Desiring Good and Bad Things

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According to the online dictionary, desire is defined as ‘a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen’. An evil desire, therefore, is a craving to fulfil or satisfy a God-forbidden want. This may be for things we have, but we lust after the things of others. This subject will be presented from a Biblical point of view and how as Christians we should control our desires. In this article, we will look at good and bad desires, and what God desires of us.

It is normal and natural to have desires, but the choice we exercise over these desires is what matters (Romans 8:5). When we listen to the voice of the flesh to satisfy its cravings over God’s will, we have decided to disobey Him. The spirit of desire is something that we can’t just wish away or get rid of. It is part of us, and we exercise a choice or our will to control it. While an evil desires might be sinful in and by itself, it produces death when we obey it (Galatians 5:16-17). As we have recognised, some desires are good and some are evil. As Christians, we are often faced and overwhelmed by strong unwanted feelings. Some of these desires are fed through our senses to satisfy a craving, while other desires are resident within us. The inner being desires God’s perfection (Romans 7:22, Psalm 40:8). Let us look at desiring good things.

What Are Bad Desires?

Brethren, the Scriptures are clear on evil desires. We are warned in the Bible not to live to obey the cravings of our evil desires (Romans 6:12). The Apostle Paul urged Timothy to "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).

In the book of Galatians 5:19-21, we are warned against some bad desires which lead to sordid sinful behaviours that are completely prohibited and result in the loss of eternal life and earning punishment in Hell. We exercise a free will to either satisfy a desire or to flee from it, as Paul urged Timothy above. What the Apostle meant is that we must choose to flee from evil desires and choose to obey God by pursuing what He desires (Psalm 51:6). In the account of the fall of man, Eve had the commandment not to eat from the forbidden tree; she was however driven by the spirit of desire which she chose to obey, and this resulted in Judgement (Genesis 3:6).

Good Desires

In Scripture, we are urged to desire "truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6) and to "earnestly desire the best gifts" of God (I Corinthians 12:31). These are considered good desires! I would just like to add something here; if we desire the good things from God, we must be able to live our lives pleasing to Him in word and in deed like Daniel and David (Daniel 10:11; 1 Samuel 13:14). I have met and personally know many Christian brothers and sisters who have great desires for the things of God. They want to do great things for God in what they say, but sadly, unlike David and Daniel, they lack loyalty towards God. Some of the things they desire, which are unscriptural, are a desire to have a big church, and while this shows ‘faith,” it is more based on being dominant and in charge. The purest desire is to desire God and to do His will like our Lord Jesus, Daniel and King David displayed in their humble and obedient attitudes (John 4:34, Philippians 2:5-9). Desiring to live in a way that is pleasing to God is to seek what is acceptable to Him (Romans 12:2), but desiring the pursuit of an ambition is to seek what we want more than what God has called us to (Matthew 6:33). We have been asked by many people to ask the Lord Jesus Christ what their calling was; in reply the Lord would point them to their relationship with Him (John 15:7). Often, He finds them being caught up in worldliness and lacking in Bible reading and praying.

We may desire the gifts as the Scripture rightfully urges us, but are we bearing the fruit to exude these gifts? The Lord Jesus Christ told me that the gifts of the Holy Spirit do not operate without His permission, and we must bear fruit of submission and obedience to Him (1 Corinthians 12:11; John 16:14). He says He does not give Christians power to show off and attract people to them, but that He might be seen alive in a fruit-bearing Christian.

Furthermore, good desires are born out of obedience to the Lord (John 6:38; Psalm 37:4). In obeying God, we choose to subject our will to God and sacrifice our appetites in obedience to His will. We desire well if our motive is to obey Him more than the wishes of man (Acts 5:29; John 12:43). People have expectations of us, but doing things to please man against the will of God is equally sinful. Simply put, the Lord wants you to desire Him and His will more than ANYTHING else (Matthew 12:30).

In addition, some people have a desire to be like someone else and to live and do the things that person did. However, the Bible encourages us to imitate those in the faith in terms of their walk with God, but not to be like them, as each one of us have received our own gift from God according to our faith (1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 4:10). Therefore, the desire to be like someone else, which the church is filled with today, is not of God, but from our own selfish ambitions (Matthew 7:21). In fact we are urged to be like Jesus; this is the purest desire (Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Peter 1:14-16, Ephesians 1:4).

