STILL STANDING

November 1, 2014

Recently I participated in a football tournament in my office and while we were playing our last match, I fell and hit my head on the ground so loud that our goalkeeper was almost calling for the ambulance. Someone started pouring water on my head and I assume some other people were silently praying for me. After about few minutes, I stood up. There was no bleeding and no headache even after few days.

The following day, I replayed the entire scenario in my head and I wondered what would have happened if there was a stone where I fell or I broke my neck. Friends, our God deserves our praise all the time. Millions that saw October are no more today, but here you are still standing. The scripture says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Th 5:18) Even though you might not have that job yet, sir, you are not begging for food on the street neither are you eating from the refuse bin.

I can understand how it feels wearing same shirt, trouser, skirt, shoes, etc., since the beginning of 2014 without any new addition. But wait a minute, does a mad man ever bother about wearing new clothes? Does it matter what kind of brand a prisoner is wearing? Does a cancer patient on the sick bed worry himself about buying new clothes? Ma, when there is life, there is hope, please celebrate God that you are even alive and free. Many of your mates have gone. Don’t forget that the grave cannot praise God, death cannot celebrate Him: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for His truth (Isa 38:18).

For a moment, please stop bombarding God with your needs and inadequacies, and just praise Him that you are still standing. Praise Him you can talk. Praise Him you can even think right. If the breath of life is in you today, please celebrate God.

Hallelujah!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

COMMANDING AUDIENCE – 2

October 31, 2014

Sometimes you wonder why some speakers who charge so much for their events get even more audience than those whose events are free. Like we all say, time is life, but like I do say, time is life, as such, no one is ready to waste his/her time listening to just anyone or anything. It then means that for anyone to really get people’s attention, it not a joke – it is serious business. Asides knowing God and gaining more experience, I’d like to share some other things you can do such that when you say hello, multitudes respond.

Third thing is the relevance of your experience. Fela Durotoye once said, “It is not what you can say that matters, it is what people can do with what you say that matters.” People followed Jesus everywhere because He had the solution to their problems. Years back, forex teachers had their events packed full because forex was trending, everyone wanted to make extra income from it. Don’t just gather experience, gather the right experience. An experienced Nokia 3310 repairer would sure lack customers in this our time.

When Joseph was to be brought out from the prison to go display his expertise before Pharaoh, Bible records it in Gen 41:14 (MSG) that Joseph cut his hair, put on clean clothes, and then appeared before Pharaoh. Sir, that goes to tell you that you cannot dress like a suspect and expect to be treated like a prospect. You cannot command the audience of kings dressing like a slave. Before people hear you talk, they would have seen how you are dressed. Wear clean and smart clothes, iron them properly, take care of your hair, polish your shoes well and wear your colognes moderately. As a believer, you mustn’t dress shabbily because you are Christ’s representative here on earth.

Gather the right experience, package the experience by dressing well such that when you enter any office, with God on your side, you will be royally treated.

Remain lifted!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

COMMANDING AUDIENCE – 1

October 30, 2014

One universal desire of men is to be heard. The motivational speaker wants to be heard. The musician wants to be heard. The marketer needs the attention of prospects. The Radio station is tracking audience traffic. The politician is not happy when his followership isn’t much. Unfortunately, most of us have too many things to listen to on a daily basis, so we sort of screen what and who we want to listen to. However, I have seen that one could command people’s audience effortlessly provided some things are in place.

The first thing is relationships. Who you know determines who wants to get to know you. People listen to us because of who we know, which is why I always tell believers that the man that knows God has the world to himself, because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Even when Jesus went by boat to a deserted place, Bible says in Matt 14:13 that multitudes followed Him by foot. They never worried about the distance or the trouble of travelling by foot because they knew that Jesus is the son of the God that they needed.

