Taste and see that the Lord is good;

“Through the mercies of God; we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion say my soul “therefore I hope in Him” (Lamentation 3:22-24).

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of GOD HE CREATED HIM, MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY, FILL THE EARTH AND SUBDUE IT; HAVE DOMINION OVER THE FISH OF THE SEA, OVER THE BIRDS OF THE AIR, AND OVER EVERY LIVING THING THAT MOVES ON THE EARTH” (Genesis 1:27-28)

As God’s special creation, much is committed into our hands, for we are His workmanship with Him. In John 15:16 Jesus reminded us how He chose and appointed us to bear much fruit for God and that the fruits will remain even after we have departed from this earth. We are commanded to bear fruits not just few fruits but bountiful. We are also commanded to multiply, fill the earth and take control of the whole creation.

The heavenly commission is more than the worldly appointment. The appointment of this world is for a season, but heavenly commission is eternal. Brethren, the plan of God is for us to prosper meaning do well in all areas of our lives.

That is why the bible says we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This also means that we should put effort in the things which He has committed in our lives. We must also see to it that our lives are in line with God’s thought for us.

Our greatest and heavenly commission is to touch and change peoples’ lives for good.

We are commanded to preach the good news to everyone. This mean to tell people about our Lord Jesus Christ and point them to Him. Tell them how He is the only way to God (Acts 4:12) Tell the people what He has done in our lives and how He is willing to change their lives for good if they accept Him.

Due to the great task we are given; we need to pray for empowerment, so that we can be able carry out the tasks which the Lord has given us.

We need to pray for Physical empowerment like finances, good health and other material things.

Intellectual empowerment. In this area, we need to study the word of God to prove ourselves as workmen who need not be ashamed but rightly dividing the truth. We need to be educated in the things we are doing. We need wisdom, understanding on how to run organisations successfully. Only people that understands what they are doing will remain on top and have the means to draw souls to the kingdom of God.

Spiritual Empowerment: This is essential because we are as strong as our prayer altars and vice-versa. Our Bible study and quiet time with God is very important. When we are strong spiritually, every area of our lives will flourish like a tree planted by the river side. Our spiritual lives are the centre of our lives.

Remember in John 6:63 “Jesus said the word that He speaks to us are spirit and life”. It is the spirit word that controls the physical.

Many people are already dead in the spirit world which is only a matter of time before it manifests in the physical. Many people do care more about the physical things and have no understanding of spiritual one. May God open our eyes to see and understand the spirit realm, in the name of Jesus Christ.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to this end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In Acts 1:4, Jesus Christ asked His disciples to stay in Jerusalem, not to go anywhere until they receive the power from above, so they will be effective in their lives.

We cannot fulfil what the Lord has commanded us if we are not empowered to do so. We need God’s grace to do the works He assigned us to do. Each one of us has the things we are to fulfil. Some have neglected the plan of God for their lives. It’s a pity how many of us have left the assignments of God for our lives. Lord have mercy upon us in the name of Jesus Christ.

God’s desire is for us to be in good health as our souls prosper (3 John 2). To be in good health bodily; good financially health, good academic health, good spiritual and excelling in our daily living.

To prosper in our physical and spiritual lives; is very important to God. This empowerment is very important, so you do not have to beg before you eat; for you cannot minister to others effectively if you don’t have enough to give others. One of your ministration is to show how good and faithful is your God to His children.

People of these world have different kinds of gods which they do worship and boast about. Even though their help from these idols are limited; they are just hanging there for they don’t know who to run to or believe. When you have the word of God; you will be able to speak to them in the power of the Holy Spirit; and you will save their souls from hell.

The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life and he who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30).

Soul winning is the main commission which God has committed into our hands. To preach to those who are wounded, the rejected and dejected, the broken-hearted, to open the prison of the enemy and to break the chains over His creation (Isaiah 61). We should see to it that we practice it daily. We must be hungry and thirsty for soul winning. We must pray for God to use us to save souls and He will bring them on our ways “for our steps are ordered by the Lord; like the shining sun that shines brighter unto the perfection of the day” (Proverb 4:18).

Therefore, we must not joke with our spiritual lives. Daniel never joked with his spiritual life and he was never ashamed (Daniel 2 and 6). God used his life to declare His glory. Meshack, Shedrack and Abednego refused to joke with their spiritual lives, and God used their lives to change the entire kingdom starting from the king to the least of the kingdom (Daniel 3). He also used the lives of the apostles to save and do great things because they yielded their lives to Him (book of Acts).

