CHRISTMAS: THE ESSENCE

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INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a period in the year set aside for the celebration of God’s act of love towards mankind and the remembrance of His work on the Cross of Calvary as well as the visitation of the poor, needy, and less privilege amongst us (charity). The period is the personification of CHRIST’s love (JOHN 3:16-17) for human race. Is a period to reassess our love for Christ and our neighbor.

Suffice to say that, life only has meaning due to what Christ Jesus did on the cross for the human race. Hence, Christmas is not a cultural rite neither an activity of a particular region, rather, the acknowledgement of the love He lavished on everyone. Let us consider how others view Christmas.

OTHER VIEWS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Love came down at Christmas;
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and angels gave the sign.
—Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

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Christmas is a time to renew bonds of love. It's a wonderful time when loved ones can show appreciation for each other. It's also a great time to use that love to build bridges of understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. —Shelley Landon

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I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow pas-sengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. —Charles Dickens (1812–1870)

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Christmas is best enjoyed when it isn't centered on decorations, gifts, or festivities, but when love is at its core. Love is the essence of Christmas. Christmas should mean taking quality time with your family and friends. It's about cherishing and celebrating the love you share. —Jesus

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O little Babe of Bethlehem, though You lie so still, You awaken in us the joy, love, and peace that You wish to spread throughout the world. —Author unknown

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Christmas is a time to see the world through the eyes of love. It's a time to remember that the world is made up of people like us and to see them for who they are inside. All have problems like we do, no matter who they are or where they come from. —Maria Fontaine

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Every day is like Christmas for us because Jesus is so good to us every day, but this time is extra special because He pours out His love in extra measure. We feel His love from loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers. There's just something about Jesus' birthday that turns those saved people’s hearts and minds to peace and love and goodwill. It brings out the best in everyone because it brings Jesus out, and He's the best!—David Brandt Berg (1919–1994)

Source: http://www.thefamilyinternational.org/....(Love, the Essence of Christmas).

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

v Christmas is not to be considered one of the religious duties of a given people (particularly, Christians). No, but look very closely to what the scripture stated at COLOSSIAN 1VERSE15-20; 2VERSE 9. For this the essence of this season. Amen!

v Christmas season is not an avenue to drink to stupor and/or eat like a glutton (no disrespect), rather a time to rededicate and dedicate the whole of oneself to the Creator of everything ROMANS 1&2; 10VERSE9-10.

v Christmas is not a time to indulge in carnality rather, a point to assess your standing in Christ. For Saul in 1SAMUEL 15VERSE20&23 was rejected because of sparing some objects for sacrifice (festivities). And carrying out partial obedience instead of full obedience to the Lord.

v It is a time to give back to Christ all of you. Empathizing with Him all the way. Dying for you, leaving His throne for you to be saved, proclaiming the massage of salvation; opening to your reach, for you to grasp same for free.

v Seeing others as fellow members of God’s creation. And not fellow passengers of the grave. See everyone as deserving to live, be love and be saved.

v The essence of Christmas is not a terminal affair rather an all year affair and life-long process. The love of Christ has to be shared first in our heart, extending same to everyone.

CONCLUSION

Christ loved us and keep loving us. In other words, His love is not a onetime affair. And so, as we celebrate Him for His heroic achievements (PHILIPPIANS 2 VERSE 1-12).  We ought to love Him too and love all His Creation. Love is the reason for the season of Christmas. Hence, its essence. And so, love God and people all the way.

ACTION POINT (CONTINUES)

Keep saying this: LORD help me to love You and people always. Supply to me the grace to love You all my life. Amen!

© Please share this till everyone on the earth sees, hears, and does this – Shalom!

THERE IS NO MIDDLE WAY

                                                                                 

INTRODUCTION

On the Earth there are basically two entities that are interested in the soul of all men. And these are God and Satan. Which is why, there are individuals who belong to God as Believers’ and those who claim there are Satanists’. In the spirit realm, there are only two sides - God-side and Satan-side. And the individuals in these sides represent well, the side they are in – ‘no playing the fool’

Man on the other hand, is not allowed to choose not to be in any one side at any given time (that is, he must either belong to one; God or Satan, 2 Timothy 2:19). Here, no one is allowed to be of dual membership or be at the middle. In fact, there can never be ‘Middle Way’ is either you are for Christ or Satan. Do read on please!

HOW IT WORKS

In the beginning, God created man with a soul and will (CHOICE) – the capability to choose who to serve Genesis 2:16, Zachariah 12:1. And the first point for use of this will-power was when God brought to Adam all animals for him to name them Genesis 2:30. If Adam at that point chooses not to name them, he would have been responsible for his choice. This is so because; the choice of man is independent of him.