Secondly, to command audience, you need to show us what you have done. Experience, especially when you have succeeded makes people, irrespective of their status want to listen to you. Donald Trump takes home about $1.5 million dollars each time he is invited to speak at any conference. People pay him this huge sum of money not because he is handsome, but because he has the experience they want to leverage on. Pharaoh demanded to hear Joseph interpret his dream because he had heard that Joseph was an experienced dream interpreter.

Daniel commanded the audience of kings because he knew God and was also experienced in the art of dream interpretation. Focus on your relationship with God and gather more experience in your chosen field and you will command audience without no stress.

Keep shining!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

TOO WISE

Each time I think about how wise humans are, it makes me wonder how wise our God is. I am sure you would agree with me that the wisdom of the creature can never be as much as that of the creator. Even though humans invent several wonderful things, God created the raw materials for humans to use in inventing. But I have seen several cases where humans are telling God through their words and actions that they are wiser, and this is one of the reasons why many believers haven’t gotten their miracles yet.

When Jesus got to Lazarus’ house and He requested that the stone be taken away from the entrance of the tomb, Martha couldn’t understand what Jesus was trying to do, she was so wise that she reasoned it within herself that the body would have started decaying since they buried him four days ago. She had forgotten that she was with the One that can make alive which was why Jesus quickly told her in verse 40 of John 11 that, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

Many believers are too wise to just believe God for the supernatural. When Prophet Elisha issued the decree in 2 Kings 7 that, “To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.” One wise man reasoned it, analyzed the data and when he saw the decree made no sense, he said, “Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” I don’t blame the man, he was just being human.

Friends, God is set to wonderful things for you but you need to just believe. Don’t bother analyzing or calculating or asking how, just do away with your expertise and wisdom because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

All things are possible to him that believes.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

NO MORE CONDEMNATION – 2

October 28, 2014

It amazes me how a lawyer would know beyond reasonable doubt that an accused did truly commit the crime/offence for which he/she was charged to court for, yet the lawyer would stand in the court and defend the accused. The lawyer would speak on behalf of the accused before the judge and in some cases, the lawyer would be able to win the case and then the crime record against the accused would be discarded.

In John 8, a certain woman was brought to Jesus said to be caught in the middle of adultery. The people who brought her were well versed in the laws of Moses. They said to Jesus in verse 5, “Moses commanded us that when a woman is caught in the middle of adultery, she should be stoned. So what is your own take on this issue?” They were correct. As a matter of fact, the scripture says that the wages of sin is death. However, if they had not taken the woman to Jesus, they would have won the case, but they forgot that Jesus had already said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” So the woman was one of the people Jesus wanted to offer the free product of rest.

Despite their genuine accusation, Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” After the accusers have all left, He told the woman, I am not condemning you, but please go and sin no more. Sir/ma, there is no condemnation in Christ because God is love! When the accuser takes your confessed sin to God, Jesus steps in to defend you. 1 John 2:10 says we shouldn’t sin, but if we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, in the person of Jesus Christ pleading your case and mine before the Judge of the world.

Most importantly, depart from iniquity! IF you fall into sin, confess and repent!

Remain blessed!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

NO MORE CONDEMNATION!

October 27, 2014

Once upon a time, there were two brothers from the same family. One fateful day, the younger brother caught the elder stealing meat from the pot without their mother’s consent. The younger brother was rushing to go tell their mother when the elder brother begged him not to tell her. He went ahead and promised to do whatever the younger brother wanted. From that day henceforth, each time the mother asked the younger brother to either do the dishes or the laundry or go to the market, the elder one ended up doing it.

After few weeks of suffering and humiliation, the elder brother summoned courage and went to confess to his mother. Unknown to the little terrorist that the accused had confessed, when the mother asked him to go wash the toilet, he said the elder brother would handle it. When the elder brother objected, he threatened to reveal the hidden secret to their mother. The elder brother smiled and said, “I have told her myself, so please go get the toilet washed now!”

