The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • ‘Nigerians must practise peace-based religion’

    ‘Nigerians must practise peace-based religion’

    Prophet Iwu Ogbu is the national president of Christian and Muslims Peace Advocacy and Enlightenment Initiatives (CAMPAEI). He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on why adherents of both religions must collaborate for peace. Excerpts:   

    How did it occur to you to start this inter-faith organisation?

    You know I am a prophet. So, it came through a revelation from God because of the crisis between Muslims and Christians all over the world. The two religious bodies believe in one God but there is a missing link between the practices that lead to intolerance and violent reactions.

    So, I kept asking God if the two religions are real. Christianity is from the west while Islam is from Arabic countries. So, God said I should gather adherents of both faiths and ask them where they do what they do. I believe both religions have to prove themselves. Nigeria is one but these two religions keep fighting for the same God.

    To live in peace, we must understand ourselves and where the other person is coming from. So, that is why we are doing what we do.

    So, how have you been going through this?

    We have been organising discussion forums in local communities for people to understand the other persons. We believe that the more we talk, the more we generate empathy and understanding. We have been recording amazing results and it’s been very incredible what people are finding out about the other religion.

    We are the verge of organising a Christian/Muslim understanding conference

    Will the conference be looking at which of the religions is better?

    I believe behind every argument is someone’s ignorance. What we offer is just a platform to hear out others on what they believe with a view to getting understanding. I believe it is not about who is right or wrong because the truth is Islam and Christianity have come to stay. Neither can neutralize the other because there will never happen. The conference should hold sometimes in September in Abuja.

    But you are a Christian?

    Yes, an orthodox Christian.

    Do you run a church?

    No, I don’t run a church.

    You attend a church?

    Yes, I am a Sabbath worshipper. I believe in the commandment of God that we should worship Him on Sabbath day. So, you will find me in any church that worships God on Sabbath days.

    I don’t have a particular church but as long as you hold your worship on Saturdays, you will find me there.

    Won’t the conference blend more towards portraying Christianity as the best?

    There won’t be anything like that. I just told you that we don’t believe one religion is better than the other. We just want to hear others and promote interfaith understanding.

    When two people are fighting, you cannot make peace until you find out what the problem is. So, let’s meet, chat and see the way forward.

    You have Muslims in your organisation?

    Sure, the national secretary is a Muslim lawyer based in Minna. We have so many Muslims with us.

    What relationship do you have with Muslims? Are some of them your friends?

    I have many Muslim friends. I don’t discriminate based on religion or anything. I relate with people because they are human beings first. Every other consideration is secondary. I don’t have anything against Christianity and Islam.

    Won’t the conference be tension-soaked when discussions start?

    Not at all. We will not allow sentimental or emotional statements. We just want to hear out the others and listen well. We want answers on doctrinal beliefs, practices and actions. We will look at what both religions teach and promote peace.

    Yes, we have differences but we are saying God is one. When we meet, we will understand why I said this.

    But some Christians will say their God is not the same with the Islam…

    … I believe that is one of the stereotypes that promote intolerance. The Muslims don’t have a separate God; the Christians don’t have a separate God. God is one. It is what we believe about Him that differs. But sometimes our approaches to Him may be wrong and faulty. I believe God does not have a religion. He loves peace and won’t support the religious violence we have now. The conference won’t be a one-off. I believe we have to sustain it because the wall of hostilities will take years to dissolve.

    It’s important to talk because we have found out that some forces are behind the religious tensions in the world. They profit from it and we have to help Nigerians realise that someone could be triggering off the violent reactions we see sometimes some thousands of kilometers away for personal purposes.

    Are you saying some World Powers could be behind the religious tension in Nigeria?

    The truth is what we are seeing is a clash of foreign cultures. The Christians want to impose western values because they believe it is biblical. That is where the religion comes from, so they tend to want to see what obtains in the west here. That is what makes them feel Christianity is alive here.

    In the same vein, the Muslims want Arabic culture everywhere. To them, the more Arabic Nigerians look, the more Islam is spreading. That is the root cause of the religious tensions you see here.

    But is Nigeria going to ever get to a point where there won’t be religious tension again?

    I believe that time with come with better information and enlightenment and interaction. When people know the truth, they will act differently. What we are seeing playing out is a reflection of global tussle for supremacy between Christianity and Islam. That is the truth. You find hate preachers thinking they are working for God, not knowing the devil is using them to fulfill his agenda.

    We don’t like facing the truth and that is we are where we are. You cannot fight for God. You practise your religion in a way such that you don’t hurt or disturb the other person. That is what true religion means to me. The true reflection of religion is when you treat others well.

    What is your reaction to the chaos in the National Assembly?  

     What happened at the National Assembly was ungodly. God does not want such occurrences. It was more saddening that the senate president emerged after a deal with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

    The PDP ruled us for 16 years and we can all see the results. I urge the President to step in and take over otherwise Nigerians will hold him responsible if this current administration fails.

    How can we tackle the insecurity challenge in the nation?

