Pray to Heal the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Prayer is not gymnastics. It is not a display of spiritual power with God or self-righteousness or spiritual superiority over other people. Prayer is laying it all down before God; surrendering to God in humility; humbling ourselves before God to seek His help; intervention and guidance in our lives. Prayer is worship; it is total surrender to God to Whom all power belong.

Pray for Deliverance from Near Death Situations

Elijah travailed for the dying son of the widow of Zarephath to be revived back to life in 1^st Kings Chapter 17 verses 17 to 24 and in 18 verses 41 to 46, the Bible records Elijah’s travails for the restoration of rain in Israel. Please read also James Chapter 5 verses 16 to 18.

Elisha travailed for life to be restored to the son of the woman of Shunem – 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verses 32 to 37. Elisha – 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verses 28 to 37

The Early Church also travailed. They prayed for Peter who was about to be killed by Herod and Peter was 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.

Hezekiah in Isaiah Chapter 38, take note of verse 5, 21. In the place of a lump of figs, apply the blood of Jesus Christ.

Epaphroditus in Philippians Chapter 2 verses 25 to 30. God had mercy on him and on the Apostle Paul so that Paul would not have sorrow. Thank You, Jesus.

Beloved, you ought to pray for members of your family, neighbors, community and nation who do not see their need for the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. This is because such people are acting like Peter who denied the Lordship of Jesus Christ. What is required is much prayer for them to be completely free of the forces of darkness controlling them and blinding them from responding to the great love of God for them. Please read Amos Chapter 2 verse 3, Matthew Chapter 16 verses 21 to 23, 2^nd Corinthians Chapters 3 to 4. Your sincere prayers for them will help them surrender to Christ and as they do so, healing comes to the individuals in their spirits, souls and bodies so that the families, neighborhoods, communities and nations experience peace and total healing by the Spirit of God.

Pray to Heal the Nations

 Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Why Pray

Jesus commanded and showed us a pattern. Prayers are also required to deal with deceit, hypocrisy, to stop the activities of ignorant teachers and therefore correct error. Please read the following scriptures for details and inspiration - Romans Chapter 8 verse 34, Hebrews Chapter 7 verse 25, James Chapter 5 verse 16, Ezekiel Chapter 33 verses 6 to 11, Isaiah Chapter 62 verses 6 to 7, John Chapter 10 verse 10, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 4 verses 3 to 4, Galatians Chapter 2 verses 11 to 14, 1^st Timothy Chapter 1 verses 3 to 7, 4 verses 1 to 16, 2^nd Timothy Chapters 3 verses 1 to 9, 4 verses 1 to 5, 14 to 15, Titus Chapter 1 verses 5 to 16, Romans Chapter 16 verses 17 to 18.

We are to pray without ceasing like Anna, the Apostle Paul, Jesus Christ, Moses, Elijah, some scripture references on praying at all times – 2^nd Timothy Chapter 5 verses 1 to 6, Mark Chapter 1 verse 35, Luke Chapter 5 verse 16, 6 verse 12, 9 verse 18, 1 verse 1, 18 verses 1 to 14 and 21 verse 36.

Some examples of prayers in the Bible include but are not limited to Jesus’ prayer in John Chapter 17, the following Pauline prayers in Colossians Chapters 4 verse 12, 3 verse 16, 1 verses 9 to 23, 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 3 verses 9 to 23, Elijah’s prayer in James Chapter 5 verses 14 to 16, Peter’s prayers in 2^nd Peter Chapter 3 verses 16 to 18 and Psalm 125. ,

Nehemiah prayed for the restoration of Jerusalem, alone in the privacy of his room. Significantly, he did not call for a prayer meeting. Rather, he cried to God on behalf of his nation. Quite instructive is the fact that Nehemiah was comfortable in the land of captivity. He served the King and because the King was impressed with the quality of Nehemiah’s services as cup bearer, Nehemiah’s job was secure. Yet, Nehemiah was deeply concerned about the state of his homeland, in point of fact so concerned that he took time to fast and pray for his nation in the midst of comfort and abundance that he was in.

Edify to Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Church is the most powerful body on earth, the strongest people on earth who should actually determine how states are run, provide direction, give and state values for governance and business purposes, determine the flow of national resources and ensure equity and justice.

Yet, the Church is tied to the apron strings of states, taking directions from states; allowing States to provide guidance; unfortunately the guidance which the states do not source from God. Assenting to such guidance in the name of political correctness and social acceptance is not what the Church should do. Rather, the Church should sit up to her true responsibilities to edify the people in order to direct their hearts to God to provide direction for States. Please read Matthew Chapters 18 verses 18 to 20; 16 verses 13 to 19 and Isaiah Chapter 59 verse 19.

