Category: Faith

REACHING FORWARD TO THE THINGS WHICH ARE AHEAD. Part 1

By on February 3, 2023in Faith, Personal Development, Rev. Funke Ewuosho, Spiritual Growth

 

The words of apostle Paul come to mind; “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (Philippians 3:13c). We’ve talked and heard so much about the need to forget the past, and that is indeed very important; but it’s time to place a greater emphasis on what lies ahead of us! The past is gone, and while we may have valuable lessons to learn therefrom; we have so much more ahead of us to reach forward to.

The past has the power to hold us down and to repeat itself; but we must break free, so as to lay hold on the things which are ahead of us. The enemy doesn’t so much care about your past; but he’s very much afraid of your future; so the fight is about your future! Joseph was a dreamer (his dreams had to do with his future), and that was why his brothers wanted to kill him- they said, “We shall see what will become of his dreams!” (Genesis 37:20c).

The things ahead of us can right past wrongs, turn bad situations around, turn failure into success, etc – things that would make the past pale into insignificance; and that is why we must reach out for them. In this article, we shall be talking at the things we need to accomplish this goal.

  1. ENERGY:

Reaching forward to the things which are ahead, would require great effort. In the NIV, it says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14a). Those two underlined words, connote application of force and pressure! The woman with the issue of blood “came in the press behind, and touched His garment.” (Mark 5:27c KJV).

Paul prayed that the Ephesians be empowered with inner strength through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16). We must run towards those things which are ahead of us without being tired or weary (Isaiah 40:31); and we must pray without giving up (Luke 18:1).

  1. FOCUS:

“but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” Notice he said, “one thing I do;” Jesus told Martha, “you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed,” (Lk. 10:41-42.) The Psalmist said, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:” (Psa. 27:4b). Two, you must forget the things which are behind; change your focus- stop looking backward! Anyone who runs looking backwards or sideways can’t win the race; because the finishing line is always ahead and not behind! God told Israel,

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,” (Isaiah 43:18-19a). We’re told it isn’t wise to ask, “Where are the good old days?” (Eccles. 7:10 MSG). We must stop recalling the past, but should always seek something better and bigger. (Heb. 11:14-16).

We must be running, with our eyes focused on the goal. You must always reach forward- even if you fall or fail, fail forward! As it is written, “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise;” (Micah 7:8a). And, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” (Pro 24:16b NIV).

In focusing on our goal, we must let go of certain ‘weights’ (Hebrews 12:1-2). Weights are not necessarily sinful or unlawful; but they not helpful or beneficial or expedient. (1 Cor.10:23)- e.g. distractions, some habits, some relationships, entertainments, etc.

  1. DETERMINATION:

It’s “the quality of being determined (i.e. firmly set in one’s decision or course of action, especially with the aim of achieving a particular goal); having a firmness of purpose.”

Determined people are extremely motivated and unlikely to quit or change their mind; they have a very strong desire, resolve and the will power) to achieve their goals. They persevere and continue working toward achieving their goal, regardless of the challenges they may face. We’re told to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Tim. 2:3). Jesus is a perfect example of determination- “Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Heb. 12:2c NLT). Paul was another great example; he said he was ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus, and the brethren couldn’t persuade him not to go! (Acts 21:13).

  1. DISCIPLINE:

It’s been said to be one of the most important personality traits in everyone’s life. It refers to a set of rules and regulations which are to be followed while undergoing any task or activity.

Hear this- “An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.” (2 Tim. 2:5 MSG). Self-discipline helps you stay focused on your goals. It also enables you to stay in control of yourself and of your reaction to any situation; self-discipline (or self-control) is one of the fruit of the Spirit! (Gal. 5:22). Jesus demonstrated self-discipline in enduring the cross and disregarding its shame- more so when He challenged come down from the cross to prove He was indeed God’s Son! (Matt. 27:40).

