Love without reciprocal

Jesus Christ, God personified, approved of God, divine love expressed gave all even his own life to  ransom and redeem human race. He paid the price full and free for our salvation. He did all and nothing was left undone! Nothing can equate what he has done, indeed, it has no match. His love no man can reciprocate. For no one can give his life for another but Jesus did. The bible says, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And His death and resurrection is our hope and basis of our salvation. God the father lavish His love on us, being gracious to us, and in His benevolence (goodwill), He released His beloved son to die for us by whose shed blood we receive cleansing from sins. Unfortunately, this loving and gracious God many have wronged. Broadly, four categories of people exist namely,

The entangled- this category consists the deceived, ensnared, and trapped. They are beguiled, enticed and lured into evil. Consciously or unconsciously, knowingly or unknowingly they have entered into satanic web that has a firm grip on its captors and they have become the prey of the terrible (Isaiah 49:25). Oftentimes, they feel entangled, sensed that something is not right, and desperately seek to be free. Unfortunately, many in this category are sincerely ignorant of their predicament. The children of Israel were once in that condition and God revealed to them through prophet Isaiah, "But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, restore. who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law" (Isaiah 42:22, 24). 

King Saul met his waterloo when he consulted a medium and the bible recorded that the He (God) killed him. In 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, "So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse." King Solomon also incurred the wrath and judgment of God because of his love for idolatry and flagrant disobedience to God's commandment. God is jealous and cannot be co-worshipped with any god or idol (1 Corinthians 10:21-22). But He demands and desires a complete riddance from every form of demonic contamination.

However, your escape route is quite easy. It is just by acknowledging that you have fallen, accept His only provision for you in Christ Jesus, confess your evil ways, acts and doings; plead for mercy and forgiveness, renounce and forsake every conscious and unconscious covenant you have made with these evil powers. Hallelujah! It is very simple-thy tackling are loosed! Isaiah was very bold and said: "Thy tackling are loosed, they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail:" (Isaiah 33:23a).

The syncretic -these are the self-deceived, indignant, chameleon-like, occults, sorcerers, and so on. They are fully aware of existing covenant(s) between them and the evil spirits. They are conscious of what's going on in their lives, their intercourse with dark powers. They love their bondages and enjoy the privileges derived because they belong. They are filled with all wickedness, evil, they are schemers, manipulators, dubious, vile, deceptive, serpent (Matthew 23:23), and deadly. They can do anything because of money, power and fame. There is nothing horrible and terrible as when these people operate and perpetrate their evil in the church. For instance, the trio of darkness in the Acts of the Apostles: Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:18-25), Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:8-11), and the slave girl (Acts 16:16-18). 

It's grievous when they're found among the minsters of God. Though they hold important positions in the church, yet, they carry strange fire around the altar of God. They exhibit a form of godliness but it is vague and fake, they are truly sensual, carnal, hypocrites, and demonic. Especially many of them specializes in evil and delight in exploiting the people of God. And because of these evil acts highlighted in Hosea 4:8-10, Isaiah 56:11, Micah 3:11 and Romans 1:18, swift judgment will be coming upon such people. There is going to be a great shaken in the body of Christ for the Lord will set things in order before the return of Jesus. God will no longer take it lightly with anyone using sorcery to operate on His altar. He declared in Isaiah 29:15, "Woe to them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us?"

Though your swiftness, braveness, craftiness, cleverness, cunningness, and subtlety have no match but you cannot outmatch your creator. You take delight in going back and forth, a little light mingled with darkness, and cleverly you have hidden your true identity. And so, if I may ask you, how long do you think you can continue uncaught in this deceitful and devilish act? Know for sure that your smartness will earn you nothing but sudden destruction! Why do you chose to pretend to be who you are not? You are covering yourself with light while you're indeed a bundle of darkness. When will you sincerely change, repent and amend your ways? You think no one sees or knows, but God does and He has given you enough time to repent sparing your life. Take advantage of this opportunity before it's too late. He is ready to accept you, don't turn Him away!

True believers-These category are the Christians, saints, real children of God who have experienced and are still enjoying the immeasurable love of God and His son Jesus Christ. They are His beloved and the delight of the Almighty (Psalm 132:13-18). To these true  children of God, Job says in chapter 17:9, "Yet the righteous will hold to his way, And he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger." They were further admonished in proverbs 24:21, "My son, fear the LORD and the king: Do not associate with those given to change;" God also warned them about carefulness in Christian service because every work will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Hence, there is need for Christians to take caution because the least (easily besetting) sin will attract judgment as in Acts 5:5-10.

