Brighter Life Ministry

Amos  5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Amos prophesied during a time of relative prosperity in Israel, but this prosperity was marred by rampant social injustice, corruption, and idolatry. The wealthy and powerful were exploiting the poor, and the judicial system was riddled with bribery and injustice. Amos’s message was a call to repentance and a return to God’s standards of righteousness. The first part of Amos's message  is to "hate evil." This is a strong statement that goes beyond disapproval. To hate evil means to have a deep, strong reaction against all that is contrary to God's nature and will. Evil can take many forms—personal sins like greed, envy, and pride, as well as systemic injustices like racism, poverty, and corruption. As Christians, we are called to discern and identify these evils both within ourselves and in the world around ...

Romans  5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Hope, in the biblical sense, is not just a wish or a desire. It is a confident expectation and a firm assurance in the promises of God. This hope is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and true. When Paul speaks of hope in Romans 5:5, he is talking about a hope that is certain and reliable because it is grounded in God's love and His covenant with us. Paul assures us that this hope does not put us to shame. In the world, we often experience disappointment when our hopes are unmet, and we feel shame or regret. But the hope we have in Christ is different. It is a hope that will never fail us. Why? Because it is based on the unchanging love of God. The reason this hope is so secure is that "God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit." This outpouring of love is not a trickle; it is an abundant and ...

Genesis  22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Obedience to God is to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God and His word.  God created us and places us into this world, everything we would  ever be or become is perfectly known to Him, He knows our end from the begining so He give instructions that can chanel our lives towards a perfect ending and also for us to maintain an unbroken relationship with Him.  His instructions are given from time to time as we live our life, though these instructions may not be palatable to us, it may looks difficult to comprehend, but if we humbly accept them and act accordingly as He has directed, there are blessings that follow.   Today, many obey God and act accordingly to his instructions, but at a point, we assume our obedience to God is enough for God ...

1 Timothy  4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy in the verses above pose a reminder that we all possess spiritual gifts, bestowed upon us by God, to be nurtured and shared for the edification of His Kingdom. Paul's instruction to Timothy begins with a crucial command: "Do not neglect your gift." The first step in honouring our spiritual gifts is recognizing that we have them. Each of us is uniquely equipped by God with talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts meant to serve His purpose. These gifts are not just for our benefit but for the community, the Church, and the world. 1 Peter 4:10 tells us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms....

Philippians  4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Praise is the expression of gratitude and respect towards God, this is a process of rendering God's pedigree, accounting how great and mighty He is, telling of the battles He has worn, the ones He is winning and those He will still win, exulting Him above all.  Praise brings God into the scene. Praise opens the gates of Heaven and the doors of blessings. Praise dissipates worry and dilutes concern and fear. Praise tarnishes sadness and magnifies goodness. There are times difficult situation will visit us, a time of distress and sorrow, delay shame and reproach. You may have prayed, instead of getting better it became worse, your soul is vexed, you have tried all you could as human and you feel like given up on God.   But have you tried praise?  Praise is an antidote to distress in any situation we may find ourselves, it is a sure and effective  pain killer, it's a proved working medicine ...

2 Corinthians  1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  As a believer and a pilgrim in this world, our life sometimes may not be void of troubles and challenges, we may encounter pain and storms of life which may pose a threat to our faith in Christ. But in this moment, the comfort of God is verily available for us.  God's comfort encompasses every trial we face, be it physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual battles. God's comfort is not limited to specific situations; it is available in every circumstance. He meets us in our darkest moments, offering a peace that transcends understanding. This comfort is a reminder tha...

1 Peter  5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  Grace is not just one of God’s attributes but the totality of  His very nature. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, His kindness extended to us not because of who we are, but because of who He is. Our world may be characterized by judgment and merit, God’s grace stands as a beacon of hope. It means that our worth is not tied to our achievements or failures but to God's love and mercy. God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs, cutting across every aspect of our lives, from our initial salvation to our daily struggles. It is through this grace we are called into His internal glory through Christ Jesus. This calling is not just an invitation; it is a profound summons from the Creator of the universe to partake in His divine life. It is a calling to live in the light of His glory, both now a...

