SAY TO THE RIGHTEOUS IT SHALL BE WELL THEM!

There’s a burden on the Father’s heart; it is a burden for His people. Too many of God’s people are sick and infirm; many are worried, anxious and fearful; many are depressed and oppressed; many are confused, discouraged, despondent and on the verge of giving up; many are weary and have lost their joy; many are losing their faith and hope; too many are crying silently at night; too many have lost the joy of His presence and peace!

As I reflected and prayed, a scripture resonated in my heart, 

Isaiah 3:10 NKJV
“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” 

COMFORT MY PEOPLE

I believe that the Father wants to comfort and encourage His people, especially, the faithful remnant.

Isaiah 40:1-2 NKJV
[1] “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. [2] “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”

One day, I had the following conversation with the Lord:

The Lord: “Behold I am about to shake the nations, prepare! Everything that can be shaken will be shaken!”

Me (earnestly): “Lord, shake! Hasten to shake! We welcome Your shaking; let the nations know that You are God!”

The Lord (almost amused): “When I start shaking, will you stand? Will you be able to endure and stand in the midst of My shaking? For when I shake, ALL things will be shaken!”

Immediately, I realised that whenever God shakes or moves in judgement, it affects everyone, even the righteous. Elijah declared that there would be no rain for three years, and he was also affected by the drought. He had to lean on God to receive supernatural provision in the midst of the drought.

• God’s shaking of the nations of the earth began before 2020; however, the coming of the covid-19 pandemic and the global lockdowns created an atmosphere of fear, death, anxiety and oppression. Since then, things seem to be going from bad to worse, with economic hardships, drought and famine forecasted. We have a war between Russia and Ukraine which is escalating the socio-economic dilemma that many nations are facing. There are upheavals all around us; the atmosphere seems tense with fear and premonition. 

• However, the Father wants us to know that He loves us and cares. He wants to comfort and console His people; that is why He’s saying, “Comfort, comfort My people.” 

• He is the Great Shepherd, and we are the sheep of His pasture. He does not “break a bruised reed, or quench a smoking flax.” [Isaiah 42:3]. His compassions and tender mercies are with us.

• He says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.” [Isaiah 49:15-16]

God is in control of all that is happening around you. He knows where you are at and what you’re going through. He wants to comfort and console you. He says, “It shall be well with you; everything will work together for good.” In Jesus, name. Amen!

• There are five ways in which the Father wants us to know that is shall be well with us.

1. HIS PRESENCE

Beloved, God is with us! We need to know this, although it may often not seem so! Sometimes, in the midst of our loneliness, God may seem far away, indifferent and unconcerned. Sometimes, in the midst of our fears, it may seem like He does not care. In the midst of our challenges, our Father may seem impotent and unable or unwilling to help us. His seeming silence can be deafening; especially, when we need a word of comfort and consolation. 

Beloved, despite what we think or how we feel, our thoughts and feelings must never be our evidence of God! God’s word alone, is the only accurate tangible evidence that we have of Him and His nature and character. The scriptures very clearly assure us that God is with us and will never leave nor forsake us.

Hebrews 13:5b-6 NLT
“….For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” [6] So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?””

The Good Shepherd 

John 10:11 NKJV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

We also need to know that God is not a hireling; He is the Good Shepherd. Shepherds are devoted to their flocks and would never abandon them for a moment. It is the hireling who abandons the sheep in the time of trouble. A good shepherd always stays with his sheep, cares for them and fights for them. Our God is our Shepherd!

King David, having once been a shepherd knew exactly what he was saying when he spoke about the LORD’s shepherding skills in Psalm 23….

“[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] HE makes me to lie down in green pastures; HE leads me beside the still waters. [3] HE restores my soul; HE leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me. [5] YOU prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; YOU anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”

• What great emphasis David placed on the LORD’s responsibilities towards us, as our Shepherd. It is HE who does all these things for us. What an awesome assurance to know that God, our Shepherd is with us and shall feed, guide, keep, protect and shield us, and cause us to live in His presence all the days of our lives. HIS SILENCE IS NOT HIS ABSENCE; IT IS AN INVITATION INTO THE STILLNESS OF HIS PRESENCE! 

• Sheep are the most trusting animals. They can do nothing for themselves, unless their shepherd does it for them. We to need learn to be sheep. We need to ask God for grace to believe. We need grace to trust Him. We to need to ask for grace to be still and know that He is with us. In the midst of the clamour around us, may we hear our Shepherd’s voice, as we enter into the stillness of His presence and silence. May we receive grace to praise and thank Him. 

God’s Evidence

Matthew 28:20 NLT
“…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

God did not leave Himself without a witness that He is with us. Jesus Christ is the evidence that God is with us. May the refrain of this song fill and resonate in our hearts today…. IMMANUEL… GOD IS WITH US, INDEED!

Immanuel! Immanuel!
His name is called, Immanuel.
He is God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Immanuel.

2. HIS PROTECTION 

Fear seems to be one of the enemy’s most effective weapons at this time. We’ve battled with disease and death, and there’s so much uncertainty, confusion and deception; this has led many to be fearful. However, the Father wants to encourage you not to fear, because He is with you and He is in control.

I LOVE PSALM 27….

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” [Psalm 27:1]

Though the wicked, enemies, foes, an army or even war may come against us, (verses 2-3), we must be confident of this TRUTH, that the LORD is our Light and our Salvation, and the LORD is the Strength of our lives, so we have nothing to fear.

Instead of focusing on what is happening around us and being fearful, the Psalmist encourages us to draw closer to the LORD; to press into and abide in the presence of the Father.

BECAUSE….

“[5] ….In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. [6] And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me…” [Psalm 27:5-6]

YES, you heard right! In the time of trouble, the Father hides us in His pavilion; He hides us in the secret place of tabernacle! When I think of this, I picture myself hidden in God, protected from harm and evil; watching all that’s going on around me and living life from this perspective. Go on… PICTURE IT!!!

The Father just wants to assure you that you have nothing to fear, because He is in with you; actually, He’s got you in hidden in Him. As Colossians 3:3 says, “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

There’s No Point In Staying Awake

I have shared this story before, but I’m sharing it again to encourage someone to trust the Father, at this time.

During World War II, just before the enemy’s bombings began, the sirens would go off to alert people to go into the underground bunkers. There, they would stay, often throughout the night, until the bombings stopped. The story is told of an old woman who, upon getting into the bunker, would immediately roll out and get into her sleeping bag, and sleep through the bombings. Others around her would be wide awake all night, too terrified to sleep. 

One day, someone asked this old woman, “How are you able to sleep through these frightening bombings? Why are you not afraid?” 

The old woman’s reply was very simple, “The Bible tells me that God neither slumbers nor sleeps; so what’s the point in both of us staying awake?”

