SHARE THE LINK

 

(Create or Join a Christian Community continuation)

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 (TPT)

[11] My dear brothers and sisters, I have a serious concern I need to bring up with you, for I have been informed by those of Chloe's house church that you have been destructively arguing among yourselves.

[12] Moreover, I need to bring this up because each of you is claiming loyalty to different preachers. Some are saying, "I am a disciple of Paul," or, "I follow Apollos," or, "I am a disciple of Peter the Rock," and some, "I belong only to Christ."

[13] However, let me ask you, is Christ divided up into groups? Did I die on the cross for you? At your baptism did you pledge yourselves to follow Paul?

During COVID-19, I sincerely couldn't stand the numerous church links I received from friends to join this teaching or that prayer meeting. It wasn't because I did not like or love a particular ministry or pastor but because my church also had online service, and I did not think it was right to abandon my online community to join another. For the few who persisted, I joined after our online service if theirs were still ongoing. Truthfully, the few services I joined blessed my life tremendously. A perfect example will be the online services of Pastor Enoch Boamah of CEYC Airport City. I cannot forget the numerous revelations and encounters I received during those ministrations. One that stood out for me was his teaching on Faith. From him, I understood that "Faith is not Vim." That first point scattered every understanding of Faith and led to my continuous study of the subject. I knew from that day that I needed to have grabbed in the spirit before I could speak publicly about anything. Be it anything I knew was my portion physically or spiritually, I needed to have spent time with God to have evidence in the spirit before coming out to speak of it. Based on that understanding, I knew my prayer session didn't have to end because I was tired. My prayer session had to end because I had encountered Wisdom, who had freely offered an answer or solution. Waiting in the place of prayer till I had an answer became the new normal. And those long hours of prayers gave way to several other insights that still hold me today.

Today, although we have reverted to going to church, I still cannot compare the level of spirituality I saw among Christians during the COVID-19 period to what it is now. Aside from my prayer sessions and church prayer meetings, I still remember the number of daily prayer meetings I would have to join because I had committed to this or that prayer community. It was a reasonable period for some people because they could proudly say they had a daily prayer and Word study life thanks to this or that church, community or friends. Some individuals gained insights into the Word of God from the ministers they chose to follow. Today, some people cannot stand the thought of receiving or joining a prayer link because they feel disloyal or unfaithful to their church. Yet, those links helped them have a consistent prayer life some years ago compared to the once-in-a-week prayer meeting at their church.

Fellow Christian brothers and sisters, we are all of the body of Christ. Why are you shunning another ministry only because it doesn't have your pastor as head or church name? I am always sad when people get furious because they received an Alpha Hour link, an NSPPD link, and Prophet Sarkodie's link, among many others. I understand if your spirit cannot connect with a particular ministry or minister based on an error in their theology. But I can't understand the hardness of your heart against other ministries or ministers because they are not of or from your church. The only recognisable name in Heaven is Jesus. Being a Church A or B member doesn't give you any special privilege or treatment in Heaven. Have we yet to read that we are all a part of a massive body of Christ? A ministry or minister may be a hand or leg in the body of Christ, but it does not make them robust or less potent because it is only in unity that the church can stand and conquer. If the Lord has asked a man of God to have a conference with six (6) pastors and three (3) singers, know for a certainty that each pastor and singer will manifest the move of God in that meeting differently. Each minister will uniquely speak or address a particular group, person, or situation by God's plan. No matter what you do or say, God has freely distributed His Grace to all His children. The man full of His Graces and the conduit and container of all is JESUS, not your pastor/shepherd/papa or my pastor/shepherd/papa.

Over the past decade, I have been enriched in various ways by the ministries of Pastor Benny, Pastor Joseph Prince, Bishop Dag, Archbishop Nicholas, Rev. Eastwood, Pastor Isaiah, Prophet Angel, Rev. Elvis, Prophet Sarkodie, Prophet Edem, Apostle Arome, Apostle Odoma, Apostle Orokpo, Apostle Suleman, Apostle Selman, E.M. Bounds, Pastor Bill Johnson, A. W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, and many others. None of these men have any relation or connection to my church or spiritual father. However, I have learned from my spiritual father to always heed the Holy Spirit's guidance. When the Holy Spirit prompts me to read a book, listen to a message, or follow a man of God for a period, I obey without hesitation. Like many of you, if my spirit struggles with the content of a book or message, I know I don't have the clearance to engage with it at that moment. This has even happened with particular books in the Bible. For instance, in the past, I found it challenging to understand the book of Romans, Revelation, and Hebrews. But through prayer and obedience to the Holy Spirit, these books have opened up to me, revealing new insights and deepening my understanding of God's word.

