ilovearticlesoffaith-blog

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

How To Identify a Father

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye NOT MANY FATHERS: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the  gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:15

The gift of a “father” is a rare gift. Not every man of God is a father. Not everyone who teaches the Word of God is a father. Not all the visiting preachers and teachers were fathers. Not every prophet is father and Paul pointed this out to the Corinthians.

A Father Is a Rare Gift

There will be many people who will make an input into your life. Instructors and teachers abound but these are different from fathers. A father’s input is comprehensive. A father gives you a complete package that goes further than a good teaching. A teacher is concerned about giving a good lesson. A prophet is concerned about ministering the power of God through visions, dreams and words of knowledge. But a father is concerned with your total welfare.

Because fathering involves much more, there are not many fathers! It is easier to go through the prepared notes than it is to give total care. People can be so difficult and so ungrateful that only fathers can handle them over the long term. There are many, many pastors, evangelists and prophets, but a fathering prophet – who can find? That is why Paul said: “You can have ten thousand instructors but you do not have many fathers.”

The key characteristic of a father is not his age but his ability to produce after his own kind. Contrary to some opinions, there are many young people with a father’s heart. In the natural, people often become fathers at a young age. The proof of fatherhood is in the children who are produced by the father. It takes love, commitment and patience to bring up children. In the end, the children attest to your fatherhood. If you compare the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, for instance, you will find the differences between a fathering prophet and a non-fathering prophet. These differences become quite clear when you study their ministries. By comparing the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, you quickly see the differences between a man who has a father’s heart and one who does not.

Both Elijah and Elisha were excellent prophets. But Elijah had an additional gift of being a father. That is why he had a successor. Elisha had no successor. He cursed Gehazi who was next in line to him. He cursed Gehazi when he made a mistake with money. The father’s heart does not curse his only child. The fathering spirit is that thing which causes a man of God to produce people just like himself in the ministry. Very simply put, the fathering gift is a manifestation of God’s love. It takes love to bring up people who don’t understand what is being done for them.

It takes love to bring up people who will not understand you for many years. Truly, God sends many, many teachers who minister to our lives. They will minister the lessons and the points that make up the doctrine. But a father will go many steps further. In addition to teaching you, he will minister the love and the patience that are needed to bring you into God’s perfect will. Idealism in a minister makes him look for perfection all the time. Idealists and perfectionists are not usually good fathers. They often do not appreciate that the grace of God is working slowly in someone’s life. They insist on perfection all the time and that is not possible with human beings.

You can receive a man of God as a teacher. You can also receive him as a pastor. You may receive a man of God as a prophet or evangelist. It is also possible to receive him as a father. May you find a father in this life! May you receive the capacity to love and to become a father yourself!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Naming Ceremony

The Naming Ceremony is a traditional event that takes place after the birth of a child. Some families are very traditional and abide by all customs relating to the date and time of the event. The pastor’s role is basically to introduce a biblical and spiritual perspective to the occasion. This of course is only possible depending on what the family requests or allows.

1. OPENING PRAYER

2. WORSHIP : Come Let Us Adore Him O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy Christ the Lord Christ the Lord

By John Francis Wade

3. REASON FOR OCCASION We are gathered here today with our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. ...(Last name of parents)... for two reasons: i. To rejoice over what God has done for them and ii. To give a name to their newly born baby.

The Bible is the basis for whatever we do, therefore, our scripture reading for today is:

Luke 1:57-64

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. As was done in those days, we want to call on the father of the child to give us the name(s) he desires to give to the child and the meaning(s) of the name(s).

4. GIVING OF NAME BY FATHER [Father stands up and mentions the full name of the child and the meaning(s) of the name(s)].

5. PROCLAMATION, SANCTIFICATION AND AFFIRMATION OF NAME ON THE CHILD i. Minister takes the baby and asks all to stand and join in prayer for the baby. ii. Minister prays laying hands on the baby, and anoints the baby with oil.

6. PRAYER MINISTER: Father, in the name of Jesus, thine only begotten Son, we thank you for the name(s) that has been given today. We sanctify this name(s) and we declare that this child shall be called ...[name(s) of child].... From today I pray that he shall live up to the meaning(s) of this name(s).

The Minister makes reference to the name(s) and prays for the child to fulfil the purpose of the name. (e.g., “John means ‘Jehovah is gracious’, May Jehovah God be gracious unto this child always.”) MINISTER: I anoint this baby with oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, that he may live under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit, all the days of his life. Amen.

7. SONG: Showers of Blessing Chorus There shall be showers of blessing; Showers of blessing This is the promise of God Showers of blessing we plead There shall be seasons refreshing, Mercy drops round us are falling Sent from the Saviour above But for the showers we plead By Daniel W. Whittle

8. BLESSING OF THE CHILD 

MINISTER: Father, we thank you indeed for a good and perfect gift, the gift of a life. Thank you for blessing this family with this child. I cancel, I nullify, I reverse, and I reject every curse and every expectation of the enemy concerning the life of ...[name(s) of child].... I bring down the walls of opposition, resistance, and frustration that are lifted up against the life of this child. I superimpose the will of God over and against every plan, every projection and prediction of the enemy for your life. I speak the blessing of God over your life. May the goodness and the favour of God be your portion all the days of your life. May you live to be a blessing to your parents. May you live to be a blessing to your generation. May you become what God has destined you to be. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

9. CHARGE TO PARENTS

MINISTER: Do you promise to bring up this child in the ways of the Lord that he may not depart from them when he grows? According to Deuteronomy 6:7, do you promise to “teach him the Word of God when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up?” FATHER: I do. MOTHER: I do.

BOTH PARENTS TOGETHER: We do. MINISTER: Amen! Shall we clap for them? (Minister returns the baby to the parents.)

10. SONG: To God be the Glory Chorus To God be the glory, Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Great things He hath done Let the earth hear His voice So loved He the world that Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! He gave us His Son Let the People rejoice Who yielded His life O come to the Father through Jesus the an atonement for sin Son And opened the life gate And give Him the glory great things that all may go in He hath done

Lyrics by Fanny Crossby (1875)

11. PRESENTATION OF GIFTS MINISTER: Now, as it was done when Jesus was born, wise men came from the east with precious gifts. We shall now receive the gifts and presents that have been brought for the child.

12. CLOSING PRAYER

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

God Loves You with a Greater Love

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John 15:12-14

The great love of God will change your life forever. This love is greater than anything found on earth. When a man says to a woman, “I love you”, it cannot be compared to the greater love that I am writing about in this book. Your mother may love you, your father may love you; but none of them will die for you. Your boyfriend may love you and your girlfriend may love you, but none will die for you. This book is about the greater love of God. When you open up your heart to receive this great love, you will be born again. If you open up your heart to this great love from God, you will become a new creation and live a totally different life. If you open up your heart to this great love from God, you will escape your punishment in Hell. You deserve to go to Hell and so do I. But through the love of God who sent His only Son that we might not perish, we can be born again! Hallelujah! We can become new creatures! We can escape the outer darkness and the torments of Hell. What manner of love is this that we can be called the children of God? What great salvation has been shown to us that Jesus should shed His blood to save us from our sins! I want you to open up your heart and enjoy the great salvation that Christ offers to you. I am sad to say that many Christians do not understand salvation. That is why I am writing this book. Salvation is rarely preached about these days. It is time for us to bring back the solid foundations on which Christianity will forever stand.

Seven Things You Should Know about Greater Love

1. There are different kinds of love, but Jesus’ love is the greatest. God has a special kind of love which is the greatest kind of love in existence. Just look at these Scriptures which describe God’s love. What manner of love is this? God’s love is the great love, the everlasting love and the greater love.

Behold, what MANNER OF LOVE the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 3:1

But God, who is rich in mercy, FOR HIS GREAT LOVE wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:4-5

And we have known and believed THE LOVE THAT GOD HATH TO US. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:16-17

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with AN EVERLASTING LOVE: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

The Beloved and the Greater Love I once knew a young lady who had a beloved. This beloved young man wanted to marry the young lady but he did not treat her well. He seemed to be torn between his beloved and some other girls. Their relationship was tumultuous, to say the least. One day, this young lady finally came home and said, “It’s over.” She was tearful because her heart was broken by the broken relationship. But I comforted her and told her that God would give her somebody else, an even better beloved. After some months God answered our prayers and a nice young man came out of nowhere and fell in love with her. They seemed to be enjoying their relationship and one day I asked the young lady, “How is your new relationship?”

She smiled and said, “It’s far greater than the first relationship. God has been good to me.” In other words, she was experiencing a greater love and a better relationship. So I asked her, “Why is this relationship better?” She said, “I didn’t even know that this is how happy I could be. I didn’t know there was a much greater love that I could experience.” Indeed, this young lady experienced a greater kind of love. This is how God’s love is. It is a far greater kind of love. What manner of love is this?

