RETURNING BACK TO GOD

1.0 RETURNING BACK TO GOD

Come, let us return to the LORD (Hosea 6:1a).

(Isaiah 44:22b) was the theme of the 2008 biennial Re-Union Fellowship of the Ibadan Varsity Christian Union Alumni Fellowship IVCUAF, which I am part of. And the two speakers, Rev Emiko Amuschuka and Dr Friday Bekee appropriately handled the theme. Other speakers and Ministers, including those of Glory Tabernacle Ministry which I attend have made similar calls for the corporate Church and individual members therein to RETURN TO SEEKING GOD’S PRESENCE.

To return plainly means to turn again. When used by God, it actually means repentance from carnality, worldliness, idolatry, iniquity, sin etc to daily seeking and spending time in the presence of God to know more of Him, receiving instructions and directives from the Holy Spirit. It is a call for individual and corporate repentance from the present state of the Nigerian Church that is busy with human theology, carnal ambitions, physical acquisitions, building projects and church activities; to the neglect of the fundamental individual and corporate requirement of being in the presence of God to seek divine directives from the Holy Spirit, receive divine call mandate and agenda for building according to his pattern, and living out a Holy life in a decadent world.

Hosea Chapter 14 records:

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent and he shall know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

While the biblical text was addressed to the Jewish nation of Israel at that time, the call to return to God at this time is of particular relevance to the Church of the black race, specifically the Nigerian Church. WE ARE IN A STATE OF TRANSITIONING INTO A NEW MOVE OF GOD, which will be spearheaded by the black race and specifically the Nigerian Church. As indicated in Lampstandletters No 39 (January to June 2004), it refers to an impending NEW MOVE OF GOD, which from an African perspective, appears to refer to the APOSTOLIC DISCIPLESHIP MOVEMENT (ADM) vision, being promoted in Nigeria and beyond by Dr Uche Adeogo OBED of the Glory Tabernacle Ministry, Ibadan.

Apostolic Discipleship Movement

P.O. Box 20711
U.I. Post Office
Ibadan – Nigeria
Website:http://www.apostolicdiscipleship.net
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: +234-2-8101955, +234-8023018179

Dr. U. Obed
Apostolic Discipleship Movement
P.O. Box 20711
U.I. Post Office
Ibadan – Nigeria
E-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+234-08055911539; +234-2-310218

The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States confirms the earlier declaration that it is THE THIRD DAY FOR THE BLACK RACE - Lampstandletters No 39 (January to June 2004). Moreover, beyond the political, there is a more significant spiritual component of a Gospel Highway from Africa. But to prepare to enter and partake of this divine agenda subscribed to the Nigerian Church, we are in a time and season calling for A RETURN TO GOD. God is stretching out his loving hands to individuals and the corporate church:

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth (Hosea 6:1-3).

It is a call to individual and corporate repentance, that WE SHALL LIVE IN HIS SIGHT (PRESENCE) ON A DAILY BASIS.

By the Lampstand. 23rd November 2008.

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them. (Deut. 4:29-31)
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified (Isaiah 43:25-26).

2.0 THE THIRD DAY FOR THE BLACK RACE

While the political shenanigans in Nigeria attempts to mutilate the constitution by manipulations and intimidations, to implement the human issue of the third term agenda, there is a divine issue of an eternal agenda unfolding upon the black race of the universe, in this third day millennia. For the black race, there is a call and a promise in the book of Hosea:

“Come, let us return to the LORD, for he has torn us, that he way heal us, he has stricken us, and he will bind us up. After two days (after 2000 AD) he will revive us; on the third day (from 2000 AD onwards) he will raise us up, that we may live before him.”

The prophetic relevance of Hosea 6:1-3 is tied to the “third day”- the third millennium- (see 2 Peter 3:8), we are now in. The two days (two millennia) has passed already, we are in the third millennium already. One hundred years after the Azusa street revival, ignited by a black man, year 2006 beckons the black race to the implementation of the divine promises of holistic healing –physical, socio-economic, spiritual etc- as espoused in Isaiah 19:22, and Hosea 6:2. It is a time of healing for the black race, a resurrection dawn, a restoration era.
Just as Hosea recorded, so also did Isaiah prophesy in Isaiah 19:22, “And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be entreated of them, and shall heal them.”