At this point, Adam and the wife were open to the First entity (God) who happens to be their Creator and Maker. In Genesis 3:1, the second entity (Satan) came into the scene (in his own accord, using the snake that the scripture said was the craftiest). Then again, opportunity presented itself for man to declare his allegiance to either of these entities.

Today, men are presented basically with these two offers – Jesus the Christ and Satan the Lucifer; whether directly or indirectly, subtly or unnoticed. The will-power is man’s tool of choice. Both God and Satan respect this capability of man. Hence, this is how it works. For man has to choose where to belong, so as to be responsible for it at the end. For after death that capability to choose will be removed. This is because; man is no longer seen as man but spirit.

WAY FORWARD

The notion that men should keep to the Middle Path/Way (as taught in Buddhism and others) is a teaching of doom. This is so due to the fact that, no individual stands at the middle at any given time (to them, the middle point is considered the perfect point of life, yet the perfect is not in the man to determine, but in his Maker). The middle does not accommodate anyone, is either you chose the right or the wrong. In fact, not choosing does not guarantee one’s exemption from anticipated consequence. Therefore, you must choose right. The Middle Path/Way principle is the product of the attitude of some men of our time. In Isaiah 30:8-11, looking at verse 10 and 11 closely. Men will say to seer (those God sent) “stop seeing Visions” to the prophets “give us no more Visions of what is right, tell us pleasant things and prophecy illusions” they will give patterns for how the prophets should operate that sooths them. Again, they will declare; “stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel (Jesus Christ)” may God not allow you to give in to the massage of the Middle Way – not going to the extreme, whether to the right or left.

CONCLUSION

Friends, it is good for us to use our God-given will-power to choose Him (God) that made us and not him (Satan) that only came to steal, kill and to destroy. May the Compassion of God locate us and bring us back ultimately to Him. Amen!

PRAYER FOCUS

Dear Lord, may I not fall to the deception of false teachers’ of this end-time. Zachariah 12:1, Matthew 7:14, Romans 9:11-16.

HOMOSEXUALITY: PAIN OR GAIN

INTRODUCTION

I was in a meeting where we were seriously analyzing what makes people become homosexuals. By inspiration, one of us averred that, though by mere reasoning, no justification can be given by any one, indulged in such unnatural act. It was further made known to us by this same authority that, there is a being (Demon) that grows fat upon peoples’ engagement in homosexuality.

In another effort, a survey was carried out to establish the rate of those molested or found engaging in wrong sexual habits. Result revealed, youths are the most vulnerable class. It was agreed that, massive awareness be carried out to salvage the youths of our country. Hence, this write up is one of the efforts towards creating awareness – so keep reading and invite others to do so. Also, follow by email to always be updated.

WHAT IS IT?

Homosexuality is described as a persistent and predominant sexual attraction to person of one’s own gender – men being attracted to men and likewise women (exodusgloballalliance.org) Wikipedia renders thus: homosexuality is a coinage of both Greek and Latin words; όµόṠ (homos), meaning same and sexus, meaning sex.  Is romantic/sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender (en.wikipedia.org).

The above definitions point to us what this act entails. Let me quickly add, that it is an instinctive sexual behavior toward individual of the same sex, purpose of which is to satisfy self. Though, not everyone may agree to this. Yet, in the mouth of two or three witnesses the truth is confirmed.

WHAT IS THE PAIN?

Although homosexuality is no less a crime as murder, cheating, lying and so on. Yet, there are both physical/emotional pains attached or experienced by those engaged in it. I noticed a man (with due apologies) whose anus was battered by his fellow men, why? Because, he was, according to reports; a man-harlot. Certainly there are other similar cases that are without the coverage of this writing. However, there are mild to severe injuries obtained by those engaging in this act (kindly visit http://www.carm.org/statistics-hiv-aids-health  for more of these pains or injuries.

IS THERE ANY GAIN?

Like appetite homosexuality may be sustained by certain factors such as; pornography, visiting of gay clubs, moving or making friends with gay men and lesbian women, being instigated by sex spirit entities and a lot of other factors. As it was defined above, the main aim of this action is to satisfy self – sensual momentary pleasure; for the giver and some sense of worth for the taker and some material substances. For instance the man in the above battering case was a man of luxury. Living a flamboyant lifestyle and all he needs was at his beck and call. So there is gain of some sort. Not all may be like this fellow. After all he has his own challenges.

AND NOW WHAT NEXT?

