THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

Introduction

We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society.

Yet, the Christian is called to live differently.

Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone.

A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them.

1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS

One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity.

The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society.

1 Peter 2:9 says:

«“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”»

You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession.

When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable.

Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you.

You belong to Christ.

2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD

A changing world needs an unchanging standard.

Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging.

The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world.

We must therefore become students of the Word.

Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said.

People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change.

But the Word of our God stands forever.

3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM

Romans 12:2 says:

«“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”»

There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world.

Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it.

This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society.

We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions.

You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt.

You can live among people who compromise without compromising.

You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light.

4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

A challenging world requires spiritual strength.

Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience.

There are battles that human strength cannot win.

Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience.

A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise.

Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father.

We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him.

5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH

Challenges are part of the journey.

James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity.

This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us.

Sometimes God changes the situation.

Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it.

Sometimes He uses the situation to change us.

Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith.

Your trial is not the end of your story.

The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you.

David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence.

Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him.

The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone.

God remains faithful in the fire.

6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART

Proverbs 4:23 says:

«“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”»

The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism.

If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us.

That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate.

Not everything that is popular is profitable.

Not everything that is trending is godly.

Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.

A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary.

7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14:

“You are the light of the world.”

Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.”

He said, “You are the light.”

Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines.

The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ.

Your workplace should experience your integrity.

Your family should experience your love.

Your community should experience your kindness.

Your generation should see Christ through your character.

We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives.

8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD

A challenging world is also a hurting world.

People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion.

The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love.

Jesus said in John 13:35:

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities.

We must love.

We must forgive.

We must encourage.

We must help.

We must show compassion.

Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting.

9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY

One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal.

This world is not our final destination.

Our possessions are temporary.

Our positions are temporary.

Our earthly achievements are temporary.

But eternity is forever.

Therefore, we must live with eternity in view.

Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul.

Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure.

Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause.

10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP

Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit.

Galatians 6:9 says:

«“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”»

There may be moments when you feel tired.

There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered.

There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle.

But keep going.

Keep praying.

Keep believing.

Keep serving.

Keep loving.

Keep trusting God.

Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life.

CONCLUSION

The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God.

We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him.

We are called to stand when others fall.

To shine when others walk in darkness.

To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular.

To demonstrate love when hatred increases.

To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult.

And to remain faithful until the end.

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful.

The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed.

The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient.

The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine.

Therefore, stand firm.

Stay prayerful.

Stay in the Word.

Stay holy.

Stay humble.

Stay faithful.

And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.

— Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
#LifeofaChristian
#PJCares

Sermon Title: "RIGHT GIVING IN A WRONG SEASON"
Key Texts: 2 Corinthians 9:7, Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 12:1-2, Psalm 51:17

INTRODUCTION
Beloved, we are in the last days. Times of hardship. Times where many are pressed on every side.
And in these days, giving has become godly for some... and desperate for others.

God loves a cheerful giver. But the enemy has twisted giving into a trap for the wounded.
Today God is calling us back: Look to God first, not to giving as a formula.

1. GIVING IS GODLY, BUT MOTIVE MATTERS
2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving is worship. It is obedience. It is sowing.
But in this last age, error has entered.
Many are giving not out of faith, but out of fear and desperation. "If I give this, then God must heal me. Then God must pay my rent."

That’s not covenant. That’s bargaining.
And when we bargain with God, we leave ourselves ungodly and still desperate because our eyes are on the gift, not the Giver.

Isaiah 1:11 — “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord.”
God wants the heart before the hand.

2. THE REAL NEED: REPENTANCE AND RELATIONSHIP
Your message says it: “Look to God in repentance, obedience of God's word and be right before God.”

Hardship will come. 2 Timothy 3:1 — “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”
But the answer is not just to give more. The answer is to return to God.

Joel 2:12-13 — “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.”