Many of us are going about being haunted by our past sins because the devil is always telling us we are unworthy or God is angry, and as a result we become as kings walking barefooted. God says in Isa 43:25 that, “I, even I (the Lord), am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Sir, when you sin and you say, “Lord, I am sorry,” GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS!

Rom 10:10 says, “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If you would like to give your life to Christ, pray with me, “Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner, please forgive me. I know You came to save me, I hereby invite you as my personal Lord and Savior. Amen!”

Congratulations, you are forgiven.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

DON’T QUIT - 2

October 26, 2014

A whole lot of time as humans, we are tempted to want to quit especially when the going gets tough or when our dreams aren’t happening as at when expected. Luke 9:62 says “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God”.

For anyone that wants to achieve any meaningful thing on earth, the person must learn how not to give up easily. Had Thomas Edison, Wright brothers, Henry Ford and Abraham Lincoln quit, would anyone know them? No! Quitters don’t get known which is why winners don’t quit. I understand it could be very tough holding on or pressing on, but I want you to understand that it is a phase. A woman about to give birth keeps pushing until the baby comes out because she knows it’s a phase. After that phase she sighs heavily and starts rejoicing.

The same holds for your dreams, keep pushing, keep pressing on, and don’t give up on your dreams, the world will soon rejoice with you. Have you thrashed some of your dreams in the waste bin of your mind? Is there a particular business plan that you once tried to launch but wasn’t coming out good and you thrashed it? Have you tried furthering your education and all odds seem to be against you? This is not the time to give up. NO! Press on. Don’t give up on your marriage.

Don’t give up on that big dream. Remember it’s always darkest before dawn. Whenever life grows difficult and the pressure is turned on and the idea of giving up seems the best, that’s a sign that your time is near. This year is still loaded with great opportunities. If you won’t give up, God won’t give up. I am so sure that marriage will work, that business will boom, that dream will become reality, but you have to play your part – DON’T DARE QUIT!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

October 23, 2014

Have you ever gone to anyone for loan and the first thing you hear is, “So, how much do you have already?” In order words, most times when we are requesting for help, part of the resources needed has been made available to us, but many of us have been programmed to see what we do not have instead of seeing and using that which is at our disposal presently. Whether you agree with me or not, you have something in your hands that could start you up in life.

When Prophet Elijah told the widow of Zarephath to go prepare the last meal for him, I wonder what the woman must have been thinking. The woman was correct to have said she just wanted to prepare the last meal for her household and then die, but she must have realized that whatever one has in his hands that cannot meet your need is a seed. From that story, we realize that as believers, the resources needed for our transformation have already been placed in our hands. The issue is if we would be willing and obedient enough to heed instructions, knowing full well that only the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land (Isa 1:19).

Because the woman obeyed, Bible says in 1 Kings 17:16 that, “The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” She had excess. As read yesterday, God is only compelled to prosper that which is in your hands, which is why I pity lazy people and folks who are always complaining of having nothing in life. The disciples thought there was nothing until five loaves of bread and two fishes became sufficient to feed five thousand people.

If you feel you have nothing, as long as you are alive and you have God, you have much ‘cos one with God is majority.

Keep winning!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

October 22, 2014

If there is a set of people who just want to go to bed poor and wake up wealthy without doing anything, it is this generation. Irrespective of our background, religious affiliation, gender, age, color or marital status, we all want to overnight drive a Range Rover, build a duplex, travel the world and have millions in our account. Is it a bad thing to desire all the good things of life? Absolutely not. As a matter of truth, the scripture says God delights in your prosperity (Psa 35:27), which is why He is the only One that can give you power to make wealth (Deut 8:18).

But you need to clearly understand that desire alone cannot get you what you want, because if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Also, you need to know that being a believer or a born again Christian isn’t an automatic ticket to the land of wealth. If it was, all believers on planet earth would be walking billionaires. We have forgotten that God is not a magician who does abracadabra, but a Father who has a process in place for everything. We desire these good things but we refuse to work.

