HOW TO ACHIEVE TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY (cONT’D)

BLESSINGS OF HUMILITY

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility” (Prov 15:33).

Humility brings blessings. Humbling ourselves attracts unprecedented blessings. If we empty our hearts and eliminate selfishness, surely God will fill our hearts with His love (Isa 66:2). If we would climb to heaven, then we must learn to stoop before God.

The Bible declares: Jesus descended so that He might ascend and so must we. The sweetest fellowship with heaven is to be enjoyed by the humble souls. Our gracious God will never deny any blessing to a thoroughly humbled spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Riches, honour and treasures included! (Matt 5:3)

The whole treasury of God will be given as a gift to the soul that is humble enough to be able to receive of the Lord without growing proud.

 If God were to let a proud soul win a victory in a holy war, surely that proud soul would steal the crown for him or herself. A proud soul will always fall before the enemy; therefore may the Lord keep us lowly in the heart for our safety.

There is no limit to what God will do for a humbled soul.

Humility keeps us ready to be blessed by the God of all grace.

Humility equips us to deal efficiently and compassionately with our fellowmen.

True humility is a flower that adorns the garden of life.

Beloved saints, whether it is in prayer, praise, secular work, ministry, suffering, the genuine salt of humility cannot be used in excess.

Mark 8:8:34-38 / Jer 44:16

A BLESSED CHRIST-LED NEW YEAR TO YOU!

A NEW LIFE

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11).

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:2-3).

Let your life be renewed in every aspect as you enter into the New Year so that you can fully experience the life that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not let the past have a firm grip on you, neither dwell on the past but walk with the Lord into a new life. The Word of God brings hope, restoration, healing and encouragement when we turn our eyes from the defeats, failures and disillusionment in our lives and surrender ourselves totally to Him.

A new man: “And have clothed yourselves with the new spiritual self which is renewed and remoulded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge on] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of him Who created it” (Colossians 3:10).

A new commitment to prayer: “Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

A new creation: “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creation altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new is come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A new experience: “Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

A new song: “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of His saints” (Psalm 149:1).

A new birth: “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish but have (everlasting life)” (John 3:16).

A new living way: “Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain ...Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith...having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Newness of life: “We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious [power] of the Father, so we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

A new believer: “Strip yourselves of your former nature ...and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

A new mind, heart and a new spirit: “Cast away from you all your transgressions by which you have transgressed against Me and make you a new mind and heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:31).

A new future: “Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing! Now it springs for the; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18, 19).

Let your faith be stronger believing the Lord for greater things in your life. As you walk in boldness and truth, pull down the strongholds of the enemy and rejoice for your name is written in the book of life. With a new vision enter into the year proclaiming the word of God and giving Him all the glory. A blessed Christ-led New Year to you.

Jesus IS DIVINE

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).

Many people do not want to believe that Jesus is real. They refuse to accept that Jesus Christ, the King of glory left His home to be born in a manger in Bethlehem.

Are you one of those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus? Look what the word of God has to say about you: “...but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name]” (John 3:18).

Why did God send His only Son into the world? “That the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him” (John 3:17).

The birth of Jesus Christ! The destiny of thousands of generations including our own has been changed because of Jesus Christ! And because of Him where there should be death, we see life. Where there should have been darkness, light shines. Those who had been in bondage and captivity, have their lives set free. Where there was hopelessness and fear, there is freedom and new hope. It all depends on the place of Jesus in one’s life. Luke 2:7 says, “And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.”

Does business, stress at work, extra-activities, pressure of family, hurts and wounds, painful past memories that are being re-lived, conflicts in relationships, excessive financial burdens, etc., crowd your heart this Christmas that there is no room or place this special season for the Saviour in your heart today? Is your heart so crowded with the festivities of Christmas that the reality of the person has been lost?

Today look into your heart and see what the place of Jesus in your life is. Is there any place for Him at all there amidst the crowded, self-centered chaos in your life? Is He your first priority? Is He your reason for living? Is He your Saviour? Is He the Lord of your life, your decisions and your plans? 

Today, confess your carelessness, your wrong priorities and your indifference towards Jesus Christ and ask Him to be born in your heart.

THE DESTINY OF THOUSANDS OF GENERATIONS INCLUDING OUR OWN HAS BEEN CHANGED BECAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST.

HOW TO ACHIEVE TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY (Cont’d)

• We must not enjoy the maltreatment of the innocent.

• We must not persecute goodness.

• We must not allow love to bleed to death.

• We must not allow meekness to die a sudden death.

• We must maintain our new life found in Jesus.

• We must be healed of plagues of sin.

• We must be delivered from our legions of besetting sins.

• We must allow the good Lord to continually dwell in us.

“Now in my prosperity I said, ‘I shall never be moved’” (Psalm 30:6). Many times we claim that we will not be moved when wealth comes. Little are we ready when we are carried away by deception.

“Moab has been at ease from his youth; he has settled on his dregs, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent has not changed”   (Jeremiah 48:11). Beloved saints of the Living God, beware of smooth places of the way. If your way is smooth or rough in life’s journey, thank God.

• If your surrounding seems to be clouded with darkness, thank God for light is about to break forth.

• If God would always rock us in the cradle of prosperity, give Him praise.

• If there seems to be no cloud in the sky for the expected rain, glorify Him.

• If we do not have some bitter drops in the wine of this life, surely we would become intoxicated with pleasure.

Let us bless God in our afflictions, let us praise Him for our ups and down but we must learn to remain steady. Have you lost some precious things in life? Praise the Lord for it because who knows if you have not, you would have been too secured in the arm of flesh.

Beloved, sometimes continued worldly prosperity brings a fiery trial. Let us pursue the goal of high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us discover the plan, purpose and divine strategy to achieve it. Our true ministry wealth is to fulfill the divine purpose of God’s will upon our life. Our true wealth is the people we impacted: people, who got saved, changed and live for God and His purpose at all times.

May we impact people’s lives-not just impress them.

To be continued.

HOW TO ACHIEVE TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY

Discipline is the refining fire by which talents becomes ability. The cure for crime is not in the electric chair of execution but on the high chair of prayer. Therefore, people who are always walking on clouds leave too many things up in the air.

“You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip” Psalms 18:35-36.

• “Your gentleness has made me great”. O, Lord my God, Your word has made me great.

