Category Archives: Family

Family Altar: 6 Benefits of Family Devotion

Posted by Dec 31, 2017 Holy Word, Family 27 Comments
Family Altar: 6 Benefits of Family Devotion

Family altar is the assembly of the people who have a ‘common blood’ and a ‘common heart’ in the presence of the LORD. It is not about the construction of a tall table, or positioning a big stone at the corner of the bedroom.

I love this quote by Oswald Chambers: “You must be willing to be placed on the altar and go through the fire, willing to experience what the altar represent-burning, purification, and separation for only one purpose-the elimination of every desire and affection not grounded in or directed towards God. But you do not eliminate it, God does.”

Today’s message is not famous on the search engine, but I am happy to highlight the benefits of sustaining a family altar in your home.

How the Structure of Family Altar looks like?

The family altar for the New Testament has nothing to do with the designs mentioned in the Old Testament. The attendants at the family altar are strictly the family members (father, mother, children, and relatives). And the synchronization of the hearts of your family in the presence of the Lord forms the family altar.

Matthew chapter 5 verses 8 say: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

In the Old Testament, the LORD descends on the altar to communion with His children. But in the New Testament, the LORD dwells in our heart to fellowship with us. So, don’t joke with your sense of thought (the heart)!

Jesus says: “…If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14 verse 23)

How to Conduct the Family Altar

a. It must not be boring to the youngest child in the family.

b. Everyone must take part in an orderly form.

c. Consensus for the time and frequency for each day is essential.

d. Actions such as worship, singing praises, instrumentation, Bible studies/recitation and prayers are good features of family altar.

e. It is not the gathering for arguments, disorderliness or autocratic conducts.

6 Benefits of Family Altar

1. It chases evil spirits from your home

The spirit of confusion, deceit and sin cannot find it easy to dwell in your home if you maintain your family altar.

Jesus says: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Luke chapter 11 verse 24 to 26)

2. Family devotion increases Spiritual Strength

The spirit man of every member of your family would acquire divine strength through reading and meditating on the word of God. The prayer at the family altar is also a spiritual exercise that’ll keep the spirit of your family strong and healthy.

3. Family altar is a great avenue to Hear God

My heart always leaps for joy when I receive directions and solutions from the LORD. If your family devotion is consistent, then your family won’t miss the right step to take for their successful livelihood. “A 40 days journey won’t turn to 40 years journey.”

4. Family Devotion Sustains Unity

There is no home on earth without ups and downs, but it takes the supernatural Power of God to unite the family during the ‘downtime’. For instance, the rate of divorce is at the increase, because our generation had failed to take the family altar seriously.

5. Family Altar Promotes Love

The heart of human is flexible. For instance, the love of someone to his spouse after 10 years ago might go cold overnight. And the love of children to their parents might go sour due to some issues or vice versa.

But, the family altar has the power to avoid such hatred. I boldly tell you today that if you are consistent with the family devotion, your love to your spouse and children will wax stronger every day. And the ship of your family can never be wrecked by the storm of hatred or bitterness.

6. Good Training for the Children

It is important to take the spiritual life of your children seriously, because the level of immorality in our society is increasing daily. And a good environment for training your children is at the family altar.

Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Bible Verses on Family Altar

The following Bible verses give a clear picture that God loves to receive close attention through altar (holy family gatherings) positioned in your home.

1. “Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:18)

2. “Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God…”

And Jacob said to his household… “put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.”” (Genesis 35:1-2)

3. “So, he built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.” (Genesis 26:25)

4. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

5. “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

If you want to achieve a regular family devotion then put up a calendar reminder. Tell your smart home device to remind you or write an inscription like this on your board: “No one must go to bed without attending the family altar“.

You and your family can hear, see and know more about God through the family altar. It goes a long way to unite the family. Regular family devotion defeats spiritual warfare, and uplifts the success of your family. Fix a time today for your family altar and you won’t regret sacrificing your time and energy.

