Brighter Life Ministry

Proverbs  28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. To trust means to rely on another person because you feel safe with them and have confidence that they will never  hurt, disappoint, betray or violate you.   To trust in the Lord means more than believing in who he is and what he says; the word here for trust can also mean “to have confidence in.” Having confidence in something means having an assurance that leads to action. Trust in the Lord is a faith that lets us boldly serve. Total trust in God requires surrendering our own understanding and leaning not on our own understanding, but trusting in the wisdom and guidance of the Almighty. It means acknowledging our limitations and recognizing that our plans may falter, but God's plans are perfect. When we trust in ourselves, we are prone to anxiety, fear, and doubt. We become like ships tossed in a stormy sea, lacking direction and stability. However, when we...

Galatians  5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Those who belong to Christ must have put to death efforts to work themselves to heaven by perfect law-keeping and meritorious deeds. They are thus not of the nature of the works of the flesh, but of the nature of the fruit of the spirit.  When one is immersed in obedience to the Gospel, the old man is crucified and in that, one places his salvation into the hands of God.  The Christian life is withing the realm of the Spirit's direction through the word of God. When we live according to the direction of God's word, we are living in the spirit  Living and walking in the spirit is about surrendering our own desires and ambitions to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Apostle Paul emphasizes the necessity of crucifying the flesh with its passions and...

Isaiah  53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. The revelation of the Lord through Isaiah from the verses above unveils the essence of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and its significance for humanity. They speak of a profound exchange—the innocent for the guilty, the righteous for the unrighteous, the healed for the wounded. Firstly, let us consider the depth of Christ's suffering. He was wounded, not for his own transgressions or iniquities, but for ours. Every lash, every thorn, every nail was borne out of love for us. He willingly took upon himself the punishment we deserved, enduring the agony of the cross so that we might find redemption. Yet, despite his innocence, he was treated as a sinner. He was scorned, mocked, and reje...

Proverbs  11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. God is a God of justice. Truth, pure and unspotted, it  is the very essence of His  Divine character. Wherever there is deceit, injury, oppression in the world, there is God's anger accompanying it.  The false balance, which is an abomination to the Lord is a way by which people chose deceit instead of truth,  deceit in business, government agencies, in finance, in the home and even in the church of God.  It is what we see around us? From the powerful guides of public opinion, each assuming to be written in the interest of justice and truth, but each, almost without exception, warping justice and truth by false statements, false inferences, predetermined conclusions, down to the petty fraud, in measure and WEIGHT, and even Christian men and women are not left out.  As believes we must not compromise our integrity, faith and truthfulness because of a false gain ...

John  14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Jesus declares, "And I will do whatever y ou ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it". What does it truly mean to ask in the name of Jesus? It goes beyond mere words uttered in prayer; it embodies a state of alignment with the will and character of Christ. When we ask in his name, we are invoking his authority, his righteousness, and his purposes. We are surrendering our own desires to the greater wisdom and sovereignty of God. Asking in God's name requires faith—faith that transcends doubt and fear, faith that believes in the goodness of God's plan even when circumstances seem dire. It is a faith that perseveres through trials, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill his promises to those who trust in him. Moreover...

Galatians  5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Every tree producing fruit produces one kind of fruit for itself. An apple tree produces apple fruit, a mango tree produces mango fruit and so on, as a believer God who lives by the spirit, has been planted like a tree in this world and is expected to produce certain kinds of fruits beneficial to ourselves and others, these are the fruits of the spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is an attribute of action. It means living one's life with good morals and motives as well as doing good things for others. Producing the fruit of goodness is a true mark of godliness. It is the evidence of our total submission to God through Christ and being endowed with the Holy Spirit  Those who have turned from depending on themselve...

Luke  16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  16:13 No servant 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.  16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. In whole chapter Luke 16, Jesus shares the parable of the shrewd manager, emphasizing the importance of wise stewardship and the responsible use of wealth.  Amidst this parable, Jesus imparts a timeless lesson: the principle of serving only one master. He uses the example of serving two masters, highlighting the inevitable conflict that arises when divided loyalties are present. When Jesus speaks of serving two masters, He addresses the divided heart that results from trying to please conflicting interests. As Christians, we are called to follow God and walk in His ways. ...

