BECAUSE SHE HAS A GUN

A young woman, who was so much worried about the insurgencies, brutality and murder, happening in the Middle-East, haven thought about her own insecurity and being concerned about what might happen to her, decided to get a gun for her self protection, and she always carry this gun fully loaded anywhere she goes.

But for five months since she began carrying this gun, nothing happened. However, in the sixth month, she went to local store as usual, bought what she wanted, and when she came back to the parking lot, she found out that four men were sitting in a care that looked exactly like hers.

This woman, without any question stared at these men and screamed at them, "What are you guys doing in my car, will you guys get out of my car? These guys being surprised by her actions wanted to ask questions, but this woman reached down into her bag, pulled out a gun, pointed at them, and ordered them to leave her car, and these guys had no choice but to run for their dear lives, and the woman followed them to make sure that they leave the area.

When the smoke was clear, this woman came back only to find out that this very car was not her car, and that her own car that looked exactly as this very car, was three cars away from this very car in which those guys were sitting. The woman then regretted her actions, and drove her car away.

Morale lessons about this scenario:

* Because she carried a gun, she was not careful enough to check and make sure that the car in question was not hers.
* Because she has a gun, she did not care to listen to what the guys have to say.
* Because she has a gunn, she took laws into her hands
* Now, If she did not carry a gun, she would be patient enough to ask questions, and all those dangerous and life-threatening actions would be prevented.

Thus, with this scenario, do you still think that ordinary people should have a gun? I think it is better not to have a gun,  so that everyone could live peaceably with each other. May God help us in Jesus name. You are so much blessed. 

30 RULES FOR GODLY WOMEN

ALL WOMEN SHOULD READ THESE 30 RULES FOR GODLY WOMEN-----------------

1). Never raise your voice for any reason to your husband. Its a sign of disrespect.(Prov 15v1)
2). Don't expose your husband's weaknesses to your family and friends. It will bounce back at you.You are each other's keeper.(Eph 5v12)
3). Never use attitudes and moods to communicate to your husband, you never know how your husband will interpret them. Defensive women don't have a happy home.(Prov 15v13)
4). Never compare your husband to other men, you've no idea what their life is all about. If you attack his Ego, his Love for you will diminish.
5). Never ill treat your husband's friends because you don't like them, the person who's supposed to get rid of them is your husband.(Prov 11v22)
6). Never forget that your husband married you, not your maid or anyone else. Do your duties.(Gen 2v24)
7). Never assign anyone to give attention to your husband, people may do everything else but your husband is your own responsibility.(Eph 5v33)
8). Never blame your husband if he comes back home empty handed. Rather encourage him.(Deut 3v28)
9). Never be a wasteful wife, your husband's sweat is too precious to be wasted.
10). Never pretend to be sick for the purpose of denying your husband sex. You must give it to him how he wants it. Sex is very important to Men, if you keep denying him, it is a matter of time before another woman takes over theat duty. No man can withstand sex starvation for too long(even the anointed ones) (SS 7v12)
11). Never compare your husband to your one time sex mate in bedroom, or an Ex-lover. Your home may Never recover from it if you do.(SS 5v9)
12). Never answer for your husband in public opinion polls, let him handle what is directed to him although he may answer for you in public opinion polls.(Prov 31v23)
13). Never shout or challenge your husband in front of children. Wise Women don't do that.(Eph 4v31)
14). Don't forget to check the smartness of your husband before he checks out.(Prov 12v4)
15). Never allow your friends to be too close to your husband.
16). Never be in a hurry in the bathroom and on the dressing table. Out there your husband is always surrounded by women who took their time on their looks.( 1 Sam25v3)
17). Your parents or family or friends do not have the final say in your marriage. Don't waste your time looking up to them for a final word. You must Leave if you want to Cleave.(Luke 21v16)
18). Never base your love on monetary things.Will you still submit to him even if you earn more money than him?
19). Don't forget that husbands want attention and good listeners, never be too busy for him.Good communication is the bed rock of every happy home. (Gal 6v9)
20). If your idea worked better than his, never compare yourself to him. Its always teamwork.(Gal 6v10)
21). Don't be too judgemental to your husband. No man wants a Nagging wife.(Eph 4v29)
22). A lazy wife is a careless wife. She doesn't even know that her body needs a bath.(Prov 24v27)(Prov 20v13)
23). Does your husband like a kind of cooked food?, try to change your cooking. No man jokes with food. (Prov 31v14)
24). Never be too demanding to your husband, enjoy every moment, resource as it comes.(Luke 11v3)
25). Make a glass of water the very first welcome to your husband and everyone entering your home. Sweetness of attitude is true beauty. (Prov 31v11)
26). Don't associate with women who have a wrong mental attitude about marriage.(Prov 22v14)
27). Your marriage is as valuable to you as the value that you give it. Recklessness is unacceptable.(Heb 13v4)
28). Fruit of the womb is a blessing from the Lord, love your children and teach them well.(Prov 22v6)
29). You are never too old to influence your home. Never reduce your care for your family for any reason. (Prov 31v28)
30). A prayerful wife is a better equipped wife, pray always for your husband and family(1 Thess 5v17)
Have a lovely day..... God bless u all

JESUS, THE GREATEST GIFT TO US

John 3:16-17 Says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
I've seen that the reason many people have not accepted Jesus is because he was given to us as a FREE GIFT, and many people do not value something that is free. If God allowed Jesus to be born in the house of Herod, by now, people will be paying gate fee just to go an see him. But God, in his infinite wisdom made it in such a way that even the wretchest person could have access to him.
For those who have not known this greatest gift of all times, understand that he did not come to condemn anybody, but he came to save you and give you abundant life.
So, if you know you have this gift of JESUS, can I get an overcoming Amen here. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

JESUS CAME TO SHOW US HOW TO LOVE OTHERS

I was walking around when i saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back, the boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'' The little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' She replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry.