This third day is referred to as ‘that day’ in the history of the black race, when after centuries of social, political, ecological and economic disasters and mismanagement as elucidated in Isaiah 19: 1-16, “there will be an altar (a place of worship and prayers) to the LORD in the heart of Egypt” (another ancient biblical name for the blacks), …they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors”:-

Isaiah 19:19-21. In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt,
and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a savior, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it.

The Lord is calling forth the black church to resurrection, restoration, renewal and revival. This is a call for intercessory, discipleship and missionary ministry from the black race- a gospel highway.

Isaiah 19:23-25. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian
shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

We are already in the third day! Therefore arise, ye church of the black race, and return to the LORD in entreaties and intercessions. The Lord will listen to our pleas and prayers, and he shall heal us (Isaiah 19:22):

Let us acknowledge the Lord: let us press to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth (Hosea 6:3 NIV). Amen.

As we wholeheartedly return to the LORD, so will it be when the LORD begins to heal his people and cure the wounds he gave them (see Isaiah 30: 15 – 26). Amen.

By the Lampstand. 27th April 2006.

3.0 GOD’S LIKE-PASSION FOR THE RACES.

Apart from Isaiah 19, from which “The Mystery of the Black race” (Lampstandletters 14 & 15, September & October 1999) was written, two other biblical texts of prophetic relevance to the black race of our generation are Hosea 6:1-3 and Amos 9:7.:

Come let us return to the LORD, for he has torn us, that he way heal us, he has stricken us, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the LORD; his going forth is as sure as dawn; he will come to us as the showers; as the spring rains that water the earth.

Although the Old Testament scriptures focuses on God’s relationship with the Israelites, God made it clear in Amos 9:7, that He has the same/similar passion for the black (referred to as Ethiopians/Cushites in the old testament), as he has for the Jews.

Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? KJV

Do you Israelites think you are more important than the Ethiopians (Cushites), asks the Lord. I brought you out of Egypt, but have I not done as much for other nations? I brought the Philistines from Crete and led the Arameans out of Kir (New Living Translation).

Are not you Israelites the same to me as the Cushites? Did I not bring Israel out of Egypt, the Philistines from Captor and the Arameans from Kir? (Easy-to-Read Version)

It is a passion of salvation and redemption of the race; that a church of pastoral discipleship, of apostolic missionary calling, of evangelism, of prophetic authority will arise from the race, enthroning the lordship of Christ over all nations of the earth.

Acts 10:34-35, Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Romans 10:12-13, For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God is no respecter of persons (races) and will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4).Remember, that the restoration of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was through a black preacher in Azusa Street, at the beginning of the last century. One hundred years after the Azusa Street revival, ignited by a black man, year 2006 beckons the black race to a fresh (final?) third millennial revival. Amen, So come Lord Jesus!

By the Lampstand. 1st May 2006.

4. ON CHRISTIAN CALLING, MINISTRY, TITLE AND OFFICES

WHAT IS A CALLING?

A CALLING is a divine assignment and life-long vocation from God to a person chosen, equipped with certain spiritual gifts and ability by God Himself (Isaiah 41.2-4, 42.6-7), to perform in the person’s lifetime, a specific purpose and task related to the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 16.9-10, Romans 11.29, 1 Cor 1.26-29, Hebrews 5.10). A calling demands a response, an acceptance, willingness and obedience (1 Cor. 7.20.Isaiah 1.19).

1 Cor 7.17-24 lets us know that Christian calling does not change one’s position in life. Thus having a divine call is not a license to arrogance and pomposity; rather it is an obligation to God who calls and requires a SERVANT - attitude towards Him (1 Cor 7.22, Phil. 2.5-7). The ultimate end of fulfilling a call is to please Him, to do His will: The high calling of God speaks of coming into His fulness, as individuals and a corporate poeple.

Every call is fueled and burgeoned (grow/develop rapidly) by hope; the hope in Him who call (Ephesians 1.18). He who called has the ability to see the called through life’s divine assignment, unto heaven, the high calling. Faithful is He that calleth you, who will also keep the called ‘wholly sanctified…the whole spirit and soul and body preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5.24). It’s incumbent on to walk worthy of God, who has called us unto his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2.14, 4.7, 2 Thess.2.14).

