JESUS CARES Mission Int.

A SIMPLE YET POTENT PRAYER

In 2 Samuel 15:31 (NIV), we find a powerful example of the effectiveness of prayer in overcoming even the wisest human counsel. When David learned that Ahithophel, his former advisor, had joined Absalom's conspiracy against him, he prayed: "Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness."

Ahithophel was renowned for his wise and effective advice, which had previously benefited King David (2 Samuel 16:23). However, God's power and intervention proved greater than any human wisdom. Not only did Absalom reject Ahithophel's wise counsel, but Ahithophel also ultimately took his own life due to depression and feeling neglected (2 Samuel 17:23).

This story demonstrates the potency of prayer in overcoming even the most formidable challenges. As Psalm 33:10-11 (NIV) states, "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

I pray that the Lord will cause every evil counsellor advising your household enemy to destroy you to destroy themselves and you will win the battle today in Jesus Christ's Name 🙏

THE DIVIDEND OF FALSE GLORY

In 2 Samuel 1:14-15 (NIV), we read the story of a young Amalekite who claimed to have killed King Saul, hoping to gain recognition and reward from David. However, his deceitful claim led to his downfall.

David asked him, "Why weren't you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" (v. 14). Then, David ordered one of his men to strike him down, and he died (v. 15).

This young man lost his life because he sought false glory. He wanted to be recognized by the incoming king, but he didn't realize that David was a man who respected the Lord's anointed. His lies and deceit ultimately led to his demise.

May the Lord deliver us from the spirit of the Amalekite, which tempts us to seek recognition through falsehood. Let us learn from this biblical account and strive for honesty and integrity in all our endeavors.
*Happy New Month*

THE GENERAL IN PRISON

BY
Oche, Innocent Bamidele

Judges chapter 13-16
Introduction

The story of Samson, the general of the Israelites, is a fascinating record of extraordinary strength, tragic flaws, and ultimate redemption. As a leader and judge of the Israelites, Samson was gifted with supernatural strength by God, making him a formidable warrior and champion of his people. However, beneath the surface of his impressive physical prowess, Samson struggled with pride, arrogance, and a weakness for vulnerability. This book explores Samson's journey from triumph to tragedy and ultimately, to redemption.

Chapter 1: The Strongest Man

Samson's story begins with his miraculous birth to a childless couple, Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:2-25). The angel of the Lord appears to them, announcing the birth of a son who will be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. Samson grows up with an extraordinary gift – supernatural strength granted by God (Judges 13:24-25). He becomes a mighty warrior, fighting battles and slaying lions with ease (Judges 14:5-6). His strength is a source of pride and admiration for the Israelites.

Chapter 2: The Weakest Link

Despite his impressive strength, Samson has a weakness – not just his love for women, but also his inability to stand his ground and keep his secrets when pressed by those he loves. This is evident in his relationship with his wife at Timnath, who betrays him after he shares the answer to his riddle with her (Judges 14:17-20). She convinces him to reveal the answer, which he had shared with his companions, and they use it against him. This pattern repeats itself with Delilah, who manipulates Samson into revealing the source of his strength – his uncut hair (Judges 16:17). Delilah's persistence and Samson's inability to resist her pressure ultimately lead to his downfall. Samson's weakness is not just his love for women, but his inability to maintain boundaries and keep his secrets when faced with emotional pressure.

Chapter 3: The Darkest Night

In prison, Samson faces his darkest hour. He realizes his pride and disobedience have led to his downfall (Judges 16:20). He cries out to God, seeking forgiveness and redemption (Judges 16:28). In the silence, Samson finds humility and a newfound dependence on God. He acknowledges his weaknesses and the consequences of his actions. The prison yard can be a place of personal struggles, such as fornication, adultery, stealing, pilfering, espionage, falsehood, drug addiction, wrong relationships, or marriages of sorrow (Galatians 5:19-21). Will we continue to grind and make spots for our enemies, or will we seek redemption and turn back to God? Samson's story serves as a warning that our past victories do not guarantee future success, and that we must remain vigilant in our walk with God (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Chapter 4: The Final Victory

The Philistines, thinking Samson is defeated, bring him to their temple to mock him (Judges 16:23-25). But Samson, with his newfound humility, prays for strength one last time (Judges 16:28-30). This prayer demonstrates the importance of time management for a man on mission. Even in prison, Samson realizes that his time is not yet up and seeks a final chance to fulfill his purpose. He asks God for the strength to finish his work, showing wisdom in recognizing the value of every moment (Ephesians 5:16). With a mighty cry, he brings down the temple, defeating his enemies and fulfilling his purpose (Judges 16:30). Notably, Samson's hair had grown back after being shaved (Judges 16:22), symbolizing God's restoration and lifting up of those who repent from sin (1 John 1:9). This serves as a reminder that God's gifts and callings are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), and He will still accomplish His purposes through us even after we have failed.

