God is With You

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

What makes a Church a Church is the Presence of God in the Church. It is not the physical size of the structure in which the people gather to worship. It is also not the economic power or social status of the people. It is not the large number of people. Rather it is the Presence of God in the Church and in the personal lives of the people. It is also the personal relationships the people have with God that dovetail into the indwelling Presence of God in the people. This is what makes a Church the Church of God. It is not the finesse of the pastor, leadership or the finery in terms of dress, furniture, etc. It is the wholesome, awesome, sanctifying Presence of God in the midst of the people or in the building that makes the place a Church.

In like manner, what makes an individual strong, a family or nation strong is the Presence of God in that individual, family or nation.

The Biblical Samson remained strong and unbeaten as long as God was with him. But the moment he got careless and made known the source of his strength, the Presence of God in his life through his Nazrite hair, he lost his super human strength and became a slave to the Philistines. His strength however returned when he repented and his hair grew afresh.

Severally, the nation of Israel was defeated by nations who they ordinarily overran. This was because the nation of Israel sinned against God and lost the critical and very important Presence of God in their personal and national lives. A case in point was the defeat they suffered from Ai, a small nation they could have defeated easily. Please read Joshua Chapter 7. But the moment there was national repentance, the Presence of God came on strong and they not only defeated Ai but went on to defeat several nations to possess the land of Canaan.

The Prayer of Release

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The prayer of release is usually more of warfare, warfare in the sense that you are saying NO to the enemy who is withholding your God given blessings and resources from you. Quite  significant is the fact that you are not in direct conflict with the enemy but that through fervent intercession, plea for mercy, acknowledgment of sins and cries for forgiveness of sins and cleansing so that the will of God is done in your life, the establishment and manifestation of His will in all goodness for your life, you tarry, spend quality time in God’s Presence for the release of  God’s divine blessings.

Circumstances contrary to the word of God, the plans and purposes of God, the will of God can also precipitate the prayer of release as recorded in Acts Chapter 12 where constant prayer was offered to God for the release of Peter from death row. Peter was already condemned to death by Herod and would be killed at any point in time. But the Church did not give up praying because they trusted God to intervene and deliver Peter. God responded to their faith and set Peter free the night before he was to be killed by Herod. As evidenced by the constant prayer made by the Church for Peter, it is clear that the prayer of release is not always a one off activity until the desired result is gotten as in the case of Elijah’s prayer for rain. It is constant prayer; pray without ceasing as stated in the Bible in 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 17. It is akin to the prayer God requested of the intercessors He placed in Jerusalem.

The prayer of release is also the divine assignment for the person who pronounces a prophecy as well as the person who receives the prophecy. The prayer of release is what happens between the prophecy and the manifestation of the prophecy. It is diligent work.

The prayer of release is usually preceded by a word from God, a prophecy, a promise, a desire for the manifestation of the word of God in the life of a person, family, Church, community or nation. The word of God had come forth that there would be rain after a period of drought and  because Elijah knew that God Who does not lie, Who does not make empty promises had spoken, Elijah called down the rain in fervent, unceasing prayers to God after he had repaired the altar of God in Israel. Elijah prayed until there was a cloud in the skies. He did not stop praying until there was a manifestation. But for the mercy and grace of God, he would have been drenched in the rain. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 18 for details and Holy Spirit inspired understanding.

Pray Without Ceasing

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Prayer is a command from God to believers. Please see Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, 2 verses 36 to 38 and 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 18, and Ephesians Chapter 6 verse 18. It is also a platform for making our requests to God.

The content of prayers is very important to God. I am sure that explains why Jesus Christ gave the Church a prayer template in Matthew Chapter 6 verses 5 to 15, Luke Chapter 11 verses 1 to 4 so that believers are not misguided when praying especially so when they are praying against people who hurt them, offended them and made them angry. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus say that believers should pray against their enemies; asking them to die, be destroyed, or their properties destroyed. Also, the prayer template does not give room for self righteousness as in the case of the two men – the Pharisee and the tax collector who Jesus Christ described in Luke Chapter 18 verses 9 to 14. Jesus Christ commended the tax collector who humbly asked God for mercy.

