We have been looking at the resources available to us as children of God, and it is important for us to know that our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy all He has provided for our growth and sustainability in this world. He desires not only for you to be a prayerful Christian but also for you to be the head wherever He has placed you, according to 2 Peter 1:3. Therefore, avail yourself of all He has graciously provided for your profiting.
Today, let us look at Wisdom.
According to the dictionary, wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions by applying accumulated knowledge, insight, and experience. It further states that wisdom goes beyond merely having facts; it is the practical skill of understanding what is true, good, or right, and using that understanding to navigate complex situations and act accordingly.
This is a very good explanation of what wisdom is, and I love the fact that it bases its premise on an important point, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. But how do you measure this ability? You cannot do this if you do not have all the facts at your disposal. And what exactly is sound judgment?
As it is often said, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” The Bible clearly says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). So how do you determine what is truly right?
Many have been destroyed by the decisions they made based on what they believed to be the right information. Many have had their lives cut short because they believed they were following people who claimed to know the right path to follow. Many have found themselves in irreversible situations simply because they followed a path they believed to be right.
But our Father is so mindful of us that He has put in place the resources we need to operate in wisdom.
My beloved, there is worldly wisdom, and there is godly wisdom.
The word translated as wisdom in the Bible goes beyond having knowledge or intelligence. It refers to a deep understanding and the practical skill of living in a way that honors God.
Hebrew – Chokmah: carries the idea of moral skill in living, insight, and practical expertise.
Greek – Sophia: encompasses intelligence, profound insight, and the practical application of knowledge.
Know that it is possible for you to have knowledge yet lack the practical application of that knowledge.
Let us look into the Scriptures to gain an understanding of godly wisdom and the wisdom of this world.
Wisdom is described as the principal thing, meaning it is essential for daily living and survival.
Wisdom builds. It builds lives, homes, and nations (Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 24:3). The opposite of wisdom is folly or foolishness, and you know that folly destroys.
Wisdom gives life. It makes a man’s face shine. It gives you confidence (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclesiastes 8:1).
The wisdom of this world cannot stand before God. It is nothing but foolishness to Him (1 Corinthians 1:19–24; 1 Corinthians 3:19).
The wisdom of God enables righteous judgment.
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and exercises sound judgment (Psalm 37:30).
The wisdom of God is mysterious. You have to ask Him for it (James 1:5). It is a Spirit, and God will give it to you if you desire it. However, every gift of God is given for a purpose, to establish His counsel on earth as it is in heaven.
If you remain faithful to Him, He will willingly give you wisdom because His desire is for you to prosper in every area of your life. Consider the example of King Solomon.
Now, how do you differentiate between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world?
James 3:17–18 gives us the characteristics of godly wisdom:
1. It is pure.
2. It is peaceable.
3. It is gentle.
4. It is easy to be entreated, willing to listen and open to earnest appeal.
5. It is full of mercy and good fruits.
6. It is without partiality.
7. It is without hypocrisy.
This is clearly different from worldly wisdom, which is practical, human-centered knowledge and street smarts derived from secular experience. It prioritizes self-interest, material success, and social status.
My brethren, Proverbs 4:7 says:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Be blessed.
GRACE
As we said in the last article, the word translated as grace, charis in Greek, is also translated as favor. Grace is defined as unmerited divine assistance given by God. It is free and undeserved. You do not, and cannot, work for grace. It is the unearned and unmerited love of God. It is often given to people who do not deserve it. The grace of God provides forgiveness, salvation, and the spiritual power that transforms lives.
The Hebrew word translated as grace is khen, and it often refers to finding acceptance or goodwill, particularly when God shows kindness to imperfect people.
Is grace different from favor? Definitely.
1. Grace is unmerited forgiveness and divine power working within and for you. Favor, on the other hand, is preferential treatment and external blessings working around you, such as open doors, promotions, and people going out of their way to support you.
2. Grace is the power to be and do what you cannot do on your own. Favor is the access and opportunity you receive while doing it.
3. Grace is freely given kindness and divine empowerment. Favor is special approval, preference, or acceptance.
4. Grace provides the inner strength, patience, and wisdom needed to handle life or a specific calling. Favor changes the atmosphere surrounding you.