Psalms  121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.  121:6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  121:7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  121:8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. As believers, we may find ourselves in a situation of fear, and turmoil where it's  easy to succumb to the pressures of life and to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that surround us. Yet, in the midst of the storm, we find refuge in the promise that God is our keeper, our protector, and our ever-present help in times of trouble. The term "Israel" not only refers to the ancient nation chosen by God but also symbolizes His chosen people, those who walk in faith and obedience before Him. As believers, we are part of this spiritual Israel, and thus, we can clai...

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. As a believer, it is essential for us  to remember that every good thing we experience, every blessing we receive, emanates from the loving and unchanging hand of our Heavenly Father.  In the verse above from the message of Apostle James, we are reminded to know and understand the source, the nature of the gifts, the consistency of the giver and the reason to spread the blessings to others.  1. Recognition of the source: Firstly, we are called to recognize the source of every good and perfect gift. It is not by chance or luck that we experience moments of joy, love, and abundance. It is the Father of lights, the Creator of the universe, who graciously bestows these gifts upon us. When we acknowledge God as the giver, it cultivates a heart of gratitude and humility within us. 2. Nature of the Gifts: the g...

Philippians  2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; To be blameless is not just  to avoid sin, but it is to live a life of integrity, righteousness, and wholehearted devotion to God. It is a call to strive for excellence in our faith journey, to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who Himself was blameless. Firstly, let us understand what it means to walk before God faithfully. It involves acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives, submitting our will to His divine guidance, and faithfully following His commandments. It is to seek His presence in every aspect of our existence, allowing His light to illuminate our path. Secondly, being blameless requires a commitment to moral purity and ethical conduct. We are called to uphold truth, justice, and compassion in all our interactions with others. Our words and actions should reflect the love and grace ...

Galatians  6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. "Sowing to the flesh" refers to indulging in worldly desires, gratifying our own selfish ambitions, and pursuing temporary pleasures without regard for the will of God.  It encompasses actions driven by pride, greed, lust, anger, and other sinful inclinations. When we prioritize the desires of the flesh, we are sowing seeds that will ultimately lead to destruction. The consequences of sowing in the flesh are grave. Just as seeds sown in infertile soil yield no harvest, so too, our actions rooted in selfishness and sin will yield only corruption. This corruption can manifest in various forms—broken relationships, spiritual emptiness, moral decay, and ultimately, eternal separation from God. However, Paul offers us hope and guidance in the latter part of the verse: "but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spiri...

Isaiah  40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  These verses offer us profound comfort and assurance. In a world where weariness and fatigue seem ever-present, we find solace in knowing that our God remains unchanging and unwavering. He does not grow tired or weary; His strength knows no bounds. Even when we feel weak and exhausted, He is there to uplift us and renew our strength.  It's easy to become overwhelmed and drained, both physically and spiritually. We may encounter situations that seem insurmountable, trials that leave us feeling faint and weary.  But in those moments, we can take refuge in the promise that God give...

Micah  7:7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. In life, we sometimes face trials, tribulations, and setbacks that threaten to overwhelm us. There are moments when the challenges seem insurmountable, and the journey ahead appears daunting.  It is during these times that we may be tempted to give up, to throw in the towel and surrender to despair. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we must cling steadfastly to hope and trust in the Lord. The prophet Micah faced his own share of difficulties and uncertainties. In the midst of turmoil and chaos, he found solace in his faith and his unwavering trust in God's promises.  Like Micah, we too can find strength in knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through the darkest of times and leading us towards the light. Perseverance is not just about enduring hardships; it is about facing them head-on with courage and determination. It is about refusing to be d...

Mark  11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness is a divine act of love. When we forgive others, we emulate the unconditional love that God showers upon us. It is through forgiveness that we reflect the image of our Heavenly Father, who forgives us of our shortcomings time and time again. Forgiveness breaks the chains of resentment and bitterness that bind our hearts. Holding onto grudges only poisons our souls and prevents us from experiencing true joy and peace. When we release the burden of unforgiveness, we open ourselves up to healing and restoration. Furthermore, forgiveness fosters reconciliation and unity. It bridges the divide between individuals and fosters harmony within communities. By extending forgiveness, we pave the way for healing relationships a...

