LESSONS FROM THE TREM CATHEDRAL OF HIS GLORY

Recently, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, his congregation at TREM ( The Evangelical Redeemed Mission) along with other Ministers of God and well-wishers dedicated the new church auditorium at Anthony, Lagos, Nigeria aptly called The Cathedral of His Glory. The pictures of this edifice is most magnificent and a befitting tribute to God. 

I am very glad for my brethren at TREM for they had waited for many years for this day to come. They were not disappointed. However, it is the spiritual truths that were implanted in my heart as I admired this beautiful complex that are the lessons that I share with you.

For many years, the building had stood in its shell uncompleted. The church was utilizing a temporary structure behind it. It stood in its foundation to a wall of a few feet and remained in that state. The weather took a toll on it and so was the effect of the rain and sun with time. Even the grass and weeds had overrun it yet it stood unmoved as it were.

Every time I passed by it as I travelled on the Gbagada expressway and even when I attended a marriage event at the church, the lonely outline of the Cathedral were visible and I wondered what the final structure will look like. Oh! Over the years, it was easy to glance at it and see an uncompleted project that may remain in that state for still sometime – seemingly impossible in its posture.

But then, early this year, I passed by that familiar route and realised that work had begun. A few weeks later, its imposing beauty began to emerge and then……….. I saw the final outcome and dedication ceremony on face book. The once deserted and lonely structure had become a lovely complex to behold.

Yes! Bishop Okonkwo and his flock must be full of gratitude to God for its completion. They never quit even as through the years looking at the structure (the cost implications) must have stretched their faith. As I pondered on how this weather beaten and overrun with weeds structure was transformed into an edifying building, I realized that too often that is the story of our lives as God seeks to give us the best makeovers. 

 
There is no doubt that the image of its glory was implanted in the mind of Bishop Okonkwo and others who had saw the architectural design and held on to it in faith despite the years. They saw the finished product even when it stood devoid of anything beautiful.

That in essence is how God wants us to examine our lives in the midst of every challenge and often perplexing issues. Sometimes, we think that the state of our condition is too complicated, broken or just too confusing to be resolved. But not so, for God already has that comprehensive and unchangeable design and details of our lives. His Word gives us an insight to this glorious life which He wants to guide us into its experience.

Ephesians 1.18 describes it:

“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him! Living Bible.( emphasis mine)

The Message Bible portrays the same passage as:

“…… your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him...” (emphasis mine)

I hope you can touch the glory of the wondrous life IN CHRIST within us – His magnificent blueprint from which all issues of our lives are judged and experienced. This is the life that is expressed as:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation( God’s) own purchased special people that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” 1 Peter 2.9. Amplified

 The often challenging experiences of our lives may sometimes lead us to question our beliefs not in an overt but in subtle ways. We begin to resort to other familiar ways to resolve issues which in the final outcome leads us away from God’s plans than to it. I have since learnt from my own and the experiences of others, certain truths that have brought me to a very settled present state of REST that abide within me. What did I discover?

That hastiness and impatience are twin actions that do not produce the righteousness of God.

That there are many thoughts that flow through our hearts that seem right but in the purpose of God for us is not.

That there is a place for endurance to enter into the better resurrection of God as we follow in His will ,which is a knowledge that is personal to each person and revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Thus the enduring legacy of TREM, The Cathedral of His Glory is not in the beautiful edifice that will one day give way but in the spiritual truths that it exemplifies – the virtues of hope, faith, patience undergirded with the love of God that casts out all fears. For these were at work in the transition from its former uninhabitable state to a present position of admiration.

Hope is the very anchor of our soul to God’s plans – not the natural hope that easily fades away but the spiritual IN CHRIST “a joyful and confident expectation towards eternal salvation” 1 Corinthians 13.13. Amplified Bible.

It further explains.

“But we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. So too the (Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness” Romans 8.25-26. Amplified Bible

It is a hope that is sure and steadfast and the reason for this certainty is because it is built and sustained on CHRIST – THE WORD MADE FLESH AND REVEALED IN US (John 1.14) and not on unreliable assurances. Our hope is based on the promises of God made to us in our individual situations and addressing all needs. Yet hope must be watered in our hearts daily by faith and patience.

“Then knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian, nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience.

For instance, there was God’s promise to Abraham: God took an oath in his own name, since there was no one greater to swear by, that he would bless Abraham again and again and make him the father of a great nation of people. Then Abraham waited patiently until finally God gave him a son, Isaac, just as he had promised” Hebrews 6.12-15, Living Bible (emphasis mine)

We are encouraged always as we wait the unfolding of the promises that God has given to us to have a heart that is expectant to receive. In other words, we must be like a woman in the final moments of birth. A good heart nourished in hope, faith patience and love.

