To God be the Glory

Psalm 126

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream, Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

PSALM 150

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.  Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

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God is Faithful

Psalm 34

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.  

O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry. The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

[The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

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The Ministry Office of the Prophet

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

It is the responsibility of the prophet to speak as directed by the Holy Spirit. What happens next is God’s. Your duty is to obey God and speak as directed. You speak whatever message you are given by God to speak to His people.

A prophet calls into being the perfect will of God speaking the specific word of God that s/he is instructed, directed and commanded to speak to that situation. Ezekiel gave hope to the nation of Israel who had lost hope and confidence in themselves as a people and a nation; speaking the exact words God asked him to speak. Please read Ezekiel Chapter 37 verses 1 to 14.

A prophet spends quality time with God in word study, prayers, praise, worship and adoration. A prophet feeds, feeds fat on the word of God. Please read Revelation Chapter 10 about John the Beloved, Ezekiel Chapter2 2 verses 8 to 10, 3 verses 1 to 11. A prophet has a rich deposit of the word of God in his or her mind and mental processes; that way, a prophet to a large extent knows the mind of God on any issue (because God does not contradict His word – Colossians Chapter 3 verses 15 to 17, Hebrews Chapter 1 verses 1 to 3, John Chapters 1 verses 1 to 18, 14 verses 1 to 14.

God is the only One who establishes a person as a prophet of the Lord – 1^st Samuel Chapter 3 verses 19 to 22. It is also significant to note that God revealed himself to Samuel the prophet by the word of the Lord. This is very instructive to judging prophecy as well as true ministers of God. Please read Isaiah chapter 8 verses 19 to 20, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 14 verses 3 to 6, 24 to 33.

Understanding your calling as a prophet unto the nations is pivotal to your success in bringing God’s healing unction to the nations. This is because even as a prophet, your knowledge is limited. You can only prophesy what God asks you to prophesy. Samuel was almost carried away by the external features of the sons of Jesse.

A prophet should be a person of untainted lips, a person who speaks the truth at all times. Please read Isaiah Chapter 6 verses 1 to 8, Psalm 15 verses 1 to 6.

A prophet communicates – oral, written, body language, to express the mind, thoughts and will of God for His people. Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and John the Beloved did so in the Bible. Oral communication is currently documented in audio formats such as MP3 using online platforms like podcasting and even video platforms such as YouTube et al. Other platforms for spreading the prophecy include writing books in all formats, social media platforms to disseminate the message, intercession to bring about the manifestation of the message – Daniel, Elijah.

The Power of His Presence

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The power of His Presence

The majesty of His Presence

The deliverance in His Presence

The protection in His Presence

Emmanuel – God is with us, the Holy Spirit. A promise from God through Jesus Christ (Matthew Chapter 28 verses 19 to 20, John Chapter 14 verses 16 to 18, Acts Chapter 1 verses 1 to 5, 2 verses 4, 4 verses 33 to 39, 8, 31, Joel Chapter 2 verses 27 to 29, Isaiah Chapters 44 verses 3 to 4, 32 verse 15, Ezekiel Chapter 37 verse 14, Proverbs Chapter 1 verse 23.

A picture of God’s presence – 2^nd Kings Chapter 6 verses 12 to 18, 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 5 verses 13 to 14, 7 verses 1 to 3, 1^st Corinthians Chapter 2 verses 9 to 14.

God expects His children to be full of the Holy Spirit – John Chapter 3 verse 34, Ephesians Chapter 5 verse 18, 1^st Corinthians Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17.

Examples

The Apostles and disciples in Acts Chapter 2 verse 4, 6 verses 3 and 5, Stephen in Acts Chapter 7 verse 55, Saul in Acts Chapter 9 verse 17, Barnabas in Acts Chapter 11 verse 24, Peter in Acts Chapter 4 verse 8, the disciples in Acts Chapter 13 verse 52, Romans Chapter 15 verse 33.

Samuel enjoyed the presence of God at all times. Please read 1^st Samuel Chapter 3 verses 19 to 21.

The Apostle Paul achieved a lot in ministry but this was only possible because God was with him at all times. Please read Acts Chapter 18 verse 10.

