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Showing posts from January, 2024

Righteousness exalt a nation

Proverbs  14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Righteousness, as defined by moral integrity and adherence to divine principles, serves as the bedrock upon which nations are built. In embracing righteousness, we not only foster individual virtue but collectively lay the groundwork for a flourishing society. It is the pursuit of justice, fairness, and ethical conduct that propels a nation toward greatness. The righteousness is this context is not just  material wealth or temporal success but a deep and lasting elevation rooted in the moral fabric of a people.  When a nation values righteousness, it experiences prosperity that extends beyond economic measures. It is a prosperity of character, unity, and a shared commitment to goodness. In contrast, sin, as a deviation from righteousness, is a reproach to any people. It erodes the foundations of a society, leading to division, strife, and moral decay.  The consequences of sin are no...

Be still

Psalms  46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Being still is not just  a physical act; it is a spiritual posture. It beckons us to quiet the noise within our hearts, to hush the clamour of our anxieties, and to let go of the burdens we carry. In the stillness, we open ourselves to an understanding, a realization that God is present, sovereign, and in control. Life's storms may rage around us, echoing the turbulent verses that precede this in Psalm 46. Yet, in the midst of chaos, God invites us to a quiet sanctuary, where we can find peace that surpasses all understanding.  To be still is an act of trust – trusting that God is in charge, that His plans are greater than our own, and that His love is unwavering. In our hurried existence, we often seek answers and solutions in the noise, in the constant motion of life. However, God whispers to us through stillness, inviting us to a sacred space where we ca...

The Anointed

2 Samuel  12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;  12:8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.  David, the anointed one, was chosen and blessed by God. Yet, even the anointed can falter. We see David's lapse in judgment, succumbing to the temptation of sin. Nathan's confrontation serves as a reminder that none are exempt from the consequences of their actions. David took God's blessings for granted. In a moment of lust, he had forgotten...

Do everything in the name of the Lord

Colossians  3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Apostle Paul teaches the Colossians and by extension all believers just as Christ stated in His teachings the need to do all things in His name. this serves as a guiding light in our journey of faith, urging us to infuse every aspect of our lives with the recognition of God's presence.  It's a call to live with purpose, intention, and devotion, acknowledging that our words and actions can be a reflection of our commitment to Christ. "Doing everything in the name of Christ"  challenges us to align our thoughts, words, and deeds with the teachings of Jesus. This extends beyond the walls of our churches and into the very fabric of our daily existence. Whether at work, at home, or within our communities, the Christian walk is about more than just attending Sunday services; it's about embodying Christ in all that we do. As we navigate...

God's Commandments

Deuteronomy  6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.  6:10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, The scripture which is our guide for daily living reminded us to cherish the commandments of God, not just as a set of rules but to bind them upon our hearts. It is an invitation to internalise God's guidance, allowing His words to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions.  ...

The bread of life

John  6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  Jesus invites us to partake in a spiritual feast, nourishing our souls with the sustenance only he can provide. The  bread signifies more than just physical nourishment; it speaks to the deep, soul-satisfying sustenance that only a relationship with Christ can offer. As bread is a staple, fundamental to sustaining life, Jesus presents himself as the essence of life itself. In a world often filled with hunger for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, Jesus stands as the eternal source of satisfaction. Just as physical hunger prompts us to seek bread, our spiritual hunger should lead us to Jesus—the Bread of Life. Jesus' promise that those who come to him will never go hungry and those who believe in him will never be thirsty signifies a completeness that the world cannot provide.  It is an assurance of a lasting fulfillmen...

Daniel's Determination

Daniel  1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel, in a foreign land, surrounded by unfamiliar customs and tempting indulgences exemplified a resolute spirit in maintaining his conviction in the God of the Israel, never to partake of food that was dedicated to the pagan gods, or manifested a compromise of their faith.  Firstly, Daniel's determination was rooted in his commitment to God's commandments. In a society that urged conformity, he clung to the principles that aligned with his faith. In our modern world, where ethical choices may be challenging, let us take inspiration from Daniel's steadfastness in upholding our values and convictions. Secondly, Daniel's determination required courage. He faced potential ridicule and punishment for rejecting the royal provisions, yet h...