The Church should also arise from the slumber of being an appendage to States to walk in the light of God, to do everything for the purpose of edification and not competition or stomach infrastructure so that lives are saved, transformed to walk with God and serve God. Please read Ephesians Chapter 5 verse 16, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 13 verse 10, 1^st Corinthians Chapter 14 verses 1 to 26, note verses 4 to 5, 12, 26 and 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 11.

Daniel and his three friends, Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego were able to achieve this in Babylon as well as the Persian empires they served in. The leadership of the early Church were also able to achieve this. They did not bull doze their way into the leadership of the nation States. They also did not challenge the authority of the leadership. They were honest, law abiding and God fearing citizens. They simply lived as God would have them live in the nations they served and provided divine direction when called upon to serve.

The Church should also put on the armor of light by living holy unto the Lord and not as the world expects the Church to live. Please read Romans Chapter 13 verse 12.

Provide Leadership to Heal the Nations 4

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Leaders provide leadership giving direction out of miry circumstances. Generally, people gravitate to a sense of meaningful direction and purpose designed to bring about improvements in the quality of lives of the people. When they do not find that sense of direction and purpose, they drift seeking where they can find it.  Maxwell

True organizational growth is a product of conscious and deliberate; alongside consistent self-discovery, personal development and growth. This is because an organization cannot grow beyond the capacity of the people who man and run the organization. If you put a rookie pilot in the best of today’s aircraft, the aircraft can only perform as best as the expertise and experience of the rookie pilot. In like manner, the growth and development of any nation is tied to both the personal development and growth of both the leadership and the people of the country.

A leadership unschooled in self-discovery and personal development and growth is akin to the blind leading the blind and the blind leading the blind may not go far especially on a development and growth route lined with potholes, etc.

When a person lacks the leadership skills to manage an enterprise especially if s/he has no vision of where s/he is headed and therefore cannot find the mission, objectives, activities alongside timelines as well as other resources to grow and sustain the enterprise, then the enterprise is doomed to fail not because God designed it to fail but because the leader has refused to connect with God to get directives on how to pilot the enterprise to success.

An incorrigible temperamental person who lacks discipline, is spiteful, unteachable and lies and is also vengeful has no business in leadership. S/he has no rule over his own spirit and therefore should not rule over other people. Proverbs Chapter 14 verse 29.

Provide Leadership to Heal the Nations 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Nehemiah’s Success Strategies

A great fervent and loving relationship with God, he always turned to God first for counsel. Direction and help before asking for human help and support.

Nehemiah was a man of prayer – he prayed rather than argue, quarrel or fight. In essence, he handed his challenges to God and God always took care of the challenges.

He did not go it alone. He partnered and worked with other people – collaboration and networking - Nehemiah Chapter 4 verses 4 to10.

He put God interest and national interest ahead of personal and family interest. God honored him.

He consistently encouraged his partners and fellow workers on the wall. That stirred up their morale and determination to work despite the fierce opposition, ridicule and mockery from Sanballat and co.

When it became absolutely necessary, Nehemiah resorted to the use of arms - the opposition was going to launch surprise attacks on them and because they were privileged to get that information early, they prepared and stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall. He also encouraged the guards, assuring them of God’s protection over their lives and of course ultimate victory against their enemies.

He trained and encouraged everyone to be on alert, high alert so that even while drinking water, his spear was rightly positioned for attack. He also kept reassuring them of God’s protection. God honored Nehemiah and kept him and his men and the Jews safe. The opposition failed and the wall was completed.

y Provide Leadership to Heal the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Nehemiah; Strategist and Builder

He provided leadership and direction. He provided selfless leadership, not leadership for personal gain.

God instructed Nehemiah to rebuild the broken down walls of Jerusalem after a period of waiting in God in prayers and fasting. Having received uncommon divine favor from God to access the required resources for the tasks ahead, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem; probably accompanied by some Jews and friends.

Quite significant and instructive is the fact that he did not share what God instructed him to do at Jerusalem with anyone immediately. They had been there three days, yet he kept mum. Even when he embarked on the surveillance mission at night to inspect the walls, he was taciturn. Not a word to anyone, not even the priests, nobles, local officials or anyone else he would partner and work with.

Also significant is the fact that he embarked on the mission at night – so as not to call attention to what he was doing – inspecting the wall to ascertain extent of damage. That way, no one knew what he was doing or what he was up to. It was only after he had a clear idea of the extent of damage and the volume of work required for damage reversal that he called a meeting of potential stakeholders and told them why he was in Jerusalem; albeit what had to be done and the favor and support he had received from the King.