5. Grace gives you strength. Favor opens doors and places you in positions of influence and prosperity.
6. Favor puts you in a place of authority. Grace equips you to maintain it.
7. Grace is free; favor is often conditional.
In Genesis chapter 6, the whole earth was filled with wickedness. Every thought and imagination of the people was evil. It became so bad that God regretted making man in His image and likeness. He decided to destroy everyone and everything He had created. Yet the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” If we consider God’s verdict concerning the whole earth, we may wonder what Noah did to find grace. I do not know what God saw in Noah, but He decided to bestow His grace upon him.
Grace is like an ornament or precious jewelry. Grace looks good on you.
Grace is a Spirit that God pours upon a man. In Zechariah 12:10, the Bible says:
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…”
Grace was also upon Jesus as a child (Luke 2:40). He was full of grace (John 1:14).
Grace is always for a purpose.
1. There is saving grace.
This grace is made available to all men. It is the grace that draws you to God. No one merited or worked for this grace. We were all meant to pay the price for our sins. The Bible says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”But God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, gave us grace to approach Him (Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8). Saving grace is a gift from God meant strictly for salvation.
2. There is grace for your growth and spiritual development.
This is the grace given for your building up and growth as a child of God. Acts 20:32 says:
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
God has made available everything you need to grow into the fullness, stature, and measure of Christ.
3. There is grace for work or divine assignment.
The Bible says in Isaiah 11:1–4:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…”
This passage describes the grace and anointing that rested upon Jesus Christ, enabling Him to fulfill His divine assignment. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth because of the grace that rested upon Him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, we are instructed not to receive the grace of God in vain. This means you can neglect God’s grace to the point where it becomes unprofitable in your life. It does not mean God’s grace has failed; rather, you have failed to respond appropriately to it.
The grace of God can also be frustrated (Galatians 2:21). If you believe you have to work to earn God’s grace, then you are frustrating His grace. It is not by works. There is nothing you can do through human effort to earn God’s grace.
To frustrate means to disappoint, defeat, or hinder the accomplishment of something. In this context, it means preventing what God desires to accomplish in your life through grace because of your own efforts, pride, or unbelief.
The Bible also warns that you can fail of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14–15). As long as you believe it is by works, you are bound to fail because grace can only be received by faith.
The throne of God is described as the throne of grace. There is an abundance of grace there. At that throne, there is always help. Hebrews 4:16 says we should come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The LORD gives grace to the lowly (Proverbs 3:34).
We believe through grace.
We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24).
The LORD gives grace and glory (Psalm 84:11). He is also gracious and full of compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Enjoy His grace, child of the Most High.
The Hebrew word translated as grace is khen, and it often refers to finding acceptance or goodwill, particularly when God shows kindness to imperfect people.
Is grace different from favor? Definitely.
1. Grace is unmerited forgiveness and divine power working within and for you. Favor, on the other hand, is preferential treatment and external blessings working around you, such as open doors, promotions, and people going out of their way to support you.
2. Grace is the power to be and do what you cannot do on your own. Favor is the access and opportunity you receive while doing it.
3. Grace is freely given kindness and divine empowerment. Favor is special approval, preference, or acceptance.
4. Grace provides the inner strength, patience, and wisdom needed to handle life or a specific calling. Favor changes the atmosphere surrounding you.
5. Grace gives you strength. Favor opens doors and places you in positions of influence and prosperity.
6. Favor puts you in a place of authority. Grace equips you to maintain it.
7. Grace is free; favor is often conditional.
In Genesis chapter 6, the whole earth was filled with wickedness. Every thought and imagination of the people was evil. It became so bad that God regretted making man in His image and likeness. He decided to destroy everyone and everything He had created. Yet the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” If we consider God’s verdict concerning the whole earth, we may wonder what Noah did to find grace. I do not know what God saw in Noah, but He decided to bestow His grace upon him.
Grace is like an ornament or precious jewelry. Grace looks good on you.
Grace is a Spirit that God pours upon a man. In Zechariah 12:10, the Bible says:
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…”
Grace was also upon Jesus as a child (Luke 2:40). He was full of grace (John 1:14).
Grace is always for a purpose.
