The Creative Power in the Word of God

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

There is power in the word of God, the power to create out of nothing (Romans Chapter 4 verses 17 to 25, Genesis Chapter 1). Examples include the creation story where God created the universe out of a formless empty space covered by darkness. God created life and beauty by His Spirit through the spoken word, and God said, let there… and there was.

The word of God also has the capacity to give life to what appears dead and to make impossibilities possibilities. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied the word of God as directed by the Spirit of God and the very dry bones, long dead and forgotten in the valley of dry bones came alive as a powerful army of God. As Ezekiel prophesied, the spoken word of God that does not return to God void accomplished divine purpose by restructuring the bones and activating lives in them. Please see Ezekiel Chapter 37 verses 1 to 14, Isaiah Chapter 55 verses 8 to 11.

Beloved, God is able to restore life back to whatever appears dead in any area of your life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Through the power of the spoken word of God, every stagnation and seeming lack of progress in any area of your life will give way to great progressive movements that will birth overflowing abundance in your life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. This is the day which God made to put a new song of great joy and celebration in your mouth. Celebrate this day with thanksgiving and watch God unleash the floodgates of divine abundance, uncommon favor and awesome deliverance in your life in the mighty name of Jesus. God is always able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ever ask or think of in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Big Dreams, Great Visions, PROPHESY to Heal the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Isaiah’s Vision

Prior to the encounter with God after the death of King Uzziah, Isaiah’s vision of God was blurred. So also was his ministry as it centered around the court. Additionally, Isaiah was probably a self righteous person who did not realize that he was a man of unclean lips who lived among a people of unclean lips – people who had no fear of God and carried on as if the Holy God of Israel did not see their evil. But all that came to an end when Isaiah saw the Lord significantly so after the death of Uzziah.

Isaiah’s vision of the Holy God of Israel surrounded by indescribable light and angels opened Isaiah’s eyes and understanding to the dimension of the great filth he and his people were in. Isaiah was both awed and afraid – a filthy sinner like him had encountered holiness and pure light. Significantly and this is quite instructive, Isaiah acknowledged his filthiness before the Holy God. Subsequently, his unclean lips were purged and cleansed of iniquity so that those same lips; cleansed and sanctified for the Master’s use could be deployed for kingdom purposes.

Big Dreams, Great Visions, PROPHESY to Heal the Nations 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Dreams and visions which are born of God and based on the word of God and also rooted in God are elastic. They can be stretched to whatever dimensions God wants them stretched to. Please read Genesis Chapter 13 verses 14 to 15 (as far as you can see); Isaiah Chapter 54 verses 2 to 3; Genesis Chapter 28 verses 13 to 15; Deuteronomy Chapter 33 verse 23; Joshua Chapter 17 verses 16 to 18.

Abraham’s Vision

Visualize the scope, expand your horizon, stretch your imagination.

Abraham’s vision was occasioned by the words God spoke to him – the journey to the land of promise coupled with the blessings attached to the obedience to that move from Haran. Abram alongside his father and other family members had embarked on the journey to Canaan but stopped at Haran where Abram eventually settled. Please read Genesis Chapter 11 verses 27 to 32. But at the appointed time, God spoke to Abram concerning moving permanently to Canaan in Genesis Chapter 12 verses 1 to 8. Significant and quite instructive is that Abram obeyed God and commenced movement to Canaan immediately. But the parts of Canaan Abram arrived at were not uninhabited land.

Writing to Heal the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Books are not written in a day though it is possible to have a draft of a book in a day depending on the size or scope of the book. A book can start as a letter which graduates into a series of letters which eventually culminate in a book or books which make up a book of books, for instance the letters of Apostle Paul to some of the Churches he planted which culminated in the Pauline epistles in the New Testament in the Bible.

King Solomon for instance commenced his writing career by speaking – the Bible records that he spoke three thousand proverbs while his songs were one thousand and five. Everything he spoke was documented, some by himself, and others by court scribes and they were handed down to succeeding generations as the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Songs. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 4 verses 31 to 34, Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 verses 9 to 10. The Bible records that he chose his words carefully while speaking and writing. He chose words that would point people in the right direction in life. The fact that some of the writings of King Solomon were done by court scribes implies that the author of  a book may not necessarily be the writer of the book as the writer may be a conduit or channel for documenting the person’s ideas, thought processes, speeches, prophecies, messages etc. Baruch also wrote for the prophet Jeremiah.