Makeup; the Truth about Cosmetics!

Posted by Nov 29, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths 7 Comments
Makeup; the Truth about Cosmetics!

Makeup is a popular practice across the world. Both Christians and non-Christians embrace makeup as a modern fashion. My question is; how safe is makeup to the Christians?

The dictionary meaning of makeup is; a form of cosmetics to enhance or alter the appearance of the body, especially the face and hair. Examples of makeup are; lipsticks, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, rouge etc.

I was astonished to know that the global cosmetics market was 460 billion USD in 2014 and it is estimated to reach 675 billion USD by 2020, growing at a rate of 6.4%.

I would be careful to tell you the truth about this controversial topic. And today’s message is strictly for the audience who give their sense of reasoning to the Holy Spirit.

I am playing the role of a watchman: “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” (Ezekiel chapter 33).

Message of God on Makeup

The Lord spoke to me; “Tell my people to stay away from makeup, because it is a fashion designed by the Devil. Everyone who put on makeup changes from My image to an ungodly image. During the rapture, the Angels would not recognize the ‘Christians’ who put on makeup, because the image on them does not belong to Me.”

The message from God was brief, it exploded my heart and I was sober for many weeks.  I am guilty, my parents, siblings, pastors, teachers…

The popular teaching in our society is to “look nice” and the modern way to do such is to go makeup. Many years ago, I put on hair cream that would give an extra curl to my hair before going to school. I put on white powder on my face to look more attractive.

I put on lip gloss to look nice (not for medicinal purpose, but fashion). The scent in the three makeup instruments is to gain recognition and attract opposite sex. But, all is vanity upon vanity.

The position of God is clear- He is not a respecter of man. If all of us refuse to be satisfied with the image He puts on us, then He will not hesitate to disown all of us on the judgment day.

The History of Makeup

Many people thought makeup is not bad for the Christians, because they grew up to see some ‘great Christians’ at the fore-front of cosmetics. It is wise you know the origin of makeup!

During 4000BCE, the Egyptian women applied galena mesdemet and malachite to their faces for color and definition. They use kohl to adorn the eyes in an almond shape.

Around 3000BCE, the Chinese people began to stain their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg. The colors used represent their social categories. The lower classes were forbidden to wear bright colors on their nails. The use of fake eyebrows was also fashion.

In 1500BCE, the Chinese and Japanese used rice powder to make their faces white.

During 300AD, the Indian used henna as a hair dye.

In 1500AD, the European women lightened their skin with white lead paint.

Around 1800AD, zinc oxide was widely used as a facial powder. Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper. It was viewed as vulgar and acceptable only for use by the actors.

In 1910, makeup became fashionable in the United States of America and Europe owing to the influence of ballet and theater stars such as Mathilde Kschessinska and Sarah Bernhardt.

The origin of makeup was not traced to the Lord, but to the idolatrous Egyptians. So, it was a worldly invention and not a godly discovery.

What does the Bible say about Makeup?

The general acceptance of makeup in the Christendom made a lot of Christians to think that God cannot wipe away the millions of Christians for putting on makeup. Hmm, God is not a man o! He loves us; let us love Him by obeying His order without argument.

Let’s check some biblical passages about cosmetics;

1. God told the Israelites to do away with cosmetics.

Exodus chapter 33 verse 5 and 6: “For the LORD had said to Moses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.

 

So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.”

2. Jeremiah chapter 4 verse 20 to 35

“… For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge…

 

And when you are plundered, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life…”

One of the offenses of the Israelites that led to their destruction was makeup (painting the face).

3. Isaiah chapter 3

 … As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths…

Moreover the LORD says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet… In that day the Lord will take away the finery…

Please read the full passage, because it is enough to tell you the mind of God towards the use of ornaments.

4. Second Kings chapter 9

Women that use makeup are referred to as harlots… “Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” So he answered, “What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?”

The interpretation of verse 30 clarifies the issue that painting of face is always done for charm and seduction; “Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window.”

