Tag Archives: Christianity

Spirituality, STORIES

Be grateful for your gift!

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Clarissa had never felt as discouraged as she did on that particular Tuesday.


She went out for evangelism, which was supposed to be done in people’s homes. She stepped out with zeal and joy, accompanied by a man named Victor and a lady named Favour.


They prayed for guidance on where to go first in the village’s homes. Then Favour was led to take a specific path and minister to everyone who was present there.


Clarissa was the leader, but someone else gave them the direction, and they followed it without hesitation.


They were greeted warmly by the first family they approached. Clarissa told them about Jesus, and they joyfully accepted the Gospel. She brought them to Christ and prayed for them.


They were supposed to move to another family when Favour began to speak about what was going on in the family and how it should be handled, which was confirmed by the family.

And as she prayed for them, there was a visible manifestation of God’s power – one of them began to speak in tongues, and the other who was sick was instantly healed.



Clarissa became dissatisfied, wondering why she was the leader of the group and nothing was happening through her.

When they arrived at the next family. Clarissa became increasingly withdrawn. Victor had to do the preaching, and it was also a good time.



Clarissa didn’t wait for closing prayers after the ministrations and hurried up to go home, which surprised the other two. As a result, they had to pray on their own and then leave.


Yes, Clarissa did poorly, but before you throw stones at her, examine yourself as well. Let’s take a look at this verse.


Ephesians 4:16
“For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.”



Clarissa did not comprehend the preceding scripture, but you must comprehend it in order to avoid making the same error.




Clarissa possessed the gift of teaching/preaching; anyone who hears her words will be convicted, whereas Favour possessed the gift of healing/word of knowledge. They are both members of Christ’s body.





These gifts are given to each person based on their ability to contribute to the overall growth of the community.

Nothing says “I should be the head of all manifestations” like “I should be the head of all manifestations.” You will manifest your gift, and the other will manifest his or her gift, and progress will be made.

Anger, jealousy, and envy should not enter our hearts through ungodly thoughts. The body of Christ is analogous to the human body, which cannot function without the other.



Don’t be like Clarissa; instead, recognize your gift, stick to it, and be grateful for it. Be glad when others manifest theirs, and let the kingdom’s work prosper.

Spirituality, STORIES

A story of God’s salvation in an unusual way!

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At times it looks like God doesn’t answer us and leaves us to our own fate when we need His answer most. I once felt that way as well.


I went for a program in a place far away from home. I was to minister in songs and yes I did minister.



It was awesome. The spirits of many were lifted and the barriers in people’s heart were broken down. Many were totally broken and completely surrendered to God.



It was an evening program and the weather was looking bright and normal.



After the singing and praising, it was time for the word to be preached. There was so much being said to us. God was expressly speaking to us through the Pastor.



Closing prayers were about to be concluded when the weather suddenly changed and it began to rain heavily.




We ignored it thinking that it will soon stop. We finished the prayers and did other needed things but the heavy rain continued.


Those whose houses were close and or umbrellas with them left for home while I and a few persons were stuck.


“Pray and command the rain to stop,” one of them said to me. I just stared at the person and didn’t say anything. I had to pray because I had done something similar before and the night was already catching up with us. I did everything I could think of, but the rain didn’t stop.


At this point, we had to get our things inside a waterproof material and began to journey home under the rain since there was no transport close by.



We all felt bad and bitter. But we learnt later that God used the rain to save many of us who might have been victims from kidnappers that operated that evening.



When we knew about it, we thanked the Lord – fully understanding this scripture;



Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

I learnt a vital lesson from this experience; that no matter how inconvenient the circumstances you find yourself in might be, God is using it to work out His will!

You might not see it – and you don’t need to, for we walk by faith and not by sight. Thus, all you have to do is keep believing that everything you’re going through – the heavy downpour, the tempestuous storm, will eventually work out God’s glorious plan in your life!

Amen!

GENERAL

TD Jakes: Don’t follow the culture!