Writing to Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Writers are divinely designed to bring God’s love, healing and transformation to nations and peoples. The place of writers in healing the nations is significant as writers ordained by God to heal the nations with their writings are divinely tasked to write to impact humanity positively. The prophet Jeremiah wrote to instruct the Israelites to obey God, ignore the false prophets and the lies they told. Jeremiah encouraged the people to go to exile in Babylon and be fruitful while in exile. He also told them that exile in Babylon was not permanent as God would set them free and bring them back to Jerusalem after seventy years. The basis of Jeremiah’s prophecy, documented informed Daniel’s intercession for the release of Israel from Babylonian captivity. Please read Daniel Chapter 9 verses 1 to 5, and Jeremiah Chapter 29.  The Apostle Paul, John the Beloved, Moses and Habakkuk wrote to instruct believers and nations on how to live holy lives that would ensure peace and development in the nations. John the Beloved was instructed to write his visions in book for onward transmission to the seven Churches in Asia. Please read,  Revelation Chapter  1 verses 10 to 20, please note verses 11 and 19; Habakkuk Chapter 2 verses 1 to 3, Luke Chapter 1 verses 1 to 4, Acts Chapter 1 verses 1 to 20, Jude 3, 1^st Corinthians Chapter 10 verses 1 to 11.

This implies that God uses writing as a tool to fulfill divine purpose and impact lives. Therefore, writing to impact lives positively in order to improve and enhance the quality of lives of people to bring about positive transformation in their lives as well as be a blessing to humanity is great writing that should be hugely encouraged. This is because the benefits of such writing are immense. To start with, your writing enriches the mental processes of your constituency as they engage with the life transforming words, issues and subjects written about. Their enriched mental processes birth divine ideas which are again filtered through other quality life transforming books they mentally engage with or even produce.

Beloved, does your writing inspire, motivate people to rise up to their divine potentials and heights in life? Does your writing encourage people out of depression, stir them to challenge whatever limits them or is trying to put limits on them so that they can be who God created them to be? Does your writing provide guidance, direction, to guide people in the paths of righteousness and holy living? Does your writing inspire confidence and faith in God so that people believe and trust in God and subsequently have confidence in themselves based on their understanding of God’s love to them; God’s divine deposits in them to excel and soar?

ARISE

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Life on earth is an opportunity for eternity. So invest time for eternity by accomplishing purpose. You are born again for a purpose to rewrite history. 

Prophet Jeremiah thought he was a mere youth and so could not take on the divine task and responsibility of being a prophet; not only to the nation of Israel but to several nations. Beloved, God exceeded the expectations of Jeremiah as he obediently obeyed God and deployed the divine gift of God in him to the benefit of the nations. Jeremiah served Kings and nations as a prophet; rooting out and pulling down, to destroy and to throw down every planting that was not of God. What exactly should be uprooted and destroyed? Matthew Chapter 15 verses 1 to 13 gives a clear picture of what should be uprooted and destroyed – anything that is not of God; that is contrary to the truth of God, His word, His Person, His Holy Spirit. Please see also 2nd Corinthians Chapter 10 verses 3 to 6 and 1st Timothy Chapter 1 verses 3 to 20. Jeremiah was also building and planting the righteousness and works of God in the nations. Please see Jeremiah Chapter 1 verses 1 to 10. Jeremiah did this through prophetic utterances guided by the Holy Spirit. He spoke to leaders of nations as directed by the Holy Spirit. Not once did Jeremiah dilute the truth of the word of God that He prophesied to bring about healing and restoration to the nations. Significantly and quite instructive is the fact that the Biblical Daniel picked up from where Jeremiah stopped. Daniel came across the prophecy by Jeremiah that God would restore Israel to their homeland after seventy years. Daniel took up fervent intercession for Israel. Not quite long, Israel was released from Babylonian captivity. Please see Jeremiah Chapter 29 and Daniel Chapter 9. 