• El-Shaddai, Your teachings have made me rich. 

• Jehovah Jireh, Your provisions have increased my possessions. 

• Jehovah Rapha, Your healing has made me whole. 

We are so little but God Almighty has shown us His mercy, love and compassion. If God would manifest His greatness without reaching out to us in love, we would be trampled under His feet.

• How marvelous God’s gentleness has been since we experienced it! 

• How gentle are God’s corrections! How gentle His forbearance! 

• How wonderfully His teachings help us! How gentle and caring His entreaties!

Beloved saints of God, let gratitude be awakened. Let humility be deepened and rooted in us.

Let love, grace and mercy be rekindled in us for the glory of God.

HOW TO ACHIEVE TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY

·       We must pursue our vision without distractions. (Acts 26:19 / Prov 24:27)

i)         We must receive godly counsel. (Prov 15:22 / 11:14)

ii)        We must not claim to know all. (Prov 14:12)

• Maintain obedience to God and His divine will. (1 Sam 15:22-23) 

• Maintain faithfulness to God and His divine Word. (Heb 3:1-2 / 1 Thess 5:24 / 2 Thess 3:3 / Philipp 1:6) 

• We must be generous and kind hearted.  

• We must labour to raise others and train them in godliness. 

• We must build people up not destroy them. 

• We must lift people up not limit them.

To be continued.

TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY (CONT’D)

Fashion Display

The trend of fashion is on the fast lane. Many ministers are diehards of branded goods. Most conferences have become a place to exhibit branded clothing and high-class fashion accessories. God is not against you dressing well but moderation is the key. God has not called us to preach ourselves or what we wear but to preach Christ Jesus (2 Cor 4:5-6). Therefore, fashion display is not a proof of ministry success.

State Of The Art Building

The showcase of the size, beauty and fittings of a church building structure is not a proof of ministry success. Beloved, the edifices have become a monument against the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gigantic architectural buildings when commissioned have become a measure of ministers’ status and ministry success. Make no mistake my beloved, we are called to build up the people and to edify the church (Eph 4:11-12).

Many have been deceived by drifting from the focus of building and edifying the saints instead of the architectural structures. Many churches are embarking on building universities, primary schools and secondary schools. Our focus is no longer on building the kingdom of God but on social and secular work in order to earn acceptance. When shall we stop chasing shadows in order to pursue substance in Christ Jesus?

Beloved, we are not against any kind of education to help humanity but we must not forget that only the gospel has the power to transform lives and society (Rom 1:16). Many innocent souls have been deceived because of the wrong and false parameter of determining true wealth in the ministry.

The church of today is full of competition, corruption, covetousness, sub-standard Bible living, loss of integrity, respect and commercialization of the church.

Beloved saints, do not forget that Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Apostle Paul, with other apostles and Jesus our Saviour are our real examples. (Heb 11:24-27 / 1 King 19:19-20 / Matt 8:20 / Matt 21:2-5 / John 17:19 / Acts 15:26 / 20:23-24 / Philipp 3:7-10)

TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY (CONT’D)

Oversea Travel

Many people have come to believe and accept that by travelling overseas to minister is a proof of ministry success. Some people also believe that the number of contacts one has overseas is also a proof of acceptance and ministry success. A minister of God does not really need to travel abroad to be successful or accepted.

Some people are trying to force doors to open overseas, thinking that’s the way to have ministry and financial breakthrough. This is equally a deception. Beloved, there are cases where some humble men of God have become proud and arrogant after their ministry overseas. Some even abandon godly character to become ungodly. Godliness, righteousness and disposition, eternal value and principles become a thing of the past due to greed, covetousness and materialism.

Numerical And Crowd Mentality

This is also another major disease affecting many ministers and believers as well. Always wishing to have a great crowd in all services or meetings has set a dangerous dimension. Most people believe that the bigger the crowd you command, means you have ‘arrived’. Beloved, the success of the ministry is not dependent on the crowd otherwise prophet Jeremiah will be judged a failure.

Success of ministry can be attributed on the impact made in people’s life. Apostle Paul made a good impact in the lives of the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Romans, Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

Our success of ministry will be determined by the people that we truly lead to heaven, not the number in the crowd we are pastoring.

To be continued.

Fame and Popularity

Being famous and popular in the ministry today is not a guarantee that your voice will be heard tomorrow. Fame and popularity can draw you away from your first love in Christ Jesus.

Ministry success is actually reserved for silent and quiet builders who are making great impact without showing off. You can pay your way through the media and advertisement agencies but God and all the heavenly hosts know who belong to God. (2 Tim 2:19-21)

Wining And Dining With The Cream Of The Society

The so-called ministers of God now want to belong to the group of “who is who” in the society for acceptance and recognition.

Now we are trying to mix up clay with the iron which will soon fall apart. (John 17:13-16 / James 4:4) But the Holy Scripture commands “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” (Ps 1:1-5).

Power and Control

Power and authority is short lived, temporary and momentary. Do you know that the power, authority and control that you have now could be a test of obedience from God? Beloved, do not brag yet because you have not arrived still.

Having power and control over people, salaries, ministries should and must lead to humility. Being on the seat of power and authority does not prove your ministry success. True wealth and success of a ministry leads one to a state of more humility. (James 4:10 / 1 Pet 5:5-6)

Numerous And Exotic Cars

Driving an expensive car is not a proof of a successful ministry. To some people, having an exotic car is a symbol of ministry success. If the type of car one drives is a yardstick for a successful ministry, then Jesus Christ our Lord and all His chosen disciples are unsuccessful. (2 Cor 8:9)

To be continued.

TRUE WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34).

Wealth is the test of a man’s character. The greatest wealth is contentment with a little that you possess. Always be content with what you have, but never with what you are lest you lose your vision and become stagnated. Reputation does not always correspond with character but still reputation is an essential element in character and a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

The wealth in the ministry is more than what we think it to be. The wealth in the ministry is more than money, financial breakthrough, fame, popularity and material gains. But in our today’s Christian circle, the abundance of teachings have brought confusion and bewilderment to the hearts of the innocent.

Many people are now deceived to believe that great material possession is the parameters of judging a successful ministry. My prayer is may the Lord open our eyes to the truth of His gospel.