But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.'

Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.'

A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Now you have 2 choices: (1) Share this (2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart.

By Prince Sharma

EVERYBODY, BOTH WISE & FOOLISH PEOPLE STILL SEEK JESUS

As we celebrate this Christmas, we continue to look at the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. I've heard sometimes ago that only the wise men were those who went to seek Jesus when he was born, but I want you to know that everybody still seek Jesus. Both wise people as well as foolish, evil and ignorant people still seek Jesus till today. However, what determines whether somebody is wise or foolish, evil and ignorant, is what you want to do with Jesus whenever you find him.

Matthew 2:1-8 says that when Jesus was born, those who are wise from the east came looking for him so they could worship him. But at the same time, King Herod also looked for him so he could kill him. Even today, whether you know it or not, people are operating in these two categories as far as the Lord Jesus Christ is concerned. Wise people are seeking Jesus to worship and serve him, and ignorant people are seeking Jesus in order to kill him, just as what those wicked and ignorant people are doing to Christians now. Yes, when you persecute any child of God, you persecute Jesus, and when you do what Jesus says, you serve and worship him.

Therefore, all you wise people who are seeking him to worship him, Know that Jesus is the light of the world, and may this great light shine in all your dark places in Jesus name. Please note this very fact, that those who looked for Jesus to destroy him were not able to destroy him because he is indestructible. Thus, it's time for them to stop the persecution of Christians, because no amount of persecution will be able to put out the light of Christ, and as for you who know him and seek to worship him, because you are hidden in Jesus Christ, no weapon that is formed or fashioned against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement, you shall condemn, for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. Have a merry Christmas and remain blessed. Jesus loves yo and I do too.

WHAT A HUSBAND NEEDS FROM A WIFE IS NEVER SEX

WHAT A HUSBAND NEEDS FROM A WIFE IS NEVER SEX.
By: B.I.C. Abeiku Okai.

Sex is an important element in marriage and until there is sexual intercourse between a husband and a wife, the marriage is not yet spiritually recognised. This shows how important sex is in marriage.

When you look at how agressive men are towards sex you may think that what a man needs from a woman is sex. Of course, if he has not married you yet or he does not really intend to marry you what he will need from you is nothing above your body. But if he really intends to marry you or if you guys are already married sex is never what he needs from you - maybe let me say it better; "WHAT A MAN NEEDS MOST FROM A WOMAN IS NOT SEX."

Many young girls think because they are sexually active and experience they will easily be married and have their husbands loving them. And when a man approaches for marriage they think the greatest asset they have to show the man is sex. Others also think once they are giving out their bodies it means they are giving out the best for which reason they will be chosen above all.

There is this young girl who is very beautiful and sexually active. Due to that she thought sex is all that matters to a man. Ironically, she struggled for long before finally getting married. Her sexual dexterity could not win her the heart of a man until out of the blue and reason beyong imagination a very handsome good man married her. The wedding was grand and her tears were now gone. Unfortunately only a year after the wedding the marriage fell on rocks. Within five years three different men came her way but none could stay.

The problem was simple. She thought sex was all that matters so she would never submit. But submission is what men need, not sex. It is time for our young ladies to know that when a man is ready to marry he will not look out for a woman who will satisfy his sex drive but a woman who will submit herself to him. Excuse my language, "every woman has vagina but not every woman has humility." So when you are a humble woman, you are an expensive jewelry. And a man of integrity will fear to lose you.

What does the holy 📖say, "wife, submit to your husband." The reason is that a man's true love goes out only for a woman who is submissive. Your beauty cannot make another woman ugly but your humility can let him love you above all other women.

Sadly, many youngs ladies in our days call submission as "control." And you will hear them saying in tiny romantic voices, "As for me I don't want any man to control me oh." If you don't want to submit don't think of marriage because no man in his right sense will offer his love to a woman whose heart is higher than his height, no matter how short he may be.

When a woman bows her knee before a man, the man will automatically bow his heart before her love. And love her sincerely. There are, of course, recalcitrant men who will not value women of humility but I tell you that every true man does not need sex, but submission. It is submission that truly makes you a romantic wife. So be the African queen you want to be but when it comes to dealing with your husband, play the role of a humble maid. Don't forget that it is the spirit of humility that has caused many maids to hijack their mistresses' husbands. Be your man's queen and be his maid also.

I wish you all the best as you submit in your relationship and marriage. May God bless you with good marriage, my dear sister.

Forwards this to any female friend you care about. Have a nice day.

DO YOU REALLY KNOW GOD???

