Lampstand Letters 

No 42. July to September 2007

That we may walk in the light. Isaiah 2:5, Luke 8:16

1.0 REBUILDING NIGERIA: THE NEED FOR A NEHEMIAH TEAM (of servant-leaders, sanctifiers, repairers, builders and fortifiers)

Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us Ecclesiastes 1:10.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. Ecclesiastes 3:15

He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

This article was prompted by perceptions I got while attending a couple prayer conferences/meeting earlier this year.

1.                   On May 26th 2007, a few days before the inauguration of President Yar’adua as Nigerian President, the INTERCESSORS FOR NIGERIA, during its West Training/ Prayer Conference at the University of Ibadan, considered a discussion paper with the topic: SERVANT LEADERSHIP: A CONTEMPORARY NEED IN THE NATION

2.                   On Saturday August 4th 2007, during the Monthly (1st  Saturday of the month) Prayer For the Nation meeting at the Gethsemane  Prayer Cathedral Ibadan, the National President of NIGERIA PRAYS, Dr Moses Aransiola delivered a short exhortation, relating the Nigerian situation to the Nehemiah biblical  era of sanctifiers, builders, repairers, and fortifiers. (Incidentally, my church in Ibadan, the Glory Tabernacle, has since March 2007 embarked on the Study on the Book of Nehemiah during its Sunday Special Hour Fellowship 8.00 to 9.00am).

The assumption of office of ex-President Obasanjo’s geographical successor, President Umaru Yar’Adua, from a manifestly fraudulent election; his public declaration that he is a Servant-Leader during his inaugural address at his swearing –in, and his silent, seeming slow governance style is eliciting a curious reaction from Nigerians, including the watching and praying Church.

That Nigeria is in a “desolation of many generations”, with little or no maintanance culture is a known fact-whether it is in the area of broken down social infrastructure (energy/electricity/fuel supply, roads/transportation etc), health, education, security etc), or in the area of moral decadence and corruption that cuts across all ages and strata of the society, including the church and home-front.

But thus says the Spirit of God: For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth in Nigeria before all the nations. Amen. (See Isaiah 61:11).

To achieve this above, the LORD himself shall lift up from within and outside Nigeria, a Nehemiah crop of servant-leaders, sanctifiers, repairers, builders and fortifiers. As highlighted by Rev. Moses Aransiola, they are Visionary builders, great mobilizers who deploy round pegs into round holes, men with a divine mandate, who have the courage to use “javelins and spears” against the Sanballats and Tobiahs of Nigeria, men who can do a speedy work over Nigeria, with divine assistance . Amen

(Please prayerfully read and study Nehemiah chapters 1-6).

By the Lampstand,

07-09-2007

2.0 BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS

2.1        SERVANT LEADERS

Mark 10:44 “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all”. See also Philippians 2:5-9.

2.2        SANCTIFIERS

Leviticus 27:14 “And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand”.

2.3        BUILDERS and REPAIRERS

Isaiah 61:1-4.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations”.

2.4        FORTIFIERS

Nehemiah 4:15 -20

“And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

For the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, the work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.

In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us”.

Towards the next move (of the Spirit of God)

Sanctuaries are being prepared, strong and faithful, pure and true, across board, for the next move of the Holy Spirit.

BABES AND SUCKLINGS Psalm 8: I see crowds of little children, from whose mouth He utters praise;

YOUTH AND YOUNG MEN 1 John 2 - I see congregations of youths, strong and dedicated to the service of their LORD, while their other colleagues follow the spirit of the world;

DAUGHTERS OF ZION- THE BURDEN BEARERS-This is the season of the burden-bearers. The seed has been sown; they are the womb without whom there will be pregnancy. It is the season of the travailers, without whom there will be no birth. But as soon as the daughters of Zion travailed, they gave birth to this next move of the Spirit. They are the pre-Mrs Joseph Virgin Mary, the barren Mrs. Hannah Elkannah, whose womb (or marriage) is deliberately blocked (or delayed) by God himself; the widowed Madam Mama Ann who is devoted to the presence of God;- three generations of crying, travailing, wailing, mourning women. Without them there can be no birth of the next move

MEN OF WAR/ GIDEON’S ARMY -I see companies of armies of the Lord, like the Gideon’s Army prepared ready for incursions into the enemy’s territories- The tried, the tested, who have passed the tests of trials and temptations, the focused. The fearful and the afraid have been asked to step aside.

TUTELAGE AND DISCIPLESHIP-They have passed through tutelage and discipleship in the cave of Adullam, ready to become mighty men of battle. Men who hitherto were debtors, in distress, discontent, in dire need; that have successfully undergone role plays- some to go to war, some to stay with the supply, some to get the supplies.

They have stirred up the divine spiritual gifts in them, they have proved their calling, being faithful in little matters, greater ones are being committed into their hands. They have not hidden their natural talents without profit. They have invested in the things and for the sake of the Master. They are qualified to have more tasks committed into their hands.

FAMILY MATTERS SETTLED: Meanwhile, family issues are being settled and relocated- the Zipporahs and children; Jesse and wife- so they do not distract, that the men of war be focused. Meanwhile those who could not get their families in check, those who are still in honeymoon, those still burdened by their investments are being asked to step aside.

NOT DENOMINATIONS: -The next move of God is NOT to create congregations of new denominations- neither deeper life nor wider life nor longer life. Not for building one, or three, or thousand tabernacles of glory for accomplished and renowned men of God. It is a move, not a building, not even a tent. It is an Apostolic, Missionary movement for all nations. Yes, it will start Ibadan, but that’s just a location. As the first move started in Jerusalem, the next move is to the outermost part of the world- to the rest of Nigeria, to all Africa, to the Middle East, to Asia, to Europe to the Americas. Disciples dispatched to the ends of the world.

PASTORS, THE TIME IS AT HAND THAT YOU RELEASE YOUR REINS ON YOUR DISCIPLES! Haven undergone discipleship experience of Psalm 32:9, they have now become like the battle horse of Job 39:19-25, molded to take the battle to the camps and lands of the enemy, like the horses of the day of the Lord that now cometh Joel 2. Amen

 By the Lampstand,

11.30 am. 24-04-07.

3.0 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). Recently I came across a classified document dating back to the early part of this century. Information there confirm that the gospel highway will start from the coast lands 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, N’djamena, 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 land 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

4.0  LET US PRAY

         i.            Ask that the sevenfold spirit of God (Isaiah 11:2) will come upon Africa.

       ii.            Pray Hosea 6:1-3 for the black race.

      iii.            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).

     iv.            Ask for the altar to the Lord, pillar of       covenant and gospel highway be raised                in the midst of Africa, that Africa be a blessing to the entire world. Isaiah 19:18-25.

       v.            Prophesy Isaiah 25 over Africa and the entire black race.

5.0 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”. Amen Hosea 6:2.

“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.

6.0 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED BY GOD?

The Short Message Text was succinct:

‘... Have you ever felt disappointed by God? If yes how did you handle it and if no why?’

Coming from a single missionary in a foreign land, the pang and passion of disappointment was palpable and understandable.

It is human to be disappointed, of unfulfilled desires and expectations.

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12.

Sarah must have been so disappointed that she suggested that Abraham help fulfill God’s promise via Hagar. Joseph was exasperated at the disappointment of his unfulfilled divine dream while the butler’s and baker’s dreams were fulfilled before his very eyes. Job was so utterly disappointed with his existence that he cursed the day of his birth out of human calendar. The disciples were so disappointed after the crucifixion of Christ that they went back to their fishing. Their hearts were sick, hope deferred, nay all hope seemingly lost.

But greater than hope is faith

Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

While hope is waiting for the physical manifestation of desires and expectations, faith is a next stage in spiritual maturity, beyond hope. While hope is a natural human venture, faith is a spiritual endeavor. While hope is limited by human desires and expectations, faith is unlimited, a trust in an inexpendable God.

Faith enables man to transit the limits of hope. When one begins to lose hope, when there are no physical manifestation of things desired, things expected, things hope for, disappointment sets in. But the alternative to despair and disappointment is faith

Hebrews 11:2. For by it the elders obtained a good report…

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

While hope is measured quantitatively by its physical manifestation, faith is measured qualitatively by the calibre of God; the one gave the yet-to-manifest promises. It is a vision that transcends life and existence, a trust in a divine God and his eternal faithfulness.

Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us”.

1.       Faith justifies our NOT being disappointed when the physical desires and expectations are not met

2.       Faith grants us peace with God instead of disappointment

3.       Faith grants us grace beyond human ability to endure joyfully in divine hope despite obvious causes for earthly natural disappointments

4.       Faith causes us to practically experience patience (as biblical examples did), amidst tribulations, trials, temptations and affliction, with a belief that God will ultimately NOT make ashamed. Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

5.       Faith finally brings us to the ultimate destination in spiritual growth and maturity - the love of God

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

7.0 THE GREATEST IS LOVE

I Corinthians13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

7.1        Love for God

The ultimate Christian experience is to be a beloved of God, pleasing God

Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, !This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

This ultimate can only be reached after passing the tests of hope and faith. After passing

         i.            the test of disappointment, 

       ii.            the cry of the forsaken, Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

      iii.            the giving up and subjection of (unfulfilled) wishes, desires and expectations to the will of God the Father Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

7.2        CONCLUSION

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

1 Peter 1:6 -9 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls”.

By the Lampstand

04th September 2007

PSALM 68:19 EVERY DAY HE HELPS US WITH THE LOAD WE HAVE TO CARRY!

7.3        BETWEEN SAYERS AND DOERS

Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven

7.4        BETWEEN HEARERS AND DOERS

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

8.0 THE SPIRIT OF BELIAH

Beliah is a spirit, a principality that fights the church and the purpose of God anywhere it may be found. It is a spirit that profanes, despises, dishonors and makes light the holiness and the holy things of God.

The 1st and 2nd Books to the Corinthians were written by the Apostle Paul to the church, the brethren at Corinth. They were not lacking behind in any spiritual gifts in its operation, administration, manifestation etc. Neither were they lacking in any knowledge, yet they had a basic problem: CARNALITY. This was manifested through various ways- strife, divisions amongst them, fighting over virtually everything from Holy Communion to doctrinal issues like covering of hair, marriage, giving, spiritual gifts and conduct during open worship etc. They were divided as to the Apostleship of Paul, there was the issue of the one committing fornication and adultery with his father’s wife with impunity.

Paul brought God’s judgment to bear upon them on all the issues raised above, all in 2 Corinthians 6:15:

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

He was able to pinpoint the root of all these issues, which is the spirit of Beliah.

The spirit of Beliah was the prevailing ruling spirit over the city of Corinth, for the Corinthians were given to pleasures (of the flesh), and all vices you can think of, including the dedication of one thousand maidens as temple prostitutes available for free sex! Paul seems to be saying to them “the reason why you do all these things is because you have submitted yourselves to the spirit of Beliah”.

So, for the Corinthians, the spirit and its operations was FOUNDATIONAL and ANCESTRAL INHERITANCE; and for those living there, there was a prevailing spirit influencing the people, of which the church has become a victim, following giving room to it; i.e. by not identifying and judging the spirit in each of them and in their midst.

9.0 IN THE CHURCH TODAY

Let it be known that it is a spirit that still fights the church. To some it is an ancestral spirit, while to others it is an environmental/location spirit. Note that until Paul stepped into the issue, the people were not able to, because it is a spirit that disarms and incapacitates the people who were supposed to contend with it once it gains a foothold.

9.1        MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT

1.       It is a spirit that employs sons and daughter TO CARRY OUT ASSIGNMENTS FOR HIM.

2.       It is interesting that Beliah finds volunteers and enlistment in God’s house as well.

3.       1 Samuel 2:12: Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

4.       Sons of Eli, the priest, the man of God!  Hannah protested that she was not a daughter of Belial, when Eli thought she was. He must have become used to such Beliahites coming to worship in the temple of God. So also were such found among David’s army (1 Sam 30:22).

5.       It blindfolds and cuts one off from knowing or having a personal relationship, walk or experience with God, to produce the live of Christ in one.

6.       It breeds covetousness and greed to the extent of a display of brazen violence. “And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force’. (1 Samuel 2:16)

7.       It promotes sexual perversion right in the midst of God’s house- without the fear of God (1 Samuel 2:22); desecrating the covenant and bed of marriage, a holy and sacred institution before the very eyes of God.

8.       It makes its victim despise God’s authority and government, veiling man from understanding where God has placed his name, honor and glory; treating these with levity and disdain. Such sons of Beliah speak unadvisedly and loosely about God’s people, places and things (just as Nabal reacted disdainfully to the anointed David who was then a fugitive in the wilderness (1 Samuel 25; 10 -12). Similarly the sons of Beliah despised King Saul, just after he was anointed king 1 Samuel 10:27.

9.       It makes a man exhibit wickedness, both against the Lord and even his brethren, like Naban and David’s soldiers (1 Samuel 30:22).

10.   It is a spirit that forms a league with other spirits, especially the spirit of Jezebel, to perpetuate evil. Jezebel found some sons of Beliah to wickedly lie against Naboth (I Kings 21).

10.0         DELIVERANCE FROM THE SPIRIT OF BELIAH

It is the desire of God to judge this spirit in us and in the Church. He does not handle it lightly, as seen from His judgment on Hophni, Phinehas and even their father Eli and his generation after him. Also in the case of Nabal.

The desire of God is that we come with a heart of deep repentance, crying to God for deliverance, separating ourselves from all that carries the nature and mark of Beliah, abhorring it totally.  Some may need to seek deliverance through the ministry of a man of God with understanding. In 2 Corinthians 7: 78-11 is Paul’s report of the resultant desired effect after his strong intervention on the issue of the man led by the spirit of Beliah to sleep with his father’s wife.

God hates (the spirit of) Beliah and he wants us to so do!

July 2007

Timothy Akin-Israel, ministers at Plummet Publishing <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>, 3 Adefolu Drive off Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.

FROM GOD TO MAN

1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

FROM MAN TO GOD

Psalm 27:7-8 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

THE REPENTANCE OF MAN AND THE REPENTANCE OF GOD See Leviticus 26:40- 45

If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me…

And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her Sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.

But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.

BEYOND REPENTANCE Jeremiah 15:1-6

Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? Then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah King of Judah; for that which he did in Jerusalem.

For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? Or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

By the Lampstand,

5.25 am. 07-09-2007

He comes quickly Revelations 22:10-3

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

By the Lampstand,

07-09-2007

11.0         COMING OUT SOON: LAMPSTAND LETTERS IN BOOK FORM

1.            Ecclesiastical Witchcraft and Manipulation

2.            Perfumers, Cooks and Bakers: The Ministry Of Christian Sisters

3.            The Mystery of the Black Race

4.            Thrones and Water Spirits of Nations

PLEASE PRAY ALONG FOR THEIR PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION (PSALM 68:11).

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Lampstand Letters

No 31. July to December 2002

That we may walk in the light. Isaiah 2:5, Luke 8:16

1.0 SHEPHERDS AND KINGS

In its Old Testament usage, the shepherd always metaphorically means the leader, the King.  God himself is referred to as the Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 80:1). David was brought from caring for sheep to be a shepherd-king over Israel (Psalm 78:70-72). Micah 5:5 and NahuM 3:18 uses the word shepherd to refer to leaders, princes and nobles.

The Old Testament usage is different from the New Testament usage. Whereas the leader of God's people was a king-shepherd in the Old Testament, he is a shepherd -king (or servant-leader) in the New Testament usage. God had forewarned in I Samuel 8:11-17, that a king will always be a tyrant. By the time of the prophet Ezekiel, God denounced in strong terms such king-shepherd (see also Zechariah 10:3, 11:4-17 and 13:7). In Zechariah 9:9, the LORD introduced the new pattern of servant-leaders for the New Testament era: "Behold your King, righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey".