What Does God Desire For Us?

God desires that we live just as this the Scripture declares, “Tell them: As I live”—the declaration of the Lord God—“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. Repent; repent of your evil ways! Why will you die, house of Israel?” (Ezekiel: 33:11 Holman CSB).

In conclusion, let us exercise the right choice – the choice to obey the Lord when we are confronted by our desires. The following Scripture should serve as a reminder to us to desire godly living: “God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” (Romans 2:6-8)

Have you been making demands of God or having selfish desires that are not in line with His will? Here is a Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

With love and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ,

Brother Glenn.

Being Angry With God

 Are You Angry With God?

"for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" [that standard of behavior which He requires from us] (James 1:20 AMP).

I once heard a very disciplined and God-fearing brother praying in an angry tone and this displeased the Lord and as a result, the Lord gave us a message commanding the brother to pray more often daily as this would keep him(the brother) closer to God. In another incident, the same brother angrily questioned a message to him from the Lord literally accusing the Lord of being biased. 

In reply, the Lord's rebuke was gracious and stern, telling the brother that accusing Him was wickedness (James 1:13) and if we are angry with the Lord we would have no Defender, but us kicking against the goads (Acts 26:14; 1 Samuel 2:25). As it was, in humility, the brother repented bitterly over many weeks for his blasphemy and he was given grace. In other words, when the Lord speaks or acts, He does so with righteousness (Romans 9:20) and we know the Lord is blameless and His judgments always have an element of grace (Genesis 4:15-16). 

Our Anger Is Blasphemous

Biblically, we also read how angry Jonah became with the Lord for being gracious and merciful and he learned the hard way that the only way to escape calamity was to repent and rely on God's deliverance (Jonah 1,2,3). Additionally, the Apostle Paul while on his mission opposing the Way of the Lord, instead of destroying him, God Almighty extended grace and drew Paul to Him after he repented and admitted that Christ is King (Acts 26:14-19).

Often, our anger blinds us from the things the Lord wants to teach us and indeed, we have alluded elsewhere here that as Christians we cannot expect a trouble-free life, but a life marred with tests, temptations and hardship and we know that is to mold us into obedient and humble fruit-bearing Christians (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19). Being a minister of the holy  Gospel, I have witnessed how some people in our ministry became angry with the Lord and abandoned the way of the Lord because the Lord would not do as they want. Now, these precious souls became bitter with God and we can testify that for their trouble and unrepentant hearts, they have fallen into deeper sin with the result being troubled by an evil spirit like that of Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).

In conclusion, the point we making here my dear brethren is that our unrepentant anger against God holds nothing good for us but it leads us to bitterness, restlessness, hardship, and judgment (Hebrews 10:26). There is thus no justification for any form of anger directed at the Lord for His Grace only meets us when we are at peace with God (Romans 5:1).

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

Having The Courage To Endure This Race

Enduring the Race

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life " (Romans 2:7 NIV). 

Brethren, we are sharing an article we did sometime ago, but the words of the Lord does not run dry, boring or redundant, we know that the Word is active and alive and sharper than a double edged sword let us thus cling to the purity of the Word to remain spiritually active (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 2:2).

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: We are sharing a short message from the Lord that He gave Charis either last week Tuesday (20/08/2019) or Wednesday (21/08/2019). She said the Lord appeared to her in a dream and He said that some people might classify others as failures in life but in His eyes nobody is a failure and no-one should be discouraged by the words of those who inflicts insults.

Briefly, when we started this ministry both online and at home, we had many people attending and showing great interest in what the Lord was doing. We can testify that many were attracted by the visions and the Lord’s promise of His soon coming. However, not long thereafter some fizzled out after the Lord exposed their sins and challenged them to start witnessing and to lead holy lives. Sadly, some expected to hear the Lord tell them about their ‘fortunes’. Their primary concern was not to obey the Lord, but to use Him to meet their selfish needs. In a display of grave human weakness, we have witnessed how some people and after hearing from the Lord walked away from Him in a show of disobedience and wickedness. To those brethren the Lord is only good to supply their needs.

As a ministry, we have faced many challenges over the past six years since the Lord commanded us to start this ministry. Being filled with hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and counting on His grace which have enabled us to continue in endurance, passion and enthusiasm. By showing us His great love, our hearts were all the more encouraged to scorn trying situation and to focus on our relationship with Him. May the Lord grant you enduring grace to complete this race.