A call could be from birth (Isa 49.1, Jer 1.4-5), only to be manifested later in life (see Jer 1.9-10, Luke 4.18-21 and Galatians 1.15-16 for the example of Jeremiah, Jesus and Paul respectively). A classical example of a call is that of Jesus Christ, foretold in Isaiah 49 and fulfilled from Luke 4.18-21. Like Saul (later known as Paul), one may wander in life before coming to the realization of his divine call and purpose. And like Jeremiah, one may grow into a young adult before realizing his/her call (Jer 1.4-7).

The name given to you at birth could also be an indication of a divine call and purpose for your life (1 Chro 22.9, Isa 49.1, and Matthew 1.21). So can your progenitors/forebearers (Isaiah 51.1-2).

In conclusion, it is our responsibility to “give diligence to make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1.10). It is a holy calling whose target and reward is to attain the fulness of Christ: the high calling.

So help us God.
By the Lampstand. 30th October 2008

4.0 WHAT IS MINISTRY

Christian Ministry is a platform for Christian service, an avenue created by men to carry out a divine assignment. Hosea 12:10 states how God spoke by the prophets, multiplied visions, and used similitude, by (or through) the ministry of the prophets.

A ministry is an office that specifically defines your divine assignment. The Apostles spoke of ‘this ministry’ in Acts 1.17,25 and of devoting themselves to the “ministry of the word and prayer" (Acts 6.4). Acts also talks of the ministry of Paul among the Gentiles. Moreover, ministry must have a defined focus.

A ministry has tenure, a time span during which it is expected to be fulfilled. Barnabas and Saul were given an assignment of taking relief to their brethren in Acts 11.27-30. Acts 12.25 records that they returned from Jerusalem ‘when they had fulfilled their ministry. Archipus was warned to “Take heed to the ministry which he has received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it (Colossians 4.17). Ministry is received in the Lord’s service, to be taken heed of and to be fulfilled. Paul declared in Acts 20:24,

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Numbers 4.47,49 talks of doing the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation... numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden.

To minister is to serve, to be a servant, Greek word diakonos and English word Deacon, one who executes the command of another, a subordinate of a higher Master. While the KJV uses the word ‘ministry’ in Romans 12.7, Today’s English Bible version uses the word ‘serve’. Matthew 20.26 and 20.27 respectively uses the word ‘minister’ and ‘servant’ to mean the same.

No one ‘calls’ self to a ministry, to a divine assignment. Paul talks of putting me into ministry. It is a trust, given and committed unto us (1Timothy 1.12; 2 Corinthians 5.18,19).

2 Corinthians 4 to 6 record the labor and the afflictions of the ministry of Paul. Yet in all, we are called to make full proof of our ministry (2 Tim 4.5). The ultimate is to be like Jesus, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens…having obtained a more excellent ministry (Hebrews 8.1,6). Amen

By the Lampstand,
31st October 2008

5.0 WHAT IS AN OFFICE?

An office is the name given by man to a portfolio, a particular area of service and responsibility (Genesis 41.13.; Exodus 1.16). The purpose of an office is to set order in a company of duties and responsibilities (1 Chronicles 6.32; 9.22). A Christian office is wherein one does the work of the ministry/Christian service (Ephesians 4.11-12).

6.0 YET ANOTHER DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH!

Unlike me, who regularly shared testimonies during the 2003-2006 periods of brain cancer affliction and deliverance, I failed to testify and give glory to the Lord for his mercy and love He showed to me in July by delivering me from death once again. And this I now do.

I was at the National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI Vom via Jos, Nigeria’s Central Veterinary Institute, to coordinate a 3-day Veterinary Epidemiology training I had earlier recommended for the Epidemiology unit. I thank God I did not plan to conduct all the training by myself, for I began to feel unwell from the 1st day of the training when I had delivered segments of the training. On the 2nd day, while two other colleagues were handling the training, I attended the NVRI clinic where I was placed on anti-malaria treatment. I could not attend the 3rd day training conducted by my Dean, and only asked to be called for the evening closing ceremony, and to append signatures to the training certificate.