The Lord Jesus further develops this servant-leadership theme in Luke 22:25-26, John 10:1-18 and 13:1-16, where, he referred to Himself as the good shepherd and demonstrated that leaders must serve the followers.

Later on, Peter, who became the first leader of the Church, stipulated that the leaders of God's people must not lord it over God's people   (I Peter 5:1-3). Pathetically, what we have today as Church leaders and ministers is a generation of king-pastors.

The Cruden's Complete Concordance to the Bible defines a Minister as 'used in the Bible mainly in the archaic sense of one who serves, waits on and attends another... those who are to care for the work of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 14.1).

2.0 TWO TYPES OF SHEPHERDS

Hosea 12:12-13 (New Living Translation) contrasts two types of shepherds; Jacob fled to the land of Aram and earned a wife by keeping sheep. Then the LORD led Jacob's descendants, the Israelites out of Egypt, by a prophet (Moses), who guided and protected them (emphasis mine).

In this passage are represented the two types of shepherd in the Church today- the Jacob- type and the Moses-type. The Jacob-type is in ministry because of what he earns, and his ministry is based/motivated by manipulation, greed and scheming (Jacob means deceiver, who grasps by the heel). Like Jacob manipulated himself into Laban's house and worked for fourteen years to marry his daughters, such ministers call themselves into the ministry for personal gain. In contrast, the Moses-type was selfless and meek, a leader who asked God to blot out his name in the Book of life, if God will not forgive his followers (Exodus 32:32). He stood in the gap for the church in the wilderness, to the extent that things went wrong with him for their sake (Psalm 106:23, 33). Today we have ministers (and parents) who rather hold their followers in bondage by witchcraft, curses and threats of curses.

We are called as ministers and leaders over God's people to be shepherds (pastors) rather than kings, servants rather than masters?

He chose David also his servant, and took him from following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. (Psalm 78:70-72).

From the passage above, a model Christian leader is:

1.       Put in place by God; God is the One that promotes, he lifts up one and put s down another. Christian leadership is not achieved by strife or manipulation, neither by favoritism or ethnic consideration.

2.       Chosen appointed and selected by God; leadership involves a process of selection and ordination. David was the youngest person in his father's house but God chose and selected him from among his brethren

3.       A servant of God. Christian leadership is servant hood. To be a leader is to be Servant. That was the principle Jesus left for us.

4.       Exposed, experienced in a previous vocation. The experience that David used to face Goliath, and to lead God's people was garnered at the backside of the wilderness

5.       Faithful in another person's business. The Lord taught very clearly that He that is not faithful in another's work can not have his own committed into his hand

6.       Promoted from a lowly obscure job. Every call to leadership is a promotion from a previous obscure assignment.

7.       Served a period of tutelage. He that aspires to leadership must be ready to undergo a reasonable period of tutelage and apprenticeship.

8.       To take care of both old and young. A leader must be ready and able to cater for all ages and gender of persons in is flock

9.       Recognize the congregation as God's people. The Christian leader sees the flock not as his personal congregation to be manipulated and controlled as he wishes. Rather he treats them as God's own special people. He remembers that Moses did not make the Promised Land for calling God's people a stiff-necked brood of rebels.

10.   Relates to them as God's inheritance. Not only are the flock God's people, they are also his inheritance on the face of the heart, the only people God calls his own on earth, a people he has given authority and dominion for the events on earth.

11.   Diligently feed God's people. The Christian leader, like any good shepherd knows that his responsibility is to feed the people of God with the pure and undiluted word of the Lord. Hence he himself should be a good teacher of God's word.

12.   A man of integrity. Integrity and wholesomeness is expected of every leader of God's people. He must be trustworthy, a man of his word

13.   Serves from the heart. Like David, he must be a man after God's heart, a lover and worshipper of the LORD

14.   Guides the people. Like the shepherd of Psalm 23, the leader of God's people must guide, lead, protect, nurture, correct, provide for and care for God's people.

By the Lampstand

December 2002

3.0 THE MAN KING -TONY RAPU

People have always tried to hide from God behind someone else. In the days of Samuel the bible records that the elders of Israel gathered together and came to the prophet. They said to him as recorded in the first book of Samuel, "Sir you are old, your sons do not walk in your ways. Make us a king to judge us like all the other nations" Israel's cry for a king was motivated by their desire to be like other nations. Everyone else had a king, so why should they not also have their own king. The cry of Israel is the cry of the church today, "give us a king!" A king we can see rather than an invisible God we cannot see. Samuel tried to dissuade Israel, "perhaps God has a better plan" but Israel insisted, "No Samuel, we want a king." The bible records that the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel and insisted on their desire for a king. God had wanted to be their king, but what they wanted was someone who could take risks on their behalf so they could safely stay in the background.

What they wanted was someone who could hear God for them and relieve them of their own responsibility to hear God for themselves. Israel wanted someone to fight their battles for them, do their deliverance services for them, perhaps tell them when to read their bibles, which chapters to read, when to pray, when not to pray. Today, sometimes the church inadvertently creates man kings by the exaltation of its leaders. People love to see pictures of their favourite leaders in newspapers and magazines.

An almanac or calendar that features the powerful man of God would rapidly sell in the Christian community. Magazines have done features of the best-dressed Christian leaders, the richest Christian leaders and even the most attractive pastors. Christian leaders and pastors can now easily achieve celebrity status comparable to music, film and television personalities. The amazing thing is that the people are no longer seeking a message from these popular Christian leaders; they just love their star quality. Many a time, a hush would fall on an audience; a holy awe would descend when a man of God enters a place.

But what may have begun as a genuine respect for leaders now degenerates into idol worship, seductively characterized as "giving honour to whom honour is due". Some of these leaders as they begin to reign as kings over their local empires, now begin to exercise ruler-ship over the church and the people in it. Such a strong position of power and influence over men's heart would naturally cause an unprincipled and spiritually immature leader to begin to manipulate the people for his own gains.

The pastor or the leader in the guise of presenting the vision tells the people what God can do for them and all they have to do is cooperate. The whole congregation then becomes of one mind because only one mind is allowed to function. Very gradually a grotesque monster to control and intimidation may appear behind the concept of unity and vision. Personal liberty and the gifting of the people are then destroyed as they are brought into bondage of a man-centered organization.

God warned Israel against the dangers of a man-king. He told them that the benefits of a king would soon be overtaken by the vices of a king.

Man-kings, God told Israel, would cause their sons and daughters to serve them rather than serve the one true God. This is true today in that you'll find people weary, tired and burnt out serving the will of their organization yet having no intimacy with the God they claim to serve.

Sometimes, all the sincere man intended to do was carry out the vision God gave him. The vision initially was intended to serve the people of God, nurture them and ensure they fulfil their purpose and destiny in God. However the reverse becomes the case as soon as the man takes up the position of king. The people end up being enslaved to the vision of the king. The man-king ensures, perhaps inadvertently, that the vision of the organization replaces the will of God for the people. Kings must live in comfort, Kings need money to increase the size of their empires, and unfortunately the people always have to pay for the personal ambition of the king.

Those who help the king extend his empire are handsomely rewarded. And those who express concern over the king's strategies may be side-lined.

Even those who started well may become ensnared in the trappings of power. People who could never have imagined themselves becoming public figures, who now find themselves speaking to congregations of hundreds and thousands become sucked in by this corrupting influence of power.

Hardly any of Israel's kings could escape this snare. It took David's deeper yearning for God to keep him on the narrow path, but yet he paid a great price for it. The lure of money, power, influence, position and a desire to be relevant in the lives of other people contributes to the creation of this monster on the pulpit. It's at this time compromise sets in.

Impropriety may also set in. The leader is trapped, the people themselves are trapped, everyone knows there is a problem but no one knows what to do. Jesus wants to be our king; only His kingdom must be enthroned on the earth.

Tony Rapu is a medical doctor and a pastor. He can be reached at info@tonyrapu. net. © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2002/08/11/ 0020811rel02.html.

The article first appeared in the THISDAY ON SUNDAY, 22nd August 2002, under the column THE VOICE OF ONE PREPARED BUT HIDDEN.

Isaiah 49:2 - 4 is the restless cry of a man that is anointed, prepared and even has prophecies to the effect that he will do glorious tasks for the Lord; yet he is still hidden and obscure, still in the shadows, like an arrow in the quiver, a sword in the quiver. He bemoans himself that all his hard work, his anointing, his spiritual exercises (fasting, prayer, bible study, night vigils, personal discipline etc have been in vain. But he was wise enough to take and leave his frustration with God, quietly trusting in Him (verse 4), thus preparing the way for God to reveal a greater purpose, task and glory ahead for him (verse 5-6).

For the man God will use, there is always a time for hiding. The Lord Jesus, even though by the age of twelve was aware of the Lord's call upon his life, waited for eighteen years for sharpening and preparation, growing in wisdom, grace and favor (Luke 2:42-45) till he was thirty when he then entered into the ministry. Paul likewise was hidden in Arabia for fourteen years. Likewise David and Moses before them.

Beloved ,do not be dismayed by the waiting period in the shadows, in the quiver, in the scabbard until you are properly prepared, skilled, fortified and equipped. In these latter days, anyone who will confront the godless must be well armed, skilled and fenced; else they will tear the hands that touch them (2 Samuel 23:6-7).

4.0 GIBBORIMS AND NEPHILIMS

The "Mighty Men" of the scriptures refer to humans who have acquired extraordinary or supernatural fighting abilities. There were two categories of such mighty men- the Gibborims and the Nephilims.

The Gibborims were natural men who had acquired extraordinary fighting skills through practice, expertise, skill and discipline. David's regular army comprised of these gibborims (1 Chronicles 11; 10 - 12: 38, 2 Samuel 23 8-39)

The Nephilim were demons that had taken the form of men, and men imbued with supernatural satanic and heroic abilities. In Genesis 6:4, the were referred to as giants, from the Hebrew Nephilim, meaning "people who have fallen", descendants of "sons of God"-rebellious angels- and ambitious 'daughters of men'. When the children of Israel got to Canaan, the ten spies reported the presence of giant Nephilims in the land (Numbers 13:33). Such men with satanic anointing still exist today, drawing supernatural powers and abilities from demonic sources. Many men of God have become anointed Nephilims, mighty men, and giants in wickedness and evil. It is for such people the prayers of Psalm 52 and Psalm 140 are to be directed.

5.0 PHASES IN A CORONATION.

The private revelation 1 Samuel 9:15-17

The private anointing 1 Samuel 10:1-10

The public proclamation 1 Samuel 10: 17- 25

The public coronation 1 Samuel 11: 12-13.

6.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM LEADERS - Dave Craft

.. Well-done, good and faithful servant! - Matthew 25:23 NIV Professor Bobby Clinton of Fuller Seminary has done extensive studies of leaders in the bible, and he's come to the sobering conclusion that fewer than 30% finished well. He defines "finishing well" as walking closely with the Lord and being productive for Him at the end of their lives.

Clinton concluded that those he studied in the Bible -as well as other leaders- shared five characteristics that enabled them to "finish well':

1.       They maintain a personal, vibrant relationship with God to the end

2.       They maintain a learning posture and learn from various sources

3.       They live by identifiable goals and are characterized by self-control in their minds, will and emotions.

4.       They see the need for meaningful, supportive, personal relationships and devote tine developing such intentional relationship, starting from their marriage and their family.

5.       They have a clear vision, strong biblical convictions, a great sense of perspectives, and a life-long commitment to please and honour the Lord through a daily, deliberate, surrender to the lordship of Christ in all this.

This article, an extract of a longer article by the author, first appeared in the Intercessors for America (IFA) Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 10, October 2002 and is used with Official Permission.

7.0 POCKETING VISIONS AND MINISTRIES.

The trend nowadays in Ecclesiastical circles is for the minister to tend to pocket the ministry. He sees himself as the trustee, custodian and owner of the ministry and vision. He then begins to personalize the ministry, fending off and at times manipulating and intimidating others who God has called to partake in the fulfilment of the ministry. More so if such persons are anointed and or talented. In so doing, the set man truncates, dwarfs or kills the ministry and vision, because a vision is always bigger than the visioner, the ministry always bigger than the minister.

Why do visioners and ministers want to 'pocket' the vision/ministry. It is simply because of their pocket! Whereas the Lord uses many persons to fulfil and build up a ministry, the visioners feel the dividends must belong to them alone. "The less the better!"

Such men are called to read and understand Matthew 20:1 - 16. The Lord is the owner of the vineyard; we all are called in at various stages/phases to fulfil our part. He alone rewards. Many will be first now who will be last and vice versa.

December 2002.

8.0 THE CALL TO BE SPIRITUAL PIONEERS        - Larry Tomczak.

By definition, a pioneer is "one who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle" Pioneers may open up new areas of thought, research or development. Pioneers are trailblazers, champions of a new order, advance agents who break new ground. They are often people who die without the respect they deserve.

The word "pioneer comes from the French language and originally meant: a foot soldier sent on to clear the way". Pioneers are people who refuse to live as yesterday's people or today's people. Their feet are firmly planted in tomorrow.

As Christians, pioneers realize this world is not their home. Therefore, they live with an eternal perspective. The writer of the Book of Hebrew described men and women of faith as people with a pioneering spirit (Hebrew 11: 13- 16).

If you are a Christian, you follow in the footsteps of your role model, Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith" (Hebrew 12: 1-2 NRSV).  When you look to Jesus you understand that in order for revival to begin in your life, you must follow Jesus with a reckless abandon into the mysterious unknown-and that means change. Pioneering men and women of faith understand that change is only constant. This does not mean change for change's sake, but rather a flexibility and sensitivity to the Spirit in pioneering new ground and recovering that that has been lost due to disobedience, compromise and neglect in the Church.

Settlers, on the other hand, are people who settle. The word for settle comes from the word as sit. Pioneers move ahead while settlers choose to stay. In a spiritual sense, settlers are people who settle for the status quo. They are content with yesterday's manna and whatever leftovers life gives them.

Today a new breed of men and women is emerging! God is bringing together two generations that will transform this present decadent society. You can be counted among the men and women who are becoming pioneering Elijah generation in a King Ahab and Jezebel age.

Larry Tomczak serves on the IFA Board of Directors. This article first appeared in the Intercessors for America Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 10, October 2002 and is used here with Official Permission.

9.0 BE A PIONEER

The two things that are going to rule and control the natural and the spiritual worlds respectively in the days to come are:

-          (Computer/Information) Technology, and

-          Prayers/the Word.

Be current and apply each of these to your vocation.

By the Lampstand,

October 2002

10.0         THE HOBAB PRINCIPLE

"Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Rehuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, "we are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, "I will give to you. Come with us and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised us good things. In as much as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. Number 13: 29-32 (Emphasis mine).

A very important purpose in missions, and particularly in Strategic Missions Research is what I term the "Hobab Principle". This refers to the divine provision of an indigenous person to guide and assist the missionary or researcher to accomplish his goal. (It is similar to the 'Am Ha'arez of Theology. 'Am Ha'arez is Hebrew and literally means 'the people of the land' (or what we in Nigeria will call "sons of the soil.)

See-Jeremiah 1:18, 34:19, 37:2,44:21, Ezra 10:2,11, Nehemiah 10:30-31 etc.

Source: A handbook of Biblical Criticism by Richard N. Souilen, p.14).

A constant feature in the scriptures is the divine provision of "sons-of-the soil" to work along His missionaries. For Moses it was Hobab (Number 10: 29-32).  For Joshua it was Rahab (Joshua 2).  For Gideon it was Purah (Judges 7:10-11).  For the Danites it was Micah and the young Levite (Judges 18: 2-27).  For David and his men it was the Egyptian slave boy (I Sam 30:11-16).  The Apostle Paul had several of them, including Gaius, Aristarchus and Timothy (Act 19: 29, 20:4).

