Posts

Showing posts from September, 2024

God doesn't bless empty hands

Deuteronomy  28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. God, not blessing empty hands does not translate that He is unwilling to bless us, He is a generous God, always willing to open the storehouses of heaven. But God blesses the work of our hands, the efforts  we put in, and the faith we express through action. Our scripture, Deuteronomy 28:12, reveals this truth, showing that God's blessings flow when we are actively engaged in His work. Truths we should know 1. God's Blessings Are Conditional on Our Efforts Deuteronomy 28:12 speaks of God’s promise to “bless all the work of your hands.” This is important because it shows that God expects us to do something. Many times, we ask God for blessings, provision, and favor, but we present Him with empty hands, hands that haven't worked, hands that hav...

Bearing one another's burdens

Galatians  6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.  6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.  6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden. One of the most practical and loving commands in Scripture is  bearing one another’s burdens. In Galatians 6:2,  Apostle Paul tells us to "carry each other's burdens," a simple but powerful instruction that calls us into a deeper sense of Christian fellowship and responsibility.  Let us examine what it means for us, both as individuals and as a church body, to bear one another’s burdens. 1. Bearing Burdens Fulfills the Law of Christ Apostle Paul starts by saying, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." What is this "law of Christ"? It is the law of love that Jesus Himself gave us whe...

Doing God's will

John  4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.  4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.  4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.  4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?  4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. The passage in the scripture text for today is part of the larger story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. As the disciples return from the town with physical food, Jesus redirects their attention to a much deeper source of sustenance, that is, doing the will of God.  Let us examine the outcomes of doing the will of God.  1. Doing the will of God sustains us.  When the disciples urge Jesus to eat, His response is surprising: “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” The disciples are confused, thinking someone may have brought Him f...

It is better to trust in the Lord

Psalms  118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 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. Our God is a supreme being, the creator of the universe, He is a jealous God, He expects us to put all our trust, care, confidence, and faith in Him and not anyone or any man. There is no gain or blessing that resides in putting our confidence in man, the Lord rebukes anyone who put his/her  confidence in his fellow man.   Jeremiah  17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departe...

The spirit of iniquities

Isaiah  59:1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:  59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 2 Timothy  2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The spirit of iniquities is a subtle and powerful one. Iniquities are not just outward acts of sin, but they are rooted in the heart. They include attitudes, desires, and inclinations that oppose the will of God. In Isaiah 59:2, God makes it clear that it is not His weakness that separates us from Him, nor His inability to hear our cries, but rather, it is our iniquities that create a barrier between us and Him. Sin has a way of corrupting our hearts and minds, making us distant from the voice and presence of God. It causes us to hide f...

Those who are wise

Daniel  12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. The  words of prophet Daniel as stated in the scripture passage speaks of a future where the wise will "shine like the brightness of the heavens," and those who "lead many to righteousness" will be like stars, forever shining in the presence of God.  The wisdom Prophet Daniel speaks of is not earthly wisdom. This is not the wisdom of the world that seeks power, wealth, or fame. Rather, it is a wisdom that comes from God, rooted in His Word and His Spirit. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, *“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”* To be wise in God's sight is to revere Him, to live in awe of His majesty, and to submit to His authority in all things. This divine wisdom leads us to a deeper understanding of life. It helps us discern the true purpose for which we...

Redeeming the time

Ephesians  5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.   Time is fleeting, and we as believers should not take it for granted. Just as a river flows steadily towards its destination, time never stops, and its current never reverses. Each moment is a gift that will never return. Therefore, it becomes imperative for us to discern its value and make the most of every opportunity. Being mindful of the passage of time doesn't imply an anxious existence, but rather an intentional one. We are called to be present in each moment, fully aware of our actions, and purposeful in our decisions.  Embracing mindfulness enables us to see the beauty in the present, engage with those around us, and seek God's guidance in our choices. Redeeming time also means seeking God's will in all aspects of our lives. Instead of being carried away by the winds of circumstance, we should strive to align our steps wi...

No evil shall befall thee

Psalms  91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.  91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. From our scripture passage today, God assures us that no evil will overtake us or destroy us when we are hidden under His covering. However, this does not mean that we will never face trials, challenges, or difficulties in life. Rather, it means that nothing can truly harm our soul or separate us from the love and plan of God. Evil may try to surround us, but it will not prevail. Psalm 34:19 reminds us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” God doesn’t promise a life free from trouble, but He does promise victory.  The word "evil" in this verse refers to ultimate harm. With God’s protection, no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Whether it is sickness, persecution, or financial hardship, these things may touch our lives, but...