Brothers and sisters, I love good teaching. Good teachings are the keys to success in the kingdom of light and darkness. The man or woman in the kingdom of light who understands the foundations of their faith in God is a walking danger or terror to the most advanced man or woman in the kingdom of darkness. The uniqueness of every man or woman of God is found in the aspect of Wisdom they encountered in their journies with God. Have you wondered why a man or woman of God thinks it is easy to operate in their giftings? It isn't a sign of pride. It is because Wisdom freely offered them the key to that gift. Most of these men are in ministry because they know and understand a particular secret in the kingdom. Based on their teaching, we are open to these mysteries and manifest these kingdom giftings consistently based on our understanding of that mystery. I don't join the meetings of particular churches or pastors to vet for possible new church communities in case the leadership of my church annoys me or I don't feel the environment any longer; NO! I only join these churches or pastors because I have been led to tap into grace or learn something from that ministry or person. For example, every student of Bishop Dag's bible school found a love for reading based on the structure of the curriculum, which was based on the study structure of a medical doctor, now a pastor. I visited EWC to taste their 48 hours of Word, prayer, and worship program. Have I ever felt the need to make it an annual experience? NO! When I needed to do it, the Lord created the urge, made the way and gave me the grace to stay in that church for 48 hours without feeling bored.

In summary, I know several people today who are Sunday church-going members, tithe-paying, and tongues-speaking, and who did not have a consistent prayer life until they joined one of these popular links. I believe these online prayer communities have been raised by God to help some people fight their way through corporate prayers. For others, it is an opportunity to open their lives to certain mysteries and encounters that have been their portion since the beginning.

Please, do not feel guilty! Whether it is Alpha hour, Commanding Your Morning, NSPPD, Halleluyah challenge or any other link that keeps you connected to God, join and build that relationship with God. On the day of judgment, what will matter is your knowledge of God, not your loyalty to your church. Your personal spiritual growth is your responsibility and should not be hindered by allegiance to a particular pastor, church, ministry or movement. Only Jesus is King and Lord. (to be continued)

Remain in the blessings of God as you remain in Christ.

MD.

NB: While genuine ministers are called to this movement of daily prayer meetings, charlatans have joined in muddying the water. Always be sensitive to the Spirit's leading when connecting to any link, reading any book, or listening to any message.

I KNOW YOU LOVE ME

 

2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I KNOW whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

 

2 Timothy 1:12 (TPT)

The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I've placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing.

 

 

I have yet to meet an older sibling who has never wished to be the last born. It must be because of the task of caring for younger siblings or the inability to tolerate their annoying characters. Although I have tried my best to act like I do not care about my younger siblings, I have failed to clarify that to one of my younger brothers. For reasons only known to him, he can confidently say anywhere that I love him no matter how strict I try to be or look. Whenever my little brother says that, he seems too serious for me to think he is playing. He is the only younger sibling who can boldly ask me for money or a favour, believing that I will never be able to say "No!" after repeatedly asking him to have me as a last option in the 'Older Sibling Duty'. It is always the audacity he gets to return, even when I have made it a lifelong duty to be a disappointment. Sometimes, when it becomes annoying, I have no other way than to give in.  

 

So, there was a day he had gone to make a bad deal and was being threatened spiritually. Although I have on several occasions advised him to build a personal relationship with the Lord and stop depending on the spirituality of those around him, he will always brush it off with this statement: "You are my covering." While he confidently says this, I wonder if this young man wants me to join our dad before my time. Anyway, he called me and narrated the story when the issue came up. After the briefing session, I asked him if he was expecting my sympathy or advice because I had none for him. Again, with that audacity, this gentleman tells me that he had already told the person that if the person tried him, he would have to deal with his big brother spiritually. At that juncture, I had to ask him to repeat himself. Again, with the same audacity, he repeated himself. After my silence for a minute, all he said before hanging up was, "I was only informing you so you can pray about it." I didn't know whether to call him and let him have a piece of my mind or trick him into meeting up with me, so I gave him a good beating.

 

As I sat there contemplating, all I could ask myself was, "How can one go and look for a boxing match and then have the audacity to write another person's name instead of theirs? Like, How! Is this boy God's lesson on patience for me? Why can't I disown him and live in peace since I can't bring myself to use him for blood money?"