Every pioneer missionary or research must pray to God to give him a Hobab.  A point of caution: the Hobab usually may not stand well as a Christian. He may be the despised of the society (like Rahab the harlot and the Egyptian boy).  They may be mercenaries, living out of the will of God like Micah's young Levite.  They may even be of much emotional or financial burden on you. But you need them. Indeed, God had provided them for you, to be your 'eyes' and 'ears' among a hostile people. Treat such a person well! See Num. 10:29 - 32.

(Culled from the book "Biblical Approach to Strategic Missions Research" Tayo Babalobi 2002).

11.0         TWO VISIONS- Segun Adediran

Vision 1:

I saw a dragon coming out of the sea. It brought out his head and vomited blackish venom. The venom moved on to the land and entered a church building. There it entered into the body of the Minster in charge, through his flesh, to his soul and into his spirit. The Minister then began to vomit the venom onto the congregation anytime he ministered. This began to affect the congregation, which became polluted. These things displeased the Lord.

Suddenly I saw a high mountain in the wilderness with the Lord on its top. There was fire and explosions, and suddenly I heard a loud voice saying "Come and take your refuge in the wilderness, take your leave beneath this mountain'. Then I saw men and women running with were remained of their property, panicky as they sought to find a refuge in the wilderness where the mountain of the Lord is established.

Vision 2:

I saw a man standing before the throne of Nigeria, and an angel with a wide flaming sword in his hand closely watching over him, ready to strike against any evil committed by him or any one else. Then I heard these:

"The next election shall be a celebration for my people, but pray that their rejoicing will not be cut short. For, I will put my servant in there, but he is frail, fragile and beset with many sins. And the church whom I have given the sword is already using it to destroy one another selfishly". I see the church standing in groups on plain ground like a host of army, with the leader of each group holding a sword. Suddenly there was a misunderstanding between the leader of one group and a follower in another, and behold, the sword holding leader slaughtered the follower.

The slain follower's leader also slew a follower in the other group in revenge. The first leader retaliated by slaughtering another follower, and an orgy of slaughter of followers followed. One leader even slaughtered one of his followers in error, but was too busy revenging to regret his mistake.

In the midst of all these confusion, the angel standing watch over the throne drew out his sword and cut the man on the throne, from his right shoulder to his left thigh, after two years in office. There was confusion and division, first in the camp of the army of the Lord, and then among those outside.

Pray that I will purge you (the government and the church) that your rejoicing is not cut short.

Pastor Segun Adediran is a missionary and Pastor of Chapel of Missions, Ibadan.

12.0         SORRY, HOW MANY TIMES?

The usual perspective of Luke 17: 1-5 is on the need to forgive a brother who sins against you for as many times as he repents and apologies. There is another perspective - How many times (in a day) should a Christian brother be ready to say sorry to his offended brother?

The answer is implied - if you have to say sorry seventy times seven times a day to your brethren, be ready and willing to so do. Agree with your adversary quickly, lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. (Matthew 5:25 - 27). For an adversary is an accuser, even when the adversary is a Christian like you.

TWO TYPES OF ADVERSARIES

- SATANIC

- HUMAN

13.0         COVENANTS, OATHS, VOWS AND CURSES -Bernie Mostert

13.1    Covenants

In essence a covenant is an agreement of solemn and binding power in both the natural and spiritual world. A covenant is not something that is entered into lightly, since it is irrevocable, unchangeable, and binding on those who made it. It is the strongest expression of a relationship between individuals, people groups and nations. An inherent component of a covenant is the concept of blessing and curse.

Keeping the agreement results in both natural and spiritual blessings, but breaking it invokes the strongest possible punishment and curse on the guilty party.  A covenant is so serious because of who God is (He is good, faithful, trustworthy, holy, etc.), and because He chose to enter into a covenant relationship with people. He felt so strong about His relationship with people, that He bound Himself irrevocably in covenant to us through Noah, Abraham, and finally through Jesus.

God knows the strong impact of a covenant in the spiritual realm - therefore He commanded His people with a solemn warning, to keep covenant with Him and with one another. He also knew that Satan would use this very important authentication of relationship to entice mankind away from God and covenant them with the spiritual demonic realm - therefore He strictly forbade any such agreement between people and the spiritual realm.

Any covenant made with spiritual beings, other than God Himself, immediately invokes a curse on the individual, people group or nation, and opens them up for occult manipulation and control. A covenant with the demonic realm gives Satan legal right to the lives of people or nations, and forms a barrier that resists God's blessings. Covenants or treaties with other nations imply that a covenant is also made with their gods, and God forbids this.  A covenant is made when a statement of terms is agreed on. Oaths are sworn by each party to observe the terms of the agreement, and a curse is invoked in case of the disregard of the agreement. The endorsement of a covenant is enacted by a solemn, external, ritual act, usually sealed by an offering or sacrifice of some kind, as well as a physical reminder of the covenant, such as a written contract, wedding ring, pillar or monument. The higher the value of the sacrifice, the more serious the effect of the covenant is on the people.

Covenants can be made on individual, family, communal, national or international levels. All of these levels, except the individual one, legally affect people who may not even be aware of the terms agreed on, their behalf. Covenants made by previous generations with the express intention to be binding on the succeeding generations, are as legally binding on the descendants as on those who made the covenants, and demand the fulfilment of requirements, including the blessings and curses agreed on by the covenanting partners.

13.2    Oaths

To swear an oath is to give one's sacred unbreakable word in testimony that the one swearing would faithfully perform some promised deed, or that he would faithfully refrain from some evil act. The swearing of an oath always accompanied covenants. By taking an oath, one invokes a curse upon oneself, should the truth not be spoken. Oaths play a very important part in lawsuits, state affairs, and every day life of individuals. The oath forms the solemn verbal statement or pledge (spoken word) of the agreement, while the covenant is the substance of the agreement itself. A false oath invokes many curses and judgments on the guilty party, and requires a sin offering to release such a person from the penalty.

13.3    Vows

A vow can be either positive or negative. A positive vow includes promises to perform certain things or bring certain offerings in return for benefits. A negative vow is taken, when a person binds himself to abstain from certain things. A vow is as binding as an oath, when verbalized, and can never be lightly made. It may be retracted under certain circumstances, and redemption can be made for it.

13.4    Curses

The result of a broken covenant or oath has a negative effect on those who are involved, and the effect is called a curse. A curse is always used in contrast with a blessing. Like a blessing, a curse can be pronounced on someone.

The pronouncement of a curse is not just a mere wish that disaster would overtake the person in question, but has much more spiritual power. Both a blessing and a curse possess an inherent power that spiritually performs an action in the natural world. As prayers are directed to God to ask for blessings, so curses are directed to supernatural beings that can inflict serious harm. The use of magic and spells of all kinds is based on the belief that it is possible to enlist the support of spiritual forces and to persuade them to carry out the supplicant's wishes.

It is not necessary to perform an act to pronounce a curse, although this is done to increase the faith of the one placing the curse – merely uttering it aloud is enough to set evil in motion. Generally, the name of a spirit, god or deity would be invoked to carry more spiritual authority. Once a curse is uttered, it possesses the power of self-realization.

The Bible is very clear that the person to whom the curse is directed should be deserving of the fate that was invoked on him. A curse cannot affect someone walking in righteousness and blessed by the Lord. Curses uttered by ordinary persons are effective, but some individuals who have dedicated themselves to the service of a spiritual being or demonic force, in virtue of their special relation to this force, are expected to enlist the power of the spiritual being more easily to effect the harm intended.

In the past the peoples of South Africa have made many covenants with spiritual forces other than God, and are still doing it. These covenants contribute to the breakdown of society and the increase in crime, bloodshed and evil in the country. Racial as well as tribal tension has also led to the pronouncing of curses on people groups and these curses prevent godly reconciliation and healing between races.

If there are any such unholy covenants in your family, people group, community or church, repent of it and ask the Lord for forgiveness, to break the bondages, and annul the covenants. Examples of unholy covenants, agreements, oaths and curses are:

-          Secret organizations with hidden agendas, requiring people to make covenants with spiritual beings through vows and oaths of secrecy.

-          Any initiation ritual that requires a sacrifice of any kind.

-          Organizations where the leaders manipulate, dominate and intimidate members to submit to their leadership, are also part of unholy agreements and covenants.

-          Oaths or vows of revenge.

-          Agreements to damage other people or property.

-          Agreements where one or more parties are unjustly and dishonestly benefiting from the contract.

-          Organizations where the Holy Trinity is subordinate to the organization or the agreement, and members are asked to compromise their faith in God or be disobedient to His Word.

-          Curses spoken over members of your family, yourself or others.

-          Curses concerning racism and racial hatred.

-          Family feuds.

-          Curses spoken over churches or other denominations.

-          Death wishes.

-          Covenants between people groups and tribal traditions, gods and spiritual beings.

-          Unnecessary swearing of oaths and cursing.

-          Oaths and vows made at sacred shrines, monuments, or temples where something other than the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ is worshipped.

-          Any involvement with divination, sorcery, witchcraft and eastern religions (yoga, etc.).

-          Any involvement in cultural traditions that honour spiritual beings.

-          Any involvement in bloodshed.

-          Any involvement in political or ideological movements that required bloodshed and taking of oaths.

Bennie Mostert is Managing Director of Jericho Walls International, Prayer Network, Republic of South Africa.

14.0         THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

With regard to the focus on the persecuted church and the international day of prayer on 10 November 2002, we invite you to intercede for those who are not allowed to speak and testify of their faith in Jesus Christ.

14.1    The worst Persecutions

The organization OPEN DOORS regularly publish a list of countries in which the worst religious persecution occurs. Here is their latest list of these countries, taken from the web site www.opendoorsusa.org. The countries are listed in decreasing order of levels of persecution. In order to see whether the position is improving or deteriorating, after the name of each country we give the position it occupied in the list published in July 2000, two years ago.

1.       Saudi Arabia (1)

2.       Afghanistan (2)

3.       China (4)

4.       Chechnya (33) (persecution of Muslims!)

5.       Sudan (16 for Northern Sudan)

6.       Yemen (13)

7.       Comoros (17)

8.       Maldives (9)

9.       Iran (6)

10.   Morocco (17)

11.   Tunisia (23)

12.   Libya (27)

13.   Vietnam (8)

14.   Egypt (21)

15.   Turkmenistan (5)

16.   North Korea (7)

17.   Pakistan (12)

18.   Laos (3)

19.   Bhutan (10)

20.   Kuwait (34)

21.   United Arab Emirates (31)

22.   Brunei (29)

23.   Qatar (22)

24.   Uzbekistan (19)

25.   Somalia (11)

It should be noted that the reasons for persecution differ from country to country. In practically all of these countries it is Christians that are being persecuted, because the government is Muslim, communist or former communist, etc. But in the case of Chechnya, which forms part of the Russian Federation, the majority of the population is Muslim and the Russian government, because of acts of sabotage and terrorism, is targeting them.

These  very informative and challenging extracts are taken from the 19th September 2002 bulletin of Jericho Walls International, JWI South Africa,

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

15.0         TESTIMONY AND PRAYER REQUEST

15.1    DRUGGED IN A LUXURIOUS BUS

It was meant to be a trans-Nigeria trip and I have packed accordingly. I was to be a speaker at a Missions Awareness Seminar in Calabar on the 24th October. From there I was to attend a wedding of a couple of missionaries in Gwagwalada, FCT for Saturday 26th and submit some documents at an embassy, before proceeding to Sokoto to attend the National Congress of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, of which I am a member, starting 28th October. We had scheduled a meeting of the CHRISTIAN VETERINARIANS NIGERIA (of which I am National Secretary) for during the congress.

In the afternoon of Wednesday 23rd, I was at the IFESINACHI Motors, Oremeji, Mokola, Ibadan to book a seat on the Marco polo Luxurious night bus scheduled to travel that night. My seat number was 28. By 7.30 pm, I checked in, bought and ate spiced Suya barbecue from the Malam at the terminus. By 8.00 pm, we were called to embark, and I took my seat. Much later, a bulky man who could be anything from a Southerner to a Senegalese joined me on seat 27. As he settled down, he slowly unwrapped what I supposed was a wrap of Suya. I perceived a strong odor, which ranged from freshly, baked meat pie to mild phosphate chemical. A few minutes later, I fell into a stupor of a deep sleep. I had been drugged.

I slept throughout the journey from Ibadan to Aba. At Aba, I was woken up to disembark. My big traveling bag, which had my personal effects and a most prized Reference Bible in it, had been taken away. I still slept on a bench for another four hours or so at Aba. At one stage, I was woken to eat, but I vomited the food almost immediately. Around noon, I was helped into a Calabar-bound bus, and I still slept throughout the trip. Not until around 4.30 pm, when we reached Calabar, did the effects of the drugs clear enough for me to find my way to my destination in Calabar.

I thank God for His mercies. It could have been worse. I have read in newspapers of busload of commuters drugged and killed for ritual purposes. It was a survivor who was left to tell her story. Indeed life is a gift, nay a debt we owe to God. Many evil men abound who could take one's life by many means, were it not for God's mercies. We cannot be too careful and security conscious.

2002 had been for me a year of attacks by the devourer. In January I conveyed a team of ministers to a mission field in Niger State for a one-week teaching seminar. On my return, my car developed engine problem and I spent about one hundred and ten thousand naira (N 110,000.00) to put it in order. (Even then I have not fully enjoyed the car since then).

Between January and March, the electronic version of the Lampstandletters, the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. experienced serious technical problems until it was hacked into and finally became inaccessible. I thank God that we now have a new list, the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In April, armed robbers visited our street and took a sum of seventy thousand naira (N70000.00) from me (including a tithe of N25000.00 which a partner of the lampstandletters sent, and another N25000.00 which my wife was supposed to travel with the next morning for the preparation for her mother's burial). Now this... Please spare some moments to regularly pray for me. Pray also for the ministry the LORD has committed into my hands.

May the flying scroll of God's judgment, go forth over the land, descend on the houses of every thief and robber, consuming and making a desolation of their enterprise. Amen.

16.0         STEWARDSHIP

Publications: The various physically, spiritual and financial attacks we faced affected u a bit but we were still able to produce and distribute three thousand copies of  two editions - No. 29 October to December 2001 and No. 30 January to June 2002.

17.0         FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Total receipts for the period October 2001 to September 2002 was thirty two thousand, two hundred naira (N32200.00) cash and two thousand eight hundred and ten naira (N2810.00) stamps. Out of this a sum of twenty five thousand naira only (N25000.00) was taken by the armed robbers, which visited our street in April (see report titled Testimony on page 14 of Lampstandletters No. 30 January to June 2002), leaving a balance of seven thousand two hundred naira only (N7200.00).

Expenditure was twenty nine thousand eight hundred naira only (N29800.00) for printing and postage of the Lampstandletters during the period.

We are grateful for our supporters, especially the couple who sent in the twenty five thousand naira from the States. Likewise the widow who has faithfully given her pledge of one thousand naira (N1000.00), from time to time. The Lord will not forget your labor of love. May your number be increased in Jesus Name. Amen.

18.0         NEW ELECTRONIC MEDIUM WEBSITE

Following the hacking of the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., I am pleased to inform your of a new website address and email for the electronic version of the Lampstandletters. If you would like to learn more about the lampstandletters group, please visit

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lampstandletters. As a member of this group, you may send messages to the entire group using just one email address:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Here's a description of the group: The list-lampstandletters is a bible based prophetic teaching commentary on contemporary national and international (Spiritual, political etc) issues aimed at provoking informed intercessions on such issues (Isaiah 2:5).

Postings are weekly or as matter arises. Subscribers are also free to make contributions.

To subscribe, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lampstandletters or simply send your e-mail address to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will add you on.

TO START SENDING messages to members of this group, simply send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our needs

i. Prayer partners

ii. Financial partners

iii. A Computer and complete accessories (including bible programs and CD)

iv. Prayers.

Dr Tayo Babalobi.

November 2002.

