Reading this on Facebook-
What did you need from God in August?? Say it now say this now before this weekend., say it with faith, Before, pick one by faith, pick what you want to become and I will pray for you over it.
1. Car owner,
2. Landlord,
3. Proud mother,
4. VISA owner,
5. A Billionaire,
as you choose, share this prayer 5 Times now and watch out how miraculous your life will become'
I wondered-how can this very valid human need of calling on divine, supernatural help in pursuing material needs be better cultivated?
All those grand goals listed above cannot be achieved simply through prayer. Sharing the prayer itself will not necessarily lead to miracles occurring in one's life.
But prayer, in alignment with sustained and well directed work, can achieve those goals. Even then, the time frame in which those goals can be achieved will differ from person to person and for most, it will not be within one month.
The wealth achieved by people like T.B. Joshua is gained is by selling hope and perhaps through genuine miracles which I expect also occur but not always with the dramatic force in terms of which they are often touted.
I get the impression the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria and perhaps in Africa have got their hand on powerful formulae for upliftment of a beleaguered populace but I wonder if some of its leaders are not being very slow to gasp the true power they have.
Instead of giving the impression that prayer is enough for success, why not, like such churches as Poju Oyemade's Covenant Christian Centre emphasize the combination of prayer, self development and work?
Instead of the spectacle of rich pastors, why not live modestly, closer to Jesus' lifestyle, thereby emphasizing the transcendence of materiality he projected, an example particularly valuable in environments where there is so much lack, and use the money for such empowerment schemes as business start up grants, loans, scholarships, free training for members, assistance to the needy etc.
Some of this is already being done but the high visibility of private jets, swanky suits and other high profile lifestyles among pastors makes it clear more can be done.
It will also be wonderful if the churches can deliver high quality cheap or free education, providing concessions for members. Covenant University, for example, seems impressive, but I understand the fees are very high. Whats the point of its being a school founded by a church if attendance is mainly by the economic elite?
thanks
toyin
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