LIVING WORDS OF LIFE

THE STAIN
(True story)

On this particular evening, the family of Eunice (not her real name) was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. The husband picked it and was on with one of the top pastors in their church. The pastor requested that his wife Eunice prepare to take a workshop in the forthcoming conference that was bringing together different people from different countries in that continent. Eunice would be speaking to a group of women during one of the seminars.

After the phone conversation and her husband conveyed the message to his wife, Eunice was not that excited about the assignment but instead became troubled. That night, when all her family members had gone to bed, she decided to stay up and spend time in prayers. She felt the need to look inward and check herself.

Before this time, Eunice had had this feeling that some things were not right in her spiritual life. Although she was not committing sins, she knew something was wrong somewhere. Eunice was known to be lively and lovely was becoming cold, touchy, easily irritated, reading meaning into every call, etc.

She said to herself: ”I do not think l am worthy to stand before any group of women now to teach” She knew she needed to rediscover her identity in Christ and find out her level in the Kingdom of Christ first. So, she went on a quest that night on her knee, groaning in prayer. She abandoned herself at the feet of Christ saying, “l know Lord that I am your child, but l am not sure if l still worth one”. She knew the things of God is not about the activity but the backing of the Master, the Lord Jesus. Anybody could teach and teach well, especially when such has done it several times and has mastered it. But when the Author of the message is duly involved, all kinds of transformation happen with ease.

In this lowly state, she suddenly found herself among some groups of people, camping. They were all in groups of three or four. One common thing among them was their white garment, including Eunice. Suddenly, something moved her to check her clothing at the back. That was when she noticed a stain in her dress. Her glittering radiant garment had got a stain. She knew right away that she did not belong in that group of dignified royalty. She pulled back immediately to get rid of the stain. With determination, she started to wash off the stain. Then, she woke up and slept again instantly. She found herself back in the same camp, but this time in a place designated for washing and cleansing, like a bathroom. People were going in and out of the building for washing. She turned into the building and washed thoroughly. When she finally came out, she felt pure, happy, and free.

Something, however, happened after. There was a thick heavy scent that filled the entire room where Eunice had been praying. It was so much that it woke her up. She started sniffing her husband, waking him up and asking him if he got perfume at work. At that same moment, the fragrance began to gather together in one place like a cloud of smoke and was gently exiting that room through the wall. She turned to her husband and said: “’ X’ Jesus has just visited us in this room”. Without any doubt, Eunice was ready for that assignment. She took the time to get herself fixed spiritually before trying to fix others. Testimonies backed up her ministration at that conference.

Friends, how about the present situations of many children and servants of God these days? It is not surprising when people wonder if God still moves and perform wonders today. Of course, God does. He still answers prayers and still saves from sins. God is still the mighty Man of war. He still delivers and sets free. If only men and women of God could create time to mend their ways, rebuild their altars, and reinforce their war room.

There is no doubt that the “wilderness experience” is real in Christendom, and sometimes the children of God stray into it. Ministers also get tired and weary at some points. The splash of stains could get to them too and soil their radiant garments. Prophet Isaiah once cried out “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips”. So, it is possible to get our hands soiled at one point or the other. This situation, however, becomes a problem when the beloved child & servant of God keep patching things up. “Dying but still pursuing” kind of David experience does not apply here. God, in all His revelations, frowns at sin and does not condone stain or defilement of any kind. He sees through every life. If the system of the world could be so developed to throw satellite into space and monitor some activities on earth, how much more the Power that holds the universe together. God cannot be bribed with religious activities regardless of how awesome they look. Once a stain is noticed or perceived, it is wise to pull back from any religious activity and set time apart to seek God, His righteousness, and His strength. Each time a man/woman of God humbles him/herself to restore and re-fire, miracles happen. It would never be difficult to feel God and the demonstration of His power amid such people.

God once opened the eyes of Zechariah in a vision to see Joshua a high priest standing before the Angel of God and Satan standing against him, resisting him. It was not difficult for the accuser of the brethren to do this because he could identify Joshua’s filthy garment (Zechariah 3). Sadly, it took a vision to bring this to light. God needed a reliable, diligent, and committed servant in whose hands He could commit a great assignment. He had found Joshua who was once a High priest before the exile, but for the filthy garment. How merciful is the God of heaven and earth Who is always willing to forgive iniquities and wash away stains. He commanded that Joshua’s filthy garment be taken off. God did not leave Joshua naked either but ordered that he be clothed with a changed garment. So, Satan lost, and mercy prevailed. However, God had a message still for Joshua that is worth ruminating over. Zechariah 3:7: “If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keeps my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”.