THE FALLACIOUS PARAMETERS OF WEALTH IN THE MINISTRY

Let us look at the false ways of measuring wealth in the ministry.

Financial Breakthrough

Accumulation of large amount of cash and money worth must not be used as a measure for success in the ministry. Financial breakthrough has become a craze in the ministry today even among the so-called committed Christians. Messages from many pulpits today only talk and emphasize on money and finances.

Many people are also using their prayer to force God to yield to their greed for wealth in the name of financial breakthrough. The eternal focus of the ministry for the glory of God has been abandoned. (1 Tim 6:10) Remember that money can only buy what it can and nothing more.

Ostentatious Titles

Many ministers, sad to say have become slaves to titles and positions. True wealth in the ministry is not and will not be the accumulation of titles. Do you know that too much of titles will make you to be unreal?

You may possess all the known and unknown titles, yet you are not known or recognized by God. Beloved, being addressed as bishop, apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher, pastor is just an indication of your office but not necessarily your responsibility. (Philipp 2:7-8)

To be continued.

JOY IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17).

We live every day of our lives in search of joy. In our homes, at school and in the workplace, we all seek joy. Where can we find joy?

We have always heard about how hard it is to persuade people or youngsters to work for free, no matter what the cause. People just want to get immediate rewards for whatever they do. People do not yet know the joy of serving others.

Joy is the expression of love. And love contributes a great deal to our success and progress in life. Trees of success and progress grow fastest, strongest and the most fruitful on the soil of love. Hence, love is the soil upon which we sow and love is the foundation upon which we build.

Increase your love, change your nature, behaviour, attitude and actions to that of love. Then you would discover changes which lead to higher levels of achievement.

This is the secret of success, victory, happiness and long life. Isn’t this the joy we seek?

If you put Jesus first

Others second and

Yourself last

you will never lack

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

• It is the pleasure of the prince of the world Satan to disturb the peace and tranquility of God’s people.

• It is the pleasure of the devil to keep the world in chaos and confusion.

the friends of god (CONT’D)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland”                                                                                       (Hebrews 11:13-14)

Sabrina Wurmbrand

She was born in 1913 in Cernauti Romania. She was the wife of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, the renowned author of the book, “Tortured for Christ”. He spent 14 years in communist trial for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both she and her husband were of Jewish origin.

They spent their youth as well as their first year of marriage to the faith of their fathers in Judaism. But in 1938, her husband led her to Christ after he himself had been saved. In 1939, they had their only son Mihai. Sabrina and husband lost many of their friends because of their conversion to Christianity but that did not discourage them.

Their lives stood as a record of living, working and suffering for Christ. Their lives reflected the power of God to preserve His saints through persecutions, afflictions, trials, poverty and great deprivations. Both of them were arrested and imprisoned. While in prison they continued their work of evangelism. (2 Tim 2:8)

The communist authorities had sought to intimidate her to divorce her husband in order to shatter him in prison emotionally but she answered “I didn’t marry my husband for only happy times, we are united forever and whatever may come I will not divorce him”. What a faith and trust!

Beloved child of God, are you in the number of such saints? Are you a friend of God? Are you a hero of faith? You can be one today, if only you can surrender all to Jesus.

These friends of God are:

Those who contended for their Saviour’s honour long,

Wrestling on =ill life was ended,

Following not the sinful throng,

These, who well the fight sustained,

Triumph by the Lamb have gained,

These are they whose hearts were given,

Sure with woe and anguish tried.

Who, in prayer full have striven,

With God they glorified,

Now their painful conflict over,

God has told them weep no more.

GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU CONSIDER YOUR WAYS TODAY AND TURN TO HIM!

PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS OF THE ENEMY (PT 1)

• Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

• For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

• No affliction nor temptation, no guilt nor power of sin, no wounded spirit nor terrified conscience should induce us to despair of help and comfort from God.

2 COR 10:3-5 / EPH 6:12, 18

Many believers are ignorant of the activities and influences of unseen forces organized by Satan to hinder our lives. Satan’s aspiration is to rule and to have dominion over the works of God especially human. (Isa 14:12-15) Satan’s nature is that of wickedness. (1 John 5:18-19) He is the architect and author of all calamities and evil occurrences in the lives of people.

God does not want us to be ignorant of the devil’s devices. (2 Cor 2:11 / Hosea 4:6) Ignorance of the devil’s devices brings about defeat, captivity and destruction. When we know the truth then comes freedom, liberty and dominion as our daily experience. (John 8:32, 36)

For the devil to achieve his diabolical intentions he organizes a tight network of demon spirits with specialized areas of evil activities. This includes principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12) This constitutes his hosts which are responsible for building strongholds in the lives of people.

Every believer has the authority to rebuke and destroy Satan’s works. Our faith becomes energized and fortified in the battle against strongholds through prevailing prayers.

DISCOVERING STRONGHOLDS OF OPPOSING FORCES                          

(Eph 6:12 / 2 Cor 10:3-5 / Josh 6:1 / Matt 27:62-66 / Ps 10:8-10 / Dan 10:12-13 / Ex 5:10-19 / 2 Pet 2:19-20)

What Is A Stronghold?

Strongholds are the bulwarks or fortresses built by the devil against his prey to keep the victim in perpetual slavery or bondage. (e.g anger, lustfulness, gossiping, faultfinding, etc.,) The devil uses his evil devices to make such a captive to be sick, poor, weak, backward, depressed, oppressed, bondaged, defeated, sorrowful and sinful.

Devil’s Forms Of Attack

Chronic sickness or oppression caused by the devil that defies medication: eg. The woman bound for 18 years by Satan (Lk 13:16, 10-14).  Devil’s calculated attempt to hinder you from rising up: eg. The Jewish plan to hinder or discredit the authentic resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matt 27:62-66).

There are territorial demonic spirits like the case of the prince of the kingdom of Persia which hindered the answers to Daniel’s prayers for 21 days. (Dan 10:12-13) The opposition of Bar-Jesus during Apostle Paul’s ministration to Sergius Paulus was a stronghold that could have hindered his salvation, if Paul the Apostle had not taken authority over him (Acts 13:6-12).

It could be likened to a wall or barrier hindering the penetration of the gospel in certain communities just as the wall of Jericho that was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel, so that none went out and none came in (Josh 6:1-5 / Num 13:19).