Matthew  13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:  13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. The parable of the mustard seed is a profound knowledge for believers in Christ and as many who would journey to the kingdom of God. Through this simple image, Jesus conveys deep truths about the Kingdom of Heaven, the nature of faith, and the impact of humble beginnings. Jesus begins by emphasizing the mustard seed's size. Though it is "the smallest of all seeds," it holds within it the potential for tremendous growth. This serves as a reminder that God often starts with what seems insignificant.  Throughout Scripture, we see God using the least likely individuals and smallest beginnings to achieve His grand purposes. Consi...

1 Samuel  30:8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. David and his men returned to Ziklag to find it destroyed by fire, and their wives and children taken captive by the Amalekites. Imagine the scene: the anguish, the anger, and the feeling of total  helplessness. It’s in this moment of crisis that David shows us a crucial lesson—he turns to God. David’s first response was to seek God’s direction. He didn’t rush into action fueled by emotion or rage. Instead, he inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” This teaches us that in our moments of despair, seeking God’s guidance is paramount. Before making decisions, we should pause, pray, and listen for God’s voice. God’s response to David was clear and affirmative: “Pursue them. You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” Th...

1 Peter  2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  Fleshy lust, or sinful desires, refers to those impulses that stem from our fallen nature—desires that pull us away from God and towards sin. These include not only physical temptations but also pride, greed, envy, and all manner of selfish inclinations. Peter the Apostle  describes these desires as waging war against our souls. Sinful desires actively seek to undermine our spiritual health and our relationship with God. Every day, we are in a battle, confronted with choices that either draw us closer to holiness or lead us into sin. Yielding to fleshy lust leads to spiritual decay. It distances us from God and disrupts the peace and joy that c...

Lamentations  4:1 How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street. The Book of Lamentations in itself is a book that vividly portrays the sorrow and devastation experienced by the people of Israel. Lamentations 4:1 speaks to us about the loss of value and purity, using the imagery of dimmed gold and scattered holy stones. This verse is not just a historical lament but a spiritual lesson for us. It urges us to never lose our value, no matter the circumstances. 1. Understanding Our Value: The verse starts with, "How the gold has grown dim, how the pure gold is changed!" Gold, in its pure form, is valuable, precious, and unchanging. This gold represents not just material wealth but also our spiritual and moral integrity. In God’s eyes, each of us is like pure gold, created with purpose, worth, and beauty. 2. Recognizing the Sources of Dimness: The dimming of gold signifies corruption and d...

Job  33:4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. The words of Job in the above verse reminds us of the intimate and sustaining power of God’s breath in our lives. The breath of God brought about the life in man at creation. In Genesis 2:7, we read that God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.  This divine breath is not just the initiation of life but also its continuous source. Every breath we take is a reminder that we are sustained by the same breath that brought us into existence. Job acknowledges this truth, recognizing that his very life is a gift from the Almighty. The breath of God is a source of inspiration and wisdom. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." The breath of God imparts wisdom and understanding, guiding us in our daily walk. When...

Isaiah  66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. God's glory is the very essence of His being. Glory, in the biblical sense, encompasses His holiness, power, and the radiant beauty of His nature. It is the manifestation of all His attributes combined in perfect harmony. Holiness:  God’s glory is  tied to His holiness. It signifies His purity and moral perfection. Isaiah 6:3 declares, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s holiness sets Him apart, and His glory is the visible manifestation of this separateness and moral excellence. Power:  The power of God is another aspect of His glory. It is displayed in creation, sustenance, and redemption. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Every star, every mountain, every ocean wave speaks to the boundless power...

1 John  2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The world was once a perfect place to live, a place of peace and no evil, a place of joy and happiness. But after sin crept in and devil was cast into it, it became a place of sorrow, pain, death and  anguish. The god of this world the devil, try as much as possible to create a distance between us and our father the Lord God through three distinct elements... These three elements has been the tool the devil uses to fight against man in other to become an enemy of God. The three elements are well listed in the book of 1 John  2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Lust of the flesh: Our sinful nature, dominated by sin and rebellion, is so closely tied to the physical aspect of mankind that it is called “the flesh.” Ever...