Satan loses when we set time apart to look inward and stand before God, washing off the stain(s). The enemies back off when we operate in a transparent relationship with God. Conspiracy of hell is destroyed when we do not indulge in sins nor look for scriptures to justify the pollution and defilement. “Coat of many colors” like that of Joseph is unacceptable before the God of holiness in this context, but pure and stainless garment which signifies the righteousness of the saints.

This topic is not only about the ministers but every one that is mindful of heaven. Every child of God is a priest in a way and in his world. Stains and filth hinder the move of God. When we sincerely give the stains to God, He purges us and blesses us as well. It is dangerous hiding stains or masking them up with white paint. The accuser of the brethren is also watching.

Have you noticed any stain in your garment? How long have you been managing those secret sins? What do you do with your stain(s)? There is forgiveness with God when we sincerely and humbly fight off the stains instead of finding excuses for them. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” Psalm 51:17 (KJV).

WE MUST CREATE TIME TO GET RID OF ANY STAIN BEFORE IT RID US OF GOD’S GRACE

Akinloye, O. Margaret

For fathers, ‘Father’s Day’ is not just a one-time event, but a daily occurrence. You see to the welfare of the home and sacrifice everything for the betterment of your home. When you are pulled here and there, you hardly break. You keep your tears and weaknesses out of sight and act as the Superman of the house, the man of steel.

When a daughter is aching and heartbroken, she runs to her mom or dad. When a son feels threatened and crushed, he seeks for the guidance of his all-knowing parents. When mothers get wearied and tearful, she runs to her beloved husband, who simultaneously acts as her home adopted father.

Who do you fathers go to when you are hurt, confused, and distressed? Probably, no one. Instead, you put on a bold face and tell yourself “I am the man” even when we see you fighting the air, stepping spaces, and struggling to keep all together. Sometimes, you explode, and everyone begins to wonder why the ‘Iron Man’ eroding.

Fathers, as the world seizes this day to reference you and recognizes your office, may you know that you are deeply loved, cherished, and well appreciated. May you receive wisdom from God’s words to keep your home together continually as the world cripples every day in confusion.

Why should anyone believe in the Bible?

It speaks to everything you could ever imagine in this world and in the world to come.

One of the geniuses that influenced the world of science Albert Einstein quoted: “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has his limit.”

Simply put, no matter how intelligent, powerful, affluent, influential, etc., anybody is, such is still limited. That limitation never exists in God revealed in the Bible.

Before the first Seismologist Chang Heng, a Chinese astronaut and mathematician invented Seismograph to study earthquake 132 AD (i:e 132 years {A}fter the {D}eath of our Lord Jesus Christ), Bible had documented facts about the earthquake and many other things our world is struggling to understand today. If humanity would just humble itself and give honor to whom honor is due, we would not have to deal with a lot of exasperation the world is dealing with today. Pastor Mel Fehr stressed that point in one of his sermons that if ‘we put God right above our right, God wouldn’t have to deal with a lot of our frustrations’

As the world drifts here and there on the ocean of uncertainty, safety and direction lie with God through His words.

Mothers, this is to remind you that you are a precious and important person in the sight of the Lord. You are strong, loving, dependable, committed, persistent, resilient, sacrificial, and energetic.

You are the builder who builds home, life, and nation.

The system of the world is fighting so hard to snatch your role of motherhood from you by controlling the mind of your children. The world wants to be an authority in the life of the youth and children of today. Jim quoted:

“Whosoever controls the media, controls the mind”

Jim Morrison

Likewise, whosoever controls the mind of the children, controls the future generation. You are a mother for a reason, and you must never let those responsibilities slip away from you.

Pick up yourself and stand to the task. Make sure you do not allow the world you are meant to shape for good, to steal away from you the power and the authorities which God has instilled in you.

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all”

Proverb 31:25-29 (KJV)

Yes, you can do it, you get the ability to do everything, especially with the help of God and His wisdom. Rise up to that divinely assigned responsibilities and take your place as a wise builder and a blessed Mother.