Why Pray

God answers prayer. The Bible is replete with instances of the people of God praying to God and God in turn responding positively to their prayers. Additionally, God said so in His word. Please see Matthew Chapter 7 verse 7, Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, and Jeremiah Chapter 33 verse 3. The early Church prayed without ceasing in spite of the fact that the Apostle Peter was already on death row. God intervened and Peter was miraculously released from prison by an angel of God. Please read Acts Chapter 12 for details. Prophet Elijah prayed for the son of the widow of Zarephath and the young man came back to life. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 17 verses 17 to 24. He also prayed for rain after a long period of drought in Israel. God honored his prayer and there was a heavy downpour. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 18. The prophet Elisha prayed and the dead son of the woman of Shunem was brought back to life. Please read 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verses 15 to 37.

Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit 4

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Holy Spirit teaches, instructs and directs the people of God to profit by leading them in the way they should go. Please see Isaiah Chapter 48 verses 17 to 18, Psalm 81 verses 10 to 16 so that they do not labor in vain like the Ostrich who lacks wisdom because it is the will of God for His children to labor for profit. Please see Job Chapter 39 verses 13 to 18, Isaiah Chapters 65 verses 19 to 24, 28 verses 23 to 29. God in His infinite mercy and wisdom gives believers the Holy Spirit to instruct them for profit so that they do not partner with destructive partners like the wild ox described in Job Chapter 39 verses 10 to 12.

Quite instructive, planting seasons, maintenance seasons, types of maintenance, harvest seasons and care of the harvested produce differ. Therefore, believers should follow the instructions of the Holy Spirit to ensure that a very ready ripe harvest is brought in immediately, cared for and some left over to plant to bring in other harvests as in the case of the Church in Philippi. That Church as well as other Churches in Macedonia became so kingdom minded and kingdom projects supportive that even at a time of great trail of affliction, they supported kingdom people, projects and activities, ministering to the needs of the saints and the Church. Please see 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 8 verses. Please see 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 8 verses 1 to 5. It is instructive that they also completely surrendered to God as the Bible records that they first gave themselves to the Lord. Please see Philippians Chapter 4 verses 10 to 19. Paul prayed specially for their needs to be met by God; especially the Church in Philippi. 

Therefore, take advantage of the planting seasons God gives to you through His Holy Spirit and plant promptly. Do same for maintenance and harvest seasons and remember that methodologies differ (Isaiah Chapter 28 verses 23 to 29). The Holy Spirit will guide you if only you will pay attention. 

Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Holy Spirit is key to fruitfulness and multiplication and increase because He is the One Who gives divine direction which leads to fruitfulness. One of the ways to labor for profit is to walk in divine direction – obey the instructions of the Holy Spirit (Genesis Chapter 26, Psalm 127 verse 1, Proverbs Chapter 23 verse 4, Isaiah Chapters 45 verses 13 to 14, 48 verse 17, 58 verses 11 to 12. Fruitfulness, multiplication and increase come by the Holy Spirit. Please see Isaiah Chapter 63 verse 23, Ezekiel Chapter 29 verses 18 to 20.

It is quite instructive that because Paul and his team members were sensitive to the Holy Spirit and also obeyed the Holy Spirit, much result oriented work was done where the Holy Spirit directed them to, a field ready for harvest. Significantly, it buttresses the fact that it is not by might nor by power (Zechariah Chapter 4 verse 6). Paul and his colleagues wanted to go and preach in Asia (preaching the word of God is doing the work of the kingdom and this should gladden the heart of God); yet they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia, including Bithynia. This was because God had a different location for them; a place where souls ripe for harvest were waiting to hear the gospel but unfortunately no one was preaching the gospel there and then. Fortunately, Paul and his team members obeyed the Holy Spirit and allowed their steps to be ordered of God to Macedonia in response to the Macedonian call. Lydia and her household were harvested into the kingdom. Additionally, the girl with spirit of divination was set free.

Your Tongue can be a Healing Stream

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The wise use of the tongue can ensure that your tongue becomes a healing stream. Please see Proverbs Chapter 15 verses 7, 23, 28, 14, 40, 4; 10 verses 11, 13, 20 to 21, 31 to 32; 12 verse 18, 16 verses 20 to 24; 15 verse 30.

