"And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Genesis 13:14-15.

 Not everyone in your life is meant to stay with you until the end. Some people are in your life on short-term basis, while few are really destined to be in your life for the long haul. The greatest mistake you can ever make is attempting to accomplish permanent things with such temporary individuals. The scripture says, after Abraham separated from Lot, the Lord spoke to him afresh and gave him a broad vision of the Promised Land. Who are the Lot's kind of people? They are people with short-term vision. They don't see beyond the present. In fact, every decision they make is based on what they can gain today, not what they can make happen beyond the present. Abraham's kind of people are really different from the Lot's kind of individuals. The Abraham's don't only work for the present, in fact, what they do in the present is inspired by the vision of the future they see. Abraham kind of individuals can only travel with Lot's kind of individuals for a short while, but their separation is inevitable. Stop trying to accomplish permanent things with temporary individuals. DrBenard Etta

And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? Gen 47:8.

Why is it important at times to reflect on our age? The Psalmist said; "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."Psalm 90:12.

It is important to reflect on our age once in a while because it helps us apply wisdom in the way we live. None of us will live forever in this physical world and each passing day, we don't get younger, but older, drawing closer to our exit. This fact requires that we ponder on the preciousness of the time we have been given and the need for us to do something with our lives before its too late.

I once asked my audience during one of my programs for each individual to add just 10 years to their age. Those who were 40 suddenly realized that, in ten years time, they will be 50 years old; those in their fifties, will be 60, and those in their seventies will be 80 years old, etc. When you number your days and ponder on the time you may have left, you would invest and engage your life and purpose more effectively.

How old are you? Ponder!

Most people exit this world between 60-90 years, looking at your present age, what are you thinking about?

"Life is not measured by what one has acquired, but by what one has inspired. Life is not measured by our duration, but by our donation. Life is not measured by our prosperity, but by our posterity. What are you living for?

It is time to invest your time and life wisely. If you were to leave the scene today, what would you be remembered for? Remember, none of us would take anything out of this world. It is important to use whatever God's providence has bestowed on us to pursue the fulfillment of our purpose with a sense of urgency.

Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa of blessed memory said, “When your mission on earth becomes a task; everything about your life will come alive." He said, the difference between assignment and a task is that, with a task, you are expected to complete whatever you have been assigned to do within a time frame, but with mere assignment, which isn't a task, any time you finish is okay. Each of us has a task attached to our existence; something we must finish within the time frame given to us. It is just too unfortunate that most people are merely existing; playing around and whirling away with precious time given to them. It isn't enough to be a survival; there should be positive impact attributed to our survival. I feel like preaching!

May God give each of us the grace to finish strong and well, and to finish on time.

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work." John 9:4.

Ponder! DrBenard Etta​

To be in a position to do something is not the same as being chosen and appointed to do it. King David was in a position to build the temple; in fact, he had the resources, but it wasn't his divine mandate to build the temple. When the Lord made known to him the one ordained to build the temple, David didn't hesitate to transfer the resources he had at his disposal to the right individual ordained for the assignment. It takes a kingdom mindset to act that way.

In the case of King Saul, it was direct opposite. He was in a position to offer sacrifice, but it wasn't his mandate to do so; while he waited for Samuel to come and he delayed, Saul when ahead and offered sacrifice to the Lord; something, which was beyond the jurisdiction of his assignment. This is the major crisis the body of Christ is facing at the moment.

There are individuals who were designed to be effective intercessors, musicians, financial partners under leaders at the front-lines, but instead of serving God faithfully where he has placed them in wait for future re-deployments, they prefer to promote themselves to the front-line.

There are individuals running ministries and churches today simply because they have the money to easily pay for a facility and others, not because they have the mandate to do so. They prefer doing that than identifying those chosen to function in that capacity to give their support to. Money is not everything! There are also people heading ministries and churches simply because they can attract people via their music, intercessory gift and prophecies, etc.

It is worth noting that, God's people can't be built by a gift, but by the word taught or preached by someone with a bit of every ministry grace in the five-fold ministry. I mean someone with a bit of Pastoral, teaching, evangelistic, prophetic and Apostolic ministries. It takes this dimension to build God's army, not a mere gift.

Imagine how lopsided people are bound to become under an individual whose sole message is deliverance or intersession or prophecy, etc. This is the quagmire going on in the Pentecostal & Charismatic movement. A large congregation established via the manifestation of a "gift" of healing, deliverance or prophecy isn't an indication that the person there is matured enough to raise or build the people. People can fill a building because of the healing power of God through an individual, but the individual being used may still be a baby Christian who needs to submit under those with expanded grace (Ask me what I mean by expanded grace) for mentorship. It takes great humility and understanding of the way the kingdom of God works for one to see things in this light.

The truth many don't want to accept is that, a large congregation is not equal to spiritual maturity. Philip the Evangelist went to Samaria and the Lord wrought great miracles through him, but God took him from there and brought in Peter and John to establish the people in the knowledge of God. Miracles may attract large crowd, but it takes proper teaching of the word to establish them in the knowledge of the truth. When someone who is supposed to teach Sunday school becomes a general Overseer because he or she can attract people via the operations of the gift of healing, prophecy and deliverance, it spells out doom to people under such individuals.

