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Showing posts from January, 2023

The great day of the Lord

Zephaniah  1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. There are many prophetic declarations made in the scripture by the mouth of God's servants which were revealed by God Himself. Some had come to pass while some are waiting for the time of fulfilment. One  of those prophecies is the day of the Lord. God’s day is coming, man’s day, on the other hand, is just about to end. He has done what he pleased; he has mocked God; defied his laws and polluted God’s creation.   Satan’s day is also coming to an end. He knows that he has but a short time left (Rev. 12:12).  For several thousand years he has claimed to be the “prince of this world,” but his authority is about to end. There are two clear aspects to the day of the Lord. The first one, which is most obvious in the Old Testament, is the aspect of judgment upon the wicked.  Apparently in Old Testament t...

The Sacrifice of a fool

Ecclesiastes  5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. The word "fool" or "foolish" has been used to describe persons on several occasions in the scripture. It's definition as used in the scripture does not translate someone that has deficient knowledge about something or someone without sense, but someone who works or do some things according to the flesh contrary to the spirit. What is “the sacrifice/worship of fools?” The problem with fools is not merely that they mistakenly use some "unauthorized" procedure in their worship (although they may, as we may, err in our understanding in spite of our best efforts). The problem with the worship of fools is that their intent is not right. There is such a thing as vain worship A. Isaiah warned Judah very harshly about vain worship. Isaiah 1: 11-15 Their hearts were not right for wor...

Asking in Christ's name

John  14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. In one of Christ's teaching, He gave a promise to the apostles. The promise was to reassure them that they would be granted their requests. Since their requests would come to the father through the authority of His name, their requests would be answered.  Because Jesus knew that He was leaving their presence, they needed the confidence of knowing that their communication with the father would not be closed.  This same reassurance and confidence is extended to us and whoever that believes in God. We have been given the name of the son which is above every other names.  But this assurance does not implies all we ask will be granted, asking in His name implies asking according to His will and purpose  Jesus does not say, "I will give you anything you ask for." Nor does He say, "as long as you include the magic words 'in Jesus' name,' I will grant ...

The Lord's second coming

1 Thessalonians  4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Jesus will come back from His present heavenly realm of dwelling, His second coming will not be some secret event that will transpire unnoticed by the world.  There will be announcement that will sound throughout the world (1 Co. 15:52). Every eyes will see Him coming down from heaven, surrounded by the host of heaven with their trumpets in their hand.  The dead Saint will be the first to be resurrected. Their bodies that were buried will be the seed that will give birth to a changed and transformed spiritual body.  As resurrected saints are caught up away from the...

In my father's house

John  14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. While Jesus was preparing for his departure, he emphasise on the provision already made by God the Father for everyone who has surrendered their life and totality to Him..  The hope of the Christians for the future is not based on physical aspirations. There is a place of dwelling that is being provided by God.  Jesus speaks of the security of the dwelling place that is beyond the confines of this earth. There is a special placed reserved for anyone who believes in Christ and long for His return in the life of eternity. This promise is not for everyone, only those who are regenerated by His word, Will, and Spirit. Those who continually live according to His laid down instructions.  The mansion in the father's house does not typically mean a physical mighty house that can be seen with the canal mind, but it is a spiritual domain of supernatural...

The reward of Holiness, righteousness, and unjust

Revelation  22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Our God is a kind and just God, who will never engage one without giving rewards, He is not an usurper that fails to reward anyone who has served in Him in any capacity In the verse 12 of the book of Revelation, Jesus delivers a promise to return "soon," which is from a Greek word that more accurately means "quickly." This has more to do with how Jesus is coming than when. His return will be sudden and unpredictable (Matthew 24:36). Also, this promise includes the fact that God will reward  each person according to his deeds. Faithful believers may anticipate rewards, but unbelievers must face punishment. When the apostle Paul neared execution, he...

True Worshipper

John  4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Jesus continue His teaching to the samaritan woman who He met at the well about the true worship and true worshippers, as opposed to the worship of the samaritans who did not know  whom they worshiped, and the Jews who worshiped after the traditions of the fathers, the time was coming when true worshipers would worship God after the spirit and according to the  knowledge of the one true God. This is not a  worship that is generated by the uncontrolled outburst of emotionally misguided people. Jesus is speaking of worship that comes from within the individual as opposed to the ritualistic or ceremonial worship of the samaritans and Jews. Jesus came to reinstitute true worship that did not depend on the location of ...