19.0         ANGER = SNAKE VENOM (Psalm 58:4)

Psalm 58:4 in the Easy-to-Read Version of the Bible is rendered "Their anger is as dangerous as snake venom'. Its footnote reads, "This is a word play in Hebrew. The word meaning' anger' sounds like the word 'poison, venom'". (Read Psalm 37:8, Proverbs 27:4).

THE SONS OFAZZUR (Jeremiah 28:1, Ezekiel 11:10)

Hananaih and Jaazaniah were two sons of Azzur, a true prophet of God.

Unlike their father, these two decided to walk in the path of falsehood and evil, during the days of the prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

It was around August/September 593 B.C. and the Babylonians have taken the first captives from Jerusalem, placing Zedekiah as a stooge on the throne. Representatives from various neighbouring countries came around in the hope of forming a subversive alliance with Zedekiah against the Babylonians. The prophet Jeremiah walks the streets of Jerusalem wearing a wooden yoke in a token of submission and servitude to the Babylonians (Jeremiah 27) He declares that it is God's will that the nations submit to the Babylonians. Specifically, He warned them not to listen to their prophets, diviners, dreamers, soothsayers and sorcerer. It was in this context that Hananiah took upon himself the garb of prophetic falsehood, declaring thus speaks the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel saying; I have broken the yoke of the King of Babylon. Within two full years, I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord's house. (Jeremiah 28 1-4)

Hananiah then proceeded to take the yoke off the prophet Jeremiah's neck and broke it.  In response to his actions, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah concerning Hananiah ". This year you shall die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord (Jeremiah 28:16) So Hananiah died the same year, two months later (Jeremiah 28:17). Around the time God was defending the words of Jeremiah and dealing with Hananiah, God was calling the priest Ezekiel into the prophetic ministry.

Soon everyone knew that he was a prophet. In September 592 B.C., leaders of the exile came to him to discuss their affairs with him. Like his older contemporary Jeremiah experienced, false prophets, who told the people what they wanted to hear, constantly undermined his ministry.

About fourteen months later, in September 592 B.C., God shows Ezekiel a vision of twenty-five men that sat in an evil council giving wicked counsel to the people. These men were contradicting the prophets and advocating resistance against Babylon (Ezekiel). Among the twenty-five were two persons Ezekiel recognized- another son of Azzur called Jaazaniah and Pelitaih the son of Benaiah. Ezekiel pronounces God's judgment on them, and to his horror, Pelitiah falls down and dies, while Ezekiel was still prophesying (Ezekiel 11:4-13). Ezekiel was prompted to intercede for the remaining leaders. His intercession probably saved Jaazaniah's life; else Azzur could have lost two sons in a year.

How come those two sons of a true prophet like Azzur ended up becoming false prophets, who actually opposed God's true prophet? Was Azzur, like Samuel before him unable to command his children after him? Or maybe the children just decided to be sons of Beliah, their father's efforts notwithstanding.

May the Lord grant us grace and ability to manage our families and make them follow our godly examples in all respect? Amen.

By the Lampstand, September 2002.

20.0         THE CALL TO BE SPIRITUAL PIONEERS        - Larry Tomczak.

By definition, a pioneer is "one who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle" Pioneers may open up new areas of thought, research or development. Pioneers are trailblazers, champions of a new order, advance agents who break new ground. They are often people who die without the respect they deserve.

The word "pioneer comes from the French language and originally meant: a foot soldier sent on to clear the way". Pioneers are people who refuse to live as yesterday's people or today's people. Their feet are firmly planted in tomorrow.

As Christians, pioneers realize this world is not their home. Therefore, the live with an eternal perspective. The writer of the Book of Hebrew described men and women of faith as people with a pioneering spirit (Hebrew 11: 13- 16).

If you are a Christian, you follow in the footsteps of your role model, Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith" (Hebrew 12: 1-2 NRSV).  When you look to Jesus you understand that in order for revival to begin in your life, you must follow Jesus with a reckless abandon into the mysterious unknown-and that means change. Pioneering men and women of faith understand that change is only constant. This does not mean change for change's sake, but rather a flexibility and sensitivity to the Spirit in pioneering new ground and recovering that that has been lost due to disobedience, compromise and neglect in the Church.

Settlers, on the other hand, are people who settle. The word for settle comes from the word as sit. Pioneers move ahead while settlers choose to stay. In a spiritual sense, settlers are people who settle for the status quo. They are content with yesterday's manna and whatever leftovers life gives them.

Today a new breed of men and women is emerging! God is bringing together two generations that will transform this present decadent society. You can be counted among the men and women who are becoming pioneering Elijah generation in a King Ahab and Jezebel age.

Larry Tomczak serves on the IFA Board of Directors. This article first appeared in the Intercessors for America Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 10, October 2002 and is used here with Official Permission.

21.0         SORRY, HOW MANY TIMES?

The usual perspective of Luke 17: 1-5 is on the need to forgive a brother who sins against you for as many times as he repents and apologies. There is another perspective - How many times (in a day) should a Christian brother be ready to say sorry to his offended brother?

The answer is implied - if you have to say sorry seventy times seven times a day to your brethren, be ready and willing to so do. Agree with your adversary quickly, lest at any time the adversary deliver thy to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. (Matthew 5: 25 - 27). For an adversary is an accuser, even when the adversary is a Christian like you. (Numbers 10: 29-32, I Sam. 30: 11-16, Judges 7: 10, Joshua 2:1).

"Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Rehuel the Midianite, Moses'father-in-law, "we are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, "I will give to you. Come with us and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised us good things. In as much as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. Number 13: 29-32 (Emphasis mine).

A very important purpose in missions, and particularly in Strategic Missions Research is what I term the "Hobab Principle". This refers to the divine provision of an indigenous person to guide and assist the missionary or researcher to accomplish his goal. (It is similar to the 'Am Ha'arez of Theology. 'Am Ha'arez is Hebrew and literally means 'the people of the land' (or what we in Nigeria will call "sons of the soil.)

See-Jeremiah 1:18, 34:19, 37:2,44:21, Ezra 10:2,11, Nehemiah 10:30-31 etc. Source: A handbook of Biblical Criticism by Richard N. Souilen, p.14).

A constant feature in the scriptures is the divine provision of "sons-of-the soil" to work along His missionaries. For Moses it was Hobab (Number 10: 29-32).  For Joshua it was Rahab (Joshua 2).  For Gideon it was Purah (Judges 7:10-11).  For the Danites it was Micah and the young Levite (Judges 18: 2-27).  For David and his men it was the Egyptian slave boy (I Sam 30:11-16).  The Apostle Paul had several of them, including Gaius, Aristarchus and Timothy (Act 19: 29, 20:4).

Every pioneer missionary or research must pray to God to give him a Hobab.  A point of caution: the Hobab usually may not stand well as a Christian. He may be the despised of the society (like Rahab the harlot and the Egyptian boy).  They may be mercenaries, living out of the will of God like Micah's young Levite.  They may even be of much emotional or financial burden on you. But you need them. Indeed, God had provided them for you, to be your 'eyes' and 'ears' among a hostile people. Treat such a person well! See Num. 10:29 - 32.

(Culled from the book "Biblical Approach to Strategic Missions Research" Tayo Babalobi 2002).

Three types of Adversaries;

Human,  Baalamic, and  Satanic

 1. HOBAB: Hobab, the sister of Zipporah, Moses' wife was an Ethiopian (Numbers 10:29, 12:1). His father Reuel (also known as Jethro) was the Priest of Median, and a descendant of Keturah, widely believed to be the same person as Hagar, the Egyptian. Hence Hobab was of a priestly upbringing.

When the Israelites needed someone to be their eyes and guide in the wilderness, Hobab was the ready choice. He was literarily begged to go along with the children of promise. Today God is raising an "Issachar Company" from among the blacks, to provide direction and insight to the Church.

2. THE KENITES (1 Samuel 15:6)

The Kenites were direct descendants of Hobab, who guided the Israelites into the Promised Land. When the Lord tested the obedience of Saul in the matter of the Amalekites, and Saul was found wanting, the Kenites in simple obedience moved away from among the Amalekites, and were spared destruction.

Do we find such obedience among the black church today?

3. JAEL

The black women are not left out. Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite was the person who nailed Jabin, the usurping oppressive King of Canaan (Judges 4,17, 5; 24-27). In the spiritual battles of these age, the Jaels of the black church will join forces with the Deborahs and Baraks, to deal the Siseras and Amalekites of this age, rendering their spiritual mothers childless, and their satanic wise ladies foolish (Judges 5 26- 30, 1 Samuel 15:33).

4. THE EGYPTIAN SERVANT OF THE AMALEKITE

Like Hobab, the black Egyptian boy was the guide to David, in his quest to recover all that the Amalekite plundered.

Today, the blacks have been abandoned sick by their plundering colonial Masters. But in this third day (millennium - 2 Peter 3: 8), we are being revived to provide guidance to the church to recover all the Amalekites plundered. Remember that the restoration of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was restored through a black preacher in Azusa Street at the beginning of the last century.

Other black persons of note include the Ethiopian runner of 2 Samuel 18, Ebedmelech (Jeremiah 38) and Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus to Golgotha.

The Lord is calling forth to the black church for a restoration and a renewal:

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 (Hosea 6:1-3).

By the Lampstand, October 2002

Lampstand Letters

No 41. June 2007

That we may walk in the light. Isaiah 2:5, Luke 8:16

1.0 THE LAST DAYS OF PRESIDENT OBASANJO (IN OFFICE)

On Monday 5^th March 2007, President Obasanjo marked his supposed official seventieth birthday. Even his firstborn son Gbenga has affirmed that the President himself knows that he is much older than the official 70 years of age. Whatever the case, President Obasanjo has crossed the biblical threshold of old age (Psalm 90:10).

Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us (Ecclesiastes 1:10).

There is nothing new under the earth. One man that has gone that way before was King David. He was made King at age thirty (2 Samuel 5:4) and reigned for forty years (2 Samuel 5:5). What did the last days of King David look like? 1 Kings Chapters 1 and 2 highlights:

i)                    First, he did not let go of the throne but remained on throne, despite his the fact that he as “old and stricken in age” (1 Kings 1:1)

ii)                   Even though he had promised Bathsheba that her son will ascend the throne after him, he never made any effort to actualize this promise until the surviving firstborn Adonijah attempted a take-over.

iii)                 It took the prophetic wisdom of Nathan, and the intercessory plea of Bathsheba to awaken King David on the compulsive need to hand-over

iv)                 King David then publicly anointed Solomon as his successor, apparently to despise the plotting Adonijah

v)                  Even after publicly anointing Solomon as his successor in an apparent tactic to abort Adonijah’s succession plans, King David still remained un control until “he slept with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10)

vi)                 A day came therefore in Israel, when there were three kings of Israel – Old King David who did not want to go, the first born Adonijah who wanted to help himself to the throne since David was not letting go, and the newly anointed successor Solomon.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. Ecclesiastes 3:15

We can easily draw a prophetic parallel from the above on the last days of our present King David, Mr President Olusegun Obasanjo, who like his fore-bearer is also seventy.

                     i.            He came to the throne as a David, in fulfilment to a 1987 prophesy that by the year 2000 AD there will be a Christian Leader / Ruler in Nigeria (See LampstandLetters (ISSN 1595.0948) Volume 1, No. 2 (October 1998) title MISSION 2000AD: OPERATION DAVID). In 1999, before 2000 as stated in the prophecy, “God’s chosen David” a born again Christian, emerged as President of Nigeria, in the person of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

                   ii.            President Obasanjo obviously has no desire to leave office as manifested in the botched third-term attempt.

                  iii.            Even though he was alleged to have made a promise to return power to the north, he did not make any attempt to fulfil it until Nigeria’s Vice-President Atiku Abubakar became the obvious Adonijah.

                 iv.            Despite anointing Yar’Adua as his successor, he has decreed himself as the PDP life-leader, with the obvious intention to be the power behind the throne, even if Yar’Adua is successfully rigged into office.

He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

We know in part and we prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). The last days of President Obasanjo an in office are yet to be fully unravelled. But a few things are obviously clear:

i)                    A day is coming, nay a season and presently too, when in Nigeria, THREE persons will claim to be the President of Nigeria:

a.       The incumbent who is not eager to go and has not yet handed over;

b.      His anointed who has “won” an obviously manipulated election but is yet to be sworn in; and

c.       A third person who is convinced he is the duly elected.

ii)                   As a result, whether by executive stronghold, or by legislative intervention or by judicial proclamation; Nigeria shall pass through an interregnum (call it interim government or whatever), during which certain sovereign national issues will be addressed.

Critical to the fulfilment of the divine plan for Nigeria, as it pertains to the succession of the Biblical Solomon to the throne of Nigeria after the present prophetic David, is the ministry of the prophet Nathan and the prayers of Bathsheba. As indicated in 2 Samuel 7: 1-17 and 12:1-15 it was Nathan who brought King David to his senses, first when he wanted to build what God did not find him fit to build, and secondly after the sin of murdering Uriah to acquire Bathsheba.

The following Devotional on 1 Kings 1:22-40 below is lifted from the Tuesday 6^th March2007 A 2007 DAILY GUIDE, published by the SCRIPTURE UNION PRESS AND BOOKS LTD:

“This was a period of national political crisis for Israel. In such moments, all believers should make earnest intercession to God on behalf of their country. In addition, however, some are called by God to become directly and actively involved to redress the situation. Such was Nathan’s role in this episode (vs 22-27). Through his action, King David was helped to understand the seriousness of the situation and then he took a decisive action.”

Nigeria is desperately waiting for the Nathans who are called by God to become directly and actively involved to redress the situation and will make our President Obasanjo helped to understand the seriousness of the situation and then take a decisive action. Concomitantly, this is a period of national political crisis for the Nigeria. In such moments, all believers (BUT ESPECIALLY THE BATHSHEBA-SISTERS) should make earnest intercession to God on behalf of the country.

Afterwards, and only afterwards,  in answer to prophetic prayers and intercessions to the throne by the praying church, (like Bathsheba and Nathan, with the support of Benaiah the son of Jehiada, and Cherethites, and the Pelethites did. (See 1 Kings 1:32-38 and 2 Samuel 23:20-23) will the Biblical Solomon (and not Obasanjo’s geographical successor) occupy the throne of David.)

Please note that it was only after “David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the cityof David… Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.  See also Zechariah 13:7

It is not by might or by power but by my Spirit says the Lord from whom promotion cometh. “Intervene O Lord, in the affairs of our country Nigeria!” Amen

By the lampstand 22-03-2007

Addendum:

In the book “Finishing STRONG” by Steve Farrar (Multnomah Publishers Inc. Sistera, Oregan USA/STILLWATERS PUBLICATIONS Wuse, Abuja Nigeria), David was listed as one of the biblical men who finished so-so, meaning men who did not do what they could have done or should have done, or did not complete what God had for them to do.

2.0  Nigeria 2007-2010: The Sword, the Shepherd, the Sheep and the Little Ones

“Awake, O sword against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Please read Zechariah 13:7-9

By the Lampstand, 02-04-2007

3.0 Lessons from my Lastborn Child

I understand better from my eleven year old lastborn child what the Lord meant by saying “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)

Not only does he strive to avoid doing anything that will earn him rebuke or caning, he will always come back after a rebuke or caning to say “I am so sorry, Daddy”.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live?

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebres 12: 5-11

By the Lampstand, 02-04-2007

4.0  BATHSHEBA AND THE KING’S COURT – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, one of the King’s thirty heroes (2 Samuel 11:3, 23:39)  

Her father Eliam, the son of Ahithophel was also one of the King;s thirty heroes (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34). Her grandfather Ahithophel was one of King David’s Counselors (2 Samuel 15:12).