When you look at how you are following God, how you are handling the things of God, and how you react to your own situations, can you boldly say that you have known God? 
Please, hear this, God is not looking for those who go to church, because a person can go to church and still does not know God, but what God is actually looking for, are those who will know him.
Jeremiah 9.23-24 says, Thus saith the Lord , Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
Very sure. Therefore, beloved, try to know God, and believe me, when you truly understand and know God, you'll also known that God has solutions to all your problems.
That's why as you are here in this group, our purpose is to help you and everyone to understand and know whom God really is, so that you could have access to everything that God has purposed for you in life, and may God help you as you seek to know him more and more in Jesus name.
You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

THE BARBER'S NOTION ABOUT GOD

A GOOD MESSAGE FOR EVANGELISM

***MUST READ***

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed, as the barber began to work, they started a good conversation; they talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched the subject of God, the barber said: “I don’t believe that God exists.” “Why do you say that?” asked the customer. The barber said; “Well you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist; Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.” The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barber shop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard; He looked dirty and unkept. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and said to the barber; “You know what? Barbers do not exist.” "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am a barber, and I just worked on you!” “No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don't exist because if they do, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.” The barber said; “Ah, but barbers DO exist; what happens is, people don't come to me.” “Exactly”- affirmed the customer; “That’s the point.” God too, DOES exist; But what happens is, people don’t go to Him and do not look for him. GOD DOES EXIST!!!

YOUR PROFILE PICTURE REPRESENTS YOU

A young beautiful lady recently changed her profile picture on Facebook to a well-dressed GOAT. Even though the goat looked nice, very soon, people started laughing as they made their funny comments about the picture. When the lady could no longer endure, she asked, why are you people laughing? Then in my response, I told her that people are laughing because you are not a GOAT, whereas you used a goat to represent yourself. The lady then changed back her profile picture from that of a goat to a very nice picture of herself. The funny comments then stopped, instead, she started receiving compliments, and she became happy again.

Therefore, everyone should know this very important FACT, your profile picture represents YOU, not any other person or thing, and no matter how you like a person, an image or thing, they cannot be you. You are just you, and you are very unique.

Thus, whenever you post anything on Facebook or anywhere, the picture that should be by the side of your post should be YOUR VERY OWN PICTURE, not the picture of your husband or wife, or even your children, or any flower, animal, object or thing, it should not be anything that is not you because what stands by your message represents who you are. Or, how does it feel if you post a very beautiful massage, and a goat bearing your own name stands by that message?

Therefore, let's use Facebook wisely by putting the right profile picture on our walls. All other pictures could go on the cover picture. It's only scammers and fraudulent people who don't want to reveal their identities that always use someone else picture whenever they post anything. So, change any profile picture that is not you today to a very nice picture of yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:14. You are so much blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

Follow Pastor Erebari Dan Naagbi on
Twitter @ https://twitter.com/erebarinaagbi
Visit my blog @ https://erebari.blogspot.com
Join our group: PASSION FOR GOD'S WILL
@ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepassion4godswill
Travel needs, Visit @ www.erebsgt.paycation.com

IF GOD CAN FIGHT FOR HIS TABLE...

A man who always go to a church began to steal the church table. Whenever he sees that the church has a new table, he always go to the church at midnight and steal the church table, and he has made it a habit.
The church members continue to ask, who is this person that keeps stealing our table? But the thief would not stop, and it got to a point that the church members were no longer comfortable, and started praying.
So one day, at midnight, this man came to the church, enter under the church table, to carry it away as usual, but this time, he could not stand up again, he remained stuck under the table from midnight until morning, when church members started coming to prayer meeting, and the thief was caught, and there was no more stealing of the church tables in that church.
So, if God can fight for his table, how much more you his dear children??? Dearly beloved, you are a child of the most high God. All you need to do, is to place your worries and cares into the able hands of the Almighty God, and he will fight for you. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you. May you find favour in God's hands today in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too. 

GOD GAVE US FREEWILL TO CHOOSE

What God gave man was freewill to choose between what he wants to do, not freedom to do whatever he wants to do.
In Genesis 3, God had the power to stop Adam and Eve from eating that fruit, but the reason he allowed the serpent to give them the fruit was to test their OBEDIENCE as they use their freewill, and they failed.
In the same way today, as children of God, the reason God allows those temptations to come to you is to test your obedience as you use your freewill.
When the devil enters a woman to dress have-naked in the name of fashion and comes to you, God wants to see your obedience if you can refuse to commit fornication with her. When that man who is not your husband flashes you with money and gifts, God wants to see your obedience if you will not fall and have sex with him in order get those things, and when the devil brings terrible things that will make you angry between you and your spouse, God wants to see your obedience if you will not divorce your spouse. Etc and etc.
Now therefore, understand that what God has said in his word stands forever, and when you disobey him, and thinks that your freewill is freedom, remember, there are consequences, and you must pay for it. Hebrews 10:26-27 says, If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there retaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and a fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 
May God help you to use your freewill wisely, so that you will be partakers of God's kingdom in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

DON'T JUST BLAME THEM, IT'S BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE

DON'T JUST BLAME THEM, IT'S BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE
Have you ever asked yourself this question, why is it that many people who receive this gospel of Jesus Christ with joy, and are also very happy to be called children of God, always backslide and fall back into sin?
I have discovered that most people backslide and fall back into sin because of ignorance or lack of knowledge of the word of God.
Thus, don't just blame them, because when they first hear statements like these from Jesus that says, I will not leave nor forsake you, most of the receive it with joy, but when things don't work out the way they expected, due to this ignorance, they quickly give up, backslide and fall.
But God who loves us so much, and is not willing that anyone should perish, in his infinite mercies, has also made this knowledge available to us his children by his Holy Spirit, and we know that whatever Jesus said is true. Yes, Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Therefore, as you are here in this group, to prevent a big fall from grace, don't just do a thing because everyone else is doing it, always ask questions concerning things that are not very clear to you, and the Holy Spirit of God, our Great Teacher will give you answers that will keep you on the right path and help you to remain standing in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

JESUS IS THE RIGHT KEY

If the doors to whatever you want to do remain closed, then it's time to check your keys, because you may have the wrong key.
Sure and certain, if you have JESUS, you have the right key, and your closed doors will be opened in Jesus name. 

Now, if you are not saved, listen, I didn't say if you don't go to church, but I said, if you are NOT SAVED, you can do it today so that you can have the right key to open all doors. 

If you are saved, honour God with an overcoming Amen here because you are blessed already. Jesus loves you and I do too.

WITNESSING TO THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

Have you ever asked yourself this question, If the Jehovah's witnesses are preaching the true word of God, why is it that they isolate themselves from every other people who believe in the same God they claim to preach about?
In an effort to answer this question, I decided not to be driving them away any longer, instead, I always welcome them into my home so that we could discuss the word of God to get the truth of it, and after finishing with them, few of them have repented and given their lives to Jesus, but most of them ended up not stopping by my house anymore. But in any case, we must bring the undiluted TRUTH of the word of God to everyone including the Jehovah's witnesses.
In my encounter with them, I've discovered many errors in their teachings. The major thing they talk about is that God will establish his kingdom here on earth in which there will be no unrighteousness, and that they will be the only one to inherit that kingdom. They never mention anything about salvation through God's only Son Jesus Christ. They also teach that people will not go to heaven, because heaven is for God and the earth was made for man, whereas the message that Jesus gave to us is that people should believe the Gospel, repent and be saved so we could be where he is.
Therefore, let's reach out to the Jehovah's witnesses with the undiluted truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to tell them that in order to enter into God's kingdom, there must be repentance and forgiveness of sins which only Jesus Christ can provide, so that they could hear it and be saved. May God help us as we minister to them in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

HOW TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD

Nanok Monirul Wrote:

HOW TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD-Acts 9:1-6

If you were to have a face to face encounter with the Lord Jesus, and could ask Him any question you wanted, what would that question be? I suppose you would have to think long and hard about what you would ask Him, but I am guessing that many would be asking, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” That experience did happen to the man in our text, and he asked that very question. He also received a response from the Lord.
In this passage, Paul asked 2 very important questions. Questions to which we need sure answers. Those questions are: 1.) Who art thou Lord? (v.7) This is the single most important question in all of life. Who is Jesus Christ to you? Your answer determines where you will spend your eternity! 2.) Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? This is the second most important question in life. God’s will and His will alone should be the heart’s desire for every child of God. The context. Paul was told to go into the city and there, he would be told what to do. God did not hide His will from Paul, and He will not hide it from you!
This morning, I am going to preach to you about How To Know The Will of God. Now, before you can know Gods will for your life, you must have an understanding of how His will operates. There are three ways in which we may understand the will of God.
1. Gods Sovereign Will - This is a decision of God that is always carried out, nothing in the universe is ever able to stop it. God is God and He accomplished what He wishes. Gods Sovereign will is mysterious and is known only to God.
2. Gods Moral Will - This, too, is forever settled and is unchanging. Some things are right and some things are wrong, (It matters not what society says!) This Moral will is revealed in the Word of God and the conscience of man.
3. Gods Particular Will - He has a will that is particular and peculiar to your life. (Saul - Acts 9:15) This particular will will vary from saint to saint
I can see all 3 aspects of the will of God at work in my life. It was His Sovereign will that set His love upon me and saved me. It was His moral will that I stop cursing, drinking, etc. It was and is His particular will for my life that I become a preacher of the Gospel.
Even though you and I are such a small part of Gods vast creation, and our lives seem very insignificant, God knows you! He loves you! Even the very hairs of your head are numbered and known by Him. As a result, He has designed a particular plan for your life, and, He has promised to reveal it to you and to guide you into it.

Before we get into how to know His will, I am first going to address some myths concerning the will of God.
1.) God Will Give You A Road Map - God does not give roadmaps, He gives relationships. As you follow Him, He will reveal His will unto you. (Israel - Ex. 13:21 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire!)
2.) God Doesn't Want You To Have Any Fun - Some see God as a Cosmic killjoy. That is, if you surrender to do His will, you will have a hard and an unhappy life. Many are afraid to find His will because they are afraid of what they might be asked to do. (Put yourself in the place of God. How do you treat your children? Isn't He better than us? Luke 11:11-13
3.) God Only Speaks To A Certain, Few Holy People - Gods will is not limited to those with position. He just doesn't speak to the Paul's, the Spurgeons and the Grahams. He has a will for every saint at every conceivable level of commitment. If you choose to follow in His will, you will be lead to a holier life. But, He calls us where we are!
4.) You Have To Wait On A Damascus Road Experience - Saul's experience certainly was dramatic, but it wasn't normal. God spoke to Saul in the earthquake, but more often, He speaks in the still, small voice - 1 Kings 19:11-12.
5.) God Only Reveals His Will To The Young - God calls people of all ages, He never stops using His saints. If He were finished with you, He would have called you home. If you are sitting on the sidelines, I can guarantee you that you need to seek His will! It is never too late to do the will of God.
6.) Gods Will Is Hidden From Us And We Have To Find It Ourselves - (The absurdity of a Father hiding His will from His son!) God never hides His will He reveals it! He wants you to know His will so you can get about doing it. (This is not a cosmic Easter egg hunt!)