God’s priority is not your offering. It’s you.
When you are right with God, He heals both:
Physical wounds: Psalm 147:3 — “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Spiritual wounds: Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

3. THE DANGER: USING GOD FOR THE GIFT
You said: “Unfortunately receivers of what they give. Ain't looking to this but after their more giving in. Leaving them ungodly before and desperate in life.”

This is the trap. Using God like an ATM.
Acts 8:20 — Peter told Simon, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!”

When we chase the blessing more than the Blesser, we stay in cycles:
Desperation → Give
No instant result → More desperation → Give more
We become tired, bitter, and far from God.

Jesus warned us: Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

4. GOD’S WAY: HEAL FIRST, THEN GIVE FROM WHOLENESS
God is not against your giving. He is for your healing.

Hebrews 12:1-2 — “Let us lay aside every weight... and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

God’s order:
Repentance - Turn from sin and self-reliance
Obedience - Walk in His Word daily
Relationship - Seek His face, not just His hand
Giving - Now give from a place of faith and joy, not fear

When you do this, God restores. Malachi 3:10 — “Bring the full tithe... and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.”
But notice: the tithe comes after “Return to me” in verse 7.

CLOSING CALL + PRAYER
Church, don’t let hardship push you into error.
Don’t give to manipulate God. Give because you love Him.

If you’ve been giving out of desperation, today is the day to return.

Prayer:
Father, heal us. Heal our finances, but more than that, heal our hearts.
Forgive us for making giving a transaction

August 16 - The Danger of Wrongly-Based Rituals

#LifeOfChrist

“Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they?’” (Matthew 9:14–15).

Religious ritual and routine, if not handled appropriately, will always threaten true godliness. Some practices, such as praying to saints or lighting candles for the dead, are heretical. But even biblical practices, when their forms become the center of attention, can become barriers to true righteousness. Church attendance, Bible reading, saying grace before meals, and singing hymns can become lifeless habits that exclude true worship and praise. When we apply good things such as these the wrong way, they can keep us from faithful obedience . . . and keep unbelievers from trusting in God.

Alms, prescribed prayer, and fasting were the three major expressions of piety the Jews performed in Jesus’ time. The leaders took these matters quite seriously and were meticulous to practice them publicly so as to impress others with their piety (cf. Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). Thus these practices became badges of pride and hypocrisy rather than marks of humble and genuine religion before God.

Jesus’ point in mentioning the bridegroom and his attendants is to show how out of place it is for His followers (attendants) to mourn and fast while He (the Bridegroom) is with them in person. Pharisaical manners and rituals are always wrong for Christians, but even good practices (such as sincere fasting), if not done properly, can hinder what the Lord wants to accomplish in our midst.

Ask Yourself

Should our answer to this kind of hypocrisy be the removal of all forms, disciplines, and ritual practices from our worship? Or is there value in these kinds of expressions? What would go missing from our worship if it was all spur-of-the-moment, with no cherished repetitions?

LOST IN THE CHURCH

[GETTING LOST IN CHURCH]

Part Four

Keeping the Law

No one will enter Heaven by keeping the Law. For no one can keep all the Law without stumbling even in one point. And whenever you break one law, you have broken all of it.

Essentially, the Law was not given to the world to save people. It was given to reveal the sin that exists in the hearts of human beings and then show them that humanity needs a Savior—Jesus Christ!

So, it is strange that Jesus has come, yet people have refused to go to Him and instead have gone back to the Law.

If the Law could save, then what was the purpose of Jesus dying on the cross? It would have been enough simply to send the Law into the world, and it would have accomplished everything.

My brothers and sisters, sin is not merely an action; sin is a condition of the heart.

For example, when someone steals, people immediately judge the action. But they may fail to understand that the action has only revealed the sin that already existed within that person's heart. Therefore, before God, that person is a thief even before the actual act of stealing, because God looks at the heart.

For instance, if you give a person a law that says, “Do not steal,” and that law succeeds in preventing him from stealing 100% of the time, you have only succeeded in controlling his body from expressing sin outwardly. You have not removed the sin from his heart.