At that moment, the Lord explained a kingdom truth most of us have failed to walk with — we live by faith, not sight. In other words, our walk with God cannot be predicated on how we feel but strictly on what God has said to us through His infallible Word. If we can't accept whatever He has already said concerning us in His Word, how can we believe the prophecies He shares with us through fellow believers, dreams and visions? My brother hasn't based my love for him on my mood or his; he always knows because he may have seen or heard something that may never change in his opinion. Based on that, he can boldly say anywhere that his brother has always gotten his back. I may not say it, but he still believes it. I may not seem like it, but he still believes it.

 

Fellow Christian brothers and sisters, your mood swings should never be a measuring tool in your walk with God. Who God is to us, what He has already done for us, what He wants from us, and many others have nothing to do with our feelings. When the Word says that our Heavenly Father loves us (Romans 5:8-11), it is and will never change, even when we don't feel it. When the Word says God is our protection (Psalm 46:1), it will never change, even when we think we are in the darkest situations. When the Word says that you are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3), it will never change, even when we think of a poor background or a generational lineage of poverty. With you in Christ, you are the exception to that generational order. When the Word says that you have been bought and washed by the blood of Jesus (Galatians 3:13-15), it is so and wouldn't change because you think your sin is the worst of all. When the Word says that you have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13), know for a fact that there is a massive gulf because these kingdoms and your feelings aren't enough reason to lose your Sonship title in the kingdom of light.

 

All I want you to do is hold on to whatever the Lord has already said about you in His Word. Speak what He has said, act on what He has said, and Live based on what He has said, and I can assure you that you will always be a terror to the kingdom of darkness. Get your Bible and find your rights in His kingdom. We live by His Word, not our feelings.

 

You are blessed because you are in Christ, not because you are good at being a Christian.

MD.

WHO ARE YOU PRAYING WITH OR FOR?

 

DON'T WALK ALONE (continuation)

Luke 22:31-32 (TPT)

"Peter, my dear friend, listen to what I'm about to tell you. Satan has obtained permission to come and sift you all like wheat and test your faith. [32] But I have prayed for you, Peter, that you would stay faithful to me no matter what comes. Remember this: after you have turned back to me and have been restored, make it your life mission to strengthen the faith of your brothers."

 

During a trying season, the Lord asked me not to walk alone, as I stated in the previous post. Although I could pray, it wasn't to the extent I had always wanted. Although I could still read and study the Bible, I knew it was again not to the level I had always wanted. But I was always happy I could find the right words to help those who contacted me with their problems. I was pouring out a lot, but I wasn't paying attention to the fact that nobody was pouring into me. Gradually, I realised that the desire to read/study my Bible, pray, and worship, among others, began to decline. I suddenly felt tired and bored when the thought of doing any of the above came to mind. I would start yawning when I felt like praying or reading the Bible, but when I took my phone to spend time on any social media platform, I would be up for hours. I couldn't understand it, but again, I didn't want the devil to feel special, so I never accepted it as an attack. During those periods, I finally accepted that you could spend days on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and every single minute, you would be shown a new video. In other words, there is enough content to keep you distracted if you give in to the enemy. Anyway, I kept battling this whole idea of feeling sleepy the minute I wanted to pray or read the Bible for days until one day, I told myself I was going to spend time on social media when I felt like sleeping, and while at it, I would speak in tongues (please don't be tempted to try it). I prayed for hours, but truth be told, it was fruitless. I heard nothing. And as I always tell those around me, you can't spend time with God and not encounter Wisdom.

 

One day, I woke up and decided to practice one ritual the Lord taught me when battling with 15-30mins in His presence — conscious worshipping (Again, this is my ritual, not a doctrine). To practice conscious worshipping, I have a list of favourite songs, it could be at most five or ten, which I play in the background, yet instead of just playing in the background, I consciously sing along with the intention of dwelling on the songs' words. Finally, I sit quietly and listen when the songs have played, and I have sung them several times. During that conscious worshipping, I was directed to send a PRAYER SOS to selected friends in the faith. Wisdom had directed me to a solution, but I found it hard to make a list of people who could adhere to it immediately. For some people, I thought, the idea that I was requesting prayers would have sounded like a test or ploy to determine if they were praying, so I needed to know whom to send the PRAYER SOS. When I finally accepted the thought, I couldn't pinpoint particular Christian friends or loved ones to send the PRAYER SOS. After an hour or two, a few names came to mind, and I sent them a short message. Although they all replied in the affirmative that they would pray for me and let me know what the Lord was saying concerning the season, only a few returned with a Word from the Lord. (Please, always let people know if you cannot help them in prayer when they request a PRAYER SOS. No is still a sincere answer.) The few messages I received from these people were like a soothing balm to my soul, providing the relief and comfort I desperately needed. They encouraged me and helped me get back on track.