It could be likened to an Esau (in a spiritual sense) behind a Jacob to keep him in the bondage of fear of death and also in a spot without further progress in life (Gen 32:6-8).

It could be a persistent activity of demonic spirits designed to weaken one’s hand and slow down the progress of one’s projects or endeavours in life – Sanballat and Tobiah stood against Nehemiah (Neh 4:1-3).

JEREMIAH 51:20-23

To be continued.

OVERCOMING STRESS AND TENSION

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Confidence is keeping your chin up, but over confidence is sticking your neck out. Confidence is a plant of slow growth. I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

Ps 37:1-8 / Eccl 2:17-20 / 12:12 / Matt 6:27-34 / 1 Pet 5:6

• Tension is a state of mental, emotional or nervous strain.

• Tension is a situation where feelings are apprehensive or edgy.

Many people, men in particular are prone to strain due to the complexities of their nature. There are people with complex nature that easily leads them to get tensed. Some other people are tensed due to their work. People or men in particular may come across problems or difficulties that set their nerves on edge. Then they fret, worry and nag. This condition sometimes affects both their family and social life.

• Tension leads to broken friendship, broken homes, business failures and loss of gainful employment.

• Tension exposes men to ridicule also.

Some people become victims of unhealthy relationship in search of fulfillment which may cover up the vacuum created in their hearts. Stress and tension could lead to drug addiction, drunkenness, immorality, sex perversion etc. The rate of hypertension and ghastly accidents are alarming among men as a result of tension and stress.

Some men will go to church to find solace. Some will go to the bomohs for black magic and some others will visit the parapsychologist’s den to find solutions to their multiple problems. Beloved brethren, hear it today, let us not be like flies in the spider’s web. The more you struggle for the solutions to your problems, the more the problems multiply. Keep your eyes on God and believe also in His ability to sustain you. (Ps 125:1-2 / Rom 10:11)

THE CAUSES OF TENSION IN FAMILY, BUSINESS, AND PROFESSIONAL

LIFE

There are many areas of conflicts which have resulted in tension in families, business and professional life.

Some of these areas are as follows:

1)         Failure to “leave and cleave” (Gen 2:24)

2)         Infiltration of extended family and friends (Eph 5:31, 28, 30)

3)         Problems of unrestrained and wayward children (2 Sam 13:6-14 / 1 Sam 2:12-17 / 4:10-18 / Prov 10:1 / 13:1)

4)         Husband abdicating his responsibilities and wife usurping authority over the household (Eph 5:22-24)

5)         Lack of love and affection which often result in infidelity, divorce and separation, polygamy (Eph 5:31 / 1 Cor 13:1-13)

6)         Barren or sterility (Gen 25:20-22 / 1 Sam 1:16-19 / Lk 1:13 / Mk 9:23)

7)         Communication breakdown (1 Cor 14:7-8)

8)         Pride and self-conceit, feeling of superiority and inferiority complex.

9)         Christless and satanic influence (Eph 4:27 / 1 Pet 5:7-9 / James 4:7)

10)       Criticism and lack of forgiveness (Matt 7:1-5 / 1 Cor 13:5 / Eph 4:29-32 / Matt 18:21-25)

11)       Lack of proper money and time management

12)       Lack of faith in God, His word and prayerlessness

13)       Unfaithfulness in business dealings

14)       Obsession of future success of the business

15)       Unrealistic goal setting resulting in inability to cope with the challenges and achieve the desired end

16)       Lack of confidence in one self

17)       Lack of job satisfaction or job stability

18)       Being overly ambitious and concerned of the future

19)       Undue influence of friends, colleagues and business partners (1 Cor 15:34)

To be continued.

HOW TO OVERCOME TURBULENT TIMES (CONT’D)

Even though we Christians face temptations, depression, distress, oppression, persecution, famine and scarcity, we are kept by the Spirit of faith which we possess. As Christians we live with an edge and merit over the non-believers. Our salvation and assurance of our relationship is with the Lord Jesus Christ. This affords us the companionship of the Spirit of God and the ability to keep our head above the troubled waters, to live victoriously and triumphantly.

In times of great economic shake ups, banks may be going bust, many people may be losing their life savings, yet we are to trust the Lord. Companies may become bankrupt and unemployment may be widespread, but we must trust our Jehovah Jireh. Many people may resort to suicide because they think that there is nothing to live for. But we children of God must put our trust and confidence in the Lord and know that whatever we suffer today in the world are but light afflictions (2 Cor 4:17-18).

Trouble, suffering and calamity are tonics for Christians. They remind us of the love and power of God. Our God is ever ready and willing to help all of us who trust in Him. Continuing to harden our hearts at such times means prolonging our suffering and exposing ourselves to untold hardships in the hand of the devil. The wise will draw closer to God and make the Lord his or her refuge.

The fall of the first man Adam, spelt doom for man. Adam passed the doom to subsequent generations: problems of various forms, whether poverty or oppression, unemployment or insecurity, disease or famine. But the second Adam, the man Jesus Christ, set us free by the priceless cruel death on the cross of Calvary and declared that “It is finished.”

The time is coming when the Christians’ suffering pain and anguish on earth will be over and we will be ushered into a blissful and blessed eternity in the presence of God. In comparison with the impending glory, the suffering of the present time is nothing.

Beloved saints of God, let us not lose heart at all because Jesus has brought joy to wipe away our tears, peace to calm our troubled souls, happiness to eliminate our sorrows and strength in the time of weakness. Jesus has overcome the world for us. Therefore, cheer up saints of God, for Jesus, the Son of the Living God is our Lord and Saviour.

MAY THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY BE WITH US AS WE PERSEVERE FOR HIS GLORY.

To be continued.

Troubles and trials are facts of life for everyone, including families, nations and kingdoms. The reasons for all these universal disorders are due to the imperfections of the world. These chaotic times and troubles will continue and remain a common experience for all the inhabitants of the world till Jesus the Prince of Peace arrives in glory.

The universal problems of today have no solution forthcoming from any direction. Neither the intellectuals nor the wise men of this world have any idea on how to get out of these troubles. They are confused, frustrated and fed up just as the Bible says that there is no peace for the wicked (Isa 48:22).

Many people resort to protests, demonstrations and destruction of properties in some nations but rather than improving the situation, everything gets worse (2 Chron 15:3-5). It is a perfect description of the world today. There is absolutely no peace anywhere because many prefer to make do without the knowledge of the Living God.

