Category Archives: Uncategorized

ENVY IS ‘SLOW POISON’

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Envy and jealousy will kill a stupid fool… Don’t die before your time by being too wicked or acting like a fool…” (Job 5:2; Ecc 7:17)
This is an African story I heard some time ago. Once upon a time there was a vulture that always envied his neighbor, the great eagle. Daily he looked up on the sky and saw the eagle soar effortlessly, higher than any other bird. The vulture tried to catch the wind that lifted up the eagle. But the same current of air injured him and brought him down. Even their feathers were so different…The eagle looked like a king and he looked like a beggar, or so the vulture thought…Envy was slowly killing the vulture but he was ignorant of it.
 
One day, the vulture reached his breaking point. Unhappy, angry and jealous the vulture went to ‘a native doctor’ to make ‘a medicine’ to kill the eagle. The man said that it is possible to kill the eagle but he needs some of the vulture’s own feathers to prepare the poison. The vulture agreed and with his own beak he plucked some of his feathers. But the ‘medicine’ did not work and the native doctor said he needed some more feathers to make a stronger potion. This went on and on… The vulture agreed and each time he left the shrine he had fewer feathers on his body.
 
Little by little, he became ‘naked’ and powerless. Without feathers, he lost his ability to fly. One day, the eagle spotted a bird on the ground that looked like a turkey ready to be roasted. He quickly went down and carried the poor vulture to eat it for dinner. This is the sad story of a vulture that was foolishly envious of the great eagle.
 
What are the lessons? We are all born sinners. Envy is one of the works of the flesh. Envy is a wicked thing; it means to desire what is not your own; to covet what is forbidden; to hate the success and blessings of others. Envy is resident in our flesh from birth. Envy kills its owner, it is suicidal. The child of envy is ungratefulness. An envious man is wicked and foolish, not thankful for the portion and destiny God has given to him. He always wants another’s gifts and blessings!
 
Sinner, give your life to Christ! Come to the Cross of Christ for deliverance! Jesus died for your sins! Jesus is the only Savior given to men of earth! If envy and bitterness is already a stronghold, an addictive way of thinking, then you need deliverance from the demon who is now controlling you. But for you to be delivered, you need to be willing! Nobody can deliver you ‘by force’. Humble yourself! Have faith in the Word of God! Ask your pastor for help! Envy has to be acknowledged as sin, repented of and replaced with peace, contentment and thanks to God. If not, it will be a slow bitter poison to you, destroying any chance for you to have a happy life! But if you insist in your foolish stubbornness, I tremble for you.
 
Oh…that we may desire to be grateful to God who freely, generously and graciously has blessed us with so many blessings in Christ Jesus!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God!
I am grateful for salvation, for every blessings and gifts given to me by God!
I do not compare myself with others! I am not a foolish busybody!
I thank God for the blessings given to others!
God is my portion and inheritance in the land of the living!
I am truly satisfied! May the name of Jesus be glorified in my life!
In Jesus name, Amen!
 
(In the picture, two African vultures on the roof)
African vultures

I AM HIS GARDEN FOUNTAIN 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down… Awaken, O north wind, and come, O south wind. Breathe on my garden, and spread the fragrance of its spices. Let my Beloved come into His garden and taste its choicest fruits” (SS 4:15, 16)

When I got married 45 years ago, I did not know the price, how much it will cost… I did not know what it takes to have a successful godly testimony type of marriage. Thank God that I did not know it, because I could have been discouraged. The price for a holy testimony of spiritual maturity, reflected in ministry and marriage, is very high. According to God’s word, I had to die to self so that Christ can live in me and shine thru me! God used His holy hammer on my heart! Before I understood the ‘surgery’ I cried because of pain. Later, I relaxed and even rejoiced…

My heart was broken in many pieces so that God can rearrange them, for His glory and for my own good. Before that peculiar work of the Holy Spirit my heart was stony, opaque and closed. The Holy Spirit opened my heart, made it tender and ‘musical’. It is hard to explain… Thank God for tongues… Now, my heart sings the Lord’s song and hates all others tunes. My heart is not foolish and is not silent. I use to be shy, but not anymore. I speak as I am spoken to. The Holy Spirit whispers to my spirit, a word of love, and tells me to shout it out! I dare to obey God! The Word of God is enough for me. I hear it and I speak it out. It never fails to move me (first) and my listeners (second).

Like the hands of my Lord, my heart is now punctured… it has ‘scars-holes’ in it so that the water in my belly can easily flow out, and water others. The Divine Gardner, my Lord Jesus Christ, uses me daily to water His garden. I never knew how much my Lord loves flowers, plants, bees and butterflies until He held me, bent me and poured me out to them. He is a God of beauty, colors and order. That is why I cannot afford to be proud and ‘block’ my holes. I am used to be vulnerable. Used by my Lord, I lost my fears to look foolish. I love it when the people I talk to take me for granted. It means that I do not hinder God’s work. And that is all that matters. That is when The Holy Spirit does His work in them. What a privilege! What a joy to be used by the One who holds my life in His hands… Used by God I totally lost my fear of untimely useless death. For as long as the flowers bloom on earth, His water in my bucket will keep flowing. Glory!