Therefore, at its very best, the Law cannot make a person's heart pure. And Scripture clearly says that no one will see God without a pure heart. Matthew 5:8

Therefore, anyone who approaches the Law in order to become holy has been seriously deceived. I compare such a person to someone who goes to a traditional healer to have a demon removed. What the healer may do is not remove the demon but merely suppress it—controlling it so that it does not cause trouble while it remains inside.

Jesus alone is able to transform you when you come to Him. He can change your very nature.

My brothers and sisters, the Lord did not come into the world looking for good people, perfect people, people who never sin, or people who are capable of perfectly keeping the Law. He came looking for people who recognize their need for His help, who will believe in Him, and above all, who will love Him.

Keeping the Law Under the New Covenant

Whenever people hear about keeping the Law, the first thing that often comes to mind is the Old Covenant and certain churches that emphasize the Law.

Because they consider themselves churches of salvation, they may think this message does not apply to them.

But from the perspective of “Getting Lost in Church,” this message may actually apply even more to spiritual churches than to others.

There is a great danger in reading the New Covenant through the mindset of the Old Covenant.

Someone may think that perhaps praying for a long time, fasting frequently, or performing many religious activities will make God accept them.

Someone may think that because they attend church every day, do not commit adultery, do not lie, give generously to God, help the needy, serve in church, sing in the choir, preach, or have a good relationship with the pastor, they will automatically be allowed into Heaven on the last day.

Many people in church have been deceived by these things. They even look down on others because they believe they themselves are safe.

Now, I am not saying that doing these things is wrong or unnecessary. Not at all.

Rather, a person should do these things after they have already encountered the Lord.

Keeping the Law without encountering the Lord or being born again is an insult to the cross of Calvary.

If someone could enter Heaven simply by doing all these things, then why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

So, salvation is not primarily about what we have done, but about what the Lord Jesus has already done on the cross.

Outside the cross of Jesus, there is no true love, no holiness, no righteousness, no relationship with God, no Christianity, and no salvation.

Therefore, when we look at the cross with grateful hearts and connect it to everything we do, we enter into His love and develop a relationship with Him.

And we know that the life of every relationship is communication.

Without communication, there can be no genuine love or meaningful relationship.

Have you ever had a relationship with someone you love who was far away from you, while the two of you stopped communicating?

Even in English, we say:

“The more the communication, the stronger the relationship—and vice versa.”

This means that the degree to which a person hears from God and communicates with Him determines the closeness of that person's relationship with God.

For the Word says:

“My sheep hear my voice.”
John 10:27

#ToBeContinued...

Sir. Ernest Nyalula

LostInTheChurch
#JesusChrist
#GraceNotWorks
#TheCrossOfChrist
#NewCovenant
#SalvationByGrace
#BornAgain
#ChristianTruth
#BiblicalTruth
#KnowTheWord
#FaithInChrist
#KingdomOfGod
#LordBook
#Christianity
#SpiritualGrowth

