DESIRE & DENIAL

by Patricia Usiobaifo

The human spirit is a powerful force; it compels us to rise above the most devastating of circumstances, to hope throughout the darkest of times and to survive against the greatest odds. There is an innate quality in many of us that causes us to rebel against every restriction we have placed on us; that seeks to prove people wrong when they tell you that we are not capable of something. This drive, this desire to prove others wrong, can be an asset and a strength, but it can also be a weakness and to our detriment. It is at its best a powerful motivator, however, it is also, at its worst simply rebellion.

I have often pondered how the enemy uses our strengths against us in the most basic and subtle ways.
For many of us, when we are told we cannot or should not have something, we immediately filter that through our thought processes as being denied something which is rightfully ours to have. We do not immediately reason as to why we shouldn’t have that particular thing, that it is potentially harmful to us, to our health, our relationships or will lead to future complications, or negatively impact those around us. We seem to magnify instead the fact that we have been told “we shouldn’t”, “we can’t”, that we must deny ourselves that thing, that experience. As we focus on denying our senses, our desires, we magnify that denial and in turn our desire for it.

Take for example food.

If we were given a bottle of liquid or a bowl of substance that was clearly labelled as poison, we would not readily consume it. We would rightly refuse it because our natural thought process would tell us that it would lead to death. We would consider it insanity to readily consume that poison. However, every day of our lives, a huge number of us consume substances and liquids which we know bring death and not life to our bodies, whether it is in the form of junk food, alcohol, illicit substances, highly processed foods etc. We are bombarded with medical and scientific evidence that warns us that these things are not good for our health and wellbeing. That in many cases, the continued consumption of these products, is a direct link to sickness and disease and yet we still continue to consume them.

Often our continued consumption is because we do not see why we should have to deny ourselves that pleasure, that experience, or we struggle with the temptation, justifying our actions by lying to ourselves that just a little will not do us any harm, and yet the truth is, that the only thing we are truly denying ourselves is LIFE.

Let’s begin at least to be honest with ourselves and see things, label things, for what they truly are; if it brings life it is of God and is designed and created to be enjoyed, if it does not impart life it can only impart death, and was never intended for us to partake of.

MAKE SPACE

by Patricia Usiobaifo

God has impressed upon me the need to create “space” (and time) in my life, for my husband who is soon to join me here in Australia.

We have been friends for over 6 years now, and married for almost seven months, however we have only spent 2 short weeks together(in the same nation) since becoming husband and wife.
Creating a physical space for him in my world will be by far the easier aspect of this entire “space” concept. Wardrobe space, drawer space, bathroom space, space for all his “stuff” may be slightly challenging for me to relinquish, but in all honesty it will be of no significance compared with creating a ‘Space “in my life for this precious man.

In order to even receive your partner you must first make space in your heart, to accommodate their love for you and indeed your love for them. God enlarges your heart, stretching it at times to what feels like breaking point, but through that stretching and enlarging your heart is also strengthened. Just as most things in God are a paradox: you find yourself feeling so incredibly vulnerable and yet it is in that overwhelming vulnerability that you find strength. Our hearts can be full of pride, offence, grief, disillusionment, disappointment, hurt etc. layer upon layer of self-protection and emotional debris that we are not even aware of. Residue of past relationships and hurts can remain as a subtle yet insidious film through which we perceive reality. We are wise to seek counselling and healing from our past, it is imperative; however, I have also come to understand that the true degree of our deliverance can rarely be tested and measured outside of intimate relationship.
God (in His kindness) magnifies every flaw in our thinking, attitudes and beliefs when we enter into covenant relationship. He highlights every area of un-wholeness in order that we can continually be adjusted and refined, dismantled and restored.

Like any solid building project this takes time, planning and precision; a joint vision, as well as patience, tolerance and sacrifice. It is a labour of love.

It is not enough to simply accommodate a partner or integrate them into your family, social circles, church or ministry etc. you must rather create a “space “where they can find their true place; a safe, secure space (and time) in which God can slowly and painstakingly lay the foundations for your marriage /union in Him; a foundation that will be sure and solid, designed specifically for the scaffolding and building which is to  take place as you both map your future together in God.