In Psalm 1:1-3 Bible says that the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, but delights in the law of the LORD; meditates therein day and night, shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER.” Prov 28:19 says, “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons (fantasies, wishes and mere desires) shall have poverty enough.”

I agree the word of God says the poor will never cease in the land (Deut 15:11), but must that be you? Whatsoever your hand finds to do, sir/ma, do it very well.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

HE KNOWS

October 21, 2014

Every father knows that the moment another school term is about to commence, tuition should be getting ready, textbooks money should be budgeted for, school bus fee should be planned and lunch fee as well. Even when the tuition isn’t paid as at when due, the child goes to the father, “Daddy, our teacher said that anyone that doesn’t pay his tuition will not be allowed to attend classes from next week.” In order words, I have come to remind you in case you have forgotten, of which he hasn’t.

One thing about God is that He is all-knowing. Remember what God told Jeremiah in Jer 1:5 that, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Most times when we go to God in the place of prayer, we think that we are telling God something new and in most of those cases, we use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking (Matt 6:7), however, Matt 6:8 says, “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

God knows all the things you need, He knows what is best for you and He is saving it until the right time comes. It is like boarding an airplane, God is the pilot and you are the passenger, just trust that He will take you to the right destination. So, if God knows everything, why then do I still need to pray? Prayer is an act of showing dependency on God that you know He knows what He is doing. The child is asking the father for tuition not because the father doesn’t know but just to make him understand that, “Daddy, you are my only source.”

God knows your future, start trusting Him.

Remain blessed!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

MIND YOUR ASSOCIATION – 2

October 20, 2014

It is impossible to live a life that is unaffected by other people. One way or the other, the attitudes and opinions of our friends somehow blow into our lives, shaping our perspective and influencing our decisions. Some few years ago, one of my friends told me that smoking marijuana would make me smarter, sharper and bolder. As much as I didn’t want to fall for it, I realized most of my friends were doing it, so it became irresistible for me. Thank God for mercy.

It is very wise to mind one’s association because if your friend disrespects her husband, you will most likely do same; if your friend fornicates, it will take extra grace for you not to; if your friend changes figure to make extra money, you will end up learning and doing same. I guess that is why Brother Paul said in 1 Cor 5:11 that, “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

So, am I to dis-friend my bestie because he/she makes me do some terrible stuffs? Well, I think the first thing to do is to limit your exposure to such friend(s). But this person is a good influence in some other areas you might say. Well, you are correct, but you need to establish some parameters. Maybe you need to avoid going for a drink together after work. In some cases, you might need to distance yourself and in terrible cases, you need to flee. Had Joseph not fled from the advances of Potiphar’s wife, he might never have attained that height.

Always remember that if you roll with a thief, the odds are that you will steal as well, because a sheep that is a friend to a local dog will end up eating feces.

Beware!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

October 19, 2014

Faith is having confidence that no matter what might be happening around, all will be well. Many unconsciously practice this wonderful principle of living by faith but when it is time to consciously live by it, fear sets in. If I may ask, have you ever bothered to check the four legs of the chair you always sit on in church if it is always complete? Maybe not, ‘cos in most cases, we believe that the ushers would have done the check.

However, the scripture has made it clear to us that one of the characteristics of a just person is living by faith. In Mark 10, when blind Bartimaeus was asked by Jesus to come after persistent cries, and Jesus asked what he wanted. The blind man said he wanted his sight restored. The disciples could still remember how Jesus restored the sight of another blind man in Mark 8 and would have been expecting something similar but Jesus told Bartimaeus, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Immediately the blind man went his way, he received his sight.

When Jesus told one of his people to go to the sea and that there would be money in the mouth of the first fish that is caught for them to pay tax, if the guy had decided to reason it out, he might not have gone because come to think of it, there was nothing that said it was a fish that would first come up (it could be a crocodile or a snake), and even if it was a fish, how would money get it into the mouth of that fish without the fish dying? But the guy knew that the person saying go, has the whole world in His hands and could do anything, so He went and so it happened.