Discipline must be maintained as a lifestyle, and not just for a short period; like a muscle, it becomes stronger, the more you train it. It can also help boost your self-esteem, because it helps you accomplish your set goals!

A study listed 10 habits of highly disciplined people:

  1. They commit- they’re true to their words.
  2. They avoid temptations.

iii. They take care of themselves- they know that things like, sleep, good nutrition and exercise, not only impact their health; but also their mood, work performance and relationships!

  1. They work at developing habits- they don’t see a disciplined life as being synonymous to a deprived life.
  2. They set boundaries- they know their limitations and say no to distractions.
  3. They enjoy routine- it enhances efficiency and self-management.

vii. They lead with their mind over their mood- they stick to their routine and don’t let their feelings get in the way.

viii. They clearly define their goals- they know that if a goal is too vague, it’s unlikely to be achieved.

  1. They live by deadlines- they don’t just set goals; they give themselves strict timelines to keep them on track along the way.
  2. They keep their eye on the prize- they can defer immediate gratification, in the pursuit of greater long-term gains.

5. DECISION:

Moses said to the Israelites, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” (Deut. 30:19c).

Somebody said, ‘If you don’t choose, you will lose!’

Decisiveness is needed to accomplish your goal. Abram was told to leave his country, his father’s house and family, to a land he didn’t know; and he got up and left! God’s promises to Abram were contingent on his leaving. (Gen. 12:1-4).

Unlike Abraham, Lot lingered when the angels came to rescue him and his family out of Sodom- they had to drag them out of the city to safety. (Gen. 19:16).

No matter how great the things ahead of you are; you must decide to go for them and to pay the necessary price. However, it’s your determination and a lifestyle of discipline will help you sustain your decisions!

We encourage you to purchase this sermon series by contacting us : office@uk.fowm.org.

 

Rev. Funke Ewuosho

Happy 20th Year Celebration Harvestime Church !

By on January 26, 2023in Faith, Rev.Kola Ewuosho
Harvestime Church, Virginia Water (20th anniversary)

God gave instructions and we came in obedience to carry out His purposes in the United Kingdom: “Go and create a forum where My people can flow with Me in understanding and Wisdom”. The assignment is an Apostolic one and His grace is sufficient to reach many nations, using Harvestime church as an Apostolic base. Over 20 nations have been reached through the grace of God upon this church, and upon Fountain of Wisdom Ministries globally. At Harvestime church, people have been saved, healed and discipled for God’s kingdom. The following scriptures capture a part of the church’ assignment: read 1 Timothy 2:1-7. In this passage, Apostle Paul was speaking about his calling and encouraging Timothy, a spiritual son to pray all manner of prayers for all men. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This captures what has been happening at Harvestime church in the many years we have been here. Different people have been impacted and many have come from various nations, cultures and tribes. Countless souls have and are being saved and coming to the knowledge of the truth. Prayers, soul winning, teaching, discipling people, and raising leaders as they identify their gifts and callings continue to be at the core of who we are as a church. To God be all the glory. The doors of some nations have opened to us in the past two decades, through the lives of those who have been blessed at Harvestime. Rev. Funke and I have travelled as far as Latin America and touched many nations there. As expected, God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders as the sick were prayed for and God healed them. This goes on everywhere we have preached and taught the Word of God. We also visited India, as well as other African nations too.

At a certain time, Harvestime church had over 15-20 nations represented in her membership including: Europe, Latin America, Africa, Australia, India, Fiji Islands, the Caribbean Islands, and more. People have come from all over to be impacted by God through His Word and His Spirit. To God be all the glory. Read Mark 16:15-20 and Matthew 28:18-20 Many have been saved, baptised in water, received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and are doers of the Word of God. To God be all the glory! Philippians 2:13-16 (NKJV) “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” God’s grace has sustained the work of the ministry and church, through all the trials and tribulations. He wants His people to fulfil the purposes He has for them. They can only fulfil their destiny as they mature in Christ. Every challenge has become an opportunity for maturity in the character of Christ as we learn to forgive, overlook offences, and love one another with the love of God. His grace is sufficient for us. To Him be all the glory. Amen.