Daniel arose in prayers and birthed the release of Israel in the realm of the spirit. Subsequent actions by King Cyrus as well as other Kings who favored the rebuilding of the temple coupled with the restoration of Jerusalem’s walls through Ezra and Nehemiah were physical manifestations of Daniel’s prayers occasioned by the prophecy of Jeremiah, documented and safeguarded for future generations that included Daniel. Beloved, are you a prophet called to bring about God’s healing and restoration to the peoples and nations of the world through prophecy? Then ARISE and speak as God would have you speak. God Who gives you the words knows how to bring about the manifestation. He also knows His prepared vessels who will eventually run with the prophecies and bring about speedy and relevant manifestation of the words. Your task and responsibility is to speak the healing words into existence. God will always perform what you speak by His Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Prophetic Declarations and Actions

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Prophetic declarations and actions are divine activities prompted and directed by the Holy Spirit to achieve divine purposes that bring glory to God. A number of Biblical examples attest to this. Significantly, about every prophetic declaration and action births miracles which bring about deliverance, healing, financial breakthroughs, salvation, expansion, abundance and victory in warfare.

Prophetic declarations as well as prophetic actions are proactive measures, preparatory activities to breakthroughs and miracles. For example, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’. They are usually specific, easy to understand instructions and when obeyed often bring about instant results (fill up the water pots with water and the water became very sweet wine; the man who had been ill for thirty eight years who became whole after Jesus made the pronouncement) though in some cases, results are progressive or set to a particular timeline, for instance the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They may not sound reasonable, logical, and plausible but they usually hold the very much required key to the sometimes urgently desired, awaited, and longed for miracle or blessing. They may not even have a connection to the desired miracle, for instance how do you speak to or make a rock to produce water? How does a cripple or paralytic person rise to take up a bed s/he has always laid on when the ailment is still there? How does the filling up of water pots with water solve the issue of finished wine at a wedding ceremony? How does dipping in a river seven times cleanse leprosy? How does going to show oneself to a priest when one is still leprous translate to cleansing from leprosy? How does borrowing jars and filling them up with a little jar of oil translate to financial freedom?

Prophetic declarations most often do not make sense. Elisha was told that he would receive double portion unction if he saw Elijah being taken up to glory. That was exactly what happened.

Consecrate Yourself to God

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

A consecrated person is more likely to be used of God to bring healing to the nations. Consecration means usable by the Master. It is one thing to be used by God to do things in the house of God without sanctification and another to be used by God, which is to minister to God and minister the grace of God to the people of God. It is impossible to be consecrated without being sanctified. You should therefore ensure that you do not serve around the temple but in the temple. The prophet Samuel was both sanctified and consecrated. If Jesus sanctified himself, then you should also sanctify yourself. Let this be your desire and commitment. Please see Romans Chapter 6 verse 22, John Chapter 17 verse 19. 

Sanctification is to be set apart by God for God unto a holy life. Sanctification is separation from an unholy life. Sanctification is a purging process that is facilitated by the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer filled with the Holy Spirit and is submissive to the Holy Spirit at all times. Please see Romans Chapter 15 verse 16. Sanctification is your conscious effort to please God. It is your progressive growth to conform to Jesus Christ. Please see Philippians Chapter 2 verse 12, Acts Chapter 13 verses 2 and 3 and John Chapter 17 verse 17. Sanctification is progressive and it is your responsibility. Sanctification in speech is also important. A call to sanctification is a call to promotion. Salvation motivates sanctification. There can be no sanctification if there is no salvation. It is therefore important not to underscore salvation. Please see 2^nd Timothy Chapter 2 verses 20 to 22. Salvation is not a feeling because feelings change. You don’t feel salvation; you know it and you must have the assurance. A Christian life should consist of salvation, sanctification and consecration.

Schools of belief and opinions differ on sanctification and salvation. Please see 1^st Corinthians Chapter 6 verse 11 and James Chapter 1 verses 22 to 25. Sanctification begins with salvation and is progressive based on James Chapter 1 verses 22 to 25. The motivation for sanctification and consecration is salvation.  A life that is not saved cannot be sanctified and cannot be consecrated.

The Significance of the Word of God in the Healing Process

Written By Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

There is power in the word of God. The power of God is the word of God, the infallible word of God that does not fail. The word of God is precise and accurate which explains why God does not use words in vain. This is because the presence of God is in the word of God. Additionally, the word of God does not return to Him without accomplishing what the word is designed and sent forth to accomplish. Please see Isaiah Chapter 55 verses 6 to 13 and Psalm 107 verses 17 to 20. God sent His word that does not return unto Him void and healed their diseases. In Matthew Chapter 8 verses 5 to 13, the Centurion implored Jesus Christ to send the word by speaking the word so that his servant would be healed. Jesus indeed sent the word and the servant of the Centurion was healed.