Like the raising up of The Cathedral of His Glory which stands in its fullness today, we shall be elevated in our lives in the Awesome Glory of God if we do not faint nor fear. A parting word of comfort.

“But as for that (seed) in the good soil, these are (the people) who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart and steadily bring forth fruit with patience” Luke 8.15. Amplified Bible

LESSONS FROM AFGHANISTAN

The ‘enemy’ is a word that has different interpretations to many people whether in the spiritual or natural form. However, naturally, an enemy is perceived as a person ‘who bears another ill will and actively works or fights against him’ – Websters Dictionary of the English Language. This definition though secularly acceptable is spiritually unwise. But sadly, this position has gained ground in the hearts of Christians which should not be so.

Prayers are made against one’s enemies and disagreements often result in people labelling another as an enemy. More deceptive is the fact that an enemy is perceived as being recognisable by known behavioural display of such ill intentions. But the scriptures disagree with this position. The first truth that it teaches is that our enemy is a spiritual being and not a physical one.

“ For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies – the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.

So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks and when it is all over, you will still be standing up” Ephesians 6.12-13. Living Bible

A very timely and critical advice that makes the difference between the defeat or success of your life. Note that the scripture speaks of spiritual beings as the enemy not people. It is the influence s of these wicked spirits upon people that affects us so that we unfortunately consider them as the enemy.

Also, because we have followed a wrong position, the mode of our warfare will also be faulty. Many spend time and resources fighting people when they can apply a fraction of that time dealing with the root cause of the symptoms – “the wiles of the enemy” Ephesians 6.11. The former path often leads to defeat and huge losses both physically and spiritually. The latter ensures a victory.

Therefore recognising your true enemy is critical to your victory as it determines the nature of your warfare and weapons.

“For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood) but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds” 2 Corinthians10.3-4. Amplified Bible.

This is what the story you are about to read illustrates – that failure to recognise the enemy is deadly and dangerous.

On the 30^th of December 2009, a Jordanian doctor, Dr Human Khalil Abu Mala – al – Balawi (quite a mouthful) walked into the CIA, Korst Base in Afghanistan without any security check and few minutes later, the CIA Station Chief and seven intelligence officers were killed while many were injured. He was a suicide bomber for the Taliban, a terrorist organisation. So how does a person walk unhindered into a heavily guarded US compound is the pressing question. The answer lies in the knowledge of who is your enemy. Dr Balawi is what you will call a triple agent in intelligence circles. (Recall our favourite character, James Bond 007). He had a complex relationship spanning two countries and one organisation.

He had to be a very intelligent person to have been an agent of the US and Jordan as well as a staunch member of the Taliban. He was a ‘friend’ to both countries. Incidentally, the Taliban is considered an enemy of the US. While fraternising with the American and Jordanian agents, he was working actively for the Taliban. He lured the agents of these two countries into a fatal trap by sending mis-information to them.

That faulty perception is what caused the death of eight top intelligence officers and many people injured. They didn’t recognise the ‘true’ enemy. They were therefore using the wrong weapons – friendship and fraternity. It was costly. They let their guard down and the ‘enemy’ struck a low blow that could not be countered.

The reports stated that Dr Balawi had endeared himself to the CIA that they began to see him as one of them and as a consequence didn’t subject him to the usual strict protocol of security checks. I watched on TV, the video he made for broadcast after his suicide attack and he stated resolutely that he never for one moment considered the option of crossing over to the American side. He said that the Americans must be crazy to think he will ever betray the cause of the Taliban and that was why he was happy to go on the suicide mission.

Very Insightful! He maintained his stand till the end (suicide) while the Americans were the ones on shifting sands. How sad.  Well, you may think that you have it all figured out but I hope for your physical and spiritual wellbeing that you really know your enemies because the Americans thought they did. They accepted Dr Balawi as a friend but through it all, he considered them as the ‘enemy’. Who was the last man standing (technically speaking)? Certainly Dr Balawi, as he chose his manner of death whilst the Americans were caught off guard in death.

So who are our real enemies? Again the scripture teaches us who they are and their mode of operation.

“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6.11 NKJV

In another place, it speaks about those

“Whose minds the gods of this age has blinded...” 2 Corinthians 4.4 NKJV

And the result of the deception is stated in 2 Timothy 2.26

“... and that they may come to themselves and escape the snares of the devil having been taken captive by him to do his will” NKJV

Our enemy is the devil and his demons that operate by influencing the minds of people to carry out his will which takes the form of wrong outward behaviours. Our warfare is a spiritual one to rid ourselves and others of such influences in whatever form they take. Therefore our weapon of destruction is not physical but includes love, prayer, faith, salvation in Christ, righteousness, forgiveness, the Word and obedience. That is what will break the enemy’s hold upon our lives and stop the unending cycle of hate and ungodliness that exists in the world. These influences come from an ignorance of the truth that produces deception, lies and error that makes people like Dr Balawi and the CIA agents unsuspecting victims. In the end, it is not about them alone but all of us are victims if we do not renew our minds. That is the real tragedy.