1. There is saving grace.
This grace is made available to all men. It is the grace that draws you to God. No one merited or worked for this grace. We were all meant to pay the price for our sins. The Bible says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”But God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, gave us grace to approach Him (Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8). Saving grace is a gift from God meant strictly for salvation.
2. There is grace for your growth and spiritual development.
This is the grace given for your building up and growth as a child of God. Acts 20:32 says:
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
God has made available everything you need to grow into the fullness, stature, and measure of Christ.
3. There is grace for work or divine assignment.
The Bible says in Isaiah 11:1–4:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…”
This passage describes the grace and anointing that rested upon Jesus Christ, enabling Him to fulfill His divine assignment. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth because of the grace that rested upon Him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, we are instructed not to receive the grace of God in vain. This means you can neglect God’s grace to the point where it becomes unprofitable in your life. It does not mean God’s grace has failed; rather, you have failed to respond appropriately to it.
The grace of God can also be frustrated (Galatians 2:21). If you believe you have to work to earn God’s grace, then you are frustrating His grace. It is not by works. There is nothing you can do through human effort to earn God’s grace.
To frustrate means to disappoint, defeat, or hinder the accomplishment of something. In this context, it means preventing what God desires to accomplish in your life through grace because of your own efforts, pride, or unbelief.
The Bible also warns that you can fail of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14–15). As long as you believe it is by works, you are bound to fail because grace can only be received by faith.
The throne of God is described as the throne of grace. There is an abundance of grace there. At that throne, there is always help. Hebrews 4:16 says we should come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The LORD gives grace to the lowly (Proverbs 3:34).
We believe through grace.
We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24).
The LORD gives grace and glory (Psalm 84:11). He is also gracious and full of compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Enjoy His grace, child of the Most High.
THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY
Apostle Paul in his writing to the Philippines In chapter four encouraged them to stand firm in the Lord, He begged two of the disciples to be of the same mind, requested help for the women who are labouring with him and their fellow laborers, advice’s them to rejoice always, to live a moderate life, to trust completely in God and so many other advice, and then in verse 19 he said “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
From this passage we can understand that believers needs are supplied according to God’s riches in glory. So what are these riches of glory. It is the endless spiritual provisions that is available to believers in Christ. These provisions that cannot be exhausted is displayed in diverse attributes. It is important for us to understand not just the attributes but how they work. They are diverse and we will try to look at them from now on. Please note that it is not only the ones that will be discussed in this write up that are all that is available. So due to God’s Infinite, inexhaustible power, there are diverse riches of His glory. In fact the fact that God is the I AM THAT I AM – whatsoever you want Him to be to you, He will manifest in your life.
This day let’s start with His Favor. According to the dictionary favor is a kind or helpful deed. An instant of voluntary assistance, a help, aid to treat with care. In the bible the Greek word translated as grace is often also translated as favor – Charis. Favor is kindness or goodwill depending on the context at which it is used. It denotes unearned spontaneous love and generosity. It is not earned or worked for.
Favor is supposed to be the birthright of a child of God. In the book of Esther chapter 2:15-17 “Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti”.
Esther obtained favor. This did not come by asking or trying to please anyone. It is completely divinely bestowed on her. Yes you can ask for favor from man or you can outsource favor from other powers, but know that something will be expected in return and you cannot determine what you have to pay back with. However when God favors you it becomes another thing entirely. Everyone that sees Esther favor her. Only the blind can’t favor her because they cannot see her. What sort of anointing is that, everyone will just go over and above themselves to do things for you. Have you ever been among a group of people and somebody will just singled you out to help you without asking.
The bible says in Luke 2: 52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”. Have you ever wondered about the gifts brought to Jesus at His birth. Is Mary the only virgin in Jerusalem. The bible says in Luke 1:; 30- 31 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS”
Psalms 5: 12 says ” For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield”.
If I understand right, your standing with God will determine if He will be favorable to you or not. Ref, Psalms 106 verse 4.
In Proverbs 3: 3- 4, we see the introduction of another prerequisite for God’s favor – mercy and truth. Are you showing mercy on to other people. How are you using your power, your office etc. Is it to pull others down. In Proverbs 8, wisdom and understanding is talking and by verse 35 “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD”.