Return to God and be Uplifted!
Repentance brings a change of attitude concerning God. The sinner naturally vilifies God. Even when he speaks of His love, he has no conception of God’s justice and wrath. True repentance brings a sense of the Holy God who cannot look upon sin. It impacts a change of mind concerning sin itself upon a person.
The unrepentant delight in sin. A child of God may be tempted to sin and even fall into sin, but his bosom aches when he does so. A true child of God who has repented cannot enjoy sin and continuously longs for deliverance. Before every child of God, there is a vision both of what he is and what he ought to be. He cries with the poet; “O that a man might arise in me that I might ease to be.”
Repentance gives the sinners a change of mind concerning him. Before our salvation, we all had a good opinion of ourselves. Like the Pharisees, we often thanked God that, “we were not as other men, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican" (Luke 18:11). But, every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (Verse 14). Where there is true repentance, though, men often despair of themselves, and like the publication, their cry is, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. They echo Paul’s exasperated plea: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death" (Romans 7:24). For Christ came not to call the righteousness, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).
Repentance affects the motions and will, and also creates a change of feeling. We must beware here lest we are deceived. The old time evangelist who specialized in death-bed stories often created mere human emotion filling the mourners' bench with weeping people. These mourners often had a remorse for their evil doings, deeply regretting they had not been better men and women when they were told about meeting their “mother” in heaven. But remorse in not repentance, though I must say remorse is a very common experience for those who commit sin. Someone has called remorse the “echo of lost virtue”.
Remorse is the attitude of mind and heart for some evil done. Repentance, however, goes deeper. Repentance creates a sorrow for what we are rather that remorse for what we have done. Therefore says the Hebrews writer, “Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ (Messiah), let us go into perfection by not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1).
Christian repentance is not merely the pangs of an injured conscience. Christian repentance follows the Holy Spirit’s convicting work deep within our soul (John 16:7 and 8). It lays strong hold upon the human will and brings the sinners into conformity with the will of God. It is heeding God’s call from a life of destruction (Mark 1:15). Repentance does not mean merely shedding tears over our wrong doings. It ends in faith in Christ, the Saviour. The Church must preach and teach until these conditions are obtained in the ministries. Then our revival shall have come. For this is the will of God for all mankind (Acts 17:30).
Today what the Church and the continents at large need is repentance. The call of the pulpit to the pew must be repentance. And that of the crusades to the nations must similarly be repentance, and this must eventuate in confession of sins. The scripture, therefore, tells us: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God” (Jeremiah3:13).That will move our God to come down and heal our many wounds. We are reminded that, “The Lord’s hands is not shortened, that it cannot save neither is His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquity have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah59:1 and 2). He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confess and forsake them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). “For as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens; be zealous therefore and repent!” (Revelation 3:19).
The repentance must not only be among the lowly citizens but must spring from the governors trickling to the governed. “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand,” declares the Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:24 and 26).
Almighty God is calling to the people today as He did to former Israel that, “Therefore also now, says the Lord, Turn even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent Him of the evil. Who knows if He will return and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bride-groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar and let them say: Spare your people O Lord and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then the Lord will be so jealous for His land and pity His people. Yes the Lord will answer and say unto His people, Behold I will send you corn, and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen but I will remove far off from you northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face towards the east sea and his hinder part towards the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up and his savor shall come up because he has done great things. Fear not O land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things. And I will restore to you the years that locusts has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmerworm my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:12-21: 25 and 26).
The Lord’s northern army is the destruction God brings upon a people as a result of their wickedness. Indeed righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). For the Lord God of Israel, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves righteousness and judgement (Psalm 33:5). He stresses that judgement is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). The reason being that when his judgements are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). When a nation leaves wickedness and turns to the Lord, such a people receive pardon and sure favour from the Lord God Almighty. The psalmist thus wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12).
The Lord delights in the humility of a people. This makes Him hear our plea and smile back at us with a pardon. And this humility must start in His sanctuary. He says: “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Therefore every Christian by and far, let us rally in repentance for the healing of our lands. For repentance turns away God’s wrath.
Nineveh found itself in a similar situation many African nations are in today. Plagued with wickedness in diverse places and faced with imminent judgment, the Almighty God used Jonah to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Nineveh: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Unlike most of our folks who hear and turn the head the other way, the Ninevehs believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest-including the king-to the least of them. And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way, and God repented them of the evil that he had said He would bring upon them, and He did it not (Jonah 3).
Repentance touches the core of God’s heart. Humble yourself and return to the Lord your Creator. Repentance automatically brings healing. The Lord says, “Wash you, and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, and judge the fatherless plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together; though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:16-19).
The Living God is the healer of nations. The psalmist has declared of Him: “God be merciful to us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving health among all nations” (Psalm 67:1 and 2). Perhaps this ought to be the prayer on everyone’s lips now.
Stay awake O Christian in the truth!
The good LORD has always extended this gracious invitation to man over the millennia. And, therefore, if it is your desire to know Him as He truly is - the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Savior, and Redeemer of mankind, then pray this prayer of repentance unto salvation: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you with all the sins I have committed and I beg you to forgive me. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Please cleanse my body, soul, and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help Lord, and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you every day, please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Thank you, O Lord for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen!”
Welcome now to this grand and mighty army of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on earth. Read the Bible often, and join a congregation near you where Christ Jesus is preached and the Almighty Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worshiped in Spirit and in Truth for your own spiritual growth and strength.
The Almighty God make you the apple of His eyes as I solemnly declare of Him: “After He has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye - I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them” (Zachariah 2:8). The peace and love of Christ Jesus the Lord be with you now and forever.