God giveth understanding

Job  32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.  32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.  True wisdom and understanding come from God. Though, we may have intellect, reasoning, and experience, there is something greater that informs our understanding, and that is the inspiration of the Almighty.  Elihu begins by acknowledging that "there is a spirit in man." This spirit is the inner part of who we are—the seat of our thoughts, desires, and intellect. It’s where our understanding begins. We are unique in creation because God has placed within each of us a spirit, which allows us to think, reason, and make choices. However, human understanding is limited. No matter how much we study or how wise we think we are, there is a boundary to our knowledge. The book of Proverbs reminds us that "leaning on our own understanding" can lead us astray (Proverbs 3:5). Why? Because we see in p...

Flee from adultery

Leviticus  20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.  20:11 And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. One of the most destructive sins that can ruin lives, marriages, and society is adultery. The scripture passage today is part of God’s instruction to the Israelites, setting a firm boundary against adultery and sexual immorality. This is not just about physical sin; it is about betrayal, broken trust, and the tearing apart of what God has ordained as holy. God designed marriage to be a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. It is a union where trust, love, and faithfulness are central. From the beginning, in Genesis 2:24, we see the divine plan: “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fas...

Sanctify yourself

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, in the...

While men slept

Matthew  13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Vulnerability comes when we are not spiritually vigilant.  "while men slept"  symbolises spiritual negligence, distraction, and the hidden dangers of complacency in the Christian life. It reminds us that while we may not always be aware, the enemy is actively working to destroy what God is building. Jesus speaks of an enemy who sows tares among the wheat under the cover of darkness. This enemy is none other than Satan, whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). While we may not always see him, Satan is constantly at work, planting seeds of discord, temptation, and sin. He works subtly, taking advantage of moments when we are not watchful. The enemy is not always loud and obvious; he often moves quietly, waiting for the moment when our guard is down. We must understand that spiritual warfare is not something that takes place only in dramatic moments of...

God is light

1 John  2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.  2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.  The scripture made us understand that God is light, this light is symbolizing His holiness, purity, and truth. Light reveals, guides, and brings life. In contrast, darkness often represents sin, ignorance, and separation from God.  There is  a clear distinction between those who claim to walk in the light and those who actually do. To walk in the light means to live in the truth of God, to follow His commandments, and to reflect His love in our actions. Apostle John warns us that it is not enough to claim we know God or that we are walking in His light. The true test of living in the light is shown thr...

Whatsoever is born of God

1 John  5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Being  "born of God" is the essence of our spiritual transformation. In John 3, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being "born again," a spiritual rebirth that comes through the Holy Spirit. To be born of God is to receive a new nature, one that is aligned with Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and marked by divine purpose. When you are born of God, you are no longer defined by your past or your failures. Your identity is rooted in the righteousness of Christ, in His victory over sin and death. You are no longer a slave to fear, condemnation, or worldly systems. The old has passed away, and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being born of God means that you belong to a different realm, the Kingdom of Heaven. And in this Kingdom, you are no longer subject to the powers of darkness that rule the world. This new birth positions yo...

God can't be tempted with evil

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.  Temptation is something we all face. It's woven into the fabric of human experience. Whether it's the temptation to lie, cheat, or act out of selfishness, we are constantly battling forces that pull us away from God's will.  However, there is a crucial truth that was highlighted in the  passage of our scripture verse today : while we may face temptation, God is not the source of it. "God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one." This profound statement is critical for us to understand in our walk with Christ. Going deeper in the word, we will examine three core point...

Submit your totality to God

James  4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Submission is the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will and authority of another person.  Submission to God means saying NO to your own  purposes, letting go of your desires  and accepting God's  will without question. It may be quite difficult. but submission to God is the best way one can enjoy the fullness of His grace, power and blessings. At the creation of man, God being a supreme being and most powerful demands respect, honour and submission from us whom He has created in His own image. So He gave laws of love to follow so as to remain in His will and Purpose..  These laws were overruled by the devil through Eve and ever since then satan has become our slave master. Since then we have been navigating in the darkness of this world, He took over our thoughts and actions and drives us towards the path of Hell.  But for anyone to ...