Matthew  24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Many years back, some self acclaimed prophets and prophetess claimed to have known the day and the hour Christ will return, and when the rapture will take place. many fell for their false prophecy,  sold their belongings, gave to the poor, many began to live a holy life that they have never lived before, many began to sleep in the temple of worship, a place they never attend for months, just for Christ to meet them prepared.  Disappointing as it is, Christ didn't come,  it was an affirmation to the words of Christ that no one knows the hour or day.  Christ, during his teachings on earth speaks of the future events that will occur in latter days, but in respect to the time he will return, no one knows, both the day or the hour of his appearing, not the angels, not even himself, but God the Father.   Despite the fact that no one knows the actual day,...

Psalms  145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.  145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.  Our God  is  a loving Father who leans in to listen to our every plea. When we call upon Him sincerely, He draws close to us, wrapping us in His love and grace. In our moments of need, we are never alone; His comforting presence surrounds us. We must also understand the power of genuine prayer. It is not mere words recited into the void but a heartfelt connection with the Almighty. As we approach God in truth, laying bare our souls before Him, He responds with compassion and understanding. Our prayers are not lost in the chaos of the world; they are received by the One who holds all things together. Furthermore, let us take comfort in the assurance that God fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. This does not mean that every whim and fancy will be gran...

Isaiah  40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Waiting upon the Lord is an active demonstration of faith and trust in God's timing and sovereignty. In a world that values immediacy and instant gratification, waiting upon the Lord may seem counterintuitive. However, it is during these seasons of waiting that our faith is refined, our character is molded, and our strength is renewed. Firstly, waiting upon the Lord requires patience. Patience is not the absence of action but rather the ability to wait calmly and confidently, knowing that God is at work behind the scenes. Just as a farmer patiently waits for the harvest after planting the seeds, we too must patiently wait for God's promises to come to fruition in our lives. Secondly, waiting upon the Lord involves trusting His perfect timing. Often, we may grow restless and anxious when our pra...

Ecclesiastes  12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; This is a  call for us to reflect on the essence of our existence. It speaks of remembering our Creator not just in times of ease and joy, but especially in the days of our youth. Why the emphasis on youth? Because it's in our youth that we often feel invincible, when the world seems full of possibilities, and when the temptations of this world can be most alluring. Yet, the Preacher warns us that there will come days of trouble, days when the pleasures of youth fade, and we find ourselves longing for something more meaningful. It's in these moments of disillusionment and despair that the remembrance of our Creator becomes vital. But what does it mean to remember our Creator? It goes beyond mere acknowledgment of God's existence. It involves recognizing His sovereignty over our lives, acknowledging His ...

Isaiah  43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. After the siege of Sennacherib, the word of the Lord came to Isaiah the prophet, word of peace, breakthrough and divine intervention. The people had suffered for many years, the land has been barren and produced nothing, but this moment, the word of God  visited them through the mouth of Isaiah. The land tat has once been barren and forgotten will receive life from God the source of life, sources of food and livelyhood will be provided by God for His people. The people would not have believed these false hope looking promises, since they have been subjected to hardship and sorrow, no one would question their lack of faith, but regardless of their faith in the words of God, it wil surely come to pass. Just as you also have lived the past months and life in sorrow, hardship, bitterness, sickness, and perpetual difficult...

Joel  2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:  2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  2:14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?  2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Prophet Joel was a fearless preacher sent by God to the southern kingdom of Judah who had digress from the Lord and sinned against His commandment. It was a time of God's judgement to His people and they were ready feeling the heat of God's wrath.  Joel calls on the people to repent,  with fasting, weeping and mourning. Every aspect of a repentant heart is portrayed. The nation must utterly turn with remorse to the Lord....

Deuteronomy  15:5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.  15:6 For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee. In these verses above, the Lord speaks to His people, promising them abundant blessings if they carefully obey His voice and observe His commandments.  Firstly, the Lord assures us of His faithfulness. As we harken to His voice and walk in His ways, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises. Our God is unwavering in His commitment to those who choose to follow Him, showering them with His grace and mercy. Secondly, in obedience, we find prosperity. The Lord promises to bless the work of our hands, ensuring that we lack nothing. When we heed His voice, our efforts are guided by divine wisdom, leading to success an...

