

In Jesus name,

Amen!”

This is our testimony: I was sick with malaria since Monday. I trusted God for the healing for the pilgrims were waiting for me. I was shivering when I entered the sanctuary at 4:50. Then Pastor Trish started the prayers. Favor, our worship leader sent her daughter with the message that she too has malaria. I told her to still go on and praise God like this. She started slow, then suddenly the Holy Spirit took over and she started singing with power a much loved chorus: “The Church is marching on…the church is marching on…The gates of hell cannot prevail… the Church is marching on!” I felt the fever leaving me and she too was strong.
I confronted them with past unresolved fears and failures. For example, after years of trekking, they pray to own and drive a Jeep. Then let’s say God gives it to them. Happily they enter the car and suddenly they experience a strange fear about armed robbers taking the car away from them. For all the years in poverty, using public transport, they never experienced this fear. We prayed to let go of these fears if not the doubt of progress will hinder them and all of us, as a group of pilgrims going higher on the mountain of God.
Spiritually speaking, climbing mountains is a skill to be acquired. The vision and the heart of a champion shall be provided by God to them who are willing to mature spiritually. Many are called to dwell in the comfort zones of an ordinary Christian life. Few are chosen by God for leadership and inspiration.

CONFRONT INCAPACITATING FEARS
One of the great hindrances we shall experience is the fear of the unknown. Closely associated with this, are the fear of heights and the fear of falling. These are common fear to all men. They start in childhood when the parents instill fear in their children for their own protection. They tell them not to go far away from home, not to climb trees or ladders. For their safety, the parents want to control the children minds and environment. They are told that they should not welcome strangers or new experiences; they should not take risks or to go to dangerous places. If the children try new things, that is equaled with rebellion. This mind set to please their parents becomes a stronghold of fear that kills any desire of adventure later in life. The children, now adults, conform themselves to the world and hate anything different, like travel or understanding other cultures. Their choices are connected with the same environment that they have mastered for years. They make friends from among their colleagues; they marry their neighbors…
Spiritually speaking, they depend on their denomination’s doctrines and values and fear any other perspective. Their growth is stunted and they resist any challenges to mature as Believers. Practically speaking, they may be born again but they hate the doctrine of the Baptism and the Filling with the Holy Spirit. This type of fear accompanied with a number of familiar symptoms like, rapid pulse, dry mouth, constant perspiration, lack of clear thought and speech, trembling in fear, fear of dying, anxiety attacks or breathing troubles.
Once the child becomes saved, he has a new perspective of things. He will be led by the Holy Spirit, feeling safe to go to new strange places. His friends change, his attitude to life change. He knows that safety and peace is not the absence of challenges, but it is where the Holy Spirit is.
As a believer, you have to confront your past fears so that you can keep moving, keep climbing the mountain of Transfiguration. You have to pray and set yourself free from their incapacitating shackles. Your natural parents were full of anxieties and refused to move ahead; that was in the past. But now, as a Believer in Christ you now belong to the family of God and your vision is different. Listen to this:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12;1,2)
Lastly, this is foundational: all fears except the holy fear of God are from the devil. If you are a child of God you should reject them instantly. Do not bargain with your fears…Reject them in the name of Jesus!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim 1:7)
I still remember the impact the above verse made on me when I became saved. I sat down and dwelt upon it. I settled with God in my heart that I will always reject fears, that I will not allow any such evil foothold in my heart. This is Rock on which you can stand. It will never disappoint you and you will never be put to shame if trusting God’s word you reject all fears. I tried it for many years and it has worked for me 100%. You go on and try it too…

“Blessed is he who considers the poor;

The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive,

And he will be blessed on the earth;

You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness;

You will sustain him on his sickbed” (Ps 41:1-3)

This week I was sick with malaria. For the people who do not live in the Tropical areas, I add this information: Malaria is a mosquito borne infectious disease. The symptoms are similar with the flu: fever, rigors, body pains, fatigue and loss of appetite. The total duration may be about a week and then there is recovery. Some cases can be very serious and the patients die.

I live in Nigeria since 1980. I do not take preventive medication against malaria. My body’s immunity is higher than that of visitors to this area. I keep my house mosquito free as much as I can. Then I pray for God’s protection. But occasionally I get sick, like what happened this week.

I took malaria medications and I prayed for healing. Then I waited to see what lessons I can learn from these days of discomfort. For nothing happens by mistake to a child of God. This is the fifth day since the beginning of the sickness. I already feel better and I feel the strength pouring in, little by little.

This letter is not to ask for well wishes from anybody (thank you anyway…). It is so to remind ourselves that we are human and that in whatever trials we pass in this life, we should learn from one another.

