Christopher Man’ombe
In his 196th live broadcast from Mbungo Estates in Masvingo, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi told the ZCC men’s wing – Sungano – that disgruntled people are an obvious target for the devil.
“The devil is always looking for those who are not happy,” said the Bishop.
He narrated how during the days of the first earthly family, in the book of Genesis, the devil targeted the disgruntled Cain and manipulated his resentment to make him kill his brother.
The Bishop encouraged members to make sure they are quick to confess and to try to be happy at all times, as anger and disgruntlement give the devil a foothold to reign in their lives.
In a message reminiscent to Paul’s to the Ephesians, Bishop Mutendi implored members to rid themselves of bitterness, sorrow, anger, harsh words and vilification of others.
He urged them to, instead, be tenderhearted and kind to each other, ready to always forgive one another – Ephesians 4 vs. 31.
“When you sin, God looks for you, and that is the best time for you to look for him and seek his forgiveness, not to run away”, the Bishop said.
He said people should take solace in the fact that God’s power works best when people are at their weakest, quoting Paul’s assertion in 2 Corinthians 12 vs. 9-10 where he says: “I am quite content with my weakness and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
The Bishop implored ZCC prophets to remind believers that there is the Almighty father, and not to further dampen their spirits by telling them all the negative things of this world.
“Prophets must remind people that the cross is for sinners not for perfect people, and there is only one healer for sinners who is Jesus Christ,” said the Man of God.
He went on to explain that the only answer to sin and subsequent disappointment is confession, stressing that even the Son of Man had to tell his disciples that he was filled with anguish and deep distress – Mathew 26 vs. 37-38.
The Bishop urged elders, prophets and ordained people in the church to confess before they ask others to confess.
He made it clear that everyone has a weakness that calls for confession in order to receive forgiveness from God.
Bishop Mutendi reminded listeners of God’s message to the Israelites as they camped on the eastern side of the river Jordan ready to cross into the Promised Land, as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy.
“Because you have not served the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you.
“You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. They will oppress you harshly until you are destroyed,” it reads.