Don’t deceive yourself that your makeup is not for seduction. Is it possible to get light from an instrument of darkness?

Christians should stop talking about moderate makeups. Moderate makeup means; moderate charming, moderate seduction and moderate witchcraft!!!

5. Romans chapter 12 verse 1 to 2

Makeup is a custom of the world. We should forsake it.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

 

The passage above shows that God who created our body is interested in the way we use and present the body. So, don’t be deceived by those pastors who told you that God only cares about your heart, and you can do anything you like to your body.

 

The truth about makeup is a bitter pill, but it is wise you swallow it. I swallowed it, and I am free. Do not join the train of the lukewarm Christians who want to enjoy worldliness.

The acceptance of makeup in the church occurred; because the pastors want to ‘manage’ the new converts who were still struggling to stop the worldly act of makeup. So, misconception of first Timothy chapter 2 verses 9 to 10 made makeup the sacrilegious object on the altar.

Paul never mentioned moderate makeup, but he mentioned moderate dressing.

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”

Paul discouraged braided hair, but many women and pastor’s wife can’t do without it. Many pastors did not tell them the truth; rather they refer to the abomination as “Christian liberty”.   

There is nothing like moderate makeup in God’s standard. Moderate makeup is equivalent to moderate sin and moderate sin is equivalent to ungodliness.

I laughed when some people quoted songs of Solomon for their justification for using makeup. Beware! King Solomon sang the ornamental songs when he was wallowing in sin with the idolatrous women whom God warned him not to marry.

“But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites- from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you.

Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.”

When King Solomon repented, he referred to makeup beauty as a deceit. Proverbs chapter 31 verse 30 says: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”

I speak as a prophet of God to you today that; “God hates the use of makeup. When you put on makeup, it changes the appearance and image of God in you.”

The use of makeup is an embarrassment to the Lord. It means; “God, you don’t know how to make me beautiful, so I will make it up myself.”

The movie stars, sport stars and other ungodly musicians are the servants of Devil that presents new styles of makeup to the people. Beware!

The LORD created you in His image; please stay away from Devil’s image. God loves you, and He did not want you to perish. Come to a round table with the LORD and He will restore you in Jesus name.

Read your Bible carefully and pray to the LORD for more understanding of this topic. Makeup is Devil’s device, so don’t be ignorant!!!

I will appreciate your comments and questions on today’s topic. The Lord will bless His word in your heart in Jesus name.

5 Things Christian Mothers must Take Serious!

Posted by Nov 16, 2017 Family, Holy Word Leave a Comment
5 Things Christian Mothers must Take Serious!

Christian mothers are the salt of the world, and they have a significant influence in the human race. More than 2 million mothers are in the world, and more than 4 children are given birth to every second.

In this generation, there is the outcry of high rate of immoralities, disrespect and disunity in many homes. And I observed that many Christian mothers were distracted from their primary responsibilities, due to the economic situation of the world.

Christian mothers have critical roles to play in the development of a godly home and a peaceful society. Today’s message will bless the Christian mothers with some vital points for achieving a godly home.

1. Mothers are Influencers

Yes! You might not be addressed as the head, but your nature as a woman controls everything in the home including the head of the family (father). For instance, Adam never neared the tree of knowledge, but the mother of all living, Eve had the boldness to near the tree and she ate the fruit.

Eve influenced Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. She is so powerful that Adam could not resist her.

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6)

Christian mothers should use the power given to them by God to affect, control and influence everyone and everything at home in the righteous way of the Lord. God has given you the ability to change status!

Thus, use the power given to you by the Lord to influence your husband and children in a positive way. Always urge your family to obey the word of God.

2. Don’t be Partial

The effects of loving one child more than the other include hatred, conflict and disunity at home. A Christian mother is to uphold peace and unity in the family.