The enemies we should take up arms against are not people but those subtle vices and pressures that we give into “...weights and sin which so easily ensnares us .... Hebrews 12.1 NKJV. They create a gulf between us and God and open us to the wiles of the devil. Don’t be caught off guard chasing after people and leaving your flanks unprotected. Get involved, as we are all connected whether in the cause or the consequences of our enemy’s action. Pray for evil influences to be broken over the lives of people in the world. Do not be restrictive in prayer as we often are. Be connected spiritually against the forces of evil.

I always warned that reading about the attacks in Pakistan was not for enlightenment purposes but for us to pray for them and us. It seemed so distant. Now we have Boko Haram on our soil. Again I warn, it is not about it occurring in Maiduguri and Bauchi, we need to pray that it stops and does not spread. We are all connected.

The FINAL WORD

“Be careful- watch out for attacks from satan your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord...” 1 Peter 5.8-9 Living Bible.

LESSONS FROM A GLOBAL RECESSION

The Global recession has been with us for a while and in many countries, the effects are just beginning. No country has been spared from the developed, developing to the under developed. From America, Ireland, Greece, Spain to Nigeria. In Nigeria, being that we are a people of tough skins and survival tactics, it may not be as clear as in other countries but it is here with us. From the stock market crash to the bank busts and spiralling inflation in the marketplace, the recession is here.

However these two stories you are about to read illustrates the importance of THE ETERNAL LIFE that Jesus made possible for us. Often when eternal life is used, it evokes a peaceful existence in Heaven that is our ultimate goal but this is partially true. Yes, we will receive that life but Jesus spoke about the experience of that life NOW on earth.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10.10. Amplified Bible.

When this truth was revealed in a new perspective, I realised that the quality of life we have on this earth is of great importance to God. He didn’t save us to live in subjection to the influences of sin and the devil but to be a resilient, tenacious and overcoming people. (I John 4.4).His Glory is meant to be seen in our life experiences. He has ordained that our lives should be distinguishable from that of the world in every aspect. That is why Jesus said that although we live in the world, we are not of it. We are a people of DIFFERENCE!!(Isaiah 60.3)

In reading the heartbreaking stories of these two men I was struck by the experience of eternal life in one of them, Ian Thiermann. There was nothing in their stories to suggest any spiritual preferences so it is not a Christian versus a non Christian. But being made in the image and likeness of God, all people (regardless of their beliefs) often stumble into the experience without recognising that it is the God life in them. However, the beauty of being IN CHRIST is that we are conscious of that ETERNAL LIFE and are expected to live it daily.

Another truth revealed is that the place of our focus matters as it will ultimately affect the decisions we make. The scriptures put it this way

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Mathew 6.21. Amplified Bible

In dealing with everyday issues and challenges, it is very important that the treasures from which we live are of the spiritual and not the physical. Riches will fly away (Proverbs 23.5) but ETERNAL LIFE is a treasure that is immeasurable, unmovable and unshakeable by the circumstances of life because it proceeds from OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. There is a difference between spiritual and physical treasures. Wisdom is one of such spiritual treasures.

“For wisdom is a defence as money is a defence but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. “ Ecclesiastes 7.12 NKJV

When the chips are down and when life has you in a very tight spot with your back against the wall (And it will come to us all in some form), money will ultimately fail and only wisdom will GET YOU OUT.

German Billionaire Adolf Merckle and American Ian Theirmann both got blindsided by the global meltdown that caused a lot of havoc especially in the financial system. Both of them lost a fortune in the stock market but the way they reacted to their misfortune is most enlightening.

72 year old Adolf Merckle committed suicide on January 5^th 2009 by lying across a railway track and was crushed to death in his hometown in Blauberen, Germany. He lost a billion pounds in the financial crisis. He was the fifth richest man in Germany and 44 on the Forbes List. He had A net worth of 9.2 billion US dollars with an empire spanning over a 100 companies and ranging from generic drugs to cement. His family said he was broken by the losses he suffered on the stock market.

Across the Atlantic, Ian Theirmann,a 90 year old  hands out fliers hawking avocados and pork ribs in the aisles of a grocery store in Ben Lomand, Carlifornia. He lost his entire life savings of 750,000 US dollars in the Bernard Madoff scam in 2009. He wasn’t even aware that his investment manager had placed funds with the convicted Bernard Madoff’s Investment Company. He had retired 25years ago devoting his time to non profit work. Because of the loss, he was forced back to work. When asked about his very pathetic situation, Theirmann explained “I now work as a beginner and I deeply appreciate it”. Truly remarkable!