James  1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. As we have been saved in Christ Jesus, not by our works but by the grace of God the Father, we become jointed in the fellowship with Him. However, after we believe, God wants us to do many good things. He demands we have more understanding of Him and also to become the doer of His words and commandment One's relationship with God must  pass from an intellectual knowledge of God and His word to behavioural obedience to His inst...

Leviticus  20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.  20:8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you. Sanctification is the process of becoming holy, set apart for God's purposes, and growing in Christlikeness. It is not a one-time event but a journey of continual transformation. Just as a jeweler meticulously polishes a diamond to reveal its brilliance, God uses His Word to refine and purify us. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, the Lord's call to holiness stands as a beacon, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. To sanctify ourselves is not just the physical purification of our body  but a profound internal transformation, aligning our hearts and minds with the will of God. As we reflect on these verses, let us explore three key aspects of sanctification: 1. Consecration of the Heart:    The process of sanctification begins within, ...

James  4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. The devil is our one and only sworn enemy from the begining, and he is always furious about anyone whose loyalty is with God.  He comes with several temptations to lure God's own children to sin in other to take them captives in oppression and eventually the second death.  He came like a serpent to Eve and deceived her into eating the forbidden fruit God had instructed then not to eat. By this, the whole human race was thrown into the pit of sin. Thankfully to Jesus Christ who gave up himself for the salvation of mankind.  Nevertheless, the devil does not rest going day by day to deceive many, 1 Peter  5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: We are then encoura...

Isaiah  54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.  54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.  54:6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. Just as a potter molds clay into a vessel, Our Maker shapes us with wisdom and compassion made us too become who he wants us to be.   From the breath that fills our lungs to the warmth of the sun on our faces, our Maker keeps reminding us that we are cherished and cared for. In times of trial, our Maker's love is unwavering, a steady light that guides us through the stormy seas of life. Even when shadows loom, we trust that the Creator's hand is the...

Luke  4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, The spirit of the Lord is the active presence of God in any believer's life which empowers such believers for supernatural work in the affairs of men.  When we give our life to Christ, our life is transformed into the nature of the living God, thereby making His Spirit to find expression in our life.  Such of God's work through the believer are as follows.  1. Proclaiming Good News to the Poor:    The Spirit of the Lord instills in us a divine responsibility to bring hope and salvation to those in need. Just as Jesus brought good news to the poor, we are called to uplift the downtrodden, share love with the destitute, and extend a helping hand to those in despair. 2. Proclaiming Liberty to the...

Proverbs  15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Anger is a powerful emotion, capable of both motivating change and causing destruction. The Scriptures guide us to emulate the patient and calm spirit, for it is through these virtues that we foster harmony and understanding. When we rush to anger, we risk escalating conflicts, causing strife not only within ourselves but also in our relationships. The call to be slow to anger is not a call to suppress our emotions but an invitation to approach situations with thoughtful consideration. It's an acknowledgment that patience allows room for empathy, compassion, and understanding. In moments of tension, let us pause, reflect, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to respond in a way that mirrors the love and grace we have received from our Creator. Jesus himself exemplified patience in the face of adversity, demonstrating that a gentle and composed spirit can overcome even the most chal...

2 Kings  5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.  5:26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?  5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. The incident from our scripture text recounts the story of Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, who made a series of poor decisions that had lasting repercussions. Gehazi's choices serve as a powerful reminder for us to reflect on our own decision-making processes and the impact they can have on our lives.  Gehazi succumbs to the temptation of greed. Naaman, a commander with leprosy, seeks healing from Elisha....

Deuteronomy  18:4 The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.  18:5 For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.  18:6 And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; God instructs the Israelites to give the first fruits of their harvest to the Levites, emphasizing the importance of honouring Him with the best of their produce. Just as the Israelites were called to present their initial harvest to the Lord, we too are reminded to offer our "first fruits" in various aspects of our lives.  This concept extends beyond agriculture to our time, talents, and treasures. It encourages us to prioritize God in our daily endeavours, recognizing that all we have is ultimately a gift from Him. I...