    You see Boko Haram is borne out of the fact that Nigerians are ungodly. We have the highest number of churches and mosques yet we are morally bankrupt.

    You see Boko Haram is not a political, religious or ethnic problem. The battle against Boko Haram is of the Lord.

  • ‘Why there is no true revival yet’

    ‘Why there is no true revival yet’

    The Senior Pastor of Grace Family Church International Lagos, Rev. Yinka Ojo, shares with Sunday Oguntola his recent experiences with Christianity in Latin American nations such as Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia and others.  Excerpts:

    You have been on apostolic tour of Latin America lately. Are you still a pastor or you are now an apostle?

    I don’t really believe too much in a title. I don’t tell people what I am or not. I think it is between God and I. Rather, I think it is the fruits of the works that will validate the office, not the appellation.

    I would say that we have been committed to doing God’s will in the last 25 years of the church. We never envisaged we would ever go to Latin America or have anything to do with the continent.

    So, how did all these start?

    Actually, I have a friend who is a Latin Americna in the US. He said he believed God was calling us to Latin America but I said no. We only have a few churches in Europe and travel to some African countries. That should be fine for us, I told him. As far as we were concerned, it was never an agenda.

    But I prayed about it a few times because what he said stayed in my spirit. A few months later, he spoke with one of his friends, about three of them, in Latin America and they said the letters of invitations were on the way. There would be ministers’ conferences and crusades.

    So, I began to pray more seriously because even though God told us some things when we were starting that the ministry will affect the nations of the world, we didn’t really remember again. I was praying when I attended a conference in Chicago and a preacher from Latin America was ministering, one of the biggest preachers from that part.

    After his session, we were about having a dinner at the host’s office when someone from Latin America started chatting with me. He insisted we should go because a few weeks before they were in Kenya when God opened the eyes of one of the pastors to see a long bridge linking the West Coast to Latin America. He said preachers criss-crossing and God told them He was busy to be sending African preachers to Latin America and vice-versa.

    To him, the conversation was a confirmation of that revelation. So, we made arrangements and left.

    So, the first trip was to?

    It was to Costa Rica. From there, we flew to Colombia and Mexico. You know what? I don’t think I have experienced anything supernaturally spectacular in all my years in ministry. The cripples walked, the blind saw. The signs and wonders were unprecedented. It was obvious God was doing something beyond us.

    The people were so hungry and things that one read only in past revivals were happenings at the meetings we ministered. We were shocked and humbled. I remember it was during that trip that we met a young man whose father had planted over 30 churches and handed them over to them.

    The father started going to other countries and the young man had to oversee the churches his father planted. He came and said God spoke to him to submit all the churches to us in Mexico. He wanted us to father him and all the pastors of the churches. We saw so many unusual things and other nations started calling for us. But we cut the first trip short because we said we only budgeted for two weeks.

    Then, you went again?

    Yes, last year we were back in Mexico and Nicaragua. The same signs and wonders followed the meetings. I heard people testifying oil was being poured on them supernaturally. I had never seen anything like that. We had nothing to do with what happened. It was obvious it was God Himself at work.

    This year, we will be in Argentina and Peru. We have to take things easy because we have other things we are doing and we don’t want one to suffer for another.

    With all of these, does that mean we will be seeing less of you in Nigeria?

    No, by the grace of God, we will always be here. Nigeria is my primary point of call. It is my base. With the wisdom of God, we will be able to apportion our time very well to do all of these. God has also given us very loyal and faithful men in the system.

    What structure do you have in the church to accommodate your trips?

    We have some pastors who have been with us 20 years and more. In November, when we celebrate our 26th anniversary, we are hoping to honour some of them who have been with us for over 20 years. We have those who came from the first week of our establishment who are still here.

    What magic helps you retain them for that long considering that it is believed the turn-over rate of pastors among charismatic Pentecostal churches is huge? 

    The Lord has just given us grace to have stable members. What God is doing with us is really unexplainable. I believe they are loyal and committed because they have located their place. We teach a bit about loyalty and also demonstrate it, in a small way too. All the glory to God because it is something unusual to have stable members and ministers. I never knew that God would have honoured our faithfulness all to this point.

    You left a career in Geology. If you were to be practising, would you have come this far?

    I don’t know what would have happened. But If I was not saved and I was practising, I probably would make more money. But I don’t miss anything. When you are called, you don’t aspire to be rubbing shoulder with your secular contemporaries. I am so busy that I don’t care about anything.

    I am not where my contemporaries in the university are financially but I don’t miss anything. There is no such desire in me again at all. The only thing that satisfies me is doing what God has me to do. I still meet some of my university mates but I don’t miss anything they have. I believe what I am doing has more eternal value and impact. I don’t miss the oil money and I don’t desire it at all.

    You were holding ministers’ conferences. What happened to them?

    We still do. In fact, one of them is coming up soon. They were inspired by the errors we saw in the body of Christ. So, we bring ministers together, pick a controversial issue like redemption of first born and tackle them.