Agents of darkness-Satanists, this category consists of the real children of the devil who consciously and willfully covenanted with him. Aside from being wholly committed, dutiful and devoted to Satan, they openly associate with him, obey and serve him. They have made allegiance to him. Despite their faithfulness to Satan, the yoke he placed on them is hard and his burden is heavy. Regardless, they reject the easy yoke that Jesus offers and His light burden they lightly esteem! But whenever you step out of your boundary and curse the King of kings, spitefully detest and despise the great and the awesome one, reject His love and provision, you must be ready for the consequences and repercussion of your actions. Know that this loving God who wants all to be saved will soon be revealed as the God of judgment! Massive destruction is imminent on the unrepentant (Ecclesiastics 1212:6, Isaiah 47:10-11, 1 Corinthians 3:17a). Remember Isaiah 26:10 says, "Let grace be shown to the wicked, Yet he will not learn righteousness; In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, And will not behold the majesty of the Lord." Also, in Proverbs 8:36 the bible says, "But he who sins against me wrong his own soul; All those who hate me love death."

So, if I may ask where do you belong? Take appropriate steps now; amend your ways and may you receive grace and mercy in Jesus name.

Hope for desert

And they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He caused the water to flow from the rock for them, He also split the rock, and the water gushed out. Isaiah 48:21

The word "desert'' usually suggests uninhabited, empty, unoccupied, vacant, and abandoned. It also connote rejection, dejection, neglect, devastation and so on particularly when it refers to a person, a

group of people, or a place. To men, deserts are regarded as useless and valueless but to God they are His great treasure. Here is a picture of the Israelites (the redeemed children of God), a portrayal of New Testament believers and divine providence for their journey (Isaiah 48:21). Even though they are called desert, but very often God comforts His beloved children who trust and repose their confidence in Him. In Isaiah 51:3, the bible says, "For the LORD will comfort Zion. He will comfort her waste places: He will make her wilderness like Eden. And her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in it. Thanksgiving and the voice of melody."

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Hannah prayed and talked of the greatness, goodness and awesomeness of the Almighty God who vindicated her and wonderfully intervened in her seemingly hopeless situation. She had suffered shame, ridicule, reproach and humiliation, but the merciful God remembered her soon afterward and she exuberantly declared in 1 Samuel chapter 2 verses 6-9, "The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich: He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust. And lift the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among the princes. And make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints. But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength shall no man prevail."

Job, a blameless, just, upright and God fearing man attested to by both God and Satan was also in a hopeless situation and he was deserted. He was helpless, lonely, defenseless, having suffered a great loss, he longed for comfort and encouragement, instead he was misunderstood and accused by his friends, even his wife advised him to curse God and die. It seemed as if God had forsaken him. He was a representation (picture) of our Lord and Savior Jesus while on the cross. Job was miserable and not comforted but he later consoled himself and said, "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait till my change comes" (Job 14:14). When he considered the bliss and prosperity of the wicked, he became perplexed and put forth an argument and said, "Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power. Their descendants are established before them in their eyes and their offspring before their eyes. Their descendants are established before them in their eyes and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them" (Job 21:7-9). Later, he realized that the judgment of God is looming on them and then was he comforted knowing assuredly that there is hope for him. For the bible says, "The hope of the righteous will be gladness but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The righteous shall not be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth" (Proverbs 10:28 &30). God 's promises are sure and certain, "But He saves the needy from the sword. From the mouth of the mighty and from their hand. So the poor have hope and injustice shuts her mouth" (Job 5:15). Also, the bible says in Proverbs 10:3, "The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But he cast away the desires of the wicked."

Jesus Christ, our perfect example was not exempted. All the disciples deserted him immediately he was taken by the soldiers but followed him afar off. He was alone, even Peter, the supposedly dearest of all who proved to be most loyal, deserted him. This was the same Peter who once boasted that if it comes to death that he will go with him, "Peter said to him. "Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you! And so said all the disciples" (Matthew 26:35). It's very interesting to note that a small girl made him quake and he lied. Quite unbelievable though a very funny scene to behold. Brother Peter feared and continuously denied his Lord and master! Not only did he forsake him when he needed him most but he sworn with an oath never to have been with him or known him.