Gideon was also surrounded with the presence of God and accomplished the divine feat of crushing Midian and ending their evil reign over Israel. Please read Judges Chapters 6 to 8.

The people of Israel always enjoyed the presence of God. Please read Joel Chapter 2 verse 27.

Jeremiah was constantly reassured of God’s presence by God himself. Please read Jeremiah Chapter 1 verse 8.

King Hezekiah of Judah. Please read 2^nd Kings Chapter 18 verses 7 to 8, 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 32 verses 7 to 8.

King Asa also enjoyed the presence of God. Please read 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 15 verse 9

Jehoshaphat – 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 17 verses 3 to 6

God blessed the leaders of Judah and the Judeans with His holy presence. They were able to complete the rebuilding of the temple despite the fierce opposition and other challenges they faced. Please read Haggai Chapters 1 verse 13, 2 verses 4 to 9, 15 to 19.

Touch Not 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

God also shields His children and the nations that are dependent on Him from the enemy and devourer through the blood of Jesus Christ. Each time the enemy brings accusations against them in the realm of the spirit, or stands on a legal ground against them, God raises the blood of Jesus Christ as a shield against the enemy. Please read Colossians Chapter 2 verses 13 to 14. The efficacy of the blood of Jesus is attested to severally in the Bible. Please read Exodus Chapter 11 verse 1, 12 verse 3, 12, 29, Matthew Chapter 26 verses 26 to 29,

The blood of Jesus Christ is God’s last card for every conflict in life. The blood of Jesus Christ is God’s ultimate mystery for resolving long standing issues. Every battle, every challenge responds respectfully to the authenticity and power of the blood of Jesus Christ.

The blood of Jesus is an instrument of triumph and victory in the life of a child of God. The blood of Jesus is also an instrument of destruction in the camp of the enemy. The blood of Jesus Christ was God’s last card to bring an end to the oppression of Pharaoh. The blood of Jesus Christ is God’s ultimate provision for war in Zion. The blood always accomplishes victory. It is God’s ultimate weapon for war in Zion, for the establishment of long awaited testimonies.  The children of Israel became too hot for the Egyptians and Pharaoh to handle. They practically drove the Israelites out of their land.

The God who does many things at the same time is your shield, Healer, Provider. He is the mighty God and He placed His mark of TOUCH NOT ON YOU TO DO YOU GOOD. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ever ask or think of.

By His stripes, you are healed. You are wealthy because your father is rich. The devil does not know everything. Only God, the El-Shaddai, the great I AM THAT I AM knows everything – 1^st Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 1 and He always gives a beautiful end to every story – 1^st Kings Chapter 8 verse 68, Matthew Chapter 13 verse 1. God is I am already. God is everything. If you name the blessings you desire from Him, He becomes those blessings to you and your nation.  Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 6. God takes decisions without consulting anyone.  

You will recover speed in Jesus mighty name because God will restore you and your nation in multiples.

You and your nation will be in great demand globally.

Go ahead and implement multiple projects; make the valley full of ditches, not a ditch, (2nd Kings Chapter 3 verses 16 to 18).

Touch Not

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

You carry the divine nature of God (/2^nd Peter Chapter 1 verse 4). You are the new temple of Christ, the new Holy of Holies, therefore you must keep your body holy so that you always have the seal of God in you. The seal of God upon you guarantees your inheritance in Christ Jesus according to 1^st Peter Chapter verses 3 to 4. Your inheritance in Christ Jesus cannot be altered, corrupted, and defiled because it is reserved in heaven. Please read Ephesians Chapter 1 verse 12 to 14 (sealed and guaranteed inheritance for those who trust and believe in the gospel). The seal is placed by the Holy Ghost and speaks of security, it is definite, unchangeable, incorruptible, irremovable, and unalterable. The purpose of God’s seal is for divine protection – touch not. John Chapter 6 verse 27, Matthew Chapter 3 verse 16. Seal is a mark of ownership, protection and safeguard.

The Philistines carried the Ark of God in their hand and that Ark became a source of national, family and personal sorrow to them. Respite came for the Philistines when the Ark was returned.