Rev. Kola Ewuosho

Harvestime- 20 years…. And still counting !

By on January 26, 2023in Faith, Rev. Funke Ewuosho
Harvestime Church, Virginia Water (20th anniversary)

Wow; it’s 20 years already- 20 years of God’s faithfulness, goodness and mercies!

We’ve come a very long away as a church; and though, physically, we might look smaller and less than what we ‘should’ (or would love to) have been in our 20 years of existence as a church; we have a lot to be thankful to God for! First of all, for keeping us all these years; and like Israel, we can say: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” ….. when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:1-8 NKJV)

God promised to take the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey; but not everyone He brought out of Egypt saw the fulfilment of that promise! Rev. Kola and I immensely thank those who have stayed with us, through thick and thin; while we also warmly welcome those who just came on board!

Today, we are seeing the generation of people that will experience the fulfilment of God’s purposes, promises and prophecies concerning Harvestime and the FOWM in the United Kingdom. So let’s work together, drawing inspiration and strength from the words of apostle Paul- “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)

Grace and peace be multiplied to you all.

Yours truly in Christ’s love,

Pastor Funke

HOW TO BREAK THROUGH BARRIERS

By on December 1, 2022in Faith, Inspiration, Rev. Funke Ewuosho, Uncategorized

1. An encounter with Jesus 
That is one thing that will position and empower you to break through every barrier in your life! “So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though He were merely a human being. How differently I think about Him now! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:16,17 N.L.T) Philippians 3:3  
 
2. Change 
It is said that you can change without growing but you can’t grow or make progress without changing! Change is a necessary thing we must learn to love and embrace. Everyone who broke through barriers embraced changes. You need to change the way you think- “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Pr. 23:7) 

3.Overcome your fears! 
Overcome the fear of people, the fear of failure, the fear of death, the fear of the future, the fear of the unknown, the fear of rejection, etc. Fear will keep you in bondage to the devil, to people, to circumstance, to the status-quo and even to yourself! Fear will hold you back from breaking through! Fear will keep you in mediocrity. Fear will stop you and hurt you”. (Luke. 10:19) 

4. Hard work and diligence 
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before unknown men” (Pr. 22:29). God rewards diligence. People reward diligence. Diligent people get promoted, e.g. Joseph, as a slave in Potiphar’s house and even as a prisoner!  

5. Cultivating Healthy relationships 
There are things you can never break through as a one-man riot squad. In God’s economy, there is nothing like a self-made man. In the maturing process, we move from dependence to independence and then to inter-dependence! We need others as much as they need us! A healthy relationship is not a dependent or independent one but an inter-dependent one.  

6. Help the Dreams of Others 
What you make happen for others, God (through others) will make happen for you. Jesus said “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise!” (Luke 6:31) You can’t afford to be selfish. 7. Humble Yourself 
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”. (James 4:6) We have been talking about breaking through barriers – but those would be barriers, which are put in your way by satan, people or circumstances, not the one put there by God Himself!, that the power of Christ might rest upon him. (2Cor 12:9). 
 
8. Pray 
Learn to ask for God’s help in the areas you need changes, in the areas of your weakness, in the areas you need breakthroughs, etc. It, however, takes humility to ask for help. When some nations came against Jehoshaphat, the Bible says, he feared and set himself to seek the Lord. (2 Chron. 20:3). When Paul and Silas were in prison, the Bible says they prayed and sang praises. (Acts 16:23-26). When Peter was kept in prison by Herod, the church prayed to God constantly for Peter to be released (Acts 12:5).  

Recommended message: ‘Breaking Through Barriers’ by Rev. Funke Ewuosho, if you want to order your copy (MP3 or CD), please contact us: office@uk.fowm.org

God bless you! 