Sir, living by faith most times makes you look foolish and insane, but listen to me, the reward and testimony generated turns you to a celebrity.

Remain blessed.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

IS GOD SLOW?

October 18, 2014

This era is a fast paced era; fast food; fast cash; fast cars; fast track services, fast relief from headache or backache and so on. It is a world where everything is fast and instant. As a result of this we have come to expect fast and instant responses to every desire and need all the time, we always have a time tracker for everything – this must happen so so day, and whenever this doesn’t happen, we christen Messiah a slow God.

But guess what, God doesn’t operate that way. He is never in a hurry and He is never slow. He is always right on time. Before Lazarus died in John 11, the sisters quickly sent an instant message to Jesus informing him on the state of Lazarus. Jesus loved Lazarus, as such, Mary and Martha expected instant response as many of us would. However, Jesus did not show up until after another two days, in the course of which Lazarus had died and has been buried.

By the time Jesus got to Lazarus’ place, the sisters were angry and one of them said, “Lord, you are late. Your timing is just so wrong, ‘cos if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” In her mind, she felt Jesus shouldn’t have delayed in coming but when Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, she realized Jesus was not late after all. He arrived at the precious moment necessary to fulfill the purpose of God.

Jesus is never late. His timetable for action is simply different from ours. When wine ran out in Cana, his mother rushed to him expecting instant miracle, but Jesus responded by saying, “Madam, relax, there is a time and season for everything and my hour is not yet come.” God’s timing is perfect.  He intervenes at just the right moment for our ultimate good. Instead of giving you the bread you need now, He waits for the perfect time to give you a bakery.

Be patient when dealing with God.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

October 17, 2014

If a friend of yours happens to be the son of your biology teacher and few days before your biology exam, this guy comes with live question paper, also called “expo”, and you both revise it together. In such a case, only a daft person will fail that exam. Many of us are scared of taking some steps because we don’t want to experience failure. Of a truth, failure could be traumatic, as it affects one’s mind and entire being. You start feeling unworthy and inferior. In the end, the fear of failure hinders many people from fulfilling purpose because they are always afraid of doing what is needed.

However, for believers (not church goers but those with strong faith in the power of the Almighty), failure is never an option. When young David saw how Goliath was ridiculing the people of Israel and he decided to go fight him, his elder brother must have called their father to start preparing the burial rite for the “rude” and “proud” David (1 Sam 17:28). When Saul the king heard of the new development, he told David plainly, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth” (v.33).

David was so certain of victory such that no amount of discouragement was enough to stop him. In the end he succeeded because he relied solely on the power of God. (v. 46&47) No wonder the scripture says in Dan 11:32b that, “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Others might be failing, but you are not permitted to fail because Jesus never failed and can never fail and He said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do” (John 14:12) In order words, greater victories, greater miracles, greater exploits, super achievements shall you record.

 Enjoy!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

STAY FOCUSED

October 16, 2014

This is an era where distractions of various kinds can easily derail one from becoming what God has created one to be. Many people are distracted and bothered about the progress of others so much that they unconsciously abandon their own dream, and in the end remain on the same spot. When you see someone who you feel doesn’t know as much as you know or isn’t as skillful as you are, doing better than you, it takes the grace of God for you not to be bitter and in the end get discouraged.

But may I tell you sir/ma that the race of life is not a relay race. That someone has gotten to the finish line, doesn’t mean that he has won. It only means he has done his own part. Brother Paul said in Phil 3:13-14 that, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If as a driver, you are continually looking in the rearview and side mirrors, you will end up in a ditch. Listen, without focus, no one can fulfill purpose in life.

Someone said the poorest man in this world is not the man without money; he’s the man without a vision for his life. But vision requires focus. Staying focused sets you free from other people’s expectations and keeps us free to do what God wants us to do. The enemy cannot steal your vision or gift because the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29), but he can distract you which is why you need to be very focused on what you are doing and where you are going.