One of the most pressing problems in the world today is the way people use their tongues. Hate speech is pervasive in spite of laws that have been enacted globally against the trend. People enjoy cursing; using four letter words, invectives at the slightest provocation. Unfortunately, this trend is fast becoming pervasive among Christians as some Christians are quick to use their tongues to make negative pronouncements against people who hurt them and abuse people who misbehave or are rude to them. This worrisome trend has assumed frightful dimensions as even some ordained Ministers of the gospel pronounce curses on people who offend or hurt them, use invectives against other people even from the pulpit. Beloved, this is not right.  The Scriptures do not permit such behavior. Please see Numbers Chapter 16 verses 12 to 35, 17 verses 1 to 7.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ consistently and always used His tongue as a healing stream just as God ordained for Him to do. Please Luke Chapter 4 verse 18 to 19, Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 1 to 3, John Chapter 6 verse 63. Severally, Jesus Christ used His tongue to bring healing, comfort, hope, life, deliverance and freedom from all kinds of oppression to great multitudes. Please see Acts Chapter 10 verse 38, Mark Chapter verses 17 to 27, Luke Chapter 9 verses 38 to 43 for details of His ministration to the epileptic boy; Luke Chapter 13 verses 11 to 16 for details of His ministry to the woman who was bent over for eighteen years; Matthew Chapter 9 verses 20 to 22, Luke Chapter 8 verses 43 to 48, Mark Chapter 5 verses 25 to 34 for details of the kind words He spoke to the woman with the issue of blood; Mark Chapter 5 for His ministry to the Gadarene demoniac. A number of other examples can be found in the gospels, Matthew through to John.

Church; Arise and Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The order of God is for the world to serve the Church through beneficial policies and access to whatever resources the Church requires but the Church has reversed the order by serving the world. Pray that God’s original order will stand so that the Church will be busily and profitably engaged in the tasks of soul winning and spiritual nurture.

Ask God to show the Church mercy and transfer wealth to the Church as the Church needs money for large scale evangelistic meetings as well as reaching out to the needy and vulnerable people in society. Therefore, let there be a speedy manifestation of the promises of God concerning wealth transfer as stipulated in Isaiah Chapter 60.

Let the glory of God rise upon the Church and let the glory be seen.

Let the Gentiles and kings come to the Church to behold and partake of the glory of God.

Let backslidden Christians repent and return to the Church.

The abundance of the sea should flow to the Church.

The wealth of the Gentiles should be divinely transferred to the Church.

Divine Guidance for the Healing of the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Divine greatness and enlargement and guidance of nations come from God alone. Please see Job Chapters 8 verse 7; 12 verse 23, Psalms 78 verse 52; 25 verse 9; 73 verse 24, Isaiah Chapter 58 verse 11, Exodus Chapter 15 verse 13. Therefore, pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant nations the wisdom to ask Him for divine guidance that will lead to the enlargement and greatness of nations.

Father, please, have mercy on the nations of the world and make them great by your power in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Give both the leadership and the peoples of the nations the wisdom, knowledge, understanding and other resources that they require to make them great, Lord in Jesus mighty name; and after You have made them great, Lord, please help them to stay great in Jesus mighty name.

Father, please keep them safe from the sins the enemy uses to ensnare them so that they stumble from your paths. Keep them safe in your paths, Lord and help them to manage the greatness you are bestowing on them in Jesus mighty name. Thank You for answered prayers, Lord in Jesus mighty name.

You are the One Who alone has the power to make the nations great. Father, please release the power for sustainable greatness upon the nations of the world and help them to stay great by your power in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You, Lord.

Enlargement of nations in whatever form comes from You alone, Lord. Please, have mercy on the nations of the world and enlarge them spiritually, physically, materially, numerically, mentally, intellectually, financially, and politically for and to the glory of Your holy name, Lord in Jesus mighty name.

The Responsibility for Leadership

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Leaders are motivated by service, not power. Leaders add value to others by serving them, not by lording it over them. John Maxwell.

True leadership comes by genuine unadulterated service to God and humanity. At various levels, everyone created by God is a leader endowed with divine gifts for leadership albeit service to God and humanity.

To lead effectively, you have to identify your divine gifts for service so that you will provide the right service and leadership. Leaders who have no gifts or people who have not identified their gifts for service are not leaders but rulers who impose themselves on humanity and have nothing to offer the people. They are usually the ones who cannot provide any sense of direction. Rather, they impose hard to obey rules culminating in fear in the land in the bid to coax the people into forced submission.