May the Holy Spirit give us the confidence this old woman had in God, and help us to believe and trust in Him. May you come to truly know that the Father is with you, has hidden you in His presence and nothing shall by any means harm you. Remember, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW; HE IS CERTAINLY WATCHING OVER YOU! In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 27; Psalm 46; Psalm 91)

3. HIS PROVISION

His Bread Shall Be Given Him, His Water Shall Be Sure!

Not only is the Father giving us an assurance of His PRESENCE and PROTECTION, we also have an assurance of His PROVISION! At a time when many have lost, or are losing their jobs and livelihoods, and the cost of living is increasing daily, we need to believe and have faith that God will provide and take care of us!

Isaiah 33:16 NKJV
“He will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water will be sure.”

WHAT A PROMISE!!! Not only will God hide us in His secret place, He will also ensure that we never go hungry or thirsty! God is an expert at providing sustenance for His people. Indeed, He makes us to lie in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. (Psalm 23:2).

God Provided At Creation

Right from the beginning of creation, God created and provided everything that humanity would need to sustain them, before He even created the first humans. 

Genesis 1:29 NKJV
“And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.”

Throughout the scriptures, we have more than enough evidence that God provides for His people. Through famine and drought, through the wilderness and lean seasons, God provided for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Israel, Elijah, Elisha, the Shulamite woman, and many more. 

He is the God who can turn water into wine and feed five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes! He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Our Problem

Our problem and challenge, however, is whether we can trust Him to provide, perhaps, not in abundance, but day by day (just as He provided manna for Israel in the wilderness); or through ‘ravens’ (like how He provided for Elijah); or, perhaps, at the last minute (like how He provided for the widow). If we could come to this level of faith and trust in God, all our needs would be met!

Let me tell you a story to encourage you. During Rwanda,’s genocide, a pastor and his family found themselves in the midst of a famine. They had no food and had not eaten for days. One day, the pastor’s wife cried out to God, “You said You are our shepherd, provide food for us!” Immediately, she knew within her, that God had answered; so she gathered her family and said, “Today, we shall eat chicken!” Everyone looked at her, wondering if she was going mad!

As an act of faith, she gathered some firewood, lit a fire and put a saucepan of water on the fire, whilst singing and dancing. Her family were now very concerned about her state of mind! However, as the water began to boil, they saw a woman running towards their home, carrying a live chicken! She entered the compound and handed the chicken to the pastor’s wife and said, “God asked me to bring this today!” Needless to say, God honoured the faith of the Pastor’s wife, and the family ate chicken that day!

Philippians 4:19 NLT
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” AMEN!

4. HIS PEACE

Mark 4:37-39 NKJV
“[37] And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. [38] But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” [39] Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

An art competition was held to find a perfect picture of peace; artists from far and wide presented their masterpieces. There were paintings of beautiful and serene landscapes and cascading waterfalls, the radiance of the sun setting over lush greenery and lakes, and even one of a baby fast asleep at its mother breast. At the end of the competition, however, all the judges unanimously agreed on the winner – a painting that depicted a wild and vicious storm on a dark, grey night! 

At a glance, the painting looked more aggressive than peaceful, with the waves smashing against the rocks. However, a more careful look explained why it was chosen as the winner. Hiding in the crevice of one of the rocks was a family of birds, snug in their nest. The mother bird is looking out at the raging storm; however, her chicks seem oblivious to it, and are fast asleep under the shelter of her wings. 

• THE IS THE KIND OF PEACE THAT THE FATHER GIVES US, AS WE STAY CLOSE TO HIM! He covers and protects us, and gives security and peace, as we trust Him, in the midst of the storm.

Receiving God’s Peace

Peace is the outcome and greatest evidence our of faith and trust in God However, to access or receive the Father’s peace, we must turn our eyes from the storm and the world, to Jesus Christ and engage with Him in simple trust.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

To trust God is to believe and have confidence in His character, ability, strength and truth. God is consistent in His character, He is able to do all things, He is strong and mighty and His word is absolute truth. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever; you can rely and count on Him!

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
“[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Beloved, not only is God assuring us of His Presence, Protection and Provision in these turbulent days; He is also offering us PEACE in the midst of every challenge or storm we may be facing. Make the choice to believe in Him and in His word, and reach out to Him in simple trust. Peace, which doesn’t make sense shall flood your heart and cause you to enter into rest.

• Oh, for grace for us to trust Him more, and receive His peace. AMEN!

5. HIS PRAISE

Today, I believe the Father wants me to tell you that, as surely as He lives, everything shall end in PRAISE, for the righteous! Indeed, it always does, because God always has a plan and is always in control! 

Psalm 66:10-12 NKJV
“[10] For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. [11] You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. [12] You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.”

Whatever we are experiencing or going through, it is not random or by chance; the Father is in control and will cause everything to work together for our good! (Romans 8:28). Remember, His presence is with us, He protects us, He provides for us and gives us peace; this is why we must believe that it will all end in praise! 

• Yes, God has plans for us, plans for good and not for evil, to bring us to an expected end! Even when we have erred or strayed from His perfect will, God is always able to make something beautiful and praiseworthy out of our lives (if we turn to Him in repentance and trust).

There’s A Promise Of Restoration 

Joel 2:25-26 NKJV
[25] “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you. [26] You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and PRAISE the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.”

I have often shared my testimony of when the Lord gave me the above scripture as a covenant promise to me and my family. Let me share it again, to encourage someone!

In 2017, the Lord sent me the above scripture, as a prophetic word to me and my family. Somehow, the word resonated in my spirit, and I said to the Him, 

“Father, I know this word is a promise from You and I believe that you will fulfil it! I would like to give you an offering of £1,000 to show you that I believe You; however, I don’t have the money now, but if you give it to me, I will give it back to you.”

Less than a week later, someone transferred £6,000 into my personal account as a gift to me! I knew immediately that the Lord had answered my prayer, and gave Him the offering of £1,000, as promised. A few days later, the Father spoke to me and said, 

“You put monetary value on your belief in my word, and in response, I also put monetary value on my word. I gave more, because My promise is greater than your belief!” 

I have shared this testimony to help you understand the lengths to which He will go to fulfil His promises to us! GOD’S PROMISE IS GREATER THAN MY BELIEF!! He said He will restore all that we have lost, and this shall cause us to praise Him. Whatever you are going through now, what every challenge you’re facing, whatever affliction you’re enduring, rest assured that it shall end in praise.

Psalm 126:1-3 NKJV
“[1] When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. [2] Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” [3] The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”

If God says your story shall end in praise, you better believe and have faith in Him!!! IT SHALL SURELY END IN PRAISE, if only we will believe and put our trust in God!!!

GOD WILL NOT SHORTCHANGE US!

To conclude this word of encouragement, I would like to assure you that God will not shortchange the righteous! During these challenging times, we need to believe that God intends fulfilling every promise He has made to us; He will not shortchange us!