People treasure falsehood and dishonesty, iniquity and transgressions to godliness and righteousness. These wicked activities of the evil one have affected many Christians but Jesus declared, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

The great consolation for the believers is that the Great Shepherd knows all about these trials. Jesus declared, “See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” But the prospect for all those who do not know the Lord is bleak.

Doom and gloom fills all over but a child of God is not troubled by the circumstances around him or her. A child of God is calm and rests in the Lord, recognizing that the Lord will take care of His own. The Lord knows that “we are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9).

To be continued.

DIFFERENT REJECTIONS IN THE BIBLE 

1. a)   The people of God reject God.  (Num 14:9-11)

b)         The people of God reject God from reigning over them. (1 Sam 8:7)

c)         The people refuse God. Ps 81:11)

d)         God’s people refuse God’s calling. (Pro 1:24)

e)         People of God reject God’s will.  (Lk 7:30)

f)         They reject God’s word. (1 Thess 4:8)

g)         They reject Moses. (Num 13:32 / 14:2,31 / 14:4) 

2. Jesus Christ’s Rejection

a)         The people of Gergesene reject Christ.  (Matt 8:34)

b)         The Nazarenes reject Christ.   (Mk 6:3 / Lk 4:28-30)

c)         The chief priest and rulers reject Jesus. (Lk 23:18)

d)         The Jewish nation rejects Jesus. (John 1:11 / 12:48)

3. The generations of this world today reject spiritual instructions.   (2 Chron 30:10 / 36:16 / Pro 1:7 / Pro 5:12)

4. Many people are rejecting God’s word.(Psa 50:17 / Isa 5:24 / Jer 6:10 / 30:23 / Zech 7:12)

5. Rejections of the divine call of God.  (Isa 65:12 / Jer 7:13 / Hosea 9:17 / Matt 22:3 / John 5:40  / Rom 10:21)

6. Rejection of the truth. (2 Tim 4:3-4)

CAUSES OF REJECTION
a)       Hardness Of The Heart
b)      Unbelief And Doubts
c)       Insecurity

d)      Fear
e)       Unforgiveness
f)        Grudge
g)       Bitterness
 

A CALL TO DECISION

(Deut 30:15 / Josh 24:15 / Ruth 1:15 / 1 King 18:21 / Matt 27:17 / Mk 10:21 / John 6:67)

If you reject the word of God, surely you also will be rejected. (1 Sam 15:23)

Lastly if people reject you, be comforted because you are not the first and you will not be the last. (Jer 29:11 / 30:16-17 / 31:16,17)

CHRISTIANS AND REJECTION (CONT’D)

REALITIES OF LIFE

1. Surely you will be rejected because Jesus the Son of the Living God was rejected by His own people. (John 1:11)

2. You will be rejected because of your faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Pet 4:16)

3. You may be rejected because of your race too. (Apostle Peter’s rejection of the Gentiles)

4. You may be rejected because of your gender.

5. You may be rejected in certain situations because of your age.

6. You may be rejected in certain situations because of your size etc: too tall, too short, too fat or too thin.

7. You may be rebuffed because of your education level.

8. You may be spurned because you stand for the truth. (John 6:66-69)

You will be rejected because you are an evildoer and living in sin (1 Pet 4:15-16).  But if you are rejected and renounced because of Christ, happy you should be. (1 Pet 4:14)

Luke 9:55-56, “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

Notice the action of Jesus to His disciples. Jesus rebuked them, telling them that they did not know the manner of spirit they were of. At anytime you are rejected, spurned, discarded, denied and humiliated, what comes to your mind? Do you feel like calling down fire to consume your humiliators? Do you feel like you want the earth to open itself and swallow up your opponents?

It is natural to wish your humiliators and opponents to be defeated in all aspects of life but it takes supernatural to wish them well and more so pray for them to succeed in life affairs.

In verse 56 of Luke 9, Jesus confirmed His mission on earth. He did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them. Our actions and reactions whenever we are rejected must be in line with what Jesus did in His situation. We are not to call down heavenly fire to consume those who reject us but to show them that our mission is to save lives and not to destroy it. Often times we overly react towards our rejectors but we fail to determine the reason for the rejection.

To be continued.

FROM GRAVE TO GLORY

It is common knowledge that every living person detests the grave, but everybody desires God’s glory. The grave is a picture of the lowest place you could ever be at, while God’s glory is the picture of the highest place you could ever find yourself.

From grave to glory means from the lowest point in life to the highest point. If you are at the most discouraging point in your life, God can take you out of that point and transpose you to the highest level. Though the grave looks like a permanent position of hopelessness, God is able to change it.

Lazarus’ story tells us the possibility of this glorious transformation from grave to glory. “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha” (John 11:1). Lazarus eventually died and was laid in a grave. Jesus had been sent for while he was still sick. But by God’s design, Jesus got there four days after Lazarus had been buried. He went to the grave where Lazarus was laid and said, “Take away the stone”. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” (John 11:39).

From this passage, we can see that a friend of Jesus, Lazarus, was in the grave. Jesus saw the sorrow, sadness, predicament and agony of Martha and Mary. Lazarus was helpless. His condition was hopeless and impossible in human terms. He had been dead for four days and laid in the grave. His relatives had lost all hope, but Jesus did not see Lazarus as one who would permanently remain in the grave.

THE DANGER OF THE GRAVE

This scriptural situation, by interpretation and practical illustration, speaks to every person. We all have our grave experiences. We, occasionally or at certain times throughout our lifetime, live with the danger of the grave. Extreme cases of poverty and lack of money, no job, no basic daily meals, no clothing and perhaps no shelter are more or less “grave” experiences.

When a particular sin sways its power and control over your life, and you struggle unsuccessfully to break yourself from it, you are undergoing a “grave” experience.

At times, a marriage may find itself in a “grave” experience. It could become so irreparably bad that the neighbors may even begin saying, “Do not have the hope that your marriage will work out.”

In other instances, a whole family could be undergoing a “grave” experience. A family may be enmeshed in a curse which they struggle with for generations. It could be a curse of premature death, abject devil-directed poverty, accidental death, childlessness or lack of progress in life affairs and endeavors. Such a family may struggle ceaselessly for generations to be free yet they may still remain under that curse and could even get entangled further in it. These are the dangers of the grave.