Salvation Package- Rev. Kola Ewuosho

By on October 21, 2022in Faith, Rev.Kola Ewuosho

[Study extract from message]

Alot of us think salvation is about getting saved so that one day when we die, we go to heaven. No, it is a whole package that contains so many things that so many believers are now waking up to. Our salvation package starts with our contact with God through His mercies, through hunger for Him, and by faith we make contact with Him. By His word and by His spirit, He has a package for us wherein His divine provisions have been made. From our eternal redemption to His divine protection, His divine provision, to His divine direction and His divine attention. He makes His divine assignment known to us through the flow of his divine wisdom. We experience this divine flow of power. Every challenge we face in life, can be traced back to our salvation package. Think about it. 

There are three phases that I look at in this series. The first phase is you encountering God at salvation at the point of getting born again; the second phase is you growing through process; and the third phase is you manifesting the fullness of Christ.

First of all, embrace the fact that your salvation is not just one thing, it is a multidimensional thing; divine healing, divine protection, divine direction and divine provision. Everything that God has made available to you in the salvation package belongs to you. So, the provision involves all Jesus paid for through his death, burial, and resurrection.

Each aspect of the salvation package has its provisions, its demands, and God’s expectations, as He delights in seeing us get the results, he has prepared for us to get. You see, God delights in seeing you get the results he has designed for you to get.

The demands on us involves our obedience to the Word of God. Our knowledge plays a vital key in all aspects of this package.

Renewed Mind

We can only to access what belongs to us in the salvation package, with a renewed mind.

Our minds have some degree of reproductive potential or creative potential, such that whatever you feed into your mind, your mind has a way of staying with it until it attracts it. That is what people do not understand. The evil that the news carries today is designed by the god of this world to ensure that evil keeps happening at a heightened level, because everybody who hears it, dwells on it and they attract more of it to themselves.

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) ”This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” It gives you a practical way to think and talk the Word. This therefore means your speaking, you are thinking, and your acting must be based on the Word.

At least now you know that if you leave yourself to your natural vices, will keep pumping into you the incorrect information and making the wrong deposits into your soul.

Key scriptures for further reading:

Isaiah 53:3-12

Psalm’s 91

Romans 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1-2

Romans 8:29-30

For more insight, contact us at office@uk.fowm.org to get this message  

 

Entering Your Season of All Round Rest Pt.1 [Study extract from message]- Rev. Funke Ewuosho

By on September 30, 2022in Faith, Rev. Funke Ewuosho, Spiritual Growth

“And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around”. 2 Chronicles 20:29-30 (NKJV)

In the story of Jehoshaphat, the Bible says that when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries. Hallelujah! Verse 30 says then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, because his God gave him rest all around.

The NIV translation says, ‘and the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace for his God had given him rest on every side’. God will give you rest on every side. There will be nothing that will make you to be agitated, to be disturbed. There will be quiet, there will be peace, because the Lord has given you rest all around, In Jesus’ mighty Name. 

 In Judges 13, when the prophetic word came to Samson’s mother that she was going to have a baby and that the baby was going to be a Nazarite, Samson’s mother informed her husband (Manoah). When Manoah heard what had happened, he prayed to God to let that angel come back again so he could guide them on what they were required to do to raise him well. 

 The Bible says the angel returned and he gave them guidance on how to raise Samson. There is always something for you to do for you to enter into rest. Praise the Lord. There is nothing in God that is automatic. Some people say, “well, if God said it, then it should just happen”. Instead, you must ask yourself; how can I participate? What should I do?

The first thing is to know is that it is God’s will for you to have rest. You must establish the fact that it is God’s will for you to have rest for you to come into the place of resting. Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) ”Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  God wants to give you rest. Amen.