    Some of the participants have even wondered why we were going against some fathers of the faith. We show them from the scriptures but they say no as long as it is some father that are pushing them, nobody should talk against them. It is at that point that I say I take exemption to that.

    The greatest father is our father in heaven. Jesus is the head of the church. I respect everybody, especially older ministers of the gospel but we worship none apart from Jesus. Nobody’s words are sacrosanct but those of Jesus. I believe some were sincerely ignorant but others don’t just care.

    One of the issues we treated was praying in the name of a founder or renowned Christians. It is very wrong because the name of Jesus is enough. This is the New Testament. Preachers should not take back to the Old Testament in the name of honouring men or immortalising people.

    Are you trying to raise followers for yourself?

    We are not interested in that. We have our bible school where we can teach whatever God lays in our hearts. But we are after revival in the land. If we would be honest, there is no true revival in Nigeria.

    With all the mega churches and massive followership?

    Revival is not about gathering crowds. Politicians do a better job at gathering people than preachers. With good publicity, you can gather thousands of people in a nation with 170 million. We don’t have revival yet when the words of Papas and Mamas are more quoted and retained than the words of God. Men are more popular than Jesus now.

    I heard someone said if you cannot seed me, you cannot see me. This is one of the things that preachers say that may rhyme but distort from the word of God.                         We really have to be careful. You don’t need to seed anything to get anything. Jesus paid the price for everything we need.

    So, what is true revival and how can we get it?

    True revival is when brothels, beer parlous and hotels shut down because people are turning to God. And to get that done, all the visible leaders in the nation now have to repent or God will do something soon.

    What the body of Christ celebrates is not what the Lord asks us to. We are not celebrating service, love and selflessness but we are celebrating mammon. As long as we celebrate things, there won’t be revival. The church has to repent first. We must remove the big logs in our eyes and the ministers are the ones with the biggest ones.

  • Seek salvation, not wealth, cleric charges

    The Shepherd- in- charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Jesu Durotimi Agbofeti, Ibadan Oyo State,  Senior Evangelist Aderemi Lawal, has urged Nigerians to seek for salvation rather than prosperity.

    He also warned fake ministers to repent or face the wrath of God.

    Speaking with our correspondent in his church, Lawal noted that many had been led astray because of the crave for wealth.

    He lamented that many ministers were influenced by economic considerations, as against calls of God.

    According to him:  “When people lose their jobs and are unable to get another one, they attend Bible Schools and become automatic pastors. They will start telling people that God called them.

    “Some even discovered that they can feed themselves and their families with the name of God at the detriment of people’s salvation.”

    This deviation, he said, will only attract the wrath of God.

    He pointed out many pastors are under immense pressure to preach prosperity to attract worshippers.

    “Many people are preaching prosperity rather than salvation. Meanwhile, the primary objective of the men of God is to help people to know they have to abstain from sins and accept Christ but many men of God have missed their priority.

    “My advice for the fake pastors is to turn a new leaf before they encounter the wrath of God,” he added.

    He reasoned that if churches can inculcate the right values, the nation will be sanitised and fixed.

  • Church lifts Ikorodu community

    No fewer than 1,000 residents of Isawo community in Ikorodu Lagos last week received free food stuff, clothing, shoes and medical check-up courtesy of Grace to Grace International Church.

    The weeklong empowerment programme tagged Grace and Mercy Project (GAMP) also witnessed the donation of four sewing machines to graduates of the church’s Grace Fashion Institute.

    They were also given N30, 000 each to kick-start their fashion businesses within the community.

    Initiator of the project, Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Adesanya, who is also the senior pastor of the church, said GAMP was essentially about giving back to the society and lifting the masses.

    “There is no other motive or motivation than lifting the people and giving them succour. We don’t want anyone to be useless, stranded or helpless.

    “So, what we are doing is to help them with their immediate and short-term needs for a better future,” she stressed.

    The United Kingdom-based preacher said the items were donated by members of the church in the UK for the suffering masses in Nigeria.

    She stated that plans were on to construct a purpose-built walk-in health centre in the next one year where residents can access free medical attention and drugs.

    The centre, she assured, was at a special request of the community, adding that at least a paid doctor and nurses will be hired to offer healthcare to the residents at no cost.

    “We believe health is vital because money cannot buy happiness. So, we are ready to put the health centre in place in another one year so that we can tackle diseases and save more lives.”

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the general overseer of Dominion Chapel International Abuja, Archbishop John Praise, urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of helping others.

    Praise said kindness is a seed that will never go unrewarded by God.

    “Whatever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Everything is a seed and if you are helpful to someone today, you will obtain mercies with your seed in multiple folds,” he added.

    One of the fashion graduates, Mercy Okon, praised the initiative and vowed to make good use of the investment on her.

    “I am so overwhelmed by what I have been given. I am determined to make things work and become self-sufficient so that I can be in a position to help others within the shortest time possible,” Okon stated.

    One of the residents, Gbenga Ajisafe, expressed the community’s gratitude to the church.