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Romans 12:1 tells us not to be conformed to the ways of the world. The strength of the Church is in her uniqueness. Our victory is in the peculiarity of our faith and not in our conformity to worldly standards.

We might adopt their technology. We might use their gadgets. But we must be careful not to conform to their culture. Our words must not be like theirs – ours must be seasoned with the Grace of God that dwells in us.

Our lifestyles must be unique from theirs. We must be consecrated unto God. Until the Church restores her culture of uniqueness, she will remain powerless.

TD Jakes speaks more on this in the video below;

Source: @bishop_jakes

STORIES

Rejected by the saviours

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Though the sun has risen, I find no reason to rise with it. I am in a state where I find no reason to do nothing and all I want to do is nothing.

The memories of pain flood my heart as I sit on my bed, my head bowed and my knees crooked. I hear the voices again – the voices of pain, more powerful than barricades and as sharp as swords. They pierce open wounds, causing more pain to ooze out.

“You can’t be here with us. You’re a heinous abomination!” Fr. Chika’s voice is the one that sticks out the most in my mind. Maybe it’s because he was the one I trusted the most.

He said he had my back, so I leaned on him, not realizing he was about to stab me in the back.

I went to him to confess my transgressions. ‘Promise me you won’t tell anyone,’ I said. He smiled reassuringly, his face as white as the robes he was wearing. ‘Of course, Mike,’ he said. ‘You can trust me,’ he said, and I decided to do so.

Moments of silence passed, and I heaved a heavy sigh, saying to him, ‘I think I’m gay.’ Again, silence reigned supreme. As my gaze wandered around his office, I felt his gaze on me. I started to feel cold – I’m not sure if it was from his air conditioning or the realization that my darkest secret had been revealed.

Finally, he sighed and asked, ‘What did you just say?’

‘I think I’m gay,’ I told him.

‘Why?’

‘I’m not sure…’ I’m finding myself attracted to boys.’ My heart was pounding in my chest as I blurted out. He stopped questioning me, patted me on the back, and prayed for me. At least temporarily, I felt relieved.

The temporary relief from his prayer wore off quickly, and I was back to fighting the raging torrents of my emotions.

I had to fight the rising of my middle man when I saw attractive men.

I had to fight the erotic images that ran through my head whenever I was alone with a guy.

I had to fight the urge to seek pleasure on the internet late at night.

I had to fight the urge to keep my hands away from my middle man and remain pure.

Some times, I won these battles, and sometimes, I lost and found myself overwhelmed with guilt and condemnation.

Days passed by and soon, it was Sunday. I dressed casually and reluctantly went to Church. Father Chika was preaching when I arrived. As I sat, it seemed as if he took notice of me and began to speak on homosexuality. “Homosexuality is a sin that God is strongly against! He condemns it seriously! Avoid all who claim to be gays” he preached aloud.

I wasn’t perturbed by his sermon; I believed God was against homosexuality. But I was perturbed by the fact that His eyes were fixed on me as he preached.

‘A person like Mike should not be here!’ The sound of my name dispelled the cloud of drowsiness and caused my heart to race faster. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on me. Whispers, murmurs, jeers, and scorns pierced my heart from various angles of the church hall.

‘Will you stand up?’ demanded the father. ‘This boy is an abomination in the eyes of God. He admitted to being a homosexual last week,’ the audience exclaimed. I buried my face in my palms to avoid the embarrassment of seeing my parents’ disgusted expression. ‘We excommunicate you from this fellowship as of today, Mike. No gays are welcome in God’s house!’

As I was led out of the church, all I could think about was, “Was it my fault?”As I was ushered out of the church, all I could ask within myself was, ‘Was it my fault?’

Was it my fault that I was drawn to men?

Did I ever fantasize about it?

Did I ever ask God for it?

Was it my fault that I was weak?

Was there anything I’d done to deserve it?

I walked away, my head bowed. I’d been turned down by the person I thought would save me.

I thought the Church was the light, but they have now made my life darker than it has ever been. And I’m still not sure if I’ll be able to get out of this bed and face the same people who rejected me.