Despite these three-fold relationships with the King’s court, she was obviously unsatisfied and by sleaze become the King’s wife, not minding that her hero-husband was killed in the process (2 Samuel 11). Not only becoming the King’s wife, she found a way of making the King promise her that her son will be made King David’s successor (1Kings 1:15,17,30) to the loss of at least six elder brothers (2 Samuel 3:2-6). Ultimately and for all generations she came to be listed in the Ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:6). What a woman!

Today Nigeria is in the need of Bathsheba-sisters, wailing women (Jeremiah 9:17-19) who will ensure by fervent intercessions that the throne of Nigeria becomes eternally the throne of David, and that Solomon of Mount Zion succeeds King David.

5.0 NIGERIA AND THE TRAVAILS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ZION

Before she travailed, she brought forth, before her pain came she delivered of a man-child.

Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? Saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? Saith thy God. Isaiah 66:7-9

By the Lampstand, 22-03-2007

6.0 JONAH, NINEVEH & TARSHISH

The story of Jonah is a very popular biblical story. He was told to “arise, go to Nineveh that great city and cry out against 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 subjection 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. (Isaiah2:16, 23:1, Ezekial27:25). It was a city where one could preach a prosperity 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 everything 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 you retrace your steps back to Nineveh. Hundred of thousands are awaiting you and your message of salvation; and many livestock too (Jonah 4:11)

By the Lampstand, 27-05-2001

7.0 CAST OUT JONAH!

One of the most   important lessons to be learnt from the book of Jonah chapter one is that whenever there is a Jonah in the boat (in a household, in the ministry, in a place, in a country etc,) no amount of sacrifices and prayers will bring a respite until Jonah is cast out of the boat into the sea.

Jonah was hitherto a distinguished prophet and contemporary of Isaiah. He received a clear call and commission of God, about where to go and what to do, but he chose to do the contrary. He decided to go away “from the presence of the LORD”. And so “the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken”.

No matter how distinguished Jonah is, do not sacrifice other people or things for Jonah. Do not even waste time crying to God, fasting or seeking His face. If you have to pray, “Cast Lots” that God reveal the Jonah in your midst.

Once the Jonah has been identified, do not pander to emotions or unnecessary fear. “Pick up the Jonah, throw him into the sea boat (your household, your ministry, your workplace, your marriage, the nation etc.) will cease from its raging” (Jonah 1:15)or as Proverbs 22:10 puts it cast out the scoffer, the scorner, the concerted, the rebellious, the wilful, the disobedient) and contention will leave, yes, strife and reproach will cease. Amen

May all the Jonahs troubling Nigeria’s political landscape, be identified and be cast into the sea, no matter how renounce they are. Amen.

By the Lampstand, 23^rd March 2007

8.0 CONTRASTING FEATURES OF BETHEL (THE HOUSE OF GOD)

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, Hosea 4:15)

1.       It was a place of divine visitation, consecrated by one man Jacob, and desecrated by another man Jeroboam.

2.       It began as a place of worshiping God, and ended up as a place of worshiping idols devise after the heart of men (1 Kings 12:28-29, Hosea 10:5)

3.       At one time it was a place of obedience, later a byword for disobedience.

4.       Once priests like Samuel sat to minister there (1 Sam. 7:1), later priests who were not even Levites ministered (1 Kings 12:31)

5.       Once there was a traffic of angels, later it became a place for devouring she-bears and lions (2 Kings 2:23-24)

6.       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.

7.       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.

8.       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 summarised their situation. The Good News Bible renders the first two verses of Hosea chapter 10 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 worshipped. The people whose hearts are deceitful must now suffer for their sins. God will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.

O 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 people’s faith still in Christ or the altars for prosperity, altars for visa/passport, altars for breakthrough? As you become more productive, producing results and miracles, what beautiful sared pillars are you making for worship? Now is the time to repent and retrace your steps; making Christ alone your cornerstone. Thus said the LORD to the altars of Baal in Bethel:

“That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him. I will aslo visit 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 say the Lord of the house of Israel; seek me and live. But do not seek Bethel 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

9.0 PERSONS WHO ONLY ANGELS CAN CORRECT

Are you one of the Christians who cannot be corrected without you telling the person correcting you to first remove the beam in his/her eyes? Then you are one person who only angels can correct. Such persons will receive the reply of the rich man in Luke 16:29-31

By the Lampstand, 31-03-2007

10.0         SOUR WINE IN NEW BOTTLES

There is a scourge afflicting the body of Christ today, especially the Pentecostal variety. It is a virus imported from American Christianity. I call it the Coca-Cola Spirit. It is an advertisement spirit, a promotional spirit. A Laodicean spirit.

In its commonest form, it involves packaging ministries and men of God, usually in deceptively flamboyant terms. It is manifested in the maddening poster and flyer riot that is now associated with Christian programmes and activities. The louder, the more flamboyant the better for the competitive ego!

Apart from the usually one-liner JESUS IS LORD at the bottom of the poster/flyer/banner, what you see is a blazing portrait of the “MAN of God” (with or without his wife) at the background; and the shouting proclamation of what the MAN of God can do or what you expect when you come to the MAN of God.

Its most virulent form is the packaging of backslidden men of God in “business-as-usual” garbs. Unrepented men, actively in sin and disobedience like Saul, involved in sorcery and witchcraft, men who like Joshua the High Priest, are wearing filthy garments, actively being resisted by Satan (Zech. Chapter 4) are packaged in shining garbs and blazing armour. Sour wine are packaged in new bottles. Activities and promotions now take the place of genuine repentance.

Ministers of God have become cunning commercial Canaanites (Hosea 12:8), traders and merchants. As in every commercial activity, advertisement has begotten a prime place like Coca-Cola adverts.

The Lord’s word the Laodicean church is pertinent to us today:

“I know your works… because you say. “I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing” – and do not know you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked – I counsel you to buy from me gold refined and the fire, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed and anoint your eyes with eye salve that you may see. (Rev. 3: 14-18)

Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of Hosts. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite (merchant/trader) in the house of the Lord of Hosts. Amen. (Zech. 14:21)

“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, or her gain will be for those who dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently and for fine clothing”. (Isaiah. 23:15-18). In that day there shall not longer be any Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts. Zech. 14:20-21. Amen.

By the Lampstand, May 2001

11.0         THE SPIRIT OF TYRE AND SIDON

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

But because of its prosperity and commerce, greed and corruption soon set. They soon corrupted the children of Israel, bringing fish and goods to sell even on the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:16). Isaiah 23 is thus a judgement 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 Canaanites (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 has 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 (Nehemiah 13:16). All in the name of prosperity!

But thus said the word fo 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 an for fine clothing (Isaiah 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

12.0         PARTNER WITH US AT LAMPSTANDLETTERS

12.1    GRACE AND FINANCIAL PARTNERS

As reported in the last edition of the Lampstand Letters, it has been God’s grace sustaining its continual publication and distribution of three thousand (3000) copies of each edition since 1999. Receipts have been less than half expenditure. Please pray along that this grace will be abundantly multiplied, as will be financial partners increased likewise. The Lord favours the word, and many are the company of those that published it/ (Psalm 68:11) Amen

Account: AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLS, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN BRANCH, IBADAN

Account No: 0585966518.01

Account Name: Dr Tayo Babalobi (Lampstand Letters)

12.2    PRAYERS AND PRAYER PARTNERS

Another area the Publisher of Lampstand letters has enjoyed abundant grace is health-wise. Since 2003, I have been successfully battling with a left face brain/ocular-nasal cancer through prayers, brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. His grace, sustained by the prayers of brethren worldwide has kept me alive and functionally strong in both secular occupation and spiritual calling. I still need all of His grace and the prayers of brethren till all vestiges and remnants are completely dealt with, and I am fully restored physically and spiritual to fulfil my portion and calling in this generation of ours. I count on your prayers to live nd declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13, 1 16:1-19)

12.3    ENLARGING THE COAST OF THE CALLING, (ISAIAH 54:2-3)

In this third day for the black race, the Lampstand Letters Ministry has a portion to play, especially in facilitating the raising of the Black missionary force that will fulfil the prophesy of the latter half of Isaiah 18. There are many great effectual open doors as there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9) Please join in playing your needed part in praying for the fulfilment of the promises of Isaiah 49:1-26 and 54:1-17) in my life and in the Lampstand Letters Ministry.

Thank you as the Lord counts among the great and effectual company that disseminate his given word. He forgets not your work and the labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister (Hebrews 6:10). He rewards every man according to his works (Matthew 16:27)

Lampstand Letters

No 30. January to June 2002

That we may walk in the light. Isaiah 2:5, Luke 8:16

1.0 THE MINISTRY OF MOURNING WOMEN

In ancient Israel were groups of professional mourners, who could be hired and paid to weep at funerals. The louder they could cry, the more popular and patronized they were. Their objective was to wipe up emotions so that more people will cry.

A special category of their professional mourners was known as "the women who weep for Baal" (Contemporary English Version CEV). The god Baal was believed to have died (at certain periods) and (could) come back to life. So some women would go to place for worship, and weep over the death of Baal (CEV). It was believed that by their mourning over the death, they could bring it back to life. This actually was a Canaanite fertility ritual, which they do at beginning of planting season to give back "life to the soil".

In Jeremiah's time, judgment was inevitable over the land because of the pervading abominations of desolation (Jer. 8;18- 9;26). The prophet saw ahead the tragic end of a spiritually sick and idolatrous nation that had stubbornly followed its own ways, in spite of prophetic warnings. The land was soon to be desolate, famine was to come on the land, the inhabitants scattered and enemy soldiers kill in the streets. For all these, Jeremiah repented, mourned and wept (Jer. 8:18, 9:1,10 etc).

It was in this setting of impending judgment that the call for the mourning women was made in Jer. 9: 17-22. This time it was not for pretentious 'professionally mourners'. It was to be for real, as death had already entered through the window to kill the children and husbands (Jer. 9:21). It was no time for entertaining, playing-to-the-gallery wailing women, who merely sought to stir up emotions so that all around would say 'Oh, how much they loved the departed' (See Matt 11:17 and John 11:28-36).

Rather it was for mourners who like the widow of Zarepeth and the Shunamite women, will mourn to literally receive their dead back to life (1 Kings 17:17-20; II Kings 4:20-36). Theirs was to be heart-rending mourning for the impending judgement, a cry for mercy; peradventure God will hear and give beauty for ashes, a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.

True heartfelt mourning, has always moved God to respond to such repentance and plea for mercy in times of judgement. Even the wicked king Ahab and the Ninevites received mercy when they cried out to God in true mourning and repentance.

The church in Nigeria is at the threshold of judgement. Abominations that bring desolation have brought the four horns that scatter arrayed against it. The fate of Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Yugoslavia beckons. Never since the last civil war has the need for mourning women become as urgent as now.  The call was not for mighty men of valour, professional soldiers, prophets or even great ministers. It was for wailing, mourning women.

The call is not for novice wailers, but for skilful mourners and intercessors, 'especially those who can cry the loudest" (Jer 9:17 CEV). Women, who like Hannah, received life to her dead womb by mourning. Like Rachael, who refused to be comforted until the Lord restrained and comforted her (Jer. 31:15-17).  Like Mary Magdalene who stood weeping by Jesus' tomb, until she literally received the Lord from the dead (John 20:11-16). Women who are adept at weeping in private, qualified for this ministry of public mourning. They must be women who are available, who can be sent for and will quickly answer the clarion call. Women who will leave every other task, to hearken to this call. Who even if they have other secular assignments, will take this as an urgent priority above everything.

The task of the mourning women include

-          Sincere heartfelt mourning, repentance and contrition (verse 17)

-          Provoke/stimulate the people of the land to mourn, confess and intercede (verse 18)

-          Spend time to search the scriptures to find the Word of the Lord for the now (verse 20)

-          Listen and pay attention to what the Lord is saying by His Spirit and by word of prophesy (verse 20)

-          Teach and mobilize others, especially their daughters and friends, also to mourn and intercede (verse 20).  

1.1        CONCLUSION

In Hebrews 11:35, the Bible lists and commends women who by faith "received their dead raised to life again" (Hebrews 11:35a).  Mourning women have the grace to turn judgment into mercy, turn desolation into restoration and death to life. This generation and time calls for such women now.

As the mourning women arise for the occasion and do these tasks, God will have mercy on the land, turn our grief to joy, give us beauty for ashes, the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Amen.

February 2002. 

2.0 THE PROPHET AS INTERCESSOR

The prophet and the intercessor are two ends of the divine connection between God's throne and human activity. While the prophet have access to the heavenly council meeting, hear of God and speak to men on behalf of God (Jer. 23:18,22); intercessors take the hold of earthly affairs and stand in the council of heaven to speak as priests on behalf of men to God (Eze. 22:30, Jer. 18:20).

But there are times when both of these ministries will have to be manifested in one person, when the prophet will have to be an intercessor. At the time God's judgements are imminent, and the effect of judgement so frightening, then the prophet must be an intercessor.

The prophets Jeremiah and Amos were two such persons who were intercessors in the course of their prophetic ministry.  Jeremiah's many intercessions, in response to prophetic revelations, are recorded in the scriptures (see Jer. 8:18 - 9:6, 10:23-25, 14:19-22, 32:16-25). Indeed, he boldly declared in Jer. 18:20 that "I stood before You to speak good for them, to turn away Your wrath from them".  Jeremiah indeed was a true loyal patriot.

The prophet Amos was another intercessor prophet. May be because he was earlier a shepherd and tender of fruits, (Amos 7:14) he has learnt compassion. Twice in Amos 7:1-6, God threatened to judge the land, first with locusts and later with fire. In either case, Amos pleaded for the people, and God relented.

As such times as this, we need intercessor - prophets. As we receive from the Lord prophecies of judgement, we need immediately to stand in the gap as intercessors asking for mercy.

We should not be modern day Jonahs, who will be upset when God decides to replace judgement with mercy (Jonah 4). 

3.0 FOUR HORNS OF NIGERIA

Horns in the scriptures are used to symbolically or metaphorically represent strength and conquest (See I Sam 2:1,10, Psalm 75:4-10 etc). When applied to nations, countries or tribes, they stand for enemy powers or kingdoms fighting against the people of God (See Daniel 7:21-27, Zech 1:18-21).

The number four represent completeness or totality e.g. the four winds, directions or corners of the earth - North, East, South and West (See Daniel 7;2, Zech. 1:18 and Revelation 7:1).

Zech. 1:21 make reference to "the horns of the nations lifted up against the land of Judah" At this point in time, there is a host of demonic forces working against the nation Nigeria and the church therein. The resurgence of Islamic fundamentalism (sharia, etc); of ancient tribes/ thrones resulting in increased tribal strife, conflicts and agitations; of sporadic natural disasters in different parts of the country etc. are symptomatic of frenzied demonic activities upon the country and the church. Four horns can readily be discerned as warring against the land, and affecting in various intensity, the different parts of the land.

These are;

-          THE NORTHERN ARMIES OF THE ALIENS

-          THE BEASTS/DRAGONS OF THE RIVERS AND WATERS OF NIGERIA

-          THRONES/ GODS OF TRIBES AND ETHNIC GROUPS

-          THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION IN THE CHURCH. 

3.1        The Armies of the Aliens Spiritually

This refers to the contentious spirit of the bondwoman/ sons of Ishmael. (see Gen 16;11-12). Politically this refers to the age long political ambition of the 'born-to-rule' caliphate, to 'dip the Koran' in the sea'.  Reference has been made to the large bodies of Fulani Emirs, Princes and people who migrated out of Nigeria in 1902 to Sudan, Egypt, Medina etc rather than be subject to "British/Christian infidels", believing that one day they will lead a Jihad into Nigeria, apparently with the support of their host Arab nations (See "The Horse and the Rider". LampstandLetters, No. 19, February 2000). 

Many non-Nigerian tribes such as Zarma, Dendi, Kanuri, Mandara etc. have assimilated into the Northern border states of Nigeria, exerting strong political and economic influences (See "The Armies of the Aliens, Lampstandletters Number. 21-23, April to June 2000).