Jesus was forsaken by all, men, angels even God will not answer him. Prophet Isaiah spoke of him in chapter 53 verse 3, "He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him." He was alone in the court with Pilate who questioned him. Alone in praetorium beaten  by the soldiers, scourged, bruised, naked, and wounded. No wonder prophet Isaiah also remarked in Isaiah 52:14, "Just as many were astonished at you. So His visage was marred more than any man. And his form more than the sons of men."  On the cross when He was about to breathe his last, He cried to the father but no response, "And at the night hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). Then came a new dawn, the resurrection morning! Jesus, once abandoned now the glorified King. He resurrected with glory and power and thus bringing many sons to glory! So also, God restored Job and gave him double of all he had (Job 42:12). The end of Job was glorious!

So, anything can happen at any time, anyone can deny or forsake you but God remains the hope for the hopeless and deserted. He is the only one who truly stays and stands closer in the hours of dire need. He undertakes and defends the helpless, hopeless and abandoned. God can still be trusted! Besides, God is faithful and He promised deliverance to His children. As He provided, fought and defended the children of Israel, so will He do for you. However, He is only committed to His own (Christians). Are you His own? Do you belong to God? If your answer is yes, then you can be rest assured that all is well and there is hope for you. David affirmed this in Psalm 12 verse 5, "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him." For the oppression of the poor, He will certainly arise and deliver the righteous who are in seemingly hopeless situation. However, God is the righteous judge who will not take side with the evil doer, He will justly repay the wicked. God's criteria is different from ours. To the wicked the bible says in Job 11:12,"But the eyes of the wicked will fail. And they shall not escape, And their hope-loss of life."

In patience possess your soul

In your patience possess ye your souls Luke 21:19

It is a common phenomenon that before significant testimonies manifests in the life of a Christian, he or she might have gone through unpleasant circumstances, tests, trials, troubles, traumas and afflictions. Troubles are bound to come; we are not immune to it, as Christians, we are not exempted for the god of this world (Satan) is dishing it out to everyone. It seems especially difficult to understand why the righteous people should suffer. But Job did, the saints of old suffered one problem or the other. For the bible says, "Many are the affliction of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him from them all."  In the book of Acts chapter 14 verse 22, Paul the Apostle, in one of his routine visit to Antioch where disciples were first called Christians, met with them and encouraged them, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." These experiences though unpleasant but are certain as long as we are in this world. At times, they may not be apparent to people around but very real to those experiencing them.

Even Jesus Christ our Lord and savior suffered, and the bible says of him in Hebrews chapter 5 verse 8, "Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered."  As children of God, we must know that the moment we set out to do God's mandate, we will meet opposition for it is Satan's strategy to thwart and destroy God's plan. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Romans encourages us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." The problems of life may even be a symptom of deeper spiritual reality. We shouldn't be ignorant of God's provision, but rather disregard what the Satan is doing and look into the scriptures, for it takes time to make a true man or woman of God. Remember 2 Timothy 2 verse 2, "If we endure, we shall also reign with him, if we deny him, He also will deny us." 

Oftentimes, testimony starts with a crucial problem. No wonder the saying, no test no testimony, no trial, no triumph; this invariably implies that there is hope for the desert! And with great assurance we can take solace in God's promise according to Jeremiah in Lamentation chapter 3 verses 31-33, "For the LORD will not cast off forever, Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion. According to the multitude of His mercies, For He does not afflict willingly, not grieve the children of men." Another scripture of interest is Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 17-19 which says, "The LORD your God in your midst, The mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly. Who are among you to whom its reproach is a burden, Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who are driven out: I will appoint them for praise and fame, in every land where they were put to shame." Also, God says in Isaiah chapter 49 verses 15-16,"Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the sons of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands: Your walls are continually before Me." In addition, in Isaiah chapter 62 verse 4 God says, "You shall no more be termed forsaken, Nor shall your land anymore be termed Desolate; But you shall called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married."