When we allow God to empower us; we will become fearless, courageous and faithful children of God. We will begin to speak as the Lord gives us utterance (Jeremiah 1:4-10). We will be able to confront what has been confronting us. We will begin to step on the ground which we were unable to step on. When we are empowered; all these signs will follow us who believed in Jesus Christ’s name, we will cast out demons; we will speak with new tongues; we will take up serpents; and if we drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt us; we will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover”(Mark 16:17-18) Hallelujah!

I do not know which area of your life that need God’s empowerment. Is it your spiritually life, physical life or intellectual life? Call upon the Lord today for He said “If there is anyone who lack wisdom (boldness, knowledge, understanding, purpose, vision, finances, good health, salvation, peace, love, joy, etc.), let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally(freely) and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Ask Him freely. Be open to Him; He knows you. He will direct your steps.

Let us work in God’s vineyard. Let us be faithful to our callings. Let us serve God with fear and trembling so when we meet Him one day, He will not reject us but accept us to His glory. God bless us all abundantly!

The word of God is proven. He is a shield to those who trust in Him. Ps. 18:30.

“² For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deut. 14:2 “Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the people to be Mine” Exodus 20:26.

This is our month of Divine Separation or Distinction. Divine Separation is an act of God’s favour to those whom He decided to show mercy. A separation means an act or state of moving or being set apart.

In the above scripture; the Lord said we are

· His holy people. “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth” Deut.7:6, “And they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the lord; and you shall be called sought out, a city not forsaken” Isaiah 62:12.

· We are chosen by Him to be His own “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” John 15:16.

· We are special treasure above others “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine” Exodus 19:5.

When God chose Abraham; He called him from a far country and made him father of all nation in Christ Jesus. Abraham obeyed the Lord and his life was distinguished from others. In Genesis 12, the Lord told Abraham to get out of his father’s house, tribe and country. Abraham obeyed this divine separation from everything he knew. In Genesis 17, the Lord reassured Him of His covenant and today the promises are fulfilled “³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”, ¹⁴ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

In the case of prophet Samuel when he was growing up; he was in the house of Eli where his sons were corrupt, 1 Samuel 2:12. Samuel was able to distinguish between good and evil. He refused to follow the wicked ways of sons Eli. He followed God through the teaching of Eli the Priest and he became a notable prophet who walked on the face of the earth.

When God chose Moses as the deliverer of Israel from Egypt; he grew up in the palace of Pharaoh; he did not forget the affliction of his people, his purpose to be born and he had a burden for the freedom of his people which made him to always fight for them in any slightest opportunity, Exodus 2 & 3. The five first book was written as the books of Moses.

When the Lord chose Jonah to have a crusade at Nineveh; he refused. He tried to run away, he was unsuccessful until he submits to the will of God, Jonah 1 & 2.

When God chose King David, though he was not counted as anything by his family members. In that very day the prophet visited their house; he was not presented but God singled Him out, 1 Samuel 16. Later he was presented to the prophet, dirty, rugged and young, but God chose Him. He did not wash the body, but His heart was humble and clean “The sacrifices of God are of a broken spirit. A broken heart and a contrite spirit- These, O God, You will not despise” Psalms 51:17. Till today, King David is being celebrated in Israel.

When the Lord chose Gideon; his family background could not hinder his call. I believe His background has denied him many good things, but he was very surprised that God did not see how little and weak he is. God turns a nobody to somebody, Judges 6:14-16.

Daniel and friends decided to distinguish themselves from others not to live like pagans, bow to any idol or eat any food offered to idol. God honoured them in a foreign land. This is the discovery of Daniel in chapter 11:32 “Those who do wickedly against the covenant; he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits”.

Before I formed you in the womb; I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you”… Jeremiah 1:5. This is the reason, we should not take our salvation for granted. There is hope for every child of God. As you are saved, you are in for greater surprises daily for God does exceedingly and abundantly more than what we think or ask, Ephesians 3:20. God has a very big and special plan for us when we are obedient to His word. Therefore, we should listen to His rebuke and correction and separate from every unclean things. This is time the Lord want to separate us from sickness, poverty and all kinds of miseries. He wants to separate us from our sinful mentality. Therefore, we should look unto Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrew 12:2

God called and chose us for Himself “For many are called but few are chosen” Mathew 22:14. Stop looking and comparing your life with others. This is how many youths are receiving all kinds of doctrines and other Christian are talking them out of their salvation.

Do not be deceived, only few know who they are, where they are and where they are going to. Separate yourself from anything that will limit your walk with God or reduce your vision. Separate yourself from the path of wickedness for you are called for God and Him alone will be honoured.

God want us to be useful on this earth. He called us to bear His glory. He called us to be separated for Him. He called us to eternal life. May our eyes open to see the hope of our calling. And stop comparing what the Lord has revealed to us with other Christian visions.

Let us allow God to lead our lives as we have answered His call to be His children. Let us also allow Him to rule in our midst. Hold on His love, which includes correction, rebuke, and strength.