2. The love of Jesus is greater than ‘the love of brothers’.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

1 Peter 1:22

Many families have disintegrated despite the fact that they are related. They break up and fight each other time and time again. The love of Jesus must be far greater than the love between brethren.

The Kidney Donation

One day, there was a prayer meeting in which prayers were offered up for a brother who needed a kidney donation. They declared their love for this brother and wanted him to continue to live through a kidney donation. However, as the prayer meeting went on, they realised that no one was prepared to donate his kidney even though that was what they were praying about. Finally, the leader of the prayer meeting decided to allow God to choose whose kidney should be donated.

So he took a feather and told the gathering that he was going to throw the feather in the air and whoever it landed on would have to donate his kidney. Everyone agreed to this process of divine selection. He threw the feather in the air. Up it went and came sailing down, amazingly, in the direction of the leader himself. Suddenly, the leader began to shout and blow at the feather so that it would not come to him. It was evident that no one was prepared to donate his kidney; not even the leader. It is one thing to say you love someone but it is another thing to have the “greater love” which makes you sacrifice yourself for him.

3. The love of Jesus is greater than the love of women. Many songs have been written about the love of women. Actually, most songs are written about the love between men and women and yet much of the pain in the world comes from the break-up of the relationships between men and women. Oh, how easily the love of women goes sour! The love I am writing about is the greater love.

I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: THY LOVE TO ME WAS WONDERFUL, PASSING THE LOVE OF WOMEN.

2 Samuel 1:26

AND JACOB LOVED RACHEL; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her Genesis 29:18-20

AND THE KING LOVED ESTHER ABOVE ALL THE WOMEN, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther 2:17

The love of women is the love of the female body; with this kind of love the woman gives her body to a man to indulge him. The love of women is short-lived. Most women are unable to keep the attention of a man for very long. I had a friend who had two girlfriends. I asked him how he could have two girlfriends at the same time. Then he answered, “I used to have eight girlfriends when I was in sixth form but now that I am in the university I have only two.” This young man had a very short attention span for the different women in his life. The love of Jesus lasts longer than the lust a man has for different women. The love of Jesus has lasted throughout the centuries. It has persisted until it reached you and me. The love of Jesus Christ is a far greater kind of love than the love a man can have for a woman. There are limitations with this love of women. Even the most intense couples need counselling shortly after they are married. Many who say “I love you”; “You’re my dream”; “I’m so happy I met you” will often say the same things to another person. Obviously there is something missing in this “love for women”.

The Widow

There was a certain pastor who lived happily with his wife until he died unexpectedly. The wife was heartbroken and she cried continually. Her pastor tried to counsel her but she could not be comforted. One day, she went to the graveside and wept from morning to evening. As she cried she scratched and clawed at the grave. She wanted to pull her husband out of the grave.

One day, the pastor had a vision and he was taken to Heaven where he saw the husband of this lady. To his amazement, this man was very happy in Heaven. He spoke to the pastor and told him that he was very happy to be in Heaven. The pastor told him, “Your wife is crying every day and she cannot be comforted.” Then the dead pastor told him something truly shocking. He said, “Oh, don’t worry about my wife. The Lord told me when I got here that she was going to be okay and that He was even going to give her a new husband who would be better than me.” He said, “Please tell my wife when you go that this is what the Lord said.” “But she won’t believe me.” “Don’t worry, the pastor said, I will tell you a secret between her and me. When you tell her she will know that you have spoken to me.” Then the dead husband told him a secret that only he and his wife knew. After the vision, the pastor called this woman and told her that he had seen her husband and that she was going to have a new husband who would be better than the old one. She said, “No way, it can never happen. I will never have a new husband and no one could be better than my husband.” Then he told her the secret. She screamed and said, “You have been standing outside our window to listen to our conversation.” It was then that she realised that it was a real vision. As time passed she did marry again. One day the pastor asked her, “How is your new marriage?” She smiled sheepishly and said, “Indeed this new husband is far greater than my first husband. I am experiencing a greater love.”

This lady experienced greater love in her second marriage. Indeed, there are lesser and greater kinds of love but Jesus’ love is a far greater love than the love of women or the love of brethren.

4. The love of Jesus is greater than the love of a nation. People claim to love their countries. But when the country is poor, they claim citizenship of another country if they can. A lot of Ghanaians and Nigerians have changed their nationalities and are now proud to be British, American, Italian and German citizens. People change their accents and dissociate from their countries at the slightest opportunity. But Jesus Christ stayed by His cross and died for the whole world. The love of Jesus Christ is far greater than the love anyone can have for his country.

5. The love of Jesus is greater than the love of a mother for her children.

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Isaiah 49:15

Mothers can and do forget their children. Some mothers drop their children on the doorstep of another and turn away forever. Indeed, the love of a mother is a great thing to behold. But it cannot be compared to the greater love that Jesus exhibited when He gave up His life for the whole world.

6. The love of Jesus is greater love because He sacrificed Himself for us. This love is greater because one usually gives something when he loves. Jesus did not give us money, houses or cars as some do; He laid down his life! He gave His life; He did not live to be seventy years. He poured out His blood for us. The blood is the life. He gave us His life by giving His blood.

HEREBY PERCEIVE WE THE LOVE OF GOD, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:16

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US from our sins IN HIS OWN BLOOD.

Revelation 1:5

The Man in the Deep Freezer

One day, a young man met a lady and told her how much he loved her. This young lady was enthralled by the love the young man showered on her and decided to marry him. They got married, moved into their new house and bought furniture, a deep freezer, a fridge and all the things they needed to make a happy home. One night, they were in bed when armed robbers broke into the house. The husband managed to escape into the living room and did not know where to go next. When he saw the new empty deep freezer, an idea occurred to him to jump into it and hide in it. When the armed robbers could not find him, they beat up his wife and maltreated her. As the wife screamed and called for help the husband was nowhere to be found because he was hiding in the deep freezer. When the armed robbers finally left, he came out of the deep freezer to console his wife. But she would have none of it. “You don’t love me,” she said. “If you had loved me you would have come out of the deep freezer to save me.” The husband said, “I love you but not that much.” Then he continued, “Don’t you understand? There is nothing much that I could have done. Those guys would have killed me. I would have lost my life trying to save you. I would have been a hero but I would have lost my life.”

Later on when the lady went to church, she heard the pastor preaching, “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Then she realized that her husband had been unable to lay down his life for her. Even though he did love her to an extent, her husband’s love could not be compared with the love that Jesus had for her. Jesus Christ laid down His life for her. Her husband did not do that.

7. You shall not escape if you neglect such a great love. To ignore, to despise and to neglect the greater love of Jesus is to leave yourself to suffering and unhappiness. If you reject such great love, I wonder who will love you in future.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Hebrews 2:3

The Desperate Beauty

When I was in the university, I knew many beautiful Christian girls. There was this particular Christian girl who was outstandingly beautiful. All the young men wanted to be in a relationship with her and marry her. She received many letters from many young men. She simply read every letter and made fun of the people who had written to her. She would show the letters to her friends and they would have a good laugh. Eventually, she left the university and fewer and fewer young men were interested in her. At a point no one proposed to her anymore. As the years went by, she became desperate and decided to join a church where the pastor did not have a wife. After some time she realised that the pastor was not noticing her so she decided to dance in front of him during the praise and worship time. Somehow, he still did not notice her.

Eventually, she decided to go and propose to the pastor herself. She went up to him and said, “I would like to marry you. Will you marry me or not?” But he did not want to marry her. How embarrassed she was! What a shame! Someone who was desired by so many people now had no one who loved her and wanted her. You see, if you reject great love you will one day regret it. A day will come when you will not get such love showered on you. You will live to discover that you cannot escape if you neglect the way of salvation that Jesus brings. The Grieving Widow

One day, I met a lady whose husband had died. Her husband had been a pastor who had died in his early forties. She told me how her husband loved to pass by her and make swipes. She said, “Anytime he walked past me at home, he would touch me. But I did not like it. I did not appreciate his constant touching.” She proceeded to tell me about how he had been stricken by cancer in the midst of his years. According to her, a time came when he would lie down at home, unable to raise his hands. She would pass by him, as at other times, but this time he could neither raise his hands nor give her one of his cuddles. She said, “As he lay there dying I wished so much that he would stretch his hand and touch me like he used to.” But it was all over. She had rejected his love many times but wished she could have it again. The very thing you reject may be the only way by which God will bless you. Open your heart to the greater love of Jesus and enjoy His love, forgiveness and blessing.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Problem-Solving in Marriage

The home is a garden. Weeds keep cropping up in a garden that must be constantly removed, so that our planted seeds can grow well. Every normal marriage has problems and challenges. It is only when there is a fire that you see which of the sticks around you is actually a snake.

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat...