Those that trust in chariot

Isaiah  31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! Judah sought to procure horses and chariots from Egypt in order to fight against the Assyrians   but trusting in the inventions of man in order to fight against the purpose of God would only prove futile.  The leaders of Judah thought they were wise in seeking help from Egypt. But their wisdom would be turned to foolishness by the wisdom of God. What would transpire was that both the Egyptians and Judah would fall in order to manifest the strength of God.  God has been the puller of strength for the children of Israel and Judah for any battle confrontation that comes before them, He has revealed to them on several occasions that they needed to trust only  Him and Him alone.  HE proved His power severally by manifesti...

Minding Your own business

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. Apostle Paul was describing the kind of godly conduct which leads to both pleasing God and a good reputation among other people in our verse above. Paul commands his readers to lead a peaceful life having brotherly love, to mind their own business, and to be industrious. we should be quiet rather than anxious. Instead of constantly being upset about the circumstances of life, we should be people who trust that God is in control, He loves us, and He will never make a mistake. It is the quietness that comes from perfect trust. It is that sense of peaceful quiet like a child sound asleep in the arms of their father during a thunderstorm because they know their father will protect them. We can know that quiet of heart that comes from resting in the char...

No man can serve two masters

Matthew  6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? There are Time we are faced with two choices in life and we are expected to chose one above the other, many become confused as to which to go for, after weighing the possible benefits that will come from each. Such case was the teaching of Jesus Christ on the Mount about choosing between two masters, God or mammon(money). In clear understanding, Those committed to the Lord desire to store up treasure, or rewards in heaven. They desire to serve Him by making right choices out of sincere devotion. But those who choses mammon (money) only set their affections and desires towards the martia...

Nothing is too hard for God

Jeremiah  32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? God is a supreme being by whom the universe was created, everything that ever existed was made visible and function through His divine power.  He is not limited by the protocols of any realm, because He created it. He knows the end from the begining, and His power is everlasting.  He has a track record of keeping his words, from generation to generations he has consistently proved his words and power in the life of man.  It was a time when  the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house. Little could he do than to pray to God, people were afraid and it seems all hope is lost.  But in that moment of  helplessness, God reassured Jeremiah and the people of the mightiness of his power to deliver, since he has done it before, while in Egypt and during the exod...

The fear of the Lord

Psalms  112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.  Fearing the Lord means to be in reverent awe of His holiness, to give Him complete reverence and to honor Him as the God of great glory, majesty, purity and power  On of the major commands in the old testament is the command to fear the Lord, this has been passed from generation to generations, even after the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt, Moses reminded them of the essence of fearing the Lord.  Deuteronomy  6:24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. The fear of the Lord unlocks the store house of spiritual wisdom, our spiritual Understanding begins when we walk with God with fear and reverence for Him. Psalm 25:14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. If we are tru...

The delight in God's instructions

Psalms  1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. To have delight in a thing is to have great pleasure or joy over it. Having delight in God's instructions is to have joy and gladness in obeying God irrespective.  The scripture says if you obey and follow God’s instructions you will live in perfect freedom. You will have greater wisdom. You will dwell in security and peace. God often gives us rules and commands in His word, they’re not suggestions; they’re commands, but He doesn’t ALWAYS explain why. He wants you to do them out  of faith. Sometimes they sound unfair. They sound like they’re meant to cramp your style, that God is some kind of kill joy, that He’s limiting you. For instance, the Bible is very clear no sex outside of marriage. The Bible says when somebody hurts you, you are to forgive them. The Bible says you’re to take the first ten-percent and tithe it back to God. The Bible says when people do evil to you...

Immortal God

1 Timothy  1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. God is not terminal as man. He is not physical in body as man (John 2:4). God is inherently eternal without begining or ending, and thus, indigenous in eternity.  There exists nothing that is of the same quality of being as God. Therefore, we would conclude that God alone is eternal and that all that exists maintains existence simply because He upholds all things by the word of His power. (Hebrew 2:3) We will eternally exist after the end of this world only because we will be in the presence of God who will sustain our eternity. (2 th. 2:7-9) Too often people put God into a category with other things. For example, God is part of religion, and religion is part of our culture. So God is part of our culture. So it is said. But we must understand that God is not “part” of anything. God is in a category shared with nothing else. God alone is immortal. God ...

Searching God with the whole of Our heart

Jeremiah  29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. God is not lost but He needed to be found. He is near but may be far away from out heart. Our sin brought about separation between us, our relationship became broken and our heritage in Him becomes lost. But thanks to God who made himself available by establishing  a new loving relationship between Him and us through the sacrificial death of Christ His son on the cross of calvary.  Nevertheless, rebuilding our relationship with Him requires we humbly seek him with the whole of Our hea...