Naomi (God's delight), with her husband Elimelech (My God is King) and their two sons Mahlon and Chillion went to Moab because of the famine in Bethlehem Judah. They went there full but she came back empty. Unfortunately, she lost her husband and her two sons there. When she heard that God has visited her people, she decided to return to Bethlehem. On her arrival, the city was moved because of her and the women said, "Is this Naomi? But sadly, she requested that the women call her Mara instead of Naomi. In Ruth chapter 1 verse 20, "And she said unto them, call me not Naomi call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." They went to Moab simply because of impatience. Their best excuses for leaving Bethlehem Judah can only attract pity, sympathy, tolerance and sorry from her neighbors and the people of the land but cannot undo the evil that has already been done. No one is crowned for failure however genuine the excuse may be!

We are losing thousands of people, mostly young men and women with great potentials and wonderful future, who in quest for a greener pasture have lost their lives prematurely. The voyage embarked upon to these seemingly wonderful places of good life, fortune and great opportunities turned deadly for some while some were lucky to make their journey successfully. It is very sad and disheartening because for some their attempt to seek for a better life eventually turned out to be an illusion, a dream that never come true. It is a normal and reasonable thing to envision, plan and actually take steps towards one's betterment, in the face of mounting pressure, troubling and failing national economy, political instability coupled with policies that have little or no agenda for the teeming youths. However, in a pursuit for a better life divine counsel must be sought as to where and when. Psalm 37 verse 5 says, "Commit thy way unto the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."  Even though men are obsessed with speed, God is not, for He our God is a God of patience. Isaiah 28 verse 16 says, "Therefore thus says the LORD God: "Behold, I lay a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not act hastily." If you ask for quick solution, you may not have a permanent solution. impatience often blind our eyes from seeing what we have that God wants to use to give us what we don't have. In other words, the importance of patience in our journey here on earth cannot be overemphasized. Hence, we need to heed God's counsel in Psalm 37 verses 7 and 34, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Desperation to operate on someone else's impulse indicates immaturity, foolishness and lack of trust in God. If God doesn't do something fast, don't do anything foolish or stupid!

But we need to know that there is a set time for everything and God has appointed time. According to His plan, purpose and program for us, He will do what He promise when, where and how He chooses. He'll surely make good his promise for He is too big a God to lie. No one can coerce Him or unduly hasten Him when it is not yet His set time to work. On the other hand, enemies cannot hinder, stop or delay His dear children. He has his name to defend in our lives because of His unfailing love and faithfulness. For God's name cannot be put to disrepute, and because of the awesomeness of His power and glory, He will constantly reveals Himself as the Almighty God who never fails or falter. He is committed to keeping His covenant promises as He has once said, " I will work and who shall let it (reverse it)." So, in patience possess your soul.

Therefore, His purposes for our lives are still intact for we are part of His almighty plan. God is  not yet through with our lives, we are indeed still in His making process and when He's done, then it will be our turn to blossom. God has gone far with us and He has invested so much in us, so He cannot abandon or forget us. We needs not to help Him, for we are not creature of circumstances but of purpose. Therefore, we need not to be intimidated, troubled, disturbed, embarrassed or fed up with our present situation because God has never failed and can never, He is faithful to His promises!  Be in touch with God and in patience possess your soul. Entering into God's rest is a panacea for this world's heartache and when overwhelmed by the prevailing unpleasant circumstances, the best thing is to look up to him. Just as the song writer rightly put it we need Jesus more than ever in this present evil world.

In times like these you need a savior

In times like these you need an anchor

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

Refrain

This rock is Jesus, Yes He's the one

This rock is Jesus, the only one

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

In times like these you need a bible

In times like these o be not idle

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock

In times like these I have a savior

In times like these I have an anchor

I'm very sure, I'm very sure

My anchor holds and grips the solid rock

Whom should we blame ?

Multitudes, multitude in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

God has permitted us to live in the most exciting days of all human history when the Holy Spirit is readily available to make people respond to God and to all that He is doing. But it's unfortunate that little or no importance is attached to spiritual things by many nowadays. There's prevalence of spiritual weariness, weakness, emptiness, dryness, lukewarmness, boredom, worldliness, and hypocrisy. While some are drowsy, sluggish and lethargic towards the things of God, others are rising and falling. Many are dull in the spirit, lack the innate drive and sincere passion for God. Low spiritual energy now characterizes the lives of once vibrant saints of God. It speaks from our innermost being when we give excuses like "I have some things I need to attend to urgently so I can't work for God or  fellowship with him now. In our days we see Jesus prophesy that "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" coming to fulfillment. Seeing all these happening, whom should we blame? When our love for God dwindles because of the current economic situation and the prevailing circumstances in our world, whom should we blame? When it is very hard to generate excitement and zeal for the things of God despite the fact that the scripture says "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