Prayers for Missionaries in Healing the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Missionaries working in mission fields so that the unreached and unchurched can hear the gospel and be saved and become churched so that they can build Christian communities are almost always in the forefront of spiritual warfare. How? They are the ones in the front lines of battle, taking over territories from the enemy so that nations can be healed spiritually of spiritual ignorance and blindness. These courageous and brave people of God alongside their family members require fervent and unceasing prayers from the Church of God. It is therefore my plea that the Church takes up prayers for these wonderful sons and daughters of Zion. I have listed some prayer/praise items to which you can add as many as the Holy Spirit leads you to add. God bless you as you do so in Jesus mighty name.

Ask God to give missionaries favor and wisdom before the government and peoples of the lands in which they serve. Please see Acts Chapter 7 verse 10.

Ask God to strengthen missionaries to continually give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Please see Acts Chapter 6 verses 2 and 4.

Pray that God delivers missionaries all over the world from every form of persecution and afflictions. Please see 2^nd Timothy Chapter 3 verses 11, 4 verse 17, 2^nd Thessalonians Chapter 3 verses 1 to 2; Romans Chapter 15 verses 30 to 31.

Ask God to stand with missionaries all over the world and strengthen them so that the message of the gospel of salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will be preached fully through them so that all the unreached peoples of the world will be reached with the saving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please see 2^nd Timothy Chapter 4 verse 17.

Pray for open doors to countries and peoples that have shut their doors to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please see Colossians Chapter 4 verses 3 to 4, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 12, 1^st Corinthians Chapter 16 verse 9.

Ask God to break down all such resistance and opposition to the preaching of the gospel. Scripture cannot be broken – Psalms 2; 24 verses 7 to 10; 107 verse 16, Joshua Chapter 6.

Individual Repentance for Healing the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Repentance is a change of mind, a change of heart, a change of course of life from sin to righteousness. Please see Luke Chapter 6 verse 44.  True repentance is manifested in a genuine turning away from sin, further demonstrated in a genuine hatred for sin. Please see Romans Chapter 12 verse 9, Psalm 119 verse 104, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 7 verse 10, Luke Chapter 22 verse 62, Proverbs Chapter 28 verse 13, Ezekiel Chapter 14 verse 6. A person who does not hate sin loves sin.  Unfortunately, many people give or make excuses for sin - Genesis Chapter 3 verse 13. When people make excuses for sin, the sin becomes a besetting sin. But when people acknowledge their sins and repent of them, they receive grace to completely turn away from the sin.  

Repentance is also reflected when a person bears the fruits of repentance. When Paul was converted there was a complete transformation; a u-turn from persecuting the Church to promoting the Church. He embraced the belief that he vehemently rejected.  Consequently, the same people who admired him and employed him became his persecutors who wanted to kill him. Please see Please see Acts Chapter 8 verses 1 to 4, and Acts Chapter 9. Paul was a student of law under Gamaliel but Paul became the leading Apostle of the Christian faith after repentance.

Sacrifice the Palace to Heal Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Pharaoh recognized Moses’ power and influence with God. On a number of occasions, Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to intercede for him and his people. Moses did and the plagues were stayed. Please see Exodus Chapters 8 verses 1 to 13, 20 to 31; 9 verses 20 to 33; 10 verses 12 to 19. Even the Israelites recognized Moses’ power and influence with God. Severally, they asked Moses to speak with God on their behalf. Please see Numbers Chapter 21 verses 4 to 9.

But most significantly was when they said Moses should always go before God to them after an encounter with God that intimidated them. Please see Exodus Chapters 19 verses 1 to 25, and 20 verses 1 to 26.  Moses indeed had great power and influence with God. Severally he interceded for the Israelites and God listened. But for the fervent intercession of Moses for Israel, who knows, the nation of Israel would have become extinct in the wilderness as they journeyed to Canaan. Please see Exodus Chapter 32 verses 1 to 14, 30 to 35, Numbers Chapter 11 verses 1 to 3, 14 verses 5 to 20, 20 verses 1 to 7, Deuteronomy Chapter 9, 10 verse 10.

Moses had open heavens with God and always experienced open heavens. The gates and windows of heaven, I mean both access to the throne room of God as well as  access to heavenly resources were all his for the asking. God spoke with Moses as a friend; gave explanations for what He had to do and even what He would not do. Please see Exodus Chapters 32 verses 30 to 35; 33 verses 11 to 23. God revealed Himself to Moses. Please see Exodus Chapter 34 verses 5 to 10.