Beloved, take quality time to study the book of Proverbs, there are many life lessons and wisdom in it. As we all should know by now that a child of God that Is devoid of knowledge of the word of God is a defeated christian – 2Timothy 2: 15.
Proverbs 11: 27 says “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him,” Diligence means to perform with industrious concentration, hard work and focus. (Prov. 12: 2, Prov. 13 15).
We need also consider that there is time for everything. (Ecc 3: 1). You cannot be careless at anytime as a child Of God. Every minute counts, what do you do with your life. Yes the set time for your favor is now, but are you prepare. If there is a set time to favor Zion and Zion is not where he or she is supposed to be then you cannot blame anyone for not being favored. It is your right as a child of God to enjoy favor all through your life.
In Isaiah 26: 10 the bible says “Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD”
A wicked – one who is morally wrong, corrupt or deliberately harmful to others, a person that commits evil consciously and willingly. God cannot extend His favor to such.
When God favors you, men will also favor you, structures and systems will also favor you
If you are disobedience to God’s directive, if you will not lay it in your heart to give Him glory, instead of His favor you will attract His curse.
A word of caution, you cannot afford to hate or envy a man who God has decided to favor, you will be digging your own grave – ask
Haman , – Numbers 23: 8. When God favors a man, everything will conform to him, so instead of hatting the man why not direct your energy to seeking God’s favor for yourself. A man of favor has doors opening on to him of their own accord. He does not struggle, all his effort is directed to pleasing God and being obedient to Him. It does not matter the harsh economy or inflation, he shall continue to flourish like the palm tree planted by the river side. Isaac sowed in famine – when there was extreme shortage of food which we know is mostly caused by shortage of rainfall or severe weather yet he reaped a 100 fold return on investment. Have you not wondered to what happened to other farmers in the land. Did rain fell on his own parcel of land alone. Isaac was obedient to God’s command not to run to Egypt because of famine. Indeed the word of God in 2 Kings 3:17 “For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts”. will forever be true for the one who enjoys God favor. Where you are now is it God that told you to go there. There will always be resources if He asked you to go there. No matter the situations He will always come through for you. If He can instruct a bird to take food to Prophet Elijah twice daily, then He has got you covered my friend.
SHALOM
From this passage we can understand that believers needs are supplied according to God’s riches in glory. So what are these riches of glory. It is the endless spiritual provisions that is available to believers in Christ. These provisions that cannot be exhausted is displayed in diverse attributes. It is important for us to understand not just the attributes but how they work. They are diverse and we will try to look at them from now on. Please note that it is not only the ones that will be discussed in this write up that are all that is available. So due to God’s Infinite, inexhaustible power, there are diverse riches of His glory. In fact the fact that God is the I AM THAT I AM – whatsoever you want Him to be to you, He will manifest in your life.
This day let’s start with His Favor. According to the dictionary favor is a kind or helpful deed. An instant of voluntary assistance, a help, aid to treat with care. In the bible the Greek word translated as grace is often also translated as favor – Charis. Favor is kindness or goodwill depending on the context at which it is used. It denotes unearned spontaneous love and generosity. It is not earned or worked for.
Favor is supposed to be the birthright of a child of God. In the book of Esther chapter 2:15-17 “Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti”.
Esther obtained favor. This did not come by asking or trying to please anyone. It is completely divinely bestowed on her. Yes you can ask for favor from man or you can outsource favor from other powers, but know that something will be expected in return and you cannot determine what you have to pay back with. However when God favors you it becomes another thing entirely. Everyone that sees Esther favor her. Only the blind can’t favor her because they cannot see her. What sort of anointing is that, everyone will just go over and above themselves to do things for you. Have you ever been among a group of people and somebody will just singled you out to help you without asking.
The bible says in Luke 2: 52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”. Have you ever wondered about the gifts brought to Jesus at His birth. Is Mary the only virgin in Jerusalem. The bible says in Luke 1:; 30- 31 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS”
Psalms 5: 12 says ” For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield”.
If I understand right, your standing with God will determine if He will be favorable to you or not. Ref, Psalms 106 verse 4.