Our God gives the ability to produce wealth

Deuteronomy  8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. People strive to achieve financial security, success in business, and prosperity in their homes. However, there is a fundamental truth that sometimes gets overlooked in this pursuit: the true source of our ability to produce wealth is not merely our intellect, hard work, or strategies, but God Himself. In our scripture passage today, Moses was speaking to the people of Israel who are about to enter the Promised Land. After years of wandering in the desert, they are about to experience abundance and prosperity. But Moses warns them not to forget the Lord when they experience success. Similarly, when we find ourselves in positions of prosperity, it is easy to become self-reliant or believe that our success is solely the result of our own efforts. But Moses’ words remind us that everyth...

The glory that is about to be revealed

Romans 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Life sometimes can be overwhelming. We face trials, sufferings, and challenges that test our faith, patience, and strength. Yet, we are reminded that there is something greater awaiting us. We are made to understand that the trials we face now cannot be compared to the future glory that God will reveal.  Apostle Paul recognises  the reality of suffering. He is not dismissing the hardships we endure; rather, he is placing them in perspective. The phrase "the sufferings of this present time" speaks of the idea that our struggles are bound by time, they are temporary. However, when we are in the midst of suffering, it often feels like it will never end. Yet, Paul's encouragement is that what we endure now has an expiration date. Whether it be pain, grief, financial hardship, relational struggles, or persecution, these trials are not eterna...

Regard not familiar spirits

Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. In the world of ancient Israel, familiar spirits and wizards were associated with practices of divination, sorcery, and communication with the dead. These were attempts to gain insight into the future, control over one’s destiny, or access to hidden knowledge through supernatural means. People sought out these spiritual shortcuts when they felt uncertain, afraid, or in need of control. If a truth, this is similar to our modern age today,  many are still drawn to occult practices, psychic readings, horoscopes, and other forms of spiritualism. The purpose is the same, a promise of hidden knowledge or control over the unknown.  We live in a world where people want answers, but not necessarily from God. They seek comfort and security but look for it in places where God has clearly told us not to go. But why does God warn us so strongly against thes...

The words of the wise

Ecclesiastes  12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. A goad is a sharp instrument used by a shepherd to prod animals in the right direction. It may cause discomfort, but its purpose is not harm but to guide. Similarly, the words of the wise may sometimes challenge us or feel uncomfortable, but they are meant to push us toward a better path. Let us consider how often we resist correction or refuse to listen to advice. Yet, the Bible reminds us that wisdom or godly wisdom often comes in the form of uncomfortable truths. We might prefer to stay in our comfort zones, but wisdom prods us forward, reminding us that the path of righteousness may not always be easy, but it leads to life. Proverbs 3: 11-12 reminds us, "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves." As followers of Christ, we must learn to embrace the ...

Rejocing in hope

Romans  12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Hope is one of the most precious gifts we have as Christians. Hope is not mere wishful thinking or a vague desire for things to get better. Biblical hope is much deeper and far more substantial. It is the confident expectation of God’s promises being fulfilled. Hope is rooted in God's faithfulness and His unchanging nature. In Hebrews 6:19, hope is described as an "anchor for the soul, firm and secure." It is something that holds us steady in the storms of life. It keeps us grounded when the winds of doubt and fear try to sway us. Hope, anchored in Christ, is the unwavering assurance that no matter what we face today, tomorrow is secured by God's promises. As Christians, our hope is tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in hope because we have something greater than ourselves to look forward to—eternal life, the restoration of all things, and the fullness of God...

A merry heart and a broken spirit

Proverbs  17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A merry heart is a heart that is full of joy, gladness, and laughter. It is a heart that is not weighed down by the cares and worries of this world. A merry heart is like medicine to the soul. It brings healing and refreshment to our spirits. On the other hand, a broken spirit is a heart that is sad, downcast, and discouraged. It is a heart that has been wounded by the challenges and difficulties of life. A broken spirit dries up the bones, meaning it drains the life out of us, leaving us feeling tired, weary, and hopeless. As Christians, we are not immune to the challenges and difficulties of life. In fact, Jesus told us that in this world, we will have trouble. But He also said that we should take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). So, how do we cultivate a merry heart in the midst of life's challenges? The answer is found in our relationship with God. When we trust ...

The tabernacle of God is with men

Revelation  21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. From the beginning of creation, there has always been a desire within the heart of humanity to dwell in the presence of God. In Genesis, Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden, enjoying unbroken fellowship. But because of sin, humanity was driven out, and that fellowship was fractured. Throughout the Old Testament, God made provision to be near His people despite the reality of sin. He instructed Moses to build ...