Acts 28:3

In other words, in times of trouble, the character of a spouse shows clearly.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

1 Corinthians 7:28

Remember the prayer of St. Francis Xavier:

“God grant me the courage to change the things I can change; the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Major Problem Areas in Marriage

(a) Communication

(b) Sex

(c) Money

(d) Temperament

(e) Children

(f) In-laws

(g) Job

(h) Housework

(i) Infidelity.

Approach

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

It is in the interest of married couples to do all they can to prevent problems from showing up in their marriages.

Preventive measures are always better than curative solutions to problems.

However, the reality of the marital relationship is that no matter what you do, issues crop up that lead to problems. If problems arise, your approach to solving them must be this:1

(a) Pray about the situation.

(b) Be positive that there is a solution.

(c) Bring up the issue (in the spirit of meekness––do not be confrontational).

(d) Identify the causes (sincerely). Get to the root, not the tip of the problem.

(e) If necessary, consult your pastors.

Methods of Solving Problems

1. Be ready to compromise.

There is no winner or loser in marriage, you are one flesh.2When there is a clear disagreement, the husband’s decision must stand and the wife must support it even if he turns out to be wrong. However, the man must not be domineering. He must not be a dictator in his house.3

2. Things to avoid when solving problems:

(a) Do not shout.

(b) Do not share your problems with your relatives or friends.

(c) Do not break down in tears.

(d) Do not use sex as a weapon (do not refuse him/her).

(e) Do not refuse to eat prepared food.

(f) Never use the word DIVORCE in quarrels.

(g) Avoid the counsel of the ungodly.

3. Have a forgiving attitude and spirit.

Forgiveness is very essential for the survival of the marriage.4Do not be nice to outsiders, but impatient and inconsiderate to your spouse.

4. Be prepared to talk frankly about the issue.

The offended person must be willing to open up and share in love rather than nag, shout or bury things.

For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

Job 32:18-20

5. The other party must be willing to accept fault and apologise.

“I AM SORRY.” These three words can resolve almost all quarrels. Be humble and don’t find it difficult to apologise.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in “heaven forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:25-26

6. Do not let any problem colour your future actions.5

Counsellors to note:

1. Our marriage counselling applies to the ideal couple who are both born-again Christians and submitted to the Word of God.

2. If both of them are not fully submitted to the pastors and the Church, you cannot really solve the problems.

3. If the person is not in your church, don’t waste much time because they are not fully submitted to you.

4. Don’t take sides in solving problems.

5. Don’t answer the question, “What should I do?” in a direct way. People will say you made them do whatever they did.

6. Don’t be so vague that people cannot understand what you are saying.

Notes

Charles R. Swindoll, Strike the Original Match (Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1980), 106 - 66.

Les Carter, The Push-Pull Marriage: Learning and Living the Art of Give and Take (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1985), 67 - 81.

H. Norman Wright, Communication: Key To Your Marriage (Glendale, California: G/L Publications, 1974), 38, 163 - 6.

Bob and Jan Horner, Resolving Conflict in Your Marriage (Loveland, Colorado: Group Publishing Inc., 2000), 70 - 71.

Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Starting Your Marriage Right (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000), 48 - 51; Neil T. Anderson and Charles Nylander, The Christ-Centered Marriage (Ontario: Glint, 1996), 137.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

What it Means to be Married to A Quarrelsome Queen

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:19

An odious woman is an outspoken lady who tends to quarrel with all and sundry. When she is married to a quiet man, she rules freely and determines the tone of her marriage through her quarrels.

Quarrelsome ladies may be a little extra beautiful. Perhaps, her beauty is a compensation for her poor character. If she were not so beautiful no one would ever marry her. The beauty of

Quarrelsome Queens has fooled many a man.

Then the cover of lead was raised, and THERE IN THE BASKET SAT A WOMAN! He said, “THIS IS WICKEDNESS,” and he pushed her back into the basket and pushed the lead cover down over its mouth

Zechariah 5:7-8 (NIV)

Many ministers are surprised to find that their beautiful, angelic wives have such bad character traits. Yes, she is stubborn and long discussions have to be held for her to change her mind on anything!

Before marriage, some brothers are actually impressed by the contentious attitude of the “ Quarrelsome Queen”. They actually describe their bride as a woman of strong character who knows what she wants. What they do not realise is that the “strong character” is an ominous sign of her quarrelsome traits.

One of the first surprises will be the shock in finding how much the Quarrelsome Queencan shout. You will be shocked to find her shouting at everyone in the house.

This same person smiles gently and sweetly at everyone she meets in church. Many people think, “Pastor is really lucky to have this gentle angel as his wife.” They have no idea that he is married to a Quarrelsome Queen.

SomeQuarrelsome Queensdo not shout at all but will contend against you by casting insinuations and having a negative attitude of silence and bitterness. It is as if they have mistakenly eaten a gall bladder. Non-shouting Quarrelsome Queensare equally wicked, prosecuting every little issue to its logical conclusion.

The Quarrelsome Queenhas quarrels with different individuals, especially other ladies. When she meets up with fellow Quarrelsome Queens, there are fireworks and soon there is a long list of people who have had clashes with the pastor’s wife.

Most of us do not associate wickedness with beautiful girls. You would have thought that an angelic beauty would be kind to house helps, maids and relatives. The pastor has to talk to her to show some kindness to his mother and sisters. She seems to want to have nothing to do with his family.

The Beast

1. The Quarrelsome Queenis an early starter. Since quarrelling is her nature, it comes out very early in their relationship or marriage. This wife develops a reputation for having quarrels with different people in the church.

One day I visited a church which was pastored by a faithful older man who had married a younger beautiful lady.

The pastor’s wife was quite an outstanding beauty. I watched this pastor’s wife smile sweetly and engage in little chitchats with everyone. She was quite conscious of her beauty and her appearance. When it was time for service, I noticed how she took an extra ten minutes to put on her make-up and fix her hair behind the stage. She couldn’t seem to get enough paint on her face! Watch out for ladies who are extra conscious about how they look on stage, rather than how they behave at home.

As events developed, I was amazed to find out that this beautiful pastor’s wife who spent so much time dressing up behind the stage was actually a Quarrelsome Queen.

In fact, she had displayed such a bad attitude very early on in the marriage, during their honeymoon. During a discussion she was having with the bridegroom (her pastor) she jumped up in the wedding chamber and shouted at her husband and said, “I will not have any of this. I do not take nonsense from men!”

She continued, “I am experienced. I know men! I will not take nonsense from you or anyone!”

Then, she took off her wedding ring and threw it to the ground and stamped off in a fury. All this happened in the first few hours of their marriage. The pastor was dumbfounded and could not believe what was happening to him. He staggered into the adjoining chamber and made a phone call to a friend. He described what had just happened. His friend on the other end of the line was equally speechless. He whispered to the pastor, “I think you got the wrong one.” Indeed, it turned out that he had gotten the wrong one.

I remember another beautiful lady who married a young missionary. She was an outstanding beauty and it was no surprise when she was selected by the young virgin pastor as his “beloved”. After several months of counselling they got married and began their life together. With time it became difficult for her to hold back her quarrelling nature. During an argument, just four weeks into their marriage, she blurted out, “I shouldn’t have married you!”

She continued, “I had other options! I shouldn’t have married you!”

Then she said, “You are a small boy. You don’t have anything!”

From then on, their wonderful marriage experienced the rude awakening of what it means to be a Quarrelsome Queen.

One of my missionaries married a beautiful Quarrelsome Queen.You should have seen them at their wedding! All bright and beautiful! Just three weeks into their marriage, the Quarrelsome Queenwoke her husband up at dawn.

I know you are thinking that she woke her husband up to make love to him. After all they had been together for just twenty-one days.

Indeed, she woke him up at dawn because she was packing her bags to leave.

She told him, “I am leaving!”

She said to him, “You are somebody who has nothing!”

She continued, “I do not need you!”

Then she said, “You can report me to the pastors. I don’t care. I will soon become immune to all your reporting.”

This Quarrelsome Queenfound her husband to be too slow and too indecisive. She pointed out to him, “You are not forceful enough and you never make the right decisions.”

With that she was gone from the home and it took more than a year of counselling to get her to come back to her husband.

The Dangers

1. Failure: Pastors who are married to Quarrelsome Queensare often unsuccessful on the mission field because their wives are unable to blend in with the congregation and draw the members to her husband. Such wives do not attract the congregation to the church. They actually scatter the congregation in a very real way. The fruits of ministry must be borne in an atmosphere of peace.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James 3:18

One young pastor had the unfortunate experience of his young wife dying soon after they got married. He remarried another beautiful young lady and carried on with his mission.

After being married to his second wife for some time, I asked him, “How do you find this second marriage compared to the first?”

He said, “My second wife is better at sex than my first so I enjoy that part better.”

He continued, “My first wife was very calm and quite non-sexual.”

Then he continued, “My second wife is also quite quarrelsome. There is always one argument or another.”