Pharaoh and Abimelech took over Sarai, Abram’s wife and God afflicted them and members of their families and nations.

Achan took what he should not have taken and brought national disgrace, unnecessary and avoidable deaths of some of Israel’s soldiers; and eventually his own death alongside members of his family because he took what did not belong to him, what God forbade them from taking.

Beloved, the enemy may have afflicted you and the peoples of the nations with overwhelming challenges such as ailments which have defied medical science. Some ailments are satanically inflicted to torment, humiliate and oppress people, even animals, lands and natural resources in order to place limits on them. Please read Acts Chapter 5 verse 16 (the people who were tormented by unclean spirits – they received their healings), Acts Chapter 10 verse 38, Matthew Chapter 9 verses 20 to 22, Luke Chapter 8 verses 43 to 48, Mark Chapter 5 verses 25 to 34, the woman with the issue of blood and the Gadarene demoniac, the epileptic boy (Mark Chapter 9 verses 17 to 27, Luke Chapter 9 verses 38 to 43, the woman bent over (Luke Chapter 13 verses 11 to 16, Luke Chapter 4 verses 17 to 19, Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 1 to 3).

The Place of Prayer in Shepherding the Flock of Christ 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

To tend the sheep is to manage the adults who are the sheep to conform to Christ and not you; because you do not own the sheep. You are only a caretaker of the sheep. You tend through prayers, counselling, provision, care, and visitation. Please read John Chapter 21 verses 15 to 17, Ezekiel Chapter 34, Psalm 23, John Chapter 10 verses 1 to 18, 1^st Peter Chapter 5 verses 1 to 4, 1^st Timothy Chapter 2 verse 8.

Types of Flock

The missing sheep – missing because they wandered away, because they walked in their own ways, lacked directions, were ignorant, or wilfully disobeyed the Shepherd

The Lost Sheep

The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin as well as the prodigal son illustrate Jesus’ concern for the lost sheep. Jesus came to seek and save the lost - Luke Chapter 19 verse 10. Please see also Ezekiel Chapter 34. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance – Luke Chapters 5 verses 27 to 32, 15 verses 4 to 32, the conversion of Zacchaeus. Jesus’ travail at Gethsemane was not for the righteous but lost humanity; to reconcile man back to God; Daniel for lost Israel; Nehemiah for lost Israel; Apostle Paul for vacillating sheep, flock who could be lost.

 Therefore, zero in on the lost sheep to restore them to the fold and fellowship – Ezekiel Chapter 34 verses 1 to 31, note verse 16. Please read Luke Chapter 19 verse 10, Daniel Chapter 9, Jeremiah Chapters 7 verses 16 to 21, 14 verses 11 to 22, and Ezekiel Chapter 11 verses 1 to 13, (ignorance and rebellion).

The Sick Sheep

These are those suffering from spiritual, physical and mental ailments. Some of the spiritual, mental and physical ailments listed in Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 1 to 3 and Luke Chapter 4 verse 18 are:

•         The broken hearted

•         The poor

•         Those who mourn

•         The captives

•         Those who are bound                        

It is the responsibility of the shepherd to care for and administer healing and comfort to the sick sheep. Please read Psalm 23 verse 1, John Chapter 10 verses 1 to 11, Ezekiel Chapter 34, Luke Chapter 4 verse 18, Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 1 to 3 (the poor, the broken hearted, the captives, those who are bound, those who mourn – Luke Chapter 18 verses 19 to 14.

The Place of Prayer in Shepherding the Flock of Christ

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

A shepherd provides divine guidance – psalm 23, Isaiah Chapter 48 verses 17 to 18, Psalm 78 verses 52 to 55, Psalm 107 verse 30, Isaiah Chapter 55 verses 1 to 5, 13, John Chapter 10 verses 1 to, Galatians Chapter 1 verses 8 to 12.

The good shepherd always shepherds His sheep to good pasture and quiet waters. But if the sheep or a sheep stray into wrong places and eats poisoned food or drinks poisoned water or is even attacked, it is not the fault of the good Shepherd but that of the erring sheep.