Enduring in the Race to Everlasting Life 

When a new Christian first accepted Christ as Lord, the excitement is so overwhelming and declaring our love to Him seemed natural. However, as we continue changes develop in our relationship with the Lord. As we get closer to the Lord through prayer and Bible reading our inner spiritual ‘man’ acquires new habits and this adversely affects the way we talk and behave.  However, by this transition, we know that our former way of living had been radically changed. In other words, the promises and expectations in which this new life is found gave us a refreshing approach to lives challenges. But as we progress we come across trying experiences, which gives us two options; to continue or to turn back. It is a natural fact that we will always be presented with these two options. And if we choose to endure, we will have to take the same attitude and commitment we gave ourselves to when we first believed. Additionally, from my own experiences as a Christian, it is easy for a believer to develop a lukewarm and discouraged attitude when the reality of suffering in the new experience manifest. We can tell, the faith is there but the ‘appetite’ and commitment becomes distant and this is when our love for the Lord grows cold (Revelations 2:4). We cannot say that we love the Lord when we have given up on our first commitment and reverted to being lukewarm. Also, we should remember that our faithfulness is measured through our endurance. In this race for immortality, the only losers are those who give up on the race and not those who end last (Matthew 20:1-16; 1 Peter 1:9; 1 John 2:25).

In the parable of the prodigal son, his vision of enjoying life away from the protective love of his father let him realise that things and possessions cannot replace the values of love, comfort and God’s protection against the ever-changing challenges of life (Luke 15:18-24). In this account, upon realising the pain of his choice the prodigal son returned to love. Brethren, we need to realise that after enduring whatever sufferings, turning back leaves with no reward and with nothing to show for what we suffered, we must endure to the end. Taking into account our Lord’s endurance, the Bible tells us that our Lord Jesus, being God (Philippians 2:6) endured many things including: the cross (Hebrews 12:2), the temptation of Satan (Matthew 4:3-11), trouble and sorrow (Matthew 26:37-39), being flogged, struck and mocked (John 19:1-3, Matthew 26:67-68), being dishonored and beaten (Matthew 27:30), being deserted (John 6:66), hatred (John 15:18; 24-25), betrayal (John 18:2-3), being disowned (Matthew 26: 69-75), insults (1 Peter 2:23), and public humiliation (Acts 8:33). Having endured all these in humility, our Lord Jesus Christ is now exalted at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19). In like manner the Lord says to us, “To Him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21 NIV).

Suffering: Strength for Christian Endurance

It is certainly not our intention to magnify sufferings, our intention is to prepare you to expect it.  As Christians, the Bible tells us that sufferings produces strength for endurance (Romans 5:3-5). We know that the Lord does not condone self-inflicted sufferings resulting from sinful conduct (1 Peter 3:17), but a suffering because of our association with Him brings eternal reward (2 Timothy 3:12). What is noteworthy, our experience in the ministry have helped us observe how some people are being attracted to the Lord through their sufferings. In their desperation, some of them needed the Lord to provide a quick-fix solution to their problems. With patience, the Lord would always rebuke them first to get their lives right with Him, and those who obeyed and endured received relief. And such relief would be two-fold, blessings to sustain their needs, and faith strength to endure and outlive the next bout of challenges. What a caring God we serve!  Also, there were another group of Christians who simply lack endurance. Some after hearing the promise of the Lord’s soon return (through a vision to us or others), they were inflamed with an evaporating excitement, but once they realized it was not as soon as they expected they reverted to ‘lukewarm mode’. These are the ones the Lord said who did not have oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:7-13). The Bible says that no lukewarm Christian will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 3:16) and rightfully so! These are people who are born again, but they buried their talents (Matthew 25:18). In a warning to all of us, the Lord said His coming will surprise all Christians, and those who are living comfortably, thinking that He will give them a final warning, when they ignore the warnings in Scriptures will be particularly surprised (Matthew 24:37).

What hinders us from Enduring? 

In our experience, we have observed a few things that serve as a stumbling block to our endurance in the faith, and these are all summed up in the Bible.