Judges  16:18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.  16:19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.  16:20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.  From birth, Samson was marked for greatness. He was a Nazirite, dedicated to God, and blessed with supernatural strength to deliver Israel from the Philistines. His life was a testament to God's power and purpose. Yet, despite his extraordinary gifts, Samson's story is marred by repeated disobedienc...

John  15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the need to understand that a life as His follower will bring enmity to the world. These words are not easy to digest. They confront us with the reality that as followers of Christ, we are called to stand apart from the ways of the world. We are called to live lives that are guided by love, compassion, and righteousness, in stark contrast to the values often upheld by society. And because of this, the world may reject us, scorn us, and even hate us. But let us not despair, for in this rejection lies great blessing. When we are hated by the world, we are reminded that we are not of the world. We are reminded that our allegiance lies not with earthly powers or fleeting pleasures but with the eternal kingdom of God. In the words of the apostle Paul, "For our struggle ...

Matthew  6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.   Prayer is not a performance for others to witness us or a show of how spiritually inclined we are, but a sacred communion between us and our Heavenly Father. Christ encourages us to seek a quiet place, away from the gaze of others, to pour out our hearts in prayer. Why does God value secret prayers? It's not because He wants to hide from us or keep us in the dark. Rather, it's because He desires an intimate relationship with us, one that is built on sincerity and authenticity. When we pray in secret, we lay bare our souls before God, free fro...

1 Peter  5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: From the verse above, we are implored to be extra vigilant, to be aware of the spiritual battle that surrounds us daily. The analogy of a roaring lion reminds us of the relentless pursuit of evil in our lives. Just as a lion stalks its prey, the devil seeks to devour our souls, to lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Being sober-minded means being clear-headed and aware of the spiritual dangers that lurk around us. It means not being complacent or apathetic, but actively guarding our hearts and minds against the schemes of the enemy. But how do we remain vigilant in a world filled with distractions and temptations? Firstly, through prayer and communion with God. Prayer fortifies our spirits and opens our eyes to the spiritual realities around us. Secondly, through the study of God's Word. The Bible serves as our spiritual armor, equipping us ...

Proverbs  21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Sometimes we find ourselves in a world  overshadowed by chaos and darkness, the pursuit of goodness can seem impossible. However, Proverbs reassures us that goodness is not only attainable but also intertwined with honor. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this scripture and its implications for our lives. Firstly, what does it mean to pursue righteousness and kindness? Righteousness encompasses moral integrity, adherence to principles of justice, and living in alignment with God's will. Kindness, on the other hand, involves compassion, empathy, and acts of benevolence towards others. Together, these virtues form the foundation of a life well-lived, reflecting the divine qualities instilled within each of us. The pursuit of righteousness and kindness requires deliberate action. It calls us to be proactive in our efforts to uphold what is right and to extend kindness to...

Psalms  28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. In the verse above, we are reminded that the Lord is our strength. In times of weakness, uncertainty, or despair, we need not rely solely on our own abilities. Instead, we can draw upon the infinite strength of our Creator. When life's challenges seem insurmountable, when we feel drained and exhausted, we can turn to God, knowing that His strength is more than sufficient to sustain us. Also, the Lord is our shield. In a world filled with dangers, both seen and unseen, we often find ourselves vulnerable and exposed. Yet, we need not fear, for God is our protector.  Like a shield that deflects arrows and blows, God surrounds us with His divine protection, shielding us from harm and keeping us safe from the attacks of the enemy. Moreover, this verse speaks of trust. It declares, "My heart trusts in him." Trust...

Genesis  15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.  15:2 And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?  15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.  15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.  15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.  15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. In the passage above, we witness the dialogue between God and Abram, where God reassures Abram of His promises. Abram, though faithful, was facing uncertainti...