STAY TRUE

by Patricia Usiobaifo


I was speaking recently with one of the most important people in my life and during the course of our conversation they asked me to make them a promise. After listening to their request I had to tell them that I could not make the promise they so desperately desired. I understand their need and their situation, and there was nothing wrong with their request, however, I had made a promise before God which was in opposition to what they had asked. I knew my friend was so very disappointed and that they were feeling hurt, maybe even slightly rejected. My only recourse was to explain that I had made a promise to God and ask them to consider, if I have given my word whether to God or man and I then broke that word, how could I ever be trusted again? How could I be viewed as a person of integrity? How could they as a friend trust my given word knowing that I had compromised myself for their sake? Our conversation ended with my friend having nothing further to say, their disappointment and disapproval evident in their silence. Their friendship is incredibly important to me and I knew that my response to them had put that relationship at risk; however, I felt I had no choice, how could I break a promise made before God? Some 48 hours later, my friend called and apologised to me for their response. They said that as they meditated on what I had said, it had pierced their heart like an arrow and that they knew that honouring my word was a huge part of who I am, and again that they were truly sorry. I am so incredibly grateful to God for the outcome; however, I needed to be prepared to risk the friendship for my convictions. God in His mercy sent His Holy Spirit to whisper into their heart and for that I am so very grateful and I know our friendship is stronger than ever because of it. Had I give in to their needs in order to protect our friendship I would have lost respect for myself and  also eventually their respect as well, and eventually our relationship would have unravelled . We will always be to some extent misunderstood, only God can possibly fully understand us and know the true motives of our heart, don’t be tempted to go against your own beliefs and convictions to please another, despite how much you love them, eventually it will lead to loss, if not of their love and friendship then of your own self-respect. Shalom.

BECOMING ONE

by Patricia Usiobaifo

As I wait for my husband to join me in Australia and I prepare all the practical things for his arrival, God has impressed upon me some truths to consider…….

All too often, we meet people and as it becomes clear that they wish to share our life journey, or enter into covenant relationship, we can find ourselves saying things like “this is who I am, this is my life, these are my beliefs, my commitments, my responsibilities, my faults, my strengths etc., and basically what you see is what you get …..take it or leave it …..that’s just how it is.” But the truth is we cannot become one with another individual and still remain the same. Two individuals can share a space, co-habitat so to speak but they are not a couple, they are not one flesh. In order to become one flesh we must make “space “for another to “be” in our lives. We must allow God to unravel some of the fabric of our existence and weave the two fabrics together to produce something that is greater than the two original individual tapestries of life. We must allow God to lay and strengthen the foundation of our marriage/union/relationship. When people become a “couple” they are no longer independent of each other. Each individual’s actions and movement affects the other. If you are “coupled” you are joined ( just as a train carriage is coupled to an engine ) so your actions will either cause momentum and ease as you move together in the same direction or it will cause friction and stress/tension as you  strain and pull in opposite directions. Either way you cannot move/grow/fully function without it impacting on the person you are coupled with.

If we are entering into relationship we cannot expect people to “fit in” with our lives, rather we must provide a secure safe place in which both individuals can find their place as God reduces them to their most vulnerable state in order to meld them together into something new. We must be intentional in this, continually surrendering to God our fears, independence, pride, intolerances, defensiveness, insecurities, self-protection, selfishness, etc. We must also allow God to be who He says He is, and allow Him to relate to us in His fullness. Allow Him to be to us, our defender, protector, strength, refuge, comforter; strong tower etc. in order that our needs can be met without placing unrealistic expectations on each other.

Making “space” for another person in our lives can be complex and challenging. We give that person access to areas that we have consistently kept private from most people; access to our thoughts, emotions, dreams, desires, finances, bodies and territories. Courage to be truly vulnerable is needed and grace, patience and a forgiving heart essential as you find your new “rhythm” together.
God Himself is the ultimate Creator; marriage is God’s plan, a Godly concept and so it stands to reason that we cannot and should not consider our partners as additions to our lives but rather that we should create a “space” and time in which God can truly unite two individuals as one.

EXPECTATIONS

by Glenice Mills

As we begin a new year we all come expectant that God will move and new doors of opportunity will open up. Expectations are great so long as we are expectant in the things God has promised us. The problem arises when we want things that we think God wants for us. Sometimes our expectations can seem noble and we try and make things fit, hoping that God will endorse it. However, I am so aware that as time marches on, as we get older, we have less time to focus on what we think we want. Now we need to be more concerned with doing only what God wants.

I know many in the body of Christ are disappointed that certain things haven’t happened the way they thought, or what they thought would happen hasn’t happened at all. Sometimes the complete opposite happens from what you thought. This is where our expectations have gone awry. Somehow in our journey with God we have slightly deviated off course. It can seem that the time has been wasted, or that what we thought would happen, will not happen now.

The Dictionary meaning of expectation: it believes that something is going to happen or believing that something should be a certain way. Always accompanying expectations is an eager anticipation. There is an excitement in our spirits - a deep felt joy.

