“Many are the affliction of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all” This verse is loaded with a lot of promises. Afflictions comes in waves sometimes but the spirit of the Lord will always lift a standard against them. The Lord Jesus Christ has promised us that the problems will not prevails over us. He is bigger than any mountain we cannot climb and any problem we can or cannot see. The Lord promised to deliver us out of ALL the problems. Whatever you are facing right now always remember, Jesus will deliver you. Even if you are a lawful captive, He will deliver you. You are not alone. Always remember to put on the whole armor of God, the seven perfect weapons He has given you. The helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, shod your feet with the gospel of peace , the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith and finally your PRAYERS! PRAYER! PRAYERS! No matter how much the enemy hates your guts and wants you dead at any cost, he will respect the way you stand in the face of adversaries and pray. Memorize the reasons the enemy rages and you will not be moved by what is going on around you. Be not afraid, be not dismayed, you are not alone. They hated Jesus too without a cause (John 15:25). The Lord said he has chosen you out of the world, therefore the world would hate you (John 15:19). Be of good cheer, you are a chosen vessel. That affliction is a stepping stone to your BREAKTHROUGH. 2
New York Area 4 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Queens / Jamaica Branch 182/17 Jamaica Avenue Hollis, NY 11434 Tel: (347) 837-0258; Fax (718) 495-3036 Email: oshijasper@verizon.net Branch Pastor: Pastor Abiodun Oshikoya
OKLAHOMA STATE BR
TENNESSEE STATE BR
MFM Ministries 2727 West 1-44 Service Rd (Conference Hall) Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Tel: (405) 919-8296 E-mail. mfmoklahomacity@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Jide Adigun
MFM Nashville Branch MFM Ministries 2754 Anderson Road Nashville, TN 37217 Tel: (615) 712-9837 &
New York Area 5 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Long Island Branch 247 Nassau Road Roosevelt, New York Tel: (516) 303-3802 Web: www.mfmlongisland.blogspot.c om; Email: mfmlongisland@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Morayo Isi
PENNSYLVANIA STATE BR
NEW JERSEY STATE BRANCHES
RHODE ISLAND STATE
Philadelphia Branch MFM Ministries 2052 S. 61st Street. Philadelphia, PA 19142. TEL: (973) 393-6834 Email: aloayedan@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Salisu Marughu Mailing Address: P. O. BOX 191729, Philadelphia, PA.19143
BRANCHES New Jersey 1 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 409 S18 Street Off South Orange Avenue Newark, NJ 07103 WEB: mfmnewjersey.org; Email: mfmnewjersey@gmail.com Tel: (973) 220-0007 Branch Pastor: Pastor Moses Okeowo Mailing Address P.O. BOX 8711 Newark NJ 07108
New Jersey 2 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 429 JFK Way #122. Willingboro, NJ 08046 Branch Pastor: Taiwo Odedele
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Providence Branch 1 MFM Ministries 375 Charles Stree Providence, RI 02904 Phone: (401) 952-7523 Email: mfmrhodeisland@yahoo.com ; Website: mfmprovidence.org Branch Coordinator: Adeyinka Amoo
Rhode Island Branch 2 MFM Ministries 1080 Newport Ave, Pawtuket, Rhode Island 02861. Tel: (401) 390-4093; (401) 727 - 0997 Email: mfmri1@yahoo.com; aajileye@hotmail.com; Website; www.mfmri1.org Branch Coordinator: Solomon Omoniyi
BRANCHES
Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 414 Southtown Circle Rolesville, NC, 27571 Email : mountain_of_fire_nc@yahoo.com Contact # (919) 264-3821 Pastor Stephen Abisuga.
Rhode Island Branch 3 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 626 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: (401)390-7169 Branch Coordinator: Pastor Oladipo Oshinkanlu
(615) 636-8177 Church Email: mfmnashville@comcast.net Pastor's Email: okekelovena@yahoo.com Website: www.mfmhouston.com/62.h tm Branch Coordinator: Lovena Okeke
Houston Area 3 MFM Ministries 11222 Beechunt Street Houston, TX. 77072 Tel: (972) 835-5658; (281) 575-7689 Website Address:www.mfmhouston3.org;
Email : pastor@mfmhouston3.org Branch Pastor: Balogun Oladapo
Houston Area 4 MFM Ministries 816 6th Street North Branch Pastor: Banji Adebayo Phone: 409-795-7579; 409-795-7578 E-mail: mfmgalveston@yahoo.com; Email: banji.adebayo@sbcglobal.net
TEXAS STATE BRANCHES VIRGINIA STATE BRANCHES Dallas Area 1 MFM Ministries, 1035 N. Interstate-35E Suit 217, Carrollton, Texas 75006. Phone / Fax (972)-446-9949, (972)-567-2203 Email: mfmdallas1@yahoo.com; website: www.mfmdfw.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Joseph A. Popoola.
Springfield Branch MFM Ministries 6621-H Electronic Drive Suite 200 Springfield, VA 22151 (703)-585-5998; (703) 328-1670. Fax: (703) 842- 6132 Email: worship@mfmvirginia.org; Website: www.mfmvirginia.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Anthony Akerele & Pastor Nnenna Oti-Akerele
WASHINGTON STATE Dallas Area 2 MFM Ministries 1292 W. ARKANSAS LANE, ARLINGTON, TX 76013. Branch Pastor: Brother Johnbull Mafinuyomi Phone: 214 854 8669
Houston Area 1 MFM Ministries Mission Park Place, 14931-C Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77083 Tel / Fax (281) 495- 4893, (281) 827- 3939 Email: mfmhouston@yahoo.com Web:www.mfmhouston.com ; Branch Pastor: Pastor Oluwasheyi Campbell
Houston Area 2 MFM Ministries 7250 Harwin Drive Suite N, Houston, Texas 77036 Tel/Fax (713) 782-6367; (832) 282-6551 Email: fmallday@yahoo.com; Web: www:mfmallday.org Pastor: Paul Adedeji Lufadeju
BRANCHES
MFM Seattle, Washington. MFM Ministries 1209 Central Ave South; Suite # 110 (Cascade Office Plaza) Kent, WA 98032-7439 Coordinator: Brother Victor Aina (425) 458-8823
WISCONSIN STATE BRANCHES
MFM Ministries Madison Branch, 8, Straubel Court (East Madison Community Center ) Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608)577-7620 Email address: mfm.madison.wisc@gmail.com; Website: www.mfmchicago1.org Coordinator: Brother Abraham Onafuwa
Indianapolis 2 MFM Ministries 5610 Crawfordsville Rd,
KANSAS STATE BRANCH-
suite 301 Indianapolis, IN 46224 Web: www.mfmindianapolis.org Email:
Wichita, Kansas Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 1646 South Oliver, Wichita, Kansas 67218 Tel: (316) 390-6736, (316) 688-1765 Email: sholly4lord@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Sesan olorunfemi
pastor@mfmindianapolis.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Noah Casca
Merrilville Branch MFM Ministries 1344 E. 83rd Ave. (Comfort Suites) Merrillville, IN 46410 Phone: 773.742.0177 Email: oshibajo10@yahoo.com; Website: www.mfmchicago1.org Coordinator: Brother Segun
ILLINOIS STATE BRANCHES
Chicago Area 1 North Side MFM Ministries 5534 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago. IL 60625 Web: www.mfmchicago1.org; Email: pastor@mfmchicago1.org Phone: (773) 649-9620 (773) 326-0184 (773) 4031660. Fax: (773) 866-1773. Branch Pastor: Pastor Olusoji Peters
Chicago Area 2 South Side Branch MFM Ministries 9240 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619. Tel: (773) 310- 3610 Email: olubunmi.ladipo@yahoo.com ; Website: www.mfmchicago1.org; Coordinator: Brother Bunmi Ladipo Matteson Branch MFM Ministries 200 Holiday Plaza Drive Matteson IL 60443 (Holiday Inn Conference Center) Tele: (773) 853.4053 Email: elizabethoji@yahoo.com; Website: www.mfmchicago1.org Coordinator: Sister
Elizabeth
38
MARYLAND STATE BRANCHES
LOUISIANA STATE BR
Baltimore Branch 1 MFM Ministries 5730A Wabash Avenue, Baltimore, M D 21215 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3165 Baltimore MD 21207 Tel: (443) 271-7358 Email: mfmbaltimoreone@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Soji Adetola
Silverspring Branch MFM Ministries High Point High School 3601 Powder Mill Road Beltsvilles MD 20705 (240) 581-0961, (301) 3222309 Fax (240) 241-5524 13048 Silver Spring MD 20911 pastor.kayode@yahoo.com Pastor In-charge Kayode
MASSACHUSETTS STATE BRANCHES
Mountain Of Fire & Miracles Ministries, Alexandria, Louisiana 1416 Metro Drive Alexandria. LA 71301 Email: info@mfmalexandria.com www.mfmalexandria.co m Phone number: 9492095155 Branch Pastor: Dr Stella Immanuel
OHIO STATE BRANCHES
Cleveland Branch Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 1023 Caledonia Avenue Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44112 Email: mfmclevelandfire@yahoo.com Tel: (216) 851-3001; (216) 254-3001 Branch Pastor: Pastor Obiageli Oragwu Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 18863 Cleveland Heights, Ohio Columbus Branch 44118 MFM Ministries 2572 Cleveland Ave Columbus, Ohio 43211 Email: mfmcolumbusohio@yahoo.com; jogudebe@aol.com Tel: (614) 4521043, (614)3300457 Branch Pastor: Pastor Justina Amechi Maling Address: 994 Mueller Court Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
Baltimore Branch 2 MFM Ministries 6200 Harford Road, Baltimore MD 21214 Phone: (443)320-45011 Branch Pastor: Pastor Kenny Abass
Bowie Maryland Branch MFM Ministries 5506 Church Road Bowie, MD 20720, USA. Phone: (301) 262-2120: (240) 304-9147 E-mail: ladetunji2009@yahoo.com Web address: www.mfmmaryland.org Branch Pastors: Pastor Lawrence Adetunji Pastor Mrs. Ronke Adetunji
New Carrollton Branch MFM Ministries 7515 Annapolis Road, Suite 209 New Carrollton, MD 20784 TELL: 240-601-8037, FAX: 301-341-5657 E-mail: sesuson06@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Adedokun Adekoya Mailing Address: 9413 Utica Place Spring Dale, MD 20774
Boston Branch Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 478, Columbia Road Boston, MA 02125 Tel: (617)529-2501 fax (617) 379-1747 Email: e-mail: mfmboston@yahoo.com;
Web.: www.mfmboston.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Bamidele Omotosho
MICHIGAN STATE