Betrayal, after Supper

John  13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.  13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; From many events that precede the crucification was the event of the last supper which symbolises the covenant of the  body of Christ  and His blood. This gathering was only restricted to those who are the closest to Christ, both in ministry and life.  Judas, a trusted disciple, was swayed by the influence of the evil one. Imagine the weight of this revelation for Jesus, who knew that one among His closest companions would turn against Him. The very intimacy of the supper setting emphasizes the profound nature of betrayal—a betrayal not only of friendship but also of the sacred bond shared around that table. Betrayal after the suppe...

Confession precedes healing

James  5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  One of the divine principle that unlocks the gates of spiritual and emotional restoration is confession Confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment of wrongdoing; it is a humble surrender of our vulnerabilities before God and our fellow believers. It requires courage to expose our shortcomings, but in doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative grace of God. James encourages us to confess our sins to one another. This communal act is not meant to shame or condemn but to create an environment of support, understanding, and love. When we confess to each other, we share our burdens, and in that shared space, healing begins to take root. Healing, in this context, extends beyond physical ailments. It encompasses the mending of broken hearts, the restoration of relationships, and the renewal of our spiritual vital...

A man's belly

Proverbs  18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. In our journey through life, our tongues hold the power to shape our destinies. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, we are known by the words that proceed from our mouths.  The words we speak can either be a source of life, bringing blessings and satisfaction, or they can be a source of destruction, leading to emptiness and strife. King Solomon, the wise author of Proverbs, emphasizes the direct correlation between our speech and the state of our being. The "fruit of our mouth" refers to the words we utter, whether they be words of kindness, encouragement, and love, or words of bitterness, deceit, and negativity. Our spoken words are like seeds sown into the soil of our lives, and they bear fruit accordingly. When we choose to speak words of love, affirmation, and encouragement, we not only sow seeds of goodness into the lives of others but...

Watch and Pray

Matthew  26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?  26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.  26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.  26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. No greater advice could be given to someone who finds himself in a precarious situation as the disciples other than to watch and pray. Christ who knew what was about to happen charged the disciples on the need to keep watch and pray.  The call to "watch" signifies an alertness to the world around us. In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to become entangled in the distractions of this world, losin...

God's full reward

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. The time of the end of the world is coming, and God has not left us without notice, we are reminded that Christ second coming can happen at anytime. But what is our preparedness towards His coming?  The message from the verse above urges us to recognize the eternal consequences of our actions and choices. In the face of wrongdoing and wickedness, God calls for repentance, transformation, and a turning away from the path of darkness. Conversely, for those who strive to live righteous and holy lives, there is the promise of a reward that accompanies the imminent return of our Lord. In a world where the forces of evil may seem prevalent, these verses remind us...

Not by might, not by power

Zechariah  4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.  4:7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. It was a time when Zerubbabel and Joshua were both civil and religious leaders among God's people and a time for the rebuilding of the temple and the city but were faced with so much opposition which came upon them. But the word of the Lord came  as an  assurance that our endeavors are not accomplished by our own might or human strength alone. It is a divine partnership, where the Spirit of the Lord Almighty empowers and leads us.  Just as Zerubbabel was charged and strengthened by the word of the Lord, we are also  called to relinquish the misconception that success is solely a product of our own efforts...