Numbers 23:19 NKJV
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

God Shall Make Good His Word

Everything that is happening in our world today is as a result of sin. Our world is broken and we are in this mess because of humanity’s rebellion against God and His word. When Adam and Eve were enticed by the serpent and fell into sin, God pronounced judgment on all three parties. However, God did not abandon humanity, but, in the midst of judgement, promised redemption and restoration through the seed of woman.

Genesis 3:15 NKJV
[15] And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Over many centuries, God did not abandon this promise, but followed His word through (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David the people of Israel), until one day, the virgin Mary conceived and bore a Son, called Jesus Christ! 

• God has never abandoned or shortchanged His people and humanity. Jesus Christ is the Father’s PROMISED PRESENCE, PROTECTION, PROVISION, PEACE AND PRAISE! 

Through His death on the Cross and the power of His resurrection, Jesus Christ, the Son of God crushed the head of the serpent and gave us victory over sin, the world and Satan. However, before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus told us that He was going to prepare a place for us and PROMISED TO RETURN, SO THAT WE WOULD BE WITH HIM!!! (John 14:1-3)

Everything that is currently happening in our irreversibly broken world was predicted by Jesus in Matthew 24. All the upheavals and challenges that we are facing are a sign that the end is near. Our joy must be full, because God is about to fulfil His word, once again; Jesus Christ is coming soon! If we believed this, we would have hope and trust God in every situation of life. (Job 13:15)

This Is A Time To Stir Up Hope 

Hebrews 6:18-20 TPT
“[18] So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time-an unshakeable hope! [19] We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, [20] and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.”

This is a time to stir up hope. We must stir up hope by first believing in God, His word and promises. We must “run into God’s heart and hide ourselves in His faithfulness,” for there we shall find strength and comfort; there, we would also be empowered to develop an UNSHAKEABLE HOPE. Our hope shall be like a strong and unbreakable anchor, securely holding our souls to God, in Jesus Christ, through the course of life. Though the storms may rage around us, we can confidently join the songwriter in singing…

We have an anchor the keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows rolls;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!!!

AMEN!

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
CEO Women In Tune
Executive Director, Cedars House Christian (International)
Convenor QUIVER Prayer Movement

DEALING WITH THE WORKS OF THE SERPENT IN YOUR LIFE

The Father has shown us that there is a “python (serpent)” spirit working against many Christians, especially, those in leadership. This spirit is manifesting as the prophetic but is actually divination and witchcraft. 

The “python spirit” is a constrictor. It wraps itself around you and chokes the life out of you – through sickness and infirmity, all sorts of problems, various attacks, inability to pray, read your Bible and worship, lack of joy, constant tiredness, etc. It may seem there is always something wrong or working against you; you’re constantly fighting or having to fight. It exhausts and wears you out.

This “serpent spirit” has laid its eggs and has many hatchlings. They are spirits of divination, witchcraft, Jezebel and familiar spirits, and especially, manifests as the prophetic. 

Acts 16:16-18 NKJV
“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. [17] This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” [18] And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.”

The surprising thing is that many believers are either unaware of it or have become undiscerning and comfortable with it. They know there is something wrong but can’t quite figure out what it is.

1 John 4:1 NKJV
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE SERPENT

Luke 10:19 NLT
“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”

1. Come before the Father in worship and repentance. Ask Him to cleanse you from sin, including presumptuous sins or hidden faults. Plead the Blood of Jesus over your life, family and loved ones and everything that belongs to you. (Psalm 19:12-1; 1 John 1:8-10; Matthew 26:28)

2. Declare Genesis 3:15 – that the serpent is destined to be crushed in the head and destroyed by Jesus Christ, the seed of woman.

3. Turn to the Cross and declare the power and victory of the Cross in crushing the serpent and dealing with its works in your life. Read and declare Colossians 2:13-15.

Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
“[13] You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. [14] He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. [15] In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

4. Speak out and reject any “prophetic words” spoken over your life, which may have been falsely given by divination. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and close any door of access or point of contact point. Whatever He reveals to you, deal with it drastically. Sometimes, the point of contact may be a gift you’ve been given. If the Holy Spirit shows you that, plead the Blood of Jesus over the gift and get rid of it or destroy it. (Acts 13:6-12; Acts 16:16-18)

5. Declare the authority that Jesus has given you over the works of the serpent. Authority to tread on the serpent and destroy its works. Stand in that authority and claim victory, in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 91:13; Mark 16:18; Luke 10:19)

6. Ask the Father to help you and deliver you from every work of darkness and set you free. Ask Him to be a protective wall of fire around you and the glory in your midst. Praise and thank the Lord. (Isaiah 1:27; Matthew 6:13; Zechariah 2:5)

7. Go over points 1-6 daily, for as long as it takes for faith to build up in you to stand and overcome. Remember that you are more than a conqueror through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:17; Romans 8:37). 

Scriptures To Stand On And Declare: Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:13-15; Isaiah 27:1; Psalm 91:13; Luke 10:19; Mark 16:18; Zechariah 2:5

Other Scriptures: Matthew 24:24; Mark 11:22; 2 Peter 2:1; Revelation 19:10; Matthew 6:13; Romans 10:17; Romans 8:37

A PRAYER

May the Father deliver you from every power and work of the serpent, and give you victory. May He set you free to worship and serve Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Apostle JALW
WOMEN IN TUNE/QUIVER
15 May 2023

BEWARE! TARES AMONG GOD’S WOMEN!

In these last days, the LORD is releasing a corporate anointing upon women. In the past, just a few individual women were able to break through the glass ceiling of ministry. However, the limits are now off!

Psalm 68:11-12 TPT
“God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power, and the warring women of Zion deliver its message: [12] “The conquering legions have themselves been conquered. Look at them flee!” Now Zion’s women are left to gather the spoils.”

God is releasing an anointing upon women, to work and serve alongside the men; in praying, sharing the Gospel of Jesus and demonstrating its power and in discipling and building the Church. God has prepared and is preparing women that He will use mightily in these last days. 

HOWEVER, BEWARE!

However, the Spirit of God spoke a word of caution to me, that, “Satan has also prepared and is preparing women to sow as tares among God’s women. Be warned!” (Matthew 13:36-43; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

• In biblical use, tares are an injurious weed that resemble wheat, before they mature. It is only when they reach maturity that you can distinguish and separate them from the real wheat.

Matthew 24:24 ESV
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

Thus, these women that the enemy is sowing as tares among God’s women, might look and sound authentic. Unfortunately, however, they will operate the spirits of divination, witchcraft and Jezebel, and will lead many astray by their words (so-called prophecies) and actions (so-called prophetic acts). Their sole aim and purpose is to deceive, undermine, weaken and derail the Church. (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 2:18-29; Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

There is the need for much wisdom and discernment. However, to help the Church, the Lord shall release the Spirit of Elijah upon individuals in the Church, who will expose and shame these false, so-called “women of god.”

HOW TO RECOGNISE THE TARES

Acts 16:16-18 ESV
“[16] As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. [17] She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” [18] And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”

How would you recognise and know these tares? You shall know them, by their stripes and their fruits. 