When negligence, looseness, carelessness, frivolity, high-mindedness, talkativeness, laziness takes over lives, and the word "watch" seems to have lost its import, having no serious meaning to nowadays Christians because the word "liberty" has been grossly misconstrued, whom should we blame? Jesus repeatedly admonishes us to "watch and pray" and quite interestingly the word "watch comes before pray. I believe there's a reason for this because if it wasn't that important to watch Jesus wouldn't have instructed us to watch. No wonder David, the psalmist said, "Who can understand his error, cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright and be innocent from the great transgression." Everyone says and does what he or she deems fit, and unbelievably our world is just like it was in the days when there were no judges in Israel, "in those days there was no king in Israel: everyone did what was right in his own eyes"

When a Christian becomes indecisive, untruthful, and undetermined about his commitment to God's word, work and kingdom, whom should we blame? Many are busy engaging themselves in activities that generate self-satisfaction, self-love, self-praise, self-aggrandizement and self-gratification. There is no retreat in God's service, yet, there is apathy towards soul winning, boredom, eye-service and fruitless evangelism. With emerging signs of the last days, our world is becoming more dangerous to live in. Sins and evils ravaging every society, and thousands are dying from landslide, floods, blasts, plane crashes, vehicle accidents, terrorist attacks to mention a few. These unpleasant and disastrous occurrences abounding around us notwithstanding, we do no longer have passion for the dying souls. The iron of church is getting blunt, yet, God's program cannot fail and the nations of the world are waiting to feel our impact! Just as Jesus asked Peter, He is asking again, "lovest thou me more than these ?"

Why has the Church resorted to operating without glory? Why has she become complacent and adjusted to service without the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit? Why is God's glory not a priority issue in our days? Why is it that there are so many sycophants and alarmists in the church of God? Whom should we blame when everything seemed turned upside down. When the clergy is weak and the laity are feeble, whom should we blame? When the pulpit is defiled and the pews are polluted, whom should we blame? When the bride of the Lord is defiled and adorned (clothed) with filthy garment, whom should we blame? When the altar of the Lord is polluted and desecrated, whom then do we blame? Yet, God expressly commands, "Let your garment always be white and let thy head lack no oil."

When spiritual giants who have once snatched souls of men from hell now fall into the same error they delivered others from, whom should we blame? The wisest king Solomon chose to fragrantly disobey God by worshipping idols with his wives and concubines, he was polluted and became the greatest fool in the land of Israel. He broke record and surpassed his predecessors (the only king with 700 wives and 300 concubines-what a madness!).Whom should we blame for sinners who are going en masse to Christ-less eternity while the bride of Christ (Church) who is supposedly mandated to rescue them is not yet washed and cleansed from her stains and therefore cannot reach out to them. We need to recall the penitent prayer of Job's friend and cry out to God,"that which I see not teach thou me, and if I have done any iniquity I will do no more."

When our prayer altar is weak and feeble and cannot bring down the power of God to destroy the activities of darkness, whom should we blame? When there is spiritual defeat and Christians cannot possess the gates of their enemies, whom should we blame? When captors become captives, whom should we blame? When believers are constantly under the attack of the enemy and it seems God has no power to give victory, whom should we blame? Remember, the bible says in Romans 8 verse 32, "He who did not spare his own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?"

The young prophet from Judah was sent by God to prophesy unto the altar at Bethel. After delivering his message, instead of embarking on his journey back to where he came from as instructed by God, he was found resting under the oak tree. So, the old prophet successfully persuaded him and  he consented to follow him to his house. He presumably believed the old prophet who spoke with precision though but he lied to him. The young prophet ate, drank and eventually set off on his journey. On his way, according to the prophesy of the old prophet, the young prophet was killed by a lion. It's quite unthinkable, unbelievable and surprising to know that the same old prophet who lied and turned him back from his way that was the first to accuse him when he was found dead. The Old prophet said that the young prophet died because he disobeyed God. So, whom should we blame? Satan is the accuser of God's children and he accuses us before God every moment. For the bible says, "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."