I want to say that during these days of sickness, my mind was restless not about my condition, but about preparing the message for the prophetic ‘Saturday Class’. The word for this season was this: ‘it is time to climb the mountain of spices’! We said that as a church, we should let go of the ‘lower, valley’ vision of Christ and that we should press on towards spiritual maturity. The last word was: ‘Keep moving!’

By the grace of God I am the class teacher and the leader of the prophetic pilgrims. I did not expect to get sick half a way the resting place. But this is the reality and I have to wrestle with the Word to find a revelation for this unexpected need. I prayed and pleaded with God for strength and healing. Today is Friday. I need total healing in less than 24 hours. For my students will wait for me and especially for God’s Word. This was the only reason I could plead for God to grant me healing.  I do not have the luxury of a bed rest in a five star hotel by the beach. God’s sheep and lambs are waiting tomorrow for their food and provision.

As I pondered about the situation, my eyes fell on Psalm 41. I read the first three verses…I discovered that there is a provision of supernatural healing from any sickness at all (!!!) for them who ‘consider the weak’. What does it mean? Do I qualify?

The word ‘consider’ in Hebrew describes an intelligent and successful man, one who is prudent in all his ways; because he is so successful he has become  a teacher, an expert in the field of successful living. He is able to find the solution to any problem, no matter how complicated it is. This man represents God in His function as the Wonderful Counselor. This considering man will give you hope in any situation.

The word ‘weak’ is the opposite. It means someone who has failed in life and now he is in great need; someone who is empty, dry, hungry and is dying. His friends have betrayed him and now they are happy that is sick and dying. Without God’s Word and His Blessings, his situation is completely hopeless.

As I pondered about these words, I discovered that there is healing for me. I truly qualify to open God’s pharmacy door and take whatever I need. I felt God’s presence and I saw the open door of His healing!

This is what was in my mind all these days: God’s people are waiting for me…I need to help the weak! I need to teach the ignorant! I need to be in the church tomorrow! How can sickness stop God’s work? It is impossible!

Gently, the Holy Spirit came closer and He touched me. He healed me!

When I started writing this letter, I was slow…Right now my fingers are fast and my heart rejoices…I smile…God heals them who unselfishly ‘consider the weak’! God heals them who are concerned for the progress of His people!  This is the end of the matter!

Lastly, I say to you: ‘By the grace of God…I will see you tomorrow on the slopes… Keep moving!’

“Then he (Elisha) said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow” (2Kg 5:26, 27)

In the Book of 2 Kings, Chapter 5 we find the well-known story of Naaman, the Syrian commander. He was a famous man; a great general in the Assyrian army.  Assyria was the archenemy of Israel. We are told that Jehovah gave Naaman victory in war for He wanted the humble His people. The general kidnapped a Jewish girl who became a house slave to his wife. Life could not have been better for Naaman. But we are told: ‘he was a leper’. With all his successes, social status and wealth, he was dying.

Leprosy in the Bible is described as a hated, infectious and unclean disease. It starts with a little lesion on the skin. Then it spreads and covers the whole body. It is not just the lesion that kills the person. The sickness destroys the nerves and the man loses the capacity to feel pain or pressure.

Spiritually speaking, leprosy wounds the conscience and the believer loses the capacity to feel guilty in the presence of sin. He loses the desire to repent of sin. Compromise becomes easier as time goes by.

In Naaman, this sickness describes the spiritual condition of a sinful unbeliever. We are not surprised that the enemy of the Jews is sick with an incurable disease. The surprise comes when the same leprosy is given to a believer in God, in the case of Gehazi.

The lesson here is that just like in the natural, with infectious diseases, transference of spirits is possible. Leprosy begets leprosy and the church or the pastor cannot protect the backslider. If there is un-confessed sin in the heart of the believer that creates a foot -hold for the devil and the way is open for evil spirits to attack. It is more common during prayers of deliverance. This is a fearful thought…

It is only in Christ that we are free. He that has faith in Christ, pagan or religious, and goes to Him for forgiveness of sins and cleanings, that one is saved.

The slave girl informs Naaman that there is a prophet in Samaria who can heal him of leprosy. Having no other option, without medical treatment for his sickness, he decides to follow the advice. He loads his horses with gifts, money, expensive clothes and with a great entourage he goes to meet the King of Israel. His Master gave him a letter of recommendation. The King of Israel gets angry at the Assyrian king for asking that he should provide his commander with a miracle. Then Elisha sends a message to call Naaman to his house and to see that ‘there is a prophet in Israel’.

O, I like the confidence of Elisha. May I do the same! May I take advantage of any situation that glorifies God! For when kings and kingdoms pass away…there is always hope in the name of Jesus!