1. Putting our mind and interest on worldly things other than the things of God (James 1:14; Colossians 3:2).

2. Doubting the promises of God (James 1:6; Hebrews 10:38).

3. Lacking in prayer and Bible reading (this shows a condition of a broken relationship with God) (Matthew 26:41).

4. Complaining - this does not issue from a thankful heart, but a grieving heart (Philippians 2:14). We may also recall that the complaining Israelites did not endure, but perished in the desert, leading them to forfeit the promise of entering the Promised Land - and of milk and honey (Numbers 14:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:5-6).

5. Giving up on meeting with other believers, and rejecting encouragement from other true believers (Hebrews 10:25).

6. Sinning Deliberately (Hebrews 10:26-30).

7. Fear of others and their ‘valued’ opinions of us (Proverbs 29:25).

In conclusion, let us therefore not allow the pressure or strong opinions of others to determine our obedience to the Lord. We should also not strive to fit in or blend with the society to please them, the will of the Lord is what we should live for. Trying to please men leads to a divided commitment. Consider that your individual walk with Christ will be used to judge you and to determine your Heavenly reward (2 Corinthians 5:10).

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and learn to persevere unto eternal life, please get started by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed endurance in Christ,
Brother Glenn

Being A True Servant Of God's Kingdom

Our Message Is About Saving Souls

“It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27 HCSB). 

Sometime in the year 2009, my family and I attended a Sunday morning service at our previous Church. During this particular Sunday morning, our pastor invited a guest speaker, a very confident young brother in the Lord who appeared then to be in his late 20’s. From what I learned, this brother was a regular invited guest speaker at the Church. However, with his preaching that morning, he delivered a very good message (Romans 10:15) to the delight and encouragement of everyone present. However, his frequent references to his achievements and association with well-know ministers during his sermon equally discouraged me and others. Now to some of us though, it appeared as if he was trying to draw attention to himself and his work (Jeremiah 9:24).

Man’s Self-imposed Authority

Brethren, like many others we observed, such preachers overflow with confidence and with a boastful sense of authority. As we know, Moses walked fearfully and humbly before the Lord (Hebrews 12:21; Numbers 12:3; Deuteronomy 9:25) faithfully serving his people. The Lord requires His servants to be humble and not to elevate themselves before the people and when this same Moses and Aaron lost sight of God’s Holiness, they were punished and humbled (Numbers 20:10). We agree, the preaching of God’s word should be proclaimed boldly however, our fear and respect for God should allow for the ray of humility to be visible and shine forth (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:6-8).

About 15 years ago, when I was in hospital sharing an apartment with a few other patients, my attention was drawn to one particular patient who was very sick and he was frequently visited by the leadership of his Church. On one occasion, a leader who was sent to the patient came in the name and authority of the ‘chief apostle’ came to boldly pronounce healing and bless the patient in the words of the ‘chief apostle’, however a few days thereafter the patient died. What I learned from that was the following, the words of healing and blessing was from a heart of faith but it had no effect on the patient because the patient had faith in the authority and words of man.

Kindly allow me to repeat myself here, many Christians will readily believe the statements of faith of their pastor and priest (whatever they are called) but they have no faith to believe for themselves what the Lord says. Just yesterday, (18/02/2018) Charis highlighted a point saying, many people would believe when you said that you have prayed for them but when you tell them the Lord spoke to you, that triggers their doubts. Like we alluded elsewhere on this blog, the Lord said that not everyone would believe and accept our testimony but there will be those who would listen and believe our message.

The Distinguishing Marks Of A True Servant

Briefly, a true Christian servant is selfless, mindful of others and showing real concern and consistency for those he or she is serving in the name of the Lord (Luke 10:30-37). Let me add, many Christians today regard their serving of others as a burden so they give up and think them serving is a weakness. No! Serving is no weakness God Himself continue to serve even the ungrateful (Matthew 5:45). Brethren, we know it is impossible to compare ourselves to our Almighty Lord Jesus; however, the Scriptures encourage us to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). First, a true servant of the Lord follows his teachings and abides by His word (Matthew 4:19; John 15:7). And of equal importance, a true Christian complaints to God if the burden of God’s work is too demanding (Numbers 11:14) for him or her instead of complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14-15) such actions are seen as rebelliousness and God will met out punishment (Numbers 14:9-12). Furthermore, a true servant is driven by an unselfish spirit and inspired by love to see the good and well-being of others (2 Corinthians 8:9; 6:4-10). Also, a true servant does NOT stand back or make excuses not to serve nor does such a servant say NO to do God's work despite the challenges (1 Corinthians 9:16). Even God's Angels who are much powerful than humanity are obedient servants of God (Hebrews 1:14).