In times past it was often said when a woman was pregnant she was expecting. Expectations are like the baby we carry, waiting for the appointed time of their delivery. You know it has to happen; there is no turning back, no matter what the baby will be delivered. So it is with those things we hope for in God, the dreams, and visions that have been sown deep on the inside of us, often many years earlier.

We have expectations for our call, our ministries. Often attached to the expectations are our mental pictures. Our minds work overtime in anticipation for what is coming. We can work out ways for things to happen quickly, maybe pushing doors open that the Lord never wanted for us. It happens subtly but before you know it we have made things happen in our own strength.

The truth is: we can make things happen. It doesn’t mean God is in it. It may appear to be so, however, over time there is no fruit, or what was meant to be a very powerful ministry has faded away. Let’s think about it: how many ministries have come and gone, often leaving devastated people as a result? Was God ever in it in the first place? How many people are disillusioned because what they thought would happen hasn’t happened? Sadly many have even walked away from God because of wrong expectations. God is not a ‘sugar daddy’. Often prophetic words have been misinterpreted, taken out of context, or manipulated to make it fit a desire that might not even be what God wants. Unfortunately this happens all too often.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems with expectations is the timing. At the APPOINTED TIME – this is a crucial key to having our expectations met.

The appointed time – exactly on time, not a moment too late or a moment too soon. It is the Kairos time. It is God’s perfect timing! Everything is in place. We are prepared, other people are ready, and the influence and effectiveness will result in incredible change.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;

But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie

Though it tarries, wait for it;

Because it will surely come,

It will not tarry.

One of the biggest traps we can fall into is striving. This often occurs when the enemy is pushing and pushing us even when we know deep down we should not be doing something. Striving is often birthed out of rejection – doing something to receive acceptance and approval. If we are driven in our character, it can easy make us do something, not necessarily for God, but because it gives us a ‘false high’ with the adrenaline rush of having to do something. Striving will block and stop us coming into an appointed time. This is more so when we see the vision, we know it is close, and we have no doubt that we are able to do what the Lord requires of us.

Striving and performance are contrary to the Spirit of God. He is a God of free will and will not make us do something because we have to, but rather because we want to. We want to because the Lord has equipped us and trained us ready to do His Kingdom purposes. 

We live in a time when we need to be exactly on time, in God’s appointed plan for our lives. We need to watch that we don’t preempt something because of expectations. 

UNITE US!

by Belinda Jabore


We must take the risk to unite in the church no matter what it takes. Unite in “The Faith”. Unite us oh God in a right spirit towards You and each other.

The Holy Spirit highlighted a scene in Braveheart, which I think was around the 7th time I have seen this movie, and He impacted me in the scene when Robert the Bruce so wanted to be like Braveheart's Mel Gibson. Robert the Bruce saw how fearless and couragess Braveheart was to stand for the truth and freedom of others and fight for it, and yet regardless of how he admired and wanted to be like Braveheart, he betrayed him when it was his chance to stand for what was right at that hour. This was an opportunity for him, but Robert the Bruce succumbed to mans tradition and what was thought to be right, therefore betraying the true move….

This is for all of us, but I feel to say and alert the Indigenous First Nation people, as they need to be aware of this as white people have tried, and still will try, to take the reins and power and then think they are leading the move of God in Australia. The Indigenous First nation people however must be at the forefront and leading this battle, and lead and unite with the right ones God has connected their hearts with. Even though there is risk to unite together we must be brave just as Braveheart was for the battle of unity and freedom in the right Godly order. So this is where this word is coming from and what I see in the future, and is happening now, and will come against carriers of the truth and freedom of the church especially the Indigenous First Nation people. We must unite together and get behind them to unite to be the Apostolic prophetic five fold ministers in their own right, and we must bring the church into true freedom of what she needs to be and to stay that way - “Her true call uniting together as one”. 

Look out Australia, the Indigenous First Nation people will take their place and position, uniting together for God’s plans and purpose and the religious spirit will not like it.

Betrayers and betrayals will come saying they are for truth and freedom of the apostles doctrine and unity, but they will betray, saying they want to fight the good fight with you but then turn and side with the more accepted move, even when they have the ability to help you they will just leave you in a vulnerable position when that is the time they could shine in God to help wherever they could, but they will turn their backs on the true move of God. Leaders in prominent positions who say they are friends of God and know Him. Religious power hungry prideful men and woman who bow down to traditions of men who love religion more than Jesus who will try to stop what Jesus and the Father wants to accomplish for His kingdom purposes. They love to be in power drawing attention to themselves without the Holy Spirit, having a religious form of power but no Holy Spirit true power; therefore controlling what people think is the Holy Spirit. This is happening now.