Even though I was already feeling stressed before departing for Jos, I had scheduled the training, initially intended for five days, to three days, to accommodate a team from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC who was visiting NVRI that week and who needed my input to a proposed combined Masters in Public Health/ Veterinary Epidemiology Practice, MPH/VEP program. I was able to attend the consultative meeting with the Team till the afternoon of the 4th day. However, I had virtually a sleepless night experience that day, spent hearing at least 3 voices at same time, while striving not to watch an unwanted horror film in my mind!
By the next morning I was “in a state of delirium, acute distress, febrile, anicteric, some dehydration, supine…marked increased in Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, turbid urine, trace glycosuria with marked protenuria; retroviral negative”, according to results of examinations at the private medical center I was rushed to on the 11th July. I was placed on judicious use of intravenous fluid, intravenous antibiotics, intramuscular athememer injection, vitamin E and ascorbic acid for a working diagnosis of septicemia 2ry to severe infection.

On becoming clinically stable, I was referred for a CT scan of my brain as a pending required follow-up to my successful 2003- 2006 brain tumor surgery/ radiotherapy/ radiotherapy. However, I had a seizure during the CT on the 15th July and the CT could not be completed. On the 17th July, I was discharged and referred to the headquarters of the CT Diagnostic Center in Lagos to complete the CT, which I successfully did on the 18th. The good news is there was no single residue or new brain cancer cells recorded or reported! To God I give all the praise and glory.

I use the opportunity to acknowledge with thanks the labor of love and care of the leadership of the NVRI, led by Dr (Mrs.) Lami Lombin, who spent hundreds of thousands of naira on me for the seven days of intensive care, laboratory tests and 3 CT scans. Of particular mention is the sacrificial love of Dr Phillip Okewole, the Head of the Department who slept on the bare floor to stay with me in my admission room; as well as the visits and attention of Dr Makinde, Director of the Diagnostics and Extension Division, as well of Dr Oyetunde, the Head of Epidemiology Unit. Dr Gbenga Idowu, the recently appointed Executive Secretary of the Christian

Veterinarians of Nigeria was also instrumental; as well as various prayer partners. The Lord will reward you all accordingly.

Now that the CT scan reports indicate no single residue or new brain cancer cells recorded, I can put finishing touches to my book “FROM THE VALLEY OF DEATH TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING”, which chronicles my deliverance from Brain cancer and attendant side-effects over the past five years. Pray along with me, please.

Tayo Babalobi.

7.0 I WAS GIVEN THREE MONTHS TO LIVE!

That I successfully battled with brain cancer between 2003 and 2006 is well-known. What was not known even to me was that UCH doctors treating me did not expect that I will live beyond three (3) months when the case was diagnosed. This was shared with my wife recently by one of the doctors from the Haematology Department who was involved with the case.

I recall recently meeting one other doctor involved in treating me in 2004 at the Conference Center, University of Ibadan on 29th August 2008, after I had delivered an Invited paper at the Plenary Session of the recently held Unibadan Conference of Biomedical Research. She was literally looking at me with awe and wonder. To the glory of God, though medical prognosis did not give me more than three months to live in 2003/2004, I have between then and now- got promotion to a Senior Lecturer cadre, elected and appointed Head of Department, published 11 volumes of the Lampstandletters (Nos. 34-44) and 4 Lampstandletters Books, and now have two of my sons who were then in Junior Secondary School now become university undergraduates.

He has done for me what no man can do. Great is his faithfulness; greater things shall He yet do. Amen.

Dr Tayo Babalobi,
2nd November 2008.

8.0 GEMS FROM CVN VOM 2008, AUGUST 2008

The problems you don’t face cannot be phased out.
The problems you don’t address cannot be arrested.

b. PERCEPTIONS AND DISCERNMENTS

There are times we have to do what others are not doing because we see and know what others don’t see.

8.2 WORDS FITLY SPOKEN Proverbs 15.23b; 25.11

8.3 WHEN IN AFFLICTION, YOUR FUTURE IS AS BRIGHT AS GOD’S PROMISES FOR YOU

1 Cor 10.13; 2 Cor 4.17

9.0 WHY HANNAH WAS TEMPORARILY BARREN

There was a time in the life of the Church/Israel, when the Eli generation has become very old and the generation of the sons of Eli has become the sons of Beliah who knew not the Lord, took offerings inappropriately and by threats of force and lay with women who had devoted themselves to serve God in the temple. The word of the LORD was scarce and there were no open vision.