Whether it happens or not, I want everyone who hears my story to understand that all I wanted was to be a normal person with a normal life.

GENERAL

Lessons from Samson’s conception

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The story of Samson’s miraculous conception is one that will forever be known in Christian history. It is a story that reminds us of how a barren old woman with a withering womb gave birth to one of the most powerful Jewish leaders in history.

However, there is more to the story of Samson’s conception than many realize – this more is what I intend to reveal through this lesson.

Firstly, let us study the background of the text. Israel is in a state of turmoil, confusion and oppression. She has abandoned her Creator and has gone back to her evil ways. The nation is void of light as well as life, and there is no one to deliver them.

Israel is left to the wishes of her enemies – the Philistines. They oppress and torment them until they begin to cry to God for help once again.


Somehow, I find a connection between the state of Israel in the text and the state of Nigeria presently.

We are in a state of turmoil and confusion. We are in a season of weeping and Groaning. Oppression has become the norm. Banditry has become the order of the day. The destiny of the nation has been hijacked by the men in power. There is no light – both physically and in the context of development and wealth.

We are in dire need of a saviour, just like Israel was in need of a saviour.
Israel was in need of someone who would stand up for their rights and ensure a better future for them.

Who would this person be?


In Judges 13, the narrator takes a detour from describing the general state of Israel to telling us about a family – a family that consisted of the old, frail voice of the father and the loving voice of the wife but no cries and excited screams of children. It wasn’t because their children were asleep, it was because they had no children.



The narrator says they were barren. Manoah’s wife was barren and was incapable of having a child. That was what everyone called her – barren.

However, a twist occurs in the plot. An angel appears to her and tells her that her barren womb will soon become an incubator for Israel’s future judge.


The significance of the woman’s encounter with the angel is that though she was called barren, her ‘barren’ womb became the incubator of what would save Israel.


Dear Nigerian, American, Ghanaian, whatever your country may be, you are the incubator of the seed that will deliver your nation.


It doesn’t matter the label men might have placed on you – poor, broke, wretched, useless etc. The Bible tells us that we are born of an incorruptible seed, this seed of Christ in you if allowed to nurture can blossom into a light for the world.

Have they called you foolish? The Bible says God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

Have they called you ‘nothing’ – the Bible tells us God creates big things from nothing.


It does not matter the label they’ve given to you, God has chosen you to be the source of hope and light to this generation.


As Manoah’s wife’s womb seemed incapable of producing something valuable, you might have been described as incapable of being the light your nation needs. Do not despair! Barren women still give birth and good things still come from Nazareth!


How can I be so sure of this?
God’s Word says so. In the days of Manoah, there was no Bible, so God had to use angels. But God has made his word available to us to make us realize that we are useful.


But what puzzles me further about our text is not that Manoah’s wife gets a revelation of the potential seed in her womb, but that she also gets specific instructions on how to nurture her seed and ensure it thrives {Judges 13:3-5}


Proverbs 4:4

“Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live.”


Proverbs 4:13

“Carry out my instructions; don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.”


Be aware that we are in the midst of a society that is against Christianity and all it has to offer. We are under a government that is similar to that of Herod who sought to kill the light of the world.

In times like this, we must be careful to hear what God is saying, because it’s only in the instruction of God that can be protected.


Joseph was able to save and nurture his baby into maturity by the instruction of the angel.


In order for the dream that you’re pregnant with to become a reality, you must be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Him alone can lead you to the place of safety.


It is in the instructions of God to us that we discover the uniqueness of our calling. Even as the Manoahs were banned from feeding Samson with ‘forbidden food’, there are things the peculiarity of our calling prohibits.


Thus, like Manoah, we must continually ask God ‘for instructions about this’ dream that He has given to us.


Conclusively, there is no nation so dark that God cannot light up. There’s no race so low that God cannot lift. But He works with men. And that’s why He had chosen to use you for your nation.

You carry in you the seed for national exploits. Discover it and harness it.

GENERAL, Holiness and Grace, Spirituality

What does it mean to be the salt of the Earth?