The kingdom of God grows via effective networking; just like a vehicle needs several parts working together to function effectively so is the kingdom of God. However, it is important to know that, the parts of a car, no matter the role they place in the functionality of the car, are not mandated to become the driver. Some people are good at being a part of a car, but they don't feel that's good enough, they prefer the driver's seat. Imagine if every part in a car chooses to become the driver instead, you would not have a car and definitely, you would not also have anyone as the driver. A car must first exist before a driver can be required. Those who have ears should ear.

To be in a position to do something is not the same as being chosen and appointed to do it. PONDER! DrBenard Etta​

The greatest worry of any nation or kingdom is to be devoid of soldiers in a time of warfare. It is the same with God's kingdom! When we have millions of Christians today, who go to church every Sunday, but are totally unconscious of the war raging against their own very souls and God's kingdom advancement on earth, and what they are supposed to do, it is a worrying situation. What used is a mob of civilians when a nation is under-attack? The only people strong enough to defend a nation's territorial integrity, national security and protect the interest of a nation is the nation's military. Politicians can debate in their beautiful chambers, but those who bear the crux are the soldiers. Needed! Needed! Needed! Needed! God's kingdom Soldiers!

Are soldiers born?

No one was born a soldier; soldiers are ordinary people who were transformed and empowered to serve their nations via the information and training they received. Even the weakest Christian can be transformed into a formidable soldier of God's kingdom, if he or she is given the right information and training, under the tutelage of a veteran soldier in God's army. This was supposed to be the ongoing duty of every church; transforming ordinary saints into soldiers of Christ. But it is unfortunate this isn't the concern of most churches whose singular aim is to increase their numbers just to make money, acquire wealth and properties. Thus, the kingdom of God seems to be populated, but facing a serious crisis of limited soldiers.

How Do We Turn This Around?

It is simple! We simply have to change the way we view our local churches. Instead of viewing them as religious and social communities, we should start seeing them as boot-camps to transform ordinary believers into well-informed and trained soldiers of Christ. This is the way forward for the church. God is "sick and tired" of Christians, ministers and churches, which are mere liabilities in this hour of unprecedented warfare.

What Happens In A Boot-Camp?

In a boot-camp, an individual is gradually introduced to the ethics and core values of what it means to be a soldier. Some of these values include:

-Loyalty
-Duty Consciousness
-Respect
-Selflessness
-Integrity
-Personal Courage
-Living a life of sacrifice, etc.

How many people in our churches really understand the need of living the above values? That's the reason we have the kind of unruly Christians we find in our churches today. When the above values are inculcated into a people, from then on they can live them every day wherever they go. This is basic when preparing people for combat whether in a secular army or the army of Christ. Principles are universal! For more information! Read my book titled "Dynamics of the Military Life."

If you would like your organization or ministry to be revolutionized, you can invite me for a Basic Combat training workshop for your leaders/ workers. You would have an anemic organization, ministry or church if your people are operating with a civilian mentality. Get in touch! Have a blessed week!DrBenard Etta​

Let's say the sole purpose why Mary came to the world was to give birth to Christ; what would have happened if she decided not to cooperate with God, and instead abort the baby in her womb? What would she be living for? Ponder!

Let's say the sole purpose why Abraham came to the world was to give birth to the nation of Israel, what would have happened if he decided to stay in the land of Ur, instead of departing to the land God promised to show him. What would he be living for in the land of Ur? Ponder!

What would have happened if Christ chose not to die on the cross, which was his original purpose, but instead decides to live a normal life, chasing just what every young man in his time was chasing? Ponder!

That's the reason most people die prematurely. They abort the original purpose of God for their lives, and start living in confusion. So, God in his infinite mercy, calls them home in order to prevent their confusion from graduating into total 'backsliding,' which may result to their eternal damnation. One of the ways to conquer dead is to stick to your original purpose no matter how challenging it may be. Listen! To each one of us, there is a day death will come knocking, what will speak for you on that day is not church activities, but your purpose. Death can't take a man or woman of purpose unless he or she has accomplished the purpose for which he or she came to this world.

The greatest power over death is the power of a life of purpose. It is appointed unto men once to die, but you are not supposed to leave the earth before the time appointed. The way to avoid this, is to find God's purpose and to stick to it. If God's purpose for your life is to support the advancement of his kingdom with your prayers and finances, don't relent, your very survival on earth depends on it. If your purpose is to serve humanity as a minister, don't run to Tarshish in search for money, stay focused, God will bring you into financial rest in his own time.

Don't leave the path God designed for you, for something less challenging. It may give you quick riches, but the question is, what would happen the day death knocks at your door? What would speak for you on that day? On the 14th of February 1999, I came face-to-face with death. I strongly believe, what saved me that day, was the voice of my purpose. If I was busy chasing the wind, my life could have ended that day. Death came knocking at the door of Hezekiah the king, he turned his face to the wall, and reminded God of his walk with him, God added 15 more years to his life. You can live and not die; find your purpose and stick to it.