Stop focusing on what you lack and what others are achieving, stay focused doing what you have been called to do.

You shall fulfill purpose!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

WHY YOU?

October 15, 2014

Whenever I am sending in an application or proposal requesting for something, I do ask myself, why should it be me? On so many occasions, the first point that comes to my mind is that I have God on my side and one with God is majority. But, to my dismay, some of those times, my request weren’t granted. Does that mean God isn’t on the throne no more? Not at all! I sat down and thought about it and I realized that for me to get what I want, I must be the kind of person they want.

King David was not the eldest amongst his father’s children yet protocol was dumped. I am sure one thing that stood him out was that he wasn’t lazing around. He had something doing. I reasoned God couldn’t stand those other sons of Jesse because why would they be at home during the day when the youngest happened to be in the bush keeping the sheep. Why should you be given that employment opportunity after graduating six years ago and till now, the work experience column in your CV is blank?

When Solomon was preparing to build the temple and requested that Hiram, the king of Tyre should send him a skillful man who could work with different materials, and also had experience in engraving, the king immediately responded that he was sending Huram-Abi, a man so skillful that he could design anything with whatever material he was given and experienced in all kinds of engraving. (2 Chron 2:1-14) Why must clients come do business with you? What can you do that other competitors of yours cannot?

Why should your proposal be read when it is written shabbily, not appealing and done way below excellent? Why should that sister accept to date you when your dress sense is below normal? God will grant you favor undoubtedly, but you must play your part – dress well, gather more experience, package well, serve clients better, etc.

Be wise!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

HOW CAN THIS BE?

October 14, 2014

Sometimes when you hear the plans some people have, you want to ask them how they would do it. I mean unbelievable and scary stuffs that makes you want to assume the person is either not in his right senses or joking. When those three men told Abraham that Sarah was going to give birth, Bible says in Gen 18:12 that, “Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” But the thing is, the fact that it sounds impossible doesn’t actually mean it is impossible.

You and I know that Sarah finally gave birth. When Elisha said in 2 Kings 7:1 that, “Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.” It sounded too good to be true to one of the king’s right hand men which made him say, “Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” What the guy said wasn’t untrue because considering the gravity of the famine, it was quite difficult for him to process it.

In the end, the prophecy came to pass and he wasn’t able to enjoy the benefits. Some few weeks to my wedding, one of my mentors shared 2 Kings 3:17 with me. It reads, “Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.” It was hard for me to comprehend it considering how much I needed help at that time, but may I tell you to the glory of Jesus that as God’s word said it, so it happened.

When God says it, you are not to figure out how it will happen, your job is to just believe because all things are possible to him that believes.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

IN CHRIST

October 13, 2014

In movies, we always see that when there is trouble or rumors of war in a foreign country where there are Americans, the first thing is for all Americans to find their ways to their Embassy in that country. Once they are in there, no military force can take them away. I learnt also that no foreign military force can make an arrest of any person while in the American embassy, but the moment you step out of there, you are physically and spiritually on your own.

Do you remember those times when we were younger, that we would have caused trouble somewhere and when we get pursued by people so we could be beaten, we run and the moment we see an elderly person, we hide behind his/her back and in 99% of my own experience, that would be the end of the trouble. The scripture says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom 8:1)

When you are in Christ, you become untouchable to evil because the scripture says that no one can trouble those with the mark of Jesus Christ. You are protected, insured and assured as long as you remain in Christ which is why Apostle Paul said in Rom 8:38 & 39 that, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Outside of Christ is dirt, shame, reproach, lack, want, sickness, disease, disappointment, condemnation, fear, confusion, frustration, etc., but if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Always remember that the name of the LORD is a strong tower.

You cannot be in Christ and remain in crisis.

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE

October 12, 2014

When I meet people, it amazes me how they introduce themselves to me with such a level of pride in what they do. Doctors, engineers, barristers, police officers and other professionals proudly introduce themselves adding their professional title just to tell you that, they feel good doing what they do. The only set of people who find it hard to introduce themselves by adding their “titles” to their names are like prostitutes, thieves, fraudsters etc.