I paused. Then I asked him, “so, over all, which of the two wives do you prefer? The ‘peaceful asexual wife’ or the ‘quarrelsome sexy wife’?”

He said, “I think I prefer the ‘peaceful asexual’ one!”

Amazing! This brother’s testimony shows that peacefulness is a very important quality for a happy life. Do not underestimate the importance of peace in a marriage.

2. Confusion: A pastor who is married to a Quarrelsome Queenis unable to co-exist with other key families who are important to the mission. This is because his quarrelsome wife does not get along with the other families and often prevents the “family spirit” from developing.

3. Poverty: Indeed, a pastor who is married to a Quarrelsome Queencan expect poverty. He is likely to have limited success in ministry due to his wife’s frequent quarrelling. She will scatter the very people who are important to his life.

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Matthew 12:30

4. Unanswered prayer: The pastor who is married to a Quarrelsome Queencan expect to have unanswered prayers. Misunderstandings and quarrels between the husband and wife can hinder prayers.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.

1 Peter 3:7

5. Hatred: A pastor who is married to a Quarrelsome Queencan dislike his wife greatly for the contention she brings to his life. A pastor who is married to a quarrelsome lady can grow to dislike his wife for scattering important people from his life. He is in danger of being filled with hatred.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Overcoming the Curse Associated with Marriage

How does a woman come out of this apparently hopeless state of affairs? By wisdom! It is possible to overcome the desire for a husband by applying the wisdom in the Word of God.

When a woman of direction applies the wisdom of God, she will perceive marriage in the right context. I want you to see and understand what marriage can and cannot do for you.

You will have a blind desire for a husband when you don’t understand what God is trying to do for you. You can be single and very happy. All women whether married or unmarried need to get this right. This is not a teaching for single people. It is a teaching for women with direction. A woman must ask herself, “What is my purpose in life?”

A Woman’s Purpose

God has ordained great works for every woman. When an unmarried woman discovers that her main purpose is to accomplish the will of God, she will be content. When a married woman discovers that her main purpose in this life is to do the will of the Father, she will become a fulfilled woman.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Don’t Look for Happiness in a Man

If you look to your husband (even Christian husbands) for fulfilment, you will not be a happy person. If you look to God for fulfilment you will be satisfied. Many married women, who have discovered this concept no longer look to their husbands for fulfilment.

I have talked with numerous single and married women. The secret to happiness for both of them is the same. Serve the Lord, give yourself to God, live for him and thereby walk in fulfilment.

Look for Happiness in God

Have you ever wondered why Jesus never considered getting married? Marriage is an arrangement that adds another dimension to life on this Earth. Jesus didn’t need that dimension to be fulfilled. Jesus did not need to be married in order to be happy in this life. Jesus gave the secret to his happiness upon this Earth.

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 4:34

Meat is the nice part of food that we all enjoy. Jesus pointed out that his enjoyment came by doing and finishing the will of God. Let’s face it! How long will you live on this Earth? How many more years do you have to go before you leave this Earth?

When we get to Heaven there will be no husbands and wives.

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

Matthew 22:30

Will having a husband affect your future happiness in Heaven? When a woman concentrates on her real purpose for this life, she becomes a happy person.

The story of Kathryn Khulman exemplifies this principle. When Kathryn Khulman walked away from her controversial marriage that had brought much pain and disillusionment, she was able to concentrate on her ministry.

By concentrating on her ministry, as a divorced and single woman, she accomplished what many men have not been able to do. I believe she’s in glory today. Do you think her being married or not matters now?

Husbands Can Quench Your Call

Many women cannot fulfil their ministries because of their husbands. One day, they will have to give an account of their ministries that never materialised. I know female pastors who have been banned by their husbands from even going to church.

Many husbands are not comfortable with their wives being so active in the ministry. Married women may seem to be elevated socially by their marital status. But one day it is women who have fulfilled their ministries who will be proud and joyful in Heaven.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…

2 Timothy 4:7, 8

This crown is laid up for women with direction! Women with direction fight a good fight and finish their course. This crown is not laid up for women because they have husbands! This crown is not given to women because they have had children! It is laid up for women who have kept the faith!

Does your marriage allow you to keep the faith? Does your marriage allow you to be a Christian? Does your marriage allow you to be in the ministry, as you would love to? Does your marriage allow you to fight and finish your course? Will you finish your course of ministry?

Come out of the curse by renewing your mind. Set your eyes on things above. Women with direction, no man (even Christian men) can give you the fulfilment I am talking about. From today let this mind be in you. The curse of desiring a man to dominate you will disappear in the name of Jesus.

When this wisdom is in you, you will be a different kind of woman. It is only by renewing your mind that you can overcome the curse!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Confessions for Operating Successfully in Life

I am blessed with Abraham's blessings. I am blessed in the morning. I am blessed in the evening. Abraham's blessings are mine!

Impossible situations have been turned around in my favour! My promotion is here! God has shown me His favour! I believe that God has given me constant favour in all the work of my hands! I have outstanding results in my school! All things are working together for my good! God's promotion is real to me! I cannot be defeated anymore! Silver has become to me like stones! I am experiencing Solomonic Success! I am experiencing Abrahamic Success! I am experiencing Davidic Success! Excellence in business and excellence in school is my portion! I am blessed with clothes! I am blessed with food and raiment! I am no longer a failure. I am above and not beneath! I am a blessing to my family and to my church! Anyone who blesses me is blessed! Anyone who curses me is cursed! I enjoy "the corn, the oil and the wine" of this earth! My latter end shall be greater than my beginning! Although my beginning is small, my latter end shall be greatly increased!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Why Tithing is the First Step into Ministry

Tithing, unlike other freewill offerings, demands ten percent of your life. It is therefore the first real contribution that you make towards the work of God. Most other offerings you make are an insignificant fraction of your income. The tithe takes away ten percent of everything you have done and earned for yourself. This is why tithing is the first serious step towards the things of God.

Tithing therefore puts you in real contact with the work of the ministry. Ten percent of your life is committed to help the things of God. Indeed, there is no greater blessing than the blessing of being called to work for the Lord. No amount of money could ever compare with the privilege of working in the ministry.

Tithing takes you much further than mere financial harvests. It takes you into the realm of the high calling to ministry. This is the job that very few human beings will ever have the opportunity to do.

1. Tithing is your first step to the obedience of minor instructions that will prepare you for weightier matters of ministry. Jesus described judgment, mercy and faith as “weightier matters.” This implied that tithing was not as important as mercy, judgement and faith. Tithing is a minor instruction as compared to mercy, judgement and faith. If you are not faithful with the minor issues, how can you be trusted with “weightier matters”? When you pay your tithes you pass the test of demonstrating faithfulness with minor matters. You also demonstrate that you are ready to take up the weightier matters of ministry.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, AND HAVE OMITTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Matthew 23:23

2. Paying your tithes is your first step towards understanding God’s pattern for ministry. God’s pattern for ministry is that the Levites should be supported through the tithes of the people whilst they busy themselves with God’s work. This is the pattern that was set by Moses and it is the pattern which is used by the New Testament church.

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; THAT THOU MAYEST LEARN to fear the Lord they God always.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23

3. Paying your tithes is your first step towards respecting the ministry. Paying tithes is your first chance to show respect for the things of God. It is your first chance to show respect for ministers and their calling. Many Christians do not respect the ministry; that is why they do not want their children to be priests or pastors. I have watched how Christian families send their favourite children to universities to become doctors and lawyers but send their mentally- retarded children to the Bible school. These are all signs of disrespect. In their sub-conscious mind they think that some people are too intelligent to become priests.

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; THAT THOU MAYEST LEARN TO FEAR THE LORD THY GOD ALWAYS.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23

4. Paying your tithes is your first step towards understanding the inner workings of ministry. How do churches survive? How are pastors paid? How do pastors’ families survive? The tithe is the answer to all these questions. Every time you pay your tithes, you demonstrate an understanding of these intimate aspects of ministry.

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

1 Corinthians 9:9

5. Paying your tithes is your first step towards a real contribution to ministry. Perhaps one day you will work full-time for the Lord. But until then, your tithe is your first real contribution to the ministry. Your tithe respresents ten percent of your time, effort, work and money. It is a very substantial contribution to God’s work.

And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

Nehemiah 13:10-12

6. Paying your tithes is your first step towards appreciating the work of a priest.

AND THIS SHALL BE THE PRIEST'S DUE FROM THE PEOPLE, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. THE FIRSTFRUIT also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever.

Deuteronomy 18:3-5

7. Paying your tithes is the first step towards a covenant. God had a covenant with Aaron in which Aaron became a priest forever. The covenant stated that Aaron’s descendants would be priests who would have no inheritance but the Lord.

Every time you pay tithes, you demonstrate your understanding of God’s covenant with the priesthood. This prepares you for your own covenant of ministry with God.

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.