God, the good shepherd; shepherds us in multi-dimensional ways such as a loving Father, Savior, King, Redeemer, Healer, Provider, Justifier, Sanctifier, Protector, He provides security and defense (Zechariah Chapter 3 verses 1 to 5, Revelation Chapter 12 verses 10 to 11,

1^st John Chapter 1 verses 7 to 10 – acknowledging sins and repenting of them promptly is very important – have short accounts with God, do not excuse sin by claiming a reason for; justifying your sinful utterances and actions.

A shepherd must care for His sheep. Every shepherd who wants to be respected and obeyed must genuinely care for His sheep. Please see John Chapter 21 verses 14 to 17.

The sheep of God is the flock of Christ represented in the following categories of people.

•         The Church – those already in Christ (John Chapter 10, John Chapter 21).

•         The saved but backslidden who should be restored to the Church.

•         The yet to be saved, that is the lost sheep located in different areas of the world.

•         The sick flock who are vulnerable to preys.

All of these are important to God and require prayers for daily growth and sustenance. Some are strong while some are vulnerable. Again, they should be fed and tended. That explains why Jesus said to Peter; Feed my lambs, tend the sheep.

The lambs are the young and they should be fed because they require much milk to grow. The milk is the word of God. Give them huge doses of the word of God but in such way that they can easily digest the word – that is understand the word and apply the word in their day to day living. Give them divine direction – point them to Christ by teaching them the word of God – Psalm 119 verses 105, 130, 1^st Peter Chapter 2 verse 2, Hebrews Chapter 5 verses 12 to 14. Pray that the word of God takes root in their hearts, mixes with faith in their hearts – Colossians Chapter 1 verses 19 to 23, 2 verses 6 to 23, 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 2 verses 11 to 13, Acts Chapter 20 verses 25 to 32, 2^nd Timothy Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17.

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God Rules Over the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

God rules over the nations. Please read Psalm 22 verse 28, Jeremiah Chapter 10 verses 6 to 7, Psalm 47 verse 8, 46 verse 10, 66 verse 7.

God rewards.  God rewards excellent work that is done diligently with the help of the Holy Spirit. Every divine assignment comes with divine blessings – everything you do for God is usually rewarded by God and in His own time. Please read Ezekiel Chapter 29 verses 18 to 20, Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 8 to 9, Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 6, and Psalm 62 verse 12

He Who keeps Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers. Please read Psalm 121 verses 3 to 4.

God helps the poor and needy, vulnerable and oppressed. Please read Psalm 146 verse 5.

God gives bread. It is the will of God for every child of God to have food. God will not leave you hungry in Jesus mighty name. Please read Psalms 145 verse 15, 104 verses 10 to 15, 21, 27, 103 verse 5, 111 verses 4 to 6, 107 verses 8 to 9, 31 to 39, 105 verses 40 to 42, 811 verses 13 to 15.Deuteronomy Chapter 8 verses 7 to 10, 11 verses 13 to 15, Matthew Chapter 15 verses 32 to 39, 14 verses 15 to 21, John Chapter 6 verses 5 to 13.

God knows the heart of everyone. Please read 1^st Chronicles Chapter 28 verse 9, 1^st Samuel Chapter 16 verses 6 to 7, Hebrews Chapter 4 verses 12 to 13, Acts Chapter 1 verse 24, Galatians Chapter 2 verses 11 to 18, 1^st Samuel Chapter 13 verses 1 to 14, 15 verses 1 to 35.

God is not partial.  Please read Job Chapter 37 verse 24, Proverbs Chapter 24 verse 23

God Forgives. Please read Mark Chapter 2 verse 5, Luke Chapter 7 verses 40 to 50, 5 verses 18 to 25, Isaiah Chapters 32 verses 15 to 20, 1 verses 16 to 19, Joel Chapter 2, 1^st Kings Chapter 4 verses 20 to 34, Psalm 85 verse 5, 1^st John Chapter 1 verses 8 to 10, Exodus Chapter 34 verses 5 to 8, Isaiah Chapter 54 verses 6 to 7, 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14, Psalm 85 verses 1 to 9, 10, Micah Chapter 7 verses 18 to 20 (the place of truth in forgiveness and restoration.