 

Romans 15:30 (TPT)

That's why I plead with you, because of our union with our Lord Jesus Christ, to be partners with me in your prayers to God. My dear brothers and sisters in the faith, with the love we share in the Holy Spirit, fight alongside me in prayer.

 

A specific message established a particular insight the Lord told me before that trying season. Reading that message, I could hear the Lord repeatedly telling me how much He loved me and was always with me. The word 'Emmanuel' had a different meaning from that day because I knew, based on that experience, that the Lord was always with me no matter what I was going through. Nothing was ever going to make me doubt that. I knew the Lord took me through that phase to make me understand why Apostle Paul constantly encouraged the community of believers he had around to pray with and for him. It was a humbling experience for me because I understood that no matter my spiritual maturity, I wasn't too old for prayers. Now, I request prayers from children, friends, pastors, etc. Pride makes us think we don't need the prayer of any other person except our pastors (I would touch on this another time). Humility in seeking help is a virtue we should all embrace, as it opens the door for the support and guidance we need in our faith journey.

 

Fellow brothers and sisters in the faith, no matter how 'spiritually matured' you think or know you are, don't fight that battle alone. Get yourself a Christian community, and request help when you need it. We were meant to help each other in the body of Christ. The Apostles who walked with Jesus knew this, practised it and taught their followers. Today, many are hiding behind a facade of 'Spiritus Paparitus' and slowly decaying, knowing that issues are weighing them down spiritually. Let us kill the pride and lean on each other. It is supposed to be our reality as Christians. We are not alone in our faith journey but part of a united body with a shared purpose.

 

Remain in the blessings of God as you remain in Christ.

MD.

 

 

NB: Each day, when a friend's name randomly pops into your mind, say a quick prayer and call them to check up. Let them know they came to mind, and you decided to check on them. It may look like a random act, but you just obeyed a PRAYER SOS from the Holy Spirit for them.

CREATE OR JOIN A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY (Chapter 1)

 

I don't know why we, Christians, act ignorant of the reasons why we are losing most of our Christian brothers and sisters to occultic groups, to the point where these brothers and sisters who were once zealous for Christ and the things of His Kingdom are now bold enough to openly state that they would choose their occultic group at anytime or in any circumstance over their previous no matter the number of times they reincarnate (if there is anything like that).

 

I have always tried to imagine the Christian communities many of the first believers of old created or joined after accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We read the book of Acts, and based on teachings, we have been made to believe it is a "perfect picture" of what the "church" should be. Because the Apostles had not set off after their ascension of Jesus Christ to start a church, I have always believed that our concept of a "perfect church" was just a community of men and women who had one common denominator, their belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and sustaining that community with four principal pillars that they learned from the common denominator whom they lived with for three years.

 

Now, let's dramatise the first and second chapters of the Book of Acts. After witnessing Jesus effortlessly defying gravity without the Iron Man suit to ascend to heaven, the disciples' assignment was to return to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Heavenly Father—the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8-11). While they walked, I can imagine the several stories they shared, reminiscing about the time they spent in person with the Son of God. John could smell Jesus as he remembered the several times he had his head on him. Thomas could finally put to rest the absurdity of Jesus' resurrection being a mere fable. He touched and felt the marks of His suffering. No one could tell him or them that they were dreaming or imagining things. They knew what they had heard, seen, touched and tasted concerning the begotten Son of God. And it was all joy. (Acts 1:11/1 John 1:1). As they approached Jerusalem, their minds were united in one purpose: To await the coronation of their Master. Their daily prayers were not to hasten Jesus's ascension and coronation, but to prepare themselves for the global revival they were about to lead with the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33).

 

Acts 1:13-14 (NKJV)

[13] And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.