Detroit, Michigan Branch Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 17360 W. 8 Mile Road Southfeild, Michigan 48075 Tel/ Fax: (248) 7968286; (248) 707-9893. E-mail: mfmofmich@sbcglobal.net Branch Pastor: Pastor Lawrence Obi
(240) 245-3819 Email: israeliamisrael@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Michael Olusegun Israel Mailing Address: 14717 London Lane, Bowie, MD 20715 USA
NEW YORK STATE BRANCHES
Catch the Fire Branch: 2373 University Avenue W, Saint Paul, MN 55114 Tel: 202-492-4277, 612-735-9176 Branch Pastor: Pastor Adewale Oluwanusi Email:mfmminnesota hq@gmail.com
In THIS Issue
New York Area Branch 1 Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 180, Blake Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11212 Phone (347) 324-4078; 718-566-0577; Fax: 718-566-0578 Website: www.mfmbrooklyn.com; Email: mfmbrooklyn@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor
New York Area 2 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Staten Island 171 Broad St, Off Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10304 Tel: 718-816-8474; 347398-2136; Fax; 718-816-8474 Email: mfmstatenisland2006@yahoo.co m; WEB: www.mfmstatenisland.c om; Email: MFMSTATENISLAND2006@YAHOO .COM Mailing Address; P.O. BOX 40271 Staten Island, NY 10304 Branch Pastor: Pastor
Publisher ’ s Note Water of Life EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher/Editor
New York Area 3 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Bronx Branch 1416, Boston Rd Bronx NY 10456 Tel: (347) 726-5866 (347) 726-4742 E-mail address: mfmbronx@gmail.com;
Website: www.mfmbronx.net; Branch Pastor: Pastor Tele Oluwadare
Heritage of God
Pastor Mrs. Adeyinka Amoo
Levi - The Prophesy
Columnists/Contributor
40 Reasons
Wede Abrahams Adebola Omotayo
A Christian Husband
Dawotola Fadeni Dr. Susan Bates
Marketing and Distribution
MINNESOTA STATE
MFM Minnesota Headquarters, Glendale Branch MFM Ministries 11900, Glendale BLVD, Glendale, MD 20781 Tel: (301) 379-5112;
Minnesota Branch 2 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries 3009 W 701/2 Street Richfield, MN 55423 Email: lek_lit@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Lekan Litan
CONTACT
Abosede Wusu - Nigeria
His Presence
Temitope Matthews - Nigeria
P.O.BOX 6342 PROVIDENCE RI 02940
Adewale Areago - UK
Telephone: USA 401-952-7523, Email: hispresencemag@yahoo.com
Graphics by HPM
Www.hispresencemag.com
3
LEVI By Sister Wede Abrahams
Gem: Beryl (Green) Ensign: Multi-colored – White, Black and Red Symbol: Urim and Thummim Levi means ‘joined’ ‘attached’. The record of his birth can be found in Genesis 29:34 She conceived again and bare a son, and said, " Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons." Therefore was his name called Levi. The Urim and Thummim are the two sacred gems placed in the breastplate of the High Priest in Israel which are used as oracular media to divine the will of God. Urim in Hebrew means “light” and Thummim means “perfection”. The gemstones are used by the high priest to determine God’s will about situations. The red color of the flag signifies the blood of sacrifice that Levi must offer. The Black has an obscure meaning, more of a camouflage. To the outsiders the Israelites appear as
ARIZONA STATE BRANCHES
“black as a raven” but on the inside they are gentle and soft-hearted. The white is the evidence of purity that denotes them as being free of sin. The breastplate that is gold denotes their priestly status. JACOB’S BLESSINGS Jacob as we all know called all his children together to tell what was to happen at the last days. Levi and Simeon received the same blessings as prophesied by their father. Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not into their secret; unto their assembly; mine honor, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. Genesis 49:5 MOSES’ BLESSINGS Of Levi he said: " Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, Whom thou didst prove at Massah, And with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah, Who said unto his father and to his mother, 'I have not seen him'; Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children; for they have observed thy word and kept thy covenant. They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law.
Cont’d on page 35 4
Phoenix, Arizona Branch 3901 W Van Buren Street. Phoenix, Arizona 85035 Tel: (623) 363-6408, Fax:(602) 535-1648 Website: www.mfmazbranch2.com Email: otepede@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Olugbenga Tepede
Tucson, Arizona 333 Drachman Tucson, AZ 85705 Phone: (520) 906-8303 Email: ericdadaka@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Eric Adaka
CALIFORNIA STATE BRANCHES
San Francisco Bay Area 1 Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Region 6 Headquarters, Hayward, California. 21988 Foothill Blvd, Suite 104 & 105 Hayward, California 94541 Tel/Fax: (510) 538- 8411, (510) 384- 4394 Email: Graceugeh@aol.com; mfmbayarea1@sbcglobal.net; Web: www.mfmsanfranciscobayarea.co m Branch Pastor: Pastor Grace Ugeh Mailing Address: 1090 B Street, #157 Hayward, CA 94541
San Francisco Bay Area 3 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries San Jose, California 1300 White Oaks Road. Suite 110 Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 315- 6854 Email: mfmsanjose@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Kofoworola Orojo San Francisco Bay Area 4 Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Richmond, California 4919 McBryde Ave Richmond, CA 94805 Phone (510) 730-6980 Website:www.mfmrichmond.org Email:contact@mfmrichmond.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Tinu Ade
Los Angeles Area 1, California. MFM Ministries 10030 South. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047 Phone (310) 259-1143 Email: mfmlosangelsonline@yahoo.com Coordinator: Brother Mobolaji Olajide
Los Angeles Area 2, California. MFM Ministries Long Beach, California, 1725, Long Beach Blvd (Best Western Hotel), Long Beach, CA 90813, Phone (562) 599-5555 (Branch) Branch Pastor: Pastor Toyin
Fresno California, MFM Ministries 1309 West Shaw Avenue (San Joaquin Hotel, Conference Hall) Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: (510) 938-4394, (559) 313-8084. Email: patukaegbu2005@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Patrick Ukaegbu
Sacramento, California MFM Ministries 8275 Florin Road, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95828 Phone (916) 287-5438 Email: mfmsacramento@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Emmanu-
MFM Belize, Central America Unit#5 Hibiscus Plaza Market square Behind Belize Bank Belmopan, Belize CENTRAL AMERICA
COLORADO STATEBRANCHES
Denver, Colorado 1 MFM Ministries 16764 E. Iliff Avenue, Aurora, CO 80013 PHONE: (303) 283-4670 & (303) 520-8366; FAX: 303-283-6854 Email: consurt@comcast.net; Website: www.mfmcolorado.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Tayo
Denver, Colorado 2 MFM Ministries 1981 Clinton Street Aurora, CO 80010-2010 Phone: (303) 366-1793, (720) 987-7968 Fax #: 720-859-0718 Email: pastors@mfmdenver.com; Web: www.mfmdenver.org Branch Pastor: Adeniyi Kelani Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 22 Industrial Boulevard (Southgate Center) New Castle, DE 19720 Website: www.mfmdelaware.org E-mail: mfmdelaware@yahoo.com; supoabayode@hotmail.com Tel / Fax: (302)328-4345; (302) 230-6792; (302) 765-7306 Branch Pastor: Supo Abayode Mailing Address: P.O. Box 979, Washington DC Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 3010 Rhode-Island Ave NE, Washington DC 20018 Phone: (202) 832-6977, (202) 271 -4833 Email: mfmdc@verizon.net Branch Pastor: Pastor Abimbola Aroyewun
Miami, Florida. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 15984 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Fl 33054. Phone; (954) 305-1592 E-mail: mfm_miami@yahoo.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Tutu Thomas
MFM, Jacksonville Address: 4241 Baymeadows Rd. Ste. #10, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Pastor: Pastor Remi Babalola Telephone: 973-342-7929/904442-9164 Email: mfmjacksonville@yahoo.com Prayer Line: 712-775-7000 Pin: 858268#
GEORGIA STATE BRANCHES
Atlanta Area 1 Mountain of Fire and Miracles 4852 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093 Tel: 678-969-9100, Fax: 678-969-9023 E-mail: mfmatl@hotmail.com; Web: mfmatalanta.org Branch Pastors: Pastor Ayo Balogun & Pastor Bola Balogun
Atlanta Area 2 Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 6523 Hwy 85 Suites 102-103 Riverdale, GA 30274 Tel: 770-339-4645 & 678-5488888; Fax: (770) 339-4645 Email: mfm2atlanta@yahoo.com; Web: www.mfm2atlanta.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Moses Anani
Atlanta Area 3 Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries 585 Franklin Rd Suite 290A & 290B (Nazareth Plaza), Marietta, GA 30067 Tel: 678-520-0142 Email: mfm_marietta@yahoo.com; website: mfmgamarietta.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Bola Olaleye
Atlanta Area 4 MFM Ministries 7001 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Building.1. Suite 111.Doraville. Atlanta.GA.30092 Telephone.678-8863234, 678-3956401 (church office) MFMGEORGIA@YAHOO.COM website: www.mfm-georgia.org Branch Pastor: Pastor Nene Aramunde
INDIANA STATE BRANCHES
(11:00pm to Midnight EST) Indianapolis 1 2511 East 46 Street, Suite U - 15 Indianapolis, IN 46205 Tel: (317) 217- 9126 Email: oshyy66@hotmail.com Branch Pastor: Pastor Victoria Mafolasere
37
A CHRISTIAN HUSBAND
CONT’D FROM PAGE 5
Well done, Sue. You picked the right flower
Dwelling on the fact that wells are sources from which you draw from, it is safe to conclude that the source from which the enemy draws ammunition to attack you is an evil well that must be blocked. This is one of the reasons why God told the children of Israel to fill up the wells of the Moabites with sand.
