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