[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

 

They kept praying until a particular day. This day felt no different until they heard a sound that was a bit different from the several days they had already been in prayer. The atmosphere felt unique this morning, but they thought nothing strange of it and kept praying. A few minutes later, they could hear themselves speaking a weird language, but they all had no urge to stop. It was as if a more substantial power had taken over them. They felt the need to keep on praying and not stop. They felt renewed, refreshed, rejuvenated, and equipped with more to keep on journeying in the place of prayer. Unbeknownst to them, this experience was happening to only them. Walking outside to listen to the views of those gathered upon hearing these strange sounds, one could have compared it to the closest charismatic church having their usual two-to-three-hour prayer sessions glorifying and seeking God in tongues. As the people, that is, those who are Jews by birth, Jews by association and Jews by practice from around the world, rushed to draw closer to the abode of the disciples for more information.

 

As the numbers outside increased, one could inaudibly hear murmuring here and there as if they were trying to feed on each other's opinions to give a perspective on whatever was happening. In the first instance, they didn't understand why a group of fellow Jews had decided to be secluded when the Pentecost Celebration (Leviticus 23) instructed by God through Moses was happening. With their Master dead, is this their new form of rebellion or new strategy to disrespect the elders? As some looked at this incident quizzically, one started shouting frantically, "I can hear them speaking my language." Then, looking towards a fellow citizen, it is confirmed. This was happening with every nationality. It was the first kind, and no one could understand it. Imagine attending a religious ceremony in China, only to see a group of Chinese who have never crossed their national borders to Ghana fluently speaking the history of Ghana to you in Ga, Ewe, Akan, Fante, and Hausa, among others, with parables only the elders in the communities back home could interpret. (I know that is possible in this era, but this is just an illustration). That is how surprising it was for them as this unfolded before them. "How were those who speak Galileans speaking to them in their native language about the wonderful works of God? What could this mean?" some asked as they kept their eyes on this spectacle. While a few were wondering if this was another strange plan of God to speak to them from the mountain as He did with their fathers at Mount Sinai, some were mocking the incident by saying, "They are full of new wine." As usual, they made that statement to quickly rubbish this unique experience that was more than a supernatural coincidence for some of these visiting Jews. Knowing God through history, they knew this meant something, yet they didn't have any of the great prophets of old to give a unique perspective to what was occurring. (Acts 2:5-13)

 

As if Peter could read their minds as Jesus did with them, he stood and began to give the perspective they were looking for by relating the occurrence to the prophecy of one of the prophets. I intend this article not to break down Apostle Peter's first message at an uninvited yet miraculous Homecoming conference for all Jews worldwide for ten or twenty points but to discuss the first community-building exercise initiated by the apostles after this powerful experience and timely message from the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 2:41-42 (NKJV)

[41] Then those who gladly received his word were baptised; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

[42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

Acts 2:41-42 (AMP)

[41] So then, those who accepted his message were baptised; and on that day about 3,000 souls were added [to the body of believers].

[42] They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers.

 

According to the Book of Acts chapter 1, verse 15, the scripture makes it explicitly clear that the number of people gathered with the disciples at the abode where they were praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit after the resurrection was one hundred and twenty (120). Now, I will also want to state with the authority of the scriptures that the disciples had not stated vocally or tried to insinuate they were starting a ministry after the resurrection of Christ. They were just a group of people who had accepted and believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. This was the common denominator among them. Aside from that, only a few were of the same mother and father, business, hometown, age, etc. The only thing that united them was someone they had accepted and believed as the Son of God, Jesus Christ. So, when Peter had finished delivering such a convicting message, those who believed and accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God were baptised and added to the community whose only common denominator was Jesus Christ and nothing else.

 

Now, let me address my initial comment that the concept of the "church" used in some translations of Acts chapter 2, verse 42 isn't the same as the one we have today. For clarity, some translations were specific and said, "…three thousand souls were added to them (the body of believers)." In other words, they were added to them because they believed in the common factor/ denominator that had kept them together for three years. I know that the common denominator is the basis for every church that believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has accepted Him as Lord and Saviour. However, although the common denominator was the first step of acceptance to the community, the sustenance of the community was based on a set of principles they had learned while following the common denominator, Jesus Christ, for three years — doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (eating meals together, not communion service) and prayers. I love how one translation puts it: "They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together." So, their concept of a "church" is a community of men and women who believe and accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Saviour and Lord of all, while firmly holding onto the practice of constant teachings, fellowship, eating meals together and praying.

 

I can tell you that the reason why the many souls the "church," that is, you and I, have witnessed have failed to stay in the body of Christ purposefully pursuing God is because we have lacked these four structures — doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (eating together) and prayers — in a family-like setting. I am not talking about the family devotion that some of us have or had when we used to stay with our "over-religious parents." This is in no way belittling the place of home devotion among families. The "church" is meant to be a family setting. If not, why did Jesus come to draw our attention to a loving Heavenly Father who was once ignorantly known by many as a wicked being killing rebellious followers? Why would the "church" be called the bride of Christ? 