(The picture below was taken by my husband. I was celebrating 65 years. I am dressed with beautiful Nigerian clothes made and given to me by one of our daughters in Christ. I hope that my thanksgiving mood is reflected on my face. “Thank You, Lord Jesus, for everything!”)

SLL 90

BEST FOR LAST

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

‘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 the boring routine of life. There is a moment when fear will grip the heart that your secret relationship 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 are willing to allow God to love your spouse through your heart, your marriage will receive the stamp of heaven and will survive divorce… in fact, will defeat 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 we get older!
Holy romance shall always ‘bubble’ in my marriage!
The best is yet to come!
In Jesus name, Amen!

(In the picture, my husband and I, happily married for 45 years… To God alone be all the glory!)

Tali and Malia 5

 

MY SUCCESS SPEAKS FOR ME!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:8, 9)
 
ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD, IN CHRIST, I DECLARE:
*I am a child of God!
*I and my children, we are prosperous and successful!
*I and my children, we are not failures! We can never fail!
*Christian success is possible and it is my portion!
*I guard my testimony with all my might! It is my eternal treasure!
*I have faith in the promises of God! These are yes and amen!
*God’s presence is with me everywhere I go! If I enter a plane, a car or a ship, I remember that God does not need visa or ticket. *He is always with me on the land, on the sea and in the clouds!
*I am strong and courageous! I do not faint, shake or run away! *There is no going back for me! It is easier to die in the battle and go to heaven than to go back to the devil! NO RETREAT!
*I am not afraid; I am not confused! I am not a coward! God forbid! Nothing shall surprise me enough to break me; no circumstance of life will make me beg or worship the devil. I am done with him forever! I am free and free indeed!
*My eyes are fixed of the face of Jesus, I see Him smile and I hear the cheering coming from the heavenly cloud of witnesses.
*I read, study, meditate and dream the Word of God! I see myself preaching and teaching the Word to multitudes!
*I press forward until the wine is squeezed out from ‘the grapes’ of my heart.
*I press on until God speaks to me thru His Word. If I am tired I pray for supernatural strength but still, I will not accept defeat!
*I am intelligent for God made me so!
*I am not timid! I am not a fool! I am not a loser!
*From now on, my light will shine and all people will come and see the wonderful works the Father has done in me!
*All the glory to the Lamb upon the throne! Hallelujah!
In Jesus’ name
Amen!
SLL 65

THE WOMAN, THE WATER AND THE WELL

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
‘The woman said: I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us. Then Jesus declared: ‘I who speak to you am He’…Then leaving the water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people: ‘Come and see a Man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (Jn 4:25-29)
 
She was a simple woman but she was waiting for the greatest teacher, the one who knows all things. She was like an illiterate woman, too poor to go to school, but desiring to be a student in the best university in the world, somewhere abroad, if possible…
She had small strength but big dreams. She desired to meet God’s messenger, the One who will explain to her the mystery of the universe in simple words she could not understand. She wanted to submit to and believe in a Prophetic Royal Heavenly Teacher. She needed answers to the tragedy of sin in her life. She was seeking for grace long before she knew its name… She needed a miracle money cannot buy and men cannot steal…
 
Because of her hope of glory, the people around despised her and none was willing to waste time in teaching a woman like her. Since she was a little girl, she had beautiful dreams, that one day she will be a princess, dressed in white. The handsome prince will come and marry her…Years passed…Suffering replaced the songs… Life was not fair to her. She now had to do the things she once hated. The candle of hope was all but quenched. She tried to find romance in a place where women only cook and clean. She tried to find a man who loves her, but the more she searched the less she found him. The dream fainted… it was almost dead… Until this hot day, tasting the dust of Samaria, where nothing special ever happens…she was surprised by a stranger, at the well…
 
Jesus looked in her eyes and introduced Himself. “I am He! I am the Messiah!” I am the One you are waiting for…the One who planted the impossible dreams… the One who will explain to you everything…and help you live, truly live…the One who loves you just as you are… The Gardner who is ready to plant in your heart, the seed of love and the bloom of romance…Awake, My love, awake…”
 
Just imagine the moment! That unexpected moment… her very Hope…the dearest and the best staring at her…face to face with the Messiah…not properly dressed…nowhere to hide…make up running down on her face… holding an old, rusty bucket in her hand…she forgets all things, she forgets the rehearsed speeches and runs…runs away from the Prince, to men like her, hungry and lost like her… to tell them: ’Can this be the Messiah?’
 
What the philosophers could not accept; what the religious leaders refused to believe; what King Herod mocked at and the high priest rejected…this lonely poor woman receives… the gift from above, coming free of sorrows…the gift of intoxicating grace and ever new mercy, from the pierced hands of the Anointed One, the Christ! Oh… the mystery of this godliness!
 
‘If you knew the gift of God and who is He who asks you for a drink…’ (Jn 4:10)
 
(In the picture, me, by a fountain in Los Angeles, in 2010)
2010-holliday-035

FOR GOD SO LOVED US

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

This week, my husband and I, are celebrating 45 years of very happy and successful marriage. There are many things to say about this wonderful blessed journey. I thank God, from my heart, for giving me Pastor Richmond Sisanoritse Leigh to be my husband. We have three adult children and seven grandchildren. We also have many spiritual children. To God be all the glory!

When we got married I was an atheist and he was a backslider. I came to Nigeria in 1980. It is here that the miracle of salvation and reconciliation happened to both of us. By the grace of God, we both became children of God. We worked as medical doctors in Nigeria for about 20 years. In March 2000 we started Father’s House Bible Church in Warri-Effurun Nigeria (Yes, This month we celebrate 19 years since Father’s House was ‘born’! Hallelujah!). We are now pastors, in full time ministry. Again I say: To God be all the glory!

I want to share a word with you. As many of you know, my husband is Itsekiri by tribe. One of the strangest things I have learned from him is that there is no particular word for ‘love’ in his native language. He remembers that as a little child, his family members did not say ‘I love you’ to each other in Itsekiri. This is because the word ‘love’ does not exist. The family love was expressed thru good deeds and friendship towards one another. I have an Itsekiri Bible and I looked for the word ‘love’. In particular I wanted to see how they translated John 3:16. The word (or the concept of) ‘love’ in Itsekiri is translated as this: “ka fe ofo”. Literarily it means: “ like the way you speak”. It seems to me that for the Itsekiris love is connected with nice speech. This is my interpretation: If you speak well, you are lovable. If you do not speak well, you are not lovable. For me this is strange for in my native language (Romanian) there are at least two words that mean pure love.

Let me say this: all languages, tongues, traditions and cultures, are not enough to describe the Agape love of God!!! When I became a born again Christian I have discovered the greatest love of all! It is the Love of God for us, lost, hopeless and helpless sinners. It is the Love of Jesus Christ when He died on the Cross for me and you. Anybody who knows God loves God and others. Anybody who does not know the Living God is not able to truly love anyone, not even self. The Bible says that to be like Jesus, we must love not only with loving words but with sacrificial kind of actions done for His sake.

Each day I press on to learn to be more and more grateful! It is a lesson! It takes a life time (better said an eternity) to master the spiritual art of thanksgiving! I thank God for saving my soul, for helping me to know the true love of God! I thank God that my husband loves God with all his heart. I also thank God that my husband loves me with the love of God which is ‘shed abroad’ in his soul. He loves me not because of my nice words (if I can find them) but for the sake of Christ, our Lord! I thank God for our marriage, for our children and grandchildren! I thank God that our marriage is born again and it has become an inspiration to many! Only God can do all these things! Only God is worthy to receive all the glory!

Today I woke up with a new desire to intercede for the Itsekiri people, especially for those who do not speak English, for those who cannot imagine what love is! They need the revelation of agape love that only the Holy Spirit can give. I use them as a point of contact to reach all the other tribes who have a similar spiritual need. “Father in heaven, have mercy! Reveal Yourself to them! Revel to them Your love! Change their minds and hearts! May Your glory cover the Itsekiris as the waters cover the sea! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Finally, I close with the Word of God: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16)

Tali and I 17

(In the picture, My husband and I, dressed in Nigerian fashion)

THEY SUNG A HYMN

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mt 26:30)
At the end of the Lord’s supper God gave the disciples a ‘new’ song. The effect of taking the bread and the wine in a correct manner, will be that a song of worship will be released from within; a deep, intimate and bubbling song, the voice of the Spirit coming from the Hope of Glory inside your heart. The Blood of Jesus releases the song like a bird out of its cage. That song is the proof of freedom and of the finished work of Calvary.
 
Pray during the Holy Communion at your church, that the Holy Ghost will come down like a mighty rushing wind, like fire over the prepared sacrifice. May people sing and dance, weep and laugh, all to the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am saved by the Blood of the Lamb! I am sanctified by His Word which is Truth! I am filled and lead by the Holy Spirit! I shall worship the Lamb forever! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Paasover

MY SECRET CONTENTMENT

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:11-13)
 
Contentment is defines as a state of happiness and satisfaction. It is true peace of mind. It is a dream come true! It is not a passive feeling of defeat. It is a great human achievement. Many want it. Few people have it. It is located in Christ alone!!! You need to pay the price by searching for it: thru Bible study and prayer; thru attending a good living church; thru humbly and faithfully serving God; by submitting to other Christians who are more spiritual than you! It is not an easy road. But it is possible!
 
