Brighter Life Ministry

Ezekiel  18:4  Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel  18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. We are reminded that all souls belong to God. This foundational truth establishes our accountability to our Creator. Our souls are not our own to dispose of as we please; they are God's precious creation. Recognizing this ownership is the first step towards preserving our souls. We must live in a manner that honors the One to whom our souls belong. In verse 20, we are made to understand that no matter the life we live here in earth, each person is accountable for their own actions. The righteousness of the righteous and the wickedness of the wicked are personal.  Thi...

Genesis  49:22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:  49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:  49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)  49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:  49:26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. The Symbol of Fruitfulness is blessings, in the scripture passage above, Joseph is described as a "fruitful vine," a vivid image that signifies prosperity...

Psalms  35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.  Prosperity is often misunderstood, but the Bible provides us with clear guidance on God's intention for our prosperity.  The scripture verse above encourages us to shout for joy and be glad in the Lord. It reassures us that God takes pleasure in our prosperity. The Hebrew word for prosperity here is "shalom," which signifies peace, completeness, welfare, and health.  True prosperity encompasses more than material wealth; it includes well-being in every area of our lives. When we align ourselves with God's righteous cause, His pleasure in our prosperity becomes evident, leading us to experience His fullness. In Zechariah 1:17 we see God's   Comfort in Prosperity "Again proclaim, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "My cities shall again spread out through p...

Isaiah  58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  58:7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?  58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.  58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:  58:11 And the LORD shall...

Numbers  12:2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.  12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) Understanding the context of the scriptural passage, Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ siblings, questioned his unique role as God’s spokesperson. They challenged his authority, hinting at their own significance in God’s plan.  In response, the scripture highlights Moses’ extraordinary humility, describing him as more humble than anyone else on earth. This sets the stage for us to explore the true nature of meekness.  Meekness, as illustrated in the Bible, is not weakness. It's a strength under control, characterized by humility, patience, and a gentle spirit.  Moses, despite his significant position, did not retaliate against Miriam and Aaron’s challenge. Instead, he remained calm, trusting God to defend his cause. He was faced numerous challenges an...

2 Timothy  2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, Apostle Paul's admonition to avoid foolish and unlearned questions directs us away from debates and discussions that are frivolous and unproductive.  These questions, often rooted in speculation or ignorance, lead to arguments rather than enlightenment. They distract us from our true purpose and mission as followers of Christ. In our lives, these may take the form of disputes over trivial matters, controversies that sow discord, or discussions that serve to puff up our pride rather than build up the body of Christ. Apostle Paul warns that such questions "gender strifes." Strife is conflict, discord, and division. When we engage in fruitless debates, we invite these negative outcomes into our communities and relationships.  Strife undermines unity, erodes love, and hinders ...

1 Corinthians  7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.  7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.  7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.  7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.  7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. In our journey of faith, we often encounter questions about our purpose, our roles, and our callings. Today's passage from 1 Corinthians reminds us of the importance of abiding in the call God has placed on our lives. It invites us to trust in His wisdom and to find contentment and purpose in the unique paths He has set for each of us. Apostle Paul urges  believers to remain in the situation they were in when they were called. This does not mean that we should never seek to improve our circ...

Psalms  37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. The word "commit" in this context is translated from the Hebrew word "galal," which means to roll away or to transfer a burden. When we commit our ways to the Lord, we are essentially rolling our burdens, our plans, and our lives onto Him. It is an act of surrender, of giving up control, and placing our trust fully in God's hands. Committing your totality to God means surrendering every aspect of your life to Him. This includes your thoughts, your actions, your dreams, and your desires. It means letting go of your own plans and seeking His will above all else. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this sentiment: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Trusting God requires acknowledging His sovereignty over your life. It means believing that He knows what is be...

Luke  1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. These words were spoken by the angel Gabriel to Mary, reassuring her of the miraculous birth of Jesus. This message of divine possibility isn't confined to the pages of the Bible; it cut across all  ages, reminding us of God's omnipotence and unending grace. To understand the real message, angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth, and announces that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Savior of the world. Understandably, Mary is perplexed and questions how this can be since she is a virgin. Gabriel responds with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. He concludes with, "For nothing will be impossible with God." it's a testament to God's unlimited power and willingness to intervene in human history for the fulfillment of His divine purpose. The phrase "nothing will be impossible with God" sum up...

Psalms  125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.   Psalms  20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  20:8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. When we put our trust in God, we are not just placing our faith in a higher power; we are anchoring ourselves to an eternal foundation. Unlike the shifting sands of worldly promises and vain assurances, God's love and protection are unwavering.  Just as Mount Zion stands firm through the ages, so does the faith of those who rely on the Lord. This does not mean that we will never face challenges, but it does mean that amidst the storms of life, we have a stronghold that cannot be moved. Psalm 20:7-8 gives a vivid contrast between those who place their trust in worldly powers and those who trust in God. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in th...

