A captive is one that is taken prisoner or kept in prison by an authority, legally or illegally, held down or overcome by something but cannot get freedom or exercise its right, either spiritually or physically. Whosoever is held down by anything, habit, sin or spirit is in bondage of that which has trapped him.

Captivity is of two kinds - lawful (legal) and unlawful (illegal) captivity. Lawful captives are those who legitimately, willingly, knowingly and deliberately went into captivity. Besides, they are lawful captives because they are kept in bondage as a result of the evil they committed. In the scripture, the Bible told us how the nation Israel went into captivity - carried into slavery for so many years. The deserved captivity of Israel in the hand of the mighty (Babylonian) tells us how a person or nation can be enslaved. They became a prey and it was not likely that they should be rescued by force. They were lawful captives, by the law of God; every offence is always a legal ground for captivity. In other words, the law of nations has a part to play in the case of Israel. They were justly delivered into captivity because they have been taken in war. They were lawfully detained in captivity till they should be ransomed or be exchanged.

By way of inference, human beings can as well be taken captive by some evil spirit because of their sinful living. The powers resident in them claim legal right because those people deliberately entered into certain agreements with the spirits, whether through secret cults to search for fame, protection, prosperity and power, or through any other means. As a result, the activities of the spirits in these individuals or group becomes lawful or deserved, and the people lawful captives. Those also who deliberately dedicate themselves to the service of Satan and his purpose are among the lawful prisoners. Among the lawful captives, there are unconscious victims - people who did not deliberately become captives, but because of some problems and difficulties that defile solution, except by the possession of these spiritual beings. There are also, unwilling conscious victims - people who are free and not willing to associate themselves with diabolical spiritual powers, but got entangled because they have no choice. The last in this category are the consciously willing victims - people whose priority in life is to appear noticeable whether by hook or by crook. All these are legal or lawful captives.

In the other hand, the unlawful captives are those who are unlawfully held or kept in oppression by what another person has done - their father, ancestors, friends, relatives, etc. Every unlawful captive has a pathetic story to tell. How then did Africa go wrong, and what story has she got for us?

Well, the Bible tells us a story of a servant of God called Noah. He was told by God to build an ark through which He (God) will save a remnant of people that will serve Him on earth. This remnant must be a people of absolute obedience to His will and command. This Noah did, and God blessed him for it. Along the line, the old man took to farming as a way of life. He planted a vineyard, drank of the wine, and was drunk; as a result, he lay in his tent uncovered. His son Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, Noah and reported to his two brothers - Shem and Japheth, who took a garment, laid it upon their shoulders, went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father. And because their faces were backward, they were unable to see their father's nakedness.

When Noah awoke and was cleared from the influence of wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him, and he cursed him: "Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren", but he blessed his two sons that covered his nakedness saying, "Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant".

From the Bible story above, we find out that Ham was the name of one of the three sons of Noah, and of the history of Ham, nothing is related except his irreverence to his father and the curse which that patriarch pronounced on him. The sons of Ham are stated, to have been Cush, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan.

The Canaanites were descendants of Canaan. Their language was very similar to the Hebrew. They were probably given to commerce; and thus the name became probably in later times an occasional synonym for a merchant. The name Canaan later on came to denote the country west of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, and between those waters and the Mediterranean; given by God to Abraham's posterity - the children of Israel. Apart from the Canaanites, the other settlements of the sons of Ham are always discussed and known by their respective names. Therefore, the three most illustrious Hamite nations are known today as the Cushites, the Phoenicians and the Egyptians, who were greatly mixed with foreign peoples. Their architecture has a solid grandeur that we look for in vain elsewhere.

Africa was of the stock of Ham through Canaan. History told us that Africa was once at the head of world economy. She discovered the elements of the arts and sciences, founded the study of the laws of nature, civil and religious systems, which still govern the universe today. It is a surprise that Africa after recording such breakthroughs in human history, is seen and viewed as a reject, and an insignificant addendum that managed to find a space in world map. Africa, the very continent that has given the world civilization, the very people whom the Greeks had looked with admiration, has now become the most humiliated and brutalized race - a race of slaves and outcasts. How could a race of inventors and manufacturers become traders and passive consumers of western technology? God forbid bad thing.