Ahab, the king of Israel spoke harshly against Elijah and called him the troubler of Israel. But Elijah proved to him that he was not the troubler of Israel but servant of the living God. Elijah raised an altar unto God, he called upon the Almighty God who brought down fire that consumed the sacrifice and licked the water around the altar. After his death, Ahaziah his son became the king of Israel. During his reign as king in Israel, Ahaziah fell and was injured, so he sent his messengers to inquire from Baalzebub, the god of Ekron if he would recover. Elijah met his messengers on their way and gave them God's verdict that the king would not recover. In anger, Ahaziah sent his soldiers to bring Elijah down from the top of a hill where he was sitting because he desired to deal with him. One would have thought that Ahaziah should have known Elijah too well not to have dared him. Unfortunately, two batches of soldiers with their leaders sent to Elijah never returned but were consumed by fire. It was only the third batch of soldiers and their leader who were spared; else they would have been consumed like the other two batches. For those who died foolishly on king's errand, whom should we blame? The leader of the third batch acted wisely and pleaded for his life and that of others because he realized the truth about the scripture "he maketh his angels spirit and his ministers flame of fire."

In fact, the list is endless. The bible is littered with instances and events where the question whom should we blame becomes inevitable. Aside the scriptures, daily events in our world; happenings in  the political scene, economic, religious, and other sectors of government leaves us with the question whom should we blame. Our world is becoming chaotic, a lot is going on every day and many are troubled, perplexed, worried, and fearful.  Nonetheless, everyone will be held responsible and accountable for decisions made or actions taken. For any failure in life, no one is to be blamed but you. We need to look inward first before passing the blame to others. In the bible, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent but the serpent had no one to blame or perhaps felt there is no need to blame anyone.

Beware of Mutilation

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! Phillippians 3:2

Mutilation is a term often used to describe an act of inflicting violent and disfiguring injury on a person. Simply put, it means to maim, ruin, cripple, damage, destroy, desecrate, trash, make imperfect by removing or irreparable damaging parts. It has a wide array of dictionary meaning which also imply to deform, adulterate, batter, amputate, crush, distort, expurgate, lame, spoil, weaken, alter and to wreck -havoc on. It is needful and very important to know the gravity of this expression used by Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Phillippians. We need to know that he wouldn't have used the word of caution "beware" if  it was not possible for them to be mutilated. He strictly warned, "beware of mutilation" More than ever before we  need to heed this warning now because there is a serious rampage, and the host of darkness is at rage against the children of God. It is sad to note that the church of Christ is in trouble today because of the infestation of these mutilating forces who have secretly crept into the fold. The most vulnerable unfortunately are the carefree, frivolous and careless believers.

These demonic forces are at large with fundamental evil agenda to infiltrate, penetrate, pollute, contaminate, harass, infirm, mutilate, dominate, and destroy. These forces of deception, demotion and destruction target believers, they seek to interfere and compete with God in their lives, deflate them and ensure that they are sensual, carnal and superficial. The universal plan of their master "Satan" has not changed,  he is desperate to steal, kill and destroy. His utmost desire is to puncture and drains out every good thing that true children of God carry, for he passionately hates anything of God. He wants to steal our hearts away from God, kill spiritual vibrancy and eventually destroy gullible souls in hell (John 10:10). While the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring the sons and daughters of God to glory, on the other hand, Satan's ministry is to alter the divine design, pervert (mutilate) it, thus, rendering unfit the instrument of glory. Satan and his agents desire to tarnish the glory of God we bear and carry, so beware!

It is unfortunate though programs of mutilation are well organized and arrayed everywhere to contaminate and pollute the children of God in these last days. Demonic instruments, agents and agencies are strategically arranged and positioned to distort and thwart the plan of God on earth, yet, many Christians are not aware of it. In genetics, research studies reveal and confirms that acquired (somatic) mutation in human genes caused by environmental factors results into genetic disorder, and often disrupts development. When it occurs, it causes permanent alteration of the DNA sequence that makes up the gene. Invariably, as it happens in the human body (physically), so it does in the spiritual

because all the allurement of this polluted world aim at mutilating and altering the spiritual configuration of the children of God. Hence, as Christians, we must heed warning and take caution. God has spoken through Apostle Paul and He is still warning us today, Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! (Phillippians 3:2).