To some people, life is an adventure; it's about doing whatever and living as one chooses. To others, it is all about buying and selling, making money, building houses, and that's it for them. Life can only be meaningful when it is connected to God's divine purpose. Everything we have in life is only relevant when it facilitates our purpose. Whatever doesn't serve God's purpose for one's life, is a distraction. After-all, when one dies; everything one labored for, will remain here and sometime, to be devoured by individuals who didn't know the pain it took to acquire the things. What has God given to you; education, Beauty, Money, Fame, Position, etc? It is all for a divine purpose. Find God's purpose for your life today and pursue it. It is the only guarantee to cheat death.Ponder to be a wonder! DrBenard Etta​

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen 1:1.

God Created!

Creativity is the activity of an active mind. Creation began in the mind of God, not the hand of God. The hand has no intelligence of its own; it depends on the mind to instruct and direct its actions. That's why; Individuals who only know about the hand of God and not his mind are like bulldozers without any guide. Some of the severed crises in the church today and the atrocities committed in the name of manifesting God's power are caused by individuals who claim to be operating with the hand of God, but lacks the input of God's mind. The hand of God upon an individual can only fulfill the will of God per-time by being subject to the dictate of the mind of God. This is a side journey; we will look at it in detail later.

If God created the heaven and earth in the beginning, it implies, God is not a force, but life giving Spirit with an active and creative mind. We were created in his image and likeness and so, we are supposed to have active and creative minds to bring things into existence in all areas. Redemption is incomplete without the restoration of the full functionality of the mind.

The beauty of creation is a reflection of the beauty of the mind of God. You know the quality of the mind of an individual by the quality of his or her words, actions and modus operandi. In Christian circles where mind illumination and regeneration aren't the focus, things are done in primitive ways. Extremes are common, excellence is criticized and mediocrity rewarded. Bizarre characteristics are sometimes accepted as new-normal.

Let no one fool you; the Holy Spirit doesn't make the mind unnecessary; in fact, He employs and renews it to reflect the mind of Christ.

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." I Cor 2:16.

There is nothing God made, which is useless, including the mind. There is no way a Christian can be the light of the world without employing his or her mind. There are three types of minds; regenerated minds, unregenerate minds, and dormant minds. To be super-creative and to bring into existence things according to the will of God, our minds must be regenerated. I pray for grace to continue sharing these truths. Pray for me! If you wish to join my mentorship platform, inbox me. Have a blessed weekend! DrBenard Etta​

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen 1:1.

God Created!

If God's first act in the beginning was creation, why aren't we hearing about creativity, invention, innovation and discoveries within the church world? I can't really remember the last time I saw a Christian convention with "creativity" (Creation) as the theme. Is there a place for creation in the mission of the church on earth? Just thinking out loud!

What does it mean to create?

To create is to bring (something) into existence. God isn't synonymous to repetition and imitation. He is God of creation; he is able to make something out of nothing. As his children, he expects us to resemble him and to be creators in our own right. Creativity should be natural to God's people, but it seems, this important aspect of our god-likeness is not encouraged or given wings within many quarters of Christendom.

Imagine what would happen if the millions of people under our different churches become creative individuals, capable of bringing into existence things in diverse domains!

Imagine the inspiration and challenge we all would enjoy if we incorporate moments when individuals could showcase their creativity to God's glory in our church meetings.

God created in the beginning! It's high time we give creativity its rightful place in the church world. Watch out for more insight! DrBenard Etta​

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen 1:1

We have been searching the mind of God for insight on the beginning from the above biblical text. To flow in the understanding of this write-up, it's important to read the previous messages.

In the beginning "God"
The above text introduces us to God who was in the beginning and before the beginning. If God existed before existence and was the main architect of heaven and earth in the beginning, it implies, studying about creation, while ignoring the creator is simply a misguided ambition.

The question we should be asking ourselves at this point is, who is God? If in the beginning, we were told that God created the heavens and the earth, who really is God? What is his nature? The scripture below can help us gain vivid insight on who God is. John 4:24. "God is Spirit."

We all are familiar with the above text, but what matters is our comprehension of what the text is "selling" to us. If God is Spirit, then the following comes to mind.

1) God is not a natural being, he is supernatural.

2) The natural world has a supernatural source, establishing a relationship between the natural and the supernatural.

3) We live in a finite realm, created and made by an infinite God. Thus, our wisdom and intelligence is equally finite unless we tap into the frequency of the infinite wisdom and intelligence of God, the maker of heaven and earth.

So, from the above insight about God, what could really be the purpose of our existence? The reason we are here on earth is to unravel the mystery of who God is, via a relationship with him, by which we can ascend into the discovery of our purpose and where we fit in God's agenda. When this happens, our entire way of life and perspective of things will change drastically. We will start living, instead of merely existing. I'm pregnant with so much to say, which words can't communicate. Weeping!

May God open your eyes as you read this message! As mortal humans, our entire lives and potential can't be liberated and properly channeled without the knowledge of God. We are lost without him! He doesn't need us to be "who he is," 'he was already "who he is' before he created us. He is perfect, and we can't improve on "perfect."

