by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 28, 2017 | Uncategorized |
The persecution of the body of Christ will continue in an increasing measure as we approach the end of the age (Matthew 24). There will be brutal rise in violent persecution of Christians all over the world, especially in Islam dominated territories.
According to Opendoors 2016 World Watch list, violent killings of Christians in Nigeria has increased by 62% in just one year. In 2015, there were 4,028 killings and 198 church attacks, and Christians in the North have continued to suffer severe marginalization and discrimination as well as targeted violence. Many have wondered if all these violent attacks against the church in Nigeria is a calculated attempt to Islamize the country.
Some pastors who spoke vehemently against the killing of Christians, and burning of churches, have been accused of hate speeches, and attempts to incite their members to fight back. Whilst it is becoming increasingly difficult to live as Christians in Nigeria, what should the church do to withstand this brutal attacks , and continue to remain relevant in God’s plan for the country? Please leave your comments and opinions on our forum.
We are crushed but we are not defeated. Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 27, 2017 | Uncategorized |
You are not a biological ceremony. You are a concept of destiny, and your destination is God! The scriptures affirms that, “…we are children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we will end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we will see him—and in seeing him, become like him.”-1 John 3:2 . No matter where life has placed you; or no matter how badly life has treated you, you are never destined for misfortune. Since, you are made in the image of God, you are destined for excellence as He is. The reason God wants you in heaven, and not hell is because you are destined to become like Him.
Therefore, your problems are not more powerful than your purpose. What you are born to do is more powerful that what you have done! Even when you mess up, God will not abandon you. God knows what to do with your many failures. He can turnthem into testimonies, if you yield yourself to Him in absolute reliance. If you want to make a permanent change, stop focusing on the size of your probles and start focusing on the size of you.” T. Harv Eker. You are not unwanted, you are bigger than what you think. Therefore, magnify your purpose and not your problems. Celebrate possibilities, think big, pursue your goals with enthusiasm, faith and courage. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
#praypursueprevail
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 25, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Hurricane is a storm with a violent wind, in particular a tropical cyclone in the Caribbean. Hurricane has devastating effect on the environment and thus it is never a welcome phenomenon in any society. The effects of hurricanes can be grouped into two: weather and economic. Hurricanes bring about storm surges. … As the storm makes a landfall, the high sea level brings water inland, causing major flooding and destruction.
Every news of a hurricane comes with fear of terror, agitations and sometime, hopelessness because its effects is seen in lost of life’s and properties. Of special note is the hurricane the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. It was the deadliest hurricane to ever hit the United States and caused between 8000 and 12000 deaths. The storm reached the Texas coast south of Galveston on September 8 as a Category 4 hurricane with a storm surge of 8 to 15 feet (geology.com).
Except for hurricane Trump, every hurricane in history has an overall devastating effects and as such it results into untold afflictions first to the victims, and consequently, it brings pains to those who are far off. The recent obliteration of the Lesbian and Gay rights from the WhiteHouse.gov site, including the removal of a report on the Labor Department’s website on LGBT workers rights is the latest hurricane that has hit America, and creating enormous exitments amongst those who are normal, rational, and God-fearing. However, to those who have perverted the truth of God, and have embraced the unnatural use of their bodies, this is devastating hurricane and unacceptable.
It is noteworthy that the 45th American president, Donald Trump, and his vice President, Pence, have throughout their campaigns demonstrated a strong and convincing anti-gay stance, hence, the decision to quash the LGBT law, which was implemented by the Obama administration. I am so glad because the rejection of gay right did not come from a pastor, but from a businessman turned president who is probably just convinced that the act is not just a perversion of God’s laws, but also a naturally disgusting, foolish, and shameful act. Certainly, God uses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise ( I Corinthians 1:27).
For many rational and sensible persons, hurricane Trumph is a welcome development, and should be upheld against any form of criticism and attacks. Whilst we expect agitations and protests from those who have embrassed the unfortunate right, we watch to see how things unfold in the near future. Nevertheless, it is comforting and reassuring that a statement have been made to indicate that God still controls the affairs of men and His truth will always prevail over the lies of satan. There is definitely something pleasant about this hurricane! It is indeed a Sirocco wind from the Lord!