The grace and glory of God upon Moses was great. Moses’ face so shone with the glory of God after spending quality time with God that the people of Israel could not look him straight in the face. Moses had to wear a veil. Please see Exodus Chapter 34 verses 28 to 35, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 3 verse 13. The glory of God comes with spending quality time in the presence of God through word study, fasting, praise/worship, adoration, evangelism, intercession and whatever it is God wants you to do. The glory of God in the life of anyone is precious. This is because the glory of God is not only priceless; it is highly attractive and draws men as well as other resources to a carrier of the glory of God. Please see Isaiah Chapter 60 verses 1 to 22, Haggai Chapter 2 verses 1 to 9 and Isaiah Chapter 62 verses 1 to 4.

Sacrifice the Palace to Heal Nations 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The palace is a place of comfort, luxury, power, influence, royalty, dignity and wealth. A number of comforts, power and influence usually accrue to those who dwell in palaces especially members of the royalty. This perhaps explains the quest for ascension to royalty especially in communities where ascension to the throne is not hereditary. And for those who are already royals, giving up the throne is usually a very difficult choice to make especially when a person is not certain of what the future holds.

The Lord Jesus Christ left His heavenly throne and comforts to save humanity. In like manner, the call of God may make a person sacrifice what appears to be something of great worth which could range from positions of supposedly great glory, honor, power, wealth and influence sometimes in the secular world and even in the Church. A Christian may be deeply involved in positions of power in the Church but may be called to something higher and more glorious by God. Sometimes, people resist such higher calls as they wonder what else could be more glorious than the present positions they occupy in a local Church. Beloved; that supposed position may water down the grace and unction of God in your life.

Moses sacrificed the palace of Egypt and became not only the national leader of Israel but a celebrated Christian leader globally and generationally.   Globally and at about every point in time, the name of Moses rings a bell, in point of fact, a great bell. In addition to this, the Bible describes Moses as a prophet who was faithful in God’s entire house.  Significantly, God spoke to Moses face to face in plain terms and not through dreams and visions. Also, Moses saw the form of the Lord. Please see Numbers Chapter 12 verses 6 to 8, Exodus Chapter 33 verse 11 and Deuteronomy Chapter 24 verse 10.

Severally God fought for Moses. God chastised Aaron and afflicted Miriam, the elder siblings of Moses because they spoke against Moses. Please see Numbers Chapter 12 verses 1 to 16. The three rebel leaders, Korah, Dathan and Abiram, significantly were fellow Levites but they were destroyed alongside their supporters because they rose up against Moses. While the earth opened up and swallowed the trio and their households, the Bible records that a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who teamed up with Korah, Dathan and Abiram in their rebellion against Moses.

The Essence of Judgmental Prophecies

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Judgmental prophecies are prophecies that pronounce judgment and doom as a result of the disobedience of an individual, family, community, Church, institutions and nations. They are however not a regular occurrence. God does not delight in pronouncing judgment on His people. Rather He blesses His people on a daily basis.  The essence of judgmental prophecies is to cause the people of God to repent and to turn away from their sins back to God. God does this because of His love and compassion for the people. Please see 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 15, Jonah Chapter 4 verses 2 to 3, 11.

Most often, God averts judgment especially when people repent as the Word of God comes forth. Ahab repented when he received a judgmental prophecy after killing Naboth to take over his vineyard (1^st Kings Chapter 21). Though Ahab eventually died on account of other sins, it is significant to note that as much as possible, God always wants to avert judgment which explains why He uses His prophets to warn His people and nations of the impending consequences of their sinful actions. It is sad that most often, people and nations do not pay attention to God but choose to walk in their own ways. The case of the city of Nineveh is significant. As the Prophet Jonah spoke of the impending doom that would befall Nineveh on account of their sins, the Bible records that the nation led by the King repented in dust and ashes. God rescinded judgment and the people were spared.

The people of Israel and Judah as well as the land suffered the consequences of their sins and persistent refusal to turn away from their sinful ways back to God. Consequently, Nebuchadnezzar humiliated them and burnt the beautiful temple built by Solomon, carted away the precious articles of gold and silver. God allowed this because He had warned them severally. Additionally, the leadership of the people including priests and prophets were defiling the temple with the abominable idolatrous practices of the nations around them (2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 14, Ezekiel Chapter 8) and had hardened their hearts against any rebuke from the LORD. Rather than be convicted and repent, they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets (2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 16).

