Weekly Sermons.

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To be continued

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UNPROFITABLE? NEVER

October 5, 2025

You were created and given talents for the purpose of benefiting yourself, others, and God with them. You were never created empty. Use your God-given talents and gifts wisely; they are rare, and not everyone has what you have. Whatever God has given to you comes with His given ability in you to use them (dividing it in proportion to their abilities). There is something excellent and profitable in you begging to be used; you have to discover them, use them, and praise God with them. The little ones and the older ones have a purpose, regardless of what Satan is doing in the world and in our lives today. God has not given Satan the victory over you.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last, dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. After a long time, their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more. The master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together. The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more. The master said, Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together. Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back. But the master replied, You wicked and lazy servant. If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.” Matthew 26:14-28

There are three things God expects from all born-again Christians: (1) To be good stewards of whatever resources they have; good stewards in whatever He has given to them, whether spiritually or physically, and good stewards of whatever they will have thereafter through the use of what they have already received. A good servant requires carefulness in the things he or she does, desiring not to lose anything; being a good servant requires availability, readiness to carry out God’s revealed instructions to services, and promptness in obedience to His commands. (2) God required Christians to be faithful servants to everyone He calls them to serve. Faithfulness will require loyalty to His services; faithfulness will require steadfastness and commitment; firm, unshaken, and unbiased allegiance to His services at all times. And (3) God requires them to increase in His presence, in His services, and in all things else.

The lack of increase in life and in whatever one does is a big problem for everyone; it is one of the sources of anger and unhappiness. Lack breeds jealousy, self-hatred, and failure of trust. God desires that we increase in every aspect of life. My desire and prayer are that you will experience an increase in life. It is necessary, it is Godly, and it is God’s will. God will not withhold His reward from anyone; He will not fail to fulfill His promises when you are with Him and in Him, and He will not fail to commend you after your services to Him. The three servants above were rewarded each depending on how they used what God gave to them; their faithfulness in using them, and the proof of the increase of what was given to them.

Grow in godly knowledge formally and informally. Knowledge can never be exhausted. It is always needed, always helpful, and always rewarding. The moment you miss the opportunity to learn something new, you begin a steep decline in life and in the things you do. Knowledge is being abreast with the facts, being properly informed, having the skills acquired, and knowledge is showing that you are capable. Having an understanding, correct insight, and spiritual knowledge allows Christ Jesus to transform, control, and direct your mind, thoughts, and actions. Knowledge can only be acquired through studying. “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman tested by trial who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter with its profane, empty words, for it will lead to further ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:15-16

Practice self-control through self-restraint; by diligence, discipline, and thoughts, make your body and actions subject to the examination by the words of God. Sin is still as powerful as it was in the Garden of Eden against Adam and Eve, despite the passage of time; it is on the loss, and Satan is luring many people out of faith through temptation every day. It does not require power to overcome sin; it requires the word of God dwelling and working in you to generate self-control and self-discipline against the temptation you will face in life. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not rely on His purity at birth and righteousness when He was tempted by Satan. He simply referred Satan to the written word He trusted: “Jesus said to him, on the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, you shall not test the Lord your God.” Matthew 4:7

Be steadfast in the things of God; a true and steadfast Christian will rejoice on the day of reward just as a steadfast farmer will rejoice on the day of harvest. Despite the temptation, the delays, and the trials you will face, practice to remain steadfast with your God. Be steadfast in tithing, giving, praises, prayers, purity, services, worship, studying, and meditating on His words. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, always doing your best and doing more than is needed, being continually aware that your labor even to the point of exhaustion in the Lord is not futile nor wasted, it is never without purpose.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Seek godliness above all things. Godliness generates God’s power in you; it is a good source to draw more grace from God into your life and have more of His favor in you. Irrespective of what people may say as you seek to be more Godly in character, speech, and actions, remember, being godly will always remain a pride in this ungodly world. It is a desire to reflect God’s grace, to be more useful to Him and to humanity; it is by applying His word in all of your actions. “But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment, that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God” 1 Timothy 6:6

Show brotherly love and true affection; this involves forgiveness, patience, being a source of encouragement, motivation, and hope to others. “Let love of your fellow believers continue. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers, especially among the family.” Hebrews 13:1-2

Seek to walk with God and pray for grace. “Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-3. That is having the mind of Christ.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I desire to be useful and productive. I ask for the grace to increase in what I do in life, and I ask that You will help me fulfill this desire. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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GOD AND FAMILY

September 28, 2025

“Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. And blessed them, and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” Genesis 1:26-28

God would have made man alone, but He decided not to. God is interested in you, your family, and families. From the time of creation, He said Let us make man; in the Garden of Eden, He gave Adam a companion, and to this present day, the family is still important and relevant to God and to His plans. The family is the reason for marriage, conception, and children. All to fulfill the purpose of God, and nothing will change that. He will give you one if you have none.

“This is the account of Shem’s family line. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad. And after he became the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. When Arphaxad had lived 35 years, he became the father of Shelah. And after he became the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Shelah had lived 30 years, he became the father of Eber. And after he became the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Eber had lived 34 years, he became the father of Peleg. And after he became the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters. When Peleg had lived 30 years, he became the father of Reu. And after he became the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters. When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father of Serug. And after he became the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters. When Serug had lived 30 years, he became the father of Nahor. And after he became the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters. When Nahor had lived 29 years, he became the father of Terah. And after he became the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters. After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. This is the account of Terah’s family line. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milkah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milkah and Iskah.” Genesis 11:10-29

Remember, Shem is the first son of Noah, and this is the history of his family after the flood. This is documented, so we will know the importance of family and how God grows nations through the family. Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. All of them had families after the flood. They entered the ark as a family of Noah, came out as a family of Noah, and started their own individual families. God had not done away with families even in our days. He is willing to help us if we submit to Him individually and as a family. Abraham came from the family of Shem, as we see from the passage above. When God spoke to Abraham, He mentioned family, and Abraham obeyed God with his family. “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.” Genesis 12:1-5

In the presence of God Almighty, every man is important and every family is important, and all are needed, irrespective of nationality and race. The Family is God’s only approved institution for procreation and progression through marriage between a man and a woman, having a father and a mother and children under their care in the fear and honor of the Almighty God. Christ Jesus came into this world through a family and was brought up in a family. God has no plans of eliminating the family line; rather, He has plans of restoring man and restoring families through salvation by Jesus Christ and teaching and hearing of His word. “This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12

Salvation through Christ Jesus is the only means of justification to stand before God and fulfill His plans. Salvation is repentance from deliberate sins, and without true repentance, there is no restoration, even when we are very religious in words, actions, and conduct. Without salvation, there is no heaven, no restoration, no fulfillment of His promise, and no fullness of His power and Spirit in us. True salvation is the key to the fullness of Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit in us. “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:12-18. The very best men are never perfect in the sight of God.

Sin does not hinder God; it hinders the sinner, hinders God’s plan, destroys all good intentions, and opens the door to all forms of evil. Sin turns the very best into the very worst. Regardless of what people are doing, regardless of what and who is in your family, and regardless of any form of godlessness, God has not changed His plans for mankind and for families. He is God and will definitely fulfill His word of plans. No sin is too great that God cannot forgive; no darkness is too dark that it can cover sin and sinners before God. Even in the most wicked family or nation, God is still looking for a man of obedience and submission to bring to pass His plan and purpose. Your obedience, submissiveness, and faithfulness might be all that is needed to change your entire family now and the generations to come, and also change the nations for His glory.

God is not looking for a perfect man, a perfect woman, or a perfect family; He is looking for a willing and obedient man, woman, and family like that of Abraham and of Noah. That does not mean He encourages sin and wickedness. He wants us to turn from wickedness and sin, and the only right way to do that is to turn to Him through Christ Jesus with our whole hearts, spirits, and minds. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord, search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jeremiah 17:9-10; John 4:23-24. Abraham’s father was not perfect, but God called Abraham out and demanded obedience with a promise. Abraham's obedience brought a new family that God showed His love, strength, and power for all to see.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, help me to know your will, to love them, and to follow them. Help me not follow my own will but to submit my will for your will at all times, and keep me safe as I seek to do your will, Lord. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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BEGINNING OF MOSES (2)

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2. Good exposed Moses to several things in life before revealing His perfect will for him. Do not despise the days of small things, small beginnings, and humility. God raises people to positions and gives power to whom He chooses for His purpose.

All through the first forty years of Moses’ life, he never knew the will of God for his life, though he had heard stories about his life from his mother; he saw the moves and providence of God in his life, but God did not reveal His will to him until the day of the fire in the wilderness. It takes an active working relationship with God for Him to fully reveal His will to anyone. He exposes us to many things before bringing us into that relationship. God only reveals His will when we have attained maturity in reasoning according to His plans and words, and not in age.

“Now what I mean is that as long as the inheritor is a child and under age, he does not differ from a slave, although he is the master of all the estate; but he is under guardians and administrators or trustees until the date fixed by his father. So we Jewish Christians also, when we were minors, were kept like slaves under the rules of the Hebrew ritual and subject to the elementary teachings of a system of external observations and regulations. But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to the regulations of the Law, to purchase the freedom of those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have son-ship conferred upon us and be recognized as God’s sons.” Galatians 4:1-5

Christ Jesus told Nicodemus with all clarity; “Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler, a leader, an authority among the Jews, Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God as a Teacher; for no one can do these signs, these wonderworks, these miracles, and produce the proofs that You do unless God is with him. Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again, anew, from above, he cannot ever see, know, be acquainted with, and experience the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3

It takes the complete salvation and redemption of your soul from the powers of darkness and consequences of sin to fully realize God’s will for your life. No good father will reveal his will to anyone who is not his child, or to a child who completely refused to obey, to follow and has denied his father’s relationship; same also is our God, His complete will is only revealed to those who have accepted Him as their Father, their God, and their Lord through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary.

Everyone wants to know the will of God for their life, which is a good thing to desire, but it will not come cheap and easy, and it will not come when you have a continuous sinful lifestyle. It takes a close working relationship with God, the maker and giver of the will, obedience, your personal willingness, and a submissive heart to receive the will of God for your life. “I the Lord search the mind; I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10

God’s will revealed to Joshua probably didn’t seem to be good, acceptable, or perfect. What human sense did it make to walk around Jericho for seven days? What sense did it make for the widow of Zarephath to give Elijah her last meal first? For Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times? For Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat after a night of fishing in vain? When Jesus revealed His will that they should feed 5,000 people, Philip remonstrated: “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” Jesus told the people at Lazarus’s tomb to roll away the stone, a seemingly pointless thing to do, since Lazarus had been dead for four days. In each of these cases, people obeyed the Lord, resulting in the perfect fulfillment of God’s plan. In our limited thinking and strength, God’s will seems strange, but His will is good, acceptable, and perfect.

You can know the will of God for your life. Romans 12:1–2 tells us how we can know and fulfill God’s will. The process begins by consecrating ourselves to God. “Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Then comes the ability to discern God’s will: You will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will. As believers renounce the ways of the world and submit to Christ, their minds, hearts, and wills are renewed by God’s Word and Spirit. This is how we can test and approve God’s will. By His divine power and grace, God has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Following God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will allows us to enjoy life abundantly.

LET US PRAY

Father, I need You every day, I want to walk with You, and I want to see and know Your will for my life. Help me. Thank You for answering me as I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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BEGINNING OF MOSES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

“Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Take this child away and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages. So the woman took the child and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called him Moses, for she said Because I drew him out of the water. One day, after Moses had grown, it happened that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of Moses’ brethren. He looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. He went out the second day and saw two Hebrew men quarreling and fighting; and he said to the unjust aggressor, Why are you striking your comrade? And the man said Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and thought, surely, this thing is known. When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh’s presence and took refuge in the land of Midian, where he sat down by a well.” Exodus 2:9-15

For fear of the consequences of being killed by the government, Moses’ birth was kept a secret within his family. At birth, he was not celebrated; after birth, he was hidden within the family house. No one visited to say hello, no one brought a present to the baby, no one brought a word of encouragement, no one came to sympathize, and no one came to give any idea of the way forward. Daily, his parents were confused about what to do, but God had finished His plans and was waiting for the appropriate time to reveal to them what He was doing.

Moses was born to Hebrew parents of Israeli descents, but he was born at a turbulent time in Egypt, strategically abandoned by the riverside, found and adopted by Pharaoh’s first daughter, given the best of education in Egypt under the direct supervision of Pharaoh, made a prince and next in line for the throne, exposed to the very best of learning in Egyptian tradition, in the administration of justice and culture of the people. By nature and training, Moses was inclined to justice in the land than to governance, but the more he desired to see justice, the more he saw cruelty in the land. He was more inclined to equality for all, but he saw inequality, though he lived in the palace with the best facilities in the country. He was more inclined to love, peace, and unity amongst the people, but rather saw brutality, hatred, disunity, oppression, punishment, and class deference in the land.

By nature, Moses was humble, but by reason of how and where he was brought up as an adult and made a prince in Egypt, he was taught and advised to act otherwise. But it was impossible for him to change from what God had made him to be. Nothing can change the natural God given nature and talent of a man. “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.” Romans 11:29

Satan lost what God intended for him through pride and arrogance, never what God gave to him in the beginning. That is where our daily activities and destiny come into play. It is your daily activity through what God has given to you that determines what you will become hereafter and in the future. Satan deviated from the nature given by God and became completely evil in nature and activity, but nothing was able to change the mind, the thoughts, the vision, and the nature of Moses from what God had of him.