The potential stakeholders were impressed and gave him their full support. That commenced the rebuilding of the broken down walls of Jerusalem albeit amidst fierce opposition by those who hated the Jews – led by Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. Nevertheless the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt because Nehemiah provided leadership, drawn from God through his fervent relationship with God.

Secondly, the people had a mind to work because God made them willing – Psalm 110 – your people shall be willing in the day of your power. God energized and strengthened them to work.

Leadership is not competition; it is not rivalry; it is giving divine direction to the people of God so that the people who know their God can do exploits at all times. Most times, people assume that leadership is lording it over people but the truth is that leadership is to provide direction. Jesus Christ gave the perfect example when He said that leadership is service - service to humanity – teach the people what to do; direct them on where to go; instruct them on how to do things and give them the space they require to do what they have to do with zero to minimum supervision. Leadership is not a show off of power, money and influence. It embodies humility and a willingness to teach and correct in love.

Provide Leadership to Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

 Hezekiah’s Strategy

Quite significant, instructive and strategic is the fact that Hezekiah did not have access to or owned the military, numeric, economic or political might of the Assyrian King, Sennacherib. Even the military chieftain of the Assyrian army known as Rabshekah attested to this fact when he sarcastically asked Hezekiah’s men if they could find two thousand men to place on two thousand horses that they would gladly give Hezekiah. Please read Isaiah Chapter 36 verse 8.  So in terms of numeric strength of soldiers, as well as weapons for warfare, Judah had none and Hezekiah did not pretend that he had anything anywhere. Therefore, looking at the facts on the ground, Judah had absolutely no reason to defy Sennacherib. Yet Hezekiah chose to defy Sennacherib and urged his people to do so. Why?

Hezekiah trusted in God and chose to use the truth of the word of God that never fails; that always accomplishes divine purpose against Sennacherib and his conquistador army. Even the Rabshekah warned Hezekiah that Hezekiah’s words were no match for his weapons. Please read Isaiah Chapter 36 verses 4 to 7. Not surprising! The Rabshekah was ignorant of the truth of the word of God; coupled with the great power in the word of God. He did not know that the word of God is God; and because all power belongs to God (Psalm 62); the word of God cannot and does not fail.

Significantly, Hezekiah did not call a press conference to address the press about what the Rabshekah said. Neither did he call a national executive committee meeting. He did not also call a town hall or community or national meeting.

Hezekiah, fasting went to the temple of God and prayed. He also sent the three representatives to the prophet Isaiah to report what the Rabshekah said. Hezekiah had hardly finished from the temple waiting to get feedback from the three representatives sent to Isaiah when Sennacherib sent a new message; this time a handwritten letter. After reading the letter, Hezekiah again acted in the area of his strength. He went to the temple and spread the letter out before God.

Wise Women, Strong Women, Strong Nations 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The brave, beautiful and courageous mother of Moses, Jechobed also falls into this category of women. For three months, she successfully hid her son Moses from not only Pharaoh and his children murdering army but also her neighbors. She kept sealed lips and even when she strategized on dropping Moses off at the river, she kept sealed lips. Only Miriam, also schooled in keeping secrets was privy to what she was doing which explain why Jechobed took Miriam with her to the river. Jechobed’s discreet use of her tongue also helped to keep her son safe.

Esther the queen was wise and strong enough to obey her older cousin Mordecai not to disclose her race to anyone until the appointed time even when she did not understand why she had to keep sealed lips. As events unfolded, she realized the wisdom in keeping sealed lips.

Beloved, it is not every information about you or family members, institution, community or nation that should be in the public domain. Some information should be kept secret until when God is ready for the information to be made public. If Esther had disclosed her race, Haman would have probably embarked on a campaign of calumny against her and strategized on dethroning her. If Jechobed had announced that she was hiding her son for safety purpose, one or two angry women who lost theirs to Pharaoh’s murderous army would have snitched to the authorities and Moses would have been killed. But because she brought Moses out at the right time in God’s plans and purposes for the young man, God arranged for the Princess to have compassion on him and adopt him. That was also the case with Jehosheba and Joram. When it was God’s time to rid Athaliah and her evil reign of terror from the land, God used Jehoiada, the Priests and Levites to crown Joram as King in Jerusalem. This was of course after the young man, as well as the Priests and Levites led by Jehoiada covenanted themselves to God; to honor and serve God. The coronation was successful, Athaliah was killed and everyone and the city had peace.