Furthermore, Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Ephesians admonished us to stand against the wiles of the devil (subtlety, manipulations, machinations and schemes) because the rulers of the darkness of this age are constantly in battle against the saints of God (Ephesians 6:11-13. Hence, the clarion call to consecrate ourselves, be holy, and untarnished by the defilements of this world. God commanded Moses to speak the Israelites, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, "Yo shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). And for us to be assured that this is not just only an old testament issue, note that it was reiterated in the new testament  (1 Peter 1:16). God has spoken to us repeatedly demanding our separation from the world, "Ye shall be holy unto me for I the Lord am holy. And you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy for I am holy. For I will walk among you and I will be your God , and you shall be my people."

A Christian who cannot receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit in the time of trial, temptation and affliction is a bastard. Paul the Apostle in his epistle to the Hebrews exhorted, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:22 & 26). We, believers of these last days must be careful not to allow present discomfort and affliction to lure us to seek comfort and satisfaction from the camp of darkness. You dare not cross the line because anything received from Satan will bring you harm. Satan has no free gift! His seemingly good gifts and blessings are to maim, deform, defile, mutilate and ultimately bring destruction. Remember, nothing unclean will carry the glory of God and that's why James the Apostle said,"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their troubles, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

To the saints beware of mutilation! "Therefore strengthen the hands which hangs down, and the feeble kneels, and make a straight path for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:12-13). Our heart cry must henceforth be the prayer of the psalmist in psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord I will walk in your truth: Unite my heart to fear your name." And to those who have surrendered their will to serve Satan, repent and forsake your evil ways before it is too late because judgement is coming!

There is a thin line between spirituality and carnality beware!

Judah, the Lion's Whelp

Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up; he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion: who shall rouse him up? Genesis 49:9

Lion is a ferocious animal (very fierce and violent), dread and feared by men and beasts, and often referred to as the king of the forest. In proverbs chapter 30 verse 30, the bible establishes this fact, "A lion which is the strongest among beasts, and turneth not away from any." Jesus is indeed the true Lion and we are his Whelps. According to revelation chapter 5 verse 5, Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Satan is a fake lion, no wonder the bible says in 1 peter chapter 5 verse 8, " the devil, as a roaring lion" but not a real lion.

Judah, typified as a lion's whelp carried a significant prophetic destiny to express, manifest and operate on earth. No wonder the bible says in Genesis chapter 49 verse 8, "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow before thee." Judah had always been positioned for battle and he is a symbolism of the church today. For example, in Judges 1:1-4, he was the first to go up in battle against the Canaanites on behalf of the children of Israel. He contended with the enemies, dispossessed and disinherited them. Aside this, Judah is also a law giver, "The scepter shall not depart from  Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, unto Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Genesis 49:10. Remember God's instruction to the children of Israel in Jeremiah 21:21a &  22:3a, "O house of David, thus saith the Lord; Execute judgment in the morning, deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire" Hence, this mandate is for every true child of God and no one is exempted.

Balaam, the man with an open vision, on a mission to curse the children of Israel as ordered by Balak realized that God will not curse them, however, prophesied when the spirit of God came upon him "And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the man of Beor  hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.  He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed  is he that blessed thee, and cursed is he that curseth  thee." Numbers 24:3-4, 8-9. Note also what God said of them through his prophet in Micah chapter 5 verse 8, "And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, In the midst of many people, Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, Like a young lion among the flocks of the sheep, Who, if he passes through, Both treads down and tears in pieces, And none can deliver,"

As God delighted in Jesus, so He wants to be glorified in our lives as we take our divine destiny position in this sensitive and crucial prophetic season. While Jesus was here on earth, he fulfilled his divine purpose. After gaining mastery and victory he ordained and established the law, truth and divine order. The bible is littered with several instances both from the old and the new testament, one of such is a notable account of him found in Isaiah 42:1, 13. The tenacity, zeal and the passion with which he operated and executed the divine mandate was part of his prophetic destiny. Indeed all these culminate and reveals him as a true representative of God. But unfortunately, we, the children of God today are taken up with far too small things. Our prayers is intended to release the mighty acts of God knowing fully well that prayer is the harbinger of revival. Prophet Isaiah lamenting said, "And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isaiah 64:7.