Exodus 30:30-31

All the offerings of the holy gifts, which the sons of Israel offer to the Lord, I have given to you and your sons and your daughters with you, as a perpetual allotment. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord to you and your descendants with you."

Then the Lord said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel.

Numbers 18:19-20 (NASB)

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Operate in the Power and Fire of the Spirit

1.Be honest and accept the fact that you lack the power dimension of the Holy Spirit.

Believe that you must operate in the power dimension of the anointing. Do whatever you need to do to lift yourself from an ordinary anointing into a power anointing.

The Scriptures show a clear difference between the ordinary anointing and the power dimension of the anointing. Jesus went away being led by the anointing but returned under the power of the anointing. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the HOLY GHOST AND WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:38

Many of us know the fruit of the Holy Spirit, such as love, patience, peace and joy. We believe that these qualities are what the Holy Spirit brings to our lives. Indeed, the love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering and gentleness of the Holy Spirit are precious fruits.

We also know that He baptizes us and helps us to speak in tongues. But there is more. There is also the power dimension. There is a difference between the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit. These two are mentioned separately for a reason.

The Bible separates the anointingand the powerfor you to understand that they are different. Why did the Bible not just say that Jesus had been anointed with the Holy Spirit? Because there is a difference between having the Holy Spirit and having the powerof the Holy Spirit.

God is showing us that there is a power dimension to the Holy Spirit. Thank God you are anointed. But God is trying to give you both the anointing andthe power.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan, and WAS LED BY THE SPIRIT into the wilderness,

Luke 4:1

2.Allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit into the power dimension.

And Jesus returned in THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Luke 4:14

You must be able to follow the Holy Spirit even if He leads you to the wilderness. This is how you will encounter the power dimension. I entered into the power dimension of the Holy Spirit by being led by God into it.

Jesus was "led by the Spirit" to go into the wilderness. When He came back, He operated in the "powerof the Spirit". Every pastor can be anointed with the Holy Spirit. But every pastor can also be anointed with power. Your ministry will change when you have both the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit. You can be a beautiful teacher of the Word of God but you can also have a power dimension to your teaching ministry.

3. Believe in the fire dimension of the Holy Ghost.

Notice what John the Baptist said about Jesus. He said Jesus would have both the Holy Spirit and fire.

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Luke 3:16

Once again, you will notice that fire is mentioned separately. There is a fire dimension of the Holy Spirit. Fire is a type of power. Jesus did not just have the anointing; He had the power and the fire of the anointing.

There is a fire dimension of ministry. The fire of the Holy Spirit will burn every chaff and every wicked work of the devil. That is the dimension of the anointing that God is trying to bring us into. It is the tangible dimension. It is the power and the fire.

May you constantly operate in the power and the fire dimension of the Holy Spirit. May you enjoy ministering with miracles and manifestations of the Holy Spirit!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

The Beloveds

Who Is a Beloved?

My beloved is mine, and I am his...

Song of Solomon 2:16

A “beloved” is a person with whom you have a relationship, which is intended to end up in marriage. In other words, he or she is the man or woman you have officially agreed to marry. Some use the terms fiance(e),boyfriend, or girlfriend to describe the relationship, but in this book we are adopting the term “beloved”.

We do not advise young men and women to have close relationships with the opposite sex, which are not intended for marriage, as these boyfriends and girlfriends commonly involve themselves in immoral vices such as fornication. Hence, we caution that such relationships should be entered into solely for the purpose of marriage, and that the period for developing the relationship before the marriage (traditionally referred to as courtship) should not be too long.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Are You Sure You Want to Marry This Person?

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

Genesis 24:58

Eight Things to Consider When Choosing a Beloved

1. The fact that the parents are good does not mean the child will also be a good spouse. Is he/she committed to God?1

2. Don’t marry just because your parents say so. Is your intended partner your friend?2

3. If you marry too early you will miss out on certain things in life (eg. your youth, your time of being single and free).

4. Consider the fact that people do not really change and so anything that you do not like about your beloved and therefore spouse, is also not likely to change.

5, Will you be in a position to manage financially?

6. Will you have a place to stay when you marry?

7. Tribal differences are going to affect your marriage.

8. Disparity in levels of education will also affect your marriage.3

Notes

1. Theda Hlavka, Saying I Do Was the Easy Part (Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 83 - 88.

2. William L. Coleman, Engaged: When Love Takes Off (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980), 18 - 19.

3. David H. Olson and John Defrain, Marriage and the Family (Mountain View, California: Mayfield Publishing Company, 2000), 276 and Evans A. Laryea, Joining of Lives ( Accra, Ghana: PAL International, 2002),10 - 11, 166 - 205.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Warning: Ministry Marriages are Different from Ordinary Marriages

Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and THE WICKEDNESS OF THEIR WIVES, and your own wickedness, and THE WICKEDNESS OF YOUR WIVES, which they have committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?

Jeremiah 44:9

This book does not apply to you if you are not a pastor.

Do not continue to read this book if you are not a pastor.

If you are not a pastor please stop here!

If you are not a pastor and you continue reading you will criticize things you do not understand.

If you are not a pastor, please get another book on marriage. There are many good books on marriage that will help your life greatly. If you need information on how to get a good book on marriage, please ask at the nearest bookshop.

It is a blessing to have a good marriage and I am aware of many great and good marriages that are marvellous blessings. What are some of the blessings of a great marriage?

1. A good marriage is a blessing because two are better than one.There are many scriptures that attest to this fact.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

2. A good marriage is a blessing because a married couple can do ten times as much as a single person.

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?

Deuteronomy 32:30

3. A good marriage is a blessing because a married man has great favour with God.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22

Even though a good marriage is a great blessing, there are many different types of marriages. Not all marriages end up achieving the aim of being a blessing to the couple.

“Counterfeit” marriages only exist because there are real and good marriages.

This book is about certain types of marriages that do exist. This is a book for pastors and their marriages and NOT for ordinary Christians or non-believers. A large part of this book will not apply to you if you are not a pastor or a pastor’s wife.

Many books on marriage make pastors feel that they are married to the wrong person because their marriages are not as nice sounding as the author’s.

Then they become shocked when they hear that pastors with such apparently fantastically good marriages are getting divorced.

This is not a book about normal marriages. This book is nota balanced two-sided discussion on marital issues. I could indeed write a book about both husbands and wives. I could also write a book about how to have a successful marriage. I could even write a book about how to overcome the various problems that couples face in marriage. However, I am not doing that in this volume. I have chosen to write a book on a topic that is not usually discussed.

This book is about the wickedness of wives. I am writing this book about the wickedness that is submerged beneath the beauty of many wives. If you are looking for a good book on marriage, please find another book, as this is not that book. This book is about the beauty, the beast that is in some pastors’ wives and the struggles that pastors have with them. Many pastors marry beauties! But many beauties are also beasts!

I am aware that most people would be afraid to suggest that kind and gentle-looking wives could have any wickedness in them. As I said, I am not intending to have a balanced, two-sided discussion on marriage. If you want a balanced discussion about the good and bad sides of men and the good and bad sides of women, please stop reading now. This is a book about the wickedness of wives, especially the wickedness of some Christian wives and some ministers’ wives.

The prophet Jeremiah lamented about the wickedness that wives had committed in Judah and in Jerusalem. These wives were not unbelieving wives but wives that belonged to the house of Israel. The wickedness of the wives that Jeremiah spoke of was the wickedness of idolatry and rebellion against God. The wickedness I am writing about is also about the rebellion of some ministers’ wives against God’s word.

This, indeed, is a book for ministers and their wives. This is a book that describes some of the experiences that devoted Christians and men of God experience in their marriages. This book is in fact about marital situations that ministers find themselves in, but are unable to talk about.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless SUCH SHALL HAVE TROUBLE in the flesh: but I spare you.

1 Corinthians 7:28

Paul prophesied that those who marry would have trouble in the flesh. Perhaps that is why he did not marry. And by the way, I have not written this book because I do not know any negative things about men. I do! Also, I have not written this book because I want to write negative things about women. I believe so much in the ministry, the anointing, the wisdom and the role of women that I have appointed and promoted many women in ministry. I do not know anyone who has identified and appointed more women as pastors than I have, although I am sure there are others.

As you read on, you may wonder why I do not balance the bad sides of women with the bad sides of men. The reason is simple; that is not the aim of this book! If I were to write about the terrible sins of men in marriage, I would completely miss the message God has given me. If I were to do that, this book would be far bigger than it is and people like you, who do not read much, would not even attempt to read it.

This book is intended to explain some of the mysterious roles women have played in the lives of ministers. We praise our women and are grateful for their role in marriage and ministry. Without the help of women, we would not achieve much in the work of God. I believe that one of the secrets of church growth is to work with women and give them prominence.

Women are praised but little is said about their negative ways, because every one is afraid to look bad or sound as though they have any difficulties in their marriage. But I would not like to keep back anything that may be profitable to you.