Now that we have discussed several myths concerning the will of God, allow me to share with you a couple of easy steps that will lead us into knowing the will of God.
I. GODS GUIDANCE IS PROVISIONAL
(That is to say, God expects certain things from us. Unless we are able to deliver these characteristics, we will probably remain in the dark concerning His will.)
A. Be Willing To Obey Him - Saul wanted Gods will. Too often, we make our plans, set them in motion and then call God in to bless them. To genuinely do His will, we must put our will aside and be will to do all that He asks us to do. (Can you honestly say, Wherever He Leads GO?) Why should God reveal His will to us when He knows we aren't going to do it anyway?
B. Display A Spirit Of Meekness - That is, be teachable - Psa. 25:9. Saul -
He displayed a teachable spirit. If you aren't teachable, and think you know it all already, then you will probably never know His will.
C. Be Open To God - Earnestly, sincerely pray for Gods guidance. Report for duty. Don't wait to be drafted, just show up and ask Him if He has an assignment for you. If God isn't showing you anything, perhaps you should examine your life to see just how much time you really spend with Him in private. Too often he is speaking, but no one is listening!
D. Be Yielded To God - Saul - Acts 9:8-9, As soon as he had a word from
God, he got busy doing it. Again, God probably not reveal His will to someone who isn't going to do it anyway. If all areas of your life are yielded and open to His will, then you can expect that He will reveal Himself to you. Are you willing to do His will regardless of the cost? Luke 14:26-33.
II. GODS GUIDANCE IS PRACTICAL
God will reveal His will in ways that will be plain to see and understand.
He used several in the Bible. These are still His ways.
A. Through Miracles - Saul - Normally, God wont speak to a man like He did to Saul. This was a miracle! Occasionally, He will speak in the fashion, but don't wait on it before you start to serve Him!
B. Through His Word - Saul - v.5. Gods Word holds the answers to all of
life's questions - Psa. 119:89. Matt. 5:18 When you are in doubt concerning His will, go back to the Bible and read. This is Gods primary mode of address!
C. Through His People - Saul - Acts 9:8-20. God used Ananias to speak
His will to Saul. Never discount the counsel of the godly people all around you - Pro. 24:6. ( The danger of pride - It will cause you not to listen - 1 Cor. 10:12.
D. Through His Spirit - Saul - Acts 9:17. The Holy Spirit is in us, John
14:16, and he will guide us unto all truth, John 16:13. One of the distinguishing marks of Gods sheep is their earmark - John 10:1-14. God speaks to people through the Holy Ghost. Beware of listening to voices!
God has a big plan for your life! Do you know what it is? If not, be meek, teachable, open and yielded to God. Listen for His leading voice in His Word, His people and His Spirit and He will reveal His will unto you - John 14:21. He wants you to be in His will, and therefore, He will never leave you in the dark!
If you know His will, are you doing it? If not, there is no time like the present to surrender and yield to do the will of God.

Praying psitions

Rev. Ken Collins’ Website

www.kencollins.com

Shall We Sit, Stand, or Kneel to Pray?

You are visiting a friend’s church and the minister says, “Let us pray,” and you find when you reach for the kneeler that it isn’t there. Looking around, you see that everyone has remained seated with their eyes shut tight. Or perhaps you visit a synagogue, and the people stand to pray.

“What’s going on?” you wonder.

Here are the five traditional postures for prayer, how they originated, what they are used for, and who uses which one:

Standing:
   Eyes open, looking up
   Hands uplifted with the palms up

This is the oldest posture for prayer. It is called the orans position, from the Latin word for praying. By praying this way, the worshiper acknowledges God as external and transcendent. This posture is for thanksgiving, praises, blessings, benedictions, and general prayers. This is still the normal position for prayers in eastern churches and in Jewish synagogues, and it is still used in the western church, particularly when the clergy bless the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
—Luke 9:28-32, NIV

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed
—John 17:1a, NIV

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer…
—1 Timothy 2:8a, NIV

Standing:
   Looking down with eyes averted or closed
   Hands clasped at the waist

This is the traditional posture of a shackled prisoner of war who is brought before the conquering king. The hands are clasped at the waist as if they were shackled in chains. The eyes are averted—in ancient times, looking directly at one’s captor was insolent and a good way to get killed on the spot. This posture is for submissive petitions or for intercessory or penitential prayer, as we see in Luke 18:10-13.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I want to thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
—Luke 18:10-13, NIV

Kneeling:
   Eyes open, looking up
   Hands uplifted with the palms up
      —OR—
   Looking down with eyes averted or closed
   Hands folded

This is the traditional posture for requesting favors from a king, and so it became the traditional posture for prayers of repentance or supplication. The Council of Nicaea in AD 325 forbade kneeling on Sundays, because penitential prayer is not appropriate during a celebration of the Resurrection. In western Christianity, kneeling came to mean simple humility and submission, and so kneeling became the normal posture for most prayers in the west. However, to eastern Christians, kneeling still means repentance or supplication.