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's reign is not bound by time, unlike earthly kings whose rule is temporary and often flawed, our God reigns forever. His kingdom is everlasting, unshaken by the passage of time or the rise and fall of empires.  This truth gives us a deep comfort and assurance. No matter the chaos and uncertainty we may face in this world, our God remains sovereign. His purposes will stand, and His promises will be fulfilled. Our God is also describe God as "immortal." This means that God is not subject to death or decay. While all creation experiences mortality, our God is the source of life itself.  His immortality assures us that He is always present, always active, and always capable of intervening in our lives. When we feel weak, when we face trials, we can trust in the strength of our immortal King who never grows weary. Apostle Paul additionally calls G...

Romans  3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans  6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sin is what we do that is against the will of God. It is the action that we take that draws us away from God. It is not just a list of wrong actions or bad behavior. It is a fundamental aspect of our nature that separates us from God's holiness. To sin is to miss the mark, to fail to live up to the perfect standards of God's glory. It is a failure to reflect His character in our thoughts, words, and deeds. The Penalty of Sin In Romans 6:23, we read, "For the wages of sin is death." Here, Paul uses the metaphor of wages to illustrate the result of sin. Just as wages are the earned payment for work done, death is the earned consequence of our sin. This death is not merely physical but also spiritual—a complete and eternal separation from God. The gravity of this penalty cannot be overst...

Proverbs  11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Righteousness means being in right standing with God. It is living a life that is aligned with God's will and commands. It is not merely about following rules, but about embodying the love, justice, and holiness of God in our daily lives. Proverbs 11:4 reminds us that "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." Here, we see a stark contrast between worldly wealth and spiritual wealth.  While material riches can offer temporary comfort and security, they are powerless in the face of eternal judgment. When we stand before God, it is our righteousness that will matter, not our bank balance or possessions. This verse challenges us to reassess our priorities. Are we investing in our spiritual growth as much as we are in our financial stability? Are we striving to be rich in good deeds, love, and faith? Proverbs 4:18 also paints a beautiful pictu...

Acts  13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Romans  3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Sin is not just a set of wrong actions; it is a condition that separates us from God. Under the Law of Moses, despite its divine origin and purpose, no one could achieve righteousness. The law highlighted our shortcomings and our inability to save ourselves. But Acts 13:39a brings us the good news: "Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin." This freedom is not something we earn; it is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is through Him, and Him alone, that we are justified.  This justification means being declared righteous in the sight of God. It is a legal term, signifying that our status before God has changed because of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. In Romans 3:24 we are reminded that we are "ju...

2 Chronicles  7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  Restoration is the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition. As a believer, we had for once lost one thing or the other, especially the presence and relationship with God in the Garden of Eden. Thanks to the grace we found in Christ rhag restored us back to the father.  In our world today, we experience all kinds of brokenness, whether it be personal hardships, societal injustices, or global crises. Yet, amidst this brokenness, God’s promise of restoration shines brightly on us.  In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God speaks to Solomon after the dedication of the temple, providing a clear pathway to restoration. The first step is humility.  We must recognize our dependence on God and our need for His grace. This humili...

Exodus  15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They witnessed God's mighty hand part the Red Sea and lead them to safety. Despite these miracles, their journey was not easy. They faced trials that tested their faith and obedience. In this moment, God speaks to them, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully, or diligently hearkening, to His voice. The Hebrew word for "listen carefully" is "shama," which implies a deep, attentive listening that leads to action. It's not just about hearing words; it's about internalizing and living them out.    Listening carefully to God means giving Him our f...

Psalms  91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;  91:6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Our sovereign God is the only source of true safety. God covering us with His feathers and providing refuge under His wings is deeply comforting. It evokes the picture of a mother bird shielding her young, ensuring their safety from predators and the elements.  This is a truth about the character of God. He is our refuge, our safe place. When we feel vulnerable or threatened, we can find solace under His protective wings. This refuge is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, offering peace that surpasses all unders...

Luke  10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  The verse above emphasizes on the spiritual authority bestowed upon us as followers of Christ. Jesus assures us that we possess the power to conquer the forces of darkness, symbolized here by snakes and scorpions. This authority is not of our own making but is given by Jesus Himself, ensuring that nothing can ultimately harm us. This promise of authority and protection is a cornerstone of our faith. It reminds us that despite the challenges we face, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, we have been equipped with divine power to overcome. Our victory is not based on our strength or wisdom but on the authority given by Christ. This is a comforting assurance, especially in moments when we feel overwhelmed or defeated. Isaiah 41:10 further reinforces this assurance of victory: "So do not fear, for I am with you; ...