Beloved child of God, are you going through a grave experience? Look up now for your salvation is near and the Lord will translate you to glory in Jesus’ name. Amen!

The family that loves the Lord, prays together,

worships together and stays together for the glory of God.

PILATE SYNDROME

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.”                                                                                                           Isaiah 53:7

Life with Jesus Christ is an endless hope but life without Him is a hopeless end. Therefore, it is better to be with Christ in the storm than to be in smooth water without Him.

Jesus our Saviour was brought before the high priest but the trial was just to gather evidence for the full religious council’s hearing. The Sanhedrin or the religious leaders were not interested in giving Jesus justice or a fair trial. In their minds, Jesus had to die. This foolish obsession led them to pervert, divert and manipulate justice, which they were appointed to protect.

Our Lord the King of Glory was tried six times by both the Jews and the Romans. Still, He was never convicted of a crime or any felony deserving death. In our world today, none can find fault in Jesus, but just like Herod, Pilate and the Jewish religious leaders, many still refuse to acknowledge Him as Lord. Beloved, either you are in Christ or in crisis.

Our Lord and Saviour was given false trials. Even before the trials began, it had been determined that He must die (John 11:50/Mark 14:1). It was a foregone conclusion by the Jewish leaders.

False witnesses were sought to testify against Jesus (Matthew 26:59). In normal circumstances, the religious leaders were required to screen witnesses in order to ensure justice. But in Jesus’ case, they did not. No defence for Jesus was sought or allowed (Luke 22:67-71). The verdict was pre-decided, but pretentious and false procedures had to be maintained to justify the illegal system.

The King of Glory was subjected through an unfair trial in order to die and free us from Satan’s bondage. Praise God! The Only Begotten Son of God died so that we may live, the Holy One suffered so that we may be freed.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus but the crowd loudly demanded His death. Pilate sentenced Jesus to death because he did not want to risk losing his position of power. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise in the field of diplomacy. He would rather have Jesus murdered than lose his position of power, career, status and authority.

When the stakes are high, it becomes difficult for some leaders to stand up for what is right. When the stakes are high, some people will see their opponents as problems to be solved rather than as people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of courage, he would have released Jesus at all costs. Sadly, he succumbed to popular pressure.

Beloved saints of God, do you know that you will be like Pilate when you know what is right but decide not to do it? Never allow the “Pilate Syndrome” to take you away from God’s fold (Luke 23:13-25).

May our lives be moulded in Christ Jesus forever. Amen!

WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, IT BECOMES DIFFICULT FOR SOME LEADERS TO STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.

DECLARE WAR NOW IN THE HEAVENLIES THROUGH 40 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYERS,

BEGINNING APRIL 1^ST TO MAY 10^TH

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:16)

Beloved saints, all your life, you have been eating at least two meals a day. Now is a time to fast. Fast before the Lord and let your life be blessed. Fast and let others around you be blessed too. Fasting does not mean that you get so busy, you do not find time to eat. Fasting is not dieting and must not be mistaken as starvation. Fasting is the humbling of our soul before the Almighty God. It is denying ourselves in the body and getting involved with the things of the Spirit.

Fasting is not putting on a sorrowful countenance whereby we disfigure our face to show others we are fasting. The numerous blessings that come from a true fast are found in Isaiah 58. This passage is proof that true fasting restores good health and heals our body, soul and spirit:

~ Your righteousness and right relationship with God shall go before you, guiding you      

    towards peace and prosperity.

~ God’s glory will be your rearguard.

~ When you pray, God will hear your prayer.

~ You will cry out to God and God will answer you.

~ Your light will rise in darkness.

~ Your obscurity and gloom will turn into the brightness of the noonday.

~ The Lord will guide you continually.

~ He will satisfy you during drought and in dry places.

~ He will make your bones strong.

~ You will be like a watered garden.

~ You will be like an unfailing spring of water.

~ All your waste places will become fertile.

~ You will establish the foundation of many generations.

~ You will be called the Repairer of the Breach and Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

~ The Lord will make you ride on the high places of the earth and feed you the heritage

   of Jacob your father.

Therefore let us fast and come before the Lord our God in the humility of our heart.

To be continued.

CHRISTIANS AND RESENTMENT (cONT’D)

WHAT DOES RESENTMENT DO TO YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE?

1.         It robs your joy and destroys your peace of mind.

2.         It kills your patience and longsuffering with others.

3.         Resentment throws dirty mud on your goodness towards people.

4.         It makes you to be self-opinionated.

5.         It uproots love in your life.

6.         It creates room for hurts and pain.

7.         Resentment causes you to take offence for even the slightest action.

8.         Resentment makes us prisoners of our own hurts and anguish.

9.         Resentment and rejection are cousins.

10.       Resentment leads to retaliation.

11.       Marriages are splitting due to resentment.

12.       Churches are splitting due to resentment.

13.       Relationships and friendships are being destroyed due to resentment.

14.       Resentment embitters the heart of a believer.

15.       Resentment leads to bitterness and bitterness poisons the heart.

16.       Resentment is an emotional and spiritual cancer that slowly destroys your faith, spirit and Christian life.

He that is resentful will not prosper, therefore quit resentment. Resentment makes one a slave to bitterness. Bitterness in turn makes one a poison to the body of Christ. Resentment makes one immobile or unhelpful, which in turn makes one to give ‘Judas kiss’.

HOW CAN WE OVERCOME RESENTMENT?

1.         Repenting genuinely (Psalm 51:7-8)

2.         Forgetting the past (Isaiah 43:18-19)

3.         Believing in God’s healing power (Jeremiah 30:17)

4.         Not being wise in our own opinion (Romans 12:16 / Pro 3:7)

5.         Maintaining peace and holiness in the thought realm (Romans 12:18 / Philippians 4:8)

6.         Keeping no scores for revenge (Romans 12:17,19)

7.         Doing good to your neighbour (Galatians 6:10 / Romans 12:20-21)

8.         Loving those who hate you      (Matthew 5:44-45)

9.         Owing no one anything but love (Romans 12:9-10 / 13:8-10)

10.       Taking steps to make a difference (Jude verse 22)

11.       Putting away evil ways (Ephesians 4:31-32)

12.       Putting on Christ Jesus (Romans 13:13-14 / Ephesians 4:22-24)

13.       Sincerely praying for those who hurt you

READ PSALM 24:3-5 / 139:23-24

To be continued.