She is going to grow up and be successful in whatever she lays her hands upon What an obedient son, very attentive to instruction Grandpa, I got one, Yes, finally just as you said
(2Ki 3:19 - 25) And ye shall smite every fenced …… WHAT DO YOU DO 1. Make God your friend. 2. Repentance 3. Destroy the seed of disobedience 4. Wait patiently for divine directives PRAYER POINTS 1. Oh Lord, touch me and anoint me to do extra work for You, in Jesus’ name. 2. (Lay your hand on your chest and pray like this:) Every dominion contrary to the will of God, be uprooted, in the name of Jesus. 3. Oh Lord let your peace and glory be established in every area of my life, in Jesus’ name. JESUS IS LORD 36
Happy Fiftieth wedding anniversary. Our grandkids are doing well. You still dance the same way since I met you in college. Ha! Ha!
Thank you Sweetheart, Happy fiftieth Anniversary. I really enjoyed the fishing trip with John. He is a promising child and will grow up to be great. I told him he will be a fisher of men and a great preacher.
I am happy I followed the Lord’s instruction that she is the one. She has brought so much joy to me and the family
WANTED: DAD Long hours, little time off. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and vacations. Energy, imagination, intelligence, understanding [especially the Bible], endurance, flexibility, and love required. Must have leadership qualities and the ability to instruct and guide, coupled with a warm personality. On-the-job training offered. DAD, thanks for taking the job! A HAPPY MARRIAGE When a Christian man selects a Christian woman to become his wife, she becomes the perfect compliment for him. She is exactly what is needed to make the man a complete and whole person. The two become one: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be on flesh" (Eph. 5:31). This was the plan and the intention of God from the very beginning. What a joyous and fulfilling experience it is when we do things in God's way and according to His eternal plan! A Christian marriage should last until death - one husband, one wife, for life. The Bible says, “The woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives” (Rom. 7:2; cf. Rom. 2:11). Whether the days together are few or many, words cannot really describe the happiness and fulfillment enjoyed by both partners from this God ordained relationship. There is no such thing as "married singles" to be found in the Bible. A Christian husband and wife are one in thought, activity, and purpose.
In 1 Corinthians 11:3 we read: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." God's chain of authority for the home is as follows: God, Christ, the husband, the wife, and then the children. The husband should be the dominant figure in the family. Of course, it is impossible for the husband to be the dominant one if the wife does not allow him to be, and will not submit to his authority. It is not degrading, in any sense of the word, for a woman to submit to the authority of her husband. Instead of being degrading, it is ennobling and elevates a woman to a higher plane than she has ever enjoyed before! Ephesians 5:23 says: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the savior of the body." A Christian husband should be the leader without being a dictator. He is to be the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. Jesus is not an uncaring tyrant over the church. CONT’D ON PAGE 6
5
A CHRISTIAN HUSBAND
Contd from page 5
He is the Savior, protector, and supporter of His precious bride! This is the way every wise Christian husband properly leads in the home. He leads by love, understanding, and example. The more a husband learns to do this, the better leader he will be. The entire family will gladly and willingly follow his leadership and obey his directives, with very few exceptions. n the other hand, when a husband continually forces his wife to do his will or follow his whims and fancies; he denies her the privilege of making her own choice. This is not biblical, practical, or even humane.
A HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE ONE In Genesis 2:23 we read: "And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." The very fact that woman was taken out of man suggests that holy matrimony should be the closest union and the most affectionate attachment on earth. A husband should always consider and treat his wife as though she were part of him. This motivates him to always nourish and cherish her, just as he does his own flesh. If a husband and wife really become one as the Bible
teaches them to do, there marriage will become sweeter and more fulfilling each year. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it [her]" (Eph. 5:25). he key to being a Christian husband and loving your wife is loving her as Christ loved the church. Jesus loved the church with a self-forgetting and self-sacrificing love, even unto death. This is the way Christian men should love their wives. "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself" (Eph. 5:28). If a man cares about his own body, he will love, cherish, and protect his wife because they are "one flesh." Instead of hating our wives, we should nourish and cherish them as Christ does the church. In this passage, the word "nurture" means to care for one's own flesh. Because we have become one flesh with our mate, we care for her to the best of our ability and rejoice that we have the opportunity to do so! The word "cherish" actually means to keep warm, like a bird protecting her young with her wings, shielding them from the chill winter air. A Christian husband keeps his wife warm and comfortable with tender, loving care. How lovely she will find her nest when she receives this kind of care.
THE APPORTIONED LAND
They shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar. Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again." Deut 33:8-11 Then Moses was uttering the blessings on Levi, he was speaking as the prophet of God. It was carefully planned and ordained by the Sovereign God that the Levites will be in charge of the sanctuary. The Urim and Thummim are the sacred instruments used to minister to the children of Israel. They are the breastplate of Judgment of the high priest which contained the 12 precious stones engraved with the names of all the 12 tribes of Israel. Our God is a righteous one, the Holy one, the one that know the end from the beginning. They are used as the divine oracle to convey the will of God regarding any issue. Moses pointed out their faithfulness in “Massah” – which denotes the quality of the state of temptation and “Meribah” – which signifies the quality of the complaining.
Levi was given no land as the priestly tribe. And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. (Numbers 18:20). The Sovereign God gave them the tithes of the children of Israel instead of allotments of land. And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle.( Number 18:21) They serve as the nation's priests. The descendants of Levi roles were to guard, construct, minister, maintain and serve as teachers and judges in the tabernacle (Numbers 3:21-37). Moses and his brother, Aaron, were descendants of Levi. In Revelation 7:7 Levi is among the tribes who are promised the Seal of God for 12,000 of their members.
THE ENSIGN Numbers 2:1-2, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.
Cont’d on page 7 6
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Cont’d from page 33
8. Thou shalt help thy wife in all those ways that sacrificial love would help, giving her of thy time, money, attention, affection (yea, even washing the dishes as needed), remembering that the scriptures say, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). 9. Thou shalt accept thy wife as she is. Thou shalt not expect perfection. Thou shalt forgive her of her mistakes and confess thine own to her, remembering that "love covereth all sins" (Prov. 10:12). "Forgive each other as God in Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). 10. Thou shalt practice tenderness as the essential emotion, realizing that sex is a gift of God which expresses and enhances love. Sex is giving joy as well as receiving it. Thou shalt consider that nothing can erode the sexual union more than selfishness. Remember the scriptures say, "The husband's body does not belong to him alone, but also to his wife" (1 Corinthians 7:4); "Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies" (Ephesians 5:28); "As ye would that (she) should do unto you do ye even so unto (her)” (Matthew 7:12).
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11. Thou shalt in some way each day show thy wife that "I need you,” that “I appreciate you,” and that "I want to help you." So shalt thy marriage become a strong and blest tie that binds two hearts in Christian love. 12. And should thy marriage become trying and seemingly an endurance contest, thou shalt not give up. Thou shalt "bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Thou shalt trust thy God who is love and who is the God of the resurrection to rekindle and renew thy love. Thou shalt treat thy wife as thou didst when love was new. And having done all, thou shalt "suffer long" and "cast thy burdens on the Lord" knowing that he careth for thee and thy mate (1 Peter 5:7). Conclusion The joy of a Christian marriage goes far beyond most marriages. Being considerate of your wife pays rich dividends in many ways. When there is strife and discord in the home, prayer is hindered until peace is restored. When an atmosphere of love and consideration exists, both husband and wife can join together in prayer before the Throne of God and expect some wonderful results and showers of blessings for their Christian home.