In Proverbs 3: 3- 4, we see the introduction of another prerequisite for God’s favor – mercy and truth. Are you showing mercy on to other people. How are you using your power, your office etc. Is it to pull others down. In Proverbs 8, wisdom and understanding is talking and by verse 35 “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD”.
Beloved, take quality time to study the book of Proverbs, there are many life lessons and wisdom in it. As we all should know by now that a child of God that Is devoid of knowledge of the word of God is a defeated christian – 2Timothy 2: 15.
Proverbs 11: 27 says “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him,” Diligence means to perform with industrious concentration, hard work and focus. (Prov. 12: 2, Prov. 13 15).
We need also consider that there is time for everything. (Ecc 3: 1). You cannot be careless at anytime as a child Of God. Every minute counts, what do you do with your life. Yes the set time for your favor is now, but are you prepare. If there is a set time to favor Zion and Zion is not where he or she is supposed to be then you cannot blame anyone for not being favored. It is your right as a child of God to enjoy favor all through your life.
In Isaiah 26: 10 the bible says “Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD”
A wicked – one who is morally wrong, corrupt or deliberately harmful to others, a person that commits evil consciously and willingly. God cannot extend His favor to such.
When God favors you, men will also favor you, structures and systems will also favor you
If you are disobedience to God’s directive, if you will not lay it in your heart to give Him glory, instead of His favor you will attract His curse.
A word of caution, you cannot afford to hate or envy a man who God has decided to favor, you will be digging your own grave – ask
Haman , – Numbers 23: 8. When God favors a man, everything will conform to him, so instead of hatting the man why not direct your energy to seeking God’s favor for yourself. A man of favor has doors opening on to him of their own accord. He does not struggle, all his effort is directed to pleasing God and being obedient to Him. It does not matter the harsh economy or inflation, he shall continue to flourish like the palm tree planted by the river side. Isaac sowed in famine – when there was extreme shortage of food which we know is mostly caused by shortage of rainfall or severe weather yet he reaped a 100 fold return on investment. Have you not wondered to what happened to other farmers in the land. Did rain fell on his own parcel of land alone. Isaac was obedient to God’s command not to run to Egypt because of famine. Indeed the word of God in 2 Kings 3:17 “For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts”. will forever be true for the one who enjoys God favor. Where you are now is it God that told you to go there. There will always be resources if He asked you to go there. No matter the situations He will always come through for you. If He can instruct a bird to take food to Prophet Elijah twice daily, then He has got you covered my friend.
SHALOM
WORDS
As children of God and people created in His image and likeness, we ought to take heed to the words that proceed out of our mouths. The God who created you in His image and likeness does not speak without His words coming to pass.
In Genesis 1:3, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”* As soon as He spoke, light was instantly created.
It is important for you to know that your words create. When you pronounce something, whether negative or positive, there is a power that automatically sees to it that your words receive the force to accomplish what they have spoken.
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:3,
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
Also, Proverbs 21:23 says,
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
You must be careful what you say because you are creating.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 12:34,
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Correct your nature because your nature determines what is in your heart, and it is out of the abundance of your heart that your mouth speaks.
You cannot have good in your heart and continually create evil. Your heart cannot be filled with faith while your mouth speaks negativity.
Check your heart. What are you harbouring in your heart?
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. Do not permit it. Do not give room for it. Fight it with every power and resource available to you.
Many people have used their mouths to destroy all their prayers. You may have prayed for hours, and after all that, one careless response to a simple question is enough to destroy hours of prayer.
We can determine what is in your heart simply by listening to you.
James 3:2-13 says,
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Your words are a reflection of your growth.
If indeed you are studying the Bible and attending a Bible-believing church, yet your mouth is full of negativity, then you are not growing.
It is not God’s desire that you should suffer or live at a disadvantage as His child. So why are things not working for you? Why do you always expect the worst to happen?
When you have released negative words and power has gone forth to accomplish them, you then claim you “saw it coming.” Afterwards, you begin to blame the devil, witches, and wizards.
Whenever a negative word or pronouncement is made, it is your responsibility to reject it immediately and replace it with God’s Word. You cannot allow negative words to settle over your life.
There is always a connection between your heart and your mouth.
What is in your heart?