This is my testimony: To the glory of God I have found this pearl of great value! I encourage you to do the same! Nothing compares with the treasure called contentment! It is a true spiritual promotion. It does not come to a crowd of people. It is a personal gain! Money cannot buy it and thieves cannot steal it. It is the wind beneath the wings of eagles, pushing them faster and farther than the best of ordinary birds. It is the crown of heroes! It is the holy mark of champions. To get it, you do not need to travel anywhere. You do not need money. Just start by giving your life to Christ and then enroll in the Holy Spirit course called ‘contentment’. You will never regret it!
 
There are many people who wonder why I am so happy in a country called Nigeria. There are so many troubles here. Most people here want to leave this place and go away, to ‘greener pastures’. The truth is that I am very happy with God, with myself, with my husband, with my ministry and with the people around me. None is perfect. I am not perfect. But in the midst of it all, I have found Christ to be the most trusted Friend, Savior and Lord. His presence in my heart has changed the dry pastures to be the greenest of all. I do not have to travel to see how green other fields are. My own little pasture, in Effurun-Warri, is getting so green, so fresh, so soft and nutritious, that my spirit prospers and lacks nothing of value. Spiritually speaking, I am putting on weight daily. In this matter of satisfaction and contentment I can enter into any competition with the rich and famous, with the strong and mighty. I know that I will win! (Naija people I hail you-oo…Warri no de carry last!)
 
Contentment is a course in the higher levels of the university of the Holy Spirit. Many have failed it. This is because they are not focused. Many Christians struggle with comparison, covetousness and complaining. But I saw that the Apostle Paul was content in plenty and in want. God did not shield him from pains! He suffered much. He was rejected, beaten, in prison and experienced shipwreck. What was Paul’s secret and how do we cultivate contentment in our lives? I discovered that contentment has nothing to do with my circumstances. But it has to do with the state of my heart. I also discovered that contentment cannot be found outside Christ. Only a child of God can truly be content. Contentment is a spiritual achievement more than I call it a gift.
 
For example, In the past: I may have all good things I wish for: My husband is nice to me, my children behave well, my weight is under control, I have money to buy what I want… and still… There is a troubling anxiety that these blessings will soon disappear… and troubles will replace them… The secret doubting shameful fear of tomorrow will not allow me to be happy today… contentment was missing. I saw that the great Apostle Paul had to ‘learn the secret of contentment’. Me too I decided to learn it! After failing some exams, I finally got it! That is why I encourage you to do the same! Glory to God!
 
In Contentment we place our total heart trust not in ourselves, not in people, not in money, but in our good and sovereign God. God’s love for His people is unchanging, and He is using every detail of our lives to shape and fashion us into the image of Jesus Christ. As we look back to the cross of Christ and look forward to the hope of heaven, we will discover that ultimate contentment is found in Him alone! Let’s worship Jesus Christ! What a Savior! What a Mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him! Heaven and earth adore Him! What a mighty God we serve! Hallelujah!
SLL 19

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Dear child of God, Listen to me! I am a medical doctor, a pastor and married to a pastor! I am 64 years old. I am old enough to counsel you as a mother. “Flee fornication!” (1Cor 6:18). In Greek, the word ‘flee’ means to escape a predator, to run away for your dear life until to vanish! See fornication as a criminal, ready to kill your body, soul and spirit! Never admire or envy fornicators, no matter how rich and famous they are! No matter how happy they seem! Fornication is suicide! Fornicators are waiting on the death row!

As it is with sickness, so it is with fornication: prevention is better than cure! Fornication is a spiritual problem more than a sexual one. It is emotionally addictive! Fornication and adultery is like a drug! The more you commit sexual sin, the more you will feel we need it, the easier it will be to do it, and the harder it will be to stop. “Whether you have been losing the battle or simply want to prepare for war, here are four proven ways to pursue purity: 1. Flee temptation. 2. Consider the future. 3. Enjoy your spouse. 4. Remember God is watching!” (Sam Allbery)

Lastly, if you are already living in sexual sin, there is no power outside the Holy Spirit who can deliver you! Give or re-surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ! Why suffer in silence? Why do you want to die an untimely death? Pray! Be free! I also pray for everyone who reads this letter and needs help! Be free in Jesus name! Come to the Cross! Jesus died for you! Jesus loves you! God bless you!