A CHRISTIAN HUSBAND
Cont’d from page 6
The only thing that does not have needs is something dead. Rejoice and thank God every day that you have a living, breathing woman who has needs and, by the grace and strength which God gives you, you are able to minister to those needs! This is not a burden, but a rich blessing from God, and all the time you are ministering in a beautiful way to yourself! The Bible says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing” [Prov. 18:22]. “Rejoice with the wife of your youth” [Prov. 5:18]. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN HUSBAND
A
Statistics show that one out of every two marriages end in divorce in America. This is frightening, appalling, and heart breaking! What has happened to the sacred institution of marriage that is ordained of God? How long can our nation survive when it is crumbling within like a decaying skyscraper? When our homes are gone, everything will be lost because the home is the foundation of our society. As the home goes, so goes the nation, and as the home goes, so goes the world. All it takes to establish and sustain a happy home is a Christian husband and a Christian wife who are totally committed to each other and to Jesus.
All couples that truly share this commitment make the Lord Jesus the center of and their home, around which everything else revolves. It would be almost impossible to estimate the value of a Christian husband in a home. If you have one, you had better treasure your priceless jewel while you can and not wait until you are sobbing with regret. If he doesn't bring in "the green" quite as fast as you would like, but he prays at your table every day, you are a very rich woman! If your husband attends worship with you, you are truly rich. A home can operate without a Christian husband and even produce children who become faithful Christians, but how much better off the home is with a Christian husband as its head, provider, protector and guide. The first thing a real, genuine Christian husband does is cleave. God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep and formed woman from one of his ribs. When Adam got his first glimpse of God's beautiful creation, he ended his classic response to God's handiwork by saying, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). One tie must be broken before another can be established. Cont’d on page 8
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A CHRISTIAN HUSBAND
Cont’d from page 7
There must be a more intimate connection between a husband and his wife than exists between parents and children. When this is not true, and for one reason or another, the husband does not leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, there is always friction and problems because God's will is not being obeyed and His word is not being honored. Husbands, when you leave father and mother and cleave unto your wife, you do not abandon your parents or any of the rest of your family. Certainly not! You are simply putting your wife first, above all other human beings, because this is what God tells you to do. Are You a Considerate Husband? In 1 Peter 3:7 we read: "Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them [your wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." To dwell with your wife according to knowledge you must do some studying! Study your beloved and find out what she really does need. What makes her happy? What makes her nervous? What makes her relaxed? What makes her depressed? A Christian husband considers his wife
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very precious and gives her the honor that she is due. We always honor, protect, and cherish that which we consider precious, if we are wise. If your sweetheart is precious to you, don't hesitate or neglect to give her the honor that she deserves and craves. The husband should always consider the fact that his wife is physically weaker than he is and treat her accordingly. At least, this is the way it is supposed to work. Many women are not frail weaklings in any sense of the word, but generally speaking, they are weaker physically than men. A Christian husband always considers his wife to be a fellow heir of the grace of life, or life eternal. This makes the relationship so much more meaningful than it would otherwise be. Being fellow heirs, both husband and wife has the same shining goal in life (Heaven). Everything they say and do should be directed toward reaching this worthy goal. Life may be like a roller coaster with its joys and sorrows, but there is still hope, strength, and peace when both husband and wife know where they are going. Nothing can keep them from reaching their mutual goal except their own unwise choice to be unfaithful and disobedient. This common goal adds a dimension to the marriage that enriches it, ennobles it and expands it.
JESUS IS LORD
Twelve Commandments for Husbands 1. Thou shalt love thy wife and commit thyself to her for a lifetime of oneness in marriage - divine and indivisible. Thou shalt make of thy marriage an exclusive relationship so that thy wife shall never have occasion to doubt thy love nor occasion for jealousy or lack of trust. As the scriptures say, "Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25); "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mark 10:9); "Cleave unto thy wife" (Genesis 2:24). 2. Thou shalt seek to understand thy wife. Thou shalt not be able to understand her, but thou shalt make a lifetime effort to do so. As the scriptures say, "Husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge" (1 Peter 3:7). 3. Thou shalt talk to thy wife when thou comest home from thy work, when thou sittest in thine house, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Thou shalt at times turn off the television to assure thy wife she is more cherished than your favorite program, for communication is an expression of love. As the scriptures say, "Live a life of love" (Ephesians 5:2).
4. Thou shalt not talk down to thy wife nor use sarcasm or ridicule. Thou shalt not belittle her, for her sense of self-worth is much dependent on your appreciation and encouragement of her. As the scriptures say, "Love is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4), and again, "Do everything without complaining or arguing" (Philippians 2:14), and again, "In honor prefer one another" (Romans 12:10). 5. Thou shalt listen to thy wife, asking for her advice and opinions, and recognizing her mental abilities and talents, as Abraham asked and followed Sarah's advice. As the scriptures say, "Love is not proud or rude" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5.) 6. Thou shalt not lord it over thy wife, recognizing that the two of you are equal before God and that leadership in the home does not mean dictatorship. Neither does it mean being waited on nor having the best piece of chicken. Leadership means moral, financial, and spiritual responsibilities. Headship in the home also means sacrifice and service. As the scriptures say, "Submit yourselves one to another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21), and "Husbands, do not be harsh with them" (Colossians 3:19). Thou shalt not abdicate thy leadership role because of apathy or indifference, for love cares and bears all things. 7. Thou shalt see that thy wife is thy best friend. The closest of all human relationships is marriage and it should know joyous comradeship, with laughter and good humor. Thou shalt share affection and confidences with thy wife and long to be in her presence. As the scriptures say, "Live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest" (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Cont’d on page 34 33
FORTY (40) Reasons Why The Enemy Rages: Dr. D. K. Olukoya
1.The enemy rages when your destiny is colourful. 2.When you are seen as a danger to their activities. 3.When you are set to make positive history, or set to re-write your family history. 4.When heavens are planning your celebration. 5.When you are at the edge of a destinychanging breakthrough. 6.When the time to sing your song and dance your dance is around the corner. 7.When your testimony is about to explode. 8.When the final yoke they have been using to keep you down is about to be broken. 9.When their complete defeat is around the corner. 10.When your victory becomes non-negotiable. 11.When they are afraid of your speed.
12.When your promotion has already been announced in heaven, and they heard the announcement. 13.When your case has been fast-tracked in heaven. 14.When you are definitely positioned to make your mark in life. 15.When you’ve just won a victory.
16.When there is a prophetic agenda for your life. 17.When you are promoted above them.
18.When you are determined to forget your expired past. 19.When you refuse to take no for an answer. 20.When your harvest is ripe.
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Pastor A. M. Am
21. When you are about to cross the red
om ama4jc@gmail.c
sea.
22. When the power prolonging your problems is about to die. 23. When you tell them enough is enough. 24. When you are set to overtake your superiors. 25. When you decide to be stubborn to obstacles. 26. When you are determined to turn your scars to stars. 27. When you are determined to move from zero to hero. 28. When your divine turning point is here. 29. When they see that your blessings are irreversible. 30. When they are deeply entrenched and you are demanding that they be uprooted (Mark 9:20-27) 31. When ancestral yoke is about to be broken. 32. When you are trying to break off stubborn curses and stubborn covenants. 33. The enemy rages according to the level of your previous consultation with powers of darkness. 34. When you’ve had sexual occultic partners. 35. When your past involvement in the world of darkness is deep. 36. When your name has been circulated in many of their covens. 37. When your potential usefulness in God’s kingdom is high. 38. When they are about to lose their accommodation. 39. When they are about to be demoted. 40. When they are about to lose face.
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Revelation 22:17
Genesis 26:17-33 In Old Testament times, to fill or cover wells was a declaration of war. The pure water that once flowed was tainted and no longer available once the well was covered. Isaac was in a place where he had to decide how far he was willing to go. Many today are in that same place. The enemy has come and covered our source of water/life, and we haven’t drunk from the wells for quite some time. This is an opportunity for God to find out what we are made of. For us to find out what we are made of, we will examine whether we are digging and drinking from the right well. Would he keep going? Wells play a very vital role in the bible. Many important bible characters located their blessings besides - or had something to do with wells. Why are wells so important?
What are the different kinds of spiritual wells in existence
What roles do they play in our lives today? How do you know the kind of wells in operation in your life? These are a few of the questions we will examine in this message. I pray that the Lord will give you understanding as you read on. Before we go on let us examine the meaning of the word well.
WHAT IS A WELL? PHYSICALLY A well may be a spring of water A natural source of water A hole drilled into the ground to obtain water , petroleum, natural gas, sulphur A place where water issues from A fountain from the surface of the ground A fountain flowing from the rock. In the Book of Life, the Bible, there are bad wells and there are good wells. The abundance of whatever you have in life (good or bad) is determined by the type of wells you are drawing from. Cont’d on page 10 9
CONT’D FROM PAGE 30
CONT’D FROM PAGE 9
Genesis 24:13 records: WHAT DOES THE WELL DO TO YOUR DESTINY? 1. IT WILL BRING GOODNESS AND OPPORTUNITY. The story of Hagar—Genesis 21:1519 God opened Hagar’s eyes to see the well of water. The well saved her life. The well had been there all along but Hagar did not see it until her eyes were opened by the Lord. Unless our eyes are opened (spiritually in this sense) such wells may go unnoticed leading us to experience unnecessary lack and shame. 2. IT IS THE WATER OF LIFE The story of Abraham Genesis 21:25 Abraham surely understood the importance of wells. The bible states that Abraham and Abimelech, the King of Gerar, disputed over the ownership of a well. Cattle and agricultural produce in those days were the main source of wealth. Without water the cattle and vegetation would die. While member of Abraham’s camp labored and dug up the wells in question, those in Abimelech camp were just waiting to forcefully take the wells away. They wanted to reap where they did not sow. Going further in the book of Genesis one will see another well playing a vital role in Abraham’s dynasty. It was besides a well that his servant met Rebecca, the wife of Isaac.
Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: Gen 24:14: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
Abraham servant realized that where there was water there was life. He knew that wells signify life. God honored the prayer of Abraham’s servant and Rebecca appeared. When you locate the well of prosperity ordained for your life your blessings will appear. As God would have it, when Abraham’s servant returned home with Rebecca it was besides a well, the well of Lahairoi, (MEANING:WHO LIVETH AND SEETH ME) that Isaac met her. Genesis 24:62-65: And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels [were] coming. And Rebecca lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. Isaac’s meeting of his wife besides the well signified that the marriage would be a fruitful and prosperous one. I DRINK THE WATER OF LIFE IN JESUS NAME.
Indeed the wealth Joseph acquired in his lifetime was a blessing to many. Furthermore about Joseph, remember his brethren prior to this prophecy had thrown him into a pit, a well without water! The Lord however took him out of the bad pit and placed him, according to what we read in Genesis 49:22, besides a good well. I pray that the Lord shall cause you to be transferred from any evil well to the well of goodness and blessing in the name of Jesus. 5. IT IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE The story of Moses When he fled before the presence of Pharaoh the bible records that he sat besides a well. Exodus 2:15 (15) Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Why did he sit besides a well? Because he knew that wells attract good things. He realized that wells were the source of water, the source of life. Moses action soon paid off, for his wife-to- be and in-laws came to the well.
Exodus 2:16-18 (16) Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. (17) And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock…. Subsequently Moses was introduced to the Priest of Midian and married into the latter’s family. By the locating the right well he discovered a wife, shelter and a source of income all at once. Please pause to take this prayer point: I shall locate the wells of my blessing in the name of Jesus. As we indicated earlier, there are both negative and positive wells, let us examine some negative wells mentioned in the bible. A negative well is a well without water, or, as the bible puts it, a pit. Numerous pits are referred to in the scriptures. In 2 Peter 2:17 Peter refers to those who have gone astray as "wells without water.” Psalm 55:23 refers to "pits of destruction" while proverbs 23:27 mentions "narrow pit." In Proverbs 28:10 the bible refers to the “own pit" while Zechariah 9:11 speaks about "pits for prisoners." Cont’d on page 36
Cont’d on page 11 10
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CONT’D FROM PAGE 11
CONT’D FROM PAGE 10
4. IT BRINGS BLESSINGS eographically speaking, Rehoboth is about 20 miles from Beersheba and the place of God’s presence and blessing. Historically speaking, Rehoboth is a site that is marked by extensive ruins and deep wells. It seems like a good place, but it has destroyed more people than the other locations.
The story of Genesis 29: 8-10
5.Shebah. Shebah represents a sacred oath. In Genesis 21, Abraham covenanted with Abimelech about this well, and gave him 7 ewe lambs in exchange for the well. Shebah is the well of pure water. Shebah is the well of promise. In the same way that this natural well was purchased by 7 lambs, it represents the spiritual well of life that was purchased by the Lamb of God.
Genesis 29:8-10 (9) And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them. (10) And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
Historically, it is said that this well is still in use, is of great depth, and is of great value to the surrounding people. This is the place where the Lord appeared to Isaac. Wherever you find the presence of the Lord is the place that you need to pitch your tent and stay. *Isaac was willing to press on and find where the Lord was at. Isaac wasn’t willing to allow circumstances and difficulties to keep him from finding God’s place for him. 30
Jacob
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Jacob, in a similar fashion to his father, located his wife, besides a well. The bible says that the well was covered with a great stone. Rachael the daughter of Laban who came with her father’s sheep could not move it. The Lord used Jacob to help her roll the stone away.
Is there a well of blessings before you that has been blocked by the stone of the enemy? The angel of God will roll away the stone today in the name of Jesus. Please take the following prayer point. 1.
Oh Lord, help me to roll away any stone at the mouth of my well of goodness in the name of Jesus
2.
Angels of the Living God, roll away every evil stone blocking my well of blessings.
When Isaac was to bless his children he described Joseph, the inheritor of his blessings, as a bough by a well. (Gen 49:22) . “Branches run over the wall” signifies that his wealth shall be a blessing to others. Cont’d on page 31
3. IT BRINGS PROSPERITY The story of Isaac Genesis 26:12-15 The Philistines did not try to violently possess the wells; they stopped them, filling them up with sand. They did not want Isaac to prosper like his father. Each place Isaac found himself presented new opportunities/challenges. Another fact we can deduce about wells from the forgoing passage is that wells have names.
3.Sitnah. Sitnah represents hatred. The word comes from the same Hebrew root as the word “Satan”. It speaks of the well or place of opposition and ongoing warfare. This is the place where you find all hell breaking loose. Anything that didn’t go wrong at Esek sure goes wrong here at Sitnah. One of the frustrating things that can happen sometimes is just because we are moving forward it doesn’t guarantee relief.
1. Valley of Gerar. Gerar represents a dry and arid place. Isaac had just experienced the blessing of God, yet he found himself in a dry place, a place without the nourishment he needed. How many of us today are in a place of spiritual dryness? While it may look as though God’s blessing is prevalent, we can still be spiritually dry and thirsty. 2.Esek. Esek represents a place of contention or strife. It means to paint or dye fair colors; glistering. At first glance, Esek seems to be a wonderful place. For Isaac, it must have looked like what he remembered from his father’s wells. However, in Esek, all you find are problems and issues. At times in our lives, as we look for the water of life, we may come upon a place of strife and difficulty. Many times the strife and difficulty of certain places and times may seem innocent and even appealing at first. In due time, every situation’s true identity will be revealed.
4.Rehoboth. Rehoboth represents room or a wide place. This is what seems to be a place of comfort. Here is where things seem to finally settle down. You get a chance to breathe. The strife and contention seems to stop. The opposition settles and you feel some comfort and relief. This is the place where the enemy works the hardest. This is the place where he works to get us to settle for what seems to be good enough. Cont’d on page 30 11
Characteristics of a Christian Husband
Characteristics of a Christian Wife
1.He should be willing to put your relationship before all others 2.He must be a good leader: 3.He must be affectionate and love you as much as he loves himself and be willing to give himself for you. 4.He must respect the sanctity of the marriage. 5.He must be a Prayer warrior. He is the spiritual Leader. 6.He must be blind to the woman’s shortcomings 7.He must be a hard worker. 8.He must be a responsible man 9.He must be caring especially to her well being. 10.He must be generous and not stingy. 11. He must not allow the spirit of Ahab to operate in his life. 12. He must not be abusive, physically, mentally or verbally
1. She must be submissive. 2. She must respect her man 3. She must be able to communicate 4. She must be deaf to gossips. 5. She must control her tongue. 6. She must be supportive 7. She must be able to communicate without being abusive 8. She must not be a nag. 9. She must be able to express her love and affection for her man often. 10.She must be honest. 11. She must be dedicated to the sanctity of the marriage. 12. She must be loyal. 13. She must be a prayer warrior. 14. She must be obedient to her husband unless he orders her to do evil. 15. She must be clean, look good and smell nice for the man. 16. She must avoid making him angry 17.She must not harm him in any way.
Ephesians 5:25 - 29 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church
Ephesians 5:22-24
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22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Heritage of God Hello again! This is Funmiby with another story .This story is about Hope again. Do you remember Hope? Do you remember how she almost lied to her mom by the advice of her friend Sandra? Well I have another story about Hope. This story is about mercy. Mercy is when you give someone a second chance otherwise known as undeserved grace. In this story Hope is unmerciful to her friends Nicolette and Sandra because they get her into trouble. Let’s find out what happens.................. “Hope let’s go outside and play hopscotch.” Nicolette said “Okay. But Sandra said that she’ll be right back she went to buy some ice cream at the student store. I’ll catch up with you later, ok?” Hope replied. “Okay. See you later.” Nicolette said Sandra walked up to Hope and pushed her on the floor and walked away. Sandra couldn’t believe her eyes! What did she do that Sandra pushed and bruised her like that? Hope, crying and in pain, got up and walked to where she saw Nicolette. But when she saw that they were both running for her with angry expressions she quickly retreated and started to limp her way towards the school cafeteria doors. Fortune was in her way and a girl opened the door and she slammed it right when the girls were going to come in. “Thank you so much Grace. Can you take me to the nurse, I think I sprained my ankle” Hope said exasperated. “Of course I will.” Grace replied. The two girls went to the nurse and Hope was sent home because her ankle was not sprained but it was broken. Sandra had been so upset about a lie that someone told her that when she pushed Hope, she slammed her
against the wall then Hope slammed her ankle against the cement and broke her bone. THE NEXT WEEK NICOLETTE AND SANDRA TRIED TO APOLOGIZE TO HOPE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR. They found out that the lie was not the truth but Hope still wouldn’t forgive them. They thought that Hope had been talking about the two girls behind their backs. Hope said that only when her leg had healed would she consider their friendship. So two weeks later the doctor said that Hope would be able to walk. “Of course I’m still your friend! I was never mad at you I just waited until you were finished with your tantrum to see what their problem was! Let’s go get some ice cream at mickey D’s. PRAYER 1. Every spirit of malice in my life, I bind and cast you out in the name of Jesus. 2. Every unfriendly friend in my life, be exposed and disgraced in Jesus name. 3. O Lord use me for my generation in Jesus name.