    “What they have done for us in such a little time here is incredible. We have received all manners of gifts and we have nothing to give back in return than to say that God will bless them for us,” he said.

  • Impartation of spiritual gifts for supernatural

    Every spiritual gift at work in a man is ordained to change the story of that man. However, spiritual gifts are imparted largely through a desperate quest from the seeker(John 7:37; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Isaiah 41:17; Proverbs 18:16). Spiritual gifts are spiritual forces ordained to effect spiritual turnarounds in the lives of believers. How much of the gift of God at work in us, determines how profitable our lives will be (1 Corinthians 12:7).

    Let’s explore some of the spiritual gifts available to us.

    The Spirit of Grace: It enhances our steadfastness and sustains our commitment to God. Paul said, “By the help of God, I have continued unto this day.” (Acts 26:22; see also 1 Corinthians 15:10).

    The Spirit of Faith: It empowers the believer for dominion(Hebrews 11:33-34; Ephesians 6:16).

    The Spirit of Love: It empowers us to love God, and this brings us to realms of unlimited breakthroughs. The Spirit of love is also a giving Spirit, and that is our gateway to a world of financial fortune (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2Timothy 1:7).

    The Spirit of Revelation: The Bible in Ephesians 1:17-18 calls it the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. That is, the Bible opens to us supernaturally and the secrets of scriptures are unveiled to us through this Spirit (Isaiah 60:1).

    The Gifts of Healing: This puts us in command of sicknesses and disease; it is first beneficial to us and then it flows to others around us (1 Corinthians 12:9).

    The Spirit of Counsel: This is also called the Spirit of guidance. Jesus said, I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my  judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me (John 5:30; see also Isaiah 50:4-5). It is the Spirit of counsel that opens us up to divine instructions on any issue of concern in our lives. When the Lord becomes our guide, we shall not want because His guidance is the gateway to our high places and fulfilment (Psalm 23; 1-6; Romans 8:14).

    WHY DO WE NEED THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL?

    It is our escape from the dangers of life set by the enemy (Proverbs 14:12).

    Every believer needs the Spirit of counsel to triumph, and it takes men of understanding to draw out counsel from the heart of man (Proverbs 20:5).

    VIRTUES INHERENT IN DIVINE GUIDANCE

    When God guides, He goes Before the Guided: When God leads, He goes before the led to make every crooked path straight (Isaiah 45:1-3)

    He goes with the guided: And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him (John 8:29).

    He walks with the guided: When we follow God’s guidance, we become co-labourers with Him in same (Mark 16:20).

    He works through the guided:  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

    He works for the guided:  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24; Psalm 118: 23). When God is at work, marvelous results are obtained. Therefore, when we are guided, we end up a marvel to our world.

    The Spirit of Wisdom: This Spirit empowers us to rule in the midst of our enemies, because the end-time church is ordained to reign (Proverbs 8:14-16).

    WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM?

    It connects the believer to celestial wisdom—wisdom from above: There are four kinds of wisdom namely: earthly, sensual, devilish and the wisdom from above. The Spirit of wisdom is our access to the wisdom from above, and whatever is from above is above all (John 3:31; James 3:15-17).

    It unveils divine secrets: It guarantees our access to divine secrets, which will make a star of us any day. For instance, Job became the greatest of all men in the East because the Spirit of the fear of the Lord guaranteed his access to divine secrets (Job 29:4; Daniel 2:19).

    It unravels the future: The Spirit of wisdom unlocks the future to us and that sets us free naturally from discouragement or depression. For instance, Joseph reigned by the Spirit of wisdom; as a result, he could not be deterred or discouraged because he saw a glorious future ahead.

    The Spirit of wisdom is innovative: It generates witty inventions, which implies creating solutions. It does not wait for solutions; it creates them (Proverbs 8:12).

    It is the Spirit of exploits: This Spirit does not just speak great words, but accomplishes great feats. This is because the wisdom of God is the wisdom of mighty works (Mathew 13:54).

    In conclusion, God has ordained our access to all the Spirits gifts of God; however, being born again is the first step that guarantees our access. Are you born again? This simply means have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Exploits Of Faith, The Law Of Faith, Anointing For Exploits and Understanding The Anointing.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • ‘It takes God, patience to build a good marriage’

    ‘It takes God, patience to build a good marriage’

    Arguably Nigeria’s leading Christian fiction writer, Pastor (Mrs.) Taiwo Odubiyi spoke with Sunday Oguntola on her books, ministry, marriage and life at 50. Excerpts:   

     

    How far did you consider turning 50 years ago?

    It used to look very, very far then. It seemed like a long time away. I just kept myself busy, looking forward to it. Before I knew it, I am finally there. I just give God all the glory that I’m able to have lived this long.

    Would you say you are where you visualised you will be at 50?

    I wouldn’t say so but…It could have been better; I could have achieved more but I thank God for where I am today. I am grateful for what I have been able to achieve. Considering the impact and influence God is helping me to have on people, I think I have every cause to thank God. I thank God I am affecting my generation for him.

    What would change for you from now on?