NAMES OF GOD: JEHOVAH ROHI – THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD (Part 1) 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23)

Jehovah Rohi shepherds the sheep that never wants anything outside Christ and His provision, totally satisfied; utterly content; there is no desire to change position, just to mature in this place of fulfillment. Believers are called sheep. Believers are never called dogs, horses or swine. Sheep are timid, foolish, slow, defenseless, totally lack the home instinct (if they are lost they can never find their way home). They depend totally on their Shepherd for their very life.

The promises of Psalm 23!
• I shall not want: Contentment: highest spiritual achievement
• He makes me lie down: Sheep cannot lie down if they are afraid of enemies, hungry or sick. The shepherd provides protection, food, and medicine so that they can rest.
• He leads me beside the still waters: The Shepherd locates clean springs of the water of life (dirty religious water makes them sick).
• He restores my soul: If sheep fall upside down they can’t get back on their feet again on their own. They will stay like that until they die of thirst or wild animals kill them. The Shepherd counts them, if anyone is missing it may be that it fell and needs rescuing.
• He leads me in the paths: Sheep need to be on the move. If they stay too long in the same area they will over graze and destroy the roots of the grass leaving the area barren. The Shepherd gently pushes me to ‘walk in the Spirit.’
• Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: Through the valley the flocks go gently to the top of the mountain in the summer time. Through trials I grow and mature to a higher level of faith
• Your rod and your staff they comfort me: The rod is a weapon, like a police baton or a gun to attack the wild animals. The staff is for the Shepherd to lean on and to use it to bring life the tired lambs. Together they represent the Word and the Spirit.

In Christ I declare:
Jehovah is my Shepherd. Jesus is my good shepherd (Jn 10:11). The Shepherd is the Manager of my daily life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Following Shepherd

(In the picture, see how the sheep follow their shepherd)

TESTIMONY OF SALVATION 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

LETITIA WRIGHT IS BORN AGAIN!
Letitia Wright is the actress who played Princess Shuri in the movie Black Panther. She was born in Guyana. When she was 7 her parents came to live in London. She is now 25 years old. She suddenly became rich and famous thru the movie Black Panther. But the money and the fame did not bring happiness to her. She said that she battled with depression. “I was in the dark going through so many bad things, when the world didn’t know about Shuri and Letitia and whatever is happening now.” After the movie, she took a break from acting in 2015. She started searching for the truth, to find meaning for her life. She started attending the London’s actors Bible study.

During an interview she said: “I needed to take a break from acting, because I really idolized it. So I came off from it and I went on a journey to discover my relationship with God, and I became a (born again) Christian”. To God be all the glory!

91st Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Shuri Black panter 1

THERE IS HOPE FOR NIGERIA!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
During ‘Saturday Class’ the brethren in our church pray prophetic intercessory prayers. Even the children flow with the anointing…They came and knelt down before the altar and prayed…There is HOPE for NIGERIA! From left to right: Ebube, Nanret, Bisola, Udo and Leah!!!! God bless these dear children! God bless Nigeria!
Children in FH 2

GOD HAS AVENGED YOU ON HER

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement… And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues… Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” (Rev 17:6; 18:4, 20)
 
There is a high rank evil spirit called ‘the queen of heaven’ or ‘the spirits of Jezebel.’ This is a religious stronghold in many churches. It deceives men to live in a false confidence of salvation. For as long as you are ignorant of the existence and the strategy of this evil spirit, you cannot have peace and you cannot prosper. Even if you go to church, give offerings, pay your tithes, pray and fast, you still remain under her spell and wicked bondage. What is the solution?
 
First of all pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the root of your problems. The only solution is repentance and deliverance. Come back to the Cross of Christ, back to the simplicity and purity of Christ, radically removing all forms of deception and religious entertainment in your worship. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you are to identify, repent and renounce all hypocrisy and wickedness from the heart. Do not be sorry for the devil! Do not be sorry for any idol! Destroy anything that competes with God in your heart! No man involved in the sin of idolatry can ever prosper. Sooner or later, the mercy of God, His covering over that person is removed, leaving him exposed and vulnerable to the devil to attack and defeat. The curses of disobedience and rebellion are too many: chronic, often incurable sicknesses, both mental and physical; anxiety and confusion; unhappy marriages that end in divorce, wayward children, bondage, failure, frustration with work, general unhappiness and restlessness all year round (Read Deuteronomy 28). Every form of religious deception and entertainment in the church is the product of false doctrines of devils, and the worship of the so called ‘queen of heaven.’ Every form of sexual immorality in the church is a form of worship of this wicked demon. That is why sexual immorality among the Christians is so difficult to defeat, because it is not just a sexual addiction but a stronghold of false worship and idolatry.
 