The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.
—Matthew 18:26, NIV

[Jesus] withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
—Luke 22:41-44, NIV

Some western churches have kneelers so the congregation can pray in the pews. Others do not have kneelers, but when people gather at the altar railing, they kneel. The secret to kneeling is not to bend at the waist. Thrust your hips forward, so that your abdomen and thighs form a straight, vertical line, and you’ll be able to kneel for long periods of time without fatigue and without sitting on your heels.

Prostrate:
   Lying on one’s belly
   Looking down with eyes averted or closed

This is the traditional posture for begging favors from a king when the favors are great and the petitioner is either desperate or has no standing before the king even in the literal sense. It became the traditional posture for desperate, penitential, or intercessory prayer and is still used in eastern churches, which have plenty of room because they don’t have pews.

Then [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther,he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
—Matthew 26:38-39, NIV

Sitting:
   Looking down with eyes averted or closed
   Hands folded

The Roman Catholic Church invented pews during the Middle Ages, right before the Protestant Reformation. Since the Protestant Reformation was essentially a Christian education movement with very long sermons, the Protestants kept the pews even though they rejected just about everything else they regarded as a ‘Roman invention.’ As a result, sitting has become the normal posture for prayer for many western congregations.

In 2 Samuel 7:18, David sat to pray. However, sitting for prayer was not prevalent until after the invention of pews.

In general:

• Looking up is for thanks and glory
• Looking down is for submission and humility
• Standing while looking up shows confidence
• Standing while looking down shows submission
• Lying prostrate shows humility and possibly desperation
• Sitting used to connote leisure or that the person sitting is disabled or elderly, but now it is neutral

But does it matter whether we sit, stand, or kneel to pray?

Starting Page > More Like This > Top of this Page

Copyright ©1995-2015 by the Rev. Kenneth W. Collins and his licensors. All rights reserved.
You can get permission to use this material. You can also E write to Ken

Acknowledgements
Bible quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV® ©1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society, used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.

WHAT YOU ARE CALLED TO DO pt 1

Amos Oluwashina-ayomi Anthony Wrote:

WHAT YOU ARE CALLED TO DO pt 1
Eph. 5:17 says “ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ”

In other words, the Bible is saying “ it is foolish to do what God has not told you to do ”. A lot of people are in trouble today because they are doing what they are not called to do.
Someone called me one day, he said “ I have been following you for some years, the witches and wizard you are exposing their secrets/destroying their kingdom have not captured you and many more people are getting to know you day by day which means truly you are a great man of God so help me with my problems ” but I answered him and said God is the only great person and once you are doing what God called you to do, his protection will be upon your life. In other words, when you are doing what God did not call you to do, don't expect Him to bless or protect you from danger that many come out of it. The 7 sons of Sce'va saw Paul and other Apostles casting out demons in people and they wanted to do the same thing but that evil spirit answered and said “ Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? ” and if you read down a bit to v16, you will see how d demon disgraced them nakedly and wounded. Acts 19:14-16.
Don't create problems for yourself by doing what you are not called to do;
- if you are not called to sing and you want to sing there will be problem.
- if you are not called to Pastor and you are pastoring there will be problem.
- if you are not called to deliverance ministry and you want to deliver someone there will be problem.
- if you are not called to travel and you travel out there will be problem. And as a matter of fact anytime you find yourself doing what you are not suppose to do then there will be serious problems.
A sister was running a school but in 14yrs the number of pupils in that Sch is 10 then she went to man of God to pray and there she discovered that she is to be selling vegetables and she looked at herself. A master degree holder selling vegetables so angrily she went away but after 2yrs, things remain the same so she decided to try what the man of God said and within 6 months she had build a house.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE CALLED TO DO
1. Pray every time before you decide on what to do and hear from Him first. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. If you are experiencing unusual difficulties in what you are doing, pause and ask God again to be sure you are still on the right track. Gen. 25:22-23
3. Be sure of the voice you are taken instructions from, Is it voice of God, man, angels or demons etc Judges 13:17
4. Ask God how long it will take you to succeed/prosperous in that way so you can be prepared. Judges 18:5-6

A lot of Christians are doing the thing that God has not call them to do and they are praying to succeed day n night. The truth is that once u miss your way except u go back n find d way, u may never reach your goal again.

A sister was dating a brother and I told her, God didn't want you to marry this brother but she wouldn't listen. 7 days to their wedding dis brother travelled out of the country and yet to return since then. The problem now is everyone who collected that wedding invitation then were discouraging those single church men who should marry dis sister and she still remain single.

Until you start doing what God has called you to do, don't expect His blessings, protection or provision for you cos God dislikes disobedient children.