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Frankly speaking, cooking is the last on the list of things I like doing. I don’t like cooking and for that reason, I’m can hardly be found in the kitchen.

However, things changed when I rented my own apartment and started living alone. I had to compel myself to cook my own lessons. One of the foods I quickly mastered is Beans and Plantain Porridge.


One day, I prepared it so delicately with the spices available. When the porridge was cooked, I was so pleased with its scent and outlook.


But the grin on my face quickly faded was I tasted the food. It tasted bland.

Then I recalled that I hadn’t put salt in the food. This realization struck me – the realization that in spite of all the spices I added to the food it remained bland until salt was added.


As soon as the salt was added, the taste was restored and it was edible again.


This invaluable significance of salt is the reason Jesus used it in describing believers.


When He described us as the Salt of the Earth, He meant we are the ones that will restore God’s original nature and flavour to humanity.


1. Salt adds taste


Just as salt is used to add taste to food, Jesus expects believers to add value to people’s lives.


Jesus expects us to be the source of hope and joy to troubled hearts. He expects us to be motivation to a depressed world. He expects us to be instruments of edification.


Believers ought to be fountains of hope for folks of different races to come and draw from. We are supposed to be so endowed with heavenly graces and fragrance, that no one spends time with us and remains depressed or down casted.

Instead, by conversing with us, men receive inspiration to pursue that which God has called them to do.



2. Salt gets rid of corruption


Salt is used to preserve food and prevent its corruption. Likewise, God expects believers to be instruments to get rid of the corruption prevalent in men through the preaching of the Gospel.



In Romans 12:1, we are admonished to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This simply means that God desires for men to live for Him here on Earth. However, God will not accept the life sacrifices of men that are full of corruption.



Thus, in Mark 9:15, Jesus said, “every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.”


The only way we can make men presentable and acceptable to the Lord is salvation. We must make it our duty to bring the good news of Christ to people.



Paul described the Gospel of Christ as ‘the power of God’ unto salvation. This mighty power of God is the only antidote against sin and moral decay that exists in humanity.


It is through preaching God’s Word that we dispense our seasoning to the world.


CAN A SALT LOSE IT’S TASTE?



This is one of the strongest metaphors in scriptures. It seems quite difficult to understand because in literal sense, a salt can almost-never lose its taste, because it is the taste that makes it salt.



However, Jesus as a warning to believers for us to lead holy and God-fearing lives to avoid being like a salt that has lost its flavour.



A believer can lose the divine flavour and influences in him if such believer continually lives in sin. He can also lose it if he decides to live in carnality. Such believer is not useful to the Kingdom.

Jesus said such believer will be trampled upon – this means he/she will be a slave to the wishes of the world and Satanic agents.



Believers are meant to be rulers and folks with authority to trample over serpents and scorpions {representing satanic and his cohorts}.

However, if such believer casts off Divine influences and conforms to the world, he will lose his usefulness in the kingdom and become an easy prey.



Jesus’ metaphor further reveals that there are two kinds of salt,
– The useful one
– The worthless one


Which do you desire to belong to?


What differentiates a salt from every other spice is its flavour. When this flavour is gone, the salt will lose its uniqueness.

Thus, Jesus was also trying to teach believers to hold onto the lifestyles and beliefs that makes us unique and distinct from the world.

Paul reiterated this in Romans 12:2 when he instructed the Church to avoid conforming to the world’s pattern.


If we adopt the world’s morally debased system of living, we will lose the divine flavor that makes us separate and unique amongst them.

The conclusion of this is that the consciousness of our salt-like nature and responsibilities must never leave our minds. We must live with it and live by it.



You are the salt of the Earth ❤️

Spirituality, videos

Insightful counsel from Joshua Selman

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Apostle Joshua Selman is a Nigerian televangelist, instrumentalist, and chemical engineer. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of the Eternity Network International (ENI).

The (ENI) has a gospel fellowship called Koinonia, which meets regularly in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, and Abuja, Nigeria.

Source: Salvation Hub
GENERAL

WHAT PROPHECY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT!