Wise Women, Strong Women, Strong Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Jehosheba, Wise and Strong

Jehosheba was the daughter of the infamous and unrepentant King Jehoram of Judah. Quite significant and instructive is the fact that Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat who ruled Judah after the demise of Jehoshaphat. Unfortunately, Jehoram chose to walk in darkness; following in eh footsteps of the Ahab dynasty. He also abandoned the light his father walked in. he killed his brothers the moment he ascended the throne, served idols, refused reproof and correction despite several warnings and catastrophes. Eventually, he died of an incurable disease in his colon. He also suffered loss of children and wives following an invasion of Judah by the Philistines. His only surviving son, Ahaziah took over as King after his death. But Ahaziah also chose to walk in the darkness of the Ahab dynasty and also died young. Quite sad but even more sad was what his mother Athaliah did after his death. Rather than crown one of his sons King, she took over as queen and went on a killing spree – supposedly killing all who could succeed Ahaziah.

But Ahaziah’s sister, Jehosheba who was the wife of Jehoiada the Priest saved one of the sons of Ahaziah by stealing him and his nurse and hiding them away from Athaliah. So, Athaliah unleashed a reign of terror, unaware that there was a successor to the throne.

Significantly, Jehosheba’s actions were based on the word of God, the precious and faithful promises of God to David that he would never lack an heir to the throne. Please read Psalm 89. So for about seven years, Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada nurtured the young Prince Joram in preparation for the throne. They did this quietly and secretly. No one was aware of the fact that any of Ahaziah’s sons was still alive except his nurse. At the appointed time, Jehoiada acted, working in tandem with other Priests and Levites to crown the young Joram as King.

Beloved, Jehosheba was not only a godly woman who feared God and honored God; she was a courageous woman. She took a great risk in stealing the young prince alongside her nurse from the palace; a great risk because the blood thirsty Athaliah could have killed her and her entire family if she discovered. But because Jehosheba acted in faith like Queen Esther, God ensured that Athaliah never knew anything about it. God kept Jehosheba and her family as well as the Prince and her nurse safe.

Celebrate God in the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

God Almighty, El-Shaddai

Our secure and unfailing hiding place

Our formidable refuge

Our impenetrable fortress

Secured with and by the blood of Jesus

God, El-Shaddai, Elohim, Jehovah Shammah

He is our faithful eternal security and refuge

The unquenchable wall of fire

The eternal Rock of Ages

The Solid Rock on which we stand

Always Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent

All Sufficient God, Jehovah Tsidkenu

Alpha and Omega, great beginning, glorious and faithful end

He always breaks the bows of the wicked

And always removes and destroys barriers to progress

The parting of the Red Sea

The collapse of the walls of Jericho

The parting of River Jordan

God always makes a way when and where it appears as if there is no way

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Goliaths are Masks

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Panic, confusion, anxiety, great anxiety prowls the earth; seeking refuge in hearts weighed down by tales of skilled orators and story tellers. Tales which are garbed in religion, myths, facts, anything but the truth; masking the greatest hoax of the century which is designed to cripple the hearts of men and make kittens of women and children as they run endless races in stampedes for bread, money and mammon. A well fattened lie from the pit of hell but which has been defeated by the truth of the word of God and the blood of Jesus Christ, the name of Jesus Christ at which every knee bows and every tongue confesses the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST; JESUS CHRIST is LORD forever over every Goliath in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, unmask a Goliath and you will be shocked because Goliaths unmasked are deflated balloons, puffed up air, only for a while, waiting to explode into nothingness, oblivion and expiration. Goliaths are huge fat lies, waiting to be exposed and destroyed by the truth of the word of God.

Beloved, the truth about the strength of Goliaths is that the strength of Goliaths is only for as long as Goliaths remain unchallenged with the truth of the word of God. Goliath’s peacock strut and parade is also only for as long as he is permitted to do so. Once challenged with the truth of the word of God, Goliaths become vulnerable and die. That means that Goliath’s strength lies in the lies he tells; through threats, intimidation, empty boasts and propaganda designed to immobilize its victims to inaction so that they are not able to come up with appropriate responses. The inaction further strengths Goliath to inflict petrifying fear whereas in reality, Goliaths are the ones who are most afraid.

Beloved, do not fear. The panacea to every Goliath irrespective of its supposedly strength and armies behind it as well as the length of its reign of terror is to challenge Goliath with the truth of the Word of God. The Word of God always has great power to silence Goliath and his cohorts forever.