God fore-knew all this, and the sons of Eli were destined to be slain by God. But the resultant vacuum needed to be filled. From His throne above, God decided to send a vessel, which like Jeremiah 1.5, before he was formed in the belly and before he camest forth out of the womb sanctified him, and ordained him to be a prophet. And as He needed Mary to bring forth Jesus into the world, He also needed Hannah to bring forth Samuel. Mary would have understanding of the divine assignment via Angel Gabriel’s visitation, and responded accordingly: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”. But Hannah was not that favored as Mary. The Lord had to shut her womb (1 Samuel 1.5), until she made a vow giving him unto the LORD all the days of his life. And the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD1:20.

ARE YOU THE HANNAH GOD IS WAITING FOR IN THIS GENERATION? FOR SUCH A TIME LIKE THIS. Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

By the Lampstand,
31st October 2008

10.0 GET SET FOR A STATUS CHANGE

07/09/08: Tighten your seat belt, for its time for acceleration and leap-frogging into progress and higher altitude among nations/ at international levels. Prepare for a divine take-off, like a blast-off into space. A change of status within a twinkle of an eye; in ONE day as in Ruth 3:18 – 4:13 and in TEN (10) days as in Abigail in 1 Sam 25.39 -42!
If you have been faithful in little, greater shall be committed into you (Luke 19.17)

10. THERE ARE:

SET TIMES-Exodus 9.5:- And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.
APPOINTED TIMES-Jer 8.7:- Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. Habakkuk 2.3-4:- For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
AND FULLNESS OF TIMES- Galatians 4.4:- But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

11. FOR SINGLE SISTERS:AS LONG AS THE LORD RAISES INTERCEEDING WATCHMEN OVER YOU WHO WILL NOT HOLD THEIR PEACE OR GIVE GOD REST, YOU WILL SOON EXPERIENCE A THREE-IN-ONE VISITATION OF ISAIAH 62: 4, 12:

• SOUGHT OUT
• DELIGHTED IN
• AND MARRIED!

AMEN

By the Lampstand,
30th November 2008

12. PROSPERING THROUGH ROOTS BY THE WATERS Psalm 1:1-3, Job 29.19, 17.16, Jer 18:5-12

13. “ONE STEP OUT OF A STRAIGHT LINE FOCUS TO PURSUE PERSONAL AMBITON(S), LEADS TO MILES AWAY FROM YOUR DIVINE MANDATE”- REV EMIKO AMUCHUKA. IVCUAF REUNION FELLOWSHIP 22/11/2008

14. NOTE THE DIFFERENCE:

SPEAK LORD THY SERVANT HEARETH
AND
HEAR LORD, THY SERVANT SPEAKETH

15. From: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Message 134.
Date: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:44am
Subject: THE GOSPEL HIGHWAY

Various passages in the scriptures speak plainly of a highway of the gospel between Africa and the Middle and Far East (see Isaiah 19:22- 25, 18:7, 35:1-10, Zeph.3:10, Zech.10:10). Sometime in 1998, I came across a Scripture that suggests that the gospel highway will start from the coast line of tropical Africa (see Isaiah 11:11), through the gates of Central Africa, the Rift and Chad valleys to the far East, through the gateway cities in the 10/40 window (Maiduguri, Kano, Cairo, Khartoum, Njadmena, Tripoli, etc).

Envoys (missionaries, Ambassadors) will come from Egypt, and Ethiopia/Sudan will raise their hands to God (Ps. 68:31). The knowledge of the LORD will cover the earth, including the Islamic strongholds of the 10/40 windows of Northern Africa (Isaiah 11:9) Amen.

Let us then prepare ourselves and pray these things unto reality

LET US PRAY

1. Ask that the sevenfold spirit of God (Isaiah 11:2) will come upon Africa.
   Pray Hosea 6:1-3 for the black race.
   Ask God to break the head of Leviathan, of Rahab, Yemoja and all water spirits working in the rivers of Africa (Ezekiel 29:1- 10,32:1-8, Ps. 68:28-30, 74:13, Isaiah 27:1, 51:93).
   Ask for the altar of the Lord, pillar of covenant and gospel highway to be raised in the midst of Africa; that Africa may be a blessing to the entire world (Isaiah 19:18-25).
   Prophesy Isaiah 25 over Africa and the black race.

11.0 BENEDICTION

"....After two days (2000 years A. D.), He will revive us; on the third day (AD 2000 and beyond) He will raise us (black race) up. That we may live in his sight". (Hosea 6:2). Amen.

"O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5).

By the Lampstand
Ibadan.
October 6, 1999.