1. Though they use scriptures, they will never be able to give a full witness to Jesus. Look out for the evidence and proof of Jesus Christ; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
   
   Revelation 19:10 NLT
   Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”
   
2. They may mention Jesus’ name, but they will never make Him central and bring glory to Him. No one can declare Jesus as Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 John 4:1-3)
   
3. Their words and lifestyle will not be in line with truth of God’s word. They will offer you hope and liberty outside of truth; the truth is found in the Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Word of God and the Truth that sets free. (John 8:32)
   
4. Look out for those who add to the word, as if the word alone is not enough. They will interpret and present God’s word (especially prophecy) to you through material and physical things. They will give you oil, a cloth, a handkerchief, a scarf, a gift, something tangible to focus on and hold on to. This violates the word of God, and actually, becomes a snare, and a point of contact for manipulation. (Genesis 3:1-4; Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 11:3)
   
5. Super-spirituality – they will present themselves as super-spiritual, telling of dreams, visions, angels and having special access or portals to the spirit realm. BEWARE!!

Colossians 2:18-19 NLT
“[18] Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, [19] and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

HOW TO OVERCOME

Banks don’t teach their tellers to recognise counterfeit money. They teach them to recognise the true and genuine currency, so that when they handle fake money, they are able to recognise it immediately. We also must learn and know the truth, so that we can recognise what is false, fake and deceptive.

1. The first thing we need, therefore, is the word of God. The more we read and study God’s word, the more we gain knowledge and are able to discern between what is true or false. In doing so, we will not be deceived or led astray.
   
2. Commit yourself to obeying God, doing His will and bringing glory to Him. This is what Jesus did, which stopped Him for getting deceived and derailing His mission and assignment on the earth.
   
   John 7:16-18 ESV
   “[16[ So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. [17] If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. [18] The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.”
   
3. Take everything to God in prayer. Consult with the Holy Spirit and ask for His leading. Remember, the Holy Spirit was sent to be with us and help us. Learn to listen to Him, and do not ignore His prompting and nudging. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment of spirits.
   
4. Test and judge everything by the word of God. We must be like the Berean Christians and spend time in the Word to discover and apply its truth. (Acts 17:11). Don’t be afraid to test anything and everything, and anybody and everybody, by the word of God.
   
   Don’t hold anyone in such a high esteem that you are afraid to test their words and actions by the Word and Spirit. Check their websites or Facebook or Instagram pages. When you check, look for a witness to Jesus Christ. If there’s no witness to Jesus in their calling, message or whatever it is they’re doing, be wary and careful. 
   
5. Guard your heart and it pure. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Whatever we harbour in our hearts, e.g. unforgiveness, bitterness, etc., if not examined and dealt with properly, will fester and become a point of contact for the enemy to use against us.
   
6. Talk to your leaders and those who are sound and mature in the faith. Seek their counsel and guidance.
   
7. Make it a habit of always looking for the witness or testimony of Jesus Christ. I am often amazed at how many websites of prominent “Christian Leaders” that I’ve visited, which do not have Jesus as the central focus. Even when they describe who they are (apostle this and prophet that) and what they do, there is no mention of Jesus Christ. That is a major tell-tale sign that something is not right.

Is Divorce The Only Thing God hates? Marital Abuse In The Church.

An extract from my book, FREE TO SERVE: GOD’S LIBERATED WOMAN,” published in 2006 by Xulon Press

There is no endorsement or provision within the scriptures (bible) for a man to beat his wife into submission! So, why does it keep happening, and why does the Church remain silent or seem to endorse it?

Defining Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is aggression or violence that happens in the home when a grown-up attacks or threatens another adult in the family. The victims are often women, though it can also happen to men. Domestic violence is prevalent in every society and can sometimes result in the death of the victim.

In writing this book I have done my best to remain unbiased and state the truth as described in God’s word. I believe I have maintained integrity, by not slandering the men or portraying them as bad, evil or the perpetuators. However, the issue of domestic violence cannot be addressed without discussing issues that cast a shadow on the male gender. My intention is not to cause offence but to bring awareness of a prevailing problem and suggest possible ways of tackling it.

It is Not Right For Him To Do This To Me, Is It?

My friend Hannah (name changed for privacy) told me a sad story about a woman who came to her shop to have her photograph taken. The woman looked well dressed and had sunglasses on. However, when she took her sunglasses off, Hannah realised that she had been badly beaten up and had a terrible black eye. After hesitating for a few moments, the woman asked Hannah, “It is not right for him to do this to me, IS IT?” and then burst into tears.

As Hannah held and comforted her, the woman told her how her mother-in-law had sat and watched, as her son (the woman’s husband) beat her up. On another occasion, when her husband beat her up, the woman said she called her church, one of the biggest in London, and was told by the Pastor or counsellor that she must “submit to her husband and pray for him”. There was no one she could turn to, which was why she decided to have a picture taken of the bruises and black eye as evidence.

Interestingly, this happened in London, where domestic violence is a crime and there are laws in place against it. My heart goes out to women in countries where it is still legally acceptable for a husband to beat up his wife. Unfortunately, many cultures interpret submission to mean the domination of the woman by the man. Hence, in many cultures it is okay for a man to beat up his wife.

I had a friend (name withheld) whose husband used to beat her up with his belt, or anything he could lay hands on. I did not hear from this friend for several years, and then one day, she turned up, out of the blue, at our doorstep and announced that she had divorced her husband. Cobby asked her why. She told him that she pictured herself one day lying in a coffin, and that gave her strength to leave him. What a painful decision to make!

Why Does The Church Allow It?

Both the women in these two narratives, the woman who went to Hannah’s shop and my friend, are Christians. So why does the Church allow it? It is a terrible tragedy that the Church seems either indifferent to or incapable of handling the problem of domestic violence. There are many Christian women who are physically abused by their husbands (and I know a few), who have no one, except perhaps, a few close friends and family, to turn to for support. It is a real shame that the Church turns her back on them and cannot even offer them help and support.

It is no wonder that so many Christian women struggle with low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and compulsive behaviours. It is no wonder that religious homes in the United States, for example, are ranked among the highest in incidents of domestic abuse, second only to the homes of alcoholics. It is a real shame that countless numbers of women who have contacted their pastors or churches to report their abuse are either told it is their fault or asked to ‘submit’ and pray.

You Must Be Making Him Angry!

A woman, who finally gathered courage to seek counsel from her pastor, because of the consistent slapping and hitting she received from her husband, was told, “He is your husband, you just can’t leave him. It is his house. You are his wife. He has the authority over you. You must be making him angry.” The pastor actually blamed this woman for her husband’s abuse! When she sought counselling on another occasion, the pastor told her not to worry and that even if she died, she would go to be with the Lord, so she wins either way. Eventually, this woman’s husband killed her!