God's mighty judgement

Deuteronomy  6:20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?  6:21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:  6:22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:  6:23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. In these verses above , we witness the recounting of the Israelites' deliverance from bondage, emphasizing the profound judgment of God against the oppressor, Pharaoh. It serves as a testament to God's justice, power, and faithfulness. God's judgment is always purposeful and just. In the narrative of the Exodus, we see a demonstration of God's mighty hand, bringing forth plagues and wonders to secure the liberat...

keeping the Lord's commandment

Deuteronomy  6:2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. To "fear the Lord" is not about trembling in terror, but rather about reverential awe and deep respect for the Almighty. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a recognition that He is the source of all wisdom and guidance. When we cultivate this fear, we position ourselves to walk in alignment with His will. The call to "keep all His statutes and commandments" is an invitation to a life of obedience. God's commandments are not burdensome restrictions but rather the pathway to abundant life. By adhering to His divine instructions, we experience the fullness of His blessings and protection.  let us consider three key aspects of keeping the Lord's commandments: 1. Wholehearted Devotion: The Lord desires our undivided love an...

The First Covenant

Hebrews  8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.  8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: The first covenant established through Moses, was not faultless. It served as a guide for God's people, a shadow of the glorious covenant that was to come. However, it was not without shortcomings, for the hearts of the people were not fully inclined toward God. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, foresaw the need for a new covenant. A covenant not based on external regulations, but one etched upon the hearts of His people. This new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, brings a transformation that transcends the limitations of the old. The first covenant was a foreshadowing of the grace and redemption we find in Christ. It pointed to a reality beyond itself—a reality where God's law is not me...

Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers

2 Corinthians  6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. In early days farming, to be unequally yoked refers  to the practice of coupling two animals together for shared labor. Imagine trying to plow a field with two animals moving in different directions – it would be a struggle, unproductive and ...

The dead in Christ

1 Thessalonians  4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  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. Our life on earth is a limited one, everyone of us will die one day or Christ meet us in earth, but what we live our life for here will determine where each and  everyone of us will be in the after life.  For believers, the antecedent of rapture will follow a predefined rules, Paul reminds us that Christ will return. He won't send an emissary or an angel; He will come personally. This is a promise we can hold onto in a world filled with uncertainty. One of the most ...

Inward Witness

Romans  8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The inward witness is the voice of God speaking to our hearts, a whisper of guidance that echos within us. As children of God, we are not left to navigate the complexities of life alone; instead, we are granted the remarkable privilege of being led by the Spirit. In a world filled with external noise and conflicting messages, the inward witness becomes our anchor. It is a sacred assurance that we belong to God and are under His loving guidance. This inner testimony isn't audible; it's a quiet conviction that unfolds as we go in a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. How can we recognize the inward witness in our lives? It begins with stillness and attunement to the Spirit's gentle promptings. In the chaos of life, we often overlook this internal guidance, but as we center our hearts on God through prayer, meditation, and study of His Word, we become more attuned to His voice within. As ...

The Lord our salvation

Psalms  27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Our salvation comes from the Lord alone. It is not our own strength or abilities that save us, but rather God's grace and mercy. Knowing that we are saved by His loving hand should fill our hearts with gratitude and humility. In times of trouble and adversity, the Lord is our refuge. He shields us from the schemes of our enemies and provides us with a place of safety. Trusting in the Lord's protection, we can stand firm against any challenges that come our way. With the Lord as our salvation, we can face the most formidable adversaries with unwavering confidence. Fear loses its grip on us when we ...

Enduring Temptation

James  1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. In our journey of faith, we often face various trials and temptations that threaten to derail our walk with God. However, the book of James provides us with profound wisdom and encouragement.  James begins by highlighting the blessedness of those who persevere under trial. It is crucial to recognize that trials are not punishments from God but opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. Our faith is refined in the crucible of adversity. When we endure, standing firm in our co...

Lack of wisdom

James  1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Wisdom is the skill or ability to correctly handle knowledge of truth and facts.  One can have knowledge, but the ability to discern the time and application of such knowledge is wisdom. It is one thing to know what to do but another thing to know how to do it. So many  people know what to do, others  know what is required but only a few people know how it can be done. Most time, many of God’s precious children get stranded in life and many are confused because of their lack of wisdom in their life  Faith is essential in the life of a believer; anointing is majorly important; skill is good but wisdom is profitable to direct. You can sharpen yo...