Remember nothing in this world gives lasting peace and joy, but true and full satisfaction is found in Christ all the time.

I remember my expression when I first saw homemade face masks and read all the associated comments about them, many of which simply discarded the idea and despised the creativity. Today, the FDA approved the use of them, and there are many producers and distributors already.

Do you have a dream? Stay on your dream. Your conceived & delivered dream may not make sense to many nor be reasonable to some people at first. It may look odd and obsolete among other sophisticated ones. Keep at it all the same.

If you let your dream die, its despisers would eventually build a castle out of your forgotten dream. Be the keeper of your dream.

Be mindful of who you share your dream with also. The world rears a mixture of pessimists, opportunists, dreamers, etc.

Has there been a time you gave your life to Christ wherein you repented of your sins and accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?

No!

Why not?

Yes!

Congratulation!

You are a valued child of God who carries invaluable substances which the world needs.

Without that light of Christ in you, the whole world would have continually roam in the deep chaotic darkness.

So, the enemy is deeply embittered about your faith in Christ, and thus the reasons for all the expressions of bitterness against Christian faith all over the world.

Be careful, however, not to be infected with that bitterness. Remember the words of God in the book of Roman:

“…Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord”.

Roman 12: 19 (KJV)

Christ is still praying and watching over His own. The thought of God towards us is still thought of peace and not of evil. Even when we do not understand Him, we must continue to trust in His faithfulness.

The fight is on! But remember not against the flesh and blood but against principalities and power.

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

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

But the good news is that our victory is sure. The Master and the Captain of our Army has never lost any battle. He is still in charge of His Battalions. He is fully on our side.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

2 Corinthians 2: 14 (NKJV)

Be comforted and encouraged dear beloved child of the Most
High God. Sweet is still His promise.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well

Psalm 139: 14 (KJV)

I had hurriedly set out on a journey amid the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic, knowing that I must pass through two airports before reaching my destination. Every arrangement was perfect, and all I sincerely hoped for was to get home in good time, shed off some stress and re-calibrate myself.

The first leg of the flight was ok but as expected, it consisted of some cautions and carefulness because of the associated pandemic. The airport was almost like a graveyard since many travelers had gone into hibernation or home arrest because of the Coronavirus’ rage. In fact, I asked one of the airline officials if I would be the only one on the plane. Of course, the plane was almost empty.

I arrived at the second airport earlier than scheduled, located my next gate, and took a seat while waiting for the boarding time. Some minutes into boarding time I went to a crew member to get an updated boarding pass, and we exchanged a good smile. Suddenly, there was an announcement that our flight would be delayed, so I kept myself busy doing some other things, right in that location. Shortly after, the boarding started, and Zone 2 was called for boarding. I was assigned Zone 3, so I patiently waited for it to be called in for boarding. I knew my seat was right in the front (number 6), so there was no reason to be in a rush.

I waited for zone 3 to be called in while I attended to my business but heard nothing. They seemed to have halted the boarding, but I just assumed there must be something going on since many of us were still seated. At a point, I noticed a sudden crowd building up from everywhere, and soon enough found myself sandwiched in it. This is not unusual but depends on how large the plane is. However, with the fear of the Covid-19 pandemic and advice given to maintain about 6 feet distance from one another, I became uncomfortable. So, I stood up, walked around a bit, and went to use the bathroom right in front of my gate. I came back to still meet the people waiting to be boarded, found a seat, and sat down again. This was a major airport in the country and the mode of operation was not new to me. Whether you are in the bathroom or somewhere else, the announcement would always reach you.

The awaited announcement finally came in the following form: “now we are going to resume the boarding. Zone 2 and those with children should come forward”. I wondered what must have happened that made them stop the boarding in the first instance, but regardless continued waiting for them to call Zone 3’s group. When I did not hear any further announcement, I went to join the queue all the same. That was when I realized the plane boarding at that moment was going to another destination entirely. I pulled out immediately to go verify my flight status with customer service and what I found out was bizarre. I was simply told that my plane had left. What! For some minutes, my brain was frozen. How did that happen? Honestly, I could not tell.

The plane left right under my nose. I was simply left behind. I have had several trips and am well experienced with airport policies and procedures. I must have assumed I was so experienced that this kind of thing would never happen to me. Thinking back, at a time I was busy doing something else (legitimate and reasonable thing) which perhaps must have meddled with my attention. I unknowingly must have presumed I was still on the right track.