Adolf Merckle is dead. Ian Theirmann is alive. One took a hit of a billion pounds but still had some billions left. The other lost his entire life savings. One is 72years while the other is 90 years. Both suffered economic losses of great proportions to their lifestyle regardless of the amount. But it was the outcome of their decisions that made the DIFFERENCE.

It is not rocket science to see that if there was any one who should have the disposition to suicide, it was Ian Theirmann. So the intriguing question is why is he alive and in great spirits in spite of his loss while billionaire Merckle is dead? The answer lies in the scriptures

“Don’t hoard treasures down here where it gets eaten by moth and corroded by rust or – worse – stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasures in heaven where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is is the place you will most want to be and end up being” Mathew 6.19-21. The Message Bible

The indomitable spirit and courage that Ian Theirmann had to restart his life again against all odds is the ESSENCE OF ETERNAL LIFE. The quality of life that overcomes ALL. He lost more yet he persisted and resisted the temptation to quit on life. Sadly, Adolf Merckle’s heart was too involved in the consequences of the crash on his earthly treasures and lost the will to fight back. Suicide is a very terrible way to end one’s life. It may not be physical but daily many Christians are making suicidal decisions – spiritually, financially, relationally etc. It does not have to be so when an ETERNAL LIFE EXPERIENCE is available IN CHRIST.

So when next life’s challenges come calling, let the story of Ian Theirmann inspire you not to commit suicidal decisions. CHOOSE ETERNAL LIFE!

LESSONS FROM MY GARDEN

Recently, an interaction with nature – growing a small vegetable and yam garden gave me an interesting experience of God’s Word. My garden brought back wonderful memories of my short stay with my beloved Aunt Josephine at Abraka, Delta State when I was 8years old. She gave me and two other kids that lived with her a small patch of land to grow vegetables. I grew groundnuts, tomatoes, pepper, and water leaf. Each of us was also given a hen to take charge of. That experience gave me a strong sense of discipline as I had to oversee my ‘farm’ and hen with utmost care. I took my responsibility very seriously. I also developed a love for the land. Those memories are some of my treasures.

So as part of the preparation for my garden, I had to clear the weeds and water the land for planting. As I worked, it suddenly dawned on me that while I had to go through a process to get the land ready for planting, these weeds didn’t have that same care. No one I know plants weeds. They just appear on any soil area – with ease. No one waters them or oversees to their wellbeing. In fact, it is quite the opposite as we love to pull them out and sometimes, we apply some chemicals to get rid of them. In other words, good riddance to rubbish.

Yet! These weeds flourish and if unchecked, can become a burden to deal with. Revelation hit me like a ton of bricks – didn’t Jesus tell us about learning from the birds who live with ease in teaching us not to worry about the issues of life?

“Look at the birds of the air for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they are? Mathew 6.25. NKJV

As the birds live, so the weeds flourish. And these things happen because the earth belongs to the Lord and all who live in it and He has chosen and given His Word to provide for everyone whether plants, birds, creatures and MAN!

Why do we worry about solving life’s issues on our own terms, dealing with challenges in our own wisdom when the OWNER OF THE EARTH has undertaken to take care of even the least of creation.........weeds! Are you not much valuable than these weeds, yet they feed and overrun the best of lands with ease. While still meditating, more truths came knocking. What God wants us to have is a REST – not the physical kind that is of a temporary effect but the spiritual that gives inner peace and assurance about your life’s concerns.

HIS REST is an experience that cannot be adequately defined by words. I pray that you will have those restful times in your challenges and issues of life. It comes because you have taken your case before Him to seek guidance on it.

“For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest....” For he who has once entered (God’s) rest also has ceased from (The weariness and pain) of human labours just as God rested from those labours peculiarly His own” Hebrews 4.3,10. Amplified Bible.

God’s rest has specific works that are not borne out of your will or desire but His. I recall a matter that was of much offence to me and I had decided to take certain steps to rectify the matter. But I decided to put bring it before God. His counsel on the matter? HIS REST- was to do nothing. It seems foolish especially in the light of the circumstances but I obeyed. Today, the result is amazing. He took charge and made an effortless resolution of the matter. In addition, He gave me an overview of the big picture that helped me relate in a more compassionate way to the person.

GOD’S REST is truly astounding. So when dealing with challenging issues that come your way. Take time to ponder on this truth – If the earth is rich to throw up weeds with ease, I being more valuable shall have its experience at work in my life. You are truly more unique than a mere weed. The earth yields her increase because God created it in goodness and it is still good. Therefore it is the experiences of its increase that we must align ourselves with. That comes from our daily personal relationship with God.

The Earth will yield her increase if we are positioned spiritually to receive of it.

“And God, our own God shall bless us” Psalm 67.7