God gives life to the dead by His Spirit. Please read – John Chapter 6 verse 63, Romans Chapter 8 verses 1 to 14, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 3 verses 5 to 6, 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 5 to 10.

God gives life to the dead – 2^nd Kings Chapter 13 verse 21. In Romans Chapter 4 verses 17 to 24, the Bible records that He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Please also read Romans Chapters 6 verses 4, 9 to 10; 7 verse 4.  Acts Chapters 13 verse 30; 3 verse 15.

He gave life to the dead womb of Sarah and Abraham’s reproductive organs so that they became parents at a time when they should have long ceased child bearing – Hebrews Chapter 11 verses 11 to 12.  The women who received their dead raised to life – Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 35, 1^st Kings Chapter 17 verses 17 to 23, 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verse 17 to 37, Luke Chapter 7 verses 11 to 16, and John Chapter 11 verses 1 to 45.

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Church, Arise to Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

God has opened great and effective doors for the Church to function – 1^st Corinthians Chapter 16 verse 9.  These are doors of opportunity for preaching the word – 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 12; a door for the word – Colossians Chapter 4 verse 3; an open door that no one can shut – Revelation Chapter 3 verses 7 to 8, Isaiah Chapter 22 -verse 22; double doors so that the gates will not be shut – Isaiah Chapter 45 verse 1.

The Church should therefore stop crying wolf. Rather, the Church should concentrate on what God asked the Church to do – preach the gospel, share information that transforms with God’s target audience, teach as one having authority -  Mark Chapter 1 verse 22, command demon spirits with authority - Mark Chapter 1 verse 27 and providing leadership and direction. The Church should preach the word of faith as the early Church did. Please see Romans Chapter 10 verses 8 to 18, so that people can hear the word of God, call on God and be saved?

God promised the Israelites the land of Canaan flowing with milk and honey but the wilderness was preparation ground. The wilderness experience is the opposite experience of what God promised. In like manner God is leading the Church through the wilderness experience to remove every trace of worldliness from the Church so that the Church can become the true bride of Christ, without spot and wrinkles. The Lord permits the wilderness experience to remove every trace of worldliness from the Church. That way the Church will look like the head of the Church, Christ. The Church must take on the nature of Christ. With the nature of Christ, the Church can easily take on any opposition as stated in the Bible in Matthew Chapter 16 verses 18 to 19.

These gates of Hades – which are many are opposed to the Church but God says in His word that does not return to Him void that these gates shall not prevail against the Church. And because they cannot prevail against the Church, the Church should arise and bring healing to the nations especially now that the hearts of people are filled with fear: fear of strange diseases, economic challenges and what have you.

Beloved, this is the opportune and incredible time for the Church to impact the nations. These are the days of His power. The hearts of men are failing and this is the time to direct them to Christ. This is the day of God’s power. There is power in the Church to deliver God’s people – Ezekiel Chapter 37, Genesis Chapter 28. So be it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ and may you be one of the vessels in the Church to bring about God’s healing in the nations in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Shalom.

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Arise from Slumber

 Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

You restock your national, local and personal armory before embarking on a war. It is not when the war is on that you start preparing to buy additional ammunition. The worst mistake you can make while prosecuting a war is to run out of ammunition and men. Put your house in order before embarking on any war. Please read Luke Chapter 14 verses 28 to 32.

One of the ways to put your house in order in the battle for the healing of the nations is to watch and pray always. Please read Luke Chapter 21 verse 36, 18 verses 1 to 8. Do what you need to do to win by daily asking God for help on your knees for victory. This calls for intelligent plans which assess to evaluate so that you quickly restock your armory. But if unfortunately, you are in deep slumber, you may either have to wake up immediately or face the enemy without any ammunition.

Beloved, it is time to arise from slumber. You have slept for too long and are on the verge of complacency. You may wonder if there is a connection between complacency, mental stupor and slumber. Yes, there is and that is one of the reasons individuals, families, communities, institutions and nations labor in vain. Please read Psalm 132 verse 4, 121 verses 3 to 4, Proverbs Chapter 24 verse 33, 6 verse 4, 9 to 10.