12.0 IBADAN AND THE GOSPEL HIGHWAY

From: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Message 135
Date: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:44am
Subject: RE-Gospel Highway
This contribution by Robin Jegede-Brimson <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>;, Centre for African Gospel Advance, UK in reaction to the Gospel highway section of the TRANSFORMING AFRICA PRAYERS MAY 2 2004 article from Dr. Tayo Babalobi <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lampstandletters/post?>.
Date: Sun Apr 25, 2004 0:02pm

Thanks for your article on the gospel highway (See above).

It starts in the city of Ibadan in 2006/7; it will vary in width, but generally between 15 and 65km wide. In its wake will be churches and ministries of every dimension, from drama ministry to deliverance, to intercession and every of the identified 125 plus ministry / 5-fold / spiritual / etc gifts. There will be a deluge of gifting released on the members of the body in the path of this highway, (and specifically for the ministry of the highway).

As the highway is formed, at least five huge ministries akin to CFAN will work at various places and times.

In the wake of the highway NO MOSQUE, NO IDOL, NO ALTAR will be able to keep its doors open, all the enemies of Christ will disperse like ice disperses when the sun rises. In the wake of the tornado of the gospel-machine communities will be transformed, curses erupted from the "soil" and "iroko trees" that have thrived for centuries are uprooted, by the power of the anointing.

For now the Lord is working on the body of Christ in Ibadan. Men are being set in place, ministries birthed, and businesses instituted.

For the Lord would say, "I have not forsaken you, my beloved. Have you forsaken Me and My heart for the lost, the oppressed, the captive? Yet you say, 'where are they?' I will go to Lagos to establish this work, but the Lord says, 'Have I the Lord sent you to Lagos? Behold My blessing is upon this town; her name shall be known in the entire world as the place the Lord loves and has placed His name.' Even now, says the Lord, 'I am rebuilding the wall of this great town, prosperity shall be in her walls and on her people. Not for themselves, but for the work; for from this city shall arise a cry for the souls of those being slaughtered for my name, and I Jehovah shall cause the pain for their sufferings to be felt in the hearts of my ministers in this town, Ibadan, and they shall call on Me for deliverance, and from their cries I will send a spirit of unity like has never before existed, unity to alleviate the cries of My oppressed ones, says the Lord.
Wait for it, it shall come to pass says the Lord."

IBADAN ARISE, FOR YOUR FINEST HOUR IS UPON YOU!!!

Best regards,

Robin Jegede-Brimson
Centre for African Gospel Advance, UK
April 2004
E-mail : <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>;

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17. THE SPIRIT OF TYRE AND SIDON

Tyre (meaning Rock) and Sidon (meaning plenty of fish/fishing) were the cities of Phoenicia and were prosperous seaports. Commerce was the chief source of their power and prosperity. Like the Canaanite (traders, merchants), they were famed traders. Her traders traveled far and wide to other seaports. The richest people of that age where Phoenicians, and they even tried to influence Israelite kings with their gifts (Psalm 45:12).

However, because of its prosperity and commerce, greed and corruption soon set him. They soon corrupted even the children of Israel, bringing fish and goods to sell even on the Sabbath (Neh. 13:16). Isaiah 23 is thus a judgment of Tyre and Sidon for her merchandise, her pride, her harlotry and her fornication.
There is a spirit of Tyre and Sidon in the church today. There are Canaanite (traders, merchants) in the house of God (see Zech. 14:21). In the name of building His church upon a rock (Tyre) and soul winning (fishing) the plenty of fish (Sidon), servants of God have turned the house of God into a house of merchandise (John 2:16). As in the time of Nehemiah, trading is done even on the Sabbath (Neh. 13:16); all in the name of prosperity message.

But thus saith the word of the Lord, "Now it shall come to pass that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king and it shall be that at the end of those seventy years, the LORD will let Tyre get back into business. Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the LORD; it will not be treasured or laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently and for fine clothing Isa. 23:15-18. In that day there shall no longer be any Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts." (Zech. 14:20-21). Amen.