Healing starts in the mind. When a person’s mind receives and accepts the truth of the Word of God – I am the God who heals you (I have the capacity and power to heal you; I created you and know how your body works, can see through your body, tell what needs to be repaired, adjusted and restored and more importantly, I am willing to do it and requests healing from God, appropriating all the promises of God concerning healing; rather than worrying and fretting about who is attacking him or her, who wishes him or her dead and therefore wandering  in trackless deserts of divination; the person’s body will respond to messages OF HEALING THAT THE BRAIN WILL SEND to the body. It is what your mind feeds the brain that the brain feeds the body and it is what the brain feeds the body that the body responds to. Wake up daily and tell your body that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ.

The Gift of Faith for Healing the Nations

                                        Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

A number of nations are experiencing different types of challenges and problems that range from spiritual, political, economic, environmental, health, social malaise, food insecurity bordering on hunger and famine. All forms of tensions threaten peace and development. Governments, citizens and religious leaders seek solutions and experiment with proffered solutions. Unfortunately, some of these supposed solutions fail in the face of teeming challenges that show up with different faces almost on a daily basis. They include economic recessions, political instability, threats of war as nations try and test the military prowess of each other and even take steps further to try each other’s patience; terrorism, natural disasters destroying lives and property, youth restiveness, trafficking in persons, drug addiction, escalating poverty particularly the huge walls growing between the haves and have nots; and who knows what next.

Beloved, in the midst of all these, one is tempted to ask if solutions exist anywhere and if these problems can ever be resolved. Sure, they can but certainly not by physical, military, economic or intellectual prowess. They can only be resolved by the Spirit of God and that is where the gift of faith, one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit comes in. The gift of faith can bring about great and rapid as well as lasting healings to nations if utilized as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Great apostles of faith such as Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, Haggai, Deborah, Paul, Peter, Smith Wigglesworth and Kathryn Kuhlman and numerous others exercised the gift of faith to bring about multidimensional healings in different nations of the world. Modern day apostles of faith include but are not limited to Billy Graham, Benny Hinn and many others.

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).

The Role of Prophets in the Healing of the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

A prophet must prophesy; for any prophet to be used of God in bringing healing to the nation/s, the prophet must prophesy. The prophecy is what moves people, the nations to repentance if they are already prepared for repentance; or moves the people of God in the nations to fervent intercession for repentance in the land so that ultimately, there is forgiveness of sins and restoration.

Daniel interceded for Israel after studying the prophecy concerning restoration for Israel in the book of Jeremiah. Please see Daniel Chapter 9. Not quite long, the Israelites left Babylonian captivity and Jerusalem was rebuilt.

The Prophet Ezekiel was used by God to bring healing to the despondent people of Israel through the prophecy he gave in Ezekiel Chapter 37 verses 1 to 14. A people who had confessed that their bones were dry and their hope was lost stood on their feet as an exceedingly great army after they received the word of God prophesied by Ezekiel into their lives.

The prophecy can also be to energize and mobilize the people of God to action against their oppressors as in the case of Barak and the army of Israel when God used Deborah to prophesy to Barak. Barak responded positively to the prophecy by Deborah, mobilized the army of Israel and defeated General Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army. The nation of Israel was free and healed of the military oppression by Jabin, King of Cannan through Sisera. Please see Judges Chapters 4 and 5.

Healing also came to the nation of Israel as Prophets Zechariah and Haggai prophesied to the returnee exiles to complete the rebuilding of the temple that was abandoned on account of the fierce opposition from the people who hated Jerusalem. The people of Israel were experiencing lack, miserable harvests and nothing to really show for so much labor. But as they responded positively to the prophecies of Zechariah and Haggai; the recommenced work and completed the temple, God blessed them and the works of their hands immensely. Please see Ezra Chapter 5 verses 1 to 2, 6 verse 14; Haggai Chapters 1 and 2 and Zechariah Chapter 8 verses 9 to 15.

The Place of Intercession in the Healing of the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Intercession is not a one off event. It is an ongoing activity that you continue doing until the will of God is established (Isaiah Chapter 62 verses 6 to 9).