A good replica of Christ

1 Timothy  4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. NO higher compliment can be paid to a Christian than to call him/her a godly person. He/she  might be a zealous church worker, a dynamic spokesman for Christ, or a talented Christian leader; but none of these things matters if, at the same time, he is not a godly person. When Paul wants to distill the essence of the Christian life into one brief paragraph, he focuses on godliness. He tells us that God’s grace "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives" as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 2: 11-13 ). When Paul thinks of his own job description as an apostle of Jesus Christ, he describes it as being called to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness (Titus...

Jesus appraise the Widow

Mark  12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Jesus Christ supervised the treasury during a voluntary giving in the temple. in the process, a widow's offering was noticed by Christ and he  called the attention of his disciples.. Saying.. She gave her all out of her poverty... Making her to be the best giver out of those who contributed.  The materialist will never understand why this widow gave so much. Her thanksgiving for what God has done for her motivated her to give all that she had.  She had to make the sacrifice in order to pour forth her thanksgiving to God. Christianity is of little value to those wh...

God's dwelling place

Ephesians  2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. God's dwelling place is a place where His presence, glory, grace, mercy and blessing resides. Scripture tells us about a successive line of places where God both has and will place his presence among people on the Earth. The Tabernacle Beginning in the Old Testament, the tabernacle was a place for God to dwell among his people (Exo 25-31 ). He gave Israel detailed instructions for how to build it. He designed it so that they could tear it down, carry it around, and set it back up as they traveled through the wilderness. Later it wa...

Walking as children of light

Ephesians  5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: After the fall of man, darkness filled the earth, the light of God's  righteousness and holiness became  darkened by the deceit of satan, and man began to walk and live in the darkness of evil thoughts and imagination.  In other to bring man back to track and walk in the light of Jehovah, God made a provision for His light to dwell with men, that by this man can live in the light of God's grace, righteousness and holiness.  John  8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jesus Christ is the one who has come to enlightened the world concerning salvation so we do not walk in the darkness of death. He is the one through whom the abundant life can be attained, and through whom one can find his way back to God.  By obedience to the teac...

The judgment seat of Christ

2 Corinthians  5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.  5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. We will ALL appear before the judgement seat of Christ, this shall occur after the rapture of the saint. It will be a  judgement without partiality; a judgement for our labours, The judgment seat of Christ is something exclusively for believers, as Christ's evaluation of our works on earth. This refers to an assessment of what each saved, heaven-bound Christian has done "in the body" since coming to faith in Christ. How has he or she used this life in Christ? What have they done, for good or for evil? Paul wrote in Romans 14:12 that each believer will "give an account of himself to God." We will be judged, however, for how we deal with the flesh, this judgement will bring to light t...

Men of War

1 Chronicles 12:1 Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.  Men of war are specialized trained combatant in a designated force who are always at alert for any kind of war that may arise in a domain.  The men who joined themselves to David were mighty men. That is, they were “powerful, champions, chiefs, excellent, strong and valiant” men. They were armed men who knew how to handle their weapons of war. They were “the mighty men, helpers in the war, armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow”. They were“equipped” and they were “experts” They were men fit for the battle! They did not wait for the battle to happen before th...

Bountiful Eye

Proverbs  22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.  22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. A bountiful eye love unconditionally. It is an  eye that is looking for those in need and looking to help. A bountiful eye looking around for ways to be generous and gracious and loving and kind toward others. An eye that will be able to see and persive things of the future before the future arrives A person who is "good in the eye" sincerely seeks the good of others; they actively look for ways to help. This proverb directly connects this attitude with actions: we know such a person has a "good eye" because we see them sharing with those that are  less fortunate. Some look upon the poor or the disadvantaged as targets for abuse (Proverbs 22:16, 22). The person with "a bountiful eye" looks on the poor compassionately and responds with kindness. The word "poor...

Abide in the Word

John  15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Jesus referred to the idea of "abiding in" Him to those who are truly connected to the True Vine, and who bear spiritual fruit as a result. this implies those who are truly born-again believers. At the same time, Jesus refers to those in whom His words "abide." which implies the same deeply rooted, intimate, life-giving relationship as between the vine and branches. Jesus clearly connected fulfilled prayer to the will of God the Father (Matthew 6:10; 26:39). When a person's prayer is wholly, entirely aligned with the Word and will of God, that person is legitimately praying "in the name" of Christ and have expectation of an answered prayer. (John 14: 13–14 ). Christ is in God, and his words becomes our guide through which we navigate this world. Everything we will ever be or become is enshrined in His words. Instructions for godly liv...