As a Christian and a minister of God, I know that the God of heaven and the Father of my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, will never sit down and watch His people who are created in His image and likeness and bought with the blood of His dear Son Jesus Christ, languish in penury simply because of a father's curse to his son. Truly, curses have effect, but there is a limit to it. When God Himself gave His people Israel to captivity, He equally delivered them when they called on Him because of His Name. Africa, for all I know has been a center for God's activity, and God is at work in Africa using Africans. God can never be doing all these things and still hold Africa responsible to a father's curse to his son, for such a long time - many generations behind. That's very unfair and not the character of the God I serve. He told me that those that in Christ have become new creatures and that He will never hold them responsible for their old lifestyles. They have passed away and a new life has begun.

In the case of His people Israel, God knew very well that Israel's captors were right and the captivity of Israel, well deserved because of their evil against the Lord. Their captors, though mighty and terrible, with legal backing, both from the law of God and the law of the nations, yet the Lord decreed that Israel (the lawful captive) shall be taken away and delivered. That is final. The captors of Israel cannot with their impudence outface the deliverance and counsel of God concerning His people. The King of kings, and Lord of lords has spoken - no one can declare otherwise.

This is the God I serve, and I am an African, why must I be under a generational curse? Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law and that is in accordance with God's decision to redeem Africa. God's determination is to deliver and to bring judgment upon the captors and oppressors of His people no matter who they are, and then work out salvation for the oppressed. God's decision on this matter is final, the same way He said to Pharaoh "let m people go". He did not go back until He saw Israel out of Egypt. Africa is a shining star and will continue to radiate till eternity.

Friend, don't be afraid again, because all the satanic arrows of poverty, lack, decrease, financial distress the devil fired against us have been arrested, disgraced and destroyed by God himself. All the instruments of oppression of witches and wizards, all the oppressors of Africa have been scattered, and consumed by fire in Jesus' name. As I pray for Africa, I see the rod of the wicked which has caused great discomfort in the life of Africans being removed permanently, and every power blocking the covenant blessings of God from flowing to us in Africa has been broken to pieces in Jesus' name. Are you an African? Be bold, be courageous for the Lord God of heaven says, "Even the lawful captives shall be delivered", and this day has deliverance come in the land of Africa.

Are you in business? I want to authoritatively reveal to you two hard truths that marketers will never tell you if you must succeed in business. The first truth is centered on the Supreme Being - GOD, whereas the second has something to do with EXPERIENCE. I'm convinced that this write-up will indeed help you in your business life. The two hard truths I discovered early in life that have kept me on top, and ahead of other marketers are as follows:-

1. GOD: - God is a supreme being. He has all powers in His hands and demands obedience from people. You may not be aware of this, but it's a fact. A lot of people do not believe in God, they simply take everything that happens to them as a result of chance. But God really exists. God has the Power and the Influence over every Successful Businesses. As a matter of fact, I don't think any marketer would bother telling you about Him. Doing so would mean sounding too religious since they are being too careful not to mix business with religion. I've a feeling they would be embarrassed if someone saw their students carrying Bible to the seminar room. The power and the influence of God in making any business, where He is honored, to grow and prosper is undeniable.

However, it is a monumental mistake for any business owner to ignore this vital area of knowing and believing God. The Living God is the only One that can guarantee enduring success in business. Master Jesus said, "I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing" [John 15:5]. Jesus has every business in mind. He stands to teach and encourage every businessman/woman the ABC of being a success in business. When an entrepreneur abides in God, and God's words abide in him, he can be rest assured that he will enjoy all the following benefits and more:

Salvation: Salvation of the soul is most important to God, yet He also has the salvation of our business in mind. If every business is saved from stiff competition, harsh economic policies, poverty, etc., there will be room for survival and progress. When this fact was hidden from me, I only based my work on planning and putting extra time, but I had nothing to show for it until I was saved. When I got saved, my business and way of thinking got saved. This is a hard truth many can never believe. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" [John 3:16].