    I have always been a very careful person and I believe so much in being led by the Spirit of God. I don’t want to take a step except God has led me. As far as that is concerned, I hope to be able to do more of that.

    I have been so careful and I don’t make decisions that will backfire. If anything will change, I’d just say I will take more risks. I take calculated risks because if God is not in it, I don’t go. Once I am sure God is in it, I am gone.

    At 50, what do you consider your greatest asset?

    That will be my faith in God, my walk with Him. Basically, that is my greatest mainstay. Walking with God is my strength and asset. That is what drives my writings, seminars, teachings and ministries.

    If you were to change anything about yourself, what would that be?

    If I were to change anything about myself? I will still choose this church, my family and the people around me. If I were to change anything, maybe…. Well. I really cannot change anything. I think I am just contented with myself.

    You have been churning out books after books? How do you get it done? 

    I have 26 books now or more. I hope to publish three before the year ends. It hasn’t been easy because most times I find myself asking God for help. I ask Him to inspire me. I realise there are always things contending for my time and attention. I just tell myself, ‘Taiwo, you have to write because people are waiting for your books.’

    Has it been rewarding writing?

    It’s been rewarding, not in terms of money. I receive calls every day from readers and that is without exaggeration. They tell me how the books have been blessing them. It’s been awesome. When I’m travelling far, I read the books again. It’s very obvious it couldn’t have been me but God.

    The books make me humble and realise that God is behind everything.

    But if you were to be writing secular books, you’d swimming in millions by now. Doesn’t that occur to you?

    Yes, sometimes that may occur to me. People around might say that, especially my husband. He’s always like ‘where is the money?’ But I feel honoured that I’m part of God’s plans for this time. It’s not about the money but about fulfillment and doing what you are called to do.

    You hardly talk your marriage…

    No, I do talk about my marriage. In most of my seminars, I talk based on what I experience in my marriage. I believe if you don’t have it, you cannot give it. Most of the things I teach are things God has taught me in my own marriage. All the underlying principles I mention in my books and talk about are things working for me in my marriage. And I tell people that if they follow them too, they will get the same results.

    You have been married for how long now?

    It would be 25 in June.

    How has it been?

    It’s been interesting but I have always had my own fair share of marital challenges. But it’s not about being perfect or having a perfect marriage but being able to overcome your challenges, whatever they may be.

    Marriage counsellors like you always praise their partners and make people feel like their unions are the best. But people wonder if it’s all rosy with counsellors like you?

    It’s not all rosy at all. I have had challenges too, like every normal couple. I tell people that if you don’t ever feel like ‘why did I marry this person’ or feel discouraged to move on, then it must be that you are just newly married.

    There are times you will be discouraged or displeased with your marriage. In every normal marriage, there would be such times but then that is when you need God. When I get to that point, I turn back to God for intervention.

    He is the author of marriage and is willing to help out. He fixes marriages that are problematic and turbulent if we invite Him over.

    What are the toughest challenges you have had to handle in your marriage?

    The toughest challenges? I wrote 30 things husbands do that hurt their wives to minister to men and my husband. That is because there are quite a lot men do that hurt their wives. One of the toughest challenges I have had is in the area of finance. I’m prudent and careful. I always want to ask God if I should go to a business but my husband is a risk taker. He’s always on the go. He spends the money as it comes.

    That has been a little challenge but God has been helping us. He’s made investments that backfired but God has been helping us, like I said. He’s heavily anointed and God has been using him for His people.

    What do you think if you are able to accomplish you would have made a success of your life?

    One, I want people that comes across me to know that it pays to serve God. I want people to remember me as a woman that gave her life to Christ and never took it back. I want people to learn how to know God more through my actions and activities.

    What are you working on?

    I have a lot of unfinished works so I am trusting God to round them off. I am also trusting God for financial support from readers so that I can publish more. If I have more support, I can publish more every year. I can do an average of six books per year.

    I have storylines in my head already; God keeps whispering what to write to me. So, I always have the storylines and plots marked out. With more support and attention, I would be able to do more.

    If God asks you how many more years He should grant you, what would you tell Him?

    I wouldn’t like to dictate to God but His word tells me that He is a loving God. He cares for me. He gave me a scripture once that “even to your old age, I will carry you”. That scripture touches me and assures me that He will take me to a very good, old age.

    I know I’m going to be around for quite a long time, doing His works. I am just in His hands.

    How far did you consider turning 50 years ago?

    It used to look very, very far then. It seemed like a long time away. I just kept myself busy, looking forward to it. Before I knew it, I am finally there. I just give God all the glory that I’m able to have lived this long.

    Would you say you are where you visualised you will be at 50?

    I wouldn’t say so but…It could have been better; I could have achieved more but I thank God for where I am today. I am grateful for what I have been able to achieve. Considering the impact and influence God is helping me to have on people, I think I have every cause to thank God. I thank God I am affecting my generation for him.

    What would change for you from now on?

    I have always been a very careful person and I believe so much in being led by the Spirit of God. I don’t want to take a step except God has led me. As far as that is concerned, I hope to be able to do more of that.