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The Duties of Parents 1. Train them in the way they should go, and not in the way that they would. 2. Train up your child with all tenderness, affection, and patience. 3. Train your children with an abiding persuasion on your mind that much 4. Train with this thought continually before your eyes—that the soul of your 5. Train your child to a knowledge of the Bible. 6. Train them to a habit of prayer. 7. Train them to habits of diligence, and regularity about public means of grace. 8. Train them to a habit of faith. 9. Train them to a habit of obedience. 10.Train them to a habit of always speaking the truth. 11.Train them to a habit of always redeeming the time. 12.Train them with a constant fear of over-indulgence. 13.Train them remembering continually how God trains His children. 14.Train them remembering continually the influence of your own example. 15.Train them remembering continually the power of sin. 16.Train them remembering continually the promises of Scripture. 17.Train them, lastly, with continual prayer for a blessing on all you do. 28
Confession and Prayers for the Fruit of the Womb Genesis 18:14: “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Psalm 127:3: “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalm 128:3: “Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.” Deuteronomy 7:14: “Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. Malachi 4:2: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. PRAYERS 1. I decree that at the appointed time of the Lord, I will conceive and give birth to children, male and female in Jesus name.
2.My womb, hear the word of the Lord, receive resurrection power, in Jesus name. 3. My children receive the Oil of power and fire in the name of Jesus. 4. Evil hand of darkness blocking my womb wither in the name of Jesus. 5. I cancel every evil prophesy on my womb in the name of Jesus.
Domestic Violence In Bethany, a woman brought a great treasure to Jesus. She carried an alabaster jar filled with ointment. Before the shocked eyes of the disciples, she emptied the expensive perfumed over Jesus' head. The disciples cried out in dismay. Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and " the money given to the poor."They understood charity. They understood giving to the poor, yet they could not understand this woman's actions. Jesus, however, responded, " Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me."He saw this woman's actions as service, as serving. More, she demonstrated an awareness of the coming death of Christ. Jesus said, " By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial." FACTS
murdered than girls under 5.
"The Co-occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence Against Mothers and Abuse of Children" by the CDC:
62% of all female victims of non-fatal violence were attacked by someone they knew compared with 37% of all male victims.
Women were more likely to be victimized in a private place (in their homes or the homes of family or friends), while men were more likely to be victimized in public locations.
40% of all sexual assaults on women were committed by friends or acquaintances, while 24% were committed by spouses.
31% of all homicides of women were committed by an intimate, compared with 3% of male homicides.
17.2% of all homicides of women were committed by their spouses, compared with 2% of male homicides.
12am-6pm saw the highest percentage of violent incidents against women--31%.
A parent is the perpetrator of most child (under 5) murders in the US.
Domestic violence against the mother increases the likelihood a child will suffer abuse.
Male children are more likely to suffer abuse.
Chronic wife-abusers were 100% likely to abuse their male children.
85% of intimate partner violence victims between 1992-1996 were women.
in 1996 from .9 or 20.1% of pregnant women were victims of intimate partner violence.
Women victims of intimate partner violence are more likely to require medical treatment.
CONT’D ON PAGE 17
Boys under 5 are more likely to be
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DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE: IS IT ALLOWED?
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE
This is a very controversial issue for divorced persons of today. Many are asking the questions “Can I remarry after divorce?”
Question: If a couple marry as unbelievers and one of them becomes born again after their marriage but the other remains an unbeliever, and the unbeliever decides that the other party should give up Christ or the marriage will end in divorce, What should the born -again party do?
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking: " Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" .....Mark 10:2 Divorce is hard for everyone. The topic of divorce is stylishly avoided in the society especially in the church. In fact many divorced persons are treated with scorn or neglected in the church. They are mostly relegated to the background or “rejected” without letting them participate in the work of God. In some churches the divorced persons will not even be allowed to preach, hold any office/position, sing in the choir or teach the Sunday school because they are deemed “tarnished” and must not contaminate the others. You have to be married first before divorce can come. There let us examine the meaning of Marriage and Divorce. What is Marriage? It is the union of a man and a woman. It is a holy and divinely established covenant between a man and a woman. It is a symbol of the holy covenant and relationship between Christ and his bride (the church). 1. It is ordained by God between one man and one woman 2. It is the fulfillment of an obligation whether social or religious 3. It gives you a mental healthy boost. Life is enhanced
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4. It makes you look younger 5. You share burdens and responsibilities. It is for procreation.
What is Divorce? It is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body. It is the final termination of a marital union. It is to separate from a spouse. It is to split – up It is to annul the marriage. It is to disconnect from someone or something It is to dissociate from a union or agreement. It is a legal action between married people to terminate their marriage relationship Cont’d on page 15
Cont’d from page 26
Answer: The unbeliever is a symbol of the world and the believer is the symbol of the bride of Christ. Can you leave Christ for the world?
Question: Is it lawful for two unbelievers to reconcile and remarry after a divorce? Answer: Yes, if they are willing to forgive each other and first surrender their lives to the Lord so that Jesus can reign in that marriage. Question: Is it lawful for a believer to reconcile with an unbeliever after a divorce? Answer: Both parties must agree to reconciliation, the unbeliever has to surrender his or her life to Christ as the bible says that a believer cannot be unevenly yoked with an unbeliever. The believer must be sure that the unbeliever is not turning to Christianity solely because he/she wants the marriage back, that decision could be counterproductive and backfire.
Many “Men of God” need correction marriages but are in denial. They are ready to castigate a divorced woman and they themselves are in their second or third marriage. May God have mercy on us. Some of them will always blame the woman for the cause of the problem in the home which leads to the divorce. It is obvious that for remarriage to be granted or acceptable after a divorce, every situation has to be judged according to its circumstances. Some churches today are against remarriage for divorcees regardless of the circumstances which led to the divorce. To resolve the issue of divorce, you must first make God your number priority. Invite Jesus Christ into the crisis so that there will be peace. That divorce may not be necessary. JESUS CHRIST IS STILL THE LORD. 27
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE Apostle Paul says in; 1 Corinthians 7: 10, 11 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. Why did he remind us of this issue? Because her divorce is considered sinful and illegitimate scripturally, it will be pertinent to say here that the same rule applies to the man. Paul further goes on to tell us in the same book of Corinthians that, 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 26
Cont’d from page 16 Many divorced women who are free to remarry are forced into a continuous sexual and emotional relationship with their divorced husband who has no intention of remarrying his exwife or other men. These women become emotional slaves and they would rather keep up pretences in order to meet up with societal expectations rather than face up to the challenge of their situation and believe God for a new beginning. ARE YOU IN THIS SITUATION? Roman 4:18, “who against hope believed in hope…” Remember the story of Abraham who was childless but believed God a Child. Remember Hannah the mother of none who became the mother of seven. There is a chance for new beginning. Men, who are Christians and nonChristians on the other hand do not face societal condemnation even though they have left their wives and gone ahead to remarry. There is no doubt that the general societal and religious attitude towards remarriage after any divorce regardless of the circumstances surrounding the divorce needs to change. Cont’d on page 27
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE What leads to divorce? Many factors have been found to lead to divorce but major ones are 1. Irreconcilable differences – selfish acts, lack of love e.t.c 2. Infidelity 3. Domestic Violence – verbal, mental and physical abuse 4. Control – men and women with domineering characters 5. Finances. 6. Parenting of the children Divorce might sound simple, but it's not easy for a husband and wife to decide to end a marriage. Most of the time they try for a long time to solve the problems before deciding to divorce. But sometimes they just can't fix the problems and decide that a divorce is the best solution. This is actual sense is the worst decision to make because it will affect everyone involved especially where there are children. Some are of the opinion that if you get divorced as a minister, you can never go on the pulpit again. Many pastors today are with their second wives or husbands. Divorced persons are actually emotionally sick people. The Bible says we are to take care of the widows, feed the poor for they will never cease from the Land and pray for the sick but we neglect the “emotionally sick ones” among us.