Listen: Jezebel is a wicked power of darkness, a religious demon who rules in the heavenly realms. You need to prepare your mind for battle. She hinders prayers, intercession, and the true worship of God; she kills the prophets and sheds innocent blood. She desires to have your heart so that you may worship her. She hates God and wants to compete with Him in your heart. The Bible calls her a Criminal and the Mother of all spiritual prostitutes; those are the ones that forsake God to give themselves to idolatry. She is over-confident of her reign over the bodies and souls of men. She boasts of her eternal throne. She is deceived and many follow her in her deception. But the hour of judgment has come!!! The proud ‘queen’ who claimed heaven for herself has been judged by the True King of Heaven. We are to rejoice that her reign has ended and her victims are set free (Rev 17-19). The Holy Spirit has to open your eyes to see the victory of the Lamb and the vision of true worship in the church. Then believers shall be mature, they shall grow in the grace and in knowledge of Jesus Christ, producing fruits for the glory of God! Hallelujah!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! I am born again and Spirit filled! I hate and reject sin and any form of idolatry! Jesus died on the Cross to set me free from the bondage of empty religion! I have eternal life! I totally destroy the stronghold of Jezebel in my life, my home and my church! Let all her victims and prisoners be free! I rejoice in the victory of the Lamb! I will forever worship only the King of Kings! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
FH 13

A CALL FROM THE INSIDERS

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked Him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!” (Mk 4:10-12)
 
There are only two groups of people in this world:
• The insiders (the children of God). They see and perceive; they hear and understand (appreciate the value and enjoy the Word). Jesus speaks to them and gives them the secrets of the kingdom, the deep revelation of His Person. They are forgiven and free from their sins. They are saved!
• The outsiders (religious unbelievers). They see but lack spiritual perception; they hear but lack understanding (they do not appreciate the value and do not enjoy the Word). Jesus speaks to them in parables, veiled truth, protected from the eyes of the mockers. They are not forgiven and still live in sin. They are not saved!
 
Questions: Why do you stay outside the door? Are you not tired of deceiving yourself and others? Why not truly repent of sins and come inside. There is forgiveness in the name of Jesus!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! The Holy Spirit leads me to the all truth! The anointing of the Holy Spirit teaches me all things! The secrets of the Kingdom of God belong to me and to my descendants forever that we may obey the Word of God! I dwell inside, under the shadow of the Almighty God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

SPOTS IN YOUR LOVE FEASTS

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit… These are spots in your love feasts… wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 1:11-13)
 
Balaam was a false prophet. He loved the wages of unrighteousness. He loved the devil’s ‘ministry,’ his fame and his money. He could not receive money through cursing the people of God directly because ‘no one can curse whom God had blessed’. But because of his love for ‘bad’ money, he was flexible enough to accept another ‘contract’ from the devil; that of counseling. Balaam was paid as a ‘Consultant on occult!’ He counseled Balak on the way to ‘manipulate’ God to curse His children by Himself. Balaam was not paid for cursing but he was paid for counseling.
 
THE ENEMY CORRUPTS WHAT HE CANNOT CONTROL!!! This is how the devil thinks: ‘If I cannot marry you, I will poison you!”. Once the devil is a murderer. He is merciless. If he is able to corrupt your heart, you will destroy yourself from inside out! The devil and his agents get rich when we are careless with our heart. He often corrupts us through the internet, bad movies, and bad friends. Learn how to do spiritual warfare! Watch and pray! Protect your eyes, heart and mind! Love spiritual purity! Put on the ‘filter’ of the Holy Spirit! Do not give the devil a foothold! Submit to God! Reject the devil with prayers and fasting! He will run away from you! He is a enemy but a defeated enemy! Fear not! Jesus is Lord! Holy Ghost is Lord!
 
In Christ I declare:
I shall keep my heart pure! I separate myself from anything that defiles my body soul and spirit! I reject the evil spirit of religion and false prophecy! I shall be lead only by the Holy Spirit!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

‘I DON’T FORGET YOUR WORK AND LOVE FOR ME’ (GOD)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers, as you still do” (Heb 6:10)
 
I met many people who work as ‘junior staff’ in good companies. When they are promoted to be ‘senior staff’ they hate it. At the beginning I did not understand their complains. I did not know that they prefer to be paid per hour and have no commitment to the company’s vision. They only wanted money and not responsibility! They sold their sweat for cash and kept their heart! They envied the leaders but they refused to pay the price for leadership! Listen to the words of Jesus: “When they see the wolf coming (danger), the hired workers run away because they don’t care about the sheep… A slave (a hireling) is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.” (Jn 8:35; 10: 12,13)
 
Dear Child of God, reject the evil spirit of a hireling! Hate and reject Mamon! Freely, humbly and faithfully love, serve and worship God, who is your everlasting Father in heaven. Why? Because He alone is worthy of your sacrifice! Do it as a Son and not as a slave. When worshiping God do not remember money. Forget about your ‘benefits’! God has promised not to ignore your sacrifice and not to forget your labor of love. In His time, He will reward you much more than your accountant friend has cancelled you to wish for. Trust God with all your heart! Trust God in all things, including your reward! Deliver yourself from the evil religious spirit of a hireling! You are a son! God’s DNA is imparted in your spirit. Worship the Lord!