“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the carnelian, topaz, jasper, chrysolite, beryl, onyx, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald; and your settings and your sockets and engravings were wrought in gold. On the day that you were created, they were prepared. You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing wings, and I set you so. You were upon the holy mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until iniquity and guilt were found in you. Through the abundance of your commerce, you were filled with lawlessness and violence, and you sinned; therefore, I cast you out as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and the guardian cherub drove you out from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was proud and lifted because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I lay you before kings that they might gaze at you.” Ezekiel 28:13-17

Moses had a tender and humble heart and loved justice. I am convinced one of the things he loved best and desired most in his life was seeing justice done to all. He never regarded any class of person in Egypt as superior to the other. That was the reason he did not count himself as being superior to a prince, even though he was one and was living in the palace with all privileges and comforts. “Prompted by faith, Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king’s decree. Aroused by faith, Moses, when he had grown to maturity and become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, because he preferred to share the oppression, suffer the hardships, and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.” Hebrews 11:23-25. By God’s design, every aspect of Moses’ life was touched, developed, made active, and prepared for what was to come in his life.

Like Moses, God will definitely take you through a process to reveal His perfect will for your life. The process is not intended to harm or destroy you, but to awaken your mind and make it more sensitive, develop your cognitive abilities, and enhance your overall potential and God-given nature. Never think that any form of hardship, peace, or comfort that anyone may suffer or enjoy will reveal the true will of God, but they are genuine processes that God may decide to use to make you know what He has for you in life.

LET US PRAY

Father, I need You every day. I want to walk with You, and I want to see and know Your will for my life. Help me. Thank You for answering me as I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

TO CONTINUE

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IMPACT OF DECISION

September 7, 2025

By God’s grace, your situation will not define your future, but the word and promise of God. “Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Ruth 1:3-5, Jeremiah 17:9-10

Oprah fixed her eyes and mind on things that were seen, while Ruth fixed her heart and mind on things that were not seen. Where is your heart, where is your mind, on what lies your hope? Do you move by sight, by the things you see and want, or by the things God says and you are yet to see? All that Ruth saw was Naomi, the woman without a husband, the woman who had lost her husband and her two sons, a woman without hope of remarrying, a woman who would remain without children forever, and a woman who had nothing else in life to live for. This is how Naomi described herself, her life, her situation, her hope, and her understanding of her future. “And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters, why will ye go with me? Are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have a husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; would ye tarry for them till they were grown? Would ye stay for them from having husbands? Nay, my daughters, for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.” Ruth 1:11-13.

----- I have no sons in my womb that they may become your husbands?

----- I am too old to have a husband.

----- I have no hope for a husband or a child.

----- It is exceedingly bitter to me, and for your sake.

----- The hand of the Lord has gone out against me.

----- Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.

----- I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty.

----- Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?

Yet in all her despair and hopelessness, God was making His ways and fulfilling His plans for our Savior Jesus Christ through her situation at that moment. You may reject yourself because of circumstances beyond your control, but God has not rejected you; you may have been pulled off the rail and down the height of success and joy, but God is ready to take you up from where they left you and put you on the path to fulfill His plan. All you need to do is retune to Him with all your heart. That was what Naoimi did, return to her place, to her people, and to her God, and her position and possession were returned. She heard what God was doing and decided to return. “Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed His people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So, Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. With her two daughters-in-law, she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.” Ruth 1:6-7

In whatever situation, do not lose heart in what God can do and will even when you cannot see or feel His presence. He is always on top of all issues that concern the people who hope in Him, who call on Him, and who put their trust in Him. “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

All the prodigal son did was return to his father, regardless of his fears and past deeds. “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 18:17-20

Joshua declared to the people whom he would worship. “So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

“Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way, she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today. Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, We are witnesses. May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended. May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah. So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women of the town said to Naomi, Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family. May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons. Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, Now at last Naomi has a son again. And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.” Ruth 4:9-17

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, decision matters in everything, regardless of the people and place. I ask for help today and always to have my decisions based on your word and commands. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg, VA, 24502. USA

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ORPAH AND RUTH (2)

THE IMPACT OF DECISION

August 31, 2025

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely, and this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord our righteousness. I, Jesus, have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.” Jeremiah 23:5-6, Revelation 22:16, Matthew 15:22.

The story of Ruth is that of loyalty, love, and redemption, but the biggest story is that she is prominent in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Through the marriage of Ruth and her son, Jesus Christ is often called in the New Testament as Jesus Christ, the Son of David. Remember, Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz’s mother was Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed. Obed’s mother was Ruth. Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon. Matthew 1:5-7. When we are humble and obedient, when we wholeheartedly turn to follow God and be submissive to His word and plans, He turns things around for our good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. That was the case for Ruth when she said to Naomi

“And they lifted their voice, and wept again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So the two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.” Ruth 1:14-22

Ruth decided to follow Naomi, someone who was old in age, someone who had lost all things, lost all inheritance, husband, two sons, with no child left, without a plan, without hope, without knowledge, vision, or an idea of what the future would be like, and someone who did not know what would come next. All that Naoimi had left was her God, the God of Abraham. And decided to return with Naomi to Beth-lehem, her place of birth. Even when you have no plan, knowledge, or vision, God has plans for you when you return to Him, when you follow Him, and when you decisively remain faithful and committed to Him. Rurh never knew what lies ahead for her, but God was in the details of her future and had His plans in the making. You may not know what will come, but God has a plan for you when you decide to be faithful to Him

“I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. For I know the plans I have for you.” Isaiah 43:15-21, Jeremiah 29:11

Ruth, a Moabite woman, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after both their husbands die. She gleaned in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi, who later becomes her redeemer by marrying her and preserving her deceased husband's lineage. This is God's faithful love and care for those who believe and trust in Him, leading to Ruth becoming the great-grandmother of King David, through whom Jesus was revealed in the flesh for us all. "Whither thou goest, I will go." Ruth 1:16. What a God we have, serve, and follow?

LET US PRAY

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg, VA, 24502. USA

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ORPAH AND RUTH (1)

THE IMPACT OF DECISION

August 24, 2025

If only the two had known what was ahead of them beforehand. “At this, they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Ruth 1:14, 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Oprah and Ruth’s love was tested, and their destiny was determined by the character of their individual love shown at the time and place of testing. The two did not know what was coming thereafter, but God knew the purpose of that test; knew His plans, and had determined the reward and destiny. If only we knew what God has planned, we would think, speak, and act differently. If only we had known what God would do for us and with us after each decision and test, we would respond differently. If only we had known the magnitude of the reward of true love and a godly character in times and moments of test and temptation, I am convinced we would have strived to do better, respond better, and always be submissive in keeping, obeying, and following God’s word as written and stated in the scriptures. The decisions we make every day, regardless of the source and reasons for the temptations before us, have a great impact on our destinies in life. While God has a better plan for us, Satan desires to take us down and keep us out of that plan that God has for us, and that is where decisions matter, regardless of the magnitude of the temptation, the source, and the people behind them. You are responsible for the decisions you make, regardless of your religious affiliation, but Salvation through Christ Jesus matters. Your decision today will determine your next level in life. “So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

God being there for you is always dependent on the decisions you consistently make in life, at the point of temptation, anger, peace, joy, frustrations, or agitation. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.” Romans 8:31-33. God did not spare even His Son Jesus Christ in His plans to save and redeem us from sin and the hands of Satan. He will not spare anything when it is time to bless us through Christ when we remain in Him and walk in obedience to His word.

It is not the troubles we have that matter most; it is the decisions we make in those troubles that will shape how we live thereafter. God’s love has a purpose, and everyone who loves as God did has a destiny in Him through Christ Jesus. Having, using, and showing a true Godly love can change you, change your life, change people around you, and take you where God has destined for you in life. It was just one decision that gave Ruth a place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, not her trouble. It was also the quality of decision that differentiated Ruth from Orpah, not their trouble. Both had the same trouble, the same opportunity, and were in the same situation in life; they both had a blink comparative future based on human reasoning, knowledge, experience, and understanding, but beyond those blinkness, blindness that the eyes cannot see, and blankness of thoughts, God had a plan and a destiny for them and for you even now in whatever situation that is before you.

We are not compelled to love, but true godliness demands that we love regardless of the people, the location, and the situation before us if we are truly His beloved followers. Would you remain as Ruth did, or would you go away as Orpah did? The decision that matters in life.

LET US PRAY

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg, VA, 24502. USA

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LOVE IS A CHARACTER (2)

August 17, 2025

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2. Unlike others, Christ Jesus not only showed us the ways to live and love, He lived it, and is ready to lead us again on that way. He is the perfect example we need to know and follow of a character filled with and led by love. God loved us and sent Jesus Christ. Jesus loves us and gave His life for all. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes --.” John 3:16. “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life --.” John 15:13. “Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life--.” John 10:18

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ” Ephesians 3:17-19

God’s kind of love is beyond the feelings of security in our hearts; it is a way of life that goes with everyone who truly loves everywhere, regardless of the challenges of threats and safety. It is a character, just as hatred is a character; it goes with you consciously and unconsciously to every occasion, every home, every endeavor, and affects every decision you make, either big or small. Your love can never be true unless your heart is truly transformed by God through His word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God in you, and that transformation results in a changed inner life, outward character, thoughts, and words. True love is God in us, working His ways in and through us, guarding, guiding, and living with us in all situations, regardless of what the world may say, do, or think.

There is power in true love. The power of God’s love not only transforms us, it also liberates and translates us into being called God’s beloved children, bought over by the blood of Jesus Christ and brought into His family to be co-heirs to the inheritance and blessings in Christ Jesus.“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” 1 John 3:1-3; Romans 8:14-17.

We should not suffer as haters, but suffer in our love for God and others. There will always be a price to pay for true love. Do not expect that from anyone, but offer that to everyone. That was what God did, He offered His love to everyone living, and to us even when we were yet in our sins, to bring us out and make us His sons and daughters through the blood of Jesus Christ. For love to be your character, you are required to pay the price. God paid the price by sending Jesus Christ into the world. Jesus Christ paid the price with His life on the cross, and beyond believing, being in the church, following Christ, and being a Christian, you will have to pay the price also.

True love is always a selfless act, putting others above oneself in all things, regardless of the person in question, his or her inward and outward thoughts and character, views, words against you, religion, nationality, or wealth. The faulty way to love is to love those who love you, always agree with your views, and hold you in high esteem, regardless of what you do, just for a gain. Read what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-47. “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? True love separates you from the rest in all ways, regardless of color, race, nationality, religious affiliation, or creed.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, thank You for loving me. Teach me to love as you do, and help me to have the true character of love at all times, to all people, and in all places. I ask all this in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg, VA, 24502. USA

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LOVE IS A CHARACTER

August 10, 2025

You have heard the word love on the lips of people all over the world, but love is much more than what we hear and say. “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 3:35; 13:34-35; 15:9,12-13

Love is more than words and actions; it is a Character defined, destined, and honored by God. It is a Godly character that honors, glorifies His person, and entrenches godliness in the life of a person and all of humanity. Love is never personal, selfish, or short-lived. Never angered and never gives up. It is a call to serve and not to be served. It does not look inward but outward in all aspects and expectations. David and Jonathan were never enemies, regardless of the thoughts and actions of King Saul. The love between David and Johnathan was not personal; it was a divine setup by God to fulfill the will, design, purpose, and call of God. Personal love without honoring God will not profit us or fulfill the plans of God for us. The call to love and the need for love are not for personal gains in any form, but a call to love is to honor God, advance His kingdom, embrace peace, restore hope, promote forgiveness, and enhance coexistence amongst humanity. God wants us to personally walk in love towards all people at all times and in all place, regardless of race or ethnicity; teach children and others to love, do all we can to seek and remain in the love of God, and in Christ Jesus through a personal decision and determination to obey God’s words and keep His commandments. Follow after true love and learn to love beyond everything else. Follow God’s example of love in Christ, not that offered by television or social media platforms. True love is part of God’s nature, accompanied by forgiveness, mercy, and a pathway to full restoration. That is the path God wants us to follow as we believe and walk with Him. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12

Since true love is part of God’s nature, God is the source of love. He is the initiator of a loving relationship with men. Any love we have for God is simply a response to His sacrificial love for us. The human design of love is to love those who love us and hate those who hate us; do good to only those who do good to us, who worship us daily regardless of what we do, and say, and those who live their lives to praise us in whatever we do. The human desire, design, and understanding of love are flawed, weak, and incomplete, but the more we look at Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, the better we have a true understanding of real love and what it requires to be loved and be in love. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.God wants us to love as He says, not as we think or feel.

Love is beyond what we say, give, or do; it is how we consistently live. It is a character that accompanies us everywhere and reveals itself whether consciously or unconsciously, even when people are unaware of us.

LET US PRAY

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg, VA, 24502. USA

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WE NEED CONFIDENCE

August 3, 2025

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter, I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” John 14:27-31

If Christian leaders must affect and lead this generation to God, we must learn, seek, and build great confidence in our God and His word through faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. This was what Micah needed in his time to declare the word of God. “But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, And of justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8. And Apostle Paul also wrote, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Moses showed confidence in God by agreeing to stand before Pharaoh with the word of God despite the threat to his life. Elijah was confident enough to stand before King Ahab to declare the intent of God for His people. These were his words to King Ahab on two occasions: “Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel lives, the God I serve, there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word. But Elijah said, I swear by the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day. So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come, and Ahab went out to meet Elijah. When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel? I have made no trouble for Israel, Elijah replied. You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead.”1 Kings 17:1, 18:15-18

Eloquence is desirable in Christian leaders, but that will not make any difference if we lack confidence in presenting the whole truth of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the world. Calling without conviction and confidence leads to failure. God is looking for a man who will stand in confidence and present His words. We need confidence to trust that the word of God is powerful enough to change souls and all situations, even when we experience delays in seeing our desires fulfilled and prayers answered as expected. Jesus Christ, our Lord, was very confident of what would happen before going to the cross. He knew that the Father would not abandon Him on the Cross, and that He would not remain in the grave more than three days. He was quite confident of His resurrection. “So the Jews answered and said to Him, what sign do You show to us, since You do these things? Jesus answered and said to them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then the Jews said, it has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days? But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:18-22.

Jesus knew what was coming ahead for Him, but was not fearful or sorrowful. He was confident and prepared. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 16:21

“For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him, and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask Him.” Mark 9:31-32

“And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went before them and they were amazed, and as they followed, they were afraid. And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him, saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles, and they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him, and the third day He shall rise again.” Mark 10:32-34. Christ called us to preach and teach His word with confidence, not with fear. He is able to keep all that comes to Him and preserve all of them for His glory.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6. Fear, sin, injustice, greed, self-seeking and self-satisfaction, the love for money, and the quest for fame, the pride of life, and the ignorance of the love and purpose of Christ Jesus destroy confidence.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, thank You for Your loving insight into what I need to be effective in ministry. I ask that You help me to grow in confidence and grace. I ask all this in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Lynchburg VA, 24502. USA

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CONFIDENCE AND SUCCESS

July 27, 2025

“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.” Daniel 11:32

If there is anything needed so urgently by all Christians today in and outside our churches and around the world, it is confidence in our God and our salvation, confidence in our call into the ministry; confidence in the God who saved and called us, and confidence in the words of God we read, hear, teach, and preach every day, and confidence in the faith we profess. There are no shortcuts to success in life, no shortcuts to godly excellence, no shortcuts to godly glory, and no shortcuts to heaven except through Jesus Christ. Confidence is built through a decision to remain focused and to pay the full price to be who God has made and called to be in life.

Confidence is not external but deeply internal and very personal, because as we grow and follow Jesus Christ our Lord, things will crop up later in life that will force us to ask some personal questions about ourselves. Even with evidence of calling, competence, and character, success may not happen as expected if we lack the confidence needed to remain faithful and focused.

A Christian must have the confidence to, and be ready to pay the full price of the office he or she occupies. Confidence does not translate to being the head or at the top of the mission or ministry; it is being responsible and taking responsibility at any level that you are rendering the services required of you with utmost satisfaction. Being a servant is a position of leadership. Jesus Christ defined greatness in terms of service that is rendered to others, not position held. A servant is a true leader because leadership exacts a price. Anyone who aspires to be a leader should also count the cost that is required and should know that leadership requires service as its priority before other motivations. “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12

There are many reasons for the lack of confidence in Christians, but none should be a barrier to you if God is with you and for you. Remember, something will challenge your confidence. Moses, Jeremiah, and all the disciples of Jesus Christ had trouble with confidence, but nothing stopped them from doing what they were called and asked to do, and all of them were able to overcome such and had success in their services. We can overcome the lack of confidence if we ascribe greatness to our God; that He is the true solution to the problems as we engage ourselves in doing His will. We can overcome the lack of confidence by concentrating on the area we are called and gifted in, and remaining faithful in it as John the Baptist did when asked who he was. “Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then, are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? And he answered, no. Then they said to him, Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself? He said; I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:19-23.

We must use our gifts properly to the fullest if we want to grow in confidence. We can overcome the lack of confidence if we allow suffering to play its part in our development. Suffering as a Christian does not destroy but increases our faith in the God we serve. We can overcome the lack of confidence if we refuse to admit defeat and refuse to quit when we are challenged by all the circumstances beyond our control.

Faith in Christ Jesus is a great tool in growing confidence. Apostle Paul gave us a clue on how he was able to deal with the lack of confidence through grace when challenged. “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

There will be a time in the course of our duties as Christians that we will be required one way or the other to prove our calling, to show our character, our competence, and our confidence. We have all been warned concerning pride and self-glory as Christians, but showing our competence and confidence with all humility is not pride.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, thank You for the insight into what I need to be effective in ministry. I ask that You help me to grow in confidence and use it to glory alone. I ask all this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg, VA, 24502 USA.

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REWARD OF UNDERSTANDING (2)

July 20, 2025

“So he started out and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, Go over and walk along beside the carriage. Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, Do you understand what you are reading? The man replied, How can I, unless someone instructs me? And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.” Acts 8:27-31. Despite being at a worship session in Jerusalem, and reading the scripture, this man did not understand what and whom he worshiped, and what he was reading. This is the picture of most of us. Lack of understanding of what we do.

In all aspects of life, with all the learning, reading, knowledge, and wisdom, understanding what you do matters. Do you understand the scriptures? Do you understand your spouse? Do you understand your children and family members? Do you seek to understand others? Do you understand salvation and redemption? Do you understand what you read? Do you understand who and what you worship? True understanding is important to a healthy living and relationship, and understanding comes from God alone, and it is always accompanied by peace, joy, and exceptional progress. Without understanding, there will always be internal and external conflicts among men. It is important to not only understand sorrows and why we have pains, but also seek to understand the reason and the rewards of obeying and following God through the pains.

“For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory. The rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Proverbs 23:18-19, Psalms 62:5-8

Understanding will give us boldness and confidence in all things, in ourselves, in the word of God, in the things of God, and in the promises of God. A good understanding will give light to our minds, hearts, thoughts, and spirits; it will give us joy and peace even in times of sorrow and disappointment. It will give us strength and courage to engage rather than separate from others. Understanding keeps expectations alive and courage to keep praying; it keeps family together, keeps friendship together, and encourages participation. Without understanding of each other, there will be no peace, but continuous escalation of conflicts, suspicion, hatred, gossip, malice, and unending evil conspiracies.

Understanding will make us wise; it will keep and guide our hearts in the way. It will give us the courage to wait silently for God alone as Job did, because, through understanding, we know that our expectations are made possible through Christ, and come from Him alone. By understanding, we know that He only is our rock and salvation; He alone is our defense; we shall not be moved even when all things fall apart under our feet. “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”

Many things make us sad, and gloomy as Christians; we have heard, seen, learn, and read many things, we have prayed and are patiently waiting for many things to come to pass as God has promised. We have experienced several delays, and are hope is getting weaker every day and affecting our faith, strength, and confidence. But God still wants us to have understanding. Have you ever asked God for understanding? In all your prayers, ask God to give you understanding, regardless of how difficult, easy, or simple the problem may be. Do not rely on personal wisdom or understanding. Ask now to give you understanding.

Two men on their way to Emmaus discussed Christ Jesus, His miracles, death, burial, and resurrection; they knew all about Him but lacked understanding when He was with them until He opened their eyes to understand. “And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him, and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures? And they rose the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” Luke 24:30-35, 45

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, give me understanding as I lay down my life to obey and follow you. I submit to your word and your will, I ask that you help me in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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REWARD OF UNDERSTANDING

July 13, 2025

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

God wants us to have a good knowledge and understanding. Having a good understanding of events, things, people, the word of God, and ourselves will solve a significant number of troubles in the world and in our lives, but human beings do not want to give themselves to understanding, but insist they already know while desiring to solve a problem. Having a good understanding will give peace in every issue in our lives, help in our relationships with family members and friends, marriage, and finances. It will help us in living the Christian life in a corrupt society and remain faithful, holy, and committed to the ways of God as Noah, Lot, and Job did in their days on earth.

A good understanding will enhance peace and happiness in the world and in all relationships. It will help us live better and longer; it will curb anger and bitterness; it will improve our health and make us less frightened, and help us intellectually, physically, and spiritually. In all things, seek understanding, ask God for understanding, submit yourself to understanding, and it will help you avoid harmful mistakes that are contrary to the will of God for you in that issue. Seek it, pray for it, ask for it, and wait on God for it. He will give you understanding. James told us we have not because you ask not. In the world today, everyone is seeking wisdom without desiring understanding, but understanding is what we need to excel in wisdom. “Then He taught me, and he said to me, take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this; get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:4-10

There is power in all forms of education, but having a good understanding will add excellence to your life beyond education. Regardless of education and learning, there are many things we will never know, or think we know, but do not have the understanding of how it works, and how it is sustained. A lack of proper understanding is the problem that most of us are having in our lives, marriages, family, relationships, and the world today. Having a good understanding is more than being educated. It is a gift from God that compels discipline in an individual. If you have an understanding of the issues in your life, your life will change, and your views on many issues will change for the very best.

Do not just follow Christ; seek an understanding of who He is. Do not just read the scriptures; seek an understanding of what they say. Do not just seek wisdom, seek understanding, and give yourself to applying them. “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting, and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. I thought age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom. But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.” Psalm 119:140-144, Job 32:7-9

“Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.” 2 Timothy 2:7

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I ask that you give me understanding as you gave Daniel. I submit myself to follow and obey you. I ask that you help me do this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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SEEK UNDERSTANDING (3)

July 6, 2025

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; He gives all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. He covers the heavens with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor His pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.” Psalm 147:3-11

After salvation, the next phase of our relationship with God is having an understanding of the things we hear and have heard; the things we see and have seen; the things we know, and the things we experience. Understanding that our God is never absent in our affairs is key to having our peace restored and our focus perfected on Him. It might be tough to understand and accept, but when He gives us the power to understand them, our focus will be on the next step that leads to His glory. God wants us to have peace now and in the future, no matter the issues before us. He wants us not to dwell on our past failures or pains. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything in the past, in the present, or about the future. He is in control of everything that concerns us.

A Godly understanding will give strength to our faith, hope for our future, peace in our minds, and boldness to move forward regardless of known and unknown opposition before us. There is a purpose for accepting, believing, and following Christ Jesus; there is a purpose for the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in you; there is a purpose for every word of God, and there is a purpose for having understanding. In our journey to eternity, God wants us to rely on Him and His word. Educational knowledge in all fields of learning, and ungodly understanding will lead us to confusion and finally eternal condemnation, but a godly understanding will give us peace even in times of adversity and pain. “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them, but gives approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32

In following Christ Jesus, seek to hold on to His understanding instead of the understanding of men, regardless of the physical gains thereof. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has the authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.” Luke 12:4-8

This was the confidence of David based on his understanding of what God has and can do. “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God? How vast is the sum of them? If I were to count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” Psalm 139:9-18

“With God are wisdom and might; He has counsel and understanding. If He tears down, none can rebuild; if He shuts a man in, none can open. If He withholds the waters, they dry up; if He sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With Him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are His. He leads counselors away stripped, and judges, He makes fools. He loses the bonds of kings and binds a waistcloth on their hips. He leads priests away, stripped, and overthrows the mighty. He deprives of speech those who are trusted, and takes away the discernment of the elders. He pours contempt on princes and loosens the belt of the strong. He uncovers the deep out of darkness and brings deep darkness to light. He makes nations great, and He destroys them. He enlarges nations and leads them away. He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth and makes them wander in a trackless waste. They grope in the dark without light, and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.” Job 12:13-25

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I ask that you give me understanding as you gave Daniel. I submit myself to follow and obey you. I ask that you help me do this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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SEEK UNDERSTANDING (2)

June 29, 2025

“The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping. But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.” Luke 12:47-48

In the Old Testament, to know His will, to do them, and to remain in His love, provision, and under His protection, God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments after they left the place of their enslavement in Egypt. In the New Testament, God has given us all we need to remain in His love, provision, and protection through Jesus Christ. All that Christians need to have the very best of life and living, God’s love, word, commandments, provisions, visions, revelations, His will, and all of His instructions have been given to us, and now, all we have to do is seek understanding of all of them. Understanding requires that we not only know them but that we obey them. If we do not know, how will we obey, how will we do? We have to seek with all diligence to know how they work, how they impact us daily, how our obedience will bring reward, and how our ignorance will bring harm to us, bring punishment, and possibly rejection.

As we continue in our Christian faith journey after salvation, we have to seek God’s (1) wisdom, (2) understanding, and (3) knowledge. If we have these three things in abundance in our lives, we will never be lacking in anything that He has promised us in His word.

By wisdom, a house is built. One thing King Solomon asked for that changed his life, changed his kingdom, and affected his leadership in Israel was wisdom. “In that night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, Ask what I shall give you. And Solomon said to God, You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great? God answered Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom, and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 1 Chronicles 1:7-12

By understanding, you will be established. “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. He has shown His people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:2-10

By knowledge, the rooms are filled with all the precious and pleasant riches. “The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead. With his mouth, the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge, the righteous are delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is overthrown. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.” Proverbs 11:8-14

It takes great wisdom to have a good life, family, business, a good home, and a good relationship

It takes understanding to become strong in the Christian faith and have a sound foundation.

It takes knowledge to fill a home with rare and beautiful treasures.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I desire to do greater and better things to glorify you on earth. I ask that you help me remove distractions and give me understanding as you gave Daniel. I submit myself to follow and obey you. I ask that you help me do this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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SEEK UNDERSTANDING (1)

June 22, 2025

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:1-13

With all thy getting, get understanding. There are many things in the world today that disturb the mind, misdirect our hearts, change our path, and our vision, but having an understanding of those issues will calm our hearts and comfort our souls. God has a purpose for everything He allows in our lives and on earth, and He wants us to understand His ways and purpose. Knowledge of the event is wisdom, but understanding the reasons for the event gives you peace. In the Scripture, we read of the story of how Jesus Christ was sleeping during a storm, and how His disciples were afraid and disturbed because of the same storm. In whatever situation you may find yourself, having a good understanding of that situation will give you peace.

“Now, when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us, we are perishing. But He said to them, why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:23-27. Understanding will enhance your faith, thoughts, and actions. It will give you growth beyond the issues happening and will direct your steps. You will need an understanding to reap the benefits of faith in God’s word.

Did you know that understanding is a gift from God? Wisdom of the world is foolishness before God and does not always win in all battles. Even when you are weak, understanding can deliver you from all afflictions. When there are conflicts around the world, in nations, at home, and in our personal lives, seek understanding. “Jesus answered, watch out, and do not let anyone fool you. Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, I am the Messiah, and they will fool many people. You are going to hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away, but do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. All these things are like the first pains of childbirth. Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. Many will give up their faith at that time; they will betray one another and hate one another. Then many false prophets will appear and fool many people. Such will be the spread of evil that many people's love will grow cold. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13

You will never fully understand all of your situations, but seek to understand your purpose and God’s purpose, and this is only made possible by God through grace from the salvation of our souls by Jesus Christ. This is one of the benefits of salvation – knowing and understanding your purpose. Understanding is expensive, but its reward is more than money. Daniel, in his days, excelled through the understanding given to him by God

“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all, none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore, they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.” Daniel 1:17-21

“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” Proverbs 18:2, 14:29.

LET US PRAY

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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BETTER UNDERSTANDING

June 15, 2025

“Jesus answered, don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, show us the Father? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:9-14

Jesus Christ forgives our sins, washes us clean with His blood, and gives us salvation which brings us to the presence of the Almighty God, fills us with the Holy Spirit, leads us, and by the working of His Spirit and His word in us, there is no nothing more to expect than better and greater things that will glorify His name in our lives. You were saved to begin doing better things, turning and breaking away from shameful activities.

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened, those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come, and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they are nailing Him to the cross once again and holding Him up to public shame.” Hebrews 6:1-6

Every Christian receives a measure of the Holy Spirit of God in them on the day of salvation from Jesus Christ, and that Spirit desires to work in and through them to produce a greater and better understanding of things in their lives and the Scriptures. You have come to Christ, you have been in Christ, you have been in the church, and you have believed and accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, now is the time to dig deeper to know Him and to walk with Him; to go further in knowledge, understanding, obedience, and do meaningful and impacting things with what Christ has given you, not continuing on the foundation of the previous lifestyle and dead works.

Paul wrote to the Galatians to show us how to live that new life in Christ. “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Galatians 2:20-21. We should not frustrate the grace given to us, we should not hinder the Spirit of God working to make us better, and we should not give ourselves to the former things we were engaging in before.

“Oh, foolish Galatians who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of His death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question, did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not, you received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not, it is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. In the same way, Abraham believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in His sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when He said; all nations will be blessed through you. So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” Galatians 3:1-9

Abraham believed in and obeyed God, and that changed his life and his family from what they had been before. He also changed the world through his obedience to God and faith in every word that God spoke to him. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and faith in God, Abraham laid a foundation for all believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Abraham had victory over adversities, lived to see the promises fulfilled, received a word for the children of Israel, and God worked with him to show the world what obedience can do for a man of faith and obedience to His word. It is not impossible; that is what Christ wants, and that is what the Holy Spirit will do. Christ told the disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I desire to do greater and better things to glorify you on earth. I ask that you help me remove distractions. I submit myself to follow and obey you at all times, and I ask that you help me do this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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STRENGTH IN YOUR MIND

June 08, 2025

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

Even when it is silent and you are inactive, never undermind the power of the mind. Seek to bring it under control by the power of the word of God through constant meditation. Ceal it from any evil influence within or without. Those things that seem insignificant can linger longer in the mind and can survive there for a very long time, patiently waiting for the right moment to come out and take control of your thoughts and actions. Guilt and hate can linger longer in the mind much more than in the heart and thoughts. That is the reason we often remember childhood events or old-time music in our old age without having to think about them. As a Christian, invest in your mind. Cultivate its power, fill it always with the word of God from the scriptures. Do not leave the mind unengaged, pray always and everywhere; pray with understanding and in the spirit. The devil is looking for an empty mind to use. It should not be yours.

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

The devil is like a roaring lion walking around and seeking a person to destroy – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander. These are what defile a person.” Matthew 15:18-20

When we think about bible verses about the mind, it’s also crucial to consider the concept of walking in the Spirit. Our journey as Christians is maximized when we align our thoughts and actions with the Spirit’s leading and confirming the word of God. Walking in the Spirit means allowing God’s presence to guide us in every aspect of our lives. It leads to a joyful, fulfilled life where we can see His light in us and shine the same to others. This is committing our lives to living out our faith actively.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.” Proverbs 19:20-22

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, help me, I want your word to renew my mind. Help me, teach, and guide me as I read, desire, and meditate on your word daily. Let nothing hinder my mind from you again. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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WHERE IS YOUR MIND? (3)

June 01 25, 2025

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” Romans 1:28-32

The mind is never idle; it is always active, thinking something good or evil. Immoral minds produce immoral things, and godly minds produce godly things. What you allow in your mind produces the character that is called you. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” Romans 1:26-28. God gave them up to do what their mind says after refusing to accept what God says.

The mind is the seat of human consciousness, thinking, feeling, planning, and action. The mind, though not seen with the naked eye, is you in the open space, in the eyes of people when you act, speak, or relate in any form or shape. Your character is a direct reflection of your mind. It is the 'I' in you made known to the world. Your mind is an ongoing construction of your brain, heart, body, and the surrounding world. God wants your mind fixed on good things, fixed on His word and commands, and pleasing Him. “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Psalm 37:3-8

As we reflect on bible verses about the mind, we should also consider what it means to set our minds on the Spirit. This principle urges us to prioritize spiritual thoughts and desires over worldly distractions. When we align our thoughts with the Spirit’s leading, we open ourselves up to divine guidance and joy. We can experience the fullness of life that God offers us, reflecting it in all that we say and do. Let’s explore the verses that inspire us to set our minds on the Spirit.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:22-27

Put away therefore childishness, and be born again; and let your light so shine before men, that they may see the good works of you, which ye do in the name of the Lord, and shall glorify God.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:4-8

Set your mind on God, on spiritual things, on things that God approves and will do. Walk in the Spirit and renew your mind always according to the God of God. Do not allow any negative thing to hold your mind captive; expel every negative thought and idea immediately from your mind. God wants to bless you through the goodness of your mind that is fixed on obeying and following His commands. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

LET US PRAY

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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WHERE IS YOUR MIND? (2)

May 25, 2025

“For the Scriptures say, if you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” 1 Peter 3:10-12; Jeremiah 17:9-10

At all times, in all things, and places, the mind needs to be controlled; it can be controlled and has been controlled, but it will take a lot of self-restraint, self-control, and strong determination to control the mind. The minds of all human beings are always active; it is never idle, whether we are silent, speaking, walking, or working. It is always searching for things to do, places to go, songs to sing, movie scenes to remember, activities to pay attention to, consider, or ponder. The mind is always on something, and who you are and want to be is an important indication of where your mind will be. Do not put your mind on evil, do what is right, and allow God to do the rest. Do not allow evil to control your mind, it will ruin you. Whoever can control his or her mind will control his or her thoughts, words, actions, heart, and life.

The first place that Satan seeks to control in your life is your mind, and if he gets it, he also gets and controls you and everything else that is associated with you. God also searches the mind and tries the heart deeply at all times, to give us what we deserve. Challenges seek to affect the mind and control the outcome. When challenges change your mind often, it leads to uncertainty, fear, and doubts. God told Joshua, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command; be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9

When things go wrong, where is your mind? When things go right, where is your mind? In all things and all situations, what is and what comes out of your mind is important. Guarding our minds is a critical aspect of our spiritual journey. It is easy for negative thoughts or influences to creep into our minds and lives and affect our peace. The first place it enters is through our mind, then it reflects on our thoughts, words, and actions. What shapes our minds controls our lives. The scriptures remind us to be vigilant and protect what we allow to shape our minds. Embracing the peace that God offers can safeguard us from anxiety and doubt. We must stand firm in God’s word to ensure that our thoughts align with His truth.

“We all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. A small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes, it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right. Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” James 3:2-12; Proverbs 18:21

It is important to stay mindful during prayer. Prayer is our best opportunity to connect with God, share our thoughts and feelings, and hear from Him. It is essential to approach prayer with a clear and focused mind. Create space in your mind for the Holy Spirit to speak through prayer; allow God’s will to guide your thoughts, bringing peace and direction to your lives. We can not overlook the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. Our thoughts need to reflect His will so that our actions align with His guidance. When we prioritize God’s Word, we deepen our understanding of His instructions, allowing our minds to thrive in faith and obedience becomes a result of a mind transformed by His Word.

We must emphasize the value of seeking wisdom and understanding. Godly wisdom is a treasure that elevates our thinking and decision-making processes. When we earnestly seek God’s understanding, we find clarity and direction in our minds and thoughts. By lifting our minds to focus on God’s truth, we cultivate a deeper connection with Him. The most uplifting aspect of the mind is the importance of focusing on Christ. Our thoughts can easily drift to worry or doubt, but when we shift our focus back to Jesus, our minds change, and that affects our lives. Keeping our minds centered on Christ enables us to experience His peace and fill our minds with hope. By placing our trust in Him, we are reminded of His love and faithfulness.

LET US PRAY

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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WHERE IS YOUR MIND? (1)

May 18, 2025

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you once walked when you lived in them. But now you are to put off all these: anger, wrath, blasphemy, malice, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” Colossians 3:1-11

Where your mind is, controls your life, your affections, and your actions. Since you became a Christian, where is your mind right now? Are you still settled on the previous ways of living, thinking, speaking, and acting while still proclaiming to be saved? Christianity demands a visible spiritual and physical change for everyone who is truly in Christ Jesus. God demands we change, Jesus Christ demands we change, the Holy Spirit demands we change, and the church demands we change. John the Baptist told his followers, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, we have Abraham as our father, for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise children for Abraham. Even now, the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10

Did you know the best of you is your mind? Not beauty, physical appearance, clothing, wealth, legs, face, academics, hair, or accomplishments. The best of you is the mind in you, what is in it, who controls it, and what comes out of it? Many are paying great attention to things outside while ignoring the things inside, where the mind dominates. God does not want our minds to be idle, filled with mundane things, or to remain uncontrolled after salvation. He wants it focused on better living, spiritual and physical things; focused on heavenly things, and steady on things that will make, and keep us relevant and profitable to ourselves, to Him, and everyone else around us.

To "set your mind on things above" (Colossians 3:2) means to focus your thoughts and desires on heavenly realities rather than earthly distractions. This involves aligning your mindset with eternal values through practices such as prayer, meditation, and fellowship. It encourages all believers to prioritize their spiritual life and relationship with Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God. Additionally, practical steps to achieve this mindset include acknowledging your dependency on God, resisting worldly temptations, and letting the Holy Spirit guide you.

The mind plays a central role in all aspects of human life. The mind thinks, feels, perceives, imagines, remembers, and wills. It covers our mental phenomena, including consciousness through which we become aware of external and internal circumstances, and unconscious processes, which can influence an individual without intention or awareness. The mind encompasses many phenomena, including perception, memory, thought, imagination, motivation, emotion, attention, learning, affection, and consciousness. Perception is the process of interpreting and organizing information. Set your mind, transform your mind, guard your mind, the bible says. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Our mind is a powerful tool, it can either uplift or hinder us in our faith journey. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, we learn to think in ways that glorify Him; we turn to scripture for wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to keep our thoughts aligned with God’s purpose for our lives. Our minds affect our faith, thoughts, and relationship with God. In our salvation walk with Jesus Christ, God transforms our minds through His word, and our thoughts shape our attitudes and behaviors thereafter. A renewed mind leads to a renewed life and a significant physical and spiritual transformation. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

LET US PRAY

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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HAVE GOALS?

May 11, 2025

“Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:13-17.

Did you know, all actions and inactions have foreseen and unforeseen consequences? God does not want us to live without goals; to go out or come in without goals, and does not want us to be idle doing anything. He wants us to set goals and aim at those goals in our walk with Him as Christians. What are your goals? Are they divine or are they targeted at making only earthly gains at any cost, even when such gains are against God’s words and ways for your life and that of others? Your goals will determine where your heart will be and where you will be in life. It will determine all of your actions, your location, and your final destiny in life. Goals are important in everything, but note, goals are different from dreams.

God wants us to have goals, to have dreams, to have desires, and to aspire, but above all, He wants us to believe His word and follow His ways in all of our goals, in all of our dreams, in all of our desires, and in all of our aspirations irrespective of the challenges. Satan will always challenge our goals when they are targeted at pleasing God. Do not be afraid to have and to set goals; do not be afraid to have better dreams; do not be afraid to desire better things, and better positions; do not be afraid to aspire for better things, and do not be afraid in any way to suffer because of those goals, those dreams, those desires, and those aspirations that were divinely targeted at pleasing and glorifying God even when they are delayed. The cross of Jesus Christ was not a place for His perpetual suffering, but a place for His transition, a place for our redemption, a place for our victory, and a place for our ultimate physical and spiritual freedom. On the Cross, Jesus Christ was crucified so we will not be crucified. On the Cross, He set a goal for us to attain better things in life, despite what we have and will go through in life.

Peter gave us this word - “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” 1 Peter 4:12-19

At the cross, we saw the wickedness of human beings on display, and the weakness of the flesh in its fulness, but in the tomb where Jesus Christ was laid, we saw the power of God being raised up above all the acts of the wickedness of men and all the weakness of the flesh. Before Jesus Christ came into the world, He had a goal – to redeem all those who believe in Him from the powers of Satan and the darkness of the mind, and that goal was achieved on the cross.

“For His divine power has bestowed on us absolutely everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises of inexpressible value, so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. For this very reason, applying your diligence to the divine promises, make every effort in exercising your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge, insight, understanding, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, develop Christian love, that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit. For as these qualities are yours and are increasing in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity, they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, shortsighted, closing his spiritual eyes to the truth, having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 1 Peter 1:3-9

We are at a time where people set goals for themselves, for their children, for their education, for business, for their marriage, and for their profession; but unfortunately, most of the goals are never kept and never fulfilled; many are none achievable, and many people do not even remember their goals anymore because the goals have no value to look up to or no impart because of what is ongoing in their lives and situations. Most of these goals fail because we fail to make them our everyday priority. That is not what God wants for you.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, help me to set realistic goals, help me to focus on those goals and not be distracted because of sufferings or pains that will come after me, and help me to remember that you are always with me in everything and at every time despite the situations, my position, and my location. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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THOSE WHO WILL NEVER MAKE HEAVEN (2)

May 4, 2025

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

Continuing in the old way of life after salvation is disobedience to God, and it diminishes the full blessings of our salvation. God requires a new life after salvation regardless of wealth, nation, profession, gender, or fame. The old life is characterized by what the apostle Paul calls old things, old sinful nature, thoughts, ideas, and actions. Unbelievers possess a sinful nature that separates them from God in many ways, even when they are active in the church. A lifestyle that displays the works of the flesh and control of the devil. Atheists may exhibit basic moral values depending on their upbringing and environment, but they primarily live for themselves rather than God. Religious people who are unregenerate by the word of God cannot talk about an old life passing away. They hold them tight, fight to keep them, follow them, live by them, and glorify them above the words and teachings of Christ Jesus.

This is what Christ Jesus told His disciples - “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set Him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. He told them plainly, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven, even thou you are my disciples, except you are converted by My word. Following Jesus is never enough; conversion is the thing. You must be born again. That is what salvation requires.

Being religious without being converted and transformed by the word of God leads to self-righteousness. “But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law. So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, It is through faith that a righteous person has life. This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” Galatian 3:10-12

“Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty.” Revelation 21:27. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. Lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power, gullible men and women, people who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, those who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth, will not enter into the kingdom of God.

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people, none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Without the new birth, there is no heaven, despite being religious. If there is no renewal, no transformation, and no obedience, and sumissiveness, there is no heaven. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2. However, for those who believe in Christ, old things have indeed passed away.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, and my Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gift of Salvation and the miracles of the Cross. Keep me in You always, accept me in your kingdom, and bless me. I submit myself to follow and obey you all the time. I ask that you help me do these in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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THOSE WHO WILL NEVER MAKE HEAVEN (1)

April 27, 2025

“The people do as they please. It's all the same to them whether they kill a bull as a sacrifice or sacrifice a human being; whether they sacrifice a lamb or break a dog's neck; whether they present a grain offering or offer pigs' blood; whether they offer incense or pray to an idol. They take pleasure in disgusting ways of worship. So I will bring disaster upon them, the very things they are afraid of because no one answered when I called or listened when I spoke. They chose to disobey me and do evil.” Isaiah 66:3-4

The door of heaven is open to all, but not all will make it through. The door of the church is open to everyone, but not everyone will be in the church. The gospel is preached to everyone, but not everyone will believe and accept it. The truth is always available and revealed, but many will rather take the lies for the truth and prefer the easy and less stressful ways. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

The door of heaven is still open, and salvation is still possible regardless of our past. It is made possible by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, confessing past sins, turning to a new life through repentance and the renewal of hearts and ways, obedience, and submission to the word of God. Christ Jesus did not come to condemn, judge, or destroy anyone, He came to show us the way of living, the way to heaven, and reconcile us to God the Father. He did not come to use us against ourselves but to unite us to Himself through love, sacrifice on the cross, forgiveness, mercy, and divine patience.

God wants everyone to receive salvation and be in heaven with Him, but not everyone will be saved, not everyone will be in heaven, not everyone can continue in righteousness, and God will not compel anyone. Receiving salvation and remaining saved is optional, and carries rewards and consequences. He has done all that is needed, and given everyone a chance through Christ Jesus to come to Him, to know Him, be reconciled to Him, and remain in Him. It is now left for us to do our part. Go to Him with a submissive spirit and obedient heart. What are you doing?

It is not by good works, though that is necessary; it is not by name, though that is also good; it is not by religious affiliation, though that is needful, and it is not by nationality, tribe, profession, age, or color. It is only by salvation that results in a complete change of heart, mind, and way, obedience to the word of God, and submission to His word through obedience.

Christ told Nicodemus, a Jewish scholar and teacher – “Jesus replied I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. But how can anyone be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked Him. Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born? Jesus answered I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8

Being born again is a requirement, not church affiliation, good works, or a good name. God set this goal and the bar by His word, not by our thoughts or imagination. If we are not submissive to His word, we are not His. Do you know that not everyone in the church will enter heaven, regardless of their titles and services to the people of God in the church and outside the church? “Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, in your name we spoke God's message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles. Then I will say to them, I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people.” Matthew 7:21-23

LET US PRAY

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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THE MIRACLES AT EASTER

April 20, 2025

“The fool says in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion. When the Lord restores His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.” Psalm 14:1-7

-- Jesus Christ came, lived, died, was buried, He rose back to life, He is alive now, and forever.

-- He lived to prove God is real and true; the gospel is true, and believing is rewarding.

-- Christ Jesus came into the world

-- Christ Jesus died by crucifixion on the Cross

-- Christ Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

-- Christ Jesus gave gifts to men for the continuation of His ministry.

-- He sets the captives free

-- Defeated Satan in his domain

-- Took the keys of death and hell from Satan.

-- Christ Jesus triumphs over sin and death

-- Christ Jesus defeated death on His resurrection.

-- The soldiers confirmed, surely this is the Son of God

-- Mary Magdalene saw an empty grave and a resurrected Christ

-- Beyond all else, Salvation is rewarding, and hope becomes a reality.

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

We need Jesus Christ, we need His laws, and we need grace. If there is no law, why would you need grace? If there is no mercy, why would we need forgiveness? If there is no heaven, why do we believe? Where there is no law, neither is there disobedience. Romans 4:15. We need grace to be forgiven for breaking God’s law, and once we have been forgiven, we should stop living a life of disobedience to God’s law.

He disarmed Satan and destroyed his host

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:9-15

He descended, also ascended, and gave us gifts

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: When He ascended on high, He took many captives and gave gifts to His people. What does He ascended mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From Him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:7-16

He defeated sin and death

“For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:53-58

Graves were open

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people” Matthew 27:51-53

Conclusion

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:9-11

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, and my Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gift of Salvation and the miracles of the Cross. Keep me in You always, and bless me. I wholly submit myself to follow and obey you all the time. I ask that you help me do these in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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GO FOR GREATER THINGS (1)

April 13, 2025

Zechariah 4:1-5. The Vision of things God had planned, the reality of the things God will do, and the assurance of the things that you have.

You were not saved to be a copycat, or look like or emulate others. You were saved from sin and its evil so you can be like Christ in all things, emulating Him, and be watchful for greater things hereafter. Like Zerubbabel the high priest who set his eyes, heart, and strength in rebuilding the broken temple and restoring true worship of God in Israel, God wants you to look to Christ Jesus while depending on the Spirit of God to lead and direct your path, not on your strength, not on the power, or money or wealth, and not on the help or promises of men. Zerubbabel was told it would be possible to do greater things like rebuilding the temple, but “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. You will have to be not only a believer or friend of Jesus Christ; you will have to be committed to every word. Friendship without commitment and obedience will not profit you anything. You have to follow and depend on the word of God as Joshua was instructed – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.” Joshua 1:8-9

Christ Jesus told His disciples, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12. Don’t just wait for greater and better things, prepare yourself for them physically and spiritually. You were saved and delivered from your past for greater and better things to come, not past things, not what the devil is doing or going to do; you were saved for a meaningful and impacting life here on earth based on the word of God not on things that destroy oneself and destroys the works of Christ. You are saved and given a divine opportunity for a new beginning to begin all over again after a disappointment, a fall, or a failure; you were saved to become better and have a foundation quite distinct from the past, far better than the past, and supported upright by Christ Jesus on a foundation that will never crumble irrespective of the forces against it, and you are called to be prepared by absolutely believing Christ Jesus, believing every word of God, following every word and promises in obedience and sincerity. Christ told His disciples, Greater works will you do because of Him and where He was going.

Quit fighting small things; quit fighting on small issues, quit fighting things that Christ had given you victory over already on the cross – believe He won, and that victory was for you. Distracting issues will come often, but do not lose focus and the mission. You have to be prepared for the things God has promised. Preparing for greater things comes with self-discipline, a focused mind, a determined vision, and purposefully keeping the mission upfront in you all the time. Our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples never to quit believing if they wanted to see and do greater things in their lives, but soon after, we see how hunger and the lack of funds compelled them to go after seeking ways for themselves. Peter said, “I am going fishing,” and others responded, “We will come with you.” John 21:3.

Distraction is what takes us off the path of preparation, and we must know that Satan uses such in many ways to keep us off the tracks God has set for us and we have set for ourselves. This is what Apostle John said to all who have this desire “Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure. Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins and that there is no sin in Him. So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin, but whoever continues to sin has never seen Him or known Him.” 1 John 3:3-6. Keep yourself from sin – God will not keep you; do not break God’s law – you will pay the price; do not continue in sinful thoughts and habits - it will eventually destroy and ruin your hope and preparation.

“As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross, on the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for Him, He thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and He is now seated at the right side of God's throne. Think of what He went through, how He put up with so much hatred from sinners. So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3. You have a large crowd of angels and people on earth waiting to see you do great things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, as He had promised.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I desire to do greater and better things that will glorify you on earth. I ask that you help me, take ME away from all things that will distract and hinder me. I wholly submit myself to follow and obey you all the time. I ask that you will help me do these in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To be continued

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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BLESSINGS OF LOVE

April 6, 2025

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:16-21

Through God’s love for humanity, Jesus Christ was revealed to the world. Through Jesus Christ, we receive salvation. Through Salvation, we are released from the powers of Satan and sin and liberated from the consequences of our past. Those are just a few of the blessings of God’s love. The blessings of our love for others are also numerous. It liberates us from having a hate-filled heart and mindset, frees us from hateful people and a hateful environment, liberates our hearts from being judgmental, and liberates us from condemnation.

God is love, love is a blessing, and blessing is love. Love and blessings are what God does to all people regardless of language, age, and place. It is a blessing to be loved and a blessing to love. In all things and to all people, God’s love triumphed over judgment and shame. Love is the one means through which God shows the world who He is; through love, we are forgiven and receive salvation; through love, we are reconciled and restored to God. Through love, we are not lost from His sight, and through love, He keeps us for the day of redemption and reward.

Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God’s love. He is the fullness of the blessings of God’s love that we receive and enjoy. The blessings of love are numerous, and we, the world, and all human beings, regardless of nationality, plants, and animals living in the world, need all of them now more than ever before. The blessings of Love are peace and harmony, acceptance of one another, tolerance, good relationships, joy, and good neighborliness. Love is living, and life as God intended for humanity.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

This is how God showed His love among us:

He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us. Love

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love.

Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them.

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment.

There is no fear in love.

Perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because He first loved us.

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.

For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God.

Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:7-21

Loving those brings unity, joy, encouragement, progression, and power to mend hearts. In loving others, we create an atmosphere where God’s grace overflows and peace reigns.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there are demands in the love that I have for you and others. I ask that you help me meet these demands and remain in your love. Help me to practice forgiveness in love. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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IF ONE IS MISSING (2)

March 30, 2025

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:8-12

It is amazing that God wants us to keep the whole law, obey all His commandments, and keep ourselves from all physical and spiritual evil or errors. While these demands seem too big and impossible considering that we are still in this wicked world, God has promised to help us be and do what He says through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We cannot afford to miss one of the demands of loving God and others. This is His written law, His spoken demands, and His measurement to help us measure ourselves in love. Loving God and others is not to be done according to our thoughts and desires, but according to His word and demands, and nothing else. Samuel told King Saul, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

True Christianity is not only having a good spiritual lifestyle but also having and maintaining a good physical lifestyle. God requires all His children to do all they can physically to follow His word. Our efforts are important, and necessary, and will be rewarded by Him. Love is beyond words, feelings, personal comfort, and gifts. It is what God demands from us and of us daily in all things to all peoples regardless of religious affiliations, nationalities, gender, or race. Love is bigger and larger than the thoughts of men.

Love demands – Endures – Patience - Serenity – Kindness – Thoughtfulness. It is not jealous – or envious; it does not brag, is not proud – arrogant – rude - self-seeking. It is not easily provoked, overly sensitive, and easily angered; it does not take into account a wrong endured. Does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth when right and truth prevail.

Love bears all things and all people regardless of what comes; believes all things, looking for the best in each one; hopes all things, remaining steadfast during difficult times; it endures all things without weakening. Love never fails, and it never fades or ends, no matter the outcome.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now, we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

The greatest thing we can offer to God and anyone else is love. It is not our comfortable feelings, praises, prayers, gifts, or pleasures.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there are demands in the love that I have for you and others. I ask that you help me meet these demands to remain in your love. Help me to practice forgiveness in love. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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IF ONE IS MISSING

March 23, 2025

“I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains, but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned, but if I have no love, this does me no good.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

God is calling us to a higher standard in our relationships and is ready to lead us to that level when we are fully submissive to Him and to His word no matter what. He does not want us to fail or miss anything in His demands. “For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all.” James 2:10. Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. -- Make no mistake, regardless of where you are and who you are, God’s love for you is complete and perfect, and nothing is missing, that is how He wants us to love without giving excuses. He is perfect in all He does, His words are perfect and His ways are perfect. Nothing He demands from us is impossible because He knows us well enough to also know what He has endowed us with regardless of what we know and see in ourselves.

When He demands from us, He knows we can do it. When He demands obedience, He knows we can do it. When He demands forgiveness, He knows we can do it. He would not demand what He has not given us the power to do. He loves us to the fullness and did not leave any detail for us to imagine in that love for us. He loved us so much that He did not spare His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. God’s love did not only end in the salvation of our souls, it continued into our forgiveness, blessings, guardian, correction, supports, and mercies until we find peace in our lives, peace with Him, and peace with others through love. It continued through the grave and after the grave, His love holds nothing back from us and not one jot is missing from His acts of love for every one of us. God does not love us for what we are but for who He is.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He called; those He called, He justified; those He justified, He glorified. What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8:28-35

In desiring to love, and be loved, nothing should be missing from our side, and obedience to all of His word is the best and only way to show how much we truly love God. He does not want us to show love according to our thoughts, imaginations, and feelings, but according to His word in the Scriptures. This is how important that is – Jesus said who we are and what we should do –

-- You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

-- You are the light of the world.

-- A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

-- Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

-- Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

-- Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;

-- I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

-- Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

-- Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

-- Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

-- I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

-- Anyone who says to a brother or sister, Raca (Idiot), is answerable to the court.

-- Anyone who says, you fool, will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:13-22

LET US PRAY

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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THE DEMANDS OF LOVE (4)

March 16, 2025

Forgiveness is not a choice; it is one of the demands of love, it is following and obeying God’s word and the teachings and examples of Christ Jesus. God demands that we forgive others as He forgives us. Forgiving is very hard but very powerful. It takes consistency, strength, and humility to let go. But when we forgive, we open ourselves to God’s love in our hearts and relationships.

“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:8, 11

In love, do not overlook the importance of patience and forgiveness. They are a foundation for a peaceful life and lasting true love. Love demands forgiveness everyday, everywhere, and every time, and in every offense. God loves us and the first thing He did in that love was not to count how many times we have offended Him or refused to obey His command – offered us forgiveness to everyone who comes to Him regardless of their past. “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” 1 John 1:8-10

Love is far beyond a gift received or given. At all times, for love to thrive, we must endeavor to meet its demand. If any one of these demands is missing, love is lust and lost regardless of what we say and do in the name of love. Practicing forgiveness in Love is what we are called to do

Christianity is about Christ Jesus, love, and forgiveness. Christianity teaches us how important it is to practice forgiveness, it allows us to remember how God forgave us our sins, it allows love to flow freely from us to others, it frees us from guilt and hatred, and gives us peace of mind to look up for better days and relationships. When we refuse to forgive, we build walls that hinder ourselves and our relationships. The lack of true forgiveness keeps us trapped in bitterness, and an expectation of evil. Forgiveness does not only set others free, it liberates us and frees our hearts from conceiving evil. Through forgiveness, love, strength, and unity will strive; understanding, and encouragement will improve our productivity, and peace will reign.

Practice forgiveness at all times, let it rule your thoughts and sink into your heart, let it be your new life and way of doing and reasoning things out. Don’t just forgive once, forgive always until your heart is free. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

Remember it is forgiveness that restores us to God through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness brings restoration. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is demanded by God. It doesn’t mean forgetting or accepting wrongs, it is about letting go of resentment and choosing healing and restoration. Forgiveness frees us from the past, it brings a future full of love, reconciliation, and restoration. Forgiveness changes us, changes relationships, and helps us move past anger and bitterness. It breaks the cycle of hurt, rejection, loneliness, and isolation. It helps us build relationships and grows our understanding and acceptance. “One day Jesus said to His disciples, there will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. So watch yourselves. If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. The apostles said to the Lord, show us how to increase our faith. The Lord answered, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, may you be uprooted and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.” Luke 17:1-6

LET US PRAY

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Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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THE DEMANDS OF LOVE (3)

March 9, 2025

“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5b. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. “I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Joshua 1:5b. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3a.

“The Lord himself watches over you. The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:6-8

Love requires guardians and guidance. Being a guard and a guide is being there at all times. God gave us His word as a guard and guide in our daily living. Without guidance and a guardian, love is ineffective, insufficient, aimless, purposeless, and powerless. Love changes all people and all things and the most effective kind of love is God’s love. In all things, remember that God loves you and has paid the full price through that love for everything you will ever require to move on to the next level regardless of what you know is working against you.

True love is us being there at all times, in all circumstances, and through all situations. In times of shame, sadness, lack, sorrow, confusion, tears, loneliness, disappointment, disqualification, rejection, loss, and joy without being afraid of repercussions. God’s love is with a purpose - to show how much we are loved by Him. “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.” Hebrews 13:1-3

The true demands in love are huge and sometimes painful, but the rewards far outweigh all the pains therein. God saved us by love through Jesus Christ and wants us to show love to others as He does to us. God’s love never ends, never fails, and never diminishes with time no matter what, where, and who. That is the demand of love He wants us to have towards each other.

When you love people, show it by the genuine guidance you provide, not just by the gifts you give. When you love people, you will also love to be guided in all activities.

Importance of Loving Guidance

In our Christian journey through life, we should always rely on love to guide our actions and decisions. We should not give up God’s guidance and follow the guidance of the people of the world no matter how rich and successful they are in what they do. When we love God, we will also love and follow His counsel. When we love people, we should listen to and follow their counsel and also provide counsel. The Scripture emphasizes the importance of loving counsel and wisdom from others. “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined, and everyone undergoes discipline, then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live? They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Hebrews 12:5-12

We benefit tremendously from sharing our concerns with love-filled friends and family, who can help steer us in the right direction in good and bad times. By recognizing the value of loving guidance, we learn and grow in the things of God, molding ourselves into the loving individuals God calls us to be. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” Proverbs 1:8-9, 12:15-20

This is what King David said the word of God affected his life, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.” Psalm 119:105-109

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there are demands in your love and in the love that I have for you and others. I ask that you will help me meet these demands and remain in your love as I love others as you also love me. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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THE DEMANDS OF LOVE (2)

March 2, 2025

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:7-11. True love has a divine demand. God loves us so that we could love Him back through Jesus Christ and love others also as He and Christ Jesus love us. True love is not loving ourselves or others as we want, but loving as God wants and has given us guidance through His word. In all things, loving as God loves and wants is the most important, and that was exactly what Jesus Christ did, and is doing right now.

Love – endures with patience and serenity. Love – requires kindness and thoughtfulness. Love – is not being hostile, jealous, or envious of anyone. Love -- does not brag about past deeds or present favor. Love - is not proud or arrogant. Love -- is not being rude to anyone for anything. Love - is not self-seeking or talking to promote oneself. Love – does not provoke others. Love - is not being overly sensitive and easily angered. Love - does not take into account a wrong endured. Love -- does not rejoice at injustice. Love -- rejoices with the truth when God’s truth prevails. Love -- is patient enough to bear all things regardless of what comes. Love – is not suspicious but believes all things and looks for the best in each one. Love -- hopes for all things. Love -- remains steadfast during difficult times. Love -- endures all things without weakening.

In the world today, love has been misinterpreted, misunderstood, misrepresented, mismanaged, and misused. It is most often used for personal purposes. We have replaced love with only affection for people we like in the world or family, but God’s love is all-inclusive to all people, all race, all gender, all language, and all ideology everywhere in the world regardless of family affiliation and affluence. In the world, we love those who love us; we give to those who like us, we love those who submit to our ideas, we love those who do not challenge us even when we are wrong. While urging us to love, God even asked us to not only love those who love us but to also love those who hate us, -- love our enemies, those who disagree with us, those who disrespect us, and those who have no regard for us or our beliefs or our faith.

“I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned, but if I have no love, this does me no good. Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear.” 1 Corinthians 14:3-9

Love requires providing guardians and guidance. That is one reason God gives us His word to guard and guide us as we live and love. This is what David said in the scripture. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again, I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord, restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.” Psalm 119:105-115

All of the words of God are the expression of His love. His promises are the promises of His love to us. They are not only to inform us of heavenly things but also to guide and guard us on earthly things. If we refuse to be guided and guarded by His word in all of our activities, then we are not working in love. If we love ourselves, we have to abide by His word, and if we love others, we have to show them how by God’s word. Love is not complete without providing a guide and being there as a guardian always and althrough.

To guide is to lead, and to guard is to protect. If we cannot meet these demands in love, then we cannot love, and there is no true love in us. Love demands guidance – that is why God gave us His word. We cannot say we love God without knowing and loving His word.

LET US PRAY

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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THE DEMANDS OF LOVE (1)

February 23, 2025

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way. God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12

“For God loved the world in this way, He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

There are so many ways to love and to show love, but there is only one perfect way, - to first love God through knowing and accepting Jesus Christ in all of our ways, thoughts, and actions and to meet the demands therein. We cannot say we are in love without meeting those demands. Love is not indulging in any form of immoral sin or compromising the word of God. Love is beyond gifts, and showing compassion; love is an unending lifestyle expressed always to all people created by God on earth while mirroring the word of God through every step, action, and thought. There are demands that must be met in true love. God loves us with a demand that we believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and Jesus Christ loves us with a demand that we keep His commandment – “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” John 14:15

“And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in Him. In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, for we are as He is in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen. And we have this command from Him, the one who loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:16-21. And if we love, we must also show love with a demand.

His love is unchanging and everlasting but it has a demand. God’s love has a demand – that we will come to Him through Jesus Christ. That we love Him in return. That we will be changed from the inside and the change be seen in everything we will ever do thereafter. That we will believe in Him and accept His ways. That we will repent from our sins and turn away from our evil past. That we have a new life in Him and live in the comfort of that love.

God demands love to be a guiding principle in all of our relationships; should be thoughtful, kind, forgiving, unconditional, persistent, devoted, and mirror God’s love for us. God’s love demands we strive to love others the way God loves us. Love fosters understanding, and encourages healthy relationships, harmony, and peace in our lives and the lives of others. Where there is conflict, there is hatred, fear, confusion, and war, and where there is God’s love, there is peace, harmony, hope, and joy. “A good person's words are a fountain of life, but a wicked person's words hide a violent nature. Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses. But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” Proverbs 10:11-12, 1 Peter 4:7-8. There are so many things amiss in each of us, but while correcting, true love covers what is seen as amiss and gives direction through peaceful and loving counsel. Loving counsel and wisdom from others is a great benefit in a love-filled relationship. It steers us in a direction that God wants and brings guidance, learning, growing, and molding into our lives.

Love demands that you seek God’s wisdom and do what it says. “If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong. If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. Honor the Lord by making Him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all. My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud. Happy is anyone who becomes wise, who comes to have understanding. There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. Wisdom offers you a long life, as well as wealth and honor. Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.” Proverbs 3:4-18

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there are demands in your love and in the love that I have for you and others. Please help me meet these demands and remain in your love as I love others as you also love me. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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DO YOU KNOW THEM?

February 16, 2025

“Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. So, I will acknowledge in front of my Father in Heaven that person who acknowledges me in front of others. But I will tell my Father in heaven that I don’t know the person who tells others that he doesn’t know me.”

Matthew 10:31-33

Those who know, and follow God are known in heaven and seen on earth because their actions are never hidden, they carry a divine reward for all to see and are not hidden. God says if you acknowledge Him, He will acknowledge you. That is a straightforward promise. There is nothing else attached to that and is open to everyone, Christians, Jews, people of every nationality, color, age, gender, and language. Christianity is a call to everyone in every nation. Everyone is welcomed and called to accept, believe, follow, obey, and be subject to the word of God through Jesus Christ. Christianity is not hidden and everyone who is called a Christian, and truly follows Christ Jesus and obeys His word would not be hidden by anything on earth and in heaven. Jesus says He would acknowledge them before His Father in heaven and to all men on earth. He would expose them openly for people to see their good works, good hearts, good words, and good character before all men.

These are men and women all over the world displaying the commandments of God and His words through deeds, actions, words, imaginations, thoughts, and judgments regardless of the condemnation by people of the world. “Everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. For God loved the world in this way, He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. This, then, is the judgment; the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” John 3:15-21

These are men and women displaying, following, and keeping all the commands given by Jesus Christ. “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this, all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

These are people who had been renewed, transformed, and engaged by the word of God alone and nothing else. “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 8:1-2; Romans 12:1-2

God promised to enable them to sit and stand before kings no matter what displaying His good works, character, and showing His goodness, and faithfulness by their daily deeds. “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.” Proverbs 22:29

These people are not distinguished by their strength but by God’s strength through grace and spirit. They are sometimes hated by the world but they are loved and secured in the hands of the Almighty God. They do not look wise in the eyes and knowledge of the world but they bring people to the kingdom of God. “Brothers, consider your calling, not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world, what is viewed as nothing, to bring to nothing what is viewed as something so that no one can boast in His presence. But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us, our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption in order that as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

There is no knowledge, wisdom, understanding, thoughts, imagination, insights, or wonders that are beyond God’s and there is nothing anyone can do or would do that is not known and seen by Him. God knows who and what we are and nothing is hidden from His knowledge and sight. He knows us more than we know ourselves and loves us more than we love ourselves. God does not want us to hide who we are, hide our salvation, Christianity, activities, acceptance, fellowship, and understanding of Him from others. He wants us to declare Him openly and publicly.

LET US PRAY

Thank You, my Father for saving my soul, and delivering my spirit, mind, and body from the evil influence of the world. I submit myself to you and ask that you would use it for your glory as long as I live. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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CONDITIONS FOR HIS PRESENCE

February 9, 2025

“For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:16-21The scripture gave this conditional statement to whosoever.

It is worthy to note that in all the appearances of Christ Jesus to His disciples, He always left behind an instruction to follow. He never showed Himself to them for the fun of it, so also in our time; Christ Jesus will not show Himself without leaving behind an instruction that will lead us into bigger things in His mission and His blessing.

It is worth knowing that in all His appearances, the disciples met certain conditions before He

showed Himself. He never showed Himself to individual disciples but always to a group of at least two except for Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Christ Jesus said, “The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me, and whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and will show, reveal, manifest Myself to him. I will let Myself be seen by him and make Myself real to him.” John 14:21. These are the six conditions that we must also meet if we want to experience what the disciples experienced after the resurrection.

1. We must seek Him with all of our hearts. That was what Mary Magdalene did even in the presence of the armed soldier without being afraid and she was not disappointed. If you would do the same, you will not be disappointed regardless of the threat from people. “But if from there you will seek, inquire for and require as necessity the Lord your God, you will find Him if you truly seek Him with all your heart and mind and soul and life” Deuteronomy 4:29

2. We must learn to talk about Him in our private and public conversations. That was what the two disciples did on their way to Emmaus and Christ Jesus joined in that conversation. He is willing to join us not only on Sunday morning services but every day and everywhere if we will give ourselves to talk about Him everywhere and every day “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man loves me, he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.” Matthew 10:32, John 14:23-25

3. We must always learn to gather together in His name. That was what the disciples did when He showed Himself. Note that Thomas was absent and missed seeing the Lord at that first gathering. “For wherever two or three are gathered, drawn together as My followers in My name, there I Am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

4. We must learn to pray and trust in His name. God answers prayers. Remember corporate prayers attract corporate blessings. “If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

5. We must learn to do what the scripture says. There is no need to call on the Lord if you will not learn to obey His instructions. “Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

6. We must love the Lord with all our heart and substance. Your first and foremost love in life should be the Lord Jesus Christ. If you cannot love Him, you will not be able to love yourself or anyone else appropriately. The heart that loves and obeys Christ Jesus as Lord will love and respect all human beings. There is no true love without the first love of Jesus Christ in our hearts.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him because he first loved us. If a man says I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4:7-21

LET US PRAY

Thank You, my Father in heaven, I have read of the presence of Jesus Christ with His disciples after the resurrection. I desire that You will be with me, show Yourself in my situation, and grant me the grace to rejoice in You the rest of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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BY YOUR ACTION

February 2, 2025

“The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Just a little while now, and the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. At that time you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who really loves Me, and whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and will show Myself to him. I will let Myself be seen by him and make Myself real to him. Judas, not Iscariot, asked Him, Lord, how is it that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus answered, If a person loves Me, he will keep My word, obey My teaching, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Anyone who does not love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but from the Father Who sent Me. I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall, remind, bring to your remembrance everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I now give bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. You heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming back to you. If you loved Me, you would have been glad, because I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater and mightier than I am. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe and have faith in and rely on Me.” John 14:17-29

Our deeds and actions are important. None is insignificant and none will go without a reward. God is forever bound to fulfill His words and promises to everyone who diligently obeys, follows, and stands by those words and promises. He always speaks before every event in human history. He makes a way for His words before confusion sets in; provides life-giving instructions before sending anyone on assignment, and corrects every error when we mess up, repent, and go back to Him. One thing with God is that, in every situation, He cherishes a true and genuine heart of repentance and our willingness to get it right again by looking unto Him.

Before the death of Christ Jesus on the Cross, He told the disciples many things would happen to Him and what He would do after the resurrection. He gave these three-in-one promises to His disciples. These were the promises made by Christ to the disciples personally -

1. He promised not to leave them. Though Christ knew He was about to be crucified on the cross, He told the disciples without any doubt that He would not leave them. That promise signified His continuous presence despite whatever happened and even when He knew He was to die. This is happening right now among true Christians, His presence can be felt when and where true believers are gathered together in His name. “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable and faithful to His word. And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up to love and helpful deeds and noble activities. Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching” Hebrews 10:23-25. Christ has never stopped being with His children at all times in all situations as He was with the Apostles. Without His presence, there is no church and no fellowship. His presence is what makes the difference in every life in every situation.

2. He promised to come to them. The second promise was that He would come to them, and truly He went to meet them at the appointed place after the resurrection. In all His appearances to the disciples, He went to them, on the road to Emmaus, by the sea of Tiberia, in the upper room, and when they were praying. “Jesus answered, If a person loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23. Christ dwells in you when you invite Him into your life.

3. He said they (the disciples) shall see Him. This was what Judas asked, “Why to us alone and not to the world” and this was the answer: “Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:12-14. One thing is quite certain, Christ will never impose Himself, His teachings, His promises, and His lifestyle on anyone, He will never force anyone to believe Him, to worship Him, and to seek Him, but anyone who will ever step out to seek Him will find Him.

LET US PRAY

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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THE DIFFERENCE (2)

January 26, 2025

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice. Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9

Living to make a difference is what God desires for all Christians. Christ came to this world to make a difference, He died, was buried, and raised again to life to make a difference. He forgave our sins and saved us so we can live the rest of our lives to make a difference. Where your heart is important in making a difference. What you give your heart to remember and meditate on is also important to your health and in making a difference.

God wants us to remember His testimonies and fix our hearts on Him always. “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me. For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness. What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring Him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer Him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you, to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:3-8

God has provisions for all Christians to be healthy, to have a cheerful heart, and to be thankful to Him. Being thankful to God affects our heart and our health positively; it makes us ready for excellent and transforming service to God and to man, ready to learn, ready to be submissive, and ready to be responsive to the instructions of God; ready to impart the lives of others and ready to bring them to the presence of Jesus Christ seeking the salvation of their soul.

Jesus Christ, His angels in heaven, and the church of the living God on earth will be glad to see us living in happiness and being merry in our hearts always in the presence of God, in His word, and acting in according to what is written in the Scriptures. The state of our heart contributes positively to the health and expectation of our body, making us lively and rightly fit for business, for acceptance in the presence of God and men, making God’s face shine on us, and rendering us pleasant to one another. A cheerful heart makes our meditation and devotion very profiting and encouraging, but the sorrow of the heart is a great enemy to our health and spiritual well-being at all times. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” 3 John 1:2-4: Proverbs 23:7

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, I submit my heart to You and ask that You will help me to keep my heart on You, on Your word, and on the things that will help me grow in Your righteousness, in Your power, and in Your divine love. Let my health reflect my heart in You always. Thank You for looking at my heart for good, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry: click here

Someone is always here to pray with you

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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THE DIFFERENCE

January 19, 2025

“In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord, but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way, and he that hateth reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the Lord, how much more then the hearts of the children of men? A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him, neither will he go unto the wise. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge, but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Proverbs 15:5-16

Wisdom is not enough; learning and knowledge are never adequate, fame is never a requirement, and wealth is not at the top but godliness is what is required and will always make a difference at all times and places regardless of gender age, nationality and race. God wants us to make a difference every time and everywhere. He wants those who believe, trust, depend, follow, and call on Him to make a difference. He wants us to wholeheartedly be thankful for everything small or great. Thanking God for what we have and will have is a way to go; it is a way to show who we are and what He Is. There are many ways to make a difference through a thankful heart and Salvation is one of the greatest means to begin making a difference.

These are areas King Solomon wants us to test our lives to begin making a difference.

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good. The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father’s discipline, but a person who accepts correction is sensible. The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools. The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.

Making a difference should start from the heart filled with thankfulness. Thanking God for the transforming power in His words, and revealing Himself through His word. For the results we have now in our efforts as we follow His words and practice His ways. Thanking Him because He never abandons His words, His righteousness, His love for those who diligently obey Him, and support for His people.

A thankful heart is important to us individually, to general health, to a vibrant Christian life, in relationships, in everyday activities, and in all desires for success, victory, and productivity. The heart of man is the center of spiritual and physical activities; a place where God dwells and has a way in our lives; a place where one grows in godliness, faith, and righteousness. A place God changes first before other parts of the body. A thankful heart will result in physical and spiritual happiness, a healthy and peaceful life and living, and a productive life.

The battle of life begins from the heart. The battle to be successful, to be a faithful Christian, devoted to godliness, and approve begins from the heart. The battles to not compromise the word of God, follow what others are doing irrespective of their religious belief and faith, not to follow unscriptural ways, the battle to remain obedient to God alone, and the battle to ignore the words of God concerning the issues we have at hand begin in the heart. The result of such battles depends on what we allow in our hearts and how long we meditate daily and often, what we give our ears to hear, and accept at the end.

This is one of the best ways of having victory, remaining strong, relevant, and healthy spiritually and physically from our heart; remaining productive, and happy; maintaining a good relationship with God and man as Christians. “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart, for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23.We have everything we need to maintain good health, good relationships, have victory, and make great progress in the word of God. Our relationship with God begins with a heart actively focused on His words and accepting what is therein.

Several things are seeking to convince our hearts; asking us to change our hearts by dropping our faith; making us feel inferior, cheated, and restricted by believing and following Jesus Christ; many out there that seem good and pleasing to the eyes, good to be tasted, and good to the body, yet most are not approved by God and do not reflect the righteousness of Christ Jesus in us; there are several things that people are doing in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ which are self-conceived and enslaving at the end. Remember Christ Jesus came to set us free from those things, He does not want us to be enslaved again by these things, He does not want us to be addicted again to any ungodly ways, ungodly thoughts, and fruitless practices; He does not want our heart to be deceived by any of the deceiving words of the devil. Apostle Paul wrote this concerning himself: “I have the right to do anything, you say but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything but not everything is constructive.” 2 Corinthians 10:23

Just as God seeks our hearts, the devil also seeks our hearts, to turn it against God, and all of God’s instructions and righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, and obedience. The devil wants to use our hearts against every human being; He wants hatred to grow instead of Godly love; he wants bitterness and destructive thoughts and actions to emanate from our hearts instead of godliness and peaceful constructive thinking. By seeking to use our hearts, the devil wants to actualize his purpose in our lives by planting illness, ill feelings, and evil plots to hunt us physically and spiritually, destroy our health, and adversely affect our overall happiness. “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13

LET US PRAY

Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry: click here

Someone is always here to pray with you

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

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NO GOING BACK

January 12, 2025

Looking back often brings regrets and sorrows and creates a desire for revenge. It reminds us of hurts and evil more than the blessings, it wants us to take a step back, or desire what had passed, but God wants us to be courageous and hopeful for what is to come; He wants us to be thankful for the past no matter what it was, and be thankful because of impacts of our salvation and for what we will benefit therein, and to desire better things as He gives us the grace to see each new day. This is the promise as we move ahead with the desire not to go back. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you who are willing to learn with My eye upon you.” Psalm 23:8. While God will forever be committed to His word and promises, He is looking for and waiting on men and women who will stand on those words and promises no matter what. Remember, His word will never fail even when everything on earth is unstable, and there is uncertainty in every situation and all men become unfaithful thereafter.