Anyway, arrangement was made for me immediately to join another plane which would be taking off in 9 hours. This means I was stuck in that airport for 9 hours and throughout the night. I struggled not to cry because I was so tired and worn out that I just wanted to get on the plane and get home. I picked my phone to pass the new development to my family through our group chat- but guess the message that greeted me:

“Your mummy is on her way home. She will pass through two airports, pls follow these procedures: 1. Put water in a bucket with detergent soap and disinfectant in the garage. 2. She must come through the garage and remove all her clothes into the soapy and disinfectant water. 3. Keep a big towel in the garage, she will use it and go straight into the basement to take a shower. 4. She will disinfect her luggage and leave it in the garage. 5. No greetings or embracing until she wakes up the following morning and nobody sleep with her the first night. 6. Her towel must be left in the basement soaked in soapy water. Mercy to keep a changeable cloth in the basement for her pls. 7. This procedure is my personal SOP and must be obeyed. 8. Only after this, she can go to her room to sleep. Prevention is better than cure pls and pls. Do not joke with this pls and pls.”

The pandemic had not even gotten this serious at this time. You could imagine my plight. How do I prioritize my pains; the pain of just missing my flight or the fear of not contracting Covid-19 or the fear of going through my husband’s customized SOP for my decontamination? The point is, they were all mixed.

I could not get hold of my hubby immediately but luckily was able to contact my children. Upon hearing the situation one of them said to me:

“Don’t stress yourself Mom but thank God. We don’t know why it happened that way.”

The Bible tells us to give thanks to God in everything. Who knows, maybe God was trying to save me from something on that plane. He knows better, so I must remain positive.

When I sat down in that airport all alone by myself, I sincerely looked inward, and I asked God in a humble prayer “what would you have me learn from this Lord?” In the quietness of that moment, I saw beyond the incidence. I saw the end-time events playing out clearly. Please, if you are a child of God and expectant of Christ’s coming, put thought into this account. Jesus will come when He will come and simply go with those who are ready. Our position, profession, years of experience, commitment to things of God, etc., will not matter at that moment but the diligence in watching and waiting.

It suddenly got crowded. There was a mixed multitude going to different destinations. Although the different gates situated in the area were not far apart from each other, the mixed crowd had obliterated the clear demarcation between those gates. I must have been distracted.

Dear friends, things are really getting crowded these days. Beware not to get lost in the crowd. Christianity is personal. Ask yourself questions frequently. How current am I in my walk with God? Superficial or in-depth? Fake or real? Systemic hypocrite or God affirmed transparent Christian? Church addict or God’s addict? Sometimes we get carried away doing legitimate things at the expense of our soul. Other seemingly justifiable things may divert our attention from our primary call, the call to salvation and holiness. Let us beware!

I was put on another flight which would leave 9 hours later; there is consequence for negligence. A second chance was given in my situation, but considering God’s words, there is only one life and only one rapture. What follows is the great tribulation. My experience that night of 9 hours would make another heading. We must be careful my friends.

Mistake happens, but we should never allow it to define us or spoil the rest of our days. We should rather assess the situation, draw lessons from it and move on.

Please dearly beloved brethren who have found rest and salvation in Christ, let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and “WATCH”. Let us support one another in prayers and be a comfort in the life of others. And if peradventure, you find yourself struggling with temptations, trials, challenges, backsliding, etc., please do not keep it to yourself but speak out and seek help.

May the grace and mercy of our dear Lord God continue to hold us up in His Kingdom till we see His face with joy and rejoicing in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Akinloye, O. Margaret

No!

Viruses operate in 2 phases: The Lysogenic & Lytic phase.

When some people are infected by viruses, some of the viruses may remain dormant in the cells of their victims (the host cell), causing no obvious symptoms or sicknesses. This phase is the Lysogenic phase

But when these dormant viruses are triggered, the dormant viruses enter the Lytic phase. This is an active phase where new viruses are formed, assembled, kill the host cell and go infecting other cells.

So, not every untested healthy-looking people are free of the coronavirus.

Asymptomatic coronavirus carriers can infect healthy people and stimulate the active phase of that virus.