This is why some people have never felt the need to commit to any church, even though they have joined one or two departments. The only reason why some are still at their church, though they are not enjoying all these structures, is because they feel attached to their roles at their church because they may have been made to believe that service at church is the only way to succeed at the expense of their foremost need for a relationship with their Lord and Master Jesus. The minute these people lose their roles in that church, nothing makes them want to come to that church building. Immediately their only option to continue their weekly marking of Sunday attendance is to find another church that wouldn't remind them of the hurt from the previous church. (...to be continued)

 

Remain in the blessings of God as you remain in Christ.

MD.

DON'T WALK ALONE!

Proverbs 27:17 (TLB)

A friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron strikes iron.

 

Proverbs 27:17 (CEV) 

Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.

 

Proverbs 27:17 (ERV)

As one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp.

 

 

I am amongst the many youths who still ask their parents why they decided to make a covenant with God on their behalf without their permission. And like most of them out there, the answer always has these words, "It was for your good. God needed men, so I made a covenant like Hannah to offer you to Him. I almost died, so I made that covenant to save your life and mine." I didn't take my mum's stories seriously until I met ordinary people asking me to hold onto God because His hand was upon my life. To some of these people, I would try to mock their statement by raising my head to look into the sky as if looking for the hand of God. Then I started meeting Men of God who would just smile and say when the time is right, nothing but God will satisfy you.

 

Well, at 12, I gave my life to Christ at Winners Chapel International, Avenor (now Winners Chapel Ghana). I wish I could find the words to describe the fire and zeal I had then to know God. Time would not allow me to speak about my desire to evangelise anybody as long as I had the urge. As for service, I doubt I have given so much time and energy to things of God at any church as I did there. I can boldly state today that my desire then was to stay in the house of the Lord for the rest of my life. I didn't mind spending my whole day at church working and fellowshiping with fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. The house of God was home, and my spirit was always peaceful in His presence. Because we usually work during services on Sunday, some team of workers took time off every Saturday after preparing the place for service to study the word, pray, worship and sometimes break bread. Our unit leader was more like our shepherd. He ensured that our social status or educational background meant nothing to our team. We were all one in the sight of God. I was always eager for our Saturday fellowship because we all had to share what we had learned during the week through our daily devotion aside from the bible discussions on the topic our Teens Church Pastor preached. It was always refreshing.

 

Some years later, the family had to stop Winners Chapel International and move to another church. Although I enjoyed that church, I couldn't find the fire and zeal I found at Winners Chapel International. The message was powerful and had a great atmosphere, but I couldn't be as zealous there as I was at Winners. The once zealous Christian who would spend hours at church was now finding comfort in activities that had nothing to do with the Christian faith. Attending Sunday Services was now a chore that needed to be completed for others to know I was still in the faith. After eventually leaving that church to settle for another, I noticed a strange cycle in my life. I would find myself doing everything against the Word of God, and then, by God's mercy, I would meet someone or hear a message, and I would suddenly decide to go all out for Jesus. That cycle continued until I accepted the nudge to go to Bible school in 2017 to study the Bible and know God for myself. I knew I had to find a solution to that cycle quickly; otherwise, my lukewarm nature would kill me one way or the other.

 

God being so good, I met fellow brothers in the faith who were not only hungry for more of God but were far into the things of God than I was. Although I could pray, see one or two visions, study, and teach the word of God, my interaction with these anointed people caused a deeper hunger for God. I had read books and heard messages from several men of God about how they met God, but my desire to go deeper came from those godly interactions. My spiritual father had taught me about midnight prayers and having a consistent prayer life. He even tried to introduce it into my lifestyle by waking me up at dawn to pray. But, my interaction with James during night security at the Prayer Garden on campus quickly made that a lifestyle. I remember how James and I were discussing our prayer life one day, and I spoke about how I would spend an hour or, at most, two or three praying; James smiled and talked about the periods he would spend six, eight, twelve or twenty-four hours praying. I stared at him in astonishment, like I had heard the most absurd story. I thought only specially gifted people could do that, and here is this young man confidently telling me this. "My goodness, how am I not seeking God enough now that I am a youth like him?" I would ask myself. That is how James started writing our names for night security at the prayer garden every day. I would pray, dose off and wake up to hear James still praying. Who was I to come and kill myself? But that was how I birthed my desire for long prayers and went on to encourage others to do so. If, by association, a man can pick up harmful practices from a friend, then I believe the Christian can pick up several "special gifts" by associating with those with them.