What I do not understand, and someone may have to explain to me, is how a husband beating his wife brings glory to God. The word glory means essence, weight, excellence, splendour and honour. How can wife-beating reveal the husband’s or God’s splendour, honour and majesty? It is a perverted and sick way of thinking and I believe the pastor should have known better. How can the theology of many of our pastors be so twisted?

A friend of mine would like me to also state that not all pastors are like that. I totally agree with him, so please don’t get me wrong. I know that leaders like John Sanford and others go a long way to deal with these issues in a positive way. There are also pastors who do not tolerate domestic violence.

This Man Beats His Wife

I was invited to a church a few months ago to discuss quality time between husband and wife. As soon as I sat down, I began to look around the room, and my gaze fell of a decent-looking man. My immediate thought, however, was, “This man beats his wife.” I was shocked, and began to repent for what I considered was a negative and judgemental thought. However, when the floor was opened for questions and contributions, the man got up and proudly announced that one day, he beat his wife up and that taught her to submit and respect him. Again, I was shocked!

However, I thank God for the prompt response of the pastor and his wife. They emphasised that his actions were wrong and that under no circumstances is it acceptable to beat your spouse. They also went further to express their disapproval of the prideful and confident manner in which the man spoke about his abusive actions. I was really pleased by the way the whole situation was handled.

Is Divorce The Only Thing God Hates?

Yes, there are many more negative stories about domestic violence in the Church, and this should not be so. The scripture often quoted to justify the Church’s lack of positive action is that God hates divorce. Yes, it is true that God hates divorce, but that same scripture talks as much about God’s hatred of the abusing of wives as His hatred for divorce, yet that is often ignored.  A more careful look at that particular scripture reveals that it is more than just divorce that the Lord hates.

Malachi 2:13-16

“And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favour at your hand. Yet you ask, why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].” (Amplified)

It is perfectly true that God hates divorce; yet, He hates the abuse of a woman just as much as He hates divorce. God hates it when men deal treacherously and violently with their wives, to the extent that He refuses to receive the men’s offerings and prayers. Why?

Firstly, because God loves women, created in His image, and precious in His sight. The second reason is that God’s purpose and plan for marriage is jeopardized when a man subjects his wife to treacherous behaviour. Thirdly, the wife and husband are one flesh and that unity and bond is broken because of the abuse and betrayal. I don’t believe that this scripture has had as great an impact on men as it should, and I pray to the Lord that it does. Wife beating and abuse, physically, mentally, psychologically and financially, is a sin and God hates it. Beating a wife up does not make her submit. It might make her passive, acquiescent and phlegmatic, kowtowing to her husband and yielding to his every whim, but that is not submission because the woman’s resources are under-utilised and her strengths are suppressed.

What Can We Do?

For too long, the Church has failed to address this issue of domestic violence. The Church needs to be actively involved in constructively resolving this problem. We can no longer sweep the dirt under the carpet. I suppose it is much easier to tell a woman to grin and bear it “in the Name of the Lord” than to get a man to face up to himself. The male ego would rather bond with an abusive husband and allow the abuse to continue than to stand up to him and make him admit that there is something crucially wrong. This is very, very wrong in God’s sight!

Why should we choose the easier option? Why should women continue to suffer? The Church’s theology regarding women needs scrutiny, re-thinking and re-vamping. Jesus Christ, our Lord, Saviour and Master set an example for us all in his interactions and dealings with the women around Him. A perfect example was the woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus dealt with that woman with much tenderness and mercy. No one can convince me that God’s bowels do not churn every time one of His sons (a husband) beats up one of His daughters (a wife)!!

So, what can we do? We need to become proactive instead of passive. I believe the Church can help in three areas:

1. Prevention: The Church can begin working to prevent the abuse of women from happening in the first place by acknowledging the problem, by teaching the truth of God’s word accurately, not covering up for the men and working with victims and offenders to prevent it recurring. Marriage seminars should also deal with the issue in a radical and positive manner. Seminars for singles should also address the issue.

• Protection: The Church can offer refuge and protection for victims and their families. It would also be a good thing to familiarise ourselves with the Word of God and also, the laws of the land (where applicable).

• Support: The Church can offer support for victims to rebuild their lives, and also support for the offending husbands to identify the root causes of their anger and violence toward their wives, and then begin the process of restoration, healing and reconciliation between the couples. Counselling is also an effective tool, which could be implemented.

• Prayer: The Church can begin to pray earnestly for change. The surest and quickest way we can bring about change is to pray, pray and pray.

Unfortunately, there are many societies and cultures that do not have any social networks or legal frameworks to address and support victims of domestic violence. It is also a fact that some cultures and religions actually endorse the abuse of women. It appears that these cultural and societal influences have not only permeated the Church, they are actually the lenses through which we regard and deal with the issue of domestic violence.

SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE WITHIN THE CHURCH, VERY SOON AND QUICKLY!!!

The Goal Post Of Life

THE GOAL POST OF LIFE

I first wrote this, several years ago, when I had just overcome a bout of sickness. I was tired, fearful, confused and lost, despite the seemingly huge success in ministry. I was full of doubt and unbelief, and had unfulfilled expectations, desires and dreams. I felt a sense of loss of purpose and life seemed meaningless, of no point, and had no fulfilment.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-9 NLT – “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.”

It felt like I was on a treadmill, working hard, getting tired and weary but going nowhere. This was the case, even though I had achieved much in the ministry and many look up to me. Thoughts of eternity plagued me, as someone I knew very well had just died. My faith was shaken, as I began to ponder and wonder, is this what life is all about? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Meaningless, everything is meaningless!

No one knew or understood what I was going through, not even my husband, family or close friends. To everyone, I was doing well, and successful, but I was struggling within me. In the end, I took a sabbatical for six months, to try and sort myself out.

Whilst driving home one day, I suddenly cried out to God, “Lord, it appears You’ve changed the goal post, and I don’t know which direction to play!” WOW!!!

The Goal Post

What is a goal post or goal? A goal is a desired result a person envisions, plans and commits to achieve within a timeframe. A goal is a guide post that determines our actions and activities. In sports, a goal post determines the direction, course and length of play; and in many sports a goal is the only method of scoring. The goal determines whether we win or lose.

As such, it felt like there was no longer a goal to my life; even though I was still playing – living it and going through the daily ‘rituals’ – there seemed to be no purpose and I was not getting the results I wanted or had anticipated.

The Goal Post Hadn’t Moved

Upon much reflection and prayer, I soon realised that the Goal Post had not moved. The problem was with me – I had taken my eyes off the Goal Post! I had been playing the game of life without keeping my eyes on the Goal. I had become more engrossed with playing life, than in attaining the goal of life. For me it was ministry, for you it might be a job and career, or your family, or your business, etc.

I was playing alright, but missing the target and had wearied myself in the process. Life was becoming vain, and like Solomon I could say, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Meaningless!”

The Capsule Of Time

Time is a capsule – a window of opportunity within eternity. Everything within this capsule is unpredictable, unstable, shakeable and subject to constant change, aging and decay. Careers, marriage and family, relationships, education, health, houses, cars, economic and financial systems and structures are all unpredictable, unstable and constantly changing.