Finally, if we lack being a true servant we better repent and pray taking courage and putting on the apron of servant hood or humility and fulfil your Christian calling (1 Peter 5:5; Luke 12:37).

To accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please begin by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Peace,

Brother Glenn

How We Are Being Influenced By Evil

Works Of The Flesh

“Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I've told you in the past and I'm telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

Brethren, we pray that this article will help many Christians who are simply struggling with sin and overcome it. We further pray that we be found worthy when the Lord appears soon! The Lord recently reveal something to us regarding the dangers of works of the flesh as listed above including lying, gossiping and murdering (Revelations 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Brethren please therefore bear with us while we will briefly share what the Lord revealed; remember the aim is to prepare you and to gain over souls for God’s imminent harvest. Therefore in this article, we only seek to create awareness for us to discern in order to be empowered to resist and pursue purity (2 Timothy 2:22).

It is true that many of us are being overcame or possessed by some of the vices in the aforementioned scriptures and we need not be alarmed because it is true (Romans 3:10; John 8:7). Now what the Lord revealed to us is that if we allow any of these vices to control us so as to yield to its evil intend we disregard His warnings and we are guilty of sin before Him (Romans 6:12).

If we however resist the force of these ill-feelings when it manifest in us and not obey its passions to act accordingly we would not have given it room to grow and ultimately possesses us (Hebrews 12:15). Scripturally, we know that sin is rude less and if it attaches itself to our soul it wants to control our will like a strong man in us (Matthew 12:29). If we thus descend to this level we enter into the space of willful sinning (Hebrews 10:26) and if so would then mean that we are soundly possessed by the power of sin (Romans 6:14). A few years ago, the Lord rebuked a brother saying that if a lying spirit or any other sin has possessed a person he or she is operating under the power and control of the devil (1 John 3:8-10).

Subtle Possession Of Sin To Control

This then is noticeable when the craving for sin (or the particular evil that is controlling us) is overwhelmingly uncontrollable. I'm certain many of us have seen this in drug, porn, alcohol, social media and cell phone addicts and however ‘innocent’ or mild no addict is better than the other in the side of God the issue is you are hooked and possessed ma’am or sir! This is very serious brethren and we have shared with you how the Lord gave us serious messages to warn us against the possessive power of sin. Sadly many people who were once faithful children of God and members of this ministry failed to obey the Lord and they fell into sin and we know Satan creates a trap to lock us in and that is what happens to many of us.

How To Escape From That?

A mere confession or guilt feelings of remorse is not enough, we need a Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), a true repentance and a heart-committed turn from sin against the will of sinful craving. It is like giving up sin to receive the Lord’s forgiveness being in the sinful body (Romans 7:24) nobody said it is easy we all struggle against sin daily and some of us allow it no room to take control. I’m being reminded, a person addicted to smoking would say it is extremely hard to give it up, but which is the better choice, eternal life or the appetizing craving of sin? (James 1:12).

Now, would you rather ‘reward’ yourself with the pleasures of sin now and to face God’s wrath against it in the hereafter? Rather subdue (crucify, or buffet) your body to receive later (or hereafter) from the Lord Jesus Christ the crown of life.

Furthermore, we cannot overemphasize this! If you want to break the power of sin and addictions, refrain from it, go on a few day fasting and prayer therein is real deliverance (Matthew 17:21). Depending on the severity of the sinful effects, perhaps take some prayer and fasting turns based on your faith, strength and seriousness to be delivered maybe take two or three days of fasting and prayer per stronghold. I’d like to add dear brethren, this works I and many other children of God had applied this and the Lord Jesus Christ did give us mercy and deliverance.

In conclusion, don’t become a follower of Christ by mere desire to become a better Christian is one in the power of faith. When the ungodly feelings of selfishness, anger, jealousy, hatred or any of the vices mentioned above strikes resist, rebuke and don’t obey it so that we give no effect to its passions and so avoiding it taking roots to posses and control us (Genesis 4:7).

Again, we extend an invitation to those who are not saved yet to make right with God and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please start by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.


Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn