Imitating Christ's Compassion

The Fruit of Our Faith is Obedience to God in Service to Others

Greetings Dear Brethren, as a Ministry we would like to wish all our loyal and prayer partners here a BLESSED CHRISTMAS and a Christ invited NEW YEAR! 

As we celebrate this season of giving, let's not forget those in need around us including some people in our fellowship groups. And as for those brethren who daily leads a giving lifestyle we encourage you, do not neglect the gift of God in your life knowing that the JOY (that you use in giving) is from the LORD which is operating in you and upon you (2 Corinthians 9:7; Psalm 28:7; Nehemiah 8:10). May our God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ BLESS you all as we also extend our true love to you!

Caring can be defined as “showing kindness to others who are unable to care for themselves.” In this article, we would look at the practical application of caring and from a Scriptural perspective. There are many fine theories out there about caring. Sadly, most of the approaches are academic and they lack in many respects the emotional appeal. There is a vast difference between helping someone who comes to us for help and truly being caring proactively. In my understanding, caring conveys the emotional connection and we care for the well-being of others.

Personally the year 2009 was the most trying time for me and my family. As a father and breadwinner, I was unemployed for a full year. Our bond or mortgage repayments ran high and we lived on hand-outs and the care of others. During this time, we learned that human care is selective and always wants something back in return. I had God in my life, but things were going tough. We were members of a local church, but the help of the church was invisible even though they knew about our situation. Please note, I am not mentioning this to discredit any ministry; instead, I am using this to provoke you to action as an individual member of the body.

As it is, things became so bad that I even thought this was going to adversely affect my marriage and my children. I pondered many options including selling our house. I praise the Lord those sleepless nights made me pray continuously. Some people avoided us because of our problem and this made us determined not to go bother them for help. My father, my sisters and brethren in the Lord turned their backs on us. The Lord was showing us that reliance on the arm of flesh instead of Him was a curse: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25); “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:5-8).This led me to turn to God. My wife and I committed to fast for seven (7) days for a job for me. By the third day into our fasting, the Lord Jesus Christ not only blessed me with a job, but He blessed us with the best and greatest gift: His message through my daughter Charis. He opened her spiritual eyes so that she may see His form and then He took care of all our problems (1 Peter 5:7). I briefly mentioned our full testimony in an article, “Prayer: The Key to All Problems”. After our physical needs were met, He established this ministry as evidence of our testimony. In my experience with the Lord, if we show care to others, the Lord Himself will show care to us. As a Kingdom principle, God provides as we sow (Matthew 5:7).

In our recent article of helpfulness we pointed out that believers should practice open-handedness (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). This is a different Christian experience altogether; we sometimes help with little care, and sometimes to ease our guilt. This is not entirely wrong; remember helping is a Christian ministry to support the body and the needy around us (1 Corinthians 12:28). Caring mainly involves our emotional connection through some physical contact (Matthew 25:35-36; Luke 10:25-37). This is the Lord’s message of love to the person being cared for, if a believer acted from the heart. The recipient will feel it and give back love through appreciation, thanksgiving and praise to our Heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Caring: A Gift of God Through The Holy Spirit

The Lord once gave me a word through Charis to preach about the Holy Spirit. As I was preaching, I felt the fire on my tongue. I became totally controlled by the Holy Spirit as He spoke through me. During this sermon, the Lord revealed to me that His work is authenticated or proven truthful through the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ was identified as the Son of God with Power through the Holy Spirit (John 1:33; John 10:37). Therefore, if a gift is performed and it is from God, it has to be through the Holy Spirit and Christ must be glorified as God’s salvation to mankind (John 15:26). In addition, before the believers were sent out to preach, they were instructed to wait for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

While this is not a complete teaching on the Holy Spirit, it is necessary to point to the Source of our ministry. The gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit is identified by those who have the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). Thus, caring being an outward manifestation of the fruit of kindness gives meaning to the Christian message. The receiver of our care would in return like to acknowledge the Giver through thanksgiving and praise (2 Corinthians 9:10-15). Our Lord Jesus Christ, pointed to God’s glory and character by saying: “If I am not doing My Father’s works, don’t believe Me. But if I am doing them and you don’t believe Me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I in the Father” (John 10:37-38).

Having said so, our Lord was referring to the outward manifestation of God’s care for mankind. The evidence of God’s love was demonstrated through various miracles, caring and healing of people (Acts 10:38). It was easy for people to identify love and the Source of it. The disobedient believer does not care about others; he is blinded by his own selfishness and what he can get. The Lord Jesus pointed to the evidence of His message, His works coming from Someone – God. Does your work reflect the fruit of obedience or are you just a talker? Is there evidence of God’s message in you through your fruit [works?] (Galatians 5:22). Does your care originate from self-praise or are we able to identify the Source who sends you so that we may honour Him? (John 9:36-38).

Experiences of Caring

In the Bible, we read the account of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Great parable! It is often good to hear some heart-warming stories and experiences about others; but can others tell a story about us? Also, when our Lord considered His future return with rewards for the obedient and punishment for the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46), He pointed to our works as individuals. The Lord is being referred to as having compassion on the needy, sick and the forgotten outcast of society (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32; Luke 15:20, 7:13). He did not just have compassion, but He actually addressed their plight. Christ, being the Creator of man, (Colossians 1:15-19) knew that people need an emotional experience, which is evidence of love and care. When a message has long been preached, the emotional touch remains. This is what people hold on to, something that appealed to an inner need. This gives people great peace and comfort and life is being celebrated in thanksgiving to God.

I always become emotional when I read this account, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. BUT when they told Jacob all that Joseph had said to them, and when he SAW the WAGONS that Joseph had sent to transport him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Then Israel said, “ENOUGH! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go to see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:26-28 Holman CSB).

Evidently, Jacob was moved emotionally when he said ‘Enough!’ He accepted the testimony of his sons concerning Joseph as truthful when he ‘SAW the WAGONS’ (witness to experience). In other words, Jacobs’s sons’ witness to their father that Joseph was alive and in testimony they produce evidence (works as witness). A question for you: when you bring your Christian message to people, do you bring something they can relate to emotionally?

Brethren, while I am aware that our message is filled with emotion to evoke guilt, compassion and care, I am referring to us giving ourselves over in service to others through our emotions in response to their situation. Similarly, we are aware that some people fake care through false emotions to fool and deceive. This can be easily recognised when we perceive that someone suddenly acts caring. They help because they have some personal interest and not the well-being of the cared person. When we care we give without expecting anything back in return, instead we carry the cost (Luke 10:35; Philemon 1:18). In a magnified way, Christ carried all our guilt at the cost of His life (John 10:15).

Does your work reflect the fruit of obedience or are you just a talker? Is there evidence of God’s message in you through your fruit [works?]. Does your care originate from self-praise or are we able to identify the Source? Who sends you so that we may honour Him? Here is a Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Grace in His Care
Brother Glenn.

The Christian Spirit

 Being Childish In Attitude

"He called a little child to him and placed the child among them.  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:2-4).

We will be delivering a very brief but important article this week. Humility is not really an attitude that is innate to humans, the bible teaches us that it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). A brother in the Lord once shared with me that when he drove his daughter to school one morning, he gently corrected or rebuked his born-again daughter about something she did. Now according to the brother, his rebuke was not well received. While she (his daughter) didn't say anything to him, he could sense that she became angry, at that moment the Lord revealed to him that when a person gets upset or becomes angry for being corrected their attitudinal response is demonic (Galatians 5:20), but when a person's verbal or attitudinal response appears gentle they would have responded from the full conviction of the Holy Spirit (Acts 23:5).

How To Discern The Holy Spirit In a Believer

Often, it is very easy to observe the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life, not merely by what they say or their work in the ministry, but a humble attitude is easy to discern and God knows, the attitude of Christ shine through such a person (Philippians 2:5-11). Kindly allow me to share another testimony from a dear brother in Christ. Now, brother Joe shared with me a few years ago, how the Lord humbled which costs him his job after he elevated himself. 