CHRISTIANS AND RESENTMENT (Cont’d)

RESENTMENT IN THE MINISTRY

How many sermons have been preached from the pulpit to cut down, pull down, humiliate, biasly chastise and destroy someone due to unhappiness of personality clash! How often the ministers of the Gospel use their respective preaching times to show their discomfort about a comment made by one of the leaders!

Bitterness is a poison declares the Holy Bible (Acts 8:23 / Hebrews 12:15). How many churches have been planted due to grudge and indignation against one another!

How many churches have split due to resentment, still we never learnt a bit! Most of the churches planted today are not led by God but led by resentment. God wants us to face reality (2 Chronicles 7:14-16).

Many new churches and ministries began not because God said so, but because resentment and grudge said so. That is why it is not functioning. Church of God listen! Believers of Christ pay attention and the ministers of the Gospel, hear what the Lord our God is saying to us today: Quit jealousy, resentment, indignation, competition, anger, bitterness, displeasure, grudge and it will be well with your soul, your ministry and the works of your hand.

THE CONFUSION IN THE CHURCH

The Senior Pastor resents the Associate Pastor. The Associate Pastor is bitter against the Assistant Pastor. The Assistant Pastor is not happy with the elders of the church. The Elders are against the deacons, deacons against the church council and it goes on and on. It has no ending. All these bickering are because of insecurity, distrust and fear. Quit all these for they are too heavy a load to carry.

MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US!

To be continued.

CHRISTIANS AND RESENTMENT

Satan uses resentment to break up relationships. He uses rejection to stop reconciliation. But man’s rejection is not God’s rejection and man’s acceptance is not God’s acceptance.  Therefore do not be discouraged if the whole world disowns you while God accepts you.

 The good Lord opened my eyes to see in the realm of the Spirit how the devil has geared himself up to attack, strike down, cut down and destroy the body of Christ with two dangerous weapon these years.

These dangerous weapons in the hands of Satan against the body of Christ are:

a)               RESENTMENT

b)               REJECTION

Our gracious God does not want us to be ignorant of the strategies of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:11). That is why He is forewarning us, by revealing the secrets of Satan to us (Deuteronomy 29:29).

WHAT IS RESENTMENT?

Resentment is a feeling of hatred or ill-will. Resentment is the same as anger, rancor, animosity, bitterness, displeasure, exasperation, indignation and grudge. But the opposite is affection, concord, good humour, happiness and harmony.

God said, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). The subject of resentment is something nobody wants to talk about, yet it is a reality which none can deny.

Satan and his agents want to destroy the body of Christ with resentment but in Jesus’ name we shall overcome him!

How does Satan use resentment against us? Many times we raise issues of which someone has asked for our forgiveness.

Oftentimes we treat people with a cold shoulder. Sometimes we pour out our personal disappointments about people with grudge.

Haven’t you shown your displeasure over issues that do not matter even a bit? Haven’t you made mountains out of mole holes in order to let the whole world hear and see how you have been mistreated or ill-treated? We are all guilty of this dangerous virus of resentment which has killed and destroyed many relationships.

Wives haven’t you resented your husband because of the word he used on you? Husbands do you not bear grudge and resent your wives because of your unenjoyable sex life? Wives are you not resentful towards your husband because of the past mistake which he has confessed and repented of? Husbands do you not have animosity towards your wives because she is not responding to your sexual advances?

Children are you not resentful towards your parents because you feel they did not provide enough? How many children today are angry and bitter towards their father because he did not protect the family! How many children are exasperated because they came to know that their mother did not want them and had planned to give them away! How many spouses are angry and resentful just because they feel that they are no longer the centre of love, care and attention! Church of the Living God and the body of Christ, know it that there is resentment everywhere.

• Resentment has invaded every nook and corner of our Christian life.

• Resentment has become a common phenomenon to Christian believers as well as ministers.

• Resentment has eaten through the fabric of our spiritual life.

 To be continued.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”      Matthew 5:44

Love grants us special favor before God and men. It even disarms our enemies. Such examples abound in the Scriptures.

David as the future king of Israel became a fugitive as King Saul sought to kill him. Wearied from his long trail pursuing young David, the unabashed king and his three thousand hapless men sprawled out in deep sleep in a cave. David came upon the vulnerable band and could have destroyed all of them if he wanted, but he chose not to.

 “The Lord forbid,” he said, “that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”

Rather, David moved a safe distance away and called out to the bemused king whose life he had spared. In response, the disarmed king said: “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted his voice and wept. And he said to David, “You are more righteous than me, for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil. And you have showed this day how you have dealt well unto me. For as much as the Lord has delivered me into your hands yet you did not kill me. If a man finds his enemy, will he let him go unharmed? Therefore the Lord rewards you good for what you have done unto me this day. And now behold, truly that you will surely be king and the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand”

 (1 Samuel 24:1-20).

David spared the life of King Saul because of love and compassion. It is natural to love those who love us, but it is supernatural to love those who hate us. Let us begin to love those who hate us from today in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Love also secures the help of people. It wins many people to our side and helps to maintain respect and appreciation from many. In addition, love grants us confidence among men. It removes fear and sets us free. It secures us a place amongst great men.

As with regard to Joseph, the poor slave boy from Canaan, it was his love for others, even for his enemies who treated him most unfairly, that resulted in his promotion to Prime Minister over the land of his captivity.

Joseph, by God’s divine help, came up with solutions for the whole nation when they were faced with the impending calamity of famine that could have befallen Egypt. It was Joseph’s unconditional love that made God move him from his prison cell to the royal court. He was elevated to the second most important position in the land of Egypt. God wants to do the same for you today in Jesus' name Amen.

ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”           

       John 3:5

Life in Christ is a life of moderation, self-control and self-denial. You will never be a party to anything that appears to be evil. To you, any shady business will be forbidden. Money wrongly obtained will be restituted like Zacchaeus did (Luke 19:8-9). And Jesus said unto him, “Today salvation has come to this house.” This is a mark of genuine repentance and salvation. There are those who say that they are born again and they still have the ill-gotten money and property in their possession. Some men claim to be born again but still have two wives or more in the name of a mistress or mistresses. Beloved, if you are a genuine born-again believer of our Lord Jesus Christ, you must have clean hands and a pure heart, pressing on to have a deeper experience in the Lord our Redeemer.