Romans  8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  To be "in the flesh" does not refer to our physical bodies but the state of being governed by worldly desires, selfish ambitions, and sinful inclinations. It is a state of spiritual bondage where our actions are dictated by the desires of the flesh rather than by the will of God. Living in the flesh leads to a life of dissatisfaction, emptiness, and separation from God. It blinds us to the beauty of His grace and distorts our perception of truth. In this state, we chase after temporary pleasures and fleeting desires, only to find ourselves trapped in a cycle of sin and despair. But the verse doesn't leave us in despair; it offers hope and redemption. It reminds us that while we may be bound by the flesh, we are not condemned to remain in that state. Through the power of Christ, we can be liberated from the bondage of sin and experience true freedom. By surrendering our lives to God and allowing His Spirit ...

Galatians  2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.   Apostle Paul teaches the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ – to live a life centered on faith, grounded in the sacrificial love of our Savior.  There are many aspects of our life that's must exhibit living by the faith in Christ. Let us examine few.  1.  Crucified with Christ: Paul begins by proclaiming his identification with Christ's death on the cross. In baptism, we symbolically die to our old selves, our sins, and our selfish desires. Just as Christ died for our sins, we die to sin, and our old self is crucified with him. This is not just  a physical act but a spiritual reality, expressing the death of...

1 Corinthians  15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. The consequence of Adam's sin was the physical death of all humanity, because all humanity through Adam was driven from the tree of life. The resultant of Jesus' obedience was the resurrection of all the dead.  Adam brought death on man through sin, the mind and spirit of man became subjected to the flesh and the works of the devil. Man became slaves to sin which is contrary to the purpose and will of God for man. The aftermath of any man who continues to sin will be both Physical death and the eternal death which is to come. " In Christ",  refers to only those who are spiritually descendants of Christ. Those who have been immersed into Christ, and thus, have come into contact with the life-preserving blood of Jesus Christ.  Apostle Paul states that, only those who are in Christ will be raised ...

Genesis  26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.  26:2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:  26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;  26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;  In this Scriptural text of today, we witness Isaac, the son of Abraham, facing a challenging season. Famine had struck the land, threatening not only Isaac's livelihood but also the promise of God to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. In the face of adversity, Isaac could h...

Revelation  3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. God's love is extended to everyone through Christ His son. He stands at the door of our hearts, knocking patiently, waiting for us to open and welcome Him in. His voice, though often subtle amidst the noise of our lives, is constant and unwavering. To truly hear the voice of the Lord? It goes beyond auditory perception; it requires openness of heart and spirit. It necessitates a willingness to quiet the clamor of the world and listen with the ears of faith. When we allow ourselves to hear His voice, we open ourselves to a divine encounter. The Lord desires to commune with us, to share in our joys and sorrows, to offer us His guidance and wisdom. He longs for a relationship with us that transcends the superficial and touches the depths of our souls. Yet, too often, we find ourselves deafened by the distractions of life, d...

1 Samuel  2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. God had shut the womb of Hannah for a divine purpose. Despite the humiliation, reproach and ridicule from her rival, she was consistent with her faith in God.  It is of the Lord's will to bring out a priest from her, God prepared her womb to accommodate a child of Covenant. While the fire on the altar was dying, God was preparing Samuel through Hannah, this is the wisdom of God.  There are many situations of life we go through daily which we may think it is as a result of our sins or God has forsaken us or God is not powerful to save and deliver, but it is the divine wisdom and knowledge of God to take us through such situations such as Hannah.  We must always recognise and honour the knowledge of God in our life and journey.  God's knowledge is comprehensive. He knows the end from the beginning, the alpha...

Colossians  1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; In the teachings of Apostle Paul to the believes of Colossians, he  unveils a powerful truth – the importance of knowing and understanding the will of God. But what does it mean to know His will? It goes beyond intellectual comprehension; it encompasses a deep spiritual insight and alignment with the divine purpose. To know God's will is to be attuned to His desires, His plans, and His heart for humanity. It is to seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives – in our decisions, our relationships, and our endeavors. It is to surrender our own will to His, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty. But how do we attain this knowledge of His will? Paul provides us with the answer – through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. Prayer opens the door to communion with God, al...