One of the reasons labor can be in vain is sleep. Sleep in this case may not necessarily be physical sleep but spiritual and mental sleep. Please see Matthew Chapter 13 verses 24 to 25, Proverbs Chapters 6 verses 4 to 11; 20 verse 13; 22 verses 29, 13; 24 verses 30 to 34, Psalm 13 verse 3, Acts Chapter 20 verses 9 to 10. Spiritual sleep is progressive and if not curbed at the right time can progressively lead to spiritual death.

Yet another consequence of slumber is that watchmen become blind, ignorant, and dumb. They lack understanding, walk in their own ways and for their own gain. Please read Isaiah Chapters 56 verses 10 to 12; 29 verses 9 to 11, Acts Chapter 20 verses 9 to 10, Proverbs Chapters 6 verses 4 to 11; 24 verses 30 to 34; 20 verses 13; 19 verse 15, Psalm 13 verse 3, Ephesians Chapter 5 verse 14, Matthew Chapter 26 verses 37 to 46, Luke Chapter 22 verses 4o to 45, Mark Chapter 14 verses 32 to 42.

Refuse to be stagnant. Stagnancy breeds retrogression and debilitation. Consider that stagnant waters always breed insects and other micro organisms that cause diseases. So also does stagnancy in a person’s spiritual life breed spiritual diseases such as backsliding from a fervent relationship with God to well I can cope; I can handle it and gradually backsliding to the point where you begin to accommodate sin, laugh at sin and gradually sin becomes a norm in your life.

Avoid backsliding (Galatians Chapter 5 verse 4). There is no middle point and no room for dormancy.  Avoid backsliding by making conscious and purposeful efforts to advance forward. A backslider is someone who had been saved but turned back on Jesus. Backsliders are deserters – Galatians Chapter 1 verse 6. Sometimes, backsliding is as a result of incomplete salvation – they have not fully surrendered their lives to Christ, their minds have not been changed, for example Lot. Genesis Chapter 13 verses 12 to 13, 2^nd Timothy Chapter 2 verse 3. Though he walked closely with Abraham, he was still worldly and at any point in time always reverted to the flesh.

Backsliders blame circumstances on God and develop a root of bitterness to God. The love of this world – 2^nd Timothy Chapter 4 verse 10. Demas is an example. James Chapter 4 verse 4. Poor Christian leadership – leaders who are living in sin – 1^st Corinthians Chapter 8 verse 9. The love of money – John Chapter 13 verse 29, Hebrews Chapter 6 verses 4 to 8, 3 verse 12, Ephesians Chapter 5 verses 18, 3 verse 19.

Backsliders cannot bring healing to the nations as they need to be healed of their backsliding before they can become vessels of God’s healing unction to the nations. Beloved, are you in deep slumber? It is time to overcome the spirit of slumber so that you can consciously and purposefully press forward for the healing of the nations.

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Travailing for the Flock of Christ 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Early Church also travailed. They travailed for Peter who was on death row and was about to be killed by Herod. Peter was delivered and miraculously released from prison on the night before he was to be killed. Please read full details of this faith inspiring story in Acts Chapter 12.

Nehemiah – He travailed for the restoration of Israel to its former glory. Please see Nehemiah Chapter 1.

Daniel – for Israel in captivity to be restored to their homeland. Daniel Chapter 9.

Esther – travailed against the proposed annihilation of the Jews sponsored by Haman.

Anna travailed for the purposes of God for Israel and humanity – Luke Chapter 2 verses 36 to 38.

Prophet Samuel – He prayed for Israel and also agonized for King Saul. 1^st Samuel Chapters 7, 8, 12 verses 18 to 23.

Prophet Jeremiah -   He interceded for the people severally in spite of God’s repeated instructions to Jeremiah not to intercede for the people (Jeremiah Chapters 7 verses 16 to 20, 14 verses 11 to 12 and 15 verse 1).

Prophet Ezekiel – Ezekiel Chapter 11 verses 1 to 13.