_Epilogue: The General's Legacy

Samson's story teaches us that true strength comes not from ourselves, but from God (1 Corinthians 1:27-31). His legacy reminds us that even in our darkest moments, redemption and forgiveness are possible (Romans 8:28). Samson's journey highlights the dangers of pride and disobedience (Proverbs 16:18) and the consequences of allowing love to become an idol (1 John 2:15-17). Ultimately, Samson's redemption demonstrates God's faithfulness and mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23), and the importance of wise time management in fulfilling our God-given purposes.

While the general is in prison, millions in the valley of decision are being destroyed. The devil is very clever; he doesn't waste his time fighting those in the valley, but instead pursues those with the lifeline (Joel 3:14). Once he gets them, his job is done, because those in the valley of decision will be doomed without their general (Matthew 9:36-38). This serves as a reminder of the critical role leaders play in guiding others and the devastating consequences of their downfall. As the Bible warns, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan" (Proverbs 29:2). Let us learn from Samson's story and remain vigilant in our walk with God, seeking redemption and forgiveness when we fall, and striving to be the leaders God has called us

THE. DIVIDEND *OF DECEIT* ‭
Joshua 9:22-27 NIV‬

[22] Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way from you,’ while you live near us? [23] You are now under a curse: You will never be released from service as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God. AND THAT IS WHAT HEY ARE TO THIS DAY"

Deception leads to destruction. Many times, we are pushed to the wall and become so desperate for survival that we forget the promises of God to us. Our immediate survival may be okay to struggle for, but we should never forget that posterity will bear the consequences of our ill decisions. The Gibeonites were indifferent to the freedom of their unborn generation, so they chose the worst alternative. They could have achieved the same alliance without a curse attached if they hadn't resorted to deception.

I pray for you today that, whatever situation you find yourself in, which is making you reason in a deceptive manner, hoping you will get a solution, but the solution would come with a price that will affect your children or your nearest future, the Lord will give you wisdom to settle the matter without deception, in Jesus' mighty name.

THE LIMITATIONS OF MAN

Man is fallible; God is infallible. Man is finite; God is infinite. Man is limited (in his authority, ability, capability, and capacity); God is unlimited. As Genesis 3:19 reminds us, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." When you encounter a man, bear in mind that he is limited. A man, irrespective of who he is or whatever position he occupies, is limited.

Sometimes we find it very difficult to believe when a highly placed person in society does something shameful. So, at times, we question our faith when we hear that a very respectful man of God does something despicable. Some have even backslidden from following Jesus because a great man of God misbehaved. Man is fallible; as a result, he can miss the point.

Moses missed the point because he thought he would follow the same formula as the previous miracle. In Exodus 17:6, God instructed Moses to strike the rock to bring forth water, but in Numbers 20:8, God told him to speak to the rock instead. However, Moses disobeyed and struck the rock again, forgetting the current instructions. He faced the consequences, as God said, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honour as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" (Numbers 20:12). Samuel looked at a rejected man and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the Lord" (1 Samuel 16:6 NIV). Thank God it was only in his thoughts; I don't know what would have happened if Samuel had openly voiced that thought with that strong word "surely."

How many times has your pastor, mentor, teacher, boss, or head of department listened to gossip and, without investigation, lashed out at you with rebuke, query, or even sacked you? This happened because of the limitations of man. What can mere dust do with his little brain to understand everything around him? May the Lord give you understanding today.

As you begin this new month , you owe yourself and your neneighbourhese responsibilities:

1. Show understanding
2. Accept the blame if that guarantees the peace you seek
3. Forgive, forgive, and forgive again
4. Apologize for wrong conclusions before facts are established
5. Repair, restore, and reunite every cut tie after discovering the truth

Lord Jesus, give us Your peace and not the peace of the world. We are finite; give us a new heart to understand and to love those who offend us. In Jesus Christ's mighty name.
Good morning and happy New month

Happy Sunday, Facebook friends! Facebook always asks, "What's on your mind?" I want to share with you what's on my mind today: NEVER GIVE UP ON JESUS LUKE 18:1-8 ‭(Luke 18:7 NIV)‬: "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?"

I once sought a job after graduating from secondary school. Then, I met a woman who offered me a teaching position, but I hadn't brought any application or CV with me. So, she asked me to write a story about myself. I sat down and wrote whatever came to mind that day. I wrote about my encounter with Jesus, my current predicament, and how I needed God to uplift me. After reading my write-up, the woman broke down and started sobbing. After composing herself, she asked when I would like to start teaching. Before I could respond, she interrupted me and said, "You can start on Monday." I left the place feeling confused, and I never went back for the job.