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The word ‘Prophecy’ Biblically speaking refers to an inspired message given to God’s people. It is a word of exhortation, admonition or promise of a future occurrence from God to His people.

2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

 ‘Prophesied’ in the Greek word of the aforementioned scripture {propheteuo} confirms this as it means the foretelling of future events as well as speaking under divine inspiration. Propheteuo is gotten from two words; Pro and Phemi.

Phemi means to reveal one’s thoughts. It also means to bring one’s secret thoughts to light – while Pro to speak ahead of time or beforehand. When these two words are brought together; Pro-Phemi they give us the meaning of revealing God’s secret thoughts before they manifest.

Prophecy is a gift and an activity that is not limited to believers; even unbelievers prophesy. Diviners and spiritualists equally prophecy; they give predictions of the future and also give inspired messages – however, these messages are not from God, but from the devil.

  • Balaam prophesied using sorcery (Numbers 24:1).
  • The prophets in Jeremiah’s days prophesied by Baal {Jer. 2:8}

Our concern as believers should not be with the prophecies that come from these folks, but with the one that comes from God’s own prophets. However, even genuine prophets, especially those who only have the gift of prophecy without productive training and mentorship from a genuine senior prophet, can give inaccurate prophecies or prophecies from the wrong source.

This is the reason a believer must properly understand what a prophecy is and what it is not, so that he/she can be able to discern which prophecy to accept and the one to reject.

Biblical Prophecy is for Edification, Comfort and Exhortation

1 Corinthians 14:3: “But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.” (AMP)

Whatever prophecy that God is gives to His Church or the members of the Church is not to make them moody or dampen their faith. It is only evil prophecies inspired by Satan or concocted by man that aim at weakening the faith of believers.

True prophecy stirs up faith and enflames the dimming light in the heart of a believer. When a believer is downcast or is in a tight corner, God can speak to that believer through His word {the Bible} or through the pastor of that believer – that is prophecy.

When God brings a scripture to your heart during your darkest moments, that Bible verse is a word of prophecy to uphold and strengthen your faith. However, when during your dark moments, all you get are predictions of your downfall, scary tales and scary dreams, you must know how to rebuke and reject them. They are not from God! God-inspired prophecies are meant to comfort us and to also edify us.

Furthermore, prophecy is also meant to EXHORT. The word ‘exhortation’ signifies a call for an action. It could be a call to repentance, prayer etc. A lot of times, God’s prophecy does not only come to comfort or edify us, it also comes to correct us. It comes to admonish us and show us the right path.

God used the likes of Isaiah, Jeremiah and a host of other prophets to fulfil this in the Old Testament. However, a concise study in the Books will reveal that though they contained some negative prophecies about Israel, they always ended with a word of comfort and solace. And in some instances, God did this to bring them to repentance. Thus, God also uses prophecy to warn us of the consequences of wrongdoing.

The purpose of prophecy revolves around this.

WHAT HOLY SPIRIT-INSPIRED PROPHECY IS NOT.

  • Revealing of one’s past mistakes.
  • Revealing irrelevant facts about a person.
  • An evil foretelling meant to create fear or swindle a person

Nwodo Divine sums it up here;

“God reveals his definition of prophecy in the book of 1st Peter. 2 Peter 1:19 says ‘We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts’. 2 Peter 1:20 says ‘Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.’ 2 Peter 1:21 says ‘For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ Note the following,

  • Word of Prophecy
  • Prophecy of Scripture
  • Moved by the Holy Spirit

Prophecy is speaking forth the word of God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is declaring the counsel of God towards a particular situation – and it is founded upon the already existing sure prophecy – God’s word.

Now, based on this definition, will you define prophecy as telling a person facts about his past and would you define a prophet as one who can tell you the colour of your father’s house and the sins of your granny.

Where is the counsel of God in that?
Where and how is the will of God in that?

God bless you – it is a prophecy.
So and so has been happening, but the Lord is turning it around – such is a prophecy
There’s doom in the air, but if we repent, we will be saved – such is prophecy.