We need to know from the Lord Jesus Christ what it takes to get into the kingdom of God. Matthew 5:20 says, “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Our manner of life, behaviour and conduct must go beyond the outward show of the Pharisees, otherwise, we will be denied heaven.

Just consider a Pharisee. He prays and fasts often, gives money to the beggar, pays his tithes and offerings, yet he is not qualified by all these external observances to enter heaven. Likewise you may be going to a born-again Christian church or a Spirit-filled church, but if you are still lying, fighting, stealing or having immoral relationships, you cannot get into heaven.  Getting into the kingdom of God is a serious matter. Therefore, make up your mind today. Do not wait till tomorrow. Your tomorrow may never come. In heaven, all your sorrows, tears as well as sicknesses will be wiped away. You will forget all your toils, pains, labour and troubles on earth. It is really a great joy to get to heaven. Make sure you don’t miss it.

May the Lord reward you abundantly for your faithfulness in Jesus' name Amen.

THE CALL OF THE LORD

After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.                   (Luke 5:27-29)

The call of the Lord came to Levi, who is also called Matthew. It was an effective and strong call. It was an irresistible call in which the Lord did not need to preach a lengthy message to convince him. The Lord looked at him with compassion and saw that he was a candidate for the kingdom of heaven. All of a sudden, Jesus said, “Follow Me”, and Matthew without asking any question or without any delay, left all and followed Him. This has been the characteristic of people who followed the Lord. They leave their old life behind entirely.

Did Matthew understand the reason for his life when he left all and followed Christ? Did he know that when one is born again, he belongs to the Lord? Did he know that talents, time, property, future and life all belong to the Lord? Everything that is done thereafter is for the glory of God.

Matthew took the Lord to his house. Will you take the Lord to yours for He is your Saviour? He is the light of the world. Take the light back to your home. As for the grace God has given you, take that grace to your home. Matthew invited not only the Lord to his home but other people as well.

The purpose for our lives is for us to bring sinners to the saving knowledge of Christ.

BEGIN THIS NEW LIFE AND PROFESSION TODAY. WASTE NO MORE TIME!

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.”                                                            (Ephesians 5:8-10)

The Lord foresaw the characteristics of the day in which we live and predicted the adulterations and perversion of the truth. It is no secret that the Biblical prophecies concerning the nature of the last days are being fulfilled before us. Believers are beginning to misplace their priorities. Many are already shifting ground.

Their emphasis is beginning to switch from the eternal to the temporal. Some have lost grip on their particular commitment. Some who once held tenaciously to the old-time, Bible-based values have turned cold to them. The absolute truth they believed before has been exchanged for half-truths and lies. What they had cherished before has become of little importance to them. They have given up that which endures the test of eternity for that which will vanish away in an instant.

Paul the Apostle, through the foreknowledge of the Spirit, foretold during his time saying, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrine of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

The good Lord places a very high premium on the quality of our Christian life. He does not want us to chase shadows to the exclusion of faith, righteousness, consistency, godliness and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Many are fast forgetting what will guarantee their entrance into the kingdom of God. We need to walk in the Spirit and do the will of God to qualify for Heaven. Israel’s departure from Egypt to Canaan is symbolic of a sinner’s liberation from bondage of sin and Satan. As they needed to consistently follow the pillar of cloud and of fire in order to get to the Promised Land, a believer also needs to walk in the Spirit to guarantee a successful pilgrimage to reach Heaven.

If any of the Israelites had stayed by the Red Sea, fascinated by the spectacular event not knowing that the spectacular has its own place and time and had refused to walk by faith and the leading of the pillar, that Israelite would still be lost even though he or she was saved from Egypt.

As a believer, if you are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit, walk in the Spirit so as not to fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Worldly practices bring guilt, condemnation and judgment.

The Christian who walks in the Spirit does not fulfil the lust of the flesh and of the eyes. He is not influenced by the traditions of man. He is not enslaved to so-called modern ways of living, which encourage permissiveness. He does not plan and model his lifestyle after the ideologies of man. He lives only by the principles laid down in the Scripture.

What about you dearly beloved? Is your life governed by the ways of the world? Or do you live and walk daily in the Spirit?

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE TODAY!

Doing The Work Of The Lord

Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

           Deuteronomy 7:9

Moses the prophet of God and the man God used to deliver the people of Israel from the land of Egypt endured till the end.

Moses was used by God to train Joshua and other leaders. He wrote the book of Deuteronomy, giving them instructions they must keep when they get to the Promised Land. One thing you will discover about the patriarchs is that they did not allow discouragement, disappointment, rebuke or discipline to stop them from doing the work of the Lord even to the very end.

In Moses’ case, he was already 80 years old when he started the work of the Lord and he continued doing it for another 40 years.

How about Joshua and Daniel? They too endured to the very end. Have you read about Jeremiah? They put him in a dungeon; still he did not relent in his efforts to do the work of the Lord. How about Paul the apostle? He kept on doing the Lord’s work in the prison even though he knew of his impending death. How about Peter the Apostle? Before he died, he reminded the church of the necessity of obeying the Word of God. 

We started our life in the Kingdom and we must not die by the way side. We must not leave the Lord. We have received the Gospel and we must keep it till the very end.

Let not persecution, misunderstanding, affliction, peril, famine, confusion or frustration separate you from the eternal love of God. Rather, choose to endure till the very end.

The Lord wants us to continue in His word. Will you do so?

There are many souls waiting to be saved: Your parents, siblings, friends, colleagues, cousins, nephews, nieces, children, aunties, uncles, bosses and subordinates. Share the love of God with them and the good Lord will be with you.

He will never leave you nor forsake you (1 Samuel 12:22). The Lord will keep on answering your prayers (Psalm 50:15 / Jeremiah 33:3 / 1 John 5:14-15). Remember that obeying God is the main reason why we are alive. Therefore, follow the example of the Lord (1 Peter 2:20). Like Jesus Christ our Saviour, let us also endure to the very end. May the Lord our God be with us till He returns in glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

David had a sling, Dorcas had a needle,

Rahab had a string, Mary had some ointment,

Moses had a rod.

Have you some small talent you can dedicate to God?