Remember, He divinely separated us for Himself not for ourselves.

The people God chose for himself are:

1. Humble

2. Ready to admit their mistake

3. Always in communion with God and do not pretend before Him

4. Having the heart to do the work of God.

Conclusively, brethren ¹⁷ Therefore, “Come out from among them, And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” ¹⁸ “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. God bless us all.

From the Pastor’s Desk-Pastor Emmanuel Ashipala Kaulumah

Through the mercies of God; we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore I hope in Him “(Lam 3:22-24).

Welcome to our month of DIVINE COVERING. …. “I will CAMP AROUND MY HOUSE because of the army (attacker) because of him who passes by and him who returns. No more shall an oppressor pass through them. For now, I have seen with my eyes” (Zechariah 9:1-8).

If you read the verses of the above chapter. You will realise how the enemy of God boast against Him. They boast in what they have and what they can do with what they have. They believed strongly that no one will be able to deliver God’s people from their hands. We need to know that after the fall of satan. He has been fighting the creation of God especially we who are created in the image of God. Therefore, everybody needs to be in God who has the power to protect all. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ, as your personal Lord and Saviour. You are like a Christmas goat been fed well; waiting to be slaughtered and it means you have no covering. You will not be victorious here on earth and your soul will end up in hell where the fire does not quench but only weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mathew 13:41-43).

No one is excluded from the devil’s attack either born again or non-born again; but devil’s rage is targeted more on the children of God. The devil knows the altar of God is where people gathers to receive wisdom, power, right standing, victory. He is angry with us because we have denied him and his works. Devil is our greatest enemies, he is busy recruiting God’s creation to fight against God in different ways and levels. Devil’s desire is for us to scatter. He does not want us to be in unity with God. “The devil comes to steal, kills and destroy but Jesus came to give us life in abundance” (John 10:10).

He is in the mission of stealing our good relationship with God. Stealing our godly given lives. His mission as well is to kill our lives; so, we cannot be able to lift our heads in many areas of our lives. he came to destroy what the Lord has done. He is in the mission of destroying our right standing with God, so that God will not be happy with us. Remember, “When God created everything He saw that they are good” (Genesis 1:31). Therefore, you and I should fight against all works of darkness, in the name of Jesus Christ.

You and I are the temple of God. We are His glory, beauty and testimony that He can do all things and worthy to be praise, (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). This is the reason why the Lord watches over us.

In Revelation 12:13-17, you will see how the devil fought the church but could not prevail. The devil will not prevail over your life in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

The devil does fight us in our minds against our spiritual lives therefore, let us guard ourselves against his attacks by putting the whole armour of God, Eph 6:10-19. Let the word of God be our watchword.

God said, “He will destroy the confidence of our enemies”. The philistines are those powers that has been defying God’s word in our lives. They are those unbelievers who are boasting on whom they know. They are the enemies of God.

We are to overcome the attackers and oppressors by knowing that we are created by God, for God and we are in God. “You are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, in your soul and your spirit, which are God’s” 1 Corinthians 6:20.

We are under God’s protection for He said, “He will be a wall of fire around us and a glory in our midst” (Zech 2:5). “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that touches you touches the apple of His eye. (Zech 2:8).” ³He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. ⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep. ⁵ The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. ⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. ⁷ The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. ⁸ The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore” (Psalm 121:3-8)

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. ² But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2).

God is committed in hearing our prayers but let us make sure to live pure before Him. In Genesis 35, God told Jacob to arise, go up to Bethel, dwell there and make an altar to God. Jacob knew he cannot go or do whatever the Lord is saying with sin. He called his children to put away the foreign gods that are among them, purify themselves and change their garments which they did. As they started their journey, the bible said “THE TERROR OF GOD WAS UPON THE CITIES THAT WERE ALL AROUND THEM AND THOSE PEOPLE DID NOT PURSUE THE SONS OF JACOB. It was possible because they cleanse their lives from sin and God was in their midst. Hallelujah!

As God’s special vessels; let us keep ourselves clean so we will overcome all the attackers and oppressors around us, in the name of Jesus. As we stay in the SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH, we shall abide under HIS Mighty Shadow in the name of Jesus (Psalm 91:1). May God continue to defend His interest upon our lives in the name of Jesus. May His glory never depart from our lives, in the name of Jesus.

If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour; pray this prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for dying for me on the cross of Calvary. Today, I come to you as a sinner who needs a Saviour. Dear Jesus, forgive all my sins and cleanse me with your blood so I may be whole. Holy Spirit I welcome you in my life, teach me the word of God and fill me every day, in the name of Jesus. Thank You Lord for answering my prayers, in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen!