EMINENT LADIES CLUB “BELIEVER’S MANNA”
MARCH 2012 NEWSLETTER
Beloved,
I want to begin this newsletter with the words of Apostle Paul, which mirrors my conviction about my faith and assignment, saying, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16, AMP). Understanding the inherent power of the gospel and the need to live the life of the Spirit are hidden treasures we all need to optimize, and enjoy.
Realize that ‘living the life of the Spirit’ is obligatory if we are to fully enjoy the blessings of the gospel.’ 2 Corinthians 5:17, declares, “if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (AMP). Notice, there are no exceptions to this rule. When we come into Christ, we are instantly made new creations, with brand new kingdom identity. God’s Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us and inhabits our spirits. Our bodies become His temples. Having the Holy Spirit as our new Master calls for greater caution in the way we live our lives. Many people do not realize this and so just carry on with their old patterns of living and actually pride themselves doing that. That is not the way of the Spirit. In Christ, we are new creations and should begin to truly learn how to live as such.
The starting point is to go to the Bible and study it so well and be able to renew our minds in accordance with scripture: “I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]“ (Rom. 12:1-2, AMP). We are to “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 3:10-11).
Although our spirit man is recreated at salvation, our flesh and minds are not. These are constantly bombarded by the enemy, and tempted to rebel against God’s word. The battle facing the believer is focused on these realms—the reason why we are told to use divine weapons that are “mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinth. 10:3-5). Thus, we have to take extra care to ensure that our thoughts, words and actions truly line up with the word of God, and the way of His Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we escape the trap of gratifying our carnal nature which is constantly in enmity with God.
Sadly, there are many people who claim they are believers but are not. These are just church-goers who carry on with un-renewed mindsets and play religion. These have no true fear of God, and also undermine the power of the Holy Spirit. These pick and obey certain parts of scripture that are convenient for them and leave out the rest. Some question, criticize and discourage those who are truly following the entire counsel of God. We need to always remember that the life of the Spirit is predicated on totally honouring God, His word, and obeying His word in its entirety. It also involves daily cultivating an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, and be able to manifest the evidence of His fruit in our lives, namely: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
We are to hate and flee from manifesting the works of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God … those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you] … So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh. For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV; Romans 8:5-9a, 12-14, AMP).
Remember, “those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]. Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another” (Galatians 5:24-26, AMP). To effectively live the life of the Spirit, we need to daily recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and reinforce it through committed worship and prayer lifestyle. We need to purposefully give Him the freedom to do what He wants to do in us and with our lives. Thus, it is critical to develop listening ears to hear His voice, promptings and convictions and quickly make necessary adjustments. We are to daily involve Him in our Bible reading/study times, so He can give us true interpretation of the word. We must be willing to obey whatever God tells us to do in His word—regardless of how and when He chooses, or who He uses to speak to us. We should never put the word of God aside when we want to please our flesh and then later on come back to it. This is grievous deception and SIN. Besides, we are to allow the Holy Spirit direct, empower, and sustain our prayer lives, as He alone can do it well.
Here are a few Biblical tips to meditate on, as you commit to live the life of the Spirit: (1). Passionately long for God’s presence as the deer pants after the water brooks (Psalm 42:1-2). (2). Daily go to the throne of grace and receive grace and mercy from God to help you in your hour of need (Hebrews 4:16). (3). Purpose to have the mind of Christ. Become an imitator of God and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us (Ephesians 5:5, 1-2). (4). Never use the same tongue used to bless God to curse men made in the image of God (James 3:9-10). (5). Put away lying and speak the truth one to another (Ephesians 4:25). (6). Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer (Ephesians 4:29). (7). Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). (8). Put away from you filthy, foolish talk, and jesting which are not convenient (Ephesians 5:4). (9). Do not allow any man to deceive you with vain or empty words (Ephesians 5:6). (10). As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby (1Peter 2:2). Please take time to read the following scriptures: Romans 6:1-26; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 11; & 10:1-13; 1 Peter 1:13-16. Also, get hold of my books, God’s Weapons of Warfare & Arise! Your Breakthrough is Here, for the price of £18.95.00 (U.K. p&p incl.), or £21.25 offer price outside U.K. These books contain life-changing truths and prayers for you. You can order by phone or via http://www.favourbooksandmusic.com. Cheques or postal orders to be made payable to: Favour Land Ltd.
Let me also ask you to send a generous donation to help us with the execution of our projects. Your support can be given in cash (by special arrangements with us), online via our websiteby clicking on the donation button, or by bank transfers, money transfers, or by cheques, postal orders and international money orders, made payable to R.O.R.M.I.
Until I come to you again with another exhortation, keep living the life of the Spirit.
Yours in Christ’s Royal Service,
Rev. (Mrs) Ifeoma Fiiriter—ELC Founder & President
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