The scripture (BIBLE) was always quick to tell us that homosexuality is SIN and if we accept the BIBLE to true (of which it is) then any individual(s) engaged in this act are committing crime. First, disobeying God and secondly, harming their fellow men. The BIBLE in LEVITICUS 18:22 states that: you (whether gay, lesbian or transgender person) shall not lie with a male as with a woman, it is an ABOMINATION. If you do this you are to be stoned to death. LEVITICUS 20:13 and COLOSSIAN 6:9-11 made it clear that everyone engaged in such act is not a candidate of God’s promise of HEAVEN which is very real (this is not bigotry).

So dear friends, you need to come out of this act that is subtly destroying innocent lives. Jesus Christ (God who manifested in the flesh PROVERBS 8:24&31), loves you and desires all to submit that soul He gives to all of us, To Him peacefully and in sincerity.

CONCLUSION

Decide to do away with this kind of lifestyle and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and ask Him to forgive all your sin in sincerity and in faith. He will hear and do just that (ROMANS 10:9-10).

God bless you always as you continue in him. Amen!

WHY THE STRUGGLE?

                               HOW MUCH DO YOU ABOUT CHRISTMAS:

                                                                  

INTRODUCTION

The world today is turned in to a market place where people struggle to get freedom from emotional trauma, financial hardship, heart break from broken relationship, poverty, bureaucratic complexities unemployment, traffic huddles, rural-urban drift and so on. The question is, why these sort of struggles?

Peoples’ attitude is

been configured to thinking that if It’s not the hard way then is not the way, if it’s not done in a struggled pattern then it’s not good enough. This writer was in a location where we were asked to queue to get our names registered for some form of documentation. People decided to struggle as if there is no tomorrow. And that led to some being wounded and stressed. Yet they enjoyed it; because they did the documentation at the end of the day- what a mentality. The same is witnessed in the processes of election, where individuals struggle to gain offices. And you know what? After the exhaustive work, there will be no energy to think properly, no money to fund worthwhile projects, heavy debts to pay and other critical challenges - what a misgiving.

COME OUT OF UNNECESSARY STRUGGLING

Friend, you need to know this; that your sustenance is from above. All you’re doing is complementary to what has been done already for you. Yes; how? Matthew 6:33 made it clear that, “we have to seek first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, then all other things shall be added to us” including what you want. That may sound cheap, but why not give it a trial in sincerity. And it is also written in Psalms 23:1-6, the Lord is one who is shepherding me I lack nothing. Look very well at verse six. Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the Lord’s Temple forever (ISV). Make time for to seek God and his kingdom so as to be in a working relationship with Him always. This is the sure way to come out of these worldly struggles that ends nowhere.

ACCESS TO FREEDOM

Freedom according to MS Encarta (2008), is defined as the “ability to act freely: a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions”. Or influence from environmental, economic, social and religious constraints other than the unavoidable. One access to a struggle free life is to have divine encounter with Christ Jesus. Jacob in the Scripture was one who struggled so well until he met with God. Jabez was also a tensed struggler until he met with God. We are today so given to struggling so much so that, it has become part of us as a lifestyle. Jesus is saying I am the way the truth and the life (JOHN 14:6). Come unto me all you who are labored (or struggled) and I will give you rest MATTHEW 11:28; said Christ Jesus. Therefore, Jesus is the access any one has to freedom, take a bold step today to fine and locate HIM for he is close to all. CONCLUSION Let me quickly point out that, in Christ they is also difficult times when a man is working with Christ. Yet it is far best than struggling in the world without hope of eternity in Jesus. Jesus is the route to accessing freedom in the real sense of the word. Make Him your all for a struggle free life on the earth and here after ROMANS 10:9-10 (ISV).

MARRIAGE: WHAT TO ASK?

                                                                
Marriage is the oldest institution man has ever engaged in throughout his existence and meaningful activities on the earth. For Nicole Kidder, a Wedding Traditions Expert;”marriage is a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman (AND NOT BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE MAN OR AS IT RELATES TO WOMEN IN THE CASE OF GAYISM), that has been preordained by God” God creates male and female together as pointed out in (Ephesians 5:31); man and woman leave their respective families and get united as one.
 

Now Let Us Consider How Other Religions Define Marriage:

JUDAISM: the Jewish faith views marriage as a sacred contractual bong between a man, woman and God. The Talmud is a book that holds the principles that governs the performance of marriage. Also, halakha (Jewish Law), and Torah provide instructions for marriage.
 BUDDHISM: This religion sees and considered marriage as a social obligation, NOT a religious duty.  That is, matrimony is not considered a sacrament within the faith. This is why Monks according to Kidder, are forbidden from attending marriage function.
 