The Penalty For Self-Importance

As it was, about a 10-minute telephone conversation got our brother Joe hot under the collar, which resulted in a yelling and insulting match with neither party willing to back down. Our brother Joe recalled how that conversation transformed him into comparing his elevated job position to the one his 'foe' had, and when he realized later that their conversation was not private our brother Joe felt very ashamed and humiliated because of his behavior and attitude that he decided to resign with immediate effect. As a result of this folly, our brother Joe was unemployed for about two years before the Lord opened another door of employment for him. During that time of being unemployed, our brother Joe was saturated in debt and almost lost his family home. What a price he paid for being self-conceited!

Brethren, it is a serious matter, a Christian should never elevate him or herself, especially when working with non-Christians. Biblically, Haman the Agagite, who considered himself untouchable and who suffered from an obsessive self-love was not just humiliated, he was hanged on a gallows he built (Esther 5:11-15; 6:5-6; 7:9-10). In other words, he fell on his own sword. As a friendly warning, the Lord is not pleased with Christians who think they are better than others and a Christian who gets offended after being corrected shows no submission to the Holy Spirit who imparts conviction and humility in us (Romans 8:14). The Bible says we grieve the Holy Spirit and our disobedience to His convictions is only inviting wrath from God and ultimately as we disobey so do we receive evil spirits which alter our attitudes (1 Samuel 6:14).

In conclusion, let us thus be careful and humble ourselves by accepting the redemptive guidance of the Holy Spirit who is God's seal upon our lives (Ephesians 1:13).

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

Rebellious Children

 The Peril Of Our Times

"...disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy"(2 Timothy 3:2 NIV).

Brethren, our times have witnessed an uprising of the rebelliousness of children even in the godliest homes. As a friendly reminder, this is an end-time peril don't fall prey to it, flee from it! A few years ago, we (and some members of our ministry) experienced how some of the children raised their voices to their parents and questioned their parent's authority and we took this matter in prayer to the Lord and this displeased Him greatly. As a result, the Lord gave Charis a vision in which He showed her on a television screen the content of this Scripture, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right, Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise" (Ephesians 6:1-2 NIV). With this scripture, the Lord reminded our children that despite the revelations He gave them, the authority and the supremacy of the scriptures must be submitted to if they want to enjoy God's blessings. As a further reminder, it is displeasing to the Lord if a child rebukes his or her parent(s), children are encouraged to appeal in humility to their parents or those who are older than them (1 Timothy 5:1).

The Price Of Disobedience And Rudeness

As a ministry, who has experienced both the Presence and guidance of the Lord personally, we have a duty to share the truth of God with you. We have witnessed how disobedient children fell from God's grace, they lost the gifts God gave them, and it was given to others who were obedient. In addition, some of the benefits the Lord afforded them were also taken from them as a punishment. Scripturally, God rewards obedience, not disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-6) Does this not remind you of our recent article in which we refuted the 'God allow' doctrine? How can we speak the Word of God when we fail to obey Him? 

Now, some parents have reported to us that as the result of their children's disobedience and being backslidden, their situation has become worse, some of them have become involved in drugs and some have developed mental problems it is as if a curse has fallen on them (Deuteronomy 27:16). The reward for their wickedness has brought about many struggles for them it is as if their progress has a backward result for them and their double-mindedness made them dependent on others, with a spirit of fear ruling over them (James 1:8).

Take Heed My Child

We thus encourage every God-fearing child to obey the prescribes of the Bible, by obeying it, it safe-guards your life and it serves for your good. I'm addressing you, dear children, you will thus have to follow the voice of your parents as they nurture your growth in life from the scriptures (Proverbs 22:6). My dear precious child, do not allow your friends or peers to persuade or force you to go against your parents' counsel. Shun evil and rebellious behaviour for God will bring all your secrets into judgement (Ecclesiastes 12:14) for eternal punishment!

In conclusion, if you have sinned and have a desire to reconcile to God and your parents, repent of your ways, ask your parents for forgiveness and focus on building your new life (1 John 1:9; Luke 15:18). Also, the Lord is near and we will soon be lifted from this world, be prepared, and be counted amongst the faithful and receive the most COVETED PRECIOUS CROWN OF LIFE (John 10:28).