We need him to be "complete!" He isn't trying to take something from us, even when he demands for our surrender to his will. He is merely positioning us for something higher than eyes can see. Oh! If he takes a way our breath; everything about us will become vain. What then is the meaning of the arrogance and pride we sometime put up towards the one who holds our very lives in his hands? It's time to humble ourselves to seek God.

Is it really possible to know God?

Yes! God is a mystery, but he can be known, not intellectually, but via divine revelation. There is so much knowledge and understanding of life we can unlock by intently and passionately seeking to know God. Access into the world of the knowledge of God ushers one into profound illumination, by which we can begin to deduce profound meaning attached to everything around us. Without the knowledge of God, we would walk as blind people.

The perplexity in our world today is a result of our ignorance of the one, who created all things and by him all things consist. Most people merely want to belong to a religious body; church going has become a tradition and part of our social life. However, being religious is not the same as knowing God. If everyone in church today really knew God, the world would have experienced the birth of a new civilization imported from the mind of God, destined for humanity before the foundation of the world
.
God is Light! John 1:5
You can't walk with God and not reflect his light. God's true ambassadors are luminaries. It's time to become a student of God! I join God's institute of light since 1985 and every day, I'm daze by the awesomeness of the beauty of the mind of God and his plan for humankind. PONDER!
DrBenard Etta​

(A Must-Read)

The final battle between good and evil is already taking place and the casualty is enormous. The times demand for a degree of alertness and preparedness from everyone serious about surviving the battles of this hour. The causality is mounting up all around us and several million more people risk being a part of the casualty. Why? Due to their Unpreparedness!

We are living in a time when information and revelation have been graciously given and made available, but the irony is that, very few people invest quality time to read, study and research on their own to find out things for themselves. An individual, who is capable of affording whatever he or she desires, still complains about purchasing a book or the token required for participation in an information program. We spend on trivialities without complaining, but when it comes to making little sacrifices to acquire the knowledge to stay ahead of the "bad guys," we see that as burdensome. As a result, millions of human beings stand completely unprepared to survive the days, months, and years ahead of us.

I'm sorry, I'm not a doomsday preacher; I'm simply stating the truth. Millions of people will sadly become the casualty of the time as a result of their ignorance and a lack of preparedness to cope with the clashes, conflicts and battles of the hour. It's quite unfortunate!

Tune to any international media; the coverage is frightening. Death is everywhere! On land, air, sea, forest and even under the earth. Even though the signs of the times are everywhere, yet, like it was in the days of Noah, a sea of humanity is living carelessly, merely eating, drinking and making merry without any form of alertness and preparedness. Others are busy having fun as they say, by experimenting new forms of sexual acts and murderous atrocities.

As gross darkness descends on this obstinate generation, the church was supposed to be a beacon of light; a place where the knowledge and understanding of the times are shared to hungry souls, instead in some quarters; churches are a part of the darkness. God has raised voices to call the church to order, but very few people are listening. Most church folks are busy from one meeting to another just to be entertained, while some masquerading as ministers of God, are simply using the ministry as their own fortune 500 companies.

Who are we going to blame? Are we going to blame God for the casualties? No! God has always warned us; sending his voices to challenge us to sit up and to focus on the things that matter, but we succumb more to the dictate of our five physical senses as they drive us towards the pursued of baseless trivialities.

Few individuals are consciously seeking God for insight regarding their purpose. It's all about “making it” and “acquiring it,” but who actually cares about knowing the purpose for “making it” and “acquiring it” from God's perspective? Proclamations and prophecies of all the good things the world can offer are now a click away, but where are those searching for the purpose of God for empowering people with the good things the world can offer for such a time as this?

The stakes are high; if you think I'm talking to those living in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and the three northern states of Nigeria where Boko-Haran activities are prevalent, then you are grossly mistaken. The final battle between good and evil is raging and will trial every human being living on this planet. Whether one is a child of God, minister or an unbeliever, no one is going to be exempted from the trials coming on the earth. The way out is effective preparation in God's presence and a conscious and deliberate quest for true information and revelation regarding the times in which we are living and the survival strategies. I'm not talking to everyone, but to those this message was designed for. Read and share with friends! If you choose to be under my mentorship, subscribe below.
https://globalfaithcoalition.ning.com/

Be blessed!
DrBenard Etta​

"In the beginning"- God created the heaven and the earth. Gen 1:1

Nothing begins “on” the outside; every “beginning,” begins “in,” and not “on.” “In the beginning.” The heaven and earth didn't begin "on" the outside; they began “in” the mind of God before they were brought into manifestation. If you were given a rare opportunity to meet with God before the physical creation or making of the heaven and earth, you wouldn't have known what he was carrying in his inside. That's the mystery about the beginning; it is always invisible.

I was born a “stammerer,” unable to express myself properly. If you saw me years back, you would have dismissed me as a potential liability. Today, I'm not only able to speak fluently, but it's difficult to imagine that I once was a stammerer. And, by God's providence, I'm touching lives all over the world, providing mentorship to emerging leaders in over 50 countries. You can never know what the person next to you is carrying in his or her inside. You might be messing with the next president of your country or your future employer. Stop defining people based on their outward circumstances; the beginning is always invisible.