Appearing with God in Glory

Colossians  3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:  3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: The essence of our Christian journey lies in the anticipation of the glorious moment when Christ, the very source of our life, will manifest in all His splendor. We are to  reflect daily  on the significance of our connection with Christ. He is not merely a distant deity, but the very essence of our being. Our lives are intricately intertwined with His purpose and grace. As we walk in faith, we find our truest identity in Him. The promise of appearing with Christ in glory instills hope in our hearts. It is a beacon that illuminates the path thro...

Our help in the hand of the Maker

Psalms  12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.  12:8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. The scripture reminds us daily that our help is in the hand of the Maker – the One who crafts words as pure as refined silver. Just as silver undergoes a meticulous refining process, the words of the Lord are flawless, free from impurities.  They serve as a steadfast anchor in a world where wickedness surrounds us, threatening to erode the foundations of our faith. The Maker, our divine protector, not only provides us with these pure words but promises to keep and guard us throughout all generations.  In a world where moral decay and vileness seem to prevail, God's promises stand unshaken. His hand is extended to shield us from the pitfalls of a society that often drifts away from righteousnes...

Every good gift

James  1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. In this verse, James directs our attention to the source of all that is good and perfect in our lives—the Father of lights, God Himself. As we embark on this journey of faith, it is crucial to acknowledge that every blessing, every joy, and every favorable circumstance finds its origin in the benevolent nature of our Creator. God, in His unchanging character, is the giver of good gifts. These gifts extend beyond material possessions to include the intangible treasures of love, grace, mercy, and salvation. It is through these gifts that we experience the richness of His love and the depth of His care for each one of us. In a world marked by uncertainty and constant change, the assurance that comes from James 1:17 is a pillar of strength for believers. God's unvarying nature serves as a reliable anchor in the storms of l...

God and Love

1 John  4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . From the beginning of creation, love has been intricately woven into the tapestry of God's divine plan. In Genesis, we witness the manifestation of God's love as He breathes life into humanity, forming us in His own image. This act of creation is a testament to the boundless love that God has for each and every one of us. As we journey through the pages of the Bible, we encounter numerous instances where God's love is expressed in manifold ways – from His steadfast love for the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness to the ultimate demonstration of love through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. 1 John 4:8 challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we truly connected to God if we do not embody love in our actions and attitudes?  love is not merely an attribute of God; it is what binds our relationship with Him. To understand this profound connection between God and love, le...

The 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 ...

Defilement comes from within

Matthew  15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:  15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Jesus Christ called the multitude and taught them about the nature of defilement which is peculiar to our life today. Christ affirm that It's not the external things we consume or encounter that make us impure; rather, it's the condition of our hearts and the words that proceed from our mouths. We live in a world filled with various influences, temptations, and distractions. It's easy to become preoccupied with external matters, but Jesus directs our attention inward. He invites us to examine the state of our hearts, for it is from within that defilement emerges. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring life or cause harm. When our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and compassion, our words reflect these virtues. However...

The Faitful Lord

2 Thessalonians  3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  The constancy of our Lord remains unwavering each day and in every season. His faithfulness is not contingent upon our circumstances but is rooted in His unchanging nature. As the verse declares, He is the One who strengthens us in our weakness, providing the fortitude needed to navigate the trials of life. In moments of doubt or when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us, we can find refuge in the faithfulness of our Lord. He is not a distant or indifferent deity; rather, He actively engages in our lives, offering strength and protection.  As we face the uncertainties of the future, let us hold fast to the promise that our faithful Lord walks beside us, guiding our steps and shielding us from the schemes of the evil one. Our faith is not built on shifting sands but on the solid foundation of a faithful God. This truth empowers us to stand firm in the face of adversity, k...