God is set to bring a remarkable change in the lives of those that seek and love Him in this New Year. In this dispensation of grace there is going to be a continuous reformation of the lives and character of the people of God for rapture when the trumpet will blow. We are all working towards achieving the statement of our Lord Jesus Christ that said he will present to Himself a glorious and sinless church.

As Christians prepare for the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, there must be a steady renewal of our relationship with the Lord. That is why the Bible says in Genesis 35:1-7: “And God said unto Jacob, arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2, Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods, which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak, which was by Shechem. 5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. 7 And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.”

This is the first revival recorded in the Bible and it showcased almost all the salient features of many subsequent revivals both in the old and present.

Firstly, it will be noted that revival is often preceded by a period of gross iniquity and fear. It is clear as Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. As long as we are still on this planet earth no one is perfect, hence there is need for regular renewal of the spirit.

Secondly, revival is initiated by a word from God either directly or through a consecrated leader or man of God. Change of Garment is divinely ordained.

Thirdly, at the revival proper, there must be a forsaking of all that displeases God. Today, we must put away anything hindering our service to our God, shun all sinful activities and be clean and holy.

When you must have shunned all things against the will of God then the fourth action should be a corresponding return to the obedience of God’s will and to serve Him with all your heart.

The fifth should be the recalling of all the past blessings and favours of the Lord with a view to showing gratitude to Him. Then from that juncture begin to seek God genuinely afresh. This will attract more divine blessings and protections. We all are participants in putting new beautiful garments, which is the symbol of moving away from old and sinful way of life to a new life in Christ Jesus. It is a sign of moving away from the bondage of the devil with its suffering and lack into the freedom our Lord Jesus Christ brought through His death on the Cross of Calvary.

Our Lord is interested in our new life through genuine repentance and whosoever does not go according to the will of God will be rejected in whatever plan God has for His people. That is why the Bible in Matthew 22:11-14 says: “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen”. Take decision now and be among the chosen now.

Multiple Afflictions Sent Packing
My name is Brother Emmanuel Ugwu. I joined Chosen in 2004 and worship at Nkanu Region. I appreciate God for His great intervention in my life. I was poisoned in 2019. In Igbo language, the sickness is called “Acha-are’ it usually starts with scratches and the leg will begin to swell. The poison so much tormented me that if not for God’s intervention, I would have died. The treatment I was receiving was not yielding any fruitful result. At a stage, the man treating me said I should bring kola nuts and alligator pepper to appease the ancestors before I could be cured, but I refused. Quickly, I left the man and went to service in our autonomous branch. After service that day, I stayed four days without applying any medication; surprisingly, I did not feel any pain, rather the pain was reducing on daily basis.

The last straw that broke the carmel’s back was when a new pastor was posted to our branch, I met him and he counseled and prayed for me. That marked the end of the poison. The lacerated portion of my leg covered up and the pain ceased finally. Praise the Lord!

As if that was not enough, the devil afflicted me again and I went to hospital. This time, I was diagnosed of seven different ailments — HIV, cancer, ulcer, bladder infection, among others. Although I was gradually dying, I rejected the result of the test out of faith in God. And indeed, God healed me. Doctors confirmed my healing, saying it was truly a miracle. This healing took place at Mgbidi 2021. Praise the Lord.

Moreover, because of the sickness, I was retired from the Nigeria Police Force, where I was engaged as an officer. Not only that, I could not process my papers and that made my retirement benefits impossible to get. This made me to live on charity, depending on church members, friends and well-wishers; it was a painful experience. Even after getting well and eventually processing my papers, they could not go with others because they came late.

To God be the glory, my papers went with a fresh batch and two months ago I was paid all my entitlements. I came to this crusade with a brand new bus, which I also used to convey some brethren to join me to thank the God of Chosen. Praise the Lord.
I pray for the General Pastor and all the Chosen worldwide, heaven at last in Jesus’ name. Praise the Lord!
•Brother Emmanuel Ugwu.