HINDUISM: Marriage (Vivaah) is an obligatory duty, rather than a spiritual sacrament within the faith. Here, marriage is solely a coming together of couples purpose of which is to fulfill destiny.
Islam: In Islam, marriage (Nikah) is a religious and social obligation. It is both a solemn covenant (Mithaq), and a legal contract. Sharia Law and the Quran permit a Muslim man to have up to four legal wives whom he must treat equally. However, a betrothed woman can require monogamy in the relationship through the marriage contract.
 

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION: In the case of Igwa people of Bassa Local Government Council, of Central Nigeria. Marriage (Hauri) is seen as a colorful uniting of female and man together to fulfill both bodily and social duties. When a man has identified her potential wife the family of the woman throws in their full weight for the success of the marriage.
What all these religions are saying concerning marriage is that; marriage is considered, as a coming together of a man and a woman of a marriageable age in a relationship with a common motive to promote a common goal.

WHAT TO ASK
It may not be out of place, if individuals who would anticipate marriage and those who are in the business of marriage already, to ask and answer the following questions sincerely: 

• HAVE I LEARNED ENOUGH FROM THE AUTHOR AND ORIGINATOR OF MARRIAGE?  Marriage is a lifelong business that requires sufficient knowledge from the founder of same. MATTHEW 11:29. Taking Christ’s yoke upon you and learning of him is the only platform for obtaining sufficient knowledge to function in the capacity of a married individual.

• CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY WIFE’S SEX NEED? No matter how strait (mismatch in sex desires) one is, it is expected for him to satisfy the wife’s sex need in a just manner. PROVERBS 5:19 say: As a loving deer and a graceful deo. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. A man’s satisfaction is to be controlled and taken only within the confines of his wife’s satisfaction provision. It is when a man values and develops kin interest in her wife that is when he can offer something meaningful.

• AM I FINANCIALLY CAPABLE TO HANDLE MY POTENTIAL FAMILY NEEDS? A man must be financially stable and buoyant to handle his family need. Age is not the sole yardstick for going into marriage. 1 THIMOTHY 5:8; made it clear, that a man must provide for his own, and his household especially; otherwise, he is to be considered as one who has left the faith and worst than an infidel.  This must be a thing that must be avoided in marriage relationship.

• HOW DO I HANDLE EXTERNAL INFLUENCE? As a man, it is expected for you to ask yourself how do I handle external influence in the home front. If you are the type that places your mother or father unscreened advice (am not saying to get advice from people is wrong, know the source of the advice before using it), above God in your marriage; then you are heading towards a rock in that relationship. If the people you get advice from don’t reason the right way; their response to challenges in the home front would be different. MATTHEW 12:50; consider those who think and do like you do (in the faith). And learn how they were able to overcome in patience rather than sourcing for cheap solutions.

CONCLUSION
No matter how the various religions see marriage, God remains the originator and facilitator of marriage (MARK 10:6). And he said; but from the beginning of the creation God made then them male and female. And so, he knows all that patterns to marriage. Seek all you need from Him. CONSIDERATION
To enjoy any marriage assistance from God, you must be on His camp; a registered member of His Academy. By surrendering your life and all to Him as your Lord and Savior genuinely ROMANS 10:9-10.

VOTE OF THANKS TO ALL

Unfailing gratitude and praise goes to God our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the Love and Mercy He's been showing to all of us. May Him alone be exalted above every one known and unknown - Amen!

I warmly extend my unreserved gratitude to all the Viewers of this blog for their consistent viewing. Also, not left out are those who comment and ask me to do more by way of encouragement. I appreciate those who seem to criticize me in one way or the other constructively.

This is one year since I started blogging this way. And my source of energy is from God, and you all. The encouragement has been so consistent. Thank you all and lets keep empowering and encouraging ourselves while we pursue peace with all men.

If you think what is done here is worth-the-while or it has benefited you in any aspect; do good to share with  us your experiences on the comment box below or send in your email (ofemclark@gmail.com)

DO YOU KNOW THE ANTI-CHRIST

                                           

How do you really know? this is what we have to ask ourselves every time we sleep and weak. it would be pertinent to let us know the definition of Anti-christ. let me borrow the definition of Wellman (2012), Anti-christ (whether ancient or modern), is any one that opposes, for example, the divinity of Christ. I agree with him. But let me add that, anti-christ is an opposer of the divinity of CHRIST and what Christ's people do with the sole aim of dethroning the Christ Himself at the end. those who hold this view have their end stated clearly in the scripture (John 3:18).

A LOOK AT THIS ANTI-CHRIST

Is a rebellious one who is come to make people act against Christ and lord over them for the sake of leading them to hell for ever and depriving them of redemption (Godwin, 2014). The force behind antichristism is the "Spirit of Antichrist" Hence, as Wellman Stated, "antichrist may not be one particular person but a Spirit of Antichrist (2John 4:3 & 8).