Anxiety and rest do not mix; therefore, you need to deal with anxiety. 1 peter 5:7 (AMP) says, ”casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]”.  All your anxieties, all your worries, cast them on the Lord, so that you are carefree. If He has your cares, you do not have them. If you have them, He does not have them. So, make your choice. 

To order the full message in any format, please contact the office: office@uk.fowm.org 

Understanding Spiritual Warfare Pt.2 – Rev. Funke Ewuosho (study extract from message).

By on August 9, 2022in Faith, Rev. Funke Ewuosho, Spiritual Growth

”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world”. 1 Peter 5:8-9(NKJV)

The very first thing to note is that you have an enemy; the devil. The enemy is not your friend, he is not your spouse or your brother. Usually, people are confused about who their enemy is because the same way God can use you, is the same way the devil also uses people. Sometimes people are used of the devil without them knowing that the enemy is using them. That is why we should be very tolerant and forbearing. 

It’s not everybody that’s a willing and conscious agent of the devil. For instance, you may have had a very bad day and  you’re feeling low, and throughout the day the enemy might have been pounding you with bad thoughts of you’re not good enough; etc. Then as you walked into a room, the first person that saw you says, my God, you look washed out; What would that do to you? It would make you feel worse, right?

Question: Did the person know what the enemy was saying to you the whole day?  

Of course not, but the enemy used them to make you feel even worse about yourself. It is therefore important to note that while the person did not want to be intrusive or invasive, it has affected you in the wrong way. That is why we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. We  should be merciful, compassionate, and gracious to people.

Even conscious agents of the devil, like the wizards and sorcerers are also deceived. Even though they act like they are conscious of what they are doing. The god of this age has blinded their minds and told them that they are the second in command to the him or promised them a rank.

The amplified bible says; ”Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]” 1 Peter 5:8-9 AMP 

John 10:10 says ”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.   

Jesus is not the thief, the devil is the thief and they are not pursuing the same agenda. They are not drawn from the same ministry. Praise the Lord Jesus. 

The devil once told me when I was sick that God wanted to take me home. But I told him, God doesn’t need sickness to bring me home. In Hebrews 11:5 the Bible says ”By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”. Which of the patriarchs went home with sickness and disease? Do not allow the devil to steal from you.

God said, if anyone attacks you it is not by His doing, He is not the one behind it. He said, ‘I will not put on you any of the diseases that I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord that heals you”. God is not the one putting sickness on you. He is the one healing you. Jesus went about doing good, healing all those who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him. You see, these are basic things. They are fundamental things and we must settle these basic things in our minds. Do not allow the devil to steal from you.

To order the full message in any format, please contact the office: office@uk.fowm.org 

Overcome Your Fears

By on July 7, 2022in Faith

Overcome the fear of people, the fear of failure, the fear of death, the fear of the future, the fear of the unknown, the fear of rejection, etc. Fear will keep you in bondage to the devil, to people, to circumstance, to the status-quo and even to yourself! Fear will hold you back from breaking through! Fear will keep you in mediocrity. Fear will stop you from trying anything new; from breaking new grounds and new territories. Fear will stop you from investing in anything or anyone. Isaiah 54:2-4, “Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left… Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame”.

The question is, “How much more would you be willing to do if you were sure, you would not fail?” Note that, the children of Israel didn’t enter the Promised Land because of fear! Fear is a product of unbelief, and it always leads to disobedience, if not overcome. To break through, you must confront and overcome your fears. Esther said “If I perish, I perish” but she never perished. The three Hebrews refused to bow to the image of gold and were thrown into the firey furnace. But they didn’t burn. If you do not bow to your fears, you will not burn! David’s mighty men broke through the garrison of the Philistines to get water from the well of Bethlehem. (1 Chron. 12)

Sometimes you’ll need to break through the enemy territory to get what you need or desire! Jesus said “Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you”. (Luke. 10:19)

God bless you!