Cont’d from page 14 A divorced person has just passed through the trauma of divorce and ran to church to seek the face of the Lord for solace. The same people of God she/he met at the church gives him/her the cold shoulder just because they misinterpreted the scriptures. Looking at the divorced persons, you can relate them to the people who had separated themselves from the world, Islamic religion, Catholicism, white garment churches, occult and so on. These groups of people come into the church all excited now that they have found the truth but what happens to them. The Pharisees and Sadducees in the church, the generation of vipers will castigate them to be unclean. The “holy” ones in the Pentecostal churches will criticize them and would not allow them to do anything in the church. The “holy” ones in the church believe they must be the one to put them through and teach them anything before they are clean enough to stand on the pulpit. Divorce is very wrong so also is judging others. Who are you to say a former Occultic person cannot be a minister of God? Who are you to condemn the former Muslim brother or sister from being a minister of Cont’d on page 16 15
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE God? Did God judge you for your own sins which you believe are hidden? The Bible says: judge not so
that ye may not be judged! Divorce and remarriage is one subject that brings more confusion and puts people under more condemnation than almost any other in the Christian or non-Christian walk. Contrary to some opinions, the concept of divorce is biblical. Malachi 2:15-16 “………..Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: …………”Yes,
Cont’d from page 15 God hates divorce and you can hate all those things that He hates. You should also recognize that there are some situations where divorce is inevitable. Christians shouldn't
cause divorce but sometimes they find themselves in situations where they have to accept it. Matthew 5:31-32; “ It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
God says: "I HATE DIVORCE"! but the This means that a bepassage doesn't say lieving wife divorced that God hates diby a believer husband vorce in every cirunder any conditions cumstance and in every situa- other than adultery is not fit for remarriage. Such a woman should go tion. Whilst one is not advocating divorce, it is very important for people to know that God recognizes it under certain biblically prescribed circumstances, Divorce from the world and remarriage to Jesus is biblical and no one can contest it.
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and make up with her husband or stay unmarried. This also means that a believing husband who leaves his wife for any reason other than adultery should also stay unmarried, at least the bible doesn't tell us that he is free to take another wife, so if he does take another wife that would be polygamy. Cont’d on page 26
Domestic Violence And you are arrogant! Should you not rather have mourned, so that he who has done this would have been "For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present I have already pronounced judgment in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing. When you are assembled, and my spirit is present with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord."
WIFE ABUSE Colossions 3:19-"Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly." Paul declared that women "ought to submit", yet he commanded husbands to love their wives and NEVER treat them harshly. 1 Peter 3:7-"Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life--so that nothing may hinder your prayers."
The Greek work translated as "weaker sex" here is actually "vessel", a physical container. Husbands are specifically reminded to honor women in the context of them being weaker physically. If they do not honor their wives, their prayers will be hindered. In others words, a husband physically dishonoring a wife interferes with the husband's relationship to God.Often Christians say, or at least believe, that women and children in this situation are somehow blessed to be suffering. The basis for this, often unspoken belief, is our call to emulate Christ's suffering. The Bible, however, emphasizes that Christ suffered for a purpose.
cont’d from page 23 His suffering was part of God's plan of Salvation. Jesus did not suffer for the purpose of suffering. 1 Peter 3:17-18-"For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once and for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit."
The suffering we accept MUST be contingent on "if suffering should be God's will". Like Christ we should only accept suffering if it achieves God's purpose. Thus Mother Teresa suffered in slums because God had a plan for her. Both Peter and Paul talk about suffering and enduring--for God's purposes. Yet both rejected suffering that was not God ordained. Paul fled with the aid of Priscilla and Aquilla. Peter left the jail cell. Domestic abuse isn't God's will. Accepting domestic abuse will not encourage the abuser to turn to Christ. Remember abuse is a form of sin-lack of self control at the very least -and sin never draws anyone to Christ.
RAPE
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6
God calls each of us to control our own bodies and our own desires. No one causes us to lose control. No one entices us. This means no man, woman or child can be responsible for being raped. In the account of Tamar's rape, Amnon is blamed for his actions-not Tamar. JESUS IS LORD
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Domestic Violence how to have a prophetic ministry--that same time needs to be taken to meet the challenge of the domestic violence epidemic. Be wary of cheap forgiveness. Too often we like to "just forgive and make up". This is not the teaching of Christ. Jesus did say that we were to forgive when someone seeks forgiveness. However, our forgiveness must mirror the forgiveness of Christ. Jesus said that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord" would belong to Him. Far to often, requests of forgiveness are just attempts to avoid consequences. More, even in the face of true repentance on the part of the abuser the abused may not be ready to forgive. Related to this, be careful not to use the good name of Christ to cover abuse. Never act as a character reference for the abuser; our call is to protect the oppressed. Have the Scriptures ready. Know what the Bible says about abuse before you face the crisis. Educate your congregation. Talk about domestic violence in sermons. Address child abuse in Sunday School. Put leaflets in the foyer. Paul said we perish for lack of knowledge. Make certain no one in your congregation will perish because they didn't know your church cared about domestic violence.
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cont’d from page 23
Domestic Violence
Cont’d from page 13
Dating Violence
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
In a survey 25% of 8-9th grade girls had been victims of non-sexual
CHILD ABUSE Colossians 3:21-"Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart." While the Bible does instruct children to obey, it also warns parents not to provoke their children. The core of the Bible's teaching is that all believers are one in Christ. We are all worthy of respect, love and honor...not to mention physical, emotional and mental security. 1 Timothy 3:2-3-"Now a bishop must be above reproach, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money." Anyone who proves violent is not eligible to be a bishop, a minister. Ephesians 6:4-"And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
INCEST 1 Corinthians 3:1-5-"It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for removed from among you? A man is living with his father's wife. Cont’d on page 25
dating violence. 8% of 8-9th grade girls had been victims of sexual dating violence.
22% of male and female high school students surveyed reported non-sexual dating violence.
32% of college students reported non-sexual dating violence. In surveys, an equal number of male and female high and college students report inflicting violence. However, female students were more likely to reporting doing so in self defense. HOW TO HELP Know that domestic violence IS a problem. The Apostle Paul wrote, "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it..." (1 Corinthians 12:26). Each time a woman is beaten or a child molested, we should all hurt. We must acknowledge the problem, for it does affect us.
important, but awareness alone will not prevent a child being beaten or a teenager being raped. We need to be prepared to act. Be ready to volunteer at the local women's shelter. Work with the guardian ad litem program in your area. What happens when abuse happens to or by members of YOUR church?
View abuse as sin.
Listen.
Paul chastised the church at Corinth for failing to label abuse as sin. The church community had accepted incest without comment. He wrote, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Should you not rather have mourned, so that he who has done this would have been removed from among you?"
To often we immediately want to declare our outrage, or express disbelief. However, we must resist that urge and focus solely on the abused. "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
Be prepared to act. 1 John 3:18 tells us, "Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." Awareness is
Speak wisely. When we talked with someone experiencing abuse, we should choose our words wisely. Expressions of belief and support can be encouraging, and may make a huge difference for that person. Cont’d on page 23
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SEVEN STEPS TO DELIVERANCE HONESTY. You must be honest with YOURSELF and with God before being able to receive God's blessing of deliverance. Absence of honesty keeps areas of your life under the powers of darkness. Demon spirits thrive on such darkness. Honesty helps bring them into the light. Any sin not confessed or repented of, gives the demon a "legal right" to remain. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you and to bring to light anything that is hidden and not of Him. "I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."Psalm 32:5. " earch me, 0 God, and know my heart: try S me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,"Psalm 139:23,24. HUMILITY This involves the recognition that you are dependent upon God and His provisions for deliverance. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you,"James 4:6b,7. It also involves you to be completely open with God's servants ministering in the deliverance. Remember, the minister's only interest in your past is to help you to get it under the blood of Jesus and out of the secret "tormenting places,"that allows the devil to persecute and harass you with fear of discovery. C " onfess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed,"James 5:16a.
Amos 3:3. You must hate your sins. "And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed," Ezekiel 20:43. Deliverance is not to be used merely to gain relief from problems but to become totally free in order to become more like Jesus through obedience. Repentance is turning away from all that hinders spiritual growth, ministry and fellowship. Repentance requires open confession of all sin. It takes away the legal rights of demon spirits. RENUNCIATION Renunciation is the leaving the powers of Satan. It forsakes all his evil. Renunciation is taking the action to turn away from his kingdom resulting from repentance. When he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "0 generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'. BRING FORTH FRUITS THEREFORE MEET FOR REPENTANCE," Matthew 3:7,8. Bringing forth fruits meet for repentance involves more than words. It is demonstration of repentance... evidence that one has truly turned from his sins. For example, if one repents of lust he may need to destroy some pornographic materials. If one has repented of religious error he
REPENTANCE Repentance is a determined turning away from sin and Satan. One must hate all evil in his life and fall out of agreement with it. "Can two walk together, except the be agreed?"