Crossroads

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Confused, uncertain, indecisive

I have no idea

Except that I am unsure

Whether to turn left or right

Say Yes or No

So many echoes, whispers, voices

Right or wrong

True or False

Misleading or giving true direction

Lord, I need your help

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead

To raise me from the crossroads of life

I need you, Lord.

Email: olivesfamily@yahoo.com

http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/olivesfamily

http://www.amazon.com/Uyoyou-Christiana-Charles-Iyoha/e/B00JLO15SM

http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/

https://olives-university.eduongo.com

Healing the Nations Through Forgiveness 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

To err is human while to forgive is divine. The healing of the nations is usually preceded by the acknowledgment of sin, repentance and forgiveness after which healing and restoration begins. 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14.

The Bible is replete with teachings, instructions and commandments to forgive people who hurt one another. They include Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 32, Matthew Chapter 18 verses 21 to 35, Colossians Chapter 3 verses 12 to 23, and Luke Chapter 17 verses 3 to 4.

Jesus Christ and Peter

Peter denied Jesus Christ three times yet Jesus did not renege on His promise to Peter. Please see Matthew Chapter 16 verses 15 to 19, John Chapter 21 verses 15 to 22, Acts Chapter 2 verses 14, 4 verse 8. Jesus Christ knew that Peter would deny Him yet He prayed for Peter ahead of the temptation and denial (Luke Chapter 22 verses 31 to 34, 54 to 62). The devil wanted to make nonsense of Peter’s faith but God intervened through intercession for Peter. He also forgave Peter and never mentioned the incident after the resurrection. Rather, He commissioned Peter to take care of the early Church.

Significantly, Peter led the early Church. It is also significant to note that Peter repented – he wept bitterly after the rooster crowed.

Esau and Jacob

These are twin brothers that should have been extremely close to one another yet at different points, wrong relational attitudes and actions caused a rift of hatred that made Esau want to kill his twin brother. Fortunately, Jacob fled early enough from Esau’s anger, hatred and sword. Their relationship at that point in time had degenerated to that of enemies – Esau was angry that Jacob cunningly stole his birth right and proceeded from there to steal the blessings their father Isaac wanted to give to Esau.

The relationship between Isaac and Rebekah coupled with the way they related to the children contributed to the degeneration that took place in their relationship. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game while Rebekah loved Jacob. That was enough to create discord and schism among the brothers. Please see Genesis Chapters 25 verses 27 to 34 and 27 verses 1 to 45. For many years, the brothers were separated from each other. Jacob had married wives, had children just as Esau had done long before Jacob thought of getting married. However, the situation in Laban’s home and country was no longer conducive for Jacob and his family. He decided to return home. But he had to take care of the relationship between him and his twin brother Esau. He sent emissaries to Esau and became afraid when they returned and told him that Esau was coming out with four hundred men to meet him. At that point in time, Jacob asked God for intervention. Please see Genesis Chapter 32 verses 1 to 13. God honored the prayer of Jacob and by the time the brothers met, Jacob was shocked as his brother Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck and kissed him. For the first time in many years, they were brothers again and they wept, tears of joy at the reunion and the fact that God spared their lives and kept Esau from killing Jacob in the moment of uncontrolled anger – Genesis Chapter 33 verses 1 to 20.

God healed and restored their relationship. Esau accepted gifts from Jacob and even offered security for Jacob and the children.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/olivesfamily

http://www.amazon.com/Uyoyou-Christiana-Charles-Iyoha/e/B00JLO15SM

http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/

https://olives-university.eduongo.com

The Place of Tithing in the Healing of the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Tithing is the principle of divine portion that requires a child of God and nations in covenant relationship with God to give a certain percentage of their income to God for the work of the kingdom particularly the upkeep of the servants of God as well as the preaching of the gospel. Tithes are meant for the well being of the Levites, their upkeep and for doing the work of the Lord. Please see Nehemiah Chapter 13 verses 9 to 13, Leviticus Chapter 27 verses 30 to 34 and Numbers Chapter 18 verses 21 to 32. Jesus is the foundation of tithing. Please see Hebrews Chapter 7 verses 1 to 10, Genesis Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20.  It is a commandment from God for a Church to take tithes from members. Abraham tithed to Melchisedec King of Salem in Genesis Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20 and in Genesis Chapter 28 verse 22, Jacob promised to tithe to God.