But one thing I can't forget is that my encounter with Jesus touched someone, and she wept because she knew I had the opportunity to do evil things and make money, which would have alleviated my poor and painful situation. But I chose to leave it all for Jesus. She corroborated that with me, and then she burst into tears.

My charge to you today is to keep the light of God burning in you, irrespective of whatever predicament you find yourself in at the moment. Don't let your circumstances define you; instead, let your faith in God be the guiding force in your life. Remember, God can turn your struggles into testimonies, and your mess into a message. Keep trusting in Him, and He will see you through.

"Dear Father Lord in heaven, we come to you with humble hearts, asking you to visit your faithful child in their time of challenges. Please remove every situation that causes them to doubt your presence, and silence the voices that ask, 'Where is your God?' We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Andrew Abah is feeling heartbroken.
Your love, your care, your generousity, your listening ears, your humility, your friendship, your determination, brilliance, grace, your passion...
Oh, how you raised men from no where and enthroned them among the princes. Some bite the fingers that fed them but some stick to pursue the course you lived for.
I saw you plant churches from the rank of an inspector to Deputy Commissioner of Police, exemplary tentmaker. You treaded where conventional missionaries dare not. You left the comfort of Ajaokuta aircondition to the heathen where men drink palm wine with human skull. You planted Jesus in their hearts and used your salary to build them churches.
I remembered my visit in 1995 when a woman by instruction of a juju priest burnt the child to death. I asked why they should not be arrested and you said, you were first and foremost a missionary and arrest will not dispel darkness.
You were not an arm chair missionary - An apostle indeed.
You spent, you were spent. It was beyond the 4 wall of CLEM. At least the Grace Foundation missionaries reported back to me how much you invested in them...Adieu
We join the song writer to sing, "it is well". We will miss you but the trumpet may not delay and we shall meet again.

WATCH YOUR TONGUE .CALCULATE YOUR WORDS ,WHEN A MAN OF GOD IS THE TOPIC/SUBJECT OF GOSSIP[AMEBO] THE END RESULT MAY BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNERS IN THE ACT.

saying or supporting what you don't know the source is not far from foolishness and such act of ignorance can lead many to danger. When a man is really anointed by God it is dangerous speaking derogatory things about him especially if you are unsure of the truth. And even when you are sure that a true man of God has committed a sin, it is not in your position to judge or say some nasty things about him. BUT LEAVE THE REST TO GOD WHO CALLED HIM TO DEAL WITH. this is not because of the man per say but because of the anointing God place on his life. For instance, if a soldier in the rank of a general commit offense, no civilian [in a military regime] has the right to call him to order. Only those soldiers that of higher rank than him or a body of military officer can court martial [trial] him.
Such was the case between Moses (the man of God) and his elder sister Miriam and Aaron.

Num 12:1-11 KJV
12 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
They were right to scold Moses for error in the instruction about their family linage but traded on a dangerous part when they ventured into challenging Moses that he is not the only one hearing from God as a prophet, IF JUST BECAUSE YOU HEAR BAD STORY ABOUT A PASTOR YOU BEGIN TO CALL ALL PASTORS NAMES AND EVEN CLAIMING THE PASTOR IS FAKE AND ALL THAT, YOU MAY GET MORE THAN WHAT YOU BARGAIN FOR. Many years ago, a lady was paid a huge sum of money to black mail ARCHBISHOP BENSON IDAHOSA OF THE CHURCH OF GOD MISSION. She came to his Hotel room and hide her self-naked in the wardrobe. latter in the night the man of God came in not knowing that someone was hiding inside the wardrobe, undress himself and lay on the bed and slept off. After some minutes the woman was heard screaming fire! Fire!!fire!!! the man of God who doesn't know someone was hiding in there was looking for where the sound was coming from until she came out of the wardrobe naked and confessed her did. But by that time all her body had completely peeled out. SHE WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL; SEVEN DAYS LATER SHE DIED. MY Advice IS IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES ARE HURT BY ANY MAN OF GOD, REPORT TO GOD AND THEN THE SENIOR PASTOR IF, HE IS A JUNIOR PASTOR. REPORT TO THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH IF. HE IS A SENIOR PASTOR. REPORT TO THE FELLOW KNOWN PASTORS IF HE IS A FOUNDER OR OVERSEER. FINALLY IF A STORY ABOUT A MAN OF GOD IS TOLD, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU CONTRIBUTE SO YOU DON'T SHARE IN OTHER PEOPLE CALAMITY WHEN IT COMES