God will have to take us outside this human realm in order to do something supernatural. Apostolic power is coming back to the church. However, God is looking for yielded vessels. Our level of surrendedness will determine our manifestation. No consecration no spiritual gifting. For a man to establish the glory of God and challenge princes of this world is to make oneself a man different from others, for no one gains position in the kingdom without opposition. Hence, there is the need to disregard every form of molestation, criticism or distraction but to push for the gate. No divided loyalty, no retreat, no surrender but rather be bold as lion." The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as lion." Proverbs 28:1 Therefore, as the scripture says," Watch, stand fast in faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.

It is imperative that we impact the kingdom of God and contribute our quota!

The stronghold of the strongman

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope, even today I declare that I will restore double unto you." Zechariah 9:12

The contest at Mount Carmel is an evident demonstration, a replica of an ongoing battle today against the kingdom of God by the kingdom of darkness. This interesting event recorded in 1 King chapter 18 verses 23-29 depicts actions taken by the disobedient, adamant, and rebellious prophets of Baal. Their ungodly and evil passion for idolatry had no bound. They manifested folly, leaped about the altar which they had made, prophesied, cried, cut themselves and shouted from morning till the time of evening sacrifice. Unfortunately, despite their loyalty and efforts to show their devotion by afflicting themselves, there was no response and their god could not bring down fire even on dry wood.

Afterwards, Elijah raised an altar to the almighty God to protest and challenge these prophets of Baal. In like manner, altars must be raised everywhere. In these last days, it is pertinent to know that both personal and cooperate altars must be raised to undo satanic activities in our lands. Why raising altars? We need to raise altars to the Lord God almighty in order to destroy evil powers and negate energies generated on satanic altars against the counsel of God.  God has a counsel and his counsel must stand Isaiah 46:10. Note that altars are raised to access and generate either satanic or godly powers which invariably constitute a stronghold. Similarly, as godly stronghold exists, on the other hand, satanic strongholds (marine, occult, ancestral witchcraft, territorial, continental etc.,) also exists.  Hence, it becomes imperative to raise altars because of the increased rage of the powers of darkness against the light. Our enemy (Satan) and his cohorts are formidable, it is presumptuous to combat their fierceness unequipped, even God did not undermine theses forces we are to meet. So Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, he silenced them during the time of the evening sacrifice, and he repaired the altar. In 1 King chapter 18 verse 30, Then Elijah said to all the people "come near to me "And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down."

Thereafter, fire came down from heaven on the wet wood after he had repaired the altar. This incidence in verses 31-38 shows the significance of an altar. A consistent, unbroken relationship with the almighty ensures a real fortification against the onslaught of the enemy and provides avenue for demonstration of signs and wonders. In verse 39, "Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" These are the days of manifestation of power and wisdom necessitates that we deal with the strongholds of darkness fortified by evil altars. In Proverbs chapter 21 verse 22, Solomon said "A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the trusted strongholds." God has also issued a decree in the book of Jeremiah chapter 10 verse 11 "Thus you shall say to them,"The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from earth and from under these heavens."

For Christians, God is indeed our stronghold. God is our sure place of defense and security, our fortress,  shield, and source of strength. David acknowledged this in Psalms 18 verse 2, and the new King James renders it this way "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and deliverer, My God, my strength in whom I trust. My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. David was ever mindful of God-his stronghold and his potency, he exclaimed in Psalm 71 verse 3 "Be thou my strong habitation whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save ; for thou art my rock and my fortress." No wonder David the King ruled and reigned over Israel for forty years, fought many battles, never lost any and had victory over all his enemies because of his dependence on God-his stronghold. As believers, we must also turn to our stronghold as we repair the altar of prayer and worship.

Furthermore, God gave assurance of double for as many that will return to the stronghold. According to Zechariah chapter 9 verses11-12 "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoner free from waterless pit. Return to stronghold, ye prisoners of hope, today I declare that I will restore double unto you." God is speaking on behalf of the church, his bride, his intention and provision for as many that will return to the stronghold. When God speaks of double it means deliverance and restoration. Remember that Prophet Isaiah also reveal the counsel of God while declaring to the children of Israel in Isaiah 40 verses 1-2 "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, and her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hands double for all her sins. The blessings came, rain descended, in verse 41 "And Elijah said unto  Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is sound of abundance of rain." All this happened because of the new altar that was raised unto God.

There is a lot to gain and nothing to lose as we return to the stronghold. God is still in dire search of people today like Elijah who will disgrace satanic altars!