But God will prevail and His truth will bring freedom and the gates of hell shall not prevail over His church. God will have His way. Women and Men apostles at the helm together with prophets with the rest of the five fold ministers together will identify and remove these spirits so others can live to stand in their rightful place and authority. Godly order to bring truth and freedom in the church as it is meant to be. It will not matter what color you are or what culture you have come from, regardless of these things all of us will “unite’ with God’s kingdom plans and purpose at the forefront of our heart and minds. Kingdom overrules culture. Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Apostles get to the heart of the matter and their love for each other and love of the truth will be evident. Their unity and peace will bring Godly order.

Footnotes from Aramaic New Testament say -
The burden of change is upon mankind to nurture the spiritual man according to the image of Elohim, but false religion puts the burden of change on Heaven, demanding that heaven conform to man’s religion.

It is so true of what has been and is and is coming in a greater way to the body of Christ.
Just as Jesus Christ died so must the mighty apostles and men and women of “the faith” in the spirit and the natural, to every thing that they have had or known? Loving their life unto death for Jesus Yeshua. Just like those who have fought for freedom before- there is a great price to pay. These mighty saints are instruments and carriers of truth to change the direction of where the truth has been twisted; it can only be done by those authorized by the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Father God and their order.

All colors and people groups will unite together. Cultures or traditions of men will not compromise the truth and only God’s Kingdom plans and purposes will prevail, as cultures will unite. Kingdom Rule overrides cultural rule.

Lovers of the truth, apostles with prophets uniting together with the evangelists, pastors, teachers. Five fold, as one, they all will unite then with other truth bearers and carriers of the same heart as Jesus and the Father and their Holy right spirit.

A remnant together as one, doing the work of the Kingdom of heaven.

Unite our hearts oh God - Unite us!

WARNING - WHAT IS 'MODERATE' AND WHAT IS 'RADICAL'?

by Glenice Mills

“We need to find a way of making it ‘us’, all moderates, against them, all radicals of all religions.” Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Malcolm Turnbull.

This would have to be the most serious statement a person has ever made that is a challenge to the Church right now and in particular the Church in Australia. This is our political leader speaking. For many of us who have known that there is a move to undermine the freedom of the church it is now been spoken and acknowledged. There are many dangers on a number of levels.

We can take this statement as addressing the Muslims and those who hold to their extremist views however there is much more behind it. We, the body of Christ need to ask ourselves some serious questions right now.

How is ‘radical religions’ defined? Is a Pentecostal, Charismatic church classed as a radical because it believes in Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is an apostolic/prophetic church defined as a ‘radical’ because they speak out and address unrighteousness, injustices and ungodliness? Is a church that meets on a Sunday who is not threatening to what is deemed ‘politically correct’ defined as radical or is it what is called a ‘moderate’?

The Dictionary meaning of moderate is: avoiding extremes, one who holds moderate views, make less violent, intense, to becomes less vehement.

The Dictionary meaning of radical is: fundamental, far-reaching, holding extreme views, revolutionary, advocating radical reforms.

How do you define ‘a way of making it ‘us’? Is this saying we all need to agree by compromising, accepting the opinions of the loud minority, or ‘let’s all be friends no matter our religious, political, financial, social beliefs?’ If this is so, then we are heading down a road of increasing unrest, intolerances, prejudices, divisions and factions. It is the very opposite of ‘us’. It is the beginning of fascism, the mouths of the people shut up and the rising up of ungodly dictatorships.

Is there a political agenda here? Is there a push to silence the mouths of those who would make a stand for what is right and true? Undoubtedly!

The church is on the cusp of serious choices whether they choose to bow to what is politically correct by joining with and aligning ourselves with other religions to ‘keep the peace’ or are we going to stand out, stand apart, and not compromise, appease and agree with what we know is against God and His ways. Will we be the remnants who do not bow the knee to all that is idolatrous or will we be prepared to count the cost by being different with its associated persecutions, ostracism and isolation?

Does this mean that when we Christians speak out against social issues such as abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage and euthanasia that we are deemed radicals and therefore we need to change so we become more ‘us’? What say some of say, “no, we won’t be quiet on these issues?” What happens to us? We will be viewed as the same as a murderous jihadi?

We are already seeing examples where church leaders have been challenged because of their stance of some of these issues. This is happening in America and we are not and will not be immune either if we are truly going to make a stand for what is right and true.

Church wake up!!! This is not the hour to stay comfortable, safe and secure in our little bubble of ‘false peace’. The greatest test is coming on the Church and it is happening now on our watch. What legacy do we want to leave our children and grandchildren? Let’s not fall for what appears to be right and open the door for deception. It’s time to be on the alert like never before!