I am praying for someone here today that if your problems and tribulations are result of what you are doing that God has not called you to do, by His grace you shall be scheduled in the name of Jesus

You can call Pst. Amos +2348188864503 for prayers, counseling, deliverance n spiritual assistance from 10am - 3pm ( Mon-Fri )
You can also visit for counseling every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (10am - 1pm)

Names for God

WHAT PRAYER REALLY IS

Prayer is not telling God what to do, because he already knows your need, but prayer is agreeing with what God said in his word. Sure, and I want to correct this impression in the mind of many people, because if you know what prayer really is, then you'll know what to pray and how to pray.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:7-8, But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Thus, when you pray, find out what God says about your situation in his word, agree with it, and begin to thank him for it, and you'll see the manifestation of it. Yes, prayer works, but you must know how to pray in order to get results.

May God's will be done in your life as you begin to pray rightly in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

FORSAKING THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

The Spirit of the Lord has made it known to me that many preachers of nowadays had forsaken the message of the cross which is supposed to be the focal point of every Gospel message, and have replaced them with the message of prosperity. As a matter of fact, you hardly hear about repentance in many churches again. 

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1.17-18, For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Certainly, the message that Jesus gave to us was that of repentance, and not of prosperity, and this repentance could only come through the message of the cross. So, as you go to church today, if you find yourself in a place where only prosperity is what they are talking about all the time, instead of repentance, you better run for your life, because the preacher has abandoned the actual message. 

May God help you to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, so that all other things could be added unto you in Jesus name. Have a wonderful and worry-free Sunday. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

ONLY VERY FEW PEOPLE KNOWS WHAT GOD CAN DO

I've noticed that right from the beginning of creation until now, God has never taken side with the majority, and only very few people have been able to discover how God works.
Many people might be in a place, or in a church, but very few among them will actually know the things about God and what God can do in every situation. 

In Numbers 13, Moses sent out 12 spies to go and view the promise land, 10 of them came back believing that they cannot possess the land because of what they saw, but only 2 of them, Joshua and Caleb actually knew what God can do, and despite what they saw, because they knew about God, they believed him and were able to trust him, and God worked for them.

Similarly, many people might be in a place or in a church today, and very few of them will be able to know the things about God, and be able to trust God with their situations. So, are you among the few that know God, and would you trust him with your situations today? 

Sure, If you are one of the few who know your God, begin to rejoice because the Lord your God is with you. Daniel 11:32 says, Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploit. Yes, you shall do exploit in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

REKINDLE YOU TRUST IN GOD

Do you have any problem that have lingered so long, and is about to make you loose your hope and trust in God? Or, have you started to question God because of your situation? 

David said in Psalm 37.25-26, I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Sure, as long as you are trying everyday to do God's will, God will surely visit you at his appointed time, and you'll surely rejoice. 

Now, may God give you the strength to hang on till your blessings arrive in Jesus name. You are blessed. Jesus loves you and I do too.

7 Ways God Teaches Us To Prosper

7 Ways God Teaches Us To Prosper -
Harold Herring

If stories about the Children of Israel cover over six books in the Bible, how can we ignore the fact that God has a lot He wants to teach us through them?

I Corinthians 10:11 in the New Living Translation says:

“These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.”

The Amplified Bible says it this way:

”Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction ….”

The point is … the Children of Israel are examples for us.  Their natural lives help us to see spiritual truths so we can succeed where many of them did not.

Scripture is not confined to one level of understanding and truth is parallel from one subject to another. 

That is why the story of the Israelites can teach us a lot about life on a number of levels. 

There are at least 7 important prosperity principles found in Joshua Chapter 1 that teach us how to become prosperous.

I)  The Past Is Dead

In Joshua Chapter 1: 1,2 we read the following in the Amplified Bible:

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ minister,

2 “Moses My servant is dead. So now arise [take his place], go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, the Israelites.”

There are two important points here:

First, Moses was called of God to lead the Children of Israel out of slavery… he performed his assignment as God directed…

Remember … there were those who refused to give up a slave mentality and it cost  a lot of others in Israel 40 years in the wilderness before there was a generation who could go to the next level.

If Joshua and Caleb went into the Promised Land, we know it’s possible to leave a slave mentality behind if we really want to but is may mean facing some giants along the way and it definitely means changing the way we think.

Second… God said… Moses is dead.  In other words… we don’t need to look back to the past because the past is dead.  

The slave mentality is dead. 

Our past mistakes are dead.

 The way to prosper is to look forward.  Just beyond these verses Joshua directs the Children of Israel to consecrate themselves before they go into battle … they were diected toprepare their hearts and bodies to go forward … they had to leave the past in the past and so must we.

2)  God Has Given Each of Us A Place of Dominion

Joshua 1: 3,4 says:

“Every place upon which the sole of your foot shall tread, that have I given to you, as I promised Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon to the great river Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites [Canaan]—and to the Great [Mediterranean] Sea on the west shall be your territory.”

God said… this is exactly the land you will possess. 

What does this mean to us?  We know God doesn’t mean for us to move to the Middle East to possess any land. 

It does means God promises each of us success in the sphere of influence we’ve been called to walk in.   He wants you to have influence and take dominion wherever you are.

Think of the influence Christians could have if we just put the Word to work… cultivating where God has placed us…taking dominion, making a difference for the kingdom.

This goes back to when God spokein Genesis 1:28 AMP:

“And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.”

God has us spread all over the World… to take dominion.

And we have been given everything we need to do it.  2 Peter 1:3 says:

 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

3)  God Has Promised Us Total Victory

Not only did God give us an assignment … He gives us promises and assurances for success.