    I have been so careful and I don’t make decisions that will backfire. If anything will change, I’d just say I will take more risks. I take calculated risks because if God is not in it, I don’t go. Once I am sure God is in it, I am gone.

    At 50, what do you consider your greatest asset?

    That will be my faith in God, my walk with Him. Basically, that is my greatest mainstay. Walking with God is my strength and asset. That is what drives my writings, seminars, teachings and ministries.

    If you were to change anything about yourself, what would that be?

    If I were to change anything about myself? I will still choose this church, my family and the people around me. If I were to change anything, maybe…. Well. I really cannot change anything. I think I am just contented with myself.

    You have been churning out books after books? How do you get it done? 

    I have 26 books now or more. I hope to publish three before the year ends. It hasn’t been easy because most times I find myself asking God for help. I ask Him to inspire me. I realise there are always things contending for my time and attention. I just tell myself, ‘Taiwo, you have to write because people are waiting for your books.’

    Has it been rewarding writing?

    It’s been rewarding, not in terms of money. I receive calls every day from readers and that is without exaggeration. They tell me how the books have been blessing them. It’s been awesome. When I’m travelling far, I read the books again. It’s very obvious it couldn’t have been me but God.

    The books make me humble and realise that God is behind everything.

    But if you were to be writing secular books, you’d swimming in millions by now. Doesn’t that occur to you?

    Yes, sometimes that may occur to me. People around might say that, especially my husband. He’s always like ‘where is the money?’ But I feel honoured that I’m part of God’s plans for this time. It’s not about the money but about fulfillment and doing what you are called to do.

    You hardly talk your marriage…

    No, I do talk about my marriage. In most of my seminars, I talk based on what I experience in my marriage. I believe if you don’t have it, you cannot give it. Most of the things I teach are things God has taught me in my own marriage. All the underlying principles I mention in my books and talk about are things working for me in my marriage. And I tell people that if they follow them too, they will get the same results.

    You have been married for how long now?

    It would be 25 in June.

    How has it been?

    It’s been interesting but I have always had my own fair share of marital challenges. But it’s not about being perfect or having a perfect marriage but being able to overcome your challenges, whatever they may be.

    Marriage counsellors like you always praise their partners and make people feel like their unions are the best. But people wonder if it’s all rosy with counsellors like you?

    It’s not all rosy at all. I have had challenges too, like every normal couple. I tell people that if you don’t ever feel like ‘why did I marry this person’ or feel discouraged to move on, then it must be that you are just newly married.

    There are times you will be discouraged or displeased with your marriage. In every normal marriage, there would be such times but then that is when you need God. When I get to that point, I turn back to God for intervention.

    He is the author of marriage and is willing to help out. He fixes marriages that are problematic and turbulent if we invite Him over.

    What are the toughest challenges you have had to handle in your marriage?

    The toughest challenges? I wrote 30 things husbands do that hurt their wives to minister to men and my husband. That is because there are quite a lot men do that hurt their wives. One of the toughest challenges I have had is in the area of finance. I’m prudent and careful. I always want to ask God if I should go to a business but my husband is a risk taker. He’s always on the go. He spends the money as it comes.

    That has been a little challenge but God has been helping us. He’s made investments that backfired but God has been helping us, like I said. He’s heavily anointed and God has been using him for His people.

    What do you think if you are able to accomplish you would have made a success of your life?

    One, I want people that comes across me to know that it pays to serve God. I want people to remember me as a woman that gave her life to Christ and never took it back. I want people to learn how to know God more through my actions and activities.

    What are you working on?

    I have a lot of unfinished works so I am trusting God to round them off. I am also trusting God for financial support from readers so that I can publish more. If I have more support, I can publish more every year. I can do an average of six books per year.

    I have storylines in my head already; God keeps whispering what to write to me. So, I always have the storylines and plots marked out. With more support and attention, I would be able to do more.

    If God asks you how many more years He should grant you, what would you tell Him?

    I wouldn’t like to dictate to God but His word tells me that He is a loving God. He cares for me. He gave me a scripture once that “even to your old age, I will carry you”. That scripture touches me and assures me that He will take me to a very good, old age.

    I know I’m going to be around for quite a long time, doing His works. I am just in His hands.

  • Engaging the blessedness of the anointing!

    Spiritual gifts are spiritual treasures embedded in the Holy Ghost, for our profiting. That is why the Bible says: But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:7, 31). Spiritual gifts are spiritual treasures in our earthen vessels that change our positions supernaturally. It is what differentiates one believer from the other (Luke 11:13).

    Let’s look at one of the spiritual gifts that empower us supernaturally.

    The Spirit of the Lord: This is also called the Spirit of Power or the Anointing. It is one of the seven Spirits of God as listed in Isaiah 11:1-2: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.   Each of these seven Spirits has the capacity to make a star of any believer (Revelations 3:1). For instance, Jesus returned from His fasting adventure and was endowed with this Spirit (Luke 4:14), and we saw that Spirit at work in Luke 4:18.