I once hawk Pop-pop, vegetable, and bush-meat (Pepper soup) from street to street in the village of Ikata Fako Division, Cameroon, but carrying a global dream inside. After returning home each day, I would put on my short-wave radio to listen to BBC, Voice of America, Radio Japan, Radio China in Beijing, Radio Canada International, TBN, etc. I usually stay all night just listening to all the different Medias I just mentioned in order to broader my knowledge of the world. In my secondary school days, I was nicknamed "Radio Japan" because I could tell the happenings in the world in few minutes. I was also in constant correspondence with over a 100 institutions and personalities around the world for knowledge acquisition. I usually receive over 100-200 mails each month.

What really inspired me to do all these?

It was the beginning of my destiny and vision inside me. Even though surrounded by controversies, poverty and numerous challenges, I kept my faith in God and in the potential of greatness inside me. I haven't arrived at my destination, but so far, I've covered grounds totally inconceivable some decades ago. And, “I'm on my way to a destiny, which eyes have not seen nor ears heard.”

The beginning is always and will always begin “in,” and not “on.” God made it that way to scare off opportunists who are seeking to identify with success when it is on the throne and not when it is in the "manger." A lady once met the wife of the renowned Billy Graham, and said to her, "I was supposed to be the wife of your husband, he asked my hand in marriage while we were in school, but I rejected the offer. And, the wife of Dr. Billy Graham said to her, "thank you very much, your refusal gave me the opportunity." The question is, why do such things happen? It happens because some people define others by their external circumstances. If you don't look rich, they don't identify with you, not knowing that, every influential man or woman in the world today was once inconsequential.

A Nigeria comedian said, “if you plan going for a date with a lady, make sure you carry keys with you. He said, ladies like men with keys. So, make sure you carry keys; whether toilet keys, backdoor keys, mortuary keys, etc. Just make sure you carry keys with you." Isn't that funny? The world goes mostly by what they see, but the beginning is always invisible, perceivable only through the use of the 6th sense (Spirit sense). Barack Obama was president in his inside, before he became president on the outside. Dangote was already the richest African in his inside, before he became on the outside. If you met any of these guys some 40 years ago, would you have identified with them? Let's change or else we'll remain in chains!

Someone by your side may be walking in the beginning of his or her purpose and destiny, with little or nothing on the outside to show at the moment, but don't be fooled. That person you see is a miracle going somewhere to happen. Tell someone by your side, if you only know who I am, you will take me out for lunch today. Have a nice day friends! DrBenard Etta​

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Gen 1:1

"In the beginning," there was a beginning and everything with an end, must have a beginning. What you lack the courage to begin can never be completed. Each time you postpone the beginning of a step or an action, you unconsciously postponed your destiny. There are some of you sitting idly-by waiting for the perfect timing to begin. Listen! There'll never be any time when all things will fall in place or all conditions will be favorable. In fact, the beginning is always surrounded by challenges, which scare opportunists and adventurers. The beginning is always rough, raw and rugged; it takes a vision of the end while still at the beginning to build momentum to launch out.

What Did God Do In The Beginning?

"God created the heaven and the earth."
He didn't make heaven and earth in the beginning; he "created them." He developed a picture in his mind of what he wanted and what he was going for. Creativity begins with imagination (Image formation). Unless you develop a mental picture of what you want, you may never arrive at the actual picture. What is not a conception can't be birthed.

You don't begin anything with money!
Money is required to facilitate the implementation of a vision; so, what comes first is vision not money. Anything you begin with money without vision is bound to fail. In fact, the most confused people in this planet are people with money, but without a vision. The first requirement for any successful venture isn't money, but a clear vision, mental picture and imagination of where you are going to, from where you are and what you have. It is time to create something or somewhere in your mind in order to give yourself a goal, focus and direction.

God finished the creation of heaven and earth in his mind before beginning the actual making of the heavens and the earth. That's the principle of getting things done. There was a day I asked my staff what each of them would do if given 500 million Frs. One said, she would become sick and another said, she would first spend some time to cry, before heading to a hotel to rest her head to figure out what to do. I told them, you can't do any meaningful thing with such amount of money if you wait for it before figuring out what to do. I told them, I already have a clear plan of what to do even with 500 billion dollars. I wrote my vision many years ago and all I'm doing now is implementing its different phases. That's what it takes to succeed.

You should know where you are going to before beginning a journey. You must see the end from the beginning in order to arrive at your end. Never underestimate a person with a vision; he or she may be sleeping under a bridge today, but in a matter of years he or she may become your employer.

"God created the heavens and earth." It is time to create something; if you aren’t creative, you risk becoming a thief. Ponder To Be A wonder! DrBenard Etta​

You can't make a good, effective and relevant Christian leader if you haven't been a good apprentice of an effective, progressive and relevant leader or Christian body, one with sound biblical foundation, character, charisma and at the cutting-edge of the move of God. I didn't say, if you haven't been an apprentice of a leader, but a good apprentice of an effective leader or of a Christian body with sound biblical foundation, character and charisma, at the cutting-edge of the move of God. Not everyone in Christian leadership today is an effective and relevant leader; some "pastors" are merely "pastime." Some Christian bodies are "dead" even though extremely busy year in and out. Those with nowhere to go can comfortably sit under such individuals, churches and ministries, but if you have somewhere to go with your life and something worthy to do with your time, you don't make such a mistake.

If you serve as an apprentice of an effective and relevant leader, one with sound character, charisma and biblical foundation, and leave at the time appointment by the father, not in your own timing, with the vision to become like your master or even more, you may likely realize your dreams. So, when someone comes to me and introduces himself as a pastor, Apostle, and Bishop, my first question is, where did you serve, not which Bible school did you attend?

We appreciate the contribution of great institutions in the formation of leaders, but the greatest school of leadership is service under a leader whose life and ministry challenges you or where your gift is valued and can be developed (Where you can be strained to be trained). There is straining involved in real leadership training.

Kenneth Copeland, shutdown his ministry by God's instruction to go and serve God's servant Oral Roberts; he enrolled into the Oral Roberts University and by God's divine arrangement, he was made a co-pilot as a voluntary service and later a pilot to the legend of faith Dr. Oral Roberts. After years of service and observing God's servant, God sent him to go and teach the message of faith and prosperity. We all know how much this servant of God has accomplished, and the impact he is making on millions of people around the world. If he insisted on continuing his ministry at the time the Lord told him to shut it down and to go and serve his servant Oral Roberts, it may be, the story of his life and ministry would have been written as Kenneth Copeland, pastor of a church with 400 members, with two smaller branches.

Listen! Those "in a hurry" to be called Bishops, General Overseers, and Apostles etc, don't usually have anything serious to offer. When Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa of blessed memory was Bishop of Church of God mission, he overseer-ed six million Christians, and traveled 104 nations; by the time he became Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa, he has traveled more than 150 nations and raised uncountable number of great leaders all over Africa. He said, "Don't wear a clerical collar, if you don't have the caller's mandate."

The numerous churches and ministries dotted in every street corner in most of our nations in Africa and beyond is not a sign of a move of God, but an indication of religious madness that needs to be curbed. A boy and a girl of age fifteen can give birth to a child, but the multi-million dollar question is, do they have the wisdom to raise the child? If you serve and learn effectively under pioneering leaders, and ministries you can't launch out and do an ineffective work. Woe to those who out of mere confusion make "Judas Iscariot" their spiritual fathers; theirs isn't only ministerial mafia, but they will operate as wells without water, trees without fruits and clouds without rain.

Someone may ask, what of those without any real substance and depth, but who already have local churches and ministries under them, should they shut them down like Kenneth Copeland did? If God says so, but another way round is to submit that church or ministry under the direct supervision of a mandated servant of Jehovah. Not all in ministry today are sent, even though they have a call. The truth is bitter, but must be spoken. It is not the number of people one gathers that makes a minister, but what one offers them weekly. It is humility and great leadership wisdom to wait under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. Gla 4:1-2.Ponder! DrBenard Etta​

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matt 4:1.

Is anything wrong with the above text? Can the Spirit lead an individual into the wilderness? What could be the purpose of this type of experience? Why was he not led into some place different other than the wilderness? Is the wilderness experience necessary in today's materialistic and technologically advanced generation? What is unique about the wilderness?

Remember John the Baptist, he was a voice crying in the wilderness? The wilderness made him a voice and gave him a voice that attracted people from regions beyond.

"Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Matt 3:5-6.

Jesus Came out of the wilderness in the power of the spirit and returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. Lk 4:14.

The ministry of Christ is still inspiring people after 2000 years, likewise the ministry of John the Baptist. They had differences in their ministerial dynamics, but had something in common; they both had a wilderness experience.

Who in today's world or even in history care about Nicodemus? Who is researching anything about the messages or epistles of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Nobody! Why? What is born from the head reaches heads, but what is born from the heart, reaches hearts. "What is born of the flesh is flesh, but what is born of the spirit, is spirit."

We have the choice to make in this generation; we either choose the path of less resistance, become celebrities overnight, while changing nothing or we choose the path of truth, which at times may lead one into the wilderness and impact and change our generation. The ball is in our court!

In my few years on earth, I've experienced a level of fame and material blessings; at the age of 19, I was already impacting lives beyond the borders of my country; at the age of 21, I had my first car, at the age of 28, I was nominated the 3rd most influential anglophone Cameroonian by the well-known Cameroon Post, etc, etc,etc. At this point in my life, I'm not looking for fame or a name; I just want to do the will of God.

I've come to realized that, the wilderness is a process that prepares men and women to change their generation and to impact generations yet unborn. Those looking for mere fantasy, would soon disappear and their works will be forgotten, a decade after their departure. What determines the legacy and durability of the impact of an individual, is the depth of preparation. Watch-out for more insight! DrBenard Etta​

The vision of a visionary is always bigger than the visionary and it carries the potential to accommodate and uplift many people when it comes to fruition. At times, when a visionary is still in the process of pursuing his God given vision and dream, most people take him for someone working for himself, but when the vision and dream comes to fruition, sometimes, even those who didn't participate in anyway, fight and even trample on others for a "piece of the pie."

Some months back, I visited Benson Idahosa University Benin City Nigeria to address students of the "All Nations for Christ" and to meet with few friends serving at BIU. I said to myself, when the Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa was pursuing the dream and vision given to him, I believe, they were individuals who thought he was doing something for himself and family, but today, his vision and dream have provided jobs for several individuals and created space for countless others to also realize their aspirations. Those employed in BIU today may be individuals who don't know the travail, which led to the establishment of the place accommodating them today.

When Joseph told his brothers his dream, they hated him for it. He was pitted, potted, and sold by his brothers; little did they know that, their preservation in the future was connected to the dream they hated Joseph for. Small-minded people are always like that; they are limited in the way they think; they don't see the connection between the God given dream and vision of others and their own destiny.

One of the perils of being a visionary is that, the people who hurt a visionary the most are always the same people the visionary is sent to uplift. It wasn't the Egyptians who said to Moses, "Who made you a ruler over us," but the same people he was fighting to protect and whom he ultimately served as their deliverer. It wasn't the Gentiles who said to Pilate "crucify him, crucify him," but the Jews; those Christ first reached out to. In fact, his own people!

The most challenging assignment in this life is that of being a visionary leader with a God given vision and dream for the preservation and uplifting of a generation. At times, even those called to work alongside a visionary, stand afar off like Peter in the time when their encouragement is highly needed. Thank God for the “Simon of Cyrene”; who are always there when a visionary gets tired and weary; they come to help carry his cross to a distance.

PAPA, Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa, my father, my father, "the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof;"of blessed memory, is no longer on earth in person, but many are feeding fat on his labor. How I wish everyone who is today driving exotic jeeps and living in opulent mansions within the Benson Idahosa establishment reflect on the story of what they are a part of today, as inspiration to live for something bigger than themselves. The God given vision and dream of a visionary is always bigger than the visionary, those who know this, humbly stand with a visionary not as if they are doing him a personal favor, but as privileged by God to participate in birthing God's will on earth as it is in heaven for the uplifting and preservation of people. DrBenard Etta​

There is "mafia" in virtually every sphere of strategic importance today. There is mafia in business, sports, politics, education, church, and even mafia groups associated to nations. For instance, Italian mafia, American mafia, Mexican mafia, etc.

What is mafia? The word “mafia” may mean different things to different people, but the underline characteristics of a mafia activity or group is to make as much money and wealth as possible through wrong means. Often, money made via mafia activities or by mafia groups are lavishly and extravagantly spent than invested in making positive changes in people's lives and in the broader world.

Why do people carryout mafia activities or become members of mafia gangs? People become members of mafia gangs or partake in mafia activities due to their quest to make quick money and wealth for self-aggrandizement. In fact, every mafia activity is ego centered not human nor God centered.

What fuels the mafias? The present system of the world fuels mafia activities since it defines success on financial and material attainment, instead of one's accomplishment of purpose and positive impact on humanity. This state of affairs has made some people crazy about making money the wrong way for the wrong reasons.

Why has the church not made as much impact as expected in curbing mafia activities in the world? The reason is simple; "Satan can't cast out Satan." The church in some quarters has been hijacked by individuals operating mafia gangs and carrying out mafia activities under the titles of pastor, evangelist, prophet, Apostle and Bishops through the instrumentality of church and ministries. Recently, these individuals have learned their trade very well and have established effective networks locally, nationally and globally. They sometime carry out exchanges among themselves as a way of strengthening their activities. They made sure no one gets into their clique except fully initiated into their criminal activities.

These mafia gangs of individuals occupying leadership positions in Christendom is the reason in some quarters the church is not being listened to. At times, even when God raises genuine men and women to liberate their nations, they are mistaken for these mafias.Some nations and communities have ignorantly shut their doors to genuine men and women of God because of past encounters and experiences with the mafias operating under different church banners.

I've come across people who think; pretending church mafias don't exist is a way of undermining their activities. And, also, keeping silent about their activities is like doing some sort of good to the image of the church. This is exactly what the mafias would really want us to do. They would be excited if we are quiet about their activities and to believe we all are serving the same God and striving for the same thing. They know, if we begin to expose their activities, we would open the eyes of the millions of people blindly following them.

The move of God millions of God's people around the world are praying for can't come unless we have the courage of Elijah to confront the "mafias" (the prophets of Baal). As long as we allow them to operate freely, they will continue to mislead God's people. Elijah the prophet knew about this; that's why, he confronted the prophets of Baal in his days in order to turn the hearts of the people of Israel back to God. This is going to be a part of the mandate of those being unleashed by heaven into the cities and nations of the world in this hour. "The stakes are high, but God is higher than the stakes." If you have a problem with this message, you may be either a suspect or an accomplice of the church mafias. The Church mafias should brace up for a real confrontation in this era. God's Elijahs are here! Watch out for them! DrBenard Etta​

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. John 4:7.

Could it be that Jesus wasn't really thirsty, but was simply giving the woman of Samaria an opportunity of her lifetime to step up higher than she ever attempted, and to shift from the natural to something more profound and supernatural. What a blessing for the one who created all things including water to ask water from a mortal human being.