5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

6 Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

Here are the 7 points from these three scriptures:

First,   in Gods eyes, He sees no one capable of having dominion over you.

Second, this promise is not only good for the immediate ...but as far as God sees, the promise is good for as long as you live.

Third,God backs up His statement by promising to always be there ... to back you up.  Do you remember something God delivered you from? Well…if He delivered you before… He can surely do it again

Fourth,be strong and confident and of good courage...meaning we should be gaining confidence in every new circumstance and not losing it when difficulties arise.

Fifth, you will not only inherit the land God has placed you in, but you'll be an example to others who want to inherit their land.   

Sixth, stand strong and courageous so you may do according to what God says… in other words...keep doing the Word and don't give up.

Seventh, don’t turn to the left or to the right… i.e., stay focused on your assignment.

4)  God Gives Us a 7-Point Success System in Joshua 1:8

“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success”

This scripture is really a success system for anything we want to accomplish in this life… if we just concentrated on this and did nothing else…we would wind up successful.

 Let’s break it down…

First, this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth … so many scriptures support the fact that we should let nothing but the Word come out of our mouths.

Second, we are to meditate on the Word day and night.  Our immersing in the Word will eventually cause us to not only think the way God thinks but to respond the way God responds.

Proverbs 22:17-19 says:

“Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;

“For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them.

“So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you.”

Third, that you may observe to do.  Once the Word of God is living fully in our thoughts, our actions will follow.  Sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action, reap a habit, sow good habits and reap a lifestyle of success.

Fourth, according to all that is written in it. “All” is going to be a continual process.  We will probably never attain “all” but as much as we can learn to apply of the Word… the more successful we will become.

Fifth, THEN you will become prosperous.  Prosperity is progressive.  When we look at ourselves and say…’how come I’m not making any progress? It's we've forgotten how far we've come so far.  It’s a continual upward climb which should never end.

Sixth, THEN you shall deal wisely.  With every part of the Word we apply, we will deal more wisely.  The key is not to forget the basics we've learned.  It is not usually what we need to learn that holds us back but what we need to remember.

Hebrews 2:1 says:

"Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away.”

Seventh, THEN we will experience ... not just success … but good success because we are blessed by God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 10:22 in the Amplified Bible says: 

”The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].”

Prosperity that is a cut above the world’s is the lack of sorrow. 

4)  God Promised Us He’d Be With Us Every Step of the Way

Joshua 1:9 says: 

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous.  Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This scripture is essentially repeating several points.

One of the basics most people struggle with is remembering that it's not our abilities but God's abilities that we must count on.  

The fact that the scripture says:  Have I not commanded you? indicates that this was a lesson that Joshua needed to have repeated… as do so many of the rest of us.

The Lord repeats…Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. 

5)  Fear MUST Go!

Fear is one of the most basic tactics of the enemy … because he knows it paralyzes us from taking action or worse makes us give up. 

The Bible is full of ‘Fear Nots!’  We may even feel guilty when we begin to fear knowing we shouldn't.  When we become afraid…we need to face the fear and decide what is really causing it by asking God what to do.  We cannot afford to ignore it and we certainly can't give in to it.  It opens a door we don’t want the devil to have access to. 

In Psalm 34:4 AMP it says:

“I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

In the New Testament we have Luke 10:19:

 “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.”

Luke 10:19 is worth meditating on.  It validates the fact that the devil has ABSOLUTELY NO ABILITIES WE CANNOT DEFEAT.

6) Those Who Do Not Follow God’s Way … Will Not Succeed

Psalm 37:1,2 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness (that which is not upright or in right standing with God).

“For they shall good be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”

Joshua 1:18 says:

“Whoever rebels against your commandment and will not hearken to all you command him shall be put to death. 

When we don’t follow God commands we are only hurting ourselves.

After the successful takeover of Jericho, everything of value was to be ‘sacred unto the Lord’ … I call it the tithe of the wealth that would soon be released for the Israelites to enjoy.  But Achan stole some of the spoils in Jericho and buried it beneath his tent unbeknownst to Joshua or anyone else.  Therefore when they went up against the small city of Ai, they were soundly defeated.

Joshua 6:19 says:

“But all the silver and gold and vessels of bronze and iron are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”

Joshua 7:1 in the Amplified Bible says:

“But the Israelites committed a trespass in regard to the devoted things; for Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the things devoted [for destruction]. And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel.”

When Achan was discovered… he and his entire family were wiped out.

 We know this type of action is not permitted today… but when we don’t listen to the voice of the Lord, I wonder if there isn’t some spiritual setback …even though we may not recognize it outwardly.

7) God Will Take Care of the Opposition … if We Trust Him

The last part of verse 18 says:

“Only be strong, vigorous, and of good courage.”

The higher we go in the Kingdom of God, the more is at stake.  There is more responsibility BUT there is more reward.  That is why the Lord says over and over to “be strong … and of good courage.”

We will face opposition but the Lord always promises to be there:

We have already read where He will never leave us or forsake us.

In Psalm 34:6,7 it says:

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers.”

Over in Exodus 23:22 says:

“But if you will indeed listen to and obey His voice and all that I speak, then I be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”

We know God wants us successful… there are too many scriptural promises not to believe it.  We may not be attaining all of it as fast as we want but we can rest assured that if we continue to do the Word… nothing can keep it from coming into our lives.