Travailing for the Flock of Christ

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The choice of travailing - a verb in the present continuous is used to signify that it is not a one off activity but an on-going activity. And one of the reasons for travailing is seek the peace of the city where you dwell. Please read Jeremiah Chapter 29 verse 7, 1st Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1 to 10, Ezekiel Chapter 33 verses 1 to 11, 32 verses 30 to 31. Ezra Chapters 9 and 10, 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verses 12 to 16 and Jonah Chapter 3 verses 1 to 10.

Did Jesus travail? Yes. John Chapter 17 aptly captures Jesus' prayer for His disciples and the Church; while Luke Chapter 22 verses 39 to 46 records Jesus' prayer for Peter. The prayers at Gethsemane recorded in Matthew Chapter 26 verses 36 to 46, Mark Chapter 14 verses 32 to 42 speak of the prophecy in Isaiah Chapter 53.

Other people who travailed for the flock of Christ or people of God in the Bible as well as for the healing of the nations include Apostle Paul who travailed for the Churches he planted, his children in the Lord such as Timothy, Titus, Epaphras and Epaphroditus. The Apostle Paul also travailed for vulnerable flock who could be lost and devoured. Please read Galatians Chapter 4 verse 19, Romans Chapter 9 verses 1 to 3, 10 verses 1 to 4, 11, Philippians Chapter 2 verses 25 to 30. Colossians Chapter 4 verse 12, Philippians Chapter 2 verses 25 to 30, Acts Chapter 16 verses 12 to 13.

Significantly, Epaphras also travailed for the flock of Christ. The Bible records that "Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13 (NASB).

The Role/Place of Godly Leaders in the Healing of the Nations

 Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The role and place of godly leadership in any nation cannot be overstated. Every nation requires godly leadership. Godly leadership is both always strategic and instrumental to nation building as well as sustainable development. To start with, godly leadership is a demonstration of the fact that the nation as well as the leadership of the nation are aligned to God and are always willing to walk with God.

Secondly, godly leadership always ensures equity and justice in any nation; equity and justice in the allocation of national resources and because equity translates into justice, peace would reign in such nations. And with peace comes development and wealth.

Nehemiah provided godly leadership in his days as governor in Jerusalem. The Bible records that Nehemiah did not exploit the people. He did not even touch any of the perks due him as governor. Rather, he deployed his personal resources and wealth for some of the activities of the state. Additionally, he reprimanded the wealthy who had been exploiting the poor and made them return productive resources to the poor so that the poor amongst them could access productive resources and be productively engaged in economic activities. Access to productive resources as well as engagement in productive activities translates into the economic prosperity of nations and economic healing of the nations.

King Solomon was a godly leader who led the people in national worship and appreciation of God over His leadership, protection, provision and guidance in the nation of Israel. Apart from his personal wealth, the Bible records that he made silver and gold very common. This is to say that in the days of Solomon, gold and silver were in abundance in the land – gold plates, silver plates as well as cutlery. The nation also enjoyed peace and great national development.

The Benefits of Understanding in Healing the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Bible records in 1^st Chronicles Chapter 12 verse 32 that the sons of Issachar had an understanding of the times; to know what Israel had to do, install David as King to fulfill the plans and purposes of God for both Israel as well as David at that point in time in history. With that understanding, they were able to mobilize their fellow citizens into bringing peace and unity to Israel by crowning David King over all Israel.

King Solomon requested for an understanding heart from God to judge Israel aright. The outcome was peace, economic prosperity ad national development, equity and justice prevailed in the land. The Bible records that silver, one of the currencies for economic transactions was as common as sand in Israel. The people of Israel enjoyed great economic prosperity during the reign of Solomon. Please read  1^st Kings Chapters 3, 4 verses 20 to 34, 10 verses 1 to 10, 21 to 29, 2^nd Chronicles Chapters 1 verses 10 to 17, 9 verses 1 to 27. Also, the classic judgment by King Solomon in which he gave the living baby to the right mother rather than the careless one who lay on her son and killed him in the process speaks volumes of what understanding does to bring healing, peace and prosperity in the land ( 1^st Kings Chapter 3 verses 16 to 28).

The Consequences of lack of understanding

Deliberate and conscious waste and destruction of God given resources. Examples include the unprofitable servant and the owner of the vineyard in Proverbs Chapter 24 verses 30 to 34, Matthew Chapter 25 verses 14 to 30. Also see Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 verse 18, Proverbs Chapter 18 verse 9, Genesis Chapter 38 verses 6 to 10 (Onan)

Laziness – resting when you should be working – doing the right thing at the wrong time – Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 verses 16 to 17 such as feasting in the morning, 3 verses 1 to 11, Proverbs Chapters 6 verses 6 to 11, 10 verse 5, Genesis Chapter 8 verse 22, Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 verses 1 to 6, Matthew Chapter 25 verses 1 to 13 (the foolish virgins). Laziness is also a contributory factor to waste and destruction.

Poverty, lack, untimely death

Foolish actions such as the irreverent attitude of the Corinthians at the Communion Table which led to untimely death and ailments in the Church – 1^st Corinthians Chapter 11 verses 20 to 34; the young man who foolishly spent time with the immoral woman and died young in Proverbs Chapter 7 verses 1 to 27.

Amnon’s folly in raping his half-sister Tamar and the consequent untimely death as he was killed by Absalom, Tamar’s brother. Please read 2^nd Samuel Chapter 13 for details.

Absalom’s folly in trying to usurp the throne. He died young. Please read 2^nd Samuel Chapters 14 to 18.

Achan’s folly which resulted in a national disaster and personal tragedy. Please read Joshua Chapter 7.