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Cont’d on page 19
Domestic Violence Yet, we must resist the urge to vilify the abuser or make comments like, "I would have..." Many women do not want to leave the relationship (which is their decision to make). They may love their spouse (or children their parent) and feel defensive in the face of such criticisms. The issue is how the abused feels and what the abused wants. Colossians tells us, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you out to answer everyone" (4:5). Support the decisions of the abused. Again, we need to honor the decisions of the abused--whether that means leaving the abuser or remaining. No matter which choice the abused person makes, we need to offer support, encouragement and prayer. We must be careful not to foist our own agenda's upon the abused person. Honor the abused's privacy and confidentiality. I don't have a Scripture to support this one, nevertheless, it is imperative. Too many women and children have died because a helpful friend revealed the whereabouts of the abused. NEVER reveal where a woman is hiding. It doesn't matter how remorseful the abusers appears, how much he wants to apologize, how beautiful those flowers are, how miserable he is without her or how threatening he becomes-NEVER reveal where a woman is hiding. Also, do not gossip about the situation. If an abused person wants others to know private matters, that person will speak out.
cont’d from page 17 Educate yourself. Take the time to be informed. Be available. Jesus made a point of being available to those in need. Try to be as accessible as He was. Admit abuse happens. If you believe abuse can never happen in your church, you are deceived. You are dangerously deceived. In my small local church, the pastors deal with domestic violence "every week". Remember 1 out of 3 women will suffer physical abuse. If you do not know about domestic violence in your congregation, something is very wrong. Statistics have shown that abuse is often more prevalent among religious believers. Make contacts. Domestic violence among believers often has a spiritual aspect, yet that is only one aspect. Domestic violence has mental health, legal, financial, medical and educational aspects and consequences as well. You need to have contacts in the community to handle these aspects. Some of these workers have a reputation for being anti-Christian, which may concern you. But if you make a point of establishing contacts now, not in the midst of crisis, you can learn which workers in your community can help the abused. More you can become part of the network which educated workers. Seek training. Jesus studied in the temple, even though He was God-incarnate. Dealing with domestic violence is difficult, you will not be able to "wing" it. You need to study, attend conferences, apprentice etc. Ministers often spend time learning how to manage church finances, or how to begin a mission or Cont’d on page 24
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SEVEN STEPS TO DELIVERANCE
SEVEN STEPS TO DELIVERANCE
Cont’d from page 18 Face the Devil's demonic foes with Psalms 91!
GOD'S PROTECTION
He has given His angels charge over you! His angels will keep you and your household in all your ways. You can "tread upon the lion and the adder. The Young lion and dragon you trample under your feet." He is with you in trouble.
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS Rushing toward the Devil under the protection of the wings of God. 1. Angels Ps 91:11,12.
Other times timid and cowardly Matthew 14:30; 26:69-72
Self-Sacrificing - Mark 1:18
Gifted with Spiritual insight John 6:68
Slow to apprehend the deeper truth - Matthew 15:15-16
Made two great confession of his faith in Christ - Matthew 16:16; John 6:69
He made a cowardly denial Mark 14:67-71
2. Sword 3. Secret 4. Will (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8,9. 5. Showers of Blessing, Matt 5:44; Rom 12:21.
The Reed Changed to a Rock Naturally Impulsive - Matthew 14:28, 17:4; John 21:7 Tenderhearted and affectionate Matthew 26:75, John 13:9, 21:15 -17 Full of strange contradictions - at times presumptuous - Mt 16:22; John 13:8; 18:10
Not inclined to be self-seeking Matthew 19:27
JUST TO KNOW The Man called Jephthah The Son of Gilead - Judges 11:1 A deliverer of Israel - Judges 11:5 - 33 He was an outcast - Judges 11:1-2 Rises to Leadership - Judges 11:4-10 Led by the Holy Spirit - Judges 11:29 Made a Vow - Judges 11:30-31 He kept his vow - Judges 11:39
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may need to completely renounce it by destroying all literature and items associated with that error. Acts 19:18,19; And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together burned them before all men; and they counted the price of them, and found it fill thousand pieces of silver. Renunciation means a clean break with Satan and all his works. FORGIVENESS God freely forgives all who confess their sins and ask forgiveness through His Son. (See 1 John 1:9). He expects us to forgive all others who have ever wronged us in any way. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses," Matthew 6:14,15. Willingness to forgive is absolutely essential to deliverance. (See Matt. 18:21-35). No deliverance minister can effect a deliverance unless the candidate has met God conditions. PRAYER Whatsoever you ask the Father, in My Name, He will do it. Another scripture says, Jesus will do it. Also, in My Name, you shall cast of demons. Behold I give you power (authority), over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19). If two of you shall agree as touching
anything you shall ask, it shall be done unto you. WARFARE Prayer and warfare are two separate and distinct activities. Prayer is with a view to God and warfare is with a view to the enemy. Our warfare against demon powers is not fleshly but spiritual (See: Eph. 6:10-12; II Cor. 10:3-5). Use the weapons of submission to God, and your testimony as a believer. (See: James 4:7; Rev. 12:11; Eph. 6:17). Identify the spirits, address them directly by name commanding voice, and in faith command them to go in the name of Jesus. Enter the battle with determination and assurance of victory.
Christ Jesus cannot fail. He is the Deliverer. "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils," (demons). Mark 16:17a. "Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you," Luke 10:19. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and MY DELIVERER.," Psalm 18:2a. DEFENSE Your thought life should be dominated with the word of God. You will be victor through Jesus! Comfort yourself in the Lord and His Word! Cont’d on page 22 19
FROM ADAM TO AHAB - MEN'S WEAKNESSES LIST OF SCRIPTURE AND COMMENTS 1. Gen. 3:6, 12, 17-19 Adam followed
the wife's leadership, blaming failure on Eve; God cursed the earth and sent death on mankind. 2. Gen. 12:11-13 Abraham was afraid and asked his wife to shield him from the Egyptians. Abraham gave Sarai to Pharaoh's harem and received sheep, oxen, he-donkeys, menservants, maidservants, she-donkeys and camels for her. He sold her into prostitution. 3. Gen. 16:4 Abraham went in to Hagar. He yielded to Sarai and took the servant to be his secondary wife. 4. Gen. 20:2 Abraham denied that Sarah was his wife because of fear the second time. Sarah was given to Abimelech, king of Gerar. He did not trust God to take care of him. 5. Gen. 26:7 Isaac denied that Rebekah was his wife (just like his father) because of fear. 6. Gen. 27:6-7 Jacob listens to his mother, Rebekah, to steal the blessing of Esau. 7. Gen. 30:1, 9 Rachel and Leah give their servants to Jacob to be his secondary wives (same as Abraham). He did not have to accept the offer. 8. Gen. 33:1-2 Jacob divided his family into two bands, lead by Leah and Rachel, to go before him and protect him from Esau. 9. Gen. 31:32 & 35:16-18 Jacob unknowingly cursed Rachel with death. Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. 10. Gen. 38:15-16 Judah lies with Tamar as with a prostitute. He would not give his last son to be her husband. 20
11. Gen. 44:1-5, 15 Joseph used a divining cup; he apparently practiced divination. Divination by cups was one of the prevalent superstitions of ancient Egypt. 12. Ex. 4:10-14 Moses does not trust God. 13. Ex. 14:10, etc. Israeli men murmured and brought death on their families. 14. Ex. 20:18-19 Men were afraid to speak with God. They wanted someone to stand between them and God. 15. Ex.32:1, 21, 32 Aaron makes a golden calf to please some of the people. He should have stopped the rebellion; instead he leads it and then blames it all on the people. 16. Lev. 10:1-2 Nabab and Abihu offered strange fire before God and He killed them. A characteristic of not following God but man. 17. Num. 12:1, 10 Aaron listened to Miriam to rebel against Moses. Miriam received leprosy, not Aaron. 18. Num. 16:1-3, 27, 31 Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses. God destroyed them and their families. 19. Num. 30:6-8 Husbands that do not have the courage to break their wives foolish vows. 20. Num. 31:14-15 Officers saved the women alive who should have been killed. 21. Deut. 22:5, 13-19 Sex is to be distinguished by apparel. The punishment of him that slanders his wife he shall be rebuked, whipped and fined 100 shekels of silver; he may not divorce her.
22. Joshua 7:25 Achan and his family are destroyed because of his thievery. 23. Judges 16:15-17 Samson deceived by Delilah. 24. I Sam. 2:12-17 Eli's sons were sons of Devil. 25. I Sam. 15:24 Saul tries to blame the people for his sin in disobeying God. It cost him the kingdom. 26. II Sam. 11:2-4 David committed adultery with Bathsheba. Then he connived to kill her husband. 27. II Sam. 12:9-10 The sword never departed out of David's house and caused him much grief with his sons. Ahab men not satisfied with one wife. 28. I Kings 3:1 Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter. He did not trust God to keep the kingdom. 29. I Kings 11:1-4 Solomon was not satisfied with one wife. They turned his heart to idol worship. 30. I Kings 16:31 Ahab took Jezebel to be his wife and he followed her religion. 31. I Kings 19:1-3 Elijah fled Jezebel. 32. I Kings 21:15 Jezebel gets possession of Naboth's vineyard for Ahab. 33. II Kings 5:11-12 Naaman's pride almost cost him his healing. 34. II Kings 5:22 Gehazi lied to Elisha and got leprosy. These are the sins of lying and greed. JESUS IS LORD
SOME COMMON WEAKNESSES OF AHABIC MEN 1. Do not believe God; cannot understand that (even if born again) they have an abiding connection to God and He to them. 2. Do not properly respect and fear God. Have little true respect or love for others or self. 3. Are highly motivated to self: comforting, pampering and pleasing self. They are now people, not planners for the long term good of the family, community or nation. 4. Have weak characters. 5. Have weak convictions. 6. Do not hold marriage in high esteem. 7. Do not like to work and support family. 8. Disobedient to God's Law for them. 9. When they get into trouble because they have weakly given in to the wrong actions, they look quickly for someone to blame. 10. Do not like to take a stand that is not popular. 11. Tend to be sexually loose. 12. Have unusually strong desires to watch sports events. 13. Weak against the inroads of the Devil in the family. 14. Do not teach the children the truth from the Bible. 15. Have uncontrollable tempers. 16. Pout when they don't get their way. 17. Tend to dominate rather than teach and lead. 18. Tend to attract Jezebel women. Culled from DEMONBUSTER
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