 

I later met Emmanuel and Solomon. I thought I knew seasoned men of God who stood for the truth till Emmanuel and Solomon opened my eyes. These two would share specific experiences in the faith as if they were meant to be expected of all Christians. If not till I started experiencing some of these things and advocating for other Christians to make them a lifestyle, I always thought they were crazy to make such "special graces" look normal. I remember some of the random bible discussions we would have during our walks on campus. In my mind, I would think I am sharing some "wild revelation" from the Bible, and like a joke, they would pick the same scripture and begin to break it down from different angles. I may have brought up the topic, but I would start to open my mouth in shock because I never saw it from those angles if not for that sharing opportunity. It was always the humility they had to listen and encourage me to speak before they added; otherwise, I would have always been silent. That hunger always led me to spend hours reading and studying the Bible. Time wouldn't allow me to share more of these stories, so let me go straight to my point.

 

Looking back at those days in Bible school, I realised I never had a "spiritual relapse." I thought it was because I was on a religious campus, but that couldn't be the case because I could have fallen quickly. I realised it was the spiritual community I had at my church back home and the community I had on campus. Every Monday to Friday afternoon, you would find me in the company of some of these anointed people on campus, discussing scriptures or a particular message, church history, or sharing encounters. Then, every Friday evening to Sunday evening, I would go home either to help with teachings and prayers during the main church all night or that of the youth ministry on Fridays, Saturday prayers and church cleaning and Sunday morning teachings and evening prayers. These discussions had no immoral topics to draw one's thoughts to such things, so the desire for the things of God was always strong. We were always discussing scriptures and talking about spiritual experiences. We could easily discuss issues and get spirit-led directions before the end of those discussions. 

 

So, when I started foreseeing the cycle coming back a year or two ago, I asked the Lord, whose response was Proverbs 27, verse 17. He added, "You have chosen to walk alone, and those who walk alone easily get tired and fed up." Immediately, the following scriptures began to flood my mind: Jesus sending His disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7), Peter and John (Acts 8:14-15), Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:14-15), and Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-4). Those scriptures paint a unique picture of the importance of having a partner in our faith walk and the need to maintain such association at all costs. "If you remember the story of Elijah, DON'T WALK ALONE!" He stated lastly.

 

Fellow Christian brothers and sisters, don't be deceived; spiritual peer pressure is a thing. It is a God-given strategy to keep Christians rooted in the faith while encouraging simultaneous growth. I haven't lived for long, but in my over fifteen years as a Christian, I have enough knowledge to stress the importance of every Christian taking the faith walk in pairs or a group. This may sound far-fetched, but your current lukewarmness was birthed the minute you decided to be on your own…(to be continued)

 

Remain in the blessings of God as you remain in Christ.

MD.

WHO TOLD YOU?

 

Genesis 3:8-13 (NLT)

[8] When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the Garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees.

[9] Then the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"

[10] He replied, "I heard you walking in the Garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked."

[11] "Who told you that you were naked?" the LORD God asked. "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?"

[12] The man replied, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it."

[13] Then the LORD God asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The serpent deceived me," she replied. "That's why I ate it."

 

 

These passages are excerpts from the full story in the third chapter of the Book of Genesis, which discusses the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. The 11th verse, where our Heavenly Father asked Adam, 'Who told you that you were naked?', is pivotal. This simple yet fully loaded question opens the Christian's eyes to the devil's deceptive strategy and how, if not correctly handled, it can lead to our eventual fallout with God.

 

Let's dramatise the scripture so you can understand what we need to discuss. Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree and realise they are naked. Quickly, their fashion design sense kicks in, and they make some Ad-Eve clothing from fig leaves. Before they could think of making more for their daily activities in the Garden, they heard our Heavenly Father walking in the Garden. Knowing that God is a Spirit, they still wanted to play hide-and-seek with Him by hiding among the trees. God played along and called out, "My baby man, Adam, where are you?" Adam hesitantly responded, "I heard you walking in the Garden, so I hid." God stopped in His tracks. Something wasn't right. The man he has created in His image and likeness is deliberately hiding from Him. He thought it was one of the usual days when Adam and Eve wanted to play with their Father.