‘EL ANAH ESH’ (‘The God that answers by fire’)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord (Jehovah): The God that answers by fire (El Anah Esh) – He is God!” (1Kg 18:24)
 
‘El’ is the short form of Elohim (the Creator of heaven and earth). ‘Anah’ – means to answer, to testify, to witness, to shout, to sing, to declare. And ‘Esh’ means fire, heat, burning. Fire is a symbol of God. There are two types of fire: The fire we should desire as power for ministry and the fire we should fear and run from!
 
I> The fire that we should desire: it falls from heaven upon the obedient believer and His sacrifice upon the proper altar. The fire means that God has accepted your sacrifice and labor. It is the stamp and seal of heaven. It is the blessing of God, the anointing upon your ministry. It is the fire of grace and power.
 
Example 1: The fire fell upon the prepared sacrifice done by Aaron and his sons. It was on the first day of their ministry and it was the confirmation of God’s approval (Lev 9).
Lesson: Do not start ministry without the fire of God! (Religious) flesh prof-its nothing!
 
Example 2: Jesus is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and fire (Mat 3:11). The fire of God is the only element that can change your heart forever. It brings the fear of God and purifies it for true worship.
Lesson: Desire the deep revelation and the fullness of the Spirit. Do not be satisfied with superficial ‘Christianity.’
 
Example 3: The Pentecost (Acts 2). Fire was seen upon their heads. It changed them forever from cowards to bold preachers. Their words combined with the utterance of the Spirit (fire on the tongue) created a force that none could resist. Utterance means you speak fewer words, loaded with power to express deep things of the Spirit and to proclaim the wonders of God. Pray for the radical change on your tongue to be energized by the fire of heaven.
 
II> The fire we should run from: it is the fire of the wrath of God and His judgment on sin. Uzzah touched the Ark and died (2 Sam 6:6, 7). Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized (man- made) fire in worship to God and they died on the spot (Lev 10). Un-confessed sin is the fuel that can ignite the fire of God producing sin unto death! Be careful!
Lesson: Be dead to sin before you pray for anointing and power in ministry! Be like the burning bush: hot with passion for Jesus but never consumed! This is the secret of genuine successful ministry.
 
In Christ I declare:
I no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in me, doing His work by the pow-er of the Holy Spirit! May Pentecost happen to me! May I burn with passion for Jesus! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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MY HEART – SIFTED AND EXPOSED

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power (making it active, operative, energizing and effective); it is sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating… between joints and marrow (of the deepest parts of our nature) exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart” (Heb 4: 12, AMP)
 
Just like the pregnancy, like the hidden power of life within the womb, the Word of God ingested works without interruptions until it pleases God to behold the final masterpiece. There is Holy activity in my spirit. No rest until there is rest. Peace has a crown and smiles like a queen. Truth is a friend, a father and a judge. Like a bird flies away, leaving behind the sad, sad cage, so yesterday is quietly put to rest. Tomorrow is a sketch of hope’s song. Today is my gift, to fill with God’s presence until the overflow expands it to be more than twenty four hours. There is work going on inside of me. None can stop it and none can steal it. I love how God is good to me. His goodness is power that changes me, beholding His glory!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! I am saved by the Blood of the Lamb, by the Grace of the King of Kings! I trust the Word of God! Even when I do not see much ahead, His Word is still the unquenchable light at my feet! I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus! I gaze long on the eternal things of God’s invisible Kingdom! I only glance at the visible things of this world, for they are temporary! I break any addiction with the infatuation with the material things! I love the Word of God! I trust the Word of God! In all circumstances, in Spirit and in Truth, I will worship God! This is my pledge!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
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FOR THIS OYIBO’ SAKE, MAY GOD BLESS NIGERIA! 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Ac 17:26, 27)

Today, the people of Nigeria were to vote to elect their president. But the elections were postponed. Many are angry, frustrated and dis-appointed. I am sorry about that. I cannot change the events. But what I can do, I do! I pray for Nigeria… I pray for revival, for God’s favor and healing in this land. I pray for a fresh download of living hope and supernatural peace for the people living in Nigeria! I pray for godly wise leadership! I believe that God answers prayers! God never fails!