Bible is the Book full of prophecies of what God has/will do for His church and the world in general.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the WORDS of THIS PROPHECY, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Thus we see that Biblical perspective of Prophecy is giving God’s counsel.

What to do with Prophecy? Click on this…

Spirituality

What to do with God’s Promises?

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Have you ever received a prophecy?


Have you ever been told of a miracle coming your way but after a long time, you saw no miracle?


Have you ever wondered why despite the fact that the preacher was genuine and inspired, the prophecy was never fulfilled?



“Or was he lying? ” you might have asked within yourself.



Well, he was not lying 😊


Romans 3 vs 4 says, “Let God be true but every man a liar ”.


Those prophecies were totally true. Why didn’t they happen? You ask.


Truth is, certain prophecies are not assurances that a certain thing will happen in your life! They are not.




What do I mean?



Take for example, a high ranking official in the government promises to give you a job, a well paying job.



Knowing how genuine this man is, you immediately become rest assured that the job is now yours.



Though he has promised you the job, you still have your part to play in getting it. You have to prepare and submit your CV and prove to be competent in an interview. The job will only be yours when these procedures have been followed.



Getting blissful prophecies to manifest in our lives is similar to this.


Prophecy has two major purposes,


1. Faith


2. Alignment


Prophecy strengthens our faith in God. It gives us the assurance of a better future in spite of the difficulties we may be experiencing.


Prophecy is also released to put us in alignment with God’s will.


However, that a good promise has been prophesied to us does not mean it will automatically come true.


It is not magic. You have a part to play in its fulfilment.


1 Timothy 1:18
“This charge I commit to you…. according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare”


In the aforementioned verse, Paul admonishes is that the prophecies and promises that God has made to us aren’t just released to make us feel good.


They are given to us to equip us for spiritual warfare. In the text, Paul charges us to wage a good warfare with the prophecies.

This is because there exist several powers and forces that will fight against us in our Christian journey.


This is further revealed in Ephesians 6:12;


“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”


These principalities and powers are working daily to bring obstacles and hindrances our way. Their mission is to ensure we do not achieve our God-given purpose.



It is with God’s revealed promises and prophecies that we pray and stop their activities. So when you see poverty in your life even when God has promised you great wealth, do not relax thinking it will come true.


The Prophecy did not come to make you relax, it came to equip you to fight for its fulfilment. Go to God in prayer and constantly remind Him of His Promise to you.

Keep declaring it in your life. Even when everything around you seems to contradict the promise, keep declaring it and praying for its fulfilment.


When we do this, we nurture the seed of Prophecy to germinate and become a reality in our lives.


What is that promise that God has given you? What positive prophecy have you received that has not come into manifestation yet?


Now is the time to go to God and remind Him of the promise and demand for its fulfilment!


Whether it is long life or business opportunities or a prosperous future, keep praying with it and expecting its fulfilment in your life.


WRITTEN BY TOLU-TAIWO VICTOR

GENERAL

Should a believer be racist?

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One of the greatest challenges plaguing the world today is the problem of systematic racism between blacks and whites.

Unfortunately, this evil trend has succeeded in creeping even into the Church as pastors and congregations are now classified based on their color.


The recent systematic racial abuse against black players in England simply reveals how this problem of racism has eaten deep into the society.

However, as the body of Christ, we must do all we can to speak against it and discourage ourselves from participating in racial abuse.



Why?


Because the Bible condemns racism!



Romans 10:12
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”


When God wants to work with a man, the least thing He considers is the color of that man’s skin. He said to Samuel that He doesn’t look at man’s appearance but the content of the heart.


God does not select who to bless between black and white. James tells us that He practices no favoritism, blesses everyone equally and gives everyone equal opportunities to excel irrespective of their descent.


If God loves everyone, then our attitude to the different races should also be one of love and not of hate or discrimination.


GOD SAVED A CANAANITE {JOSHUA 6}


Rahab was never an Israelite. Yet, because of how she supported God’s people, God saved her and her family and made her a part of the Israelites.