Some fasts end in miracles. Some end in obedience. Both are answers.

New post this week—Come Hungry.

I am fasting and praying today. Send me your prayer request.

https://lawrencemanickam.substack.com/p/come-hungry

#fasting #motivation #faith #prayer #jesus #devotional

𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐄!!

1. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐥 2:25)
This often signals spiritual theft—virtue, favor, or opportunities being taken in the spirit realm. When you see this, rise and pray for restoration. God reveals loss in dreams so you can reject it before it manifests. Always speak life over your possessions and destiny immediately.

2. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 (𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 91:5)
This is a sign of spiritual attack or monitoring spirits assigned to frustrate your progress. Don’t brush it off. Destiny attacks usually show up as relentless chases in dreams. Respond with prayer and spiritual vigilance.

3. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 (𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 54:17).
This indicates spiritual pollution and satanic deposits meant to weaken your prayer life, health, or destiny. Reject it in prayer and fast if you must. It is never normal and requires immediate spiritual attention.

4. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (2 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 5:17).
This is a sign of backwardness, delay, or cycles repeating. It means something is fighting your progress. When God wants to warn you about stagnation, He often shows you the past. Respond with declarations of forward movement.

5. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 (𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐬 20:7)
This reveals spiritual manipulation aimed at draining virtue, delaying marriage, or attacking purity. It is a major red flag. Such dreams are never innocent—break them immediately through prayer and fasting.

6. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐲 (𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 61:7)
This signals shame, exposure, or vulnerability the enemy is trying to orchestrate. It means your spiritual covering is under attack. Pray for restoration of honor, protection, and a renewed covering from God.

7. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧 (𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 118:17)
This is a clear warning against death, sickness, or destructive events. Don’t panic—pray. God reveals it so you can cancel it. Take such dreams very seriously and act with spiritual authority.

8. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡, 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 (𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐡 30:17)
This signifies spiritual weakness, loss of strength, or a major attack on your health or glory. When your glory is under attack, it often appears as losing something vital in a dream. Declare restoration and strength over your life.

9. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 34:17)
This shows spiritual instability, failure near breakthroughs, or battles you’re not confronting. God is signaling you to rise, stand firm, and seek His help urgently. Respond with courage and prayers of protection.

10. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 10:10)
This means exchange—your blessings being swapped for battles. It’s a sign of destiny tampering. Pray aggressively to reverse every spiritual replacement.

God’s word can restore what the enemy tried to steal.

God warns before danger arrives. These dreams are not coincidences—they are spiritual alerts.

When you see them, don’t fear, but don’t ignore them.

Rise, pray, cancel every attack, and declare God’s word. What the enemy plans in the night can be defeated before the morning. Stay alert, stay prayerful, and stay covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Blessing
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JOIN US FOR THIS MONTH’S EDITION OF THE 14-DAY ALTAR AGAINST ALTARS PRAYER AND FASTING.
THEME: O GOD AVENGE ME OF MY ADVERSARIES!
Luke: 18:3, Psalms 18:47.
Date: 13th – 26th August 2026.
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SHALOM

JOIN US FOR THIS MONTH’S EDITION OF THE 14-DAY ALTAR AGAINST ALTARS PRAYER AND FASTING.
THEME: O GOD AVENGE ME OF MY ADVERSARIES!
Luke: 18:3, Psalms 18:47.
Date: 13th – 26th August 2026.
Venue: WhatsApp Group
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Daily Live Prayer Meeting)
For Enquiries/To Join:
+2348062343560
dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com

SHALOM

LOST IN THE CHURCH

PART ONE

At the beginning of my Christian journey, I used to ask myself some difficult questions. Some of them took me a very long time to find answers to. One of those questions was this:

How was it possible for Satan to become lost while he was in heaven, in the very presence of God?