Yet, we make these our goals and play the game of life according to them; and seek to find security in them. We grow old, whether we want to or not, and death is inevitable. This means that if you and I live our lives without a perception of eternity, our constantly changing lives and everything in them become meaningless, futile, pointless and useless.

The Goal Post of Life – Jesus Christ, the Word of God

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

Unlike the components of our daily lives, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the same yesterday today and forever. He is predictable, stable, unshakeable and not subject to change, aging and decay.

Jesus Christ is the same in character – He is love, merciful, gracious, patient, longsuffering and full of compassion. He is the same in ability – He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above our expectations. He is the same in power, authority and strength. Jesus Christ is the same in truth – Indeed He is the Truth, and in Him there is no shadow of turning, lie or falsehood. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the steadfast, immovable and unchanging Goal Post of life. Therefore, all my other ‘goals’ must fit within Christ; He must be the Goal Post of my life!

The Way, The Truth And The Life

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

Jesus Christ is the only Way to God. Jesus Christ is the Perfect and Absolute Truth of God. Jesus Christ is the Eternal Life of God. He is the Way of Life, the Truth of Life and, indeed, the Life of Life!

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die,” – John 11:25

With Jesus as our Goal Post, death ceases to be an end, but rather the beginning of new and eternal life. The words of Isaac Newton resonate in my heart, for Jesus Christ is, indeed, “My Lord, my Life, my Way, My End!”

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to ask you a two-part question “How are you playing the game of life and what is your goal post?” The answer is crucial, for when the capsule of time bursts, your response is what will determine whether you win or lose in eternity.

Philippians 3:12-14 – “Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

May Jesus Christ be the Goal Post that is determining the course of your life now; and may you end up in Him.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace

CEO, Women In Tune

Mothers, Befriend Your Daughters!

There are not many stories in the bible about women and their relationship with each other. However, the one biblical story I know about a mother and her own daughter, breaks my heart! It is the story of Leah and her daughter Dinah. You will find the background and details of this story in Genesis Chapters 29, 30 and 34.

At first glance, what happened is not very obvious, but with careful scrutiny, you will discover a tragic story about a woman who failed her daughter so terribly that it resulted in her rape and the subsequent destruction of an entire city.

Background

Leah was the first wife of Jacob, who married her, not because he loved her, but because he was tricked by her father! Leah felt unloved by Jacob, unwanted, forced into marriage and despised. Leah became a bitter woman because of the rivalry that existed between her and her sister Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. The rivalry was so bad that the two sisters gave their maidservants to Jacob to bear children with him for them!

However, Leah’s bitterness, envy, jealousy and rivalry were further manifested in how she named her sons. Each son was given a name to reflect the victory she had over her sister, who was barren. For example, Leah named her first born Reuben, saying, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” She named her sixth born Zebulun, saying, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” (Genesis 29:32; Genesis 30:20)

A Daughter Is Born To Leah

“Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah.” – Genesis 30:21

After Leah had borne her sixth son, a ‘tragedy of culture’ occurred – Leah gave birth to a daughter! Dinah was the seventh child of Leah; and seven signifies perfection and completeness. However, Leah was so unhappy that she named her daughter Dinah – meaning, “judgement, contention, strife!”

Thus, Dinah grew up in a very dysfunctional home. Her outlook on life was very much focused on her four “mothers” – her mother Leah, aunt/stepmother Rachel and the two maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah, who had borne children for her father Jacob. Dinah saw her mother Leah and aunt/stepmother Rachel fight for the attention of one man, her father Jacob. She saw the rivalry and bitterness, and her mother despised and unwanted. Unfortunately, however, Leah did not serve as role model for Dinah; and it is very likely that she despised her daughter for being a girl.

Question: What are our daughters seeing in our homes? What do they think of us? What conversations do they hear between us and our husbands? What do they hear us talking about on the phone? What do they think of the God we profess to serve? What do they think of our ministries? We need to ask ourselves these questions, because the answers should tell us what is shaping and forming our daughters’ outlook on life!

Dinah’s Rape

“Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.” – Genesis 34:1 (NASB)

“One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area.” –  Genesis 34:1 (NLT)

One day, Dinah went out to look for the daughters, young women who lived in the area. Dinah left the security of her home to look for other women to relate with. Dinah wanted a different perspective of life, perhaps affirmation, perhaps something better, and went out looking for it among the daughters of the land.

“When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her and raped her.” – Genesis 34:2 (NLT)

Unfortunately, a great tragedy occurred, as Dinah was raped and defiled. This resulted in the men of Shechem being murdered, their wives and children being enslaved, Jacob and his family having to flee their home, Dinah losing any chances of a good marriage and God’s name being dishonoured among the heathen

Question: Who are our daughters and younger women looking up to or turning to for help? These days, our children do not have to physically leave home to actually leave home. Right in our homes, behind a laptop, on their tablets and smartphones, many of our daughters are leaving home and seeking other women as their role models. We, often, only become aware when it is too late or a tragedy occurs!

Befriend Your Daughters

“3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” – Titus 2:3-5

This biblical instruction to older women applies to the mother-daughter relationship. However, I have discovered that the only way we can achieve this, as mothers, is for us to befriend our daughters. Yes, befriend your daughter – BECOME HER FRIEND!

In many cultures, women are taught to raise their daughters in a way that disempowers, rather than empowers, them. Many mothers even lie to their daughters about some of the realities of life, because they want to “protect them.” Unfortunately, this breeds distrust and once our daughters stop trusting us, we’ve lost them!

Mother, you need to befriend our daughter; I mean you need to become her friend, perhaps her best friend!  Of course, this is easier to achieve when our daughters are younger, but it is still possible, at any age. As a friend, and by practical everyday living, teach your daughter the following:

1. Teach her to know and revere God by spending time with her to read the word of God, pray and worship
2. Teach her to know Jesus Christ and to define her identity in Him. Demonstrate to her what it means for her to be a young woman in Christ, by living as a woman in Christ.
3. Teach her to pursue wholeness and individuality, by helping her to discover, appreciate and celebrate her uniqueness.
4. Teach her to value herself by putting value on her. Let her know her worth, that she is precious and can achieve anything she wants to in life, as a woman.
5. Be a lifestyle example to her, in your own behaviour, attitudes, conduct, conversations, dress sense and style, etc.  
6. Give her security by building a family and home based on love, laughter, fun, forgiveness and peace. Even if the circumstances in your home are not the best, use that as an opportunity to build strength, tenacity and resilience in her by engaging with her through the challenges within your family
7. Listen and talk and listen! Discuss the issues she wants to discuss (because these are the issues she will be discussing with her friends). Share your wisdom, knowledge, skills and life experiences with her.
8. Take time to have fun together – chatting, laughing (a lot), shopping, cooking, watching movies, listening to music, etc
9. Prepare her for marriage by teaching her the values to look for in a husband and how to build a healthy family
10. Encourage and help her with her education, career, ministry, profession or business choices and challenges.