Genesis  26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.  26:13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: In Genesis, we see an  example of God's abundant blessings through the life of Isaac. Despite the famine that affected the land, Isaac obeyed God's command and stayed in Gerar. His obedience led to God's favor, resulting in a miraculous harvest—a hundredfold return in the same year. This passage highlights several key aspects: 1. Obedience and Faith: Isaac's decision to sow seeds during a time of famine was an act of faith. It illustrates that God’s blessings often require us to step out in faith, trusting in His provision even when circumstances seem dire.    2. God's Sovereign Blessing: The increase Isaac experienced was not due to his farming skills but because "the Lord blessed him." This underscores that true wealth and abundance come from God's ...

2 Peter  1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; Our journey begins with faith. Faith is the foundation upon which our spiritual life is built. It is through faith that we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. However, faith is not a static state; it is dynamic and calls for growth. Peter urges us to build on this foundation by adding virtue. Peter’s exhortation to “make every effort” speaks to the necessity of diligence. Diligence is a persistent effort, a dedication to the tasks at hand. In our spiritual lives, this means actively seeking to grow and develop our relationship with God. Diligence is not a passive endeavor; it requires intentionality and perseverance. The first quality Peter asks us to add to our faith is virtue, also translated as goodness or moral excellence. Virtue represents the character and actions that refle...

Ephesians  1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Spiritual growth is the journey of becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character. It is not a static event but a continuous process of transformation and deepening intimacy with God. Paul’s prayer highlights two key aspects necessary for this growth: wisdom and revelation from the Spirit, and enlightenment of the heart. Paul’s plea for the Ephesians to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation signifies the necessity of divine insight for knowing God. Wisdom here is not merely human understanding but the divine wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit. Revelation refers to the unveiling of truths about God and His will that we cannot g...

Matthew  18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Jesus teaches us to approach those who have wronged us with a spirit of reconciliation. This approach prevents the festering of resentment and the escalation of disputes. It is not about accusing or condemning but about seeking restoration and understanding. When we go to our brother or sister, we are called to do so with humility and love, reflecting the grace that God extends to us. This act of reaching out can be challenging, as it requires vulnerability and courage. However, it is essential for maintaining the unity and purity of the body of Christ.  Forgiveness as a Prerequisite for Prayer Mark 11:25 tells us: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." In this passage, Jesus links our forgiveness of others...

Psalms  44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. In these few words of David, we find a powerful declaration of faith, a recognition of God’s authority, and an urgent appeal for His deliverance.  The psalmist begins with a clear proclamation: “You are my King and my God.” This statement is not made lightly. It is a declaration of allegiance and recognition of God's supreme authority over all aspects of life. In times of desperation, acknowledging God as King is crucial. It reminds us that He is in control, no matter how chaotic our circumstances may seem. When we cry out to God, we are not just voicing our frustrations or fears; we are appealing to the One who reigns over the universe. Our cries are not in vain because they reach the ears of a King who is both powerful and compassionate. He is our sovereign ruler, and we can trust Him to act on our behalf. Desperation often drives us to our knees. It is in our moments of greatest need that we find ourselve...

Genesis  8:1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;  In our journey through life, we often encounter moments of despair, uncertainty, and feeling forgotten. But the scripture assures us that our God is not a distant or forgetful. He remembers. He is mindful of His promises and His people and He will never abandoned us no matter what.  In Genesis 8:1 we read that “But God remembered Noah.” This verse comes after the great flood, a time of immense devastation and uncertainty. Noah and his family were in the ark for many months, surrounded by endless waters, perhaps wondering if they would ever see dry land again. Yet, it is in this moment of prolonged waiting and seeming abandonment that the Bible declares, "God remembered Noah." When we face our personal storms—be it loss, illness, or trials—we might feel abandoned. The story of Noah reminds us th...

Exodus  15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?  The Song of Moses and Miriam posed in the verse above  invites us to meditate on the unique and unparalleled nature of our God. This verse is part of the song sung by Moses and the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, celebrating God’s majesty and His mighty acts. From the verses of the song, we can see the uniqueness of God's nature which is Holiness. His holiness sets Him apart from all other beings. Unlike the gods of Egypt or the idols worshiped by surrounding nations, our God is not tainted by sin or corruption.  He is pure, perfect, and wholly other. In Isaiah 6:3, we read the seraphim’s cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." God's holiness is a beacon that illuminates His moral perfection and unapproachable light. As followers of a holy G...

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. We are reminded by the  Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians of the certainty of Christ's return. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven." This is not a vague promise but a definite event. Jesus Christ, who ascended to heaven after His resurrection, will return in the same manner. This assurance should fill our hearts with anticipation and readiness. Paul outlines a specific sequence:    The Loud Command: This represents the authority and power of Christ's return. When He commands, all creation will respond.    The Voice of the Archangel: This voice will herald the coming of the King, a cosmic...