The tithe is ten percent and nothing less. Do not ever underpay and pay promptly. Be humble and tell yourself the truth when tithing. While tithes are a fixed ten percent of your income, offerings are dependent on the generosity of the giver. In point of fact, the Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. There is no point being generous if your heart is not cheerful and willing. Such offerings like poor monetary investments do not produce high yields. Offerings should be given willingly for them to be acceptable to God. Please see Exodus Chapter 25 verse 1. God instructed Moses to receive offerings that were given willingly. In addition, the Apostle Paul instructed New Testament believers to give willingly and not by compulsion (2^nd Corinthians Chapters 8 verses 1 to 3, 12;  9 verses 2, 5). Significantly, every time people give willingly to God and for the work of the kingdom of God, they are blessed beyond measure by God. Please see 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 35 verses 7 to 8. King Josiah of Judah and the leadership of Judah gave willingly for the Passover. The Israelites willingly brought offerings for the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus Chapters 35 verses 5, 21 to 29; 36 verses 4 to 7).

In Malachi Chapter 3 verses 8 to 12,  believers are instructed to pay the tithe  and give generous offerings where God wants you to give them and not necessarily where you want to give them (Jeremiah Chapter 4 verse 3). Where God wants you to tithe and give generous offerings is the Bible believing Church where the Holy Spirit is accorded respect and given freedom to operate fully; so that He guides, teaches and directs the people of God to profit (Isaiah Chapter 48 verse 17) where the truth of God is upheld and reigns above the doctrines and philosophies of men, where the Lordship of Jesus is celebrated and God is the head of the Church and everyone submits to God.

It is also the place where every member of the Church counts – no one is favored above the other and everyone is treated with respect and honor, no partiality in judgment, service, etc. that Church is also where you worship and serve God in truth and in spirit.

The Role of Prayer Cells in the Healing of the Nations

                                                Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

 Mary the mother of John Mark remains a woman of unrivaled beauty to me. Why, you may ask? She made available her home a place of prayer. Please see Acts Chapter 12. Many women whether believers or unbelievers make available their homes for unprofitable time wasting activities such as gossiping, sexual immorality as in the case of Potiphar’s wife,  centers of cannibalism as in the case of the foolish woman who agreed to kill her son for food and later regretted it because the person who urged her to do so refused to kill her own child; dens for trafficking and other forms of criminal activities.

But Mary used her home for divine purposes. She made it a place where the Church gathered together to intercede for the deliverance of Peter from the hands of untimely death through the evil intent of Herod who had found a new past time in killing the servants of God. God honored the prayers made in this home and Peter was released from the prison by an angel of God.

A prayer meeting can be held in any home that is made available for such a purpose and God will honor the prayers prayed in that home irrespective of the size, grandeur, opulence or insignificance and plainness. What is significant is the desire of the owners of the home to use their home as an altar of prayer to God; the hearts and the willingness of the people to pray. God is faithful and will always be present where two or three are gathered together in His name (Matthew Chapter 18 verse 20).

Healing the Nations Campfire 2016

OIPN

Olives International Prayer Network

                Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!

Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!!

Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!!!

Theme: I am the Lord Who heals you (Exodus Chapter 15 verse 26)

Ministering: The Holy Spirit

Date: 25 to 26 November 2016

Venue: http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/ and the numerous prayer cells in homes, Churches and ministries across the globe.

Connect with us on http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/ to intercede for the healing of the nations with special emphasis on the countries in the 10/40 Window. (Psalm 2 verse 8). You can also send your prayer requests concerning any nation, ethnic group or community and families or family to olivesfamily@yahoo.com, or place them on the prayer request box on http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/

An annual event, Healing the Nations Camp Fire is a two day event comprising a one day campfire for prophesying healing in and to the nations of the world using the prophetic word of God by God’s army who are committed to the healing of the nations. We speak healing to the nations by the Spirit of God and the power of God in the mighty name of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel Chapter 37).

A global intercessory campfire, members comprising individuals, prayer cells, prayer ministries, Churches and Church organizations, pray and prophesy God’s healing for the peoples and nations of the world.

Day Two is on digital missions; an evolving field in missions which presents platforms and opportunities for new forms of missions and missionaries.

Come and experience the outpouring of His grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, favor, blessings, deliverance and healing in Jesus mighty name. God bless you as you come. Shalom.

Coordinators

Olives International Prayer Network (OIPN).

Olives City Church

Tel: +234-8056837178

Email: olivesfamily@yahoo.com

Blog: healingthenationscampfire.blogspot.com

URL: http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/