By the Lampstand
May 2001

18. BETHEL

Bethel (meaning house of God, Gen.28:16-19) is a pathetic story of a place which in its latter days became referred to by the prophets as Beth-Aven (house of sin or house of nothing, Hosea4:15). It was a place of divine visitation, consecrated by one man Jacob, and desecrated by another man, Jeroboam. It began a s a place of worshiping God, and ended up as a place of worshiping idols, devised after the heart of men (1 Kings 12:28-29, Hosea 10:5). At one time it was a place of obedience, later a byword for disobedience. Once priests like Samuel sat to minister there (1 Sam. 7:16), later priest who were not even Levites ministered (1 Kings 12:31). Once, there was a traffic of angels, later it became a place for devouring she- bears and lions (2 Kings 2:23-24). To return to Bethel, Jacob asked all his household to put away the foreign gods. To call people to Bethel, Jeroboam set up golden calves as idols. In Genesis 35:1, God Himself asked that an altar to him be built. In Amos 3:14, God Himself said he will destroy the altars of Bethel, even to the horns. In Gen. 35:13-15, God talked to Jacob at Bethel. In Amos 5:5, He forbade Israel to go to Bethel to seek Him, because Bethel shall come to nothing@.

What was responsible for this bad latter end? One word IDOLATRY. Hosea chapter 4 summarized their situation. The Good News Bible renders the first two verses of Hosea chapter ten thus: The people of Israel were like a grapevine that was full of grapes. The more prosperous they were, the more altars they built. The more productive their land was, the more beautiful they made the sacred pillar they worshiped. The people whose hearts are deceitful must now suffer for their sins. God will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.

AO thou anointed man of God, how many Jeroboamic altars are you raising to ensnare the people of God. As the ministry prospers in your hand, what altars are you raising that have become idols, turning people away from Christ? Is the faith of the congregation still in Christ or the altars for prosperity, altars for visa/passport, altars for breakthrough? As you become more productive, B producing results and miracles, B what beautiful sacred pillars are you making for worship?

Now is the time to repent and retrace your steps, making Christ alone your cornerstone. Thus saith the Lord to the altars of Baal in Bethel, A "O altar, altar, hear the word of the Lord. I will visit destruction on the altars of Bethel. And the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground@." (See 1 Kings 13:2, Amos 3:14).
And thus says the Lord of the house of Israel: Seek me and live. But do not seek BethelY for Bethel shall come to nothing. Seek the Lord and live, lest He break out like fire in the House of Joseph and devour it, with no one to quench it in Bethel@." Amen. (See Amos 5:4-6).

By the Lampstand
30/5/2001

19. JONAH, NINEVEH AND TARSHISH

The story of Jonah is a very popular biblical story. He was told to Aarise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it: for their wickedness has come up before me. But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD@ (Jonah 1:1-3).

According to Cruden's Complete Concordance, Nineveh is probably the oldest city in the world, and was founded by Nimrod (Gen. 10:11) Nimrod (meaning rebellious), was the first rebel on earth in audacity and idolatrous wickedness against God. In other words, Nineveh was an ancient spiritual stronghold that was thick in wickedness and idolatry. To these people, Jonah was sent as a missionary, to preach the gospel, because the LORD wanted them saved (Jonah Chapter 3).

Instead, Jonah chose to enter a ship going to Tarshish. He chose to be a missionary to Tarshish. Tarshish means Asubjection of enemies@. Obviously, it was a city where much spiritual warfare has been done, where idolatrous altars have been pulled down where the heavens have been cleared of principalities, powers and rulers of darkness and it was easy to harvest souls. In addition, Tarshish was a Phoenician city, prosperous because of its merchandise and sea going ships (Isa 2:16, 23:1, Ezek. 27:25). It was a city where one could preach a Aprosperity message@ and have his offering bags filled with tens and hundreds of thousands. It was a convenient place to preach the gospel. While Nineveh was in the Northeast, Tarshish was in the west.

Today there are many ministers of God like Jonah called to be missionaries to the unreached strongholds and get nations saved. Instead they have entered ships to Tarshish, preaching prosperity messages.

It may be that the turbulence in your life is because you are sent to Nineveh but you are on your way to Tarshish. Maybe you are the one causing turbulence in your fellowship, ministry or church, because you are a Jonah on the way to Tarshish instead of Nineveh.

You may sacrifice every thing in the boat, and others may even help you sacrifice, in prayer and fasting. But there will be no peace until you are thrown out of the ship to Tarshish, and retrace your steps back to Nineveh. Hundreds of thousands are awaiting you and your message of salvationY and many livestock too (Jonah 4:11).

By the Lampstand
27/5/2001