With love

Brother Glenn

Meaningful Existence

Renewed Purpose And Hope

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:35 NIV). 

Greetings to you and your families in Jesus' name.

As a family and Ministry, we are reminded by the Good News and the Gift of celebrating life because of our Lord Jesus Christ and the countless days of JOY and HOPE this has given us. You have been part of this JOY the Lord has given us and many others. Now, in the depth of our hearts, we silently say, THANK YOU everyone and we pour forth PRAISE to the LORD for the contributory blessing your life is and has been.

In the name of our Saviour, who revealed to me earlier this year when we buried my beloved sister, a Prayer from the heart offered in sincerity has an effect at a time when the need arises. In other words, it carries deep and sincere forgiveness, love, and a current and future blessing (John 17:20-26). 

In addition, such love expressed through Prayer is free from grudges, filled with innocence, and refreshingly encouraging and NEW in purpose and service to both the saved, unsaved, the weak, and the strong in Christ. Blessed Christmas!

In conclusion, as we are gearing ourselves forward-looking to the uncertain future, we are armed with faith and hope, being strengthened within, defying fear and uncertainty, anchored on the ROCK of TRUTH (2 Timothy 2:19-21 NLT). Carrying others, being responsibly mindful while sowing meaningful existence to the [de]LIGHT and upliftment of others. HOPEFUL NEW YEAR IN JESUS' NAME!!!

Sincere LOVE and Peaceful Greetings

Brother Glenn, Ministry, and family.

Beware Of End-Times False Prophets

 Discerning The Times

And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:3-8 NIV).

BRETHREN, BEWARE OF THOSE SETTING DATES FOR CERTAIN EVENTS. THOSE WHO PROMOTE THEIR MINISTRIES.THEY ARE SPREADING FEAR LEADING TO IMPULSIVE REPENTANCE! THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU A PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING WITH GODLY SORROW LEADING TO GENUINE REPENTANCE (Philippians 4:7 ; 2 Corinthians 7:10). 

NOTICE: We have asked our beloved Brother Andrew from New Zealand to write for us this week's article. as a family and ministry, we have been fellowshipping with our dear Brother Andrew for more than two years and he has been faithful to us family and this ministry, and as a man of God, he has unquestionable obedience to the Lord serving many and helping us on this blog. Please do not undermine the value of the word the Lord gave Him to encourage us!

The definition of the word Deception is an act or statement which misleads, hides the truth, or promotes a belief, concept, or idea that is not true. It is often done for personal gain or advantage.

The Devil wants to hide the truth from you about Gods saving grace and power to deliver us from evil, he also wants to hide the fact that there are a heaven and hell and that we are in the end times and Jesus’ return is imminent. The devil does everything he can to cause us to fail in our relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Brothers and Sister’s is so important in this critical time in the earth life cycle that we are not deceived by Satan’s deceptions and the many devices, schemes, and even people who are all out there to try to turn us away from the Lord.

These deceptions can be, from social media, the news/TV, your own government, your very own family members or extended family and many other places including those claiming to be Christian.

Without a close relationship with the Lord and Holy Spirit’s guidance just about anybody can be deceived.

So how do we draw close to the Lord so as not to be deceived you might ask?

Well by Daily Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and repentance help’s us to draw near to the Lord. When you pray ask the Lord for wisdom and spiritual discernment so as not to be deceived and the Lord will help you and guide you.

Isaiah 34:16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth, it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

So here in Isaiah, it is telling us to Seek the Lord by reading the Word of God and we will not fail if we continue to study and apply the Word of God to our lives daily.

And the Lord Jesus said in "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you"(John 14:26 KJV).

We can see here that Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit is ready willing and able to teach us ALL things and guide us, and for this to happen we need to be in the Word daily so the Holy Spirit can reveal to us the truth in the scriptures.

This is the antidote to the devil's many deceptions, devices, and plans to try to bring us down.

As we draw closer and closer to the end times, the devil’s activity will only get worse so we need to be strong in the Lord and not allow anything to come between us and our relationship with God.

Finally, If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and be freed from fear, please get started by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. As always, for any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed grace

Brother Andrew