 

The Power Of Becoming

By on June 22, 2022in Faith, Inspiration

What are you becoming? Faith does not focus on where it is right now or what it is going through, but on what it is becoming! The Apostle Paul said “we are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed”. (2 Cor. 4:8-9) Could you imagine what Paul must have been through? Is it possible to be hard-pressed and yet not be crushed? Yes! The Bible says “A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22) and also, “The human spirit can endure a sick body but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed.” (Prov. 18:14 N.L.T) Job’s story comes to mind; in all that he went through, we were told he did not sin nor charge God with wrong (Job 1:22). The Bible talks about the patience of Job: “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord” (James 5:11). The Bible says the testing of our faith works patience and when we allow patience to run its full course, we become mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:1-4). We are to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. (Heb 6:12) A lot of people talk about faith but very few talk about patience. Notice, it isn’t faith or patience, it is faith AND patience! “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”. (Heb 10:35-36) This tells me that one reason why people don’t inherit the promise is the lack of patience. Paul said “We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit.” (2 Cor. 4:8 NLT)

Do you feel forsaken when going through persecution? The fact that you are going through persecution or a rough patch does not mean God has left you. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:6) He said, even if a mother could forget her nursing child, He will not forget you because you are inscribed on the palm of His hands (Is 49:15). Do you remember Joseph? He was stripped of his coat of many colours and sold as a slave by his brothers; yet the Bible says “The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” (Gen 39:2). Joseph was thrown into the prison for an offence he didn’t commit; “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Gen 39:21) Didn’t Jesus say we would have a hundredfold in this life whatever we give up for His sake and the gospel’s “with persecutions” (Mark 10:29,30). Paul said “We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” (Cor 4:10 NLT) It is indeed possible to be struck down yet not destroyed! “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” (Prov 24:16) Truly, tough times don’t last but tough people do! Joseph kept going in spite of all the set-backs he suffered. The Psalmist said “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Ps 34:19) Not just out of some of them, but out of them all! Hallelujah! Another exciting thing about that also is that by the time the deliverance comes, one would not be the same. This was what James meant when he said we would become mature, lacking nothing!

I remember what God said to me when we were in the process of relocating to the United Kingdom in year 2000. He said though in the natural, it looked like the same scenario when I moved to Kano, Nigeria in 1988, in the spirit it was different. I had acquired a greater stature in the spirit over the twelve years of living and doing ministry in the ‘wilderness’ of Kano! “For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow! So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (Jas 1:3,4 NLT) God told me that because of my new level of maturity, I will find myself walking in a new level of authority. That is, what took me many years to accomplish in my past, would be accomplished in a shorter time. And that was what we experienced as we came into our new place of assignment.

Remain blessed!

Rev. Kola Ewuosho

HANDLING FINANCIAL CRISIS

By on April 21, 2022in Faith, Rev. Funke Ewuosho

“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

God promised to make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). With every trial, God will always make a way of escape for His people. God doesn’t want His people to suffer with the world. After Elijah declared that there was going to be a famine as a result of God’s judgment, he was told to go to brook Cherith, where he was fed. (1 Kings 17:2-3). And even when the brook dried up, Elijah was sent to Zarephath to be sustained by a widow. Elijah, the widow and her household were sustained throughout the famine – the bin of flour was not used up nor did the jar of oil run dry until the famine was over! In times of financial crisis or recession, we are not meant to panic like the people of the world. Jesus said men’s hearts will fail them from fear and expectation of those things which are coming on the earth. (Luke 21:26).

God does not want us to be moved by the things happening around us. He said He will shake the heavens and the earth, indicating the removal of things that can be shaken, so that the things which cannot be shaken (i.e. the Kingdom of God) may remain (Hebrews 12:26-29). Every man- made thing, helpful as it may be while it lasts, will be shaken; only the Kingdom of God, and everything established on it will remain unshaken. Our faith should, therefore, not rest on the wisdom of men but on the power of God! (1 Corinthians 2:5).

God is our source. It is He that gives us the power to get wealth.