    This helps us to understand that this Spirit commands supernatural results and it is the force behind the strange happenings in a believer’s life (2 Timothy 1:7).

    What is in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?

    • It empowers the believer to operate effectively in the supernatural: Every supernatural change of position is a manifestation of the Spirit at work (John 3:8).

    •It destroys yokes: This anointing destroys the yokes on our health, family, business and breaks every generational curse, spells and enchantments, no matter their sources (Isaiah 10:27; Luke 10:19).

    • It empowers our access to revelations: Every truly anointed man flows naturally in deep revelations. That is why no truly anointed man ever gets stranded because the deeper your insight, the more majestic your ride in life (1 John 2:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10Psalm 45:3-5).
    • It provokes supernatural breakthroughs: The Book of Isaiah chapter 61, which is the Psalm of the anointing, tells us what the anointing carries, engenders and delivers. (Isaiah 61:1-3, 22).

    This means that the anointing is not a religious emblem but a force that changes people’s names and levels. Also, it is important to know that the anointing is released at a universal cost, and there is no substitute for it (Matthew 25:9).

    Any other spiritual gift may answer to prayers, but the anointing of the Holy Spirit requires that our prayers be coupled with fasting. For instance, Jesus fasted His way to the anointing and His fame went abroad (Luke 4:14). Also, Paul the Apostle fasted often and it was said of him, “The gods have come to us in the likeness of men” (2 Corinthians 6:3-5, 11:27; Acts 14:11). In the same vein, we cannot see God’s power without a thirst of our souls, coupled with a longing of the flesh (Psalm 63:1-3). Don’t let your belly rule your life, or it may ruin your destiny (Hebrews 12:16; Philippians 3:19).

    What is our access to this Spiritual Gift?

    It is one thing to know what we want; it is another to know how to get it. God is eager to empower us with spiritual gifts; however, we must know what it takes to connect with their release. It is written: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That means the love of God is the proven platform for accessing any supernatural gift of the Spirit. Apostle Paul affirmed this when he said that the more excellent way to covet spiritual gifts is the love of God (1 Corinthians 12: 31; 13: 1-13).

    Coveting spiritual gifts by the love of God is further validated by the following examples in scriptures:

    • David: He was an addicted lover of God; thus, he was supernaturally empowered(Psalm 89:20-24).
    • Joseph: He said, “But I fear God.” The fear of God in the Old Testament is simply the love of God (Genesis 42:18). Joseph’s act of kindness to his brothers was a proof of his love for God. He had the power to kill them but the love of God restrained him. As such, Joseph was gifted with the Spirit of wisdom that changed his position supernaturally.
    • Solomon: He loved the Lord and asked for wisdom, and the Lord said, “I have given you that which you have asked; a dimension of wisdom that nobody in your time will compare with” (1 Kings 3:12). He was gifted with the Spirit of wisdom on the platform of love. Thus, the hotter our love for God, the greater our access to any spiritual gift (1 Kings 3:3). God will not empower us beyond our love for Him, which is demonstrated by our love for His Kingdom, His people, and the world. Therefore, receive a fresh baptism of the love of God that will qualify you for the manifestation of the Spirit!

    Friend, these gifts are available in God and only born gain believers can access it. Are you born again? By this, I mean have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Exploits Of Faith, The Law Of Faith, Anointing For Exploits and Understanding The Anointing.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

     

  • ‘How women can become good home builders’

    ‘How women can become good home builders’

    The District Pastor, Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas(GBCN&O), Rev. Ademola Ojewunmi, has tasked Christian women to brace up to the challenge of nurturing and building their homes based on biblical instructions.

    Women, he said, have a primary responsibility to ensure their children grow in the way of the Lord while also supporting their husbands to achieve greatness.

    He spoke at the consolidation all- night service for women at the church in Orile Iganmu, Lagos.

    Ojewunmi said called for increased commitment to this divine role among women, urging them not to be taken away by other distractions.

    Noting that economic considerations were pulling many women away from their homes, the cleric said they should set their priority right and major on the essentials.

    According to him: “We need more women who will act as mentors, teachers, counselors, caregivers, warriors, evangelists, and guide to their household and world at large.

    “We need sacrificial women who will give anything to make sure that their children and families become the best God has in stock for them.”

    He lamented the increase in homeless children, saying such development was attributable to failed motherhood.

    The cleric also said western influence was imparting negatively on many women, urging them to be guided by the scriptures.

    Ojewunmi appealed to women facing trying times to solace in the word of God and be more submissive to their husbands, assuring that God will intervene soonest.

     

  • TREM hosts word convention

    TREM hosts word convention

    There is a liftingis the themePower in the Word convention of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).

    The convention is slated for June 23-28 at the International Headquarters of the church, The Cathedral of His Glory, Gbagada Express Way Anthony Oke Lagos.

    The four-day session will feature a special International Women Prayer Conference on Thursday, June 25 by 9am.