In the Bible, we see how people take pride in their titles. They all loved it because they know that with title come some benefits. A doctor is not entitled to the same benefit a lawyer would get, so is also an engineer not fit to receive the same bonus a pilot gets. However, if there is a set of people who should feel proudest about who they are, it should be the believers. We are not just like everybody else walking the street, we are different in that we are wonderfully and fearfully made. We are God’s own images. In order words, what can’t stop God cannot stop you.

It worries me when I see believers walk about town downcast and all bent over when the scripture says in 1 Pet 2:9 that, “You (as in you that you are reading this) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” To further help you understand what is packaged in being a child of God, Job 22:29a says, “When men (every other person) are cast down, then YOU shalt say, There is lifting up.” Your song cannot and must not be same with an unbeliever.

C’mon, you have angels as bodyguards (Psa 91:11). Stop thinking you are ordinary, NO! You are divinely packaged! Heaven’s comprehensive insurance covers you. Be proud of who you are as a believer because there is royalty in you.

Enjoy!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

YOU NEED GOD MORE

October 11, 2014

If there is a very challenging time for humans, I guess it is the time we are in. For some, their issue is terrorism, while for some other set, it is a case of outbreak of deadly diseases. Some are battling with unemployment while some are battling with poverty. Each time one watches CNN and other local news station, you often hear news about natural disasters, wars, bombings, kidnap cases, armed robbery incidents and other disheartening and demoralizing things.

It therefore becomes very hard (not impossible though) to do what you have been called to do especially putting all the facts and figures together. I hear people with bright business ideas tell me no one is ready to fund them. You hear sisters in the church tell you they feel becoming wayward seems be to the way to pin a man down for marriage. Some young men would say to you that considering how hard it is to make money now, they have to either beg, burgle or borrow to make ends meet.

With all of these and more, I am sure you would agree that we need God more than ever before. John 15:5c says, “For without me (God) ye can do nothing.” Needing God more means relying on Him more than ever before to give us safety, wealth, health and all of our desires, after all He promised He will be a Father unto us, and we shall be His sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:18). And Matt 7:11 says, “If ye then (talking about humans), being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, HOW MUCH MORE shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Safety, wealth, peace of mind and joy outside of God doesn’t and won’t last for long. If you need them to last for life, then you need more of God because He is the only One that neither has a beginning nor an end. He is everlasting!

Enjoy!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong

DELICIOUS POISON

October 10, 2014

Years back, when watching movies and scenes involving kissing and other sensual related activities were being shown, the TV screen would go dark or the TV station would start showing a flower symbol. Those days, “concubinism” was a coded thing. But things have changed now so much that people talk about fornication and adultery like they would get paid for it, both the young and old and surprisingly, believers are not left out forgetting that adultery opens the door to sickness, destruction and death.

Many people wonder why 1 Cor 6:18 would say, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Let’s go through the story of David. He was a shepherd boy that God lifted up. He was doing so well until the day he dipped his hand in sexual immorality and that made him commit murder. As a result, David said he was so afflicted with sickness that his strength failed, his eyes grew dim and people couldn’t touch him or go near him (Psalm 38:10&11). HIV/AIDS couldn’t have been worse.

We all read in the Bible that king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom (2 Chron 9:22) but he died dejected, sick and sad. I am sure hypertension must have been one of his cases because how could a man cope with 700 wives and 300 concubines. Because of immorality, Solomon lost his kingdom and died a nobody. Sir/ma, adultery robs a man of God’s glory. May I tell you categorically that adultery isn’t after everybody but after the people with great and colorful future before them which is why you have to be very cautious and never thread the path.

Always remember that whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. (Prov 6:32-33).

Your body is the temple of God. Be sensitive!

Follow on twitter @iamhenrylong