God has in no time, and will never force His ways on man, yet, He will not lose control of His creation. He will preserve his people and establish His reigns forever. Satan may have captivated many of God’s creation, but his time is short! He will be judged and condemned for eternity with those who pay allegiance to him. This is satan’s destiny, and the destiny of those who reject God. But as for God, His kingdom will reign forever!
I stand for the truth, I move to the righteous side with God. I’m winning! Yes, we are winning!
http://allure.vanguardngr.com/2017/01/hurricane-trump-hits-america-president-deletes-gay-rights-laws-scrapped-taliban-threaten-us/
Read more of Hurricane Trump on www.allure.vanguardngr.com
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 24, 2017 | Uncategorized |
If you are going through a trying time, and all your options are closing in on you, and it seems to you that there might be no way out. At that point where everything looks uncertain, rather than give in to hopelessness, and depression, you should stand up start shouting, saying: ‘I have been chosen for a miracle today!’ “God is working all things for my good!” “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I want!” and so on.
When you confession of faith originates from the inner man where spiritual power is released through words, they can alter the physical and spiritual world, and release supernatural blessings into your life (Hebrew 11:1). Yes, there is a certain tightness needed to cause faith to be secreted, and the trials you now face may just be the vehicle to transport you to you next glorious level. Irrespective of what is going on in your environment, there is something good inside of you, and God knows how to get it out! So, don’t whine! Don’t despair, you are sure winning! Yes, we are winning! Stand up and shout, ‘I am winning!’
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 22, 2017 | Uncategorized |
How could two seas, fed by the same river be so different? Both the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee derive their water from the River Jordan. The water simply passes through the Sea of Galilee in and then out – and that keeps the sea healthy and vibrant, teeming with marine life, whereas, the Dead Sea, which is a Lake, takes water from the River Jordan, and holds it. It does not give and thus it has no life in it!
It’s so high in salt content that the human body can float easily. You can almost lie down and read a book! The salt in the Dead Sea is as high as 35% – almost 10 times the normal ocean water. And all that saltiness has meant that there is no life at all in the Dead Sea. No fish. No vegetation. No sea animals. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea. And hence the name: Dead Sea.
Unlike the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee is pretty, resplendent with rich, colorful marine life. There are lots of plants. And lots of fish too. In fact, the Sea of Galilee is home to over twenty different types of fishes. Same region, same source of water, and yet while one sea is full of life, the other is dead. 
We all need to be a bit like the Sea of Galilee. We are fortunate to get wealth, knowledge, love and respect. But if we don’t learn to give, we could all end up like the Dead Sea. The love and respect, the wealth and the knowledge could all evaporate like the water in the Dead Sea. Quite the Dead Sea mentality the make sure that in the sea of your own life, you have outlets, many outlets for love and wealth – and everything else that you get in your life. Make sure you don’t just get, you give too. Open the taps and you’ll open the floodgates to happiness. Even in your lack, there’s something you can give! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 20, 2017 | Uncategorized |
He was born in pains; and named sorrow-maker. The circumstances of his birth was the reason for his misfortune. Until he cried out, he was a child at risk but he never accepted things that are less than God’s best! Rather than remain in the unfortunate mold, he prayed to the barrier breaker. Until he prayed, he was a sorrow-maker, and unfortunate 
man. He was seen as an outcast, a good-for-nothing mediocre. It was written of him, “Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” (1Chronicles 4:10). Mediocrity is the road to nowhere. Like Jabez, you too can exit mediocrity, and pursue excellence.
What unfortunate mold has your family or society put you, such that you consider justifiable? Have you adapted to the situation in your environment because you think it can only get worst? You may think you have genuine reasons to settle where you are, or remain in the mold that the situation around you have created. There’s a potential in you that would cause new doors to be opened. Your life will follow your thoughts. Therefore, like Jabez, be determined to break out of the unfortunate mold of stagnation and mediocrity. Cry to God, your maker. He is the comforter, the name that fits so perfectly. He is the way maker, the life changer, peace giver, and Joy river. He predestined you for Excellence. So, break out of the mold!
Don’t settle for less! Don’t accept excuses to settle where you are, because you are made for more! “…the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more until it reaches its full strength and glory.”(Proverbs 4:18). Yes, you can go further than the experts have told you. You can do yourself and your generation a favor by breaking out of that familiar afflictions. You can defile the odd. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark!