THE FORM OF THE ANTI-CHRIST

The antichrist is spirit and it is this spirit that performs what is the acts of the antichrist. the spirit manifest itself in the form, in humans or any available medium. Although, this may be achieved by the permission of the object in question. And this is seen in the confessions/declarations of the object(s). Hence, the following suffice;

- Antichrist is atheism- those who claim there is no god; sincerely, it takes a force to believe such a tragic lie, that God does not exist consider (2Thes. 2:3 & 8).

- Antichrist is any form of worship (religion and/or religious practices), that draws people away from God and the leader of such group directs worship to himself/herself (2Thes. 2:4). this is why Jesus Christ never came to set up another form of Religion of some sort. For Religion has been an enemy of God over the years.

- Anti-christ is the current sodomy we are experiencing today in the form of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) fricks. This are conscious people who have given them-selves to strong delusion and coming back is almost imposition. Yet the loving hands of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is ever open to receive these ones if and only if they will come back to Him fully (John 3:16-17).

CONCLUSION

Anti-christ is any activity, whether Religion, practices, lifestyle and the like that draw one away from Christ Jesus. Is also a belief pattern like in atheism that tends to take away God in one's dealings. My advice is, to any one in such chains, take out time to reflect on the worth of self. You will be convince that you have to come off such chains. Also, embrace Christ wholly. As you do this; God will give his grace for you to be transformed to one he desires you to be. Amen!

THE OLD MAN

INTRODUCTION

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us the desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Gal.5:17

WHO IS THE OLD MAN?

The old man is that sinful nature of man that does not want to die, due to partial repentance. That is to say, you claim to have been born again but the characteristics of Jesus’ are not complete in your life rather you are still carrying the properties of the devil; the old man’s father. These properties are always contending with the new life because Christ has not occupied the whole body. The old nature of man will always desire to do evil things of the flesh which are contrary to the teachings and character of Jesus’. The old man is the earthly body that cannot be denied the earthly pleasures and wouldn’t want to conform to the will of God. The old man is the old life we were living before Christ came – John the Baptist told us to create space in our heart that Jesus is coming to occupy it, that is, old man give space the new man is coming to stay.

THE AGE OF THE OLD MAN

In this age many have claimed to have accepted Jesus but have refused to put the old man to death, the old man is evident in one’s life through the kind of fruits that is been brought forth. Christ is the only one who came to give us freedom from this sinful nature of man; by inputting his own life into us so that we can become new and bear the kind of fruits he bears. When you follow the desires of the old man the results are very clear; “SEXUAL IMMORALITY such as homosexuality, incest, bestiality, lesbianism, roasting, scanning, and the like, IMPURITY, LUSTFUL PLEASURES, IDOLATRY, SORCERY, HOSTILITY, QUARRELLING, JEALOUSY, OUTBURST OF ANGER, SELFISH AMBITION, DISSENSION, DIVISION, ENVY, DRUNKENNESS, WILD PARTIES AND OTHER SINS LIKE THESE” Gal.5: 19-21. If you still manifest any of the above it means you are still living inside the old man and the newness of Christ is not in you. The propeller of these characteristics is the evil spirit engineered by the devil who is the father of all sinners as he is been referred to by Jesus when he was warning the unbelievers, he said; “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you have to do the evil things that he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him, when he lies it is so consistent with his character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8: 44

DOES THE OLD MAN DIFFER FROM THE NEW MAN?

In the same light, let us also look at the characteristics of the new  man who is powered by the Holy Spirit through Jesus  Christ “BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCES THESE KIND OF FRUITS IN OUR LIVES; LOVE, JOY, PEACE PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL Gal.5:22-23.

The above are the works that are evident in the life that carries Jesus Christ. You can’t continue in your sinful nature and expect to produce the true nature of Christ which is the new life. Hear what the scriptures say; “this means that anyone who belong to Christ has become a new person, the old life is gone, a new life has begun.  2Cor. 5:17

Beloved, if you continue to sin, it means the truth of the word of God is not in you, you are merely       professing Christ but you are not manifesting his true nature because everyone who calls the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity. Jesus Christ has no sins recorded against him throughout his stay on Earth, if you believe him where then is the source of your sinful nature? The devil is the sponsor; He has failed from the beginning and he wants people to fail alongside with him, God forbid! Hear what the scripture says again; “Dear children don’t let anyone deceive you about this, when people do what is right , it shows that they are righteous even as Christ is righteous, but when people keep on sinning, it shows they belong to the devil who has been sinning from the beginning. But the son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family don’t make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them, so they can’t keep sinning because they are children of God.1John3:7-9. It is high time; a concrete decision is taken never to yield to the desires of the old man. Make every effort possible to put the old man to death through the help of the Holy Spirit after deciding to kill it.