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Wise Women, Strong Women, Strong Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

  

Humble, loving, kind

She sits at the feet of Jesus

Godly, she fears the Lord

Resourceful, her hands work diligently

Obediently, she submits in love and the fear of God

Selfless, she prepares to meet the King

Boldly, she requests deliverance for her people

Prayerful, she fasts and intercedes

Spending quality time with God

Fearless, fully trusting God for victory

She calls the men of war to rise up against oppression

She leads a nation to war

Wise, cautious, she kills the oppressor of her people

Feeding him milk which makes him slumber

Sound asleep, she drives the tent peg in his head and ends his oppression of her people

Strategic, tactful, she places Moses in a basket

Moses is saved from Pharaoh’s claws

Raised in Pharaoh’s palace

The audacious woman of Samaria

Boldly, courageously, she converses with Jesus

Speaking the truth about her past

Letting go of the negative past

To take on the glorious future

She shares that future with her people

A city turns to Christ in a day

Because a woman hitherto disrespected finds the glorious future

And counsels her people to buy into that future

Her boldness and courage speaks volumes of

Wise women who build nations

Despite being confined to the positions of water fetchers and carriers in cities and communities

The wise woman of Abel of Beth Maachah,

Her wise counsel saved the community from destruction by Joab.

Providing support for kingdom work

They ministered of their resources to Jesus

She supported the Apostle Paul

She sacrificed their last meal for the Prophet and stopped famine in her household

She made clothes for the widows and the poor

They gave their gold, silver and bronze as well as their skills, expertise, and time for the building of the tabernacle – Luke Chapter 8 verses 1 to 3, 1^st Kings Chapter 17, 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verse 8 to end, Acts Chapter 16 verses 13 to 15, Exodus Chapter 35 verses 20 to 27.

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Wise Women Build Nations 3

Written by Uyoyou Charles-Iyoha

Abigail is described as a very beautiful woman. She was naturally, physically beautiful so she did not need all the extra beauty aids that women often need to make themselves beautiful. She was a woman of good understanding, a very wise woman who always resorted to the use of godly wisdom in resolving contentious issues. She was a generous person. She packed provisions for David and his men.

Unfortunately, she was married to a man the Bible describes as harsh and evil in his doings (1^st Samuel Chapter 25 verse 3). This man named Nabal (foolishness) was a very rich business man in Carmel, though a descendant of Caleb. Apart from being harsh and evil in his doings, Nabal lacked any refinement and this showed in his absolute lack of divine communication skills. He simply did not know how to talk to people. He was therefore rude and offensive 91^st Samuel Chapter 25 verses 10 to 11). He talked down at people and had absolutely no regard for anyone. After all, even his servants knew that Nabal was such a scoundrel that no one could speak to him (1^st Samuel Chapter 25 verse 17). Yet, Abigail never quarreled with Nabal over his character flaws. Rather, she found creative ways of navigating them using godly wisdom.

Life must have been terrible for Abigail living with such a man. But I very much doubt it because the Bible describes Abigail as a woman of good understanding. She had the God given wisdom to manage Nabal and all of his character flaws; including his great love of wine and feasting. She could tell when he was drunk and always refrained from discussions with him (1^st Samuel Chapter 25 verses 36 to 37). She was indeed a wise woman who did not allow Nabal’s foolishness to affect her and impact her life negatively. But Abigail knew how and when to speak to him.

Wise Women Build Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Charles-Iyoha

Jechobed became pregnant at a time when Pharaoh decreed the death of every male Hebrew child. Though the Bible does not mention it, I want to assume that every pregnant Hebrew woman prayed to give birth to female children so that their children would be spared. But not so Jechobed. Descendant of the Levites and wife to a Levite, she bore a son at a time when every Hebrew male child was carrying a death sentence.

One look at the child and Jechobed took a decision. This child would not die. She successfully hid him for three months. Beloved, though the Bible does not say so I believe that those three months were also three months of deep level intercession for God to spare the life of the child. And one bright morning, the answer to her prayers came. She got this divine brilliant idea to take the baby to the River Nile. Also included in this brilliant idea were protective measures to shield the baby from sinking, from being eaten by crocs or other sea animals. So Jechobed set to work – she made the ark, coated it with asphalt and pitch before placing the child in it. Then very strategically, (I believe she was following divine instructions and directions), she dropped the basket in the reeds by the river’s bank (Exodus Chapter 2 verse 3) and left.

She did not go home to wail, to gossip, to be bemoan her plight to her neighbours and family, to abuse Pharaoh, curse him for decreeing the death of Hebrew male children. Beloved, I believe that Jechobed went home to pray to the God who had been their Ebenezer, who had consistently and safely led them from safe pregnancy to safe delivery, safe protection and well being for three months and now safe temporary stay in the basket in the reeds at the river’s bank.