    Invited guest ministers include Bishop Dr. Wayne Malcom (UK), Rev. (Mrs.) Edith Iloh and Rev. (Mrs.) Deola Ojo.

    A statement by the Chairman Planning Committee, Rev. Anthony Iduvu, explained by the word celebration is “joint annual men and women convention where men and women from TREM world come together to receive blessing and anointing from the Most high God.”

    It ends next Sunday with father’s blessing from the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo.

  • ‘Nothing can stop Fayose’s impeachment’

    ‘Nothing can stop Fayose’s impeachment’

    Prophet Joseph Oladipo popularly called “Ogunse” is the General Overseer of Faith and Victory Church with headquarters in Akure, the Ondo state capital.  The cleric, who predicted the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari, spoke with Damisi Ojo on national issues. Excerpts: 

    You predicted the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari. What should Nigerians expect now that he has been sworn in?

    The government of Muhammadu Buhari needs prayers of genuine men of God for its success. The aims of Buhari and his plans for Nigeria can only be achieved with prayers. There are people who surround Buhari who may not really want him to succeed but with prayers he will overcome them.

    Buhari needs to be careful with the way and manner he handles Boko Haram. Guns and other weapons cannot overcome Boko Haram, only the prayer of the saints, especially true men of God can solve the problem of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

    If Buhari uses his own knowledge or believe in himself for solution to Boko Haram problem, he will fail woefully. But, if he relies on God and allow men of God to pray for the nation, the problem confronting the nation, especially the insecurity problem will become a thing of the past in the country.

    Any revelation on the abducted Chibok girls?

    Buhari should invite men of God to pray for the release of the girls. The Chibok girls are not dead; they are still living and if we pray fervently these girls will be released and taken to their parents. If we pray seriously, within just two months the Chibok girls will be released from their captivity.

    It is also important to state that the first six months of the Buhari led administration will not be comfortable for Nigerians. God told me there will be financial and economic hardships in the country, but all Nigerians will laugh at the end of the day.

    Nigerians also need to pray for some individuals to see the end of the Buhari -led government because there are people who work for the emergence of Buhari who may not see the end of his administration except they pray very well.

    There seems to be trouble in Ekiti state until recently.

    What is the fate of the Governor Ayodele Fayose?

    Governor Ayo Fayose will be impeached. He cannot complete his tenure as Governor of Ekiti state. I don’t see what can prevent the governor from being impeached. I saw in a vision that Fayose was sitting on a chair and all of a sudden some men came and removed the chair from him. This simply means that the governor will leave the office before his tenure ends.

    I am not a Prophet of doom and I don’t believe in fallacy. I have not made any prophecy or prediction that was not confirmed later by the Almighty God. This will not be an exception. Fayose will not complete his tenure.

    How can an Assembly full of his loyalists impeach Fayose?

    It doesn’t matter. God is not a God of the present alone.

    He is a God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Our God is a God of every time and season. When He speaks, He speaks. On the case of Ayo Fayose, God has spoken and I have also heard Him, so the man will be impeached. I predicted his coming back to government some years ago. I also predicted the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state after a very long legal battle. I didn’t just make my own prophecies; I allowed God to speak through me and when He speaks I relay it to the world.

    I have told my congregation what God told me about Governor Fayose and I am saying it to all the people of the world now. I have nothing against Fayose but as a servant of God, I am only saying what God told me. If Fayose is not impeached, then I am a fake Prophet and nobody should believe me or my prophecies again.

    You also predicted the impeachment of the former Deputy of Ondo state, Alli Olanusi and it happened. Is the new Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo safe?

    Impeachment has not ended in Ondo state. The current deputy governor will also be impeached with time and a new man will emerge. The deputy governor has a limited time to spend in office; he will soon leave the office and a new person will take over from him. Also, Ondo state Governor also needs serious prayers to succeed in his second term in office.

    What advice do you have for President Buhari?

    I will advise President Muhammadu Buhari to be careful of those around him. He needs to be careful of those who surround him as advisers and co-politicians. He should focus on his plans for the country and pray along.

    Also, the President needs serious prayers for him to succeed in office. He should rely on God for everything and not rely on men for anything. If he trusts God and rely on Him, he will do

    exploits in office but if he puts his trust in men, he will fail. He

    should look for true men of God and asks them to pray for the country because the country needs the prayers of true men of God.

    What message do you have for Nigerians as a Prophet of God?

    Nigerians should seek the face of God and seek for forgiveness. All that we need to do as a nation is to seek for God’s forgiveness and ask God to intervene in our nation’s issues.

    I want to inform you that the current season shall be a season of defections in the nation’s politics. The former Oyo state Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Engr. Seyi Makinde, former Niger state Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu will all defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Also, three governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will decamp to the APC. They will not find it easy to join the party but they will defect at last.  Jimi Agbaje, Jonah Jang and Alhaji Rasheed Ladoja of the Accord Party will all fail at the elections petition tribunal in their various states.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be removed from office in no distant time. There is hope for the nation. All we need do is to pray and pray fervently. It shall be well with our nation.