… I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

Acts 20:20

The beauty is real but the beast is also real! Little is said about the destructive role of women in ministry. Our Book, the Bible, is not silent on the role of women in the destruction of this world. Through Eve, Adam’s life and ministry were destroyed. Through Eve, the whole human race has been sent into darkness and difficulty.

There are many pastors who are in distress, in darkness and in difficulty through their beautiful well made-up wives.

The reason for this book is to help give the real picture about what some people are experiencing.

Another reason for this book is to help those who are about to choose a “beauty”. It is important for them to know that their “beauty” can easily turn into a “beast”! Hopefully, this book will also help all beautiful women not to turn into beasts!

When John Wesley was still single, he fell ill and stayed with a lady who later became his wife. He described how beautiful, how pleasant and how nice she was. Her words were memorable! Her tone was soft! John Wesley was drawn uncontrollably to her comforting love! In his words, Molly, his future wife gave him all the assurances he ever needed. He described her kind of love as intense! He spoke about her “inviolable affection”. This English word (inviolable) goes even beyond my ability to interpret. Eiii!Inviolable affection! I wish to quote from John Wesley, when he first met his “beauty”, his “beloved” Molly (before he married her).

John Wesley said, “I HAD ALL THE ASSURANCES WHICH WORDS COULD GIVE, OF THE MOST INTENSE AND INVIOLABLE AFFECTION.”

But one day, after years of marriage he used completely different words to describe her. His beauty had become a beast. One day, his wife was leaving home and embarking on a journey. This is the woman he spoke of having intense inviolable affection for. He said to her as she went out of the door: “I HOPE I NEVER SEE YOUR WICKED FACE AGAIN.”

“I hope I never see your wicked face again” was the wish of John Wesley after he had experienced the “beast” in his “beauty”. This is a classic example of the pastor who marries a beauty who turns into a beast!

Indeed, this book is also intended to strengthen the arms of those who are deeply embedded in irreversible marriage situations. I hope that this book will help to prevent ministers from divorcing by giving them an understanding of what they are actually experiencing.

I am sure many people will identify things in this book that they can relate with. Use the knowledge, the understanding and the wisdom that you receive from these words to fight the good fight of faith. Marriage is one of the tests we face and we must succeed in it! For some people, marriage is the greatest comfort they will ever have! For some people, marriage is the greatest cross they will ever bear! Some people have excellent marriages. But not all ministers have a good experience or a good story to tell about marriage. Indeed, there are many ministers who would describe their marriage as a battle.

Many great men of God speak about their “excellent marriages” in such a way that intimidates and confuses other Christians and pastors. When other ministers hear their descriptions of their marriages, they shrink away. “Wow,” they say to themselves, “I dare not discuss my marriage situation with these blessed ones.” (This also happens when pastors attend pastors’ conferences and hear fantastic stories about mega churches that have thousands of members.) Most ordinary pastors feel intimidated because they do not have thousands of members attending their churches.

Pastors hear amazing statements from these picture-perfect marriages:

“My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world.”

“I owe my life and my ministry to my wife!”

“I don’t know where I would be without my wife!”

“There would be no ‘me’ without ‘you’!”

“There is none like you! No one else can touch my heart like you do!”

“I cannot go anywhere without my wife!”

My wife is my greatest assistant, partner and support!”

“I have never quarrelled with my wife before!’

“I tell my wife, ‘I love you’ ten times every day!”

“I cannot imagine living for even one day without my wife!”

“My wife and I sleep in each other’s arms every night!”

“My wife is my closest friend in this world!”

“Whenever I miss my wife, I kiss her picture. But when I see her, I kiss the real thing!”

“My wife is the most beautiful lady in the whole world, my soul mate, my life partner, my friend, my joy, my darling and my heartthrob!”

“If marks were being given for good marriages, I would get 99 per cent!’

Wow! These are wonderful statements! I wish everyone would be able to say all the things above. These are exactly the kinds of marriages we need if we are to succeed in the ministry.

But this is not the experience that all married ministers have! How do I know? I know because I have been in the ministry for many years and I know thousands of pastors. I also know this for a fact because of the rate of divorce amongst pastors. Many ministers have made the statements above, portraying pictures that depict the greatest love of all, only to announce later that they were getting divorced.

For some people, the opposite of all these statements may be more true. There are some pastors who would prefer to say things like:

“My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world, but it is not easy to live with her!’

“I wish I could be delivered from my wife!”

“My wife is the greatest opposer of my life and ministry.”

“My wife is the greatest accuser and tormentor of my life!”

“We have not had sex for several months!”

“My wife and I have not been speaking since last month!”

“I don’t tell my wife, ‘I love you’ because I do not want to lie!”

“I can’t wait for the day I will be without my wife!”

“My wife and I sleep at opposite ends of the bed every night!”

“I am not close to my wife any more!”

“I do not miss my wife. Whenever I see her picture, I weep for the sorrow in my heart!”

“My marriage is the greatest mistake of my life!”

“If I had a different wife, I would have achieved more in the ministry.”

Many of us behave like African herbalists when it comes to marriage. Why do I say so? An African herbalist usually has a single potion that is supposed to cure every ailment you could ever have. This herbalist’s potion can cure bad eyesight, piles, toothache, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, rashes, asthma, waist pains, erectile dysfunction, constipation, diarrhoea, general weakness, impotence, etc. You will hear the herbalist advertising his potions and convincing his audience with great zeal. It is only the ignorant who are taken in by claims that one drug can cure all these things. We all know that the same medicine cannot correct your eyesight, your hip pain, your diarrhoea, your skin rashes as well as your high blood pressure and your haemorrhoids.

Yet, when it comes to marriage, most people have one potion that they apply to all marriages. They assume that every marriage is the same and they therefore apply the same measures to every type of marriage. This is a serious mistake because there are different kinds of marriages.

In some cases, you have a very good “devoted husband” who does absolutely everything a husband should do. And sometimes the devoted husband has an equally good wife who does all the things a “devoted” wife could ever do. On the other hand, a devoted husband could have the worst kind of female as his wife. A “devoted” wife could have an evil husband who does not even deserve to have a wife.

Many situations are so varied that they have to be understood on a case-by-case basis. It is wrong to crucify both the good and the bad together on the same day. (Jesus Christ was crucified withthieves and it gave the impression that Jesus Christ was a common thief, simply because He was given the same treatment as a common criminal).

Every marriage gives rise to different experiences. Some people just have to follow the “Seven steps to a good marriage”and they will experiencegreat happiness. There are others who can follow “Seventy steps to a good marriage”, but will never have happiness.

Indeed, I have met several “unmarriageable” people. They cannot and probably should not marry because they are not suitable for marriage. They simply will never be happy in any marriage situation. Unfortunately, when an “unmarriageable” lady is very beautiful, she is quickly signed in to a marriage and ends up creating an intolerable situation for a pastor. The counselling given to an “unmarriageable” person must be very different from the counselling given to a normal person.

This book is written to give counsel to people who are in certain kinds of marriages. Be careful if you are in one of the good marriage situations because you may be tempted to criticize marriages you do not understand!

Throughout this book I will intentionally not make mention of the personal blessings I have enjoyed in my own marriage. I will also not mention any challenges in my own marriage. Why is that? If I do mention the blessings of my own marriage, you may feel intimidated and think that your marriage is not good. Indeed, if I speak of my own challenges, you may probably not understand them! So just be blessed and receive healing for your life and marriage through the words in these pages.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Why Certain Things Must Be Done First

Wrong priorities are great dangers for Christians. When you are a sinner, you basically choose between two opinions: good and evil.  As you grow in the Lord, your options increase and you begin to have more to choose from.

This time your choices are not between good and evil but between good and good.  In terms of what to do, there are often several good things to choose from. When you get to that point it is important that you understand the concept of priorities: “Which one do I do first?” Jesus gave us a great revelation on some things that should be done before others.

It is interesting to study how many things Jesus said should be done first.  Whenever Jesus spoke of the first or the foremost issue, He used the Greek word proton. In this book, we take a look at the protonissues; things that Jesus said should be done first.

As a Christian, you must do first things first.  First things first means first in time, order, number, rank and value.

A Christian must dothemost important things first.

Why Must Certain Things Be Done First?

1. Anything that is not done first seems to lose its significance.

God is very patient with us.  Many have disobeyed Him and seem to have gotten away with it. The importance of the Word of God seems to fade as we carry on in disobedience.  Very soon that which is more important than anything else becomes despised and irrelevant.

Today, I minister under the anointing and many respect me for the ministry.  But if I had not obeyed God when I did, I may have lived out my life normally as a medical doctor. Discussions about the call of God would have seemed insignificant and irrelevant.

Sitting amongst my medical colleagues in various hospitals, the thought of being a pastor would have sounded ridiculous.  I would have said to my friends, “Let me tell you about a silly idea I once had. Did you know that I once wanted to be a pastor? When we were younger, we were over- spiritual and impractical.”