 Finally

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” – Ruth 3:1

May our relationships with our daughters be like the relationship that existed between Naomi and Ruth, her daughter-in-law. A story of friendship between two women from different generations that resulted in blessings and brought honour to God.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace

CEO, WOMEN IN TUNE

A Testimony of Deliverance From Death

“…My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.” – 1 Samuel 2:1

I am in awe of our God because of this testimony, and every time I think of what He has done, I get covered with goosebumps and tremble within me at His faithfulness and mercies. I promised the Lord I would share this testimony at the right time, and I think the time is now!

This year, on 14th July, my husband, Rev Cobby Wallace, and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary. We were full of joy and very grateful to God, but it was a very low-key affair with just our family, simply because my husband was still in a lot of pain. This brings me to our testimony!

On Monday 15 June, my husband had an accident, and the fact that he survived and is still alive is a testimony of the faithfulness of God to me and my family. For you to understand the enormity of what God did, I must narrate the sequence of events leading to that faithful day.

Tuesday 9 June:

I got a phone call from one of my daughters in Christ, that the Lord had showed her that there was a threat against me, but because the enemy cannot touch me, he’s seeking to target a member of my family. She gave me details of the personalities involved and said the Lord had asked her to fast and pray against it. I also took it the Father in prayer, and asked for divine protection.

Thursday 11 June:

I had a dream, the full details of which I am not at liberty to disclose. However, in the dream, the spirit of death had entered my home, and I was given a time frame of 2-3 weeks. I was also given a document to sign, but fortunately, the pen was faulty and wouldn’t write, so I barely scribbled. It is the subsequent events that made me realise that I had been asked to sign my husband’s life away. When I woke up from the dream, I was very disturbed, of course, and cried out fervently to God. He reassured me that all would be well and asked me to give three thanks offering to three different people (He showed me who to give the offerings to). I called a colleague in ministry and shared the dream with him and we spent some time in prayer, then I entered into rest.

Saturday 13 June:

Late at night, just before laying down to sleep, the Holy Spirit prompted me, “You haven’t recorded the dream, write it down now!” So I sat up and wrote the dream down, before going to bed. I kept praying and pleading the Blood of Jesus over my family.

Monday 15 June:

The fateful day of my husband’s accident. It was a day we had set apart to pray, but my husband left home in the morning on a brief errand, which could not be avoided. He travelled by train. I was at home waiting for him to return and join me in prayer when my mobile phone rang. It was my husband calling me from an ambulance to tell me he had fallen on the rail track buffers at Liverpool Street Station! He was on his way back home and was checking the reader board to see what time the next train was due, when he saw himself falling, head first towards one of the buffers. (Those buffers are huge and made of solid iron, and are there to stop the trains from going further on to the platform). He doesn’t know what happened, but as his body surged towards the buffer, he reached up with his arm to protect his head, and that was what saved him.

Fortunately, there was already an ambulance at the station and they attended quickly to him and rushed him to nearest hospital. The bones in his arm and elbow shattered into several pieces, and he had to have a four and half hour surgery to repair the damage. Several pieces of bone had to be replace with metal plates! (I shudder to think what would have happened if his head had hit the buffer instead of his arm)! He also fractured his ankle; and was in hospital for about one week.

Shock

My family was in shock for days and I must say, I became quite fearful and tearful. I knew we were in the midst of a mighty battle! Also, were planning the “Arise Women Of Britain And The Nations Conference,” which was to take place the following week, and so I was under a lot of pressure. The next two weeks were almost unbearable, as I tried to juggle everything going on at the same time. My husband was discharged on the evening of the first day of the conference, and he is recuperating, to God’s praise and glory!

Appreciation

God is so good!!! I am truly grateful for the faithful brethren who rose up immediately to surround and cover us in prayer. I thank God for the prayers and support from Rev Danny, Rev Darlene, Rev Ruth, Pastor Mary, Minister Becky, and all our Women In Tune Country Directors and their teams who prayed and interceded earnestly for me, my husband and my family. I’m grateful for my parents and siblings who also prayed earnestly and called every day, especially, my Dad. Thank God for Pastors Linda, Azuka and Glenys and others who prayed for us.

Psalm 18:2-3, 46
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies…. The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

Join Us in Praising Him!!!

The Lord God saved and delivered His servant from death! My family is so overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness to us! The Lord delivered and saved our husband and father from the hand of the enemy. Indeed, He revealed and exposed the enemy’s plans, in order to redeem his servant. We cannot thank Him enough! We are just in awe of Him! PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING AND PRAISING THE LORD!!!

Psalm 124
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say- “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, When men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” AMEN!!

Overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness

Cobby and Jennifer Abigail Wallace
WOMEN IN TUNE/QUIVER/CEDARS HOUSE

THE FATHER NEEDS YOUR WOMB!

(I shared this message at the recent ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN AND THE NATIONS Conference, and felt I should share it with you to challenge and encourage you).

One of the greatest biblical phenomena occurred when an angel appeared to a teenage virgin, to ask if God could use her womb to carry and birth the Messiah! In fact, she was not even asked, but was informed that she had been chosen and given the awesome privilege of carrying and birthing the Saviour of the world! Her response, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word,” resonates throughout the ages. (Luke 1:26-38)

The unequivocal truth is that the womb of woman is the designated gateway through which ALL humanity, and thus God’s purposes, come into existence. Even God could never come in human form without the womb of a woman. This was why at the beginning, God said it was not good that the man should be alone without the woman. There was no one with the apparatus, capacity and capability to reproduce the seed of humanity created in the image of God.

After the Fall of Man, God’s redemptive plan was unveiled in the garden of Eden with a promise from the sovereign LORD to Satan, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Thus, throughout the scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, the enemy always sought to destroy woman, and especially, the Seed of woman. (Revelation 12:3-5 best describes this). It is also important to note, however, that throughout the scriptures, whenever the Seed faced termination or extinction, God would raise a woman to carry, birth and preserve the Seed for posterity.

Women Who Carried The Seed

1. Sarah: It began with Abraham, to whom God had promised dominion and the inheritance of the nations. The promise was to him and his Seed, yet, his wife Sarah was old and barren. (Genesis 17:1-8; Galatians 3:16) God visited them, and by the power of His word, old, barren, post-menopause Sarah gave birth to Isaac.

2. Rebekah: Rebekah married Isaac, but also struggled to conceive. God opened her womb when Isaac prayed and pleaded for her. When Rebekah took seed, the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah watched over this word from God, to ensure that the blessing of the Seed did not go to the wrong son, Esau, but to Isaac, the one chosen by God.