 

Adam added, "I was afraid because I was naked." God immediately knew that something unusual had happened in His absence. Adam is speaking the thought of another being. Adam is stressing a known fact that was previously never a problem. God needed to get to the root of the matter, so He asked, "Adam, who told you that you were naked?" Adam is silent. Eve is silent. One could hear the droplets of water sipping through the rocks into the flowing river if one would pay attention in this silence. "My son, have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?" Adam was scared. He has betrayed the one instruction our Heavenly Father gave him. "But it wasn't my fault", Adam thought to himself. "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it," he quickly stated. Eve couldn't believe her ears. "Is this the man who said I was the bone from his bone? Is this the man who said I was the flesh from his flesh?" she thought. Then the Lord God asked the woman, "What have you done?" "THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME. That's why I ate it," she quickly replied. Our Heavenly Father finally found the root of their strange words and perception - the devil.

 

My brothers and sisters in the Lord, our thoughts, statements, and actions are not random, as some have been made to believe. Every thought, statement, and action you have made or will make is based on a specific knowledge intercepted while it is being transmitted either from the kingdom of light or darkness. The Christian who constantly finds excuses to distance themselves from a relationship with the Holy Spirit through reading, studying, and meditating on Scriptures, prayers, worship, and fasting would always be a perfect prey for the numerous demonic insights. However, with discernment from a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can recognise and reject these deceptive influences. The failure of the Christian to spend time with the Holy Spirit is why many Christians still find it challenging to live the crucified life.

 

Like he did with Eve in Genesis chapter three, the devil always starts by either questioning what God has said or stating what he wants you to believe. The only way a Christian would be brought to the consciousness of his deception is through a relationship with the Holy Spirit born from consistent reading and studying of the Bible, prayer, worship, and fasting. Scripture is our guide, providing us with the thoughts of God on all matters of life. We can only fight the thoughts of the devil with the thoughts of God, not the thoughts of men. No wisdom from the wisest man or woman on earth can ever outdo the devil's wisdom. All dead men (sinful men) transmit from the kingdom of darkness, so do not be surprised when their opinions or 'wise counsels' offer results in a world principally ruled by the devil, the prince of darkness.

 

Who told you you will fail in life?

Who told you you are a failure?

Who told you you are daft?

Who told you you cannot live a holy life?

Who told you you cannot be successful without being corrupt?

Who told you you cannot surpass the achievements of your parents?

Who told you you could not take over territories, although you were born into a low-income family?

Who told you a Christian cannot own industries and run them with godly principles?

Who told you virginity is a scam?

Who told you marriage is for the weak?

Who told you women are weak?

Who told you?

 

If the statement you have heard doesn't have a well-explained scriptural basis, you have no right to believe it and speak it. The fact that it makes sense doesn't mean it is a truth to run with. Be like the Berean Christians; go home and search the scriptures until you find the truth.

If the success keys of the Christian are at par with those of one from the kingdom of darkness, then that Christian needs to question the transmission they have intercepted. How are you a successful Christian, and the man or woman in darkness cannot testify of a certain strange Grace at work in your life? How is the man or woman in darkness comfortable that you two are doing the same thing the same way and getting the same result? Where is Grace?

 

Let's go back to the days when we spent hours reading the Bible, studying verses in the context of a chapter or story, and long hours of worship and prayers based on the scriptures studied until the Lord speaks. Let's spend time in the Word of God. Let's acquaint ourselves with the speaking patterns of our Heavenly Father. I can differentiate between the voices around me because I have spent time with the people around me. You cannot know the voice of God if you haven't spent time with God.

 

CONFESSION

I am a child of God. I have been bought with the blood of Jesus. I have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to light. I am hidden in Christ and Christ in God. I have the life of God, so I cannot based on the decree of men. I have the mind of Christ, so I think and live based on the thoughts of God. I live in the will of God. I am favoured wherever I find myself. I am Graced for every and any assignment the Lord has communicated. All that concerns me is soaked in the blood of Jesus. I carry the fire of God wherever I go. I operate with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I depend on the Holy Spirit. I am not a failure. I succeed at everything I do according to God's success standard. I flourish wherever I find myself. My presence changes any atmosphere I find myself in because I carry God wherever I go. I am a blessing to every man and woman who encounters me. God loves me dearly. I am forgiven and free of all guilt because of the blood of Jesus. I am seated in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers. I am blessed. I am victorious. I am full of joy, no matter the circumstances.

 

Remain in the blessings of God as you remain in Christ.

MD.