His word and promise is that He will instruct, teach, counsel, and guide us on the way we should go, and every step we will take if we will be submissive and willing to learn. That is, He will never leave us to our understanding of events or the understanding and counsel of men. God will forever remain faithful to His word. His word changes people and situations, restores hope, and whatever has been lost or destroyed. By His word, all things were created, sustained, and restored. No matter what, there is hope and assurance for your future in Christ Jesus.

In the passage above, God promised to teach, instruct, advise, guide, and counsel us concerning where to go and what to do. It is never enough to claim Christianity without the willingness to submit oneself to learn, receive instruction, and follow the instructions in His word. The Lord says I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. There is no way back but forward to greater things and through grace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, better things are ahead, He will lead, guide, direct, defend, and ensure where you are going is where He had destined and where you arrive is where He has said in His promise to you. In following Christ submissively, there is assurance beyond hope and dreams.

When Moses and the children of Israel left Egypt, despite the Red Sea, the armies of Pharaoh, the wilderness, and the forty years, God ensured they arrived where He had promised, where He had destined, and where He had prepared for them. By His word and presence, God led them, guided them, directed their steps, defended them, and sustained them. By His presence, He ensured they did not miss the way despite delays; they were not defeated despite the battles and did not destroy themselves despite the grumblings.

“I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King. This is what the Lord says, He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:15-21

In deciding not to go back, this is what Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if at some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Philippians 3:12-16

The way forward is to set a target and press towards that target, to press beyond the level of yesterday’s success or failure, to go beyond today’s challenges, and be focused on things that God would do. Resist all temptations to glory in the past, refuse similarities created by men, and press on unto grace in Jesus Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

While pressing forward with determination, do the following - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:5-12

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there is no going back for me, I need your help and guardian, lead my steps, and keep my heart in you always, I ask these in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

To be continued

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ON EAGLES WING

January 05, 2025

“Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up like someone awakened from sleep. He asked me, what do you see? I answered I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also, there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left. I asked the angel who talked with me, what are these, my lord? He answered, do you not know what these are? No, my lord, I replied. So he said to me, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you will become level ground. Then He will bring out the capstone to shouts of God bless it, God bless it.” Zechariah 4:1-7

The Almighty God through Christ Jesus our Lord based on the salvation given to us by grace has guaranteed we will be successful in whatever He asked us to do, whatever He reveals as our physical or spiritual assignment, and whatever we put our hearts and hands to do that will glorify His name, but in those revealed things, in the ones we have the privilege to learn, know, and also practice, it will not be done successfully by our power, our knowledge, our wealth, past experiences, position, profession, location, gender, with right people to work with, but it will be done successfully only by the presence of His power with us and the open display of His might to counter failures, frustrations, delays, stagnations, and abandonment. God does not want us to abandon what He had given us, what He had revealed to us to do, and what He expects from us – He wants us to be successful in every given assignment through His guidance and the power of His Holy Spirit poured into our lives.

There is no place for human might or power when it comes to divine assignments. You will have to seek and depend on God’s grace, God’s Spirit, and the display of His mighty hands while being obedient and faithful with the knowledge that nothing is impossible with Him. “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:26-31

Zerubbabel was the governor of Jerusalem with the desire to rebuild God’s temple, to restore true worship of God in Jerusalem while Zechariah the prophet and the priest encouraged the people to use it in their worship. But God sent Zechariah the priest to Zerubbabel the prophet and priest with these words in Zechariah 4:6 “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts”

The construction of the temple had been stopped by the opposition and when Zebbabel tried to rebuild it, he also suffered setbacks, frustrations, lack of funds, and lack of support, but in a night vision message through Zechariah, God showed him a solid gold lampstand with two olive trees that provided the lampstand with the oil needed to keep the light on and connecting pipes attached to it, with the key message in verse 6; “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” signifying that the work of rebuilding the temple would be successful but it will be accomplished by God’s Spirit, not by human might, nor power, nor anything else.

God is calling all Christians, all those who believe, trust, and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and only Savior to depend on Him this year, and henceforth, the task ahead is possible, it will be accomplished and successful only when we depend on Him to supply what is needed as the Lampstand, even though it was golden, it could not supply its own oil to keep its light on and shining. Did you know you are the golden lampstand that needs to keep the light on and shine bright? You will need an abundance of the oil, the Spirit of God to keep the light on and shining. You cannot shine without the supply of oil and the connecting pipe.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. You are the light of the world, - let your light shine. By showing the golden lampstand, the oil, and the pipes supplying oil to the lamp – the message was clear, it will be possible but only by my power.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, there is nothing you cannot do, I need to know you, to see you, and be used by you. My desire is to be what you want and nothing else and I know you have good and better plans for my life. Help me, dear Lord, I ask these in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

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LIFESTYLE

December 29, 2024

“If you really love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, to be with you forever; the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive and take to its heart because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He the Holy Spirit remains with you continually and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans, helpless, comfortless, and bereaved. I will come back to you. After a little while, the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also. On that day when that time comes, you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who really loves Me, and whoever really loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him, I will make Myself real to him.” John 14:15-21

Love is expressed in lifestyle. Loving our Lord Jesus can only be seen in the way we live and conduct ourselves daily. Christianity is not a bondage as some people think and wrongly believe. Christianity is love, compassion, and grace made available through Jesus Christ to all who accept, believe, and surrender themselves to obey Him. Christianity is a break from Satan’s bondages and his evil works, plans, and desires of men with twisted wisdom. Christianity is the return to the fullness of freedom that God made before we were conceived; it is not a restriction as some may assume but a way of life that glorifies God and brings forth the best in us and of us to fulfill that which we were made by God and placed in this world to fulfill; it is not a hindrance to being our very best in every field of endeavor that God had called us and endowed us with grace and wisdom to excel, It does not stop us from dreaming but encourages us to have positive and rewarding dreams and stand up for those dreams until they are made physical in our eyes and beneficial to us and others. Christianity is living a lifestyle that is synonymous with the life and words of Christ Jesus while He was on earth. Christianity is the best freedom you will ever have compared to any other freedom you desire or have ever heard.

Love is a commandment to Christ followers, a new lifestyle after salvation. Christ said, “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” John 13:34-35. To Christians, walking in love and remaining in love is a commandment that must be followed. We are not to choose who to love and who to hate, we are commanded simply to love. Unselfish love proves to everyone around us that we are the disciples of Jesus Christ. “Do not be surprised believers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into Life because we love the brothers and sisters. He who does not love remains in spiritual death. Everyone who hates, works against his brother in Christ is at heart a murderer by God’s standards, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this, we know and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious love, that He willingly laid down His life for us because He loved us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers. But whoever has the world’s goods, adequate resources, and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him? Little children, believers, dear ones, let us not love merely in theory with word or with tongue giving lip service to compassion, but in action and in truth, in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words. By this we will know without any doubt that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before Him.” 1 John 3:13-19

“For the true love of God is this, that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult to obey.” 1 John 5:4. Christian love is more than giving, and knowledge; it is the knowledge of the love of God and accepting that love personally; it is knowing the purpose of the love accepted and called into; it is desiring to remain in that love permanently, to walk in that love continually, and desiring to be the mirror that reflects that love in the dark world. Christian love is compassion. Christian love is not seductive but inductive; it does not support evil and does not support evil acts, and words; it is compassion, truth, sincerity, guided life and speech, and works. Christianity is not repulsive, but attractive, meaningful, rejuvenating, engaging, and always productive. Christian love is not a feeling, it is living the commanded and required life after salvation. It is following the examples and precepts of Jesus Christ regardless of our location, profession, age, and gender.

Christ Jesus told the lawyer that Christian love is the first and greatest commandment “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets". Matthew 22:36-40. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Christian love is being merciful, and showing the love of God through you.

The essence of Christianity is to love God and to love others because everyone deserves to be loved. "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12. “Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who unselfishly loves his neighbor has fulfilled the essence of the law relating to one’s fellow man. The commandments, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor it never hurts anyone. Therefore unselfish love is the fulfillment of the Law.” Romans 13:8-10.

Christian love is doing to others those things that you would want others to do for you if you were in their situation, and it is doing so even if they can't pay you back. Christian love is respect for others. It is mercy. It is charity. Remember, God's Love is unselfish and unconditional. Let your life be a reflection of Jesus Christ, His love, compassion, and mercy. Not a reflection of what people are saying or doing against you. Love others as Christ Jesus Loves you.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, please teach me how to love You and others and how to remain in Your love forever, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued.

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ALL FULFILLED

December 22, 2024

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2.

Christianity is the best proof of God’s love; Christ Jesus is the anchor of that love, and Christmas is the fulfillment of all God had said and promised. The coming of the Messiah - Jesus Christ was not in darkness, the world was well-informed many years ahead of that very day. He did not come out from the darkness, neither did He come in secret. God prepared Him and God sent Him. His coming, purpose, name, how, and duty were all made known to men by God and written in the scriptures. The coming of the Messiah was not a surplice because it was foretold, many heard it from the prophets, many read it in the scriptures, many knew the announcement in temples and synagogues in Israel, many believed it, and many looked forward to the fulfillment with expected to see, and many waited patiently for it for years, but when He finally came, only a few saw Him, and only a few believed Him.

The tribe of Judah was chosen not because it was highly populated or because it had many great men with wealth, knowledge, or wisdom. Judah was even the least of the tribes of Israel, yet it was the tribe chosen by God because that was what pleased Him, Bethlehem was also chosen by God to be the city, and that pleased Him; a virgin was chosen also by God, and the manner of birth was all chosen by God. There was no human input to the choice, the design, the place, and the manner. All were done by God, made possible by God, and all was for His glory and nothing else. “Nevertheless, the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first, He lightly esteemed. The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. Every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 7:1-7

God has not hidden anything from men regardless of what we choose to believe, what we choose to ignore, what we choose to follow, and what we doubt. In all things now and in the future, God has made His plans known to all men and all are documented in the Holy Scripture, He has made His intentions known and all are in writing in the Holy Bible, and He will not change any but He will by His own power fulfill all. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth, it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:9-11

Everything about the Messiah - Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior was made known to men before He came, God did not fail in His word and in His promise but men failed in their expectations then and that is the same mistake we are making today. I want you to know that our expectations will fail, our dreams will fail, the best of knowledge, what we learn and what we know will fail, wisdom will fail, and our calculations in time and of time will fail, but it is very certain that our failure will never translate to God’s failure or His words and promises to fail at any time. Time will change, knowledge will change, language will change and people will change but God and all of His words and promises will never change.

The reason for the Messiah – Christ Jesus – The reason for Christmas. These are the things we have and should expect in our lives individually as we celebrate Christ Jesus this Christmas

---- That time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.

---- The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled,

---- There will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, will be filled with glory.

---- The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
---- Those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

---- You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.

---- You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
---- You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.

---- The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, thank You for Your word and the gift of salvation; thank You for enabling me to receive this salvation through Christ my Lord; I ask that You help me as I desire to walk in obedience to Your words every day. I ask for direction in Jesus' name. Amen.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you. Click here

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.

Get this book “YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DESTINY” ISBN=9781624190506

To be continued

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JOHN THE BAPTIST

December 15, 2024

“The Lord gave me this message: I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5. Those words do not apply only to Jeremiah or Christians but to all human beings on earth, of all ages, professions, or religions they may be in. God knows everyone before they were conceived in the womb and He knows everything before it happens. God does not only know you before you were born He also knew you before you were conceived and He made you before you were conceived. He did not only make you, He made plans for you and spoke concerning your entire life, whatever you were then, whatever you are now, and whatever you will ever be on earth.

There are many things we should never take for granted, one of such is God, and the other is His knowledge not only concerning the universe and the future but our own very lives. God knows everything about our past before it came, about our present before we start experiencing it, and everything about our future before we fulfill and inherit it. God does not only know them, but He also made them, He permits them, and He spoke about them. His words have never failed and will never fail. Christ Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Luke 21:33

We know what God said to Jeremiah concerning his life and mission, we want to study what God said concerning others before they were conceived. Today we want to look at eight things God said concerning John the Baptist before he was even conceived: “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19. When God speaks on anyone or issue, He ensures all His words are fully followed through and their purpose is fulfilled as intended. God said this through the angel to Zechariah concerning John the Baptist that not yet conceived:

1. He will be great in the eyes of the Lord; God will not take His eyes off him for any reason.

2. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks; that was for the effectiveness of his consecration and mission.

3. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. That was for the success of the mission he was being called to do.

4. He will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He is a messenger of God

5. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. That is the physical sign of work he is being called to do for the Lord on earth.

6. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. The forerunner for Christ Jesus

7. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children. He will have followers

8. He will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. He will be a man of God’s wisdom which will be different from the wisdom of the world and of the religious leaders of his time

“While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, don’t be afraid, Zechariah, God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:11-17

God’s plans are true, they are pure, there are peaceful, they are attainable and because He speaks concerning you before you were born, He also makes the ways for you to accomplish His plans through the salvation of your soul by Christ Jesus our Lord. Remain in Him.

LET US PRAY

Dear Father, thank You concerning the word You spoke of me before I was born, help me to see them fulfilled completely. I ask that You will help me fulfill Your plans and desires. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

For prayers and encouragement, someone is here to pray with you

Pastor Alfred and Edna Udobong

Global Manifestation Ministries

Lynchburg VA, 24502 USA.