WAY FORWARD

Freedom has been made available to as many that want to be free from the hand of the wicked old man, but it is pertinent to first acknowledge the works of the old man in your life.

Maybe you are born again but the works of the old life is still evident in your life, perhaps you are still taking instruction from the old man you have to do a root check because the old man has no destination order than to hell fire.

The following are the steps to getting freedom from the hand of the old man:

“Put on your new nature and be renewed, as you have learned to know your Creator and become like him” Col 3:10.

·       You must do a thorough examination to know the foundation upon which you are building your faith.

·       Acknowledge your sinful nature and repent of them all.

·       Ask the Holy Spirit to dominate your entire life

·       Flee from every appearance of evil.

God is always ready to rebuild his temple on the heart of many who are willing to come back to him; he is so merciful and loving. As Christians we should not continue to take instructions from the old man who never wanted to grow and any time you do the desires of the old man it causes you to start all over again and such person is in danger of hell fire. And ensure you learn to take instruction from the Holy Spirit for the scriptures say “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63.

Beloved, you don’t need to be worried; God has already promised to strengthen us. God will never leave you alone because He loves you, He will direct your part and show you the way you are to follow. Hear this; “I pray from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit” Eph.3:16.

PRAYER POINT

·       Oh Lord strengthen my inner man in the name of Jesus’

·       Holy Spirit enter into my heart and cleanse every rubbish in my life in the name of Jesus’

·       You the spirit of old man living inside of me, hear the word of the word of the living God, today is your end I put you to death in the name of Jesus’

The Fruitful Christian Ministries; is a ministry dedicated and committed to raising fruitful generation using God’s words to transform lives restoring hope to the hopeless.

For prayer and counseling contact;

The Fruitful Christian Ministries; Ikeja, Lagos – Nigeria.

Tel. 08067267919, 07017984978

Email: fruitfulchristian@yahoo.com

IS THIS THE WAY OF PEACE?

                                                                    

“…to guide our feet into the way of peace” LUKE 1:79c.

The world is gradually turned into a battle ground where lives are wasted without due consideration to the Creator or the Owner of these lives. The world is now a jungle where stronger animals eat up the weaker ones, the rich oppress the poor, the educated feed on the uneducated, the privileged despitefully use the less-privilege; all these negate the principles of God. He is watching, and his anger is kindled, his displeasure is expressed. Man has totally deviated from God’s precepts and teachings about how man should live. The original purposes of man on earth are to do the will of God, and to co-habit peacefully with one another. The Psalmist said, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14.

Beloved, consider all these and let us cease from wasting the good resources God had blessed us with, because I know for sure that the end is so near. Where the devil who is the originator and father of confusion will be disgraced and revealed. And the God of Peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you; Amen! Roman 16:20.

My people, to say the truth, there is only one man through which love and peace can be obtained and sustained and that man is Jesus Christ. If you have not met Him, there is no way you can enjoy His gift of peace to the fullest. This is so because; He is the owner of meaningful positive peace. Kindly say this sincerely and mean it: “Lord Jesus, I come unto you, I know I am a sinner; have mercy upon me and forgive all my sins, I confess you as my Lord and Personal Savior, henceforth, I renounce the works of the devil and I have decided to follow you forever; Amen! (If you have done this, very good; congratulation. Begin to read your Bible with an open heart and pray to Jesus Christ always. Also, locate a Christian group to fellowship with).

“…Seek peace and pursue it” As people who understand the precept of God, peace is to be sought after and encouraged among brethren and extended to the society at large. God wants the love He gave from the beginning to be shared with everyone. Hatred, jealousy, evil imagination and the like are the root of crises in the world today. Inordinate desire for meaningless worldly things, inability to delay gratification and above all, lack of fear of God, is the bane of our world today. How sweet would the world be if we understand that it is expected of us to move in one direction and to have respect for one another’s opinions and ideas. God understood that we cannot live in isolation that is why he encouraged us to live in unity of Faith. If this is understood by men that we have one Father, the world would have been better place. That is why the preacher said: “there is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one Faith and baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all” Ephesians 4:4-6.

The royal road to peaceful living is to go back to the first love; Revelation 2:4-5. It is high time we revisit the laws of God and discover where we have got it wrong and amend our ways otherwise the anger of God will not tarry anymore. The only way to coexist peacefully, irrespective of our religion, ethnic, socio-economic differences is to understand that the Creator {God} is not the man that makes mistakes; he created everything beautiful in His time.

Regards: Friday Ofem. (drop comments)

Article submitted by Moses Ohiomo

(ohiomo.moses@yahoo.com)

PEACE AND 2015 ELECTION

Let me begin with this story: there was a woman in the suburb of a certain city (name withheld). Her disposition was the kind that allowed no room for children to come into her house, whether to play or take shade. Whenever the children around the neighborhood dare this; she is always at alert to fiercely drive them away heaping abusive statements on them, extending same to their parents respectively. This went on for long. At a point the children grew and she was old. Unable to work with her original two legs – but she had to improvise.

On a fateful day, she was coming back from the house of those owing her. Staggering about the foot path, unknowing to her; behold the boys she once molested and abused without reservation. Its payback time one of the boys muttered; yes! Replied another. She must be paid back in the same coin, yet another echoed. At this point she can hardly see clearly. Her walking stick was snatched from her. Leaving her helplessly crawling on the ground in misery (wicked right?). She asked what have I done to deserve these? One of the boys told her: you are the architect of what you re receiving now. Remember how you use to abuse and pursue us away from your house and insult our respective parents.

We came to make PEACE with you at that time but you rejected us and made us your enemies. Now we advise you to take this in good fate. And whenever such event happen to you, say to the people doing it to you “I forgive you all” otherwise we would make the rest of your days a living hell. Do you understand, yes she responded.

Now, lets come home, PEACE is what both the electorate and party aspirants should seek in the forth-coming election (2015). If the aspirants reject the electorate, shun, and disrespect them, they (aspirants), would become as the old woman in the story – who must learn by force or have her misery increased. And so, if you are an aspirant in any of the registered political party I charge you to do what the scripture says: keep your tongue from (speaking) evil and your lips from telling lies (Psalms 34verse13). If you set a thing to do, do it and fulfill all your electioneering promises.

Above all, the electorate and political party aspirants must make effort to live in PEACE with everyone in the neighborhood called Nigeria. And to be holy (Hebrew 12vs14).

In conclusion, as individuals and members of various groups in the larger society. We must give and receive PEACE. PEACE is not just the absence of commotion. But the presence of godliness in the lives we live, the things we think and do and the mindset we have toward others.

Take out time to say these words (Psalms 122 vs.6), I shall be PEACEable, giving PEACE and receiving PEACE at all times (say them seven times daily).

“Mercy has a human heart,

Pity a human face,

And love, the human form divine,

And PEACE, the human dress”

                                -William Black-

Regards: FRIDAY OFEM (ofemclark@gmail.com), add your comments.

SEVEN (7) PRINCIPLES OF AN EAGLE

Author Dr. Myles Monroe

Eagles Fly Alone at a High Altitude and not with

Sparrows or Mix with other Smaller Birds.

Birds of a feather  flock together. No other bird goes to the height of the eagle. Eagles fly with eagles. Never in a flock. Even when Moses (Old Testament Bible) went to commune with God on the mountain, he left the crowd at the foothills. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with eagles.

Eagles have Strong Vision, which Focuses up to Five (5)

Kilometers from the Air.

When an eagle sites prey- even a rodent from this distance, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed. Eagles do not eat dead things. They feed on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals but not eagles. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Do your research well always.

The Eagle is the only Bird that Loves the Storm.

When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the wings of the storm to rise and is pushed up higher. Once it finds the wing of the storm, the eagle stops flapping and uses the pressure of the raging storm to soar the clouds and glide. This gives the eagle an opportunity to rest its wings. In the meantime all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of our lives (obstacles, trouble, etc) to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably.

The Eagle Tests Before it Trusts.

When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she flies down to earth with the male pursing her and she picks a twig. She flies back into the air with the male pursuing her. Once she has reached a height high enough for her, she lets the twig fall to the ground and watches it as it falls. The male chases after the twig. The faster it falls, the faster he chases until he reaches it and has to catch it before it falls to the ground, then bring it back to the female eagle. The female eagle grabs the twig and flies to a much higher altitude pursued by the male until she perceives it high enough, and then drops the twig for the male to chase. This goes on for hours, with the height increasing until the female eagle is assured that the male eagle has mastered the art of picking the twig which shows commitment, then and only then, will she allow him to mate with her! Whether in private life or in business, one should test commitment of people intended for partnership.

Eagles Prepare for Training.

When about to lay eggs, the female and male eagle identify a place very high on a cliff where no predators can reach; the male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on the crevice of the cliff, then flies to earth again to collect twigs which he lays in the intended nest. He flies back to earth picks thorns and lays them on top of the twigs. He flies back to earth and picks soft grass to cover the thorns, and then flies back to pick rugs to put on the grass. When this first layering is complete the male eagle runs back to earth and picks more thorns, lays them on the nest; runs back to get grass and rugs and lays them on top of the thorns, then plucks his feathers to complete the nest. The thorns on the outside of the nest protect it from possible intruders. Both male and female eagles participate in raising the eagle family. She lays the eggs and protects them; he builds the nest and hunts. During the time of training the young ones to fly, the mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest and because they are scared, they jump into the nest again. Next, she throws them out and then takes off the soft layers of the nest, leaving the thorns bare. When the scared eaglets jump into the nest again, they are pricked by thorns. Shrieking and bleeding they jump out again this time wondering why the mother and father who love them so much are torturing them. Next, mother eagle pushes them off the cliff into the air. As they shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and picks them up on his back before they fall, and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for some time until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly and not fall at such a fast rate. The father and mother eagle supports them with their wings. The preparation of the nest teaches us to prepare for changes; The preparation for the family teaches us that active participation of both partners leads to success; The being pricked by the thorns tells us that sometimes being too comfortable where we are may result into our not experiencing life, not progressing and not learning at all. The thorns of life come to teach us that we need to grow, get out of the nest and love on. We may not know it but the seemingly comfortable and safe haven may have thorns; The people who love us do not let us languish in sloth but push us hard to grow and prosper. Even in their seemingly bad actions they have good intentions for us.

Eagles Rejuvenate.

When the Eagle grows old, his feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast as he should. When he feels weak and about to die, he retires to a place far away in the rocks. While there, he plucks out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out. We occasionally need to shed off old habits & items that burden us without adding to our lives…

“Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft” (Deuteronomy 32:11 NIV).

EDITED

Regards: Ofem Friday

www.truthimpact.blogspot.com

WHAT DECISION MUST I TAKE AS A HUMAN BEING?

INTRO:

Life is full of decisions: decision to marry, buy a big house, get the desired sexes as it relate to offspring, what to eat, what work to do, what courses to major in in school, what lifestyle to lead; in fact, the list is endless. And I have come to the understanding that, decisions are made on daily basis. Suffice to say that, irrespective of one’s decision(s), the outcome is usually known. It is either Life or Death (Deuteronomy 30:19). Every individual has to choose between Life and Death (Bible Study manual of NCCf Plateau State, 3^rd Quarter, 2014).

And decisions are actions that MUST be carried out on daily basis consciously or unconsciously. And these actions lead to the ultimate goal which is either Life or Death. So the choice of living or dying is one’s action to take.

WHAT RIGHT DECISION MUST I MAKE?

Nobody wants to die. This is why all the security majors are put in place to secure life. Now, let’s analyze Deuteronomy 30:19, in a bid to decipher what decision one must make. “I call Heaven and Earth as witnesses today against you…; what this imply is that, no matter what, one is responsible to his/her decision; …that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; this statement buttresses the fact that man is presented with only two (2) options: Death and Life- and is either you choose life or death, for the both cannot be chose the same time. Permit me to say here that, Life is expensive as well as Death. And no amount of wealth can buy both of them. Hence, the only thing that can buy whether Life or Death is the SOUL, (that part of humans that constitute the whole of life and living). One’s soul is the only substance that can be given in exchange for either Life or Death. …, therefore choose life; this admonition is clear enough. Therefore or so, choose LIFE. You are to make the selection and you are advised by the Creator of Heaven and Earth to choose Life. The question above is answered or the right decision to make as a living being is to choose Life!!! …that both you and your descendants may live”

What this means is that, the decision you make to choose life will in the long run guarantee your living and longevity. Whereas, if you decide to chose DEATH, you are in for a lot of trouble and travail.

HOW TO CHOOSE LIFE OR DEATH

The human race is encouraged to choose Life as mentioned earlier. The beauty about choosing Life is that, as long as you chose Life, you are freed from the pains of Death. To choose Life, there is only one way. And that way is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 1:12). In as much, as any one will receive Him and believe in Him, Life is given as gift to such individual. The only place to choose Life is in the God’s Word (the Holy Bible). And know this, if one refuses to choose Life, automatically the person is chosen Death already. This is so because; there is no middle way in this level of decision making.

GUARD AGAINST EXTINCTION

The human race is in continues battle to abate extinction. This is seen in the medical and research efforts carried out by world institutions. Yet, the threats of extinction still stare man at his face endlessly. To guard against this, the way out is to secure one’s future and Life in Christ Jesus (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10).

For time will come and is so near, that the elements will melt in fire, and fire will born to the death individuals’ who refuse to make the right decision of surrendering their all to Christ and Him alone (2 Peter 3:10; Philippians 2:10&15; Revelation 21:8).

SPEAK OUT!!!

Dear Lord Jesus, I absolutely surrender my soul to your ruler-ship. Do that which pleases you with me. And bless me with your LIFE in abundance. Amen!

Regards: Ofem Friday