However, God didn’t stop there. Rahab went on to marry an Israeli Prince and become one of the mothers through which Jesus was brought into this world.



God also demonstrated his love for all races in the New Testament by pouring His Spirit upon both Gentiles and Jews.



Therefore, it is our obligations as believers to do the same. We are to show love to people of all social class and racial background. Whether they are black or white, rich or poor, we must love them with all our hearts.


Also, it is very wrong for one to attribute a certain negative behavioral pattern to a race alone.

I’ve heard people who say Africans are terrible thinkers who are plagued with poverty. This really amazes me because the person writing this article is not an African and he isn’t an average thinker.


Oprahz Winfrey is a black lady. Steve Masiyiwa is a black man. There are several black folks holding top positions in Microsoft and Google. A black folk recently graduated with a CGPA of 5.0 in a Russian University.



The fact that there are certain black folks with wrong lifestyles doesn’t mean it should be generalised. There are also white folks who are plagued with poverty. They exist everywhere. Instead of debasing and ridiculing one another, let’s endeavor to help and uplift one another.


This is sole responsibility of believers. It is our job to show the world what true, unconditional love entails. We are to teach the world to love each other.

We are to heal the deep wounds and bridge the divide that has been caused by racial and ethnic discrimination.



Let the Church awake from its slumber and put away the cliffs of racism from her eyes. Let’s advocate and provide for equal treatment of all races. Let’s pray for them both and favor them all.


Leviticus 19:34: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.”



Faith

Bigger than disabilities

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“A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.” – Helen Keller.

Nicholas James Vujicic is a Christian evangelist and motivational speaker from Australia who was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of arms and legs.

He was born with incomplete limbs. According to his autobiography, his mother refused to see or hold him when the nurse held him in front of her, and she and her husband vomited after seeing their son with no limbs, but they eventually accepted the condition and saw it as “God’s plan for their son.”

None of these stopped him from pursuing his activities as an exemplary preacher and writer. Today, Nick is one of the most inspiration preachers in the world. His books has blessed the lives of many. He bags a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy and Financial Planning in Griffith University. He won Best Actor in a Short Film at the 2010 Method Fest Independent Film Festival for his starring role as We ll.

Stephen Hawking’s experience reveals many things that anyone who is disabled should be aware of;

– Your accomplishments are more a function of your mindset than of your current state or circumstance.

– What your surroundings or the world say about you will only have an impact on you if you allow it.

Physical disabilities do not necessarily define who you are, nor do they define who God created you to be. It is essential that you begin to see yourself as great as God sees you and refuse to focus on your current limitations.

You are perfect, capable, great, exceptional, and valuable – this is who you are! The key to your success and fulfillment is hidden deep within you. You have everything you need to live life to the fullest if you set your mind to it and concentrate on the things you can do. You are God’s image, and He took his time in creating you to be perfect and wonderful (Psalms 139:14).

No disability or circumstance can make you less than perfect; the only thing that can make you less than perfect is you.

God is still in charge and cares about your life and success; the world still needs the great star in you – so don’t settle for anything less. It makes no difference whether you can walk on your own legs or not; the world is looking for men and women with developed minds, not men and women with developed bodies. Avoid negative thoughts that make you feel less than others! You are just as perfect as God says you are His very image.

Finally, I want you to read this,

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

You may have believed that God had abandoned you because of your disabilities; however, God knew you before you were born or were diagnosed with that disability. 

God was aware of your physical stature. 

There is nothing that you are going through presently that is a surprise to Him.

In spite of your disabilities, God still chose you. He won’t discard His plan for your life because of a mere physical disability. He has a purpose for you.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says that the thoughts He has for you are thoughts of good and not of evil. God has wonderful plans for your life, beloved, so do not count yourself out!

Instead, seek solace and comfort in the fatherhood of God. Choose now to believe in yourself! Start investing in yourself. Seek for classes to take, good books to read, opportunities to bless people even as one who is disabled. Be an inspiration and a blessing to your world like Nick Vujicic.

We at Koinonia Art love you and we believe in you!