For instance, it took Jacob a long time to have peace in his life, because he was afraid that his brother Esau may kill him.
Rebekah, their mother conspired with Jacob to steal Esau’s blessings. Read Genesis chapter 27 for details.

3. Christian mothers must love their children

I am not talking about love on the lips. If you love your children then you will scold them when they go against the will of the Lord. You should express your anger to them when they embrace ungodly character.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

4. Create ample time for your home

Many mothers are too busy with their jobs, and they have little time to spend with the children. Many children do not get the attention of their mother. So, they relate very well with their grandmother or house-help.

A lot of teenage girls lost their virginity because their mother is not available to answer many questions bothering their hearts. Many teenage boys were exposed to drugs and homosexuals, because their mothers were too busy to listen to their long stories…

The role of a Christian mother is to listen to their children, and to be observant to any new attitude they portrayed. Read Bible together and listen to their songs and musical instruments.

5. Discipline yourself

You cannot discipline your children if you don’t have the fruit of self-control. So, Christian mother must give herself to the Lord for godly training. And, it is your duty to tame the behavior of your children in the way of the Lord.

Every grown up child starts their life as a sinner, but you have to teach them to choose the way of the Lord. No one is born as a saint! So, teach your children how to read and understand the Bible.

Don’t overlook any wrong behavior, Give appropriate punishment where necessary. Proverbs chapter 13 verse 24 says: “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

Christian Children: 13 Ways to Raise Godly Children

Posted by Aug 16, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Family 3 Comments
Christian Children: 13 Ways to Raise Godly Children

Christian children are God’s Army for the next generation. How much training have you given to your children? How ready are the children in the church today?

I noticed that the moral attitude of children in many places across the world is bad. And there is less improvement in the lives of so many Christian children. This scary development breaks my heart, and I would like to share some vital points with Christian parents on this platform today.

To raise godly children is a great challenge. Training a child involves the process of repetition, encouragement, and reinforcement.

The Act of Training Christian Children

It is not all about writing a long list of instructions to your children, but the godly transformation starts with you (the parents).

1. You must live an exemplary godly life.

Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 to 7 says: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength… You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

2. Teach your children boundaries, and give them the liberty within those boundaries. That teaches independence, but also self-control and respect for authority.

3. Guide them to know how to read the Bible from their toddler age. The best guide for training Christian children for good character and godly lifestyle are loaded in the Bible.

Second Timothy chapter 3 verses 16 to 17 says: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

4. Don’t irritate your children. Your decisions should be fair. Colossians chapter 3 verse 21 says: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

5. Idle threats is toxic, for instance: “If you shout again, I will break your …”

6. Spend quality time with your children. It is an avenue for them to tell you all the deceits, confusing statements and seductive approaches they were exposed to during the day’s activities.

7. Be firm as a parent. Don’t bend God’s commandments. Enforce it consistently.

It helps your Christian children to become good ambassadors in the society.

8. Beat your children when necessary.

Proverbs chapter 23 verse 13 to 14: “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.”

9. Correct their mistakes with love and not through public embarrassment.

10. It is not wise to publicly compare the abilities of one child to another.

11. Teach your children the power of music and how to engage in inspirational /worship songs all the time.

12. Jokes and all forms of worldly entertainment should be disallowed. Ephesians chapter 5 verses 1 to 11: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children… neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…”

13. Family Altar is essential; engage your children in singing and prayers to the Lord during family devotion.

 

Raise your Christian children in the way of the Lord and you will make the next generation to know more about Jesus. Train your children to be godly and the abominations in the land will reduce.

Barren? 5 Secret Steps to Take for Childbirth!

Posted by Dec 31, 2016 Holy Word, Family, Word of Faith 2 Comments
Barren? 5 Secret Steps to Take for Childbirth!

Barren Christians are not cowards, but they are the unique children of God that endure a tough trial of faith. A barren situation in marriage attracts external pressure from people, oppression, confusion and anxiety. But, I thank God that His power is above barrenness.