For someone who truly wants to know God and does not want to become lost, I believe it is impossible to avoid asking questions like these and seeking their answers. Many things that were written in the Scriptures were written for our learning, so that we may learn from them and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

If the idea of being lost in the Church sounds surprising to you, then you should be even more surprised by the fact that Satan became lost in heaven.

When you carefully think about what happened to Satan, you will discover that his fall in heaven, in the presence of God, is not completely different from what happened to Peter when he began to sink into the sea in the presence of the Lord. Matthew 14:28–30.

If you look closely, you will notice that both of them were connected by one important thing: they took their eyes off the Lord and began looking at something else, even though the reasons were different.

Peter took his eyes off the Lord because of fear when he saw the strong wind. Satan, on the other hand, took his eyes off the Lord because of selfishness, desire, envy, and pride.

We often enter into serious and dangerous mistakes when we take our eyes off the Lord and begin looking at other things. When we do this, in a way, we are saying that the things we are looking at are either more frightening than the Lord or better than the Lord.

And that can become a form of IDOLATRY.

Worshipping Idols

Anything that takes the place of God can become an idol.

Many of us are very careful about external idols, but there is no idol more dangerous than an idol that has been carved inside a person's heart.

There are many things that the Lord has given us to help us come closer to Him. However, He never intended for those things to take His place or for us to worship them.

Some of these things include:

The Church, worship, God's servants, angels, prayer, the Word of God, fasting, good works, commandments, laws, and many others.

None of these things, by themselves, can save a person if that person places his or her trust in them instead of in God.

This means that, using our natural human ability, a person can go to church every day, fast regularly, do good works, and even keep the commandments, yet eventually still end up in hell.

By saying this, I am not saying that I despise the commandments or that I am teaching people not to obey them or do good works. Absolutely not!

What I am saying is that these things should be done by someone who is already living in God's love and has been born again. Otherwise, all those efforts become meaningless—like trying to feed yourself with the wind.

Even more seriously, serving God in such a way can become dangerous. There may come a day when Satan asks you:

“My brother, my sister, in whose name are you doing these things?”

And on that day, there will be a very painful cry.

The Apostle Paul explained this very clearly in 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, saying:

«“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and can understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I give away all I possess to the poor, and even give my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”»

Christianity is not simply about keeping commandments or performing certain good deeds. Christianity is about having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

And that relationship is built on love.

My brother, if you do not have that relationship with Jesus, then no matter how good your actions may be, they will not save you. God cannot be bribed with money or good works.

This means that a person can go to church every day and still not be a Christian.

A person can keep all the commandments and still not love God.

A person can know all the Scriptures and even understand the mysteries of the Kingdom, yet still have no real relationship with the Lord.

I sincerely pray that people will hear and understand these words while there is still time.

The Way and the Life are not a thing, an object, or a physical place. The Way is a Person, and that Person is JESUS CHRIST! John 14:6.

Therefore, if you do not have a living relationship with Jesus, you may spend all night in church, and you may even call yourself a Pastor, Apostle, or Prophet, but you still do not know the Way to Heaven.

The idols that were physically carved during the Old Testament were relatively easy to destroy. A person could break them and turn away from them, just as the children of Israel broke the golden calf they had made.

But destroying the idols of our generation—the idols that are carved in people's souls and hearts—is much more difficult.

Nevertheless, the Word of God still has power. It is alive and powerful, and it can bring down every stronghold and every idol that has raised itself against our Lord Jesus Christ.

HALLELUJAH!

#ToBeContinued...

Sir. Ernest
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