Healing: Healing of every business from harsh policies, poor budget and implementation of policies, keeps it growing and prospering. Every sick business has hope of survival when the healer surfaces. God is our healer, and our businesses survive when we are healthy and surviving too. The Bible says, "...if thou will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee" [Exodus 15:26].

Bring forth Fruits: God wills that everything He made bears fruit, even the work of our hands. No business is a good business without increase or gain. And that is the will of God for us. When we believe Him and acknowledge His power over all things, then we'll be rest assured that our businesses too will prosper and produce much gains and profits. The Bible says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful". But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His flaw doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" [Psalm 1:1-3].

Steady Supply: God supplies all things good. The raw materials for every production we make are products of His divine supply. He also wills today that we have a steady supply in our business and life in general. When we believe in God, He takes charge of everything that pertains to us, even the business we're into. So, our business receives steady supply of materials, money, etc., when it is in God's programme. The Bible says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - [Philippians4:19].

Protection: Protection from thieves, accident on transit, bad management, etc, are all God's will for us and our business. Nothing can be farther from the truth; the Lord cares for those who love Him. I have enjoyed this wonderful protection from God many times in my life and business, so long as I remain in His programme for my life. You may not believe it, but if is a fact. The Bible says, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" [Psalm 91:10-12].

Increase: God is omnipotent. He has all powers - power to save, supply, heal, protect, empower, bear fruit, etc. My life in GOD has shown me that I can do nothing without Him. Increase in business depends on how much of God is in you. He gave us a platform that those who sincerely go about their business, without the mind of cheating on others, are on the path of increase. The wicked and dubious business persons never last long in prosperity. The hard truth here is: it's the Lord that gives the increase. The Bible says, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" [1 Corinthians 3:6].

Sorrow-free Riches: Sincere belief in God casts out fear and sorrow. Dubious acts and corner-cutting arise the moment God is absent in our lives and business. Those that do know their God operate a dubious-free business and never try to cut corners. They are prospered and have sorrow-free riches. God-fearing businessmen live a successful, prosperous, long life - they have sorrow-free riches and enjoy their lives to a ripe old age. The Bible says, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it" [Proverbs 10:22].

Good Success: Good success here implies all-round prosperity. That's what God gives, and it can never be less. The Bible says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" [Joshua 1:8].

Dear reader, God does all these things and more to everyone that believes and trusts in Him. I know it and you should know it too. I'm a living proof of God's goodness. I've an irrefutable evidence to prove it. And on this write-up, you will discover what the Lord had done [and is doing] for me. For me to be alive and my business to be where it is today, is the grace of God. Just as Master Jesus said, without my Father in heaven, I could of my own do nothing.

Each time the enemy comes like the flood to overflow and wash me and my business away, the Spirit of the Lord is always showing up to deliver me by lifting a standard against him. So, every business owner, and all marketers all over the world, should consider inculcating in their clients/customers the study of the part that God plays in the sustenance of businesses. The magnitude of the role God plays in business from start-up to maturity is so enormous that that it cannot go without acknowledgment. As the Psalmist say, "all glory must be unto God".

2. EXPERIENCE: - There is this other thing I said I would like to inform you about. The thing is called: EXPERIENCE. The only place you can acquire experience is in the marketplace. That is where you can lay your hands on the original. No amount of case studies can replace the practical, hands-on experience that you'll get from the marketplace.

Dear reader, bear it in mind that, the tons of case studies that you will be loaded with, is not meant to take the place of practical experience. I'm saying this here just to prepare your mind for the type of things you might encounter when you announce your arrival in the marketplace and take your position in any of the market segments. As you will discover, your own experience might be totally different from mine, but that doesn't really matter. What is most important is that you already know what lies ahead of you and you're prepared for it. It's not going to be a tea party. Be absolutely sure of that. So brace up yourself for hard work.

Today, every business owner and marketer is concerned with the word: HARD WORK. Well, that is good, but hardwork without God and experience, is true FAILURE!