The Lord’s first commandment to us is to give birth to children. The book of Genesis chapter 1 verse 27 and 28: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

The information from CDC shows that infertility in the US affects about 12% of the reproductive-age population. This includes 7.3 million women and their partners.

It is God that opens the womb of a woman for childbirth. This article is for couples waiting for God’s fruit of the womb. So, I would expose the right steps to take for a barren womb to receive glorious children from the Lord.

  1. Prayers and not Barren Complaints

Barren Christians that complain every day in the church cannot receive any child from the Lord. The right step to take is putting your trust in God. Practice a prayerful lifestyle, and the Lord will hear your request.

Jesus says: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)

For instance, the complaints and hunger strike of Hannah did not give the barren woman a child. But, when she went into the presence of the Lord to pray, her status changed from barrenness to fruitfulness.

First Samuel chapter 1: “…Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”… And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD…

And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her… So it came to pass in the process of time, that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD…””

Ten years of barren complaint cannot give childbirth, but a moment of faithful prayers can make God to open your womb.

  1. Walk with God

The Lord is an Unquestionable God. He knows the best time to give you His blessings. In most cases, the barren status of Christian couples is an opportunity to understand how to walk with God.

To walk with God is not limited to attending church services and night vigils. It involves understanding the covenant of God for your life, and your obedience to His commandments.

For instance, Abraham walked with God and the Lord changed his barren life. Genesis chapter 17 verse 1 says: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am the Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

Note: This dispensation of grace does not imply that you have no commandments to obey. Don’t be deceived by the massive number of false preachers in the Christendom.

To walk with God means living a holy lifestyle in His divine power. Disobeying the commandments of Jesus (Matthew chapter 5, 6, 7…) can delay the fruitfulness of a barren couple.

Romans chapter 6 verse 15 says: “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!”

Do not walk before the false Prophets, Satanists or Witch Doctors; they have nothing better to offer you.

  1. Be Patient in your Strong Faith

The Psalmist said: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

If you pray and walk in the presence of the Lord daily, then patiently wait for Him to open your womb. He will do the childbirth faster than how you thought. Make yourself available for the gospel services such as evangelism. And you will get pregnant in the course of the service to the Lord.

The father of John the Baptist, Zacharias was delivered from the barren marriage, because he was a patient child of God. Let’s read few verses from the book of Luke chapter one: “…And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless… 

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. So it was that while he was serving as priest before God… But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”

The devil may tempt you to do ungodly child rituals, don’t listen to him. No one can give you a glorious child except the LORD.

  1. Engage Yourself in Hospitality

Share what you have with the poor children. Give to the poor orphans and the widows. It is a good practice for every child of God. Your hospitality to the needy can make God to open your womb.

I want you to learn from the experience of Abraham. He was prayerful and walked with the Lord for many years. But, his barren life was instantly changed to childbirth when he showed hospitality to the “hungry visitors”.

Listen to the reward of his hospitality in Genesis chapter 18 verses 14: “Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

  1. Love Your Marriage Partner

Love is not about the wedding ring, or the size of your bed. Love is about sacrifice and understanding. Love is neither partial nor selfish. Love is not after your money or properties of your partner. Love in marriage needs intimacy.

My meetings with some barren couples showed that the strength of their intimate love with their partners is extremely low. For instance, a couple who married for ten years never lived together for a year. The husband works in a far distance and the wife is not ready to move her business to her husband’s place. The husband died, and the poor woman remained barren.

Couples living far apart are exposed to the high risk of barrenness, because they violate the instruction of the Lord. The LORD says: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Barren couple that lives together like strangers cannot break the yoke of barrenness. So, selfless love is needed to uphold the physical, spiritual and emotional status of couples waiting upon the Lord for childbirth.

 

It is God alone that gives children. And the five steps discussed above had been tested and confirmed genuine as the best ways to stop the barren period in couples. Give your life to Jesus through a genuine repentance, and you will surely laugh like Sarah.

“And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6)