Have you never met grown-ups who said they were originally lined up for priesthood? In their old age they try to compensate for their disobedience through their children.

I know a man who tried to force one of his children to become a priest.

He said to his son, “God called me to be a priest but I didn’t do it.  You become that priest and I will give you property and money so that you lack nothing.” At the end of their lives they desperately want to compensate for a life of non-compliance and non-cooperation with God.

Dear friend, I can assure you that the longer you walk in your own ways the more distant and unrealistic the commands of God will seem. There is a reason for proton.

Proton, doing first things first, saves you from deception.  God will take care of you and be with you as you flow in His will.

2. Anything that is not done first may never be done.

Delay often means cancellation.  Anything that is not done first may never be done. I never knew that delaying something could actually lead to its cancellation.

There was a day I had to make a trip from London to New York to minister.  I was actually scheduled to minister in Maryland that night. Unfortunately, I had a very early flight from Heathrow Airport in London, to Amsterdam and then I was to connect from Amsterdam to New York.  Somehow I did not believe the time I saw on my ticket. I thought it was too early to be true.

When I got to the airport, for the first time in my life, I was too late to check-in or to board the aircraft.  I had missed the check in time by about twenty minutes. I was disappointed.  I had to wait for the next flight to Amsterdam!

“You cannot make your first connection to New York but you can get a later flight,” they told me. I realized from the time, that I would still make it to New York and just in time to drive to Maryland.  So I called New York and told the pastor when I would be arriving and told him that we would need to drive rapidly to Maryland.  I assured him that we were in good time and that the programme would surely come on in spite of the slight delay.

In Amsterdam, I confidently boarded my connecting flight to New York knowing that it would soon take off and I would be on my way.  After a while, I looked out of the window and I saw people spraying the wings of the plane.  Then came the announcement: “There is so much ice on the engine that it will not be safe to take off.  It will take us one hour to get rid of it. Please bear with us.”

I did another calculation and I still felt I could just make it to Maryland for the programme.  The whole church would be waiting for me. They had been expecting me for weeks.  Unfortunately, it was not to be so.

After the ice problem was solved, a new one arose, introducing even further delays. This time they said the toilets in the plane were not working and they had to fix them.  I had never heard of toilets in a plane not working but it was happening live!  It took another two hours before we were finally ready for take-off.

I sat in anguish as the minutes went by, imagining how many people would have gathered for the programme.  Eventually, I had to accept that the programme would be cancelled because I would not make it in time.  As I sat in my chair, I reflected over how the twenty-minute delay in London had cancelled my entire programme.

It was then that the Lord spoke to me: “Do you see that delay can mean cancellation?”

The Lord showed me that the delay in obeying His Word could lead to my never doing His will! The Lord showed me that He had allowed me to have this experience so that I would learn how the delay in doing His will sometimes leads to my never doing it.

Many who intend to obey God will never end up obeying Him because they put the wrong things first.  Their marriage, their PhDs, their MBAs, and their five-year trip abroad, all come before obedience to the Lord.  Obedience to God, which they put in second place never materialized.

I have watched with sadness as people who should have been full-time in the ministry postpone it till after they accomplished certain things. Unfortunately that delay permanently closed the opportunity for them to be in full-time ministry.  What people don’t realize is that with time, circumstances change so much that the will of God does not seem realistic any more.

Delay often means cancellation but many do not know this fact.  Has God spoken to you?  What has He asked you to do?  Maybe obeying God is not protonfor you.  Perhaps a thousand different things come before your obedience to the Lord.

3. It is an insult to give the second place to that which should be first.

Many do not realize that it is insulting to make God your second or third option.

One day while I was preaching, I identified several young ladies who did not have husbands.

I suggested to them to get married to a nice young man in church. They all refused.

“Why don’t you want to marry him, is he not a handsome man?”

“Yes he is,” they answered.

“Is he a spiritual person?”

“Yes he is.  He is even a pastor.”

“Does he not have a car and a house?”

“Yes he does.  Actually his car is very nice.”

“Then why don’t any of you want to marry him?”

“Because he has a wife already,” they answered.

I continued, “But you can be his second wife?”

In chorus they all cried out, “No way, no sir, we will not be second wives, we want to be number one.”

They felt insulted that I would offer them the second position.  They wanted to be wives but not second wives.  These young ladies wanted to be wives but only if they would be the first and only wives.  This is how God feels.  He knows we will serve Him but He wants us to serve Him first.  It is actually an insult to put God after anything! Unfortunately, God is constantly relegated to the second, third and sometimes tenth place of importance.  It is time for God to take His proton (foremost) position in your life.

4. Problems abound when that which is to be first becomes second.

When something that is supposed to be done second is done first, many things go wrong.  I was recently in one African country and my host took me to a cemetery.  I was amazed at the fresh graves that were gradually filling every space.  At a dinner, with another pastor friend, he gave me an incredible account of the number of funerals that he was conducting in his city.  He told us that they had so many funerals that pastors no longer conducted funeral services.  The funerals were so numerous that cell leaders had to conduct burial services of church members.

I listened in amazement.  He went on to describe how they no longer buried people lying down because there was no space in the cemetery.  He described how they buried them vertically, standing up!  The coffins were actually placed vertically into the ground to save space.  In other words, the dead bodies would stand, rather than lie down.  I thought to myself, “In such a situation do you say, ‘stand in peace,’ or ‘rest in peace’?”

What was the cause of this unprecedented wave of death in this country? Why were so many people dying?

The answer was simple: the second thing had come before the first thing.  Sex had come before marriage.  Sex is supposed to be experienced only after marriage.  In this country, sex was an experience occurring largely outside the context of marriage.  A wave of death had swept through that nation because the first thing had become the second and the second thing first.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

The Women

This is a book I am writing to women. It is a message for women everywhere. Women were created differently from men and I believe they deserve a special message.

Jesus referred to ladies in two different ways. He would either call them women or daughters.

There is a difference between a daughter and a woman. If I were a lady, I would prefer it if Jesus called me “daughter”. I think a daughter is generally more receptive, more open and more humble. In the natural, an adult woman is not as easy to influence as a daughter is.

The Bitterness of Life

Many women are embittered by their lives’ experiences. They are hardened, unforgiving and unmerciful. The painful experiences of life have washed away the beauty of faith and trust. “Never trust a man,” they say. They say to themselves, “Never trust another woman.” I notice how many women live in solitude. They are loners with almost no friends.

Notice how Jesus spoke to the woman of Samaria. He was trying to get this woman to believe the things he was saying.

…WOMAN, BELIEVE ME, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

John 4:21

Notice how Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery. This was a woman who had almost lost her life at the hands of unforgiving men. He wanted her to believe in love again.

…WOMAN, WHERE ARE THOSE THINE ACCUSERS? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

John 8:10, 11

Notice also how Jesus spoke to this woman who had suffered from scoliosis for eighteen years. This woman had been through many things. She had been in bitterness and pain for a long time. This woman needed a miracle. Notice how Jesus addressed her in church:

…WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Luke 13:12, 13

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Christian Forgiveness

And that ye put on the NEW MAN...

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:24, 31, 32

The Bible tells us that when we are born again, we become “new men”, or “new creatures”.

When a man becomes a doctor or an army officer, he is expected to behave in a certain way. In the same way, a certain pattern of behaviour is expected of anyone who claims to be a Christian or a “new man”.

One of the primary qualities of a new man is that he forgives.The new man should not live in unforgiveness.

According to biblical principles, the new man must not live his life according to what goes on in this world. In the world, people hardly forgive.It is natural for a person not to forgive, but to seek revenge. However, when you become a new man, God expects you to forgive.

Indeed, one cardinal difference between the Christian and the unbeliever is that the Christian has the ability to forgive and release the offender.

A new man must be able to forgive!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

What is Backsliding?

God raised up the Prophet Jeremiah at a time when Israel and Judah were about to be taken captive in Babylon. He used Jeremiah to show the people of Israel the backslidden state of their hearts.

Jeremiah, Why Are You Crying?

The Book of Jeremiah gives several vivid descriptions of the backslidden state. Jeremiah, also known as “the weeping prophet”, had most of his messages centered on the theme backsliding. He was often at “war” with the people of Israel, constantly warning them to repent and change from their wicked ways. The weeping prophet was concerned about the wayward attitude of his people. He repeatedly urged them, “Turn away from your wicked ways. Stop doing evil! Repent and come back to God.”

He attempted to show them in many different ways what it meant to backslide. Yet the people of Israel and Judah refused to change.

Many years ago I learnt through experience that backsliding can be likened to walking on a road with no signboards. In our Christian walk there are no signboards to warn you that you are backsliding. There is no sign that says, HELL AND DESTRUCTION - 200 METERS AHEAD. There's simply no such sign! Backsliding happens gradually, until you are drawn somewhere you never expected to be. Gradually but certainly, you SLIDE there.