Economically, this refers to the 'locust army of the North', alien economic interests plundering the land and its resources (see Jer. 1;14, 4:6, 6:1,22,23 and Joel chapters 1 and 2). The activities of Nigerian smugglers, the unscrupulous Lebanese, Indian, Arab, Europeans, American and IMF/World Bank interest and their Nigerian collaborators on the economy of the nation and the church falls in this category.  A manifestation of this is the sabotaging of essential public utility services by various interests. 

3.2        The Beasts of the Sea

This is the second of the four horns raised against Nigeria and the church. The Bible in Daniel Chapter 7 and Revelation 13 describes the blasphemous beasts from the sea.

These are kingdoms that persecute and make war with the saints of the Most High (Daniel 7:17-25, Rev 13:1-7). They are also given authority over every tribe, tongue and nation (Rev.13:7). (See "Healing the Waters of Nigeria", Lampstandletters, Nos. 4 &5, December 1998).

In all ages, water spirits have played strategic roles in the battle of kingdoms. Mentioned specifically in the bible are the water spirits TANNIN (Job 7:12, Ps. 74:13, Rev. 12:3); LEVIATHAN (Job 3;8-9, 41:1, Psalm 74:14, 104:26, Isaiah 27:1); RAHAB (Job 9 :13,26;12-13, Psalm 89;9-10 and Isaiah 51:9) and BEHEMOTH (Job 40:15-24)- See the article "The ISSUE OF WATER SPIRITS" Lampstandletters No. 25, Oct.- Dec. 2000.

The Bible illustrates the fact that water spirits are behind the Thrones of Nations, with the example of Egypt (Isaiah 30;6-7, Ezekiel 29;1-3 and 32:1-8); as well as the Kingdom of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:1 to 28;1-2). In Eze.29;3, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt is referred to as 'the great monster who lies in the midst of his rivers" and "a monster in the sea, bursting forth in your rivers, troubling the waters with your feet, fouling the rivers' (Ezekiel 32;2).  Likewise the King of Tyre says " I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods, in the midst of the seas". The Lord now replied "yet you are a man, not a god".

As applied to Nigeria, which is named after River Niger, and has up to two-thirds of its states named after one river or the other, the beasts of the waters play similar roles. The activities of the Egbesu boys (Ijaw National Congress) can be linked to the spiritual energy of water spirits. For example, Allagoa 1972:43 has stated that the priest of the Egbesu shrine among the Egbema Izon subgroup is BERE-PERE, The Lord of the waters (See the article Egbesu, Oro and Ancestral thrones, Lampstand letters No.16, November 1998).

Likewise the activities of the Odua People's Congress (OPC), can in more than one way be linked to water spirits. Gani Adams, the factional leader is from the Okitipupa riverine area of Ondo state. Then, the ancient Yemoja goddess is described as the mother of all waters and all orishas (See THRONES of NATIONS, Lampstandletters No. 11, June 1999 and ELIAKIM AND THE YEMOJA SPIRIT,No. 12 July 1999).

Similar water beasts and dragons exist in all the other waters and rivers of Nigeria, troubling the waters and causing chaos on the land. (Remember the drowning of hundreds in the Ejigbo canals as a result of the January bomb explosions.) 

3.3        PRAYER POINTS

1.       Pray that the Lord will raise a standard against all enemies of Christ operating through any river of the land. (Isa.17;12- 14, 39;19 and Rev 12;15-16). Prophesy that the earth opens its mouth to swallow every water body used by the enemy against the church.

2.       Ask the Lord to take way the breath and crush the head of all sea monsters causing trouble and destruction in the land. (Eze.29:1-6, Isa. 27:1, Psalm.74;12- 14,103;25-29 etc.)

3.       Prophesy that all thrones having their seat in the seas and rivers of Nigeria will fall and never rise again, like the King of Tyre (Eze.27:1- 28:19, Eze.31).

4.       Pray daily that the rivers of Nigeria will turn into places of battle and judgment of the Lord's enemies (Judges 5:19-21, 2 Kings 23;29). 

3.4        Thrones (gods) of Nations

This is the third of the four horns warring against Nigeria. The word NATIONS as used in the bible refers to tribes/ethnic groups/people groups. This is opposed to the word COUNTRY that refers to a geographical expression/land (See Gen.10:5,20,31). In Rev 5;9 and 7;9, the additional concept of languages and races are used.

Applied to us, the land (country) is Nigeria, we are made up of some two hundred and forty (240) tribes and some four hundred and fifty (450) languages of the black race. The Yoruba for example are a tribe with languages such as Ijesa, Egba, Ijebu, Ekiti, Kabba, Akoko-Edo, Ibadan, Anago and some even say Itshekiri. In Matt.19:28, Jesus promised his disciples the twelve thrones of the tribes of Israel. In Deut. 32;8, the Most High God gave land to every nation and assigned a guardian angel to each of them. In Acts 17;26, it is stated that God made the nations (tribes) to live on earth and decided when and where every tribe will be at a given point in time.

In Deut.32 and Dan.10:13,20, we see that while that God assigns a guardian angel over every tribe, Satan also sets princes and principalities over them. Satan's principalities are then raised as idols /gods of the tribes. In Deut. 32;9,16-21, we see God lament that though he has chosen Israel for Himself, the people decided to reject him and choose new gods and idols which their fathers did not know or serve. Isaiah 14:9 makes us understand that even in death, the spirits of ancient rulers are still interested and actively monitor the thrones of nations. Likewise Isaiah 19;11 speaks of 'sons of ancient kings', seeking to perpetuate the spirit of occupants of tribal thrones.

Every throne is thus sustained by allegiance to the gods/idols, which the fathers of the tribe have chosen to serve. Obvious from these is that every tribe has a throne and it is not by mistake that a tribe finds itself in a land or country at a point in time. Rather it is by divine design. Thus in a country like Nigeria made up of some 240 tribes, there are at least 240 tribal gods/idols exerting spiritual force and authority both to defend and expand their hold on nations (tribes).

In Exodus 12;12, Jer.43;11-12 and 46;25, reference is made to the gods of the country Egypt with regard to God's conflict with that land. Zephaniah 2;11 links the gods of the earth to the nations(tribes).

Some of the specific tribal gods mentioned in the bible include:

-          AMON, the sun god of the Egyptians (Jer. 46:25)

-          The BAALS and ASHTHEROTHS of the Cannanites (Judges 2:11-13, 10:6)

-          CHEMOSH of the Moabites (Numbers 21;29,Jugdes 11;24. I Kings 11;7-8)

-          MILCOM (or MOLECH) of the Ammonites(I Kings 11;33, Jer. 49;1)

-          MARDUK/BEL/MERODACH of the Babylonians

-          The HOSTS OF HEAVEN (STARS) as gods of the Assyrians (2 Kings 23;4).

Thus, actually it is the gods of nations (thrones of tribes) who provoke tribes to rise against one another in expansionist power play. The following lines are taken from the article EGBESU, ORO AND ANCESTRAL THRONES, Lampstand Letters No. 16, and November 1999; "All over the world, and particularly in Nigeria, there is an intense spirit of ethnic nationalism, threatening to dismember geographical nations as they are presently existing.

In its August 1999 edition, the BUSINESSWEEK magazine lists the spirit of nationalism as the second of twenty-one "spirit of the new millennium" that will shape events in the 21st century, (religion was number 6). Back home in Nigeria, the Vanguard of 3rd December 1999 quoted from international Economic Intelligence Unit (E.I.U) forecast report on Nigeria for 2000, released in November 1999. Inter alia, the E.I.U. report asks Nigerians "To watch (out for) a mix of ethnic, religious and regional tensions (which) have the potentials to destabilize the (Obasanjo) government and bring the army back into play". p 14).

Beyond the social, the political and the economic lays a more fundamental spiritual (historical) origin and force behind the resurgence of ancient kingdoms, and its attendant tension and violence. The BUSINESSWEEK report comes close to recognizing an historical and spiritual origin of these ethnic nationalism when it talks of "ancient loyalties and grievances. which stirs the blood among people whose allegiances are local and tribal"; noting that "too often in 21st century, the birth of nations will be violent" (p 44). It is in this light we understand the spirit behind resurgence of ancient kingdoms.   

While all other thrones rise and wane, it is only the throne of David that has God's covenant of an everlasting dynasty (Psalm 89:28-37, Jer. 33:17-21). Even when Jeroboam usurped the throne of David, David's descendant Jeroboam still has two tribes "for the sake of David" (! King 11:29-39, 12:20).

The real "Son of the Ancient King" reigns over the everlasting dynasty of David. He is the root of Jesse, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 1:27-23, Daniel 7:9-14,27)." 

3.5        CONCLUSION

As Nigerian Christians called into a common spiritual nation of Christ, we must eschew and rise above our narrow tribal loyalties, forging unity across tribes, in the body of Christ. That is the hope for the country, as we bear in mind that is God Himself who brought the various tribes in Nigeria to be here at this time for His divine purpose. (Acts17;26). Amen.

May God find you to use as one of the craftsmen (blacksmith) he will use to break and scatter these tribal horns (Zech 3), so that as a country we may fulfill divine purpose. Amen 

3.6        LET US PRAY 

·         Set your face daily and root out, pull down, destroy and throw down, every ancient throne, spirit and kingdom causing ethnic strife in Nigeria..

·         Ask that the Lord will silence the roar and break the teeth of the fierce ethnic lions and their young (Job 4:10).

·         Prophesy that their old (ancient) lions will perish (die) for lack of prey, and all their children be scattered (Job 4:11). And that only the Lion of the tribe of Judah prevail and reign over Nigeria and her peoples Rev. 5:5-14, Gen 49:9-10. Amen. 

3.7        BENEDICTION

"And behold one like the son of man came to the Ancient of Days.. To Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom. That all peoples’ nations and languages may serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion." Daniel 7:13.

4.0 THE GOD OF MERCY 

"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnants of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because he delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.  You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which you have sworn to our fathers from the days of  old.  Micah 7:18-20. Also Psalm 103.  

5.0 STATE OF THE NATION

A Prophecy - A message received on the 7th of February 2002 by Pastor Kayode Ojo, of the Gethsamane Prayer Ministry Ibadan.

The nation Nigeria is a chosen nation that should fulfil my purpose in this last generation.

A nation plagued with evil and calamity because of two things:

1. Her hands are full of iniquities and sin. Her hands are full of blood and as a result evil is determined over her. Because she has shed blood, her land shall go into captivity and become desolate unless my people cry for the abomination thereof and bring repentance before me.

2. She does not know her time of visitation. I have purposed to use her for my glory all over the world at this time. How will she be awakened from her slumber and see my move and my glory.

Let my people arise and shine for her light has come. Let my people rise from slumber. Let them awake out of their sleep and cry that the land go not into slavery and captivity and become desolate. For evil is determined over her because of her sins and abominations that lead to desolation. Behold the plague has begun.

Where are my people that will stand in the gap, where are those that will stand for my people? I the Lord delights in mercy and I will cry aloud and speak.

Restrain not thyself to declare my words unto my people. I will do a new thing in the land if my people called by my name shall humble themselves and seek my face.

Arise my son, declare unto Jacob her transgression and to Israel her iniquities for the sins of my people have come before me and there is a cry for judgement. Arise that your land go not into captivity and become desolate says the Spirit of the Lord. For the church Jezebel has adored herself seeking for those she might bring down. She has adored herself. She has adored herself.

Beware and watch my people, for many have already falling into her hand. Beware my ministers for you are the target of the spirit of whoredom. Cry against her my son, for she has adore herself that my people might fall and become useless for my purpose and my move. I the Lord will judge her and bring her glory down with as many have joined her and I will kill her children.

Arise and cry against the abomination that speaks desolation among my people says the Lord. 

6.0 FLESH EATING AND BLOOD-SUCKING PASTORS

A pastor of a local assembly in Ibadan received the prophecy below. The words are applicable to the larger body of Christ.

I saw a man, a leader of men. He took a knife and began to cut some flesh from all his subjects. As he collected pieces of flesh from his subjects, he gave them to his wife who fried it (and made a meal out of them).

The man also took a cup and extracted some blood from his subjects. He turned the extracted blood into thick, rich milk.

The man sat down in this office, chewing the flesh (which had been turned into meat) and washing it down with the blood that had been turned into milk. He fed himself on these things until he became (very) fat.

Meanwhile, you can see suffering, pain and anguish on the faces of the (dehumanized) subjects. They were suffering and in great pains as a result of the deep cut he (the leader) had inflicted upon them. They all had blood shortage. Some were collapsing. Many were very weak and all of them were filled with pains.

The man, their leader, now summoned a meeting of those he had so mistreated. He had a plate of the meat (he made from their flesh) before him. Then, he put one piece of meat in his mouth and kept chewing as he addressed the people. He also had a cupful of their blood he had turned into milk, from which he sipped continually to wash down the "meat" he was chewing.

Then, he said to the: "I am sorry. I have eaten your flesh. I have drunk your blood. I repent of it". And he took another sip from the blood milk to wash down the meat in his mouth. Now, judge it.

Thus says the Lord: "I made you a leader over my people, to nurture, train and strengthen them, but you have turned back, collected their flesh and have eaten the same. You have also got yourself drunk with their blood. You have pierced them with thorns and briers. You have grown (very) fat as a consequence, fatter than your appearance because you are living in pretence. And you have done more to provoke me with your Saulish repentance.

I have desired your thorough repentance, but you have continued to play pranks and deception. I am about to give your flesh to them that will fry and chew as you did and your blood to them that will drink it as you have done.

You did it secretly, but I will do it publicly and a great shame will come on you, like a full-grown man, mature, sensible and respected, walking naked in the daytime in the market place.

Repent, as you know it to be. Return what you have stolen. Do as Zacheus did (Luke 19:8, Isa. 1:16-18 and I will accept you. Else, my anger is already hanging on you and your household", says the Lord. 

This is a text of the prophecy that was received by PASTOR SEGUN ADEDIRAN and read before the Congregation at Ibadan on Sunday, January 13, 2002.  

7.0 MOLECH ON GAD'S TERRITORY

...Where are the men of Israel? Is there no one to defend his or her land? Why have they let the people who worship Molech take the territory of the tribe of Gad and settle there? (Jer. 49:1 Good News Bible). "Thus says the Lord" Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then does Milcom inherit Gad and his people dwell in his cities (NKJV).

"The people of Israel have plenty of children to inherit their lands. So why have you worshippers of the god Milcom taken over towns and land belonging to the Gad tribe?" The tribe of Gad was one of the first 21/2 tribes that got their land east of the Jordan before they crossed over (Number 32). When Leah's gave birth to Gad, she exclaimed "How fortunately am I, here comes a troop! (Gen. 30:11 NKJV).

According to Cruden's Concordance, Gad means a band, or happy or armed and prepared. In both of Jacob and Moses' prophecies on the 12 tribes of Israel, Gad is referred to in combative mood, as a triumphant troop, a lion enlarging its territory (Gen. 49:19, Deut. 33:20).

In I Chro. 12:8, reference is made to some Gadites who joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness as mighty men of valour, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains. With these prophecies and antecedents, how come that by the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the tribe of Gad had lost its territory in the east side of Jordan to the neighbouring Ammonites. The Ammonites had even set up altars to their national God Milcolm (Molech), in place of the altar of witness of the Lord God, which the children of Gad raised up earlier by the Jordan (Joshua 22:10, 34).

In the quest to enlarge their territory, the Ammonite even ripped open women with child in the land of Gad, to ensure that Gad indeed had no heir (Amos 1:13). The fate of the children of Gad is instructive to God's children in every age. When, despite prophecies and ancestral antecedents of valour, we do not teach and train our children for battle and to war, one day we shall lament "Has Israel no sons, has he no heirs.?"