Naaman arrives at the door of Elisha’s house. He stands there expecting some level of religious protocol, some hospitality from the prophet. He is used to go to the magicians and servants of the Assyrian god, Rimmon. His priests always provided him with charms and lengthy prayers of success. So, he expected something similar from Elisha. But the prophet does not even come outside. He sends a messenger to him at the door, with a simple command: ‘Dip yourself seven times in the River Jordan and you shall be clean!’ Naaman’s anger flares up. For the sake of his healing, he has humbled himself all this way, but the pride, hidden in his heart for too long exploded, ready to kill. He leaves angry, humiliated and defeated. Along the way, his servants counsel him to humble himself just once more. Grudgingly, he obeys the prophet’s command. He dips in the River Jordan seven times and comes out healed!

Immediately there is a change in his attitude and body language. Faith and miracles are ‘foreign currency’ used in heaven and on earth. No one can dispute that!

He comes back to Elisha and gratefully acknowledges that there is ‘no other God than Jehovah’. He pledges that from now on, he will only worship the God of Israel. He promises that even when he goes back home and he will be forced to attend idolatrous feasts; his heart will silently worship only Jehovah. He offers Elisha money and gifts. Surprisingly, Elisha refuses his offering. Soon, Naaman goes home rejoicing and praising God.

Then something strange happens… Elisha’s servant Gehazi decides to follow the general and ask for the gifts refused by his master. He lies that Elisha sent him. Grateful that the prophet has changed his mind, Naaman gives to him more than he expected. He comes back and hides the gifts in the prophet’s house. That is when Elisha confronts his servant about his lies, deceptions and greed. Then he pronounces a curse on him: Naaman’s leprosy shall cling on Gehazi and his descendants forever. This was the end of Gehazi ministry under Elisha. His greed destroyed his life and his destiny.

What are the lessons?

The first thing we learn is that nobody can deceive God. Sooner or later, sin is always punished by God. Jesus said that ‘the love of money is the root of all evil’ (1Tim 6:10). Greed is a disgraceful sin, more so when is manifested in God’s house. It is said that the way a man behaves with money tells volumes about his character. Greed destroys faith in Christ and the only platform to stand before God, ‘for without faith it is impossible to please God’ (Heb 11:6). God watches the way we handle money. He knows the people who tithe, who continually and sacrificially offer from their substance. God knows who is a giver and who is a thief in His house. He knows the wise and faithful servant who builds His house. He also knows the religious hypocrite who is reckless and foolish enough to destroy it.

Greed is connected with rebellion which is like witchcraft (1Sam 15:23). Gehazi supposed to study the words and the actions of his master. If Elisha refused the gifts, that should be enough sign to him to do the same. But the rebellion and the secret covetousness he nursed for many years manifested one day and destroyed him.

Balaam was ready to curse the people of God for the promise of reward. His greed killed him at last. The wicked king offered Daniel gold and promotion, if he can just interpret the warning on the wall. Daniel refused the offer and interpreted the writing ‘free of charge’. Even the Pharisees refused to take back the money from Judas, calling it ‘blood money’.

These are some questions: Do you experience joy when you give God something? Are you afraid you will end up poor if you work for God? Do you trust your human boss more than Jesus to reward you for your labor and sacrifice? Do you think that without stealing and cheating in business you can never be a rich man? Do you think that your pastor is a fool when he ignores money scattered on the floor? Can you control the muscle of your hands and not grab money each time you see them? Are all your dreams of success in life always connected with a lot of cash? Have you ever imagined a peaceful and successful life without having money? Do you show favoritism? Do you discriminate the poor people in your church? Do you ‘evangelize and pray’ for the rich ones more than the others?

Please pray for deliverance from the sin of greed! Trust that God will supply all your needs with riches free from sorrow and regret. You do not need to make others poor so that you accumulate wealth. God’s blessings are not recycled and are not borrowed. They are freely given from above, as a sign of His goodness and provision. Your blessings are independent on the blessings of others.

The center of this story is River Jordan. The destiny moment is the seventh dip and the healing that followed. Jordan stands for Christ. For an unbeliever, faith in Christ looks like foolishness. Their idolatry is so much more sophisticated. The natural man will never believe that salvation, healing and prosperity are hidden in ‘the muddy waters’ of the Bible. Only faith in God, in His word and in His prophets can open the gate to the supernatural acts of grace money cannot buy.

If you are in need for God’s touch, pray like this: “Lord Jesus, reveal to me where You are. My heart deceives me and the men betray me. The doctors have killed any hope I had in the past. The bank has taken all my money. I lost all things for Your sake…I need You! I need Your healing, Your blessings, Your prosperity. Direct my steps and my vision towards Your throne of mercy and grace. I vow to give You alone all the glory for the change in my heart and in my circumstances!

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen!”

“Prayer without the Holy Spirit is as a bird without wings, or an arrow without a bow” (Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892)