The basis of intercession is the word of God therefore every intercessor must know and understand the word of God and desire that the word of God takes root in the hearts of people so that their lives are transformed to Christ-likeness. Intercessors respond to situations according to the Word of God – God heals all diseases so they pray for healing. Jesus is the savior so they pray for people to be receptive to and surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, pray for Christians to mature in Christ Jesus.

Intercession is a work of the Holy Spirit therefore no one can lay claim to being an intercessor. This is because intercession is the work of the Holy Spirit and because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ (Romans Chapter 8 verse 9), intercession is an ongoing work by both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Please see Romans Chapter 8 verses 34, 26 to 27, Hebrews Chapter 7 verse 25, and Isaiah Chapter 59 verse 19. He is the one who lifts a standard and that explains why intercessors have to keep asking God for mercy because only Christ who died for the redemption of man can actually condemn (Romans Chapter 8 verse 34a and if Christ who paid the supreme price for the redemption of man through the shameful death on the cross is always interceding and not condemning, we have absolutely no right to judge and condemn.  Rather, we should request grace from God to intercede because God wants all people to come to repentance and life in Christ Jesus. Please see Matthew Chapter 18 verses 11 to 14, 2^nd Peter Chapter 3 verse 9, 1^st Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1 to 6, James Chapter 5 verses 19 to 20, Jude 22 to 23, 1^st John Chapter 5 verses 10 to 21.

Intercession should not be made for sin leading to death (2^nd Timothy Chapter 4 verses 14 to 15, 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 4 verse 8, Romans Chapter 8 verses 1 to 32, 2^nd Thessalonians Chapter 2 verses 1 to 12, Hebrews Chapter 6 verses 1 to 8 and 2^nd Peter Chapter 2 verses 1 to 25.

The Place of Fasting and Prayer in the Healing of the Nations 1

 Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Fasting and prayer are major components of healing the nations. Fasting and prayer should always be accompanied with genuine repentance.

The prophet Jonah was asked by God to deliver a judgmental prophecy of God’s intended destruction of Nineveh on account of their wickedness. Initially, Jonah disobeyed God but as Jonah obeyed God and proclaimed the message, the people of Nineveh were convicted of sin, turned to God in repentance through fasting and prayers for forgiveness of sins. The Bible   records that God pitied them and relented. It is significant to note that it was not the mere act of fasting that made God pardon them. It was the state of their hearts – they turned from their evil ways. Additionally, they humbled themselves through the fast. That explains why the Bible instructs believers not to rend their garments but their hearts and return to the Lord. This was exactly what the people of Nineveh did. Please see Joel Chapters 2 verses 12 to 13, 1 verse 14 as well as Jonah Chapter 3 verses 5 to 10.

It is also instructive to note that this was what Daniel did. Daniel accompanied his intercession for the restoration of Israel with prayer and fasting. Please see Daniel Chapter 9 verses 1 to 3. Nehemiah also fasted and prayed when he learnt about what had befallen Jerusalem – the distressing state of the survivors coupled with the broken down walls and burnt gates (Nehemiah Chapter 1 verses 1 to 4). The Old Testament prophet Samuel also led the people of Israel fasting and prayer as they returned to the Lord after practicing idolatry. Please see 1^st Samuel Chapter 7 verses 1 to 17. Quite instructive is the fact that as they fasted and prayed, the Philistines attacked them but God gave them overwhelming victory.

Rend Your Hearts

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

There are several dimensions to healing the nations but none is as potent as the acknowledgement of sins, repentance and  complete turning away from sin by the leadership and the led (individual, family, community, national). When a people, beginning with the leadership, those in authority, alongside the led acknowledge their sins, repent of the sins, turn away from the sin and return to God, God usually shows mercy, forgives their sins, brings healing and restoration to the land. Please see 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14, Joel Chapter 2 verses 12 to 28, 1st John Chapters 1 verses 7 to 10 and 5 verses 14 to 15.

There are examples in the Bible of people and nations who acknowledged their sins, repented of the sins and turned away from the sins to God who were forgiven, restored and healed. Not only were the people forgiven, restored and healed, the lands were also healed and restored. 

Israel under Ahab experienced three and a half years of drought and consequently famine ravaged the land. but after national repentance and restoration of the altar of God led by Prophet Elijah, the land experienced heavy downpour on the same day. forgiveness, healing and restoration was instant. 

The nation of Nineveh also experienced instant forgiveness, healing and restoration after everyone from the leadership to the led repented before God in fasting and prayer. Please see Jonah Chapter 3.