Nadab and Abihu’s profanity in offering strange fire to the Lord, strange because God did not command it. Please read Leviticus Chapter 10.

Rebellion – Korah, Dathan and Abiram’s rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron brought tragic consequences on them and members of their families alongside the two hundred and fifty men who supported them as well as the fourteen thousand seven hundred who died as a result of the plague; a consequence of the complaints of the children of Israel against Moses and Aaron that they had killed the people of God.

Nabal’s foolishness which could have destroyed him and his entire household but for the intervention of his wise and understanding wife Abigail. Even if he did not want to share his resources with David and his men, he should have presented the message in a nice way without being offensive and rude.

Give Sacrificially to Heal the Nations

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Beloved, you can meet the needs of people you may never see and meet on planet earth and be a blessing to them through your sacrificial giving. Please read Philippians Chapter 4 verses 10 to 20. The Church in Philippi consistently sent aid to the Apostle Paul in the mission field and this aid always arrived when Paul was in need. In essence, the Church in Philippi was used by God to meet the needs of Paul as Paul preached in different communities leading many people to Christ; bringing about healing, restoration, transformation and hope. Greatly touched by the generosity and sacrificial giving of the members of this Church, Paul prayed for them; a special prayer and prophetic declaration that God would meet all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, it is significant and instructive to note that Paul prayed for all their needs to be met – be they spiritual, physical, mental, financial, marital, parenting, academic, health; whatever the needs were. And God Who always answers prayers and responds to the prophetic declarations of His trusted servants honored the members of the Church in Philippi.

While sacrificial giving opens doors to the great abundance of God, it should not be the primary motivation for giving. The ultimate reason should be to be a blessing to individuals, families, institutions, communities and nations in need. Secondly, you never can tell how far your gifts would go in bringing in the already ripe harvest.

The widow of Zarephath gave sacrificially to meet the need of hungry Prophet Elijah. Though it was their last meal, God breathed His increase on it after Elijah declared that the family would not experience the famine raging in the land. God honored the prophetic declarations of Elijah and the family experienced abundance in the midst of famine

Hannah, the mother of Samuel vowed to give Samuel back to God and she honored her vow as soon as Samuel was weaned. Because she gave up for Samuel for divine purposes she was rewarded with more children. Please read 1^st Samuel Chapters 1 and 2.

The poor widow who gave her two mites, her entire livelihood in Luke Chapter 21 verses 1 to 4 was commended by the Lord Jesus Christ for having given more than the rich who gave something out of their abundance – they had plenty and despite what they had given; they still had plenty left over. But the widow gave all she had and she had nothing left at home.  She would return to zero livelihood at home but God Who always rewards sacrificial giving ensured that she had plenty at home; never ever to be in need again in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Healing the Nations Through the Word 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Speak the Word

Beloved, it is not enough to have a rich deposit of the Word of God in your heart. While this is great, it will be greatest if you consistently speak the Word to the nations to bring in the light of God, healing and restoration to the nations.

How the Word of God Works as Light

Your mental processes, speech and utterances as well as decisions and actions should be ruled, guided by the Holy Spirit, the word of God – that way, you do not speak idle words or deceitful words. Rather, you speak life (John Chapter 6 verse 63, 2^nd Corinthians Chapter 3 verses 1 to 6) and as you do so God will confirm the words that you speak. This also implies that the words that you speak should be guided by the Holy Spirit at all times – Isaiah Chapter 50 verse 45. If the words you speak are always guided by the Holy Spirit, they will be the word of God and the word of God does not return to Him void. The Word of God always accomplishes what He commands and instructs. Please read Isaiah Chapter 55 verses 10 to 11.

The word of God can be sent to bring about healing and deliverance from any form of captivity and intended destruction. Please read Psalm 107 verse 20 and Matthew Chapter 8 verses 5 to 13. Additionally, the Word of God can be sent for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Please read 2^nd Timothy Chapter 3 verse 4.

·         To give divine direction to walk in the ways of God (Psalm 119 verses 105, 133)

·         To give understanding to the simple (Psalm 119 verses 130, 97 to 100). Obedience to the word of God gives wisdom and understanding (Deuteronomy Chapter 4 verses 1 to 10, 2^nd Timothy Chapter 3 verses 15 to 17).

 ·         The word of God has the capacity to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts Chapter 20 verse 32).

 ·         Build you up spiritually, physically, mentally as well as financially (Joshua Chapter 1 verse 8, Psalm 1).

Healing the Nations Through the Word

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Great power, power beyond the realm of human understanding and wisdom reside in the Word of God. That explains why the realm of the word of God is the realm of miracles. The word of God and miracles go together because the word of God births the miracles as the word is released through preaching, writing or prophesying. For example, when you say that the Lord is your shepherd and you have everything you need, as you confess that the Lord is your shepherd, He actually shepherds you to His green pastures prepared for you from the foundation of the world where you always experience and enjoy abundance, unlimited abundance which daily grows into overflowing abundance. Therefore, always look at God and His unfailing Word rather than the circumstances.

The Word of God always prevails because God is His word and God does not fail because His Word always accomplishes whatever the Word of God is sent to accomplish. You therefore have the responsibility of always filling your heart with the word of God because the word of God has the capacity to clear your mind of debris and pollution, purify your spirit, soul and body and bring healing to your spirit, soul and body. The word of God has the great capacity to energize you spiritually, physically, mentally and financially. Knowing the Word is knowing God and the Bible is the only book where you can meet face to face with God and come to a true understanding of God.

Healing the Nations Campfire 2020