The spirit of the Lord

Joel  2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: The spirit of God is the embodiment of His character and manifestation in any realm, both physical and spiritual. After the creation of earth and heaven, it is revealed that the spirit of God hovers on earth, the man being made from the dust of the ground to be flesh now becomes the carrier of the spirit of God. This differentiate man from all other creatures firstly created, both in wisdom, knowledge, power and understanding.  At the moment man sinned, part of the manifestation of God's character left man, only a specific people chosen by grace for specific purpose latter possesses it before the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, talk of the prophets, samson the powerful, etc.  The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ gives everyone partaker of becomin...

Covetousness

Hebrews  13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Covetousness has been referred to as "the mother of sin" because the desire to sin first arises in the heart before it finds expression in the act. Covetousness may not appear as bad as some other more outward sins, but it is one of the worst sins because it spawns so many others. Covetousness arises when  we covet and set our hearts upon something, which belongs to another and wish we had it instead of them. Covetousness is a real problem in our society today. The Bible even declares that in the last days that perilous times would come and one of the sins of the last days was covetousness. It  is also  a major problem in our churches today, and it is a real problem among Christians today, and probably all of us are more guilty of it than we even realize. Covetousness  arises from Selfish Motivation...

The blessing of the Lord

Proverbs  10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Scripture is not naive about our corrupt world; good people are not always financially successful (John 16:33; Philippians 4: 11–13 ), and evil people often become wealthy (Psalm 37:7; 73:3). But godliness, put into practice through wisdom, gives a person a better likelihood at long-lasting triumph. The contrast expressed in this verse is not a guarantee of prosperity, but a comparison between wealth gained righteously as opposed to that obtained by deception. In short, wealth obtained morally is more secure than riches gained through sin. Immoral dealings put a person at risk of revenge, legal trouble, or other problems (Proverbs 10:2, 9). Further, at least some of the pleasure of wealth is countered by a person's conscience. This should  always remind us to appreciate success clearly influenced by God's intervention. In Deuteronomy 8, the Lord reminded the people of Israel that He ...

He ruleth over all

Psalms 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. God is sovereign over ALL things. He has the authority (right), power, and wisdom to do all that He pleases. Every part of God’s creation—all places, objects, creatures, people, and even Satan is under God’s sovereign will and rule. Every event and situation is under God’s sovereign rule. His kingdom rule is not only limited to the affairs of heaven and other supernatural realm, but is also dominated in the earth realm, he created all and exercise His power over all as He pleases.  God's eternal rule over all should cause His enemies to shudder, but it should bring comfort to believers. He has the will and the power to orchestrate even our trials to accomplish His good work in our lives (Romans 8:28).  As a believer, you need not to be afraid of what fellow man can do to you, or what the devil and his agents can do to you, because you carry the presence of God in you, and you belo...

Divine Guide

Psalms  37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Divine guide is God  directing the affaires of men, even though man was given freewill to make choices of life, but in all ways man cannot understand the future unseen, so the need to trust God who knows the end from the begining  Knowing God’s plan and purpose for one's  life gives access to walking in spiritual authority. Staying on the right path with God guarantees one's success in life. Sometimes, the lord would want you to perform a task or do a particular thing. You may not obey because these instructions do not make common sense. But, it is worthy to note that the ways of God are quite different. Some of God’s instructions may sound foolish in human wisdom. For example, God instructed Abraham to sacri...

Those that labour in tears

Psalms  126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. The time of sowing is a time of labor and toil, but the time of harvest is a time of joy when one receives the reward of his patient labour. When psalm above was written, the Israelites were totally surrounded by their enemy. They were "shut up", there was no way out whatsoever. There was no way for any kind of life sustaining supplies to be brought in. There was also a famine in the land and people were dying every day from starvation. There was no hope for tomorrow being any better, only worse. All looked hopeless and filled with despair. In any direction they turned all they could see was opposition. The enemy had not yet attacked them, yet his presence was continually camped about them, causing the Israelites to daily be reminded of their evil plans. However these people do have...

I AM THAT I AM

Exodus  3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. In the verse above, God is speaking to Moses out of a miraculous occurrence: a bush which is on fire, but not burnt up. God has declared His intent to free Israel from their slavery under Egypt. God has also ordered Moses to return to Egypt, so that he can lead this transition from oppression to freedom. Moses responded with doubt and questions. One of these questions is fairly simple: what do I say when people ask "what god sent you?" The answer given here is crucial for understanding the identity and nature of God. This response becomes foundational in both Jewish and Christian theology. God identifies Himself using a phrase which is actually a description, or a statement: "I AM WHO I AM" or simply "I AM." The first phrase, in Hebrew, is e'heyeh aser' e'heyeh. This is most simply translated as ...