Those with compromised immune systems, diabetics Mellitus, smoked lungs, lung disease, obesity, heart disease, cancer, are more liable to get the worse part of the corona virus infection.

This period could be so frustrating, but let us endeavor to hang in there, maintaining the social distancing. We must keep hope alive.

This will soon pass, and it shall be well in Jesus’ Name.

“I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.”

Ezekiel 34:25 (NKJV)

Akinloye, O. Margaret

By now almost every household in the world knows the name corona virus or Covid-19. This is a virus that emerged out of nowhere and established its fortress in an Asian country from where it would multiply and travel all over the world to cause havoc. 

This virus took the whole world by surprise and confused the kingdoms and nations. It took sleep away from the scientists, health workers and confronted the brains of the world. It all started as a joke but not long after death and sorrow were set loose, the world that was full of boasting on what it had achieved in the earth began to crumble right before the Virus. 

Some wise Presidents of the world suddenly began to remember God whom many of them have kicked out of their temporarily assigned territory. How wise that the president and leaders of United State of America whose foundation rests in “IN GOD WE TRUST” declared a national day of prayers unto God. The president of Italy could do nothing more when all efforts failed, but look up unto God for mercy and interventions. Even the Pope instructed people to confess their sins to God.

Long ago, the world had technically declared war against God when they went into God’s words, pulled out His instructions and commandments, twisted them and threw them back at His face.

The world declared war against the God of creation when they made attempts to kick Him out of His creations.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him, all things consist

Colossians 1:16, 17 (KJV)

The world declared war against God when they littered the streets of various Nations with the blood of the innocent and took the lives of those calling upon His name mercilessly.

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, And the earth will be shaken from its place At the fury of the LORD of hosts In the day of His burning anger

Isaiah 13:13 (KJV)

The world declared war against God when they enthroned what God has dethroned and enforced what He hates. 

For they provoked Him with their high places and aroused His jealousy with their graven images.

Psalms 78:58 (KJV)

The world declared war against God when ordinary men and women embarked on twisting the commandments of God and occupying the place of God in the heart of people.

I am the LORD, that is My name, And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.

Isaiah 42:8 (KJV)

The World declared war against God when groups of people in power demanded that some verses of the scriptures be taken out of the Bible because it is offensive to some groups of people. 

Even if we don’t believe in God and the involvement of Christ (as at present) why shouldn’t we respect history? No one has ever stood boldly to declare himself as the sole owner of this world. Not even the other acclaimed gods or shrines of the world. This ancient and old earth has been in existence long before anyone could imagine. So also, is the Bible that brings to us the guidelines on how to live in this world. We disregarded the divine Atlas and began to produce ours. Different theories have come and gone but this knowledge about God abides till now.

“Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes(inventions)” 

Ecclesiastes 7: 29 (KJV)

If God could have wiped out the inhabitants of the earth with the flood during Noah’s period, destroyed the land of Sodom and Gomorrah with brimstone and fire, dealt with the land of Egypt to the extent that every house was busy burying their dead, what give us impressions that He can’t do it again, especially when we deliberately cross His paths?

So when the world declared war against God, it made a grievous mistake. Because no one has ever fought against God and won. Not even Satan, the prince of this world.

However, out of the love of God for His creations He sent His only begotten Son; the Lord Jesus Christ, as the atonement for our sins, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (KJV). In His compassion, God made a way of escape for the world to turn to Him and be saved. But even then the choice is still ours. 

Does the fact that God’s wrath was satisfied in Christ allow us to continue in sin, wickedness, and disobedience because grace will continue to abide? The Bible is very clear about it!

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God

Hebrews 10: 26-31 (NKJV)

But the amazing news is that when we return to God in sincere repentance, we will see God’s side of mercy and enjoy His forgiveness and cleansing.

Do we lose anything by calling upon God for mercy? I don’t think so.

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee”

Psalms 86:5 (KJV)

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth (pardons) iniquity, and passeth (passes) by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth (retains) not his anger forever,  because he delighteth (delights) in mercy

Micah 7:18 (KJV)

God delights in mercy and He is first the God of love before the God of Judgment. He however, requires that we turn to Him first in repentance and reverence, and steer clear of what He frowns at.

If God is not directly responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, he has the capacity to stop or prevent it. If He chooses not to, then there must be a reason(s) for it. If God made heaven and earth, He is the only one that can fix it.