The Lord's controversy with the Ammonites over the territory of Gad, is applicable to our situation in Nigeria. For us in Nigeria, we must train our children for war and battle. Else, altars to Allah, to Egbesu, to Oodua and other imported and indigenous tribal gods, will be raised over Nigeria, in place of God, despite God's promise and prophesy to the church. 

8.0 BENIN, VOODOO AND THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN

Twice in November 2001 and once in December 2001, I was in neighboring Republic of Benin for Professional and Missionary purposes respectively. My first trip on the 1st of November coincided with All Saints Day, a catholic public holiday used to remember the dead.

As reported in the press, that day is a celebration of revelry, sex and booze in many catholic nations. In Benin, All Saints Day was celebrated in a manner typical of African Ancestral Worship. Benin is known to be Africa's Voodoo headquarters. Indeed, the promotion of Voodooism is entrenched in the country's constitution as a state obligation. According to some authorities, Voodoo is a corruption of (an unstated) Yoruba word for god. It evolved in Haiti in the 16th century, when African (Yoruba) slaves found themselves in the tiny Island, first with Spanish catholic overlords and later French ones (See comments below).

Voodooism is described as a blend of African Traditional Religion (ATR), Roman Catholicism and a dose of Indian Mysticism (The Two-headed Dragon, Josiah Publications, USA, Page 259). Today Voodoism is the national religion of the ex-African slave countries of Haiti, Cuba and Brazil, as it is in neighbouring Benin Republic. The blend of ATR and Roman Catholicism is typified in the Afro-American religion known as SANTERIA, where Yoruba idols assume names of catholic saints. Thus in Santeria, the Yoruba idol Obatala becomes St. Benedict, Ogun becomes St. Peter and the goddess Yemoja becomes Our Lady of Fatima? (See BBC Focus on Faith 6/8/99; The two-headed dragon). Judith Gleason in her book Orisha: The Gods of Yorubaland (Athenuum Publishers, 1971 New York), describes Yemoja as the 'mother of the water and all orishas’ who gave birth to sixteen (16) orishas including Olokun, Osun, Ogun, Shango and Oya.. What Yemoja is in Yoruba mythology, the Bible in Jeremiah 7:18 and 44:17-25 calls the Queen of Heaven. The deity is likewise referred to as Ashteroth (Judges 2:13, 10:6, I Sam 7:3-4 etc), Isis (Egypt), Venus/Jupiter (Rome), Semiramis (Babylon) and Madonna, the mother-and -wife of Nimrod(Gen.10;9).

Informed opinion declare that Yemoja was formally personified as the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, by Emperor Constantiopole, in his strategic move to merge church and state into one. The French pride itself as the first daughter of the Catholic Church. Hence every catholic colony has a veneer of Roman Catholicism, underneath of which is core ATR.

About 70% of Republic of Benin is ATR and some 25% Muslim (mainly indigenous Yoruba, many of whom are settlers from Nigeria). Only some 5% are born again Christian.

Republic of Benin is thus a veritable mission field that needs strategic prayer warfare, missions and evangelism. We should not wait till Satan invade Nigeria (Yorubaland) through Republic of Benin, importing ATR (Voodosim) and Islam to Nigeria while a complacent church is not vigilant or mission-minded. 

The time for action is NOW. 

Comments by Pastor Moses Gbenu - Voodoo did not originate from Haiti. The slaves from African coasts, especially, Dahomey (now Rep of Benin) to Haiti etc, are the ones that brought that name to Haiti. They took the word from their homeland. The actual word is 'vodun', pronounced /vothun/. It simply means 'idol'.

The 'voodooism' as is practiced in Haiti is a mixture of the African mysticism and Roman Catholic idolatry. I know the languages and culture of the Benin people very well, and I wrote to correct Mitchell who wrote THE TWO HEADED DRAGON OF AFRICA". It is a very serious resource book on Islam and Roman Catholism, however, which every African Christian should read.  - Moses Gbenu

9.0 OCCULTIC POLITICS OF YORUBALAND

Political events in the Southwest of Nigeria over the few months indicate that there are intense activities going on in the spiritual over the southwest, and by extension Nigeria.

The totality of these activities is two-fold, one an imminent judgement of the gods and political overlords of the southwest by the Almighty, and a concomitant intensified effort by satanic strongholds to maintain the spiritual and political status quo. That the political turmoil has gravitated and centered on Ile-Ife, the ancestral spiritual headquarters of Yorubaland, and that Ige's murder took place in Ibadan, the political headquarters of the Southwest are ominous and instructive.

For long, the spiritual and political overlord of the southwest has been in the hands of personalities and principalities whose loyalty is occultist and satanic. The present and historical idolatrous renown of Ile-Ife as the worldwide source of idolatry is well documented.

The recent renunciation of the title of Oluaye by the Oni could be seen as God preparing avenue for mercy when He begins His judgement. Less emphasis is placed on the fact that Yoruba political leaders- from Awolowo and Adetokubo Ademola of old, to the Bola Iges (of the Afeniferefe) and Adewale Thompsons(of the Yoruba Council Of Elders) of today are deeply immersed in occultism- Roscrucianism and Oogboni cult etc, despite their Christian confessions. (The touted membership of Olusegun Obasanjo in the Oogboni cult was one of the planks on which Falae's abortive legal challenge to Obasanjo's election as President was placed in 1999).

Tragically, the church, whether of the orthodox or Pentecostal variety, is also deeply involved in ecclesiastical occultism and witchcraft. The Pastor Chris Okotie vs. Pastors Chris Oyakhilome and Joshua Temitope imbrigo, only brought the matter to the public arena.

The time for the Church to break the occultic contol of the politics of Yorubalnd is now. Amen. 

10.0         JAAZANIAH AND PELITIAH

Eze. 11:1-3 Strategically located by thrones and influencing thrones negatively and by diabolic or antichrist influences, are various men and institutions. At the Federal level, the man Chief Tony Aneneih, Minister of Works and Housing, stands out. In the East, one Emeka Offor stands out. In the west, the Awolowo-Afenifere spirit holds sway. In the North, the Caliphate and Ibrahim Babangida still pervade. Use scriptures such as Isaiah 47, Ezekiel 11:1-12 and Psalm 2 to cut off such men and influences from the thrones of Nigeria.

4th August 2001. 

11.0         THE GOODNESS OF JEZEBEL

What would you say of a woman, who in the time of severe famine, got together four hundred prophets and fed/provided for them daily for three and a half years? A  Missions - supporters? A generous-giver?

Whatever anyone else might say of Jezebel, to the four hundred and fifty prophets of Asherah (and their families), she was God-sent, a very good, tender, loving and merciful woman. (Whatever anyone might say of Sani Abacha, to Chief Anthony Ani, Tom Ikimi, Ali Kokoma, Hamza Mustapha, Wada Nas and those that benefited from the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Sani Abacha was God sent!).

Doesn't Prov. 19:12 admonish us that "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel? Every Jezebel has a "good" side. But do no not be taken in by their sophistry. Prov. 23:1-8 counsels us not to desire the delicacies and deceptive food of a miserly ruler, and not to waste our pleasant words to bless such.

Watch the life and behaviour of that supporter of yours. Watch his/her home marriage and family life. Does she maintain divine order at home? She might be good to you, but watch out for what wickedness she does to others. If she can kill Naboth for his vineyard, she will not hesitate to crush you if she has to. Evil proceeds from evildoers, wickedness from the wicked. Do not deceive yourself that you are not the object of her wickedness. When she finishes with the smaller fries, even the anointed Elijah will not be spared her wickedness. 

12.0         THE COMING CONFLAGRATION 

"For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle" I Cor. 14:8.

Two events during this week (August, 2001) spurred this letter.  A brother here in Ibadan, an intercessor with a calling to the Muslim World, shared with me a word of knowledge delivered in a church last Sunday.  The minister, a brother from Barbados, reportedly shared a vision of bloody attacks on Christians by Jihadists who infiltrated from the North/North Africa of Nigeria.

As he shared, I remembered the advertorial of this week's edition (Vol 17, No 8; 27 August 2001) of The News magazine titled "The Jihadists Invasion: How foreign Fundamentalists wreck Havoc in the North". I later bought a copy.

My wife also reminded me of a prophesy they had received from the Wailing Women Intercessory group asking for prayers against attacks on Christians, and Christians running helter-skelter in the month of August.

In The News Report, Moslem rebels from Chad and Niger Republic and their Nigerian pro-sharia fighters wearing turbans and Yasset Arafat-like Kafiyehs, attacked and killed not only Christians in Tafawa Balewa LGA in Bauchi State, they even attacked a police anti-riot helicopter from the air, with machine-guns.  These events took place between 7th and 13th August last year, following earlier skirmishes in June.  The report stated on that "Notwithstanding the international hostility against Islamic zealot, they find refuge in Nigeria because of the cultural and religious traits they share with the people of the North". 

Subscribers will remember that this issue was the topic of Bulletin no 13 "The Armies of the Aliens" The News further reported 'that the death of Napoleon Ovie Igbuku-Otu, a patriot environmentalist, was linked to his foray into Niger Republic where "some religions fanatics who wanted to hide under Islam to train an armed guard who would take on Olusegun Obasanjo's government". The Armed guards allegedly solicited the help of ex-Iraqi officers who were against President Saddam Hussein, and were experts at chemical warfare.

As contained in a document written by Igbuku-Otu before his death, some Islamic Jihadists had established training camps in Northern Nigeria and were recruiting Sudanese Muslims and smuggling them through Niger Republic into Maiduguri, Kano and Kaduna for conflict. Igbuku-Otu claimed that the brain behind the movement was Sheik Omar Bakriz who was, for 10 years, the head of Hez Bothariah, an Islamic groupwhich advocates Sharia against democracy.  Sheikh Omar operated at No 305, Ashley Road, London where Igbuku-Otu visited before his death." In Lampstand Letters No 19 (February 2000) titled " The Horse and Its Rider," we have attempted to traced an historical perspective to the Arab Connection of Nigerian Ishmaelite.

"The political ambition of the Caliphate Fulani to rule is not dead and will not die" thus reported an intelligence report some seventy years ago.  Also, the Maguni (old Bornu El-Kanemi kingdom) though scattered since 1810 from Yemen to the Atlantic have never ceased hoping to regain their Bornu kingdom.  Thus the Caliphate Fulani and Bornu Kanuri up to date believe they are "born to rule" and draw active support from their kinsmen and supporters from North Africa up to Saudi Arabia.

Writing in 1924, the progenitor of the Sanusshi - Tarrika Islamic political propaganda sect, Sidi Ahmed wrote, "our purpose is to obtain the sovereignty of all the land between Egypt and Malawi".  Even though the British defeated the Caliphate in 1902, the colonialists "favoured Islam, often consciously, to the detriment of Christianity" (see Boer 1988).  But the Caliphate has controlled every regime in Nigeria except the present one.  That is the political aspect of the present situation.

"The Preacher" (www.thepreacher.ca) No 238 October - December 2000 also contained a bit under the section "The Sound of Battle", citing an Internet report of the Tempo Newspapers dated September 22 2000 titled "Muslim leader calls for Anti-Obasanjo Revolt .". At a rally at the Katsina Central Mosque grounds on August 19 2000, Alhaji Datti Ahmed called on Northern Muslims to rise up against President Olusegun Obasanjo.  Speaking in Hausa (like General Buhari reportedly did recently on BBC while calling on Muslims not to vote for non-Muslims), Alhaji Datti Ahmed was quoted as urging ".from places of worship, and many other occasion, I am repeating again that we must prepare.  From bush exercise to training, we must prepare fully.  I swear that we are forming Islamic Suicide Squad. Wallahi. Wallahi. it is better for me to become a martyr (advising his hearers not to) refuse to die by sword in pursuance of a cause". Although this instigation was directed at President Olusegun Obasanjo, the target is the church. 

I am concerned that President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice-President Atiku and Defense Minister Theeophilus Danjuma could be hacked to death on the throne by Islamic Jihadists.  If they did a similar thing against Ironsi in 1966, they are ready to repeat it in 2001.  The difference this time around is that their actions will not be in the name of the North, but in the name of Islam.  And the result, like the Nigeria Civil War of 1967 - 1970, will be horrendous for Nigeria and Christians in Nigeria.

The Bible in Psalm 116: 15 declares: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints" (NKJV)' How painful it is to the LORD when one of His people dies (GNB) 'You are deeply concerned when one of your loyal people faces death"  (Contemporary English Version) Psalm 102: 19-20 declares that ". From heaven the LORD viewed the earth. To release those appointed to death".  Let’s pray and intercede that the Lord will preserve President Obasanjo and his colleagues. Amen.

How then do we respond to the matters arising? II Cor. 10:4-5 tells us clearly that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.  See also Zechariah 4:6.  The following biblical principles constitute strategic warfare in dealing with the horse and its rider:

-          Evangelism and Missions: the declaration of the Prince of Peace to all men.  Zechariah 9:9-10 and Isaiah 9:2-7 link the cutting off of the chariot the horse and battle bow with the declaration of the Prince of Peace.

-          Related to above is continual prophetic prayers declaring the Lordship of Christ over the nations. Psalm 2, Psalm 24, Psalm 76, Psalm 110, and Micah Chapter 1, among others are relevant in this regards.

-          The next major strategy is to "contend with the horses" (Jer. 12:5a) in sustained prayers and intercessions to provoke God by His Spirit to rise against the horse and its riders through;

a)      Striking every horse with confusion and its riders with madness. Zech 12:4

b)      Dealing with them as He did to Pharaoh's host Exodus 14:4-9, 24:25, Isaiah 43:17

c)       Breaking/Cutting off the battle bow and weapons of war by His rebuke Ps. 46:9, 76:2-6.

d)      Shaking Islam like He shook communism by natural and supernatural means Haggai 2:21-22. Amen. 

12.1    CONCLUSION

Christians should not see the Muslim or the Fulani as the enemies. However, they should not be surprised that the spirit of the horse described in Job 39:19-25 and of the wild donkey (Gen. 16:12) will turn the Muslim or the Fulani into murdering and destructive arsonist when matters of the faith are involved..  While government is taking legal and political measures, our response as Christians should be spiritual as we strike the underbelly (weak point) of the horse like Ehud did (Judges 5:21-22).

May the feet of clay of the kingdom of Ishmael crumble in Jesus name (Dan. 2:31-35).  Amen. 

12.2    LET US PRAY

-          Ask that the church in Nigeria will be like Dan: "a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse's heels, so that its rider falls backwards" (Gen. 49:17), as we deal with the horse and its rider in strategic prophetic prayer and evangelism.

-          Commit yourself and the Church to strategically deal with the issue at hand as highlighted in Section 7.0 above.

-          Prophesy that the gates of Northern Nigeria, North Africa, the Middle East and of Islam will lift up their heads so that the King of glory may enter Ps. 24 and Isaiah 19:23-25. Joel 2:1 asks us to "Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound the alarm in my holy mountains". 

Please give this bulletin a wide circulation.  Forward it and print to as many Christians as possible especially our Northern brethren. Please read the whole of Joel chapter 2 and act on it.. "But I will remove far from you the Northern Army, and drive him away into a barren and desolate land (desert Sahara), with his face towards the Eastern (dead) sea, and his back towards the Western sea; His stench shall come up, and his foul Odor will rise, because he has done monstrous thing".

Fear not O land, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord (will do) marvelous things Amen. Joel 2: 20-21. Amen.  

13.0         DEFENCE MINISTER ALERTS ON THREAT TO CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA.  

By Lekan Otufodunrin (<This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>)

Nigeria Online Christian News (Reporting Nigerian Christian Communities) 

April 23, 2002 

Nigeria's defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma has raised an alarm on an alleged plot to wipe out Christianity in northern parts of the country.