Backsliding is realand can be analyzed by studying the different forms of backsliding described by Jeremiah. The prophet used real-life situations to describe this very common spiritual phenomenon. It is a common occurrence in the Christian world. The Bible says,

…for many be called, but few chosen.

Matthew 20:16

In other words, many start out with Christ but many still fall away. The Bible also says,

…he that endureth TO THE END shall be saved.

Matthew 10:22

Many who come to Christ, fall away later.

Even YOU Can Backslide!

Some people may scorn at this topic and say, "I can't see myself backsliding." This very attitude shows that you are prone to backsliding. The Bible cautions in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he FALL."

This book will help you to develop staying power for the Christian race. The more you know, the safer you will be - and the more staying power you will have.The Bible says,

…for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2 Corinthians 2:11

The teaching that this book offers will drive away the plague of ignorance. Remember that those who do not read are no better than those who cannot read.In other words, those who refuse to seek knowledge are no better than those who genuinely do not have the ability to do so.

In the next chapter, I am going to show you different ways by which you can look at backsliding.

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

The Master Key To Breakthrough

Now the just shall live by faith…

Hebrews 10:38

What Does It Mean to "Name It, Claim It and Take It"?

"Name it, claim it and take it", is simply a descriptive term for exercising your faith. Every Christian must have faith and must exercise it! Faith is the reason for breakthroughs and miracles in our lives. Faith is the reason for answers to prayer. Generally speaking, people who have faith are more prosperous than those who do not. I have noticed a difference between Christians who walk by faith and those who do not!

Faith people also experience disappointments, sickness and other shortcomings. However, very generally speaking, I notice a trend of blessings, abundance and long life among those who believe for them.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:38

God is saying that if you draw away from faith, He will not be pleased with you. There are those who think that faith is not so important. They tend to draw away from the faith message and faith people. They feel that there must rather be an emphasis on patience, gentleness, holiness, etc. I believe these are important, and they all play special roles in the Christian life. This, however, does not mean we should play down on the importance of faith to the Christian life. The fact that the heart is important to the body does not mean that the kidneys are not equally important. Both are important, and both have special roles to play.

Faith is a very special virtue which has a key role to play in every Christian's life. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

It is interesting to note that the Word of God does not say that without love it is impossible to please God. The Bible does not say that without peace it is impossible to please God.

The Bible is very clear on this fact: WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD!

Abraham's faith in God was considered as an act of righteousness. Abraham believed that El' Shaddai was able to give him a child in his old age. Abraham had his faults. He lied about his wife and surrendered her twice to unbeliever kings for their pleasure.

In spite of his lying and cowardly behaviour, God was very pleased with Abraham because he had faith in His commandments.

Maybe by your standards, Abraham would have been disqualified. Perhaps in your opinion, Abraham was not a great guy. But he was a great man in God's sight. His greatness was as a result of his faith.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore IT WAS IMPUTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Romans 4:21, 22

Dear Christian friend, God is happy, impressed and pleased when you believe in Him. When you believe that God will heal you, you make God happy! When you believe that God will prosper you, you make God excited. When you believe that your breakthrough is on the way, God is so pleased with you. When you have faith that you will live long, God is provoked to extend your life. When you believe that God will give you increase and abundance, you excite the deep parts of El' Shaddai. You make Him pour out the milk of His blessings into your life.

I see you walking in the great blessings of Jehovah! I see you enjoying an abundant life in God! I see you free from sickness and disease! I see the power of curses broken in your life! I see that God is pleased with you because you believe in Him!

From today, never doubt any part of God's Word. Accept that you are the champion He is speaking about. Flow with the message of prosperity, healing and abundance. Always remember that God is happy when you believe in Him.

God is not a God of poverty. Since I came to know the Lord I have not decreased in any way. I do not read about decrease, failure, setbacks and limitations in the Bible. I see only abundance, promotion and deliverance from my enemies. I see God lifting me up everyday! God did not bring you to Christ in order to demote and disgrace you. He brought you to Christ to lift and establish you in an abundant life. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Jesus Blessed the Faith People

Under the ministry of Jesus, several people experienced personal breakthroughs. Who were they? And why did they receive these miracles?

You will remember what Jesus said about the woman with the issue of blood. This was a woman who had suffered for twelve years without any breakthrough. She came up to Jesus and received an extraordinary miracle. What was the secret of her breakthrough? Jesus gave the answer in Mark 5:34

…Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole…

Mark 5:34

Blind Bartimaeus received his sight miraculously. He was a noisy fellow who disturbed the service. But Jesus took notice of him and healed him. What was his secret? His secret was faith in God. He had his healing by naming it, claiming it and taking it! Look at what Jesus said to Bartimaeus:

…THY FAITH hath made thee whole.

Mark 10:52

The sinful woman who poured an alabaster box of ointment on Jesus' feet also received a miracle of forgiveness. Why did Jesus forgive her? Jesus said to the woman,

…THY FAITH hath saved thee; go in peace.

Luke 7:50

Ten lepers were healed and only one came back to say thank you. The one who came back was made whole. Why did this leper receive an extra blessing? Jesus said the same words to him.

…Arise, go thy way: THY FAITH hath made thee whole.

Luke 17:19

Two blind men came to Jesus and asked for the mercy of God. Jesus touched them and healed them. What makes such nice things happen to some people? What were His words to these two men?

…According to YOUR FAITH be it unto you.

Matthew 9:29

Have you noticed that Jesus never said, "Thy love hath made thee whole"?

Jesus never said, "Thy holiness hath saved you."

He never said, "According to your patience, be it unto you."

Why did Jesus not say, "Thy good character hath made thee whole"?

Please do not misunderstand me! I am not saying that these virtues are not important! I am saying that it is the people's faith that impressed Jesus. I am showing you that Jesus pointed out over and over that it was their faith that had brought the breakthrough. That is why the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Have you ever thought of those men who broke through the roof of somebody's house in order to bring their paralyzed friend to Christ? Perhaps they were experienced thieves who were used to breaking into people's homes. Perhaps they were men who were used to jumping the queue and cheating others out of their rightful place. But the Bible tells us that Jesus noticed their faith and immediately responded to their needs.

And WHEN HE SAW THEIR FAITH he said unto them, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Luke 5:20

Jesus didn't see their fault for jumping the queue or removing the tiles from somebody's roof. He saw their faith! Jesus sees your faith! God sees your faith! It is time for you to rise up and believe the things that are written in the Word of God. According to your faith, it shall be done unto you!

by Dag Heward-Mills

[ilovearticlesoffaith-blog]

Quiet Time - Your Personal Time With God

Quiet time is time you spend with God alone. If anybody were to ask me what the greatest secret of my relationship with God is, I would say without any hesitation that it is the power of the quiet times I have with Him everyday. I am eternally grateful to the lady who taught me how to have a quiet time with the Lord every morning. What she taught me has greatly influenced my life to date, and that is why I decided to write this book so that you too can benefit from the power of quiet time.

Seven Things That Happen During Quiet Time

1. During quiet time you develop the most important relationship of your life.

A natural relationship develops between any two people who spend quality time together. Spend quality time with God; Many Christians do not know the importance of this time with God.

2. Having a quiet time makes you develop the most important personal habit of all time: a regular time with your Creator.

I have a quiet time everyday and I spend quality time with the Lord.

3. During your quiet time you draw near to God and He draws near to you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

James 4:8

4. A quiet time makes you read the most important book in the world.

The Bible is the most important book in the world. It is the most outstanding volume known to the human race.

Professor M. Montiero-Williams, in comparing other religious books to the Bible said,

"Pile them, if you will, on the left side of your study table; but place your own Holy Bible on the right side - all by itself, all alone - and with a wide gap between them. For, there is a gulf between it and the so-called sacred books of the East which severs the one from the other utterly, hopelessly, and forever …a veritable gulf which cannot be bridged over by any science of religious thought."

5. A quiet time is your personal School of the Word.

During your quiet time, you sit and learn at the feet of the Greatest Teacher Jesus left us - the Holy Spirit. He will teach you many things and show you many wonderful revelations in the Word.

I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth... and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:12, 13

6. During your quiet time, you increase in your personal knowledge of the Scriptures.

“...add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.\’

2 Peter 1:5

But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

Your personal quiet time gives you the opportunity to add knowledge to your faith.

7. During your quiet time, you experience the presence of God.

Adam experienced the presence of the Lord in the Garden of Eden until he backslid.

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God...

Genesis 3:8

There is a hunger in every man. There is a search in every human being for the presence of God. We all long for the presence of Jehovah. There is nothing like the presence of God. Every preacher longs to feel the presence of God as he ministers. The church service is never the same without the presence of God. Your life will have fullness of joy as you experience the presence of God in your quiet time!

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:11

by Dag Heward-Mills