3. Tamar: Tamar cunningly took and reproduced Judah’s seed, to birth Perez, thus continuing the lineage of the Seed, the Messiah. (Genesis 38)

4. Jochebed: Pharaoh had issued a decree that the seed of Israel should be destroyed – all new-born sons should be killed at birth. Yet, Jochebed birthed Moses, who, as the deliverer of Israel, was a type of Christ, the Seed of woman. Together, with her daughter Miriam, they came up with a plan to preserved Moses’ life.

5. Ruth: At the end of one of the darkest periods in the history of Israel, we find Ruth, the Moabite, through the guidance of Naomi, positioning herself to take the seed of Boaz, and producing a king for Israel. Ruth birthed Obed, the father of Jessie, the father of King David, the forebear of Jesus Christ.

6. Hannah: We also have Hannah birthing Samuel, at a time when the word of God was scarce in Israel. Though barren, Hannah cried out to God, and He heard and opened up her womb. Through Samuel, the word and knowledge of God was restored back to Israel. (1 Samuel 1–3)

7. Bathsheba: Even Bathsheba played a role in birthing Solomon, and when the kingdom was in chaos, worked with Prophet Nathan to ensure Solomon was made king, according to the word of the Lord. (1 Kings 1:11-40)

8. Three Women: Finally, we have three women who facilitated the birth of Jesus, the Messiah – Anna, the old widow, who carried and travailed in prayer for Him to be born; old and barren Elizabeth, who carried and birthed John the Baptist (the forerunner of Jesus); and Mary the teenage virgin who supernaturally took seed, carried and laboured and birthed the Messiah!

One Thing In Common

The only thing these women had in common was the simple fact that they were women, created in the image of God with the ability and power to take seed and reproduce. In the natural, women are physically designed to fulfil this purpose. We have the ability to multiply seed, and create and birth new life.

The question is, if we are like this in the natural, WHAT ARE WE LIKE IN THE SPIRIT? In the spirit, we are the Church, the Bride of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can give life to that which is dead or inanimate. (Hebrews 11:35) All a woman needs is a seed, and we need to begin to ask God to plant the seed of the Kingdom in us. What is dead in your community? What is dying and needs life? What needs nurturing? What can we influence?

“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and the violent take it by force.” – Matthew 11:12 (AMP)

There are very few things as violent as childbearing. Therefore, as women, and as the Church, the Bride of Christ, the Father is calling on us to rise up and take the seeds of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ – righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit – and incubate, travail and birth the Kingdom in our homes, communities, churches, villages, towns, cities and nations. The Father is calling on us to travail in prayer and warfare, and in preaching and sharing the Gospel!

The Time To Travail Is Here!

““7 Before she was in labour, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. 8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labour, she gave birth to her children. 9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.”  – Isaiah 66:7-9

To the many women (and men) out there, who have carried the promises of God for Britain and the nations in their spiritual wombs for many years, God is also saying, the time has come to enter into travail, for the time of delivery is nigh.

ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN!!! ARISE WOMEN OF THE NATIONS!!! AWAKE! ARISE! ACT!

You may watch the video of the entire message “THE FATHER NEEDS YOUR WOMB” which was recorded on ZOOM, by clicking on the link.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
CEO/International President
WOMEN IN TUNE

Catherine Booth: Mother Of The Salvation Army

One thing I love about the United Kingdom is that much of its history is preserved in writing; so, we can look back, read and learn from the past. This week I would like us to take a brief look at Catherine Booth, who was the Co-founder of the Salvation Army

Born in 1829, Catherine Booth belonged to a generation of women who were raised for the purpose of marriage and motherhood, yet by the age of 19 she was already challenging the widely accepted theory of woman’s inherent inferiority.

Controversially, Catherine attributed woman’s supposedly ‘lesser’ abilities to a lack of sufficient training and education that rendered her ‘anything but an help mate to man’. In accordance with her convictions and in defiance of cultural expectation, she followed her faith into the public sphere, pioneering the place of women in religious ministry firstly through the Christian Mission and then The Salvation Army.

Working in the public sphere signalled her rebellion against the Victorian ideal of womanhood that confined women to the private (domestic) sphere, whilst her intellectual written responses to those who publicly challenged her beliefs demonstrated her active and persistent engagement in wider public discourse on women’s place and purpose.

In her 1859 pamphlet, Female Ministry, Catherine argued that: ‘God has given to women a graceful form and attitude, winning manners, persuasive speech, and, above all, a finely toned emotional nature, all of which appear to us eminent natural qualifications for public speaking’.

In the midst of many challenges, and often moving against the norms of society and culture, Catherine Booth made a great impact on the lives of many, both women and men, and, together with her husband William, brought a huge harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God.

More than 150 years later, women have attained greater freedom than then, and many of the prejudices against women have long been abandoned. Women have come far in obtaining various liberties, and have greater opportunities in education, careers, etc, especially in the secular world. However, women still lag behind when it comes to the service of God, particularly in leadership and Christian outreach.

For far too long, more than half of God’s workforce has been redundant, and the Church has operated under-capacity by limiting women, especially in the area of leadership. Therefore, many gifts and talents have lain dormant or been under-utilized. This has been a major setback to God’s kingdom, because whilst souls are perishing, the Church has been slow in rising to full operational potential, by raising and releasing women to work.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12

According to the above scripture, God’s people – every believer, irrespective of gender – must be equipped, that is, taught, raised and empowered to serve the Lord. Our first service to the Lord, beyond our worship and prayers, is to reach out to a perishing world with the Gospel of the Kingdom and disciples other believers. Every believer, man, woman, youth and child, must be equipped to share the Gospel and disciple other believers. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 18:15-18)

This is why I see a day coming soon, when many women, empowered by the Holy Spirit, shall rise up and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ! With our “graceful form and attitude, winning manners, persuasive speech, and, above all, finely toned emotional nature” we will share the gospel in every sphere of our influence – at home, on the school run, at work, whilst shopping, having coffee friends, at the hairdressers’ etc!!!

The clarion call is out: Arise Women Of Britain and the Nations! AWAKE! ARISE! ACT!

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
CEO, Women In Tune International
QUIVER Convenor

BEHOLD THE LAMB!!!

Behold the Lamb, no longer on a donkey,
But upon a white stallion.
Behold the Lamb, riding in majesty,
In power and victory, and to war!
Behold the Lamb, not returning as man,
But as God!

Hear the sound of the horse’s hoofs,
As it gallops majestically;
Proclaiming the return of its Rider:
Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
Lion of Judah, Triumphant King,
Righteous Judge of all the earth!

Hail Him! Hail Him!
King of Kings, Lord of lords!
Alpha and Omega,
The First and the Last!
Hail Him! Faithful and True
Magnificent and Exalted One!

Bow! Bow, before Him!
The Saviour of the world,
Only Hope of humanity and creation!
For He is coming soon!
And the Spirit and the Bride say,
“COME!!!”

Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
(copyright 29 February 2008)

COME!!! MUST BE THE CRY OF OUR HEARTS!!!

Arise Women Of Britain!!!
Arise Women Of The Nations!!!
AWAKE! ARISE! ACT!!!