Speaking at a one-day conference on "Social, Economic and political status of Christians in Northern states of Nigeria" last Saturday, April 20, retired General Danjuma said it is regrettable that Christianity was under a great assault in northern states of the country. Like in most Northern African countries, where there used to be a considerable number of Christians before being overrun by muslims, Danjuma stated that there is a gradual plan to wipe out Christianity in Nigeria.

"If concerted efforts are not made by Christians, Christianity will cease to exist first in the northern states and gradually in all parts of the country" Danjuma warned. Noting that the last two years witnessed a mass exodus of non-Christians from Sharia states following religious disturbance and persecution, Danjuma suggested that courts and other constitutional means should be explored to solve the problem. He called for indiginezation of clergy in the northeSrn states by all denominations to ensure that "Christians in the sharia states do not wither and just die".

"The solution will only come when people from interior northern states are made clergies, like the Anglican Church is doing. They will not leave their people despite any persecution or threat, but stay back in entrenching their religion" Danjuma advised.

The one-day conference was organised by the Northern States Christian Elders Forum during which other leaders spoke on the challenges facing Christians in the north and how to solve the problems. 

Comments by the Publisher

One has to continue to intercede for the protection of the lives of Gen. Danjuma and other christians in government like the President himself, Prof. Jerry Gana, the Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and the Justice Minister Agabi Kanu.

I have expresed concern about the possibility of Islamic fundamentalists killing the President on the throne, (like they used Danjuma to do to Aguiyi Ironsi in 1966, under the guise of avenging Ahmadu Bello's death in the earlier coup of 1966). See the article "The coming conflagration"

We also remember the intense witchcraft and manipulation against the same Danjuma early in this administration, which actually affected his mental balance and cause him to attempt to leave the Obasanjo government.

Secondly, we have to go back to the basic command of the scriptures for missions and indigineous disciple making of all tribes, especially the unreached tribes so prevalent in the north. There is room for prosperity etc but when the crunch of persecution comes, such concepts are of little use. 

As Gen Danjuma alluded to, only indigenous disciples (note not just church-goers or even ordinary converts), can stay and withstand persecution. The challenge is not only for the Anglican church, but for the whole church especially the rich and affluent Pentecostal and charismatic groups who are endowed with men, materials and money to do missions.

Now is the time to act, NOW! 

14.0         TESTIMONY

This edition of Lampstand Letters was already being typeset when Armed Robbers visited our street and house in the early hours of Thursday 11th April. They disposed me of nearly Seventy thousand naira (N70,000.00) including the sum of twenty five thousand naire only (N25,000.00) which a supporter had just sent as tithes for production of the Lampstand Letters.

The leader of the Armed Robbers, an ex-convict, was caught in Lagos weeks later and paraded over Television Stations in Ibadan and the front page of TheNews magazine Vol. 18. No 21. 27 May 2002. From the accounts, we learnt that he released in January 2002 after nine (9) years in jail for Armed Robbery and had executed over twenty burglaries in South West Nigeria between January and April 2002, allegedly killing many policemen in the process.

To God be the glory for sparing my life and those of the members of my family. As a result of the financial loss and some other production problems, the first quarter of the Lampstand Letters could not come out. This enlarged edition thus covers January to June, 2002.

Also, the e-mail version <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> has experienced serious spiritual and technical problems since the beginning of the year. First for about 4 weeks in January/February, and completely off since March ending. We are considering an alternative ISP.

Please send your e-mail address to me if you wish to be put on the new e-mail list .

Dr Tayo Babalobi, Publisher.

2nd June, 2002. 

15.0         MAN OF GOD

By Bennie Mostert

Dear Intercessor/Co-ordinator,

What kind of life do you desire?

The expression "man of God" is used more than 80 times in the Bible. What does this title mean to you and me? Would you like to be known as a "man of God"? (This of course includes women.)

Would you like to be known as a God-fearing woman? Do you desire to be a man after God's heart? Today more than ever before, we need men of God.

E. M. Bounds says: "What the Church needs, is not more and better theology, not new organizing methods, but people that can be used of the Holy Spirit - people of prayer, people who are powerful in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not work through methods, but through people. God does not seek plans, but people - people who pray." Bounds wrote this more than a century ago. This is true for today, more than ever before.

Elijah and Elisha were known as men of God. 1 Kings 17:18: She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" 2 Kings 4:8-9: 8. One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God."

1 Tim.6:11: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

2 Tim.3:16-17: 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

In Dt.33:1 Moses is called a man of God. In 1 Sam.9:6, Samuel is called a man of God. In 1 Ki.12:22 Shemaiah, whom God sent to Rehabiam, is called a man of God. Many other scriptures also make mention of a man of God.

Do you want to be a man of God? How do I become a man of God?

The following are characteristics and guidelines for everyone who wants to be a "man of God":

1.       A holy life. In 1 Pe.1:16 it is written: Be holy because I am holy. Eph.1:4 says: For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. We are called to live holy lives, to be separated for God's purposes. Phillip Brooks was a minister who lived two centuries ago. When he came out of his house, people usually would stop and lift their hats. They respected him because they considered him to be a man of God.

2.       Reject deceit/hypocrisy. Deceit and hypocrisy do not fit the character of a man of God. Why are people hypocritical? Because for us, the opinion of men is more important than that of God. More than often our first reaction is: "What will people say?" We are also very aware of ourselves: our own honour, our image and the impression we make. As long as the opinion of others is more important to us than God's, we will never be called a man of God; we will not represent God; we will not be able to do His works. The devil will laugh at us and the promises of God will be powerless in our mouths.

3.       Discipline/self-control. Part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. We live in times where little spiritual discipline is present. Little spiritual discipline leads to little power, little spiritual growth and little authority. Daniel was known as the "man loved by God". He lived a disciplined life of prayer. By this disciplined lifestyle, he impacted whole kingdoms in his time and God revealed Himself to Daniel.

4.       Spend time with God. How much time do we spend with God? Few people have the courage to enter God's presence, because His presence burns away everything that is false - all flesh, all self, all own ambition, all self-righteousness, etc. Therefore people are scared to enter His presence. They find it intolerable and excuse themselves by saying that they do not know how to pray or that they are going through a difficult time, or they do not understand the Bible, etc.

5.       Obedience to God.  Many people know the Word, but few are obedient to it. In Acts the apostles said that they have made it out for themselves to obey God, notwithstanding the consequences. They were men of God. Daniel's three friends declare in Dan.3:16-18 to Nebuchadnezzar: 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." That is the attitude of men of God.

6.       Servants/slaves. Men of God have the attitude of Christ in Php.2:5-11: 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death) even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Too many people want to be leaders, important and well known. Nowadays we speak of "servant- leaders," but very few are willing to be known as followers and slaves of Christ.

7.       Die to self. Our flesh is our greatest hindrance to the work of the Holy Spirit. We are so full of ourselves: WE want to work for the Lord, WE have the gift of tongues, WE are baptised, WE donate money for the work of the Lord, WE pray for the healing of the sick, and WE establish ministries. We are so full of our own things and our own work for the Lord, that we do not spend time with the Lord of our work.  These are just a few thoughts as guidelines for those seeking God, seeking to be men of God or Godly women. May God have mercy on us and raise up thousands of men and women in our country to do His works.Eph.3:20

Bennie Mostert is the Managing Director of Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, South Africa. JWI releases daily prayer bulletins on various issues. This article was culled from the release of 26th  May 2002. You could subcribe by sending an email to <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>  

16.0         BENONI AND BENJAMIN

In allowing the incidents of Gen 35:18 to be recorded in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit teaches us that curses (cursed names) should and can be reversed by a blessing (blessed name).

We see how an innocent child, born to Rachael, could have be doomed to a life of sorrow by virtue of the cursed name (Benoni = son of my sorrow) given by his mother, had the father not come in immediately to change the curse into a blessing (Benjamin = son of my favoured right hand of power).

Rachael was the beautiful daughter of the manipulative Laban, who Jacob spent another seven years of hard labour to marry, after Laban has deceived him to have the elder sister Laban. Beautiful though she was, Rachael was a nag (Gen. 30:1), contentious (Gen. 30:8), a thief/idolator (Gen. 31:19), deceptive and (Gen. 31:34-35). But worse of all, she was of such a wicked heart that at the point of death, she sentenced her innocent baby to a life of curse, naming him Benoni, a son of sorrow. Was the innocent baby responsible for Rachael's death? I do not think so.

By her words to her husband Jacob in Gen. 30:1 ".Give me children or else I die", she had sentenced her self to death. No man can give children; only God does, so since Jacob could not have given her children, the only option remaining according to her words was to die. And so God gave her, not just a child, but children, and immediately she died! May we not be ensnared by our own words.  Amen.

Thank God for Jacob who immediately reversed Rachael's deathbed curse. Parents, when a partner curses, let the other immediately bless. Otherwise, the effects might linger on the child like it did on Jabez, before he in his adult age, cried out to God. 

By the Lampstand

January, 2002 

17.0         JABEZ'S MOTHER

What type of mother, will look at her child and because "she bore him in pain" prophesy into his life a curse by called him Jabez i.e. "He will cause pain"? 

Jabez's mother (I Chro. 4:9) was one, and Rachael before her (Gen. 35:18) was another. What type of pain could Jabez had caused his mother at birth. Was he conceived as a result of a rape or sexual assault. Was he always kicking in the womb? Did he not allow her to sleep well during the pregnancy? Did she spend all the pregnancy on bed rest in hospital? Did he come out in a breech presentation. Was the delivery long and tedious, like that of Benjamin? (Gen 35:18)

Whatever the pain he might have caused, there was no justification for the curse and the name she placed on him. Today, Christian mothers still habitually curse their babies, infant, and adolescent children.

Whatever the misbehaviour of our children, we are not justified to curse them. We are called to bless not to curse, even when our children "persecute" us (Rom. 12:14, I Cor. 4:12, Matt. 5:44 etc.). Mothers (and fathers), let us be like Rebecca, who rather took upon her the curse her child was liable to (Gen. 27:12-13).

Let us remember to be merciful. Amen. 

By the Lampstand

January, 2002 

18.0         ENEMIES AND ADVERSARIES

Recently I was watching the CNN at a friend's and heard a promotional from the Olympics Sports Movement. In the friendly but competitive spirit of the Olympics, one sportsman was saying to another something like "you are my adversary but not my enemy - you stretch me to my competitive limit" etc.

An adversary is a rival, an opponent, a competitor; one who puts obstacles on one's way or distract without the malicious intent to harm or destroy (although some adversaries do these). An adversary therefore is someone one has to overcome, for whom one has to keep fit and be able to contend with and win against in a competitive exercise. One who keeps one on his toes, and stretches us to our competitive limit.

An enemy on the other hand is one who has a destructive ill will against you. The enemy wants to kill, steal or destroy. A destroyer, not a competitor, one not bound by the rules of fair play. One who wants to finish you off.

In Numbers 22:22-32, God stood as an adversary against the apostate Balaam to stand against him and oppose.  Hannah's rival co-wife was an adversary who provoked her life to make her miserable.

Jesus counselled us to make peace and agree with our adversary (or accuser/opponent) before we get to the place of judgement.

Haman was both an enemy and adversary (Esther 7:6). Sanballat and Tobiah were adversaries and enemies to Nehemiah and the Jews. In Exodus 23:22, God promised His obedient servants that He would be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries. He vowed in Isa. 1:24 to rid Himself (or be relieved) of his adversaries and take vengeance on His enemies.

God allows adversaries to remain, to teach our hands to war and our fingers to battle. But he himself avenge and exact retribution on our enemies. Man's chief adversary is Satan, whose name simply means Adversary, the Accuser of the brethren. In Zechariah chapter 3, he opposed and accused the High Priest Joshua (and by extension the whole Israel) before God, but the Lord rebuked him. He accused Job, provoked David to sin against God tempted Jesus, misled Judas Iscariot and tested Simon Peter. He seeks to devour (I Peter 5:8).

Why does God permit adversaries along our ways? Because he wants to train us for battle and war. The kingdom of God suffered violence, and one has to learn to become violent to be able to take it by force. For these reason he did not exterminate all the enemies of Israel in Canaan, so that every generation is taught to know war (Judges 3:1-4).

It is given to us to learn to contend with and overcome our adversaries. But is left to God to deal with our enemies. God does not want us to make enemies of any persons.

Yes, men may decide to rise to be our enemies. But God wants to spare us the ill will and the male violence that comes from making someone an enemy. Rather he commands us to love and pray for our enemies by so doing heaping coals of fire on his head. We are called not to avenge ourselves, but rather give place for God's wrath on our enemies. Because to God belongs vengeance, the dealing with our enemies. (Rom 12:19-21).

To us who have God's spirit's, it is better to allow God to avenge us, rather than allowing the Satanic spirit of malevolence and ill-will take control of us, as we seek to avenge ourselves of our enemies. Amen

By the Lampstand

January, 2002 

19.0         THE SHULAMITE AND HER BROTHERS

Songs of Solomon 8:8-10 record a conversation between a teenage girl and her older brothers on the virtue of chastity and the vice of promisciuty; "We have a little sister, and she has no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she is spoken for. If she is a wall, we will build upon her a battlement of silver and if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar". A wall is built to deliberately fence out intruders and protect the occupants. A door is an entrance through which any person could enter. A wall keeps out, a door lets in.

In the conversation, the brothers watched over the life of their teenage sister. They honour her for successfully keeping her chastity by resisting unworthy men who came calling to defile her in the days of her youth. If she tended to yield and give in to promiscuity, they rally round to protect and strengthen the resolve for good (verse 9).

"I am a wall..." proudly declares the Shulamite girl. Thank God the Shulamite was a wall. For maintaining her chastity and purity to the maturity of adulthood, she became in the eyes of he who married her, a pleasure, as one who finds peace and contentment (verse 10).

A chaste girl is a garden enclosed, a private spring, a fountain closed to others (S.O.S. 4:12). An immoral one is like a vineyard whose hedges, are broken down, so that all who pass by the way pluck for fruits, including boars and wild beasts (Ps. 80:12-13). Like a beautiful woman without self-control, a pearled sow (Pro. 11:22). What are you dear sister: a wall or a door, a private spring or a public river? 

And you brother, do you aspire to fence in and protect our honourable sisters, or you strive to break the wall, enter the open door or pollute the waters? "He that breaks through a wall, a serpent shall bite" (Ecc. 10:8). Amen. 

20.0         PROVIDING FOR THINGS HONEST (2 COR. 8:21)

Sometime in late January, my car had developed some engine problems after a mission field trip. I was with a Pastor friend trying to find solution to the fault when he hailed a young man who strings for a Christian TV producing outfit based in Ibadan.

As the young man made to go after the customary greetings, he gave my friend a complimentary copy of his latest 4-page bulletin. A caption on the back page of the bulletin caught my attention, and on close examination, I discovered that it was a verbatim lifting of the introductory part of the article on Ecclestiastical Witchcraft and Manipulation which appeared in Lampstand Letters No 24 July to Sept., 2000.

The bulletin promised to continue the article in next edition, without any form of acknowledgement of its source, creating a false impression that it was an original article. I called back the young man as he made to cross the road, and asked him if he knew about the Lampstand Letters. He replied in the affirmative. I asked if the article in his bulletin was lifted from the Lampstand Letters. He replied with a nod. At this stage, my pastor friend introduced me as the Publisher of the Lampstand Letters. I did not add any word, neither did the young man who then left.

I have had cause to counsel brethren who lift articles from the Lampstand Letters about how to go about it in the article "Copyright = Right to copy?" (Lampstand letters No 27 April to June 2001).

Paul also counselled that to prevent men finding fault with him in the discharge of ministerial duties, he strove to "provide things honourable not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men. (2 Cor. 8:20-21).

Reproducing a work not originally ones and presenting it as ours, without due acknowledgement, is dishonourable and both a spiritual and intellectual fraud. By all means exercise your right to copy, but for conscience and integrity sake, please acknowledge your source. Amen