God is not a consumer, but a multiplier; when you give him your attention, he will give you direction. When you give him something natural, he will give you something supernatural. When you give him your life, he will give you vision and purpose for your life.

When God demands anything from a mortal human being, it isn't because he somehow depends on us; instead, he is giving us opportunity to tap into something bigger than what we have settled for. The conversation Christ had with the woman of Samaria, which began with a simple request for water became a turning point for the entire city of Samaria.

When Christ asked Peter to follow him more than 2000 years ago; nothing could have suggested that, Peter's simple obedience will make him a highly celebrated individual until date. Today, millions of Catholics regard the Pope as Peter's successor and a Basilica has been built in his name in Rome, known as Saint Peter's Basilica. How many fishermen who lived in the time of Peter, have such legacy? Peter gave his lifetime for the cause of Christ and in return, Christ multiplied it and gave him a place in time and in eternity higher than the place most kings in history and in con temporal times occupied.

What is God asking you to do, and you are thinking he is trying to deprive you of something? Listen! God doesn't need us to survive; he existed before we came into existence. He isn't trying to deprive you of your time, money, material things, etc,. If he demands anything from us, his intention is to multiply whatever we give him and to give us in return something beyond our highest imagination. It's time to outgrow our mediocre way of thinking.

Christ told the woman of Samaria “ If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” John 4:10.

That's what Christ is saying to millions in the church and the world today. If we only know what God can do with our lives and what he can give us, we wouldn't hesitate to do whatever he demands of us. Our problem is with the way we think; God is not even trying to “use” us as some people are fond of saying, instead, he is creating opportunity for us through whatever we give him, by multiplying it and giving it back to us a hundred fold.

Some years ago, I gave my life to Christ and dedicated my time in the pursuit of the knowledge and wisdom of God; what I am today is the multiplied effect of that decision. Ponder to be a wonder! DrBenard Etta​

You can’t receive an “impartation” (a rich deposit of grace) from a man or woman of God by merely tapping from his or her wealth of knowledge and wisdom. To receive such a deposit of grace from anyone you regard as a role model or mentor, you've to be a part of their journey either practically or by revelation. Elisha didn't just learn from Elijah, he was part of his journey and as a result, he received the double portion of his anointing. The sons of the prophets urged him to return; even Elijah encouraged him, but he insisted and continued his pursuit for the double portion of the anointing by being a part of Elijah’s journey and he finally got it.

There are many in Christendom today who study the glory of individuals, but aren't ready to be a part of their story. Paul didn't just talk about knowing the power of the Resurrection of Christ, but also of the fellowship of his sufferings. Today, we want his power in order to gain the spotlight, but dread the fellowship of his sufferings.

There was once a child whose mother had an ugly face and each time he was among his peers, they make fun of his mother’s face. The child was always embarrassed and one day, he summoned courage and asked the mother why her face was ugly. And, the mother sat him down and told him the story.

She said, “Son, there was a day I went out to fetch water; on coming back, I realized that the room you were sleeping was on fire. I couldn't hold myself, knowing well that the fire would consume you; I had to jump into the fire in order to save your life. God helped me get you out of the room, but in the process, I had severe burns on my face, which resulted to the present look of my face."

After hearing the story, the child hugged the mother and started sweeping and the ugliness of her mother’s face became to him, a symbol of her mother's love and sacrifice for his life. After that day, the child who was always ashamed of the mother's appearance saw it as a mark of valor.

The above story has a lot to teach us about leadership and anointing. We can't receive rich “impartation” of grace and anointing from someone we merely love their knowledge and wisdom, but are ashamed of their cross. True anointing has a price; you can learn under someone and even talk like him without really experiencing a rich deposit from the life of the individual.

Listen, if you say someone is your mentor, then don't only study his glory; be a part of his story. Don't only admire his status, get to know of his cross and be proud of it. There were so many young men and women who greatly admired my glory; they wanted to teach and impact lives like Dr.Benard Etta, but were ashamed of my cross and the scars I incurred because of them. As a result, sadly, some of them strayed away and made a shipwreck of their walk with God.

Ministry isn't head knowledge, but heart knowledge, which comes with pain. This truth isn't for those seeking for mere Hollywood style ministerial celebrity status, but for the Elishas of the 21st century church. The bottom-line is this, don't expect a rich deposit of grace and anointing from someone you’re ashamed of his or her cross. No cross, No crown! Do You Still Want The Anointing? DrBenard Etta​

But while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Matthew 13:25.

(While men slept)

Faith is not one's religious belief, but the core substance of one's relationship with God. There is no true faith outside a relationship with God. Faith is the expression of the spiritual quality of an individual revelation of God. You can't truly separate a man from his faith just as you can't separate a man from his revelation. A man's faith would always be one with the spirit of the individual. Faith is supernatural and eternal. It is one of those things one carries along beyond the grave. Jesus said, when the son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth? He didn't say, will he find church men and women; in fact, they are of more supply than demand. He said, when the son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth? It is time to pursue a relationship with God, which will produce the substance of faith in your spirit. God is still looking for men and women of faith even in this generation and He is in the business of restoring the faith, which was once given to the Saints. DrBenard Etta