I am a foreigner (better said an ‘oyibo’) living in Nigeria since 1980. I did not choose this country. I came here as a proud unbeliever. So many things have changed since then… Let me count just few blessings that will forever connect me with Nigeria: My husband of 45 years is a Nigerian. I became saved in Warri, Nigeria. My husband and I had a very successful private hospital here in Warri, Nigeria. We made money and fame here in Nigeria! Our last baby, Jemine, was born In Effurun, Nigeria. Our three children grew up and went to school here in Nigeria. For a time we went to live in America. It pleased God to send my husband and I back to this land to start a church for His glory and for the good of the people here. This is how Father’s House Bible Church, Effurun – Warri was ‘born’ in March 2000. My husband and I are pastors in full time ministry here in Nigeria. In Nigeria I learned a new language called ‘pidgin English’. I am very happy with that!

Why I am saying all these things? Every day, and especially in times of trial, I encourage myself in the Lord! I remind myself of what I have and not what I’ve lost! Therefore: No matter how ‘bad’ Nigeria is or becomes in the future, I can never deny the wonderful blessing this country has been to me and mine. I know that God created the whole universe. There are 195 countries in this world today. Out of them all, God ‘picked’ Nigeria for me!!! Can you imagine that? It may be hard to believe but it is the truth! And God never makes mistakes!

Did you know that not only did God create each one of us but He put us in this world in these times and in a particular place of His choosing? None of this is by chance or error. We may not be happy about God’s choice of timing or place. After all, the times are troubled and the world (some places in particular) is shaky.

There is little we can do about living in these times. We can’t re-invent ourselves in another time. However, God gave us a free will and a life to live the way we choose. So we can move about for whatever reasons we consider valid. We can move to a place we believe will offer us more money, greater security or a better life-style. But rather than being unhappy or even fearful about where we are and casting around for other options, perhaps we should be praying: “Father, You have placed me here at this time. How do You want to use me? How can I be available to You so that You can work out Your purposes in this place?”

So, in an increasingly insecure world, these words of Scripture serve to root and ground us. They provide us with the security of knowing that we are where we are because that’s what God has ordained, and to date He has not shown us otherwise.

Let’s pray: “Abba Father, it’s not a mistake that I am living in insecure times, in a place that’s difficult and sometimes frightening. Please help me draw my security from You and not from the place where I live. Show me how I can be Your instrument of peace and healing here and now, how I can shine with Your love and joy and how I can share the good news of who You are with those around me. Father God, please I remind You to bless all the people living in Nigeria! We vow to give You all the glory! In Jesus’ name! Amen!”

Tali, Malia, A and J

(In the picture, my husband, Pastor Richmond Leigh, and our two daughters, Alina and Jemine, dressed in beautiful Nigerian attire)

MY BELOVED HUSBAND IS THE BEST!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women?” (SS 5:9)
Next month, my husband and I, will be married for 45 years! We married as unbelievers. God’s grace saved our souls and also our marriage. Both of us are medical doctors by profession and now in full time ministry. The older I get, the more I appreciate my husband’s character. Without fear and without shame, I can boast about my God and I also can boast about my husband. Below is a partial list of my husband’s qualities, blessings that I have discovered over the years. According to the Word of God, and by the grace of God, my husband is ‘better than others’.
He is:
*A true man of God!
*A wonderful husband to me, a wonderful father and a grandfather!
*Loving, generous, compassionate and kind!
*Bold for God. He does not take the easy path because of fear. He confronts difficult situations like a soldier.
*Perseveres until he achieves results. He does not get tired in the middle of the problems!
*Honest, truthful and open; he does not lie, steal or cheat!
*Courageous, doing what is right even in the presence of rejection or danger!
*Willing to sacrifice himself and his money for the work of God and helping others!
*Controls himself; he stays calm under provocation, temptation or stress!
*Just and fair; he does not discriminate!
*Good citizen; he abides by the laws of the country!
*Spirit of excellence; he does no compromise his conscience; he does his best and he is happy with his work!
*Keeps his promises; is dependable and trustworthy; he hates to disappoint others!
*Respects others; he honors their rights, dignity and freedom! Hates to hurt them unnecessarily!
*Responsible; he does not shift blame on others!
*Patient; he knows that good things take time to achieve! He is willing to wait.
*Forgiving; he is able to leave hurtful things behind; does not seek revenge! (He forgets my mistakes)
*Peace Maker; he is able to talk things without being violent!
*Very good teacher. Most of the things about life in Nigeria I have learned from him directly!
*Encourager. He encourages me to fulfill God’s plan for my life, to do ministry.
*Lover. He loves me with words and deeds when we are alone and he declares his love for me in public.
And so on… And so on …
To God be all the glory!
 
Now you know one of the secrets of our happy and strong marriage! Dear sister, if you are a married woman, boast about your husband too! I will rejoice with you! But don’t forget to give God all the glory! He who has ears to hear, let him (her) hear! May God grant you the blessing of a wonderful marriage! In Jesus name, amen!
 
(In the picture, my husband, Pastor Richmond Leigh and I)
Tali and I 11