Is your heart filled with fear, doubt, and negativity? If so, that is what will manifest in your life. Then you deceive yourself by saying, “My heart cannot deceive me. I just know that is what will happen.”
No. You gave power to the words that proceeded out of your mouth.
The Bible talks about the mouths of the wicked, the fool, and the righteous. Which category do you belong to?
1) The Mouth of the Wicked
The Bible says in Psalm 10:7,
“His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.”
If you delight in cursing, do not tell me you are just joking or that it does not matter.
Everything matters.
Examine your life.
Every time you release negative words, you have yielded your tongue for the devil to use. Since there is power of life and death in the tongue, what you pronounce can come to pass.
Many people have been labelled as possessing strange powers simply because whatever they speak comes to pass, when in reality they have no extraordinary power backing them apart from the spiritual law governing words.
2) The Mouth of a Fool
A fool is one who is devoid of understanding and uses his mouth carelessly.
Psalm 32:9 says,
“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.”
A fool, one who lacks understanding, is compared to a mule.
What a shame.
Do you find it difficult to control your tongue?
Must you always speak negativity?
Do you boast and claim, “I just speak my mind”?
Is it the mind of Christ or the mind of Satan?
If speaking your mind destroys others, what have you gained?
What do you hope to achieve when your mouth is filled with hurtful words?
Proverbs 18:7-8 says,
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Think.
Is that what you want to be known for, a fool who simply opens his mouth and speaks without considering the effects and consequences of his words?
3) The Mouth of the Righteous
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom (Psalm 37:30; Psalm 49:3).
He is always watchful and conscious of what proceeds out of his mouth (Psalm 141:3-4).
Proverbs 4:23-24 says,
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”
One translation says to set a sentry, a security guard, at the gates of your heart, that is, your senses which feed your heart, so as to prevent unwanted thoughts from entering and causing your mouth to speak death.
Whatever enters your heart is eventually what will come out of your mouth.
Allow garbage in, and you will speak garbage.
There are no two ways about it.
Friend, fill your heart with God’s Word, and what will come out of you will be life and not death.
Are you a wise man?
The evidence is that you will preserve knowledge (Proverbs 10:11-14).
Wisdom is the hallmark of the righteous.
Do you possess wisdom?
Can people identify you as a wise person by listening to your words?
For your survival and advancement, it is important that you deal with negativity because you will soon discover that only negative things continue happening in and around your life.
Take a notebook and a pen.
Every time you say something negative, write it down.
Do this for one week and observe your life and your surroundings.
You will begin to see the picture your words are painting coming to life.
Then spend another week deliberately refusing to speak negative words.
Afterwards, compare the two weeks.
It is like constructing a ten-storey building, only to bring in a bulldozer at the final stage and pull the entire building down.
Words such as:
“I can’t.”
“It is not possible.”
“Nobody has ever done it in my family.”
“It will fail.”
“It cannot be done.”
“It will not stand.”
“It will be destroyed.”
Or thoughts such as:
“The weather will not be good.”
“What if an accident happens?”
“What if there is a mechanical fault?”
“What if we do not make it?”
“Nobody can do it.”
Be careful, my brethren.
There is nothing impossible to him that believes.
Stay focused.
You will eat the fruit of your words.
In Genesis 1:3, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”* As soon as He spoke, light was instantly created.
It is important for you to know that your words create. When you pronounce something, whether negative or positive, there is a power that automatically sees to it that your words receive the force to accomplish what they have spoken.
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:3,
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
Also, Proverbs 21:23 says,
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
You must be careful what you say because you are creating.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 12:34,
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Correct your nature because your nature determines what is in your heart, and it is out of the abundance of your heart that your mouth speaks.
You cannot have good in your heart and continually create evil. Your heart cannot be filled with faith while your mouth speaks negativity.
Check your heart. What are you harbouring in your heart?
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. Do not permit it. Do not give room for it. Fight it with every power and resource available to you.
Many people have used their mouths to destroy all their prayers. You may have prayed for hours, and after all that, one careless response to a simple question is enough to destroy hours of prayer.
We can determine what is in your heart simply by listening to you.
James 3:2-13 says,
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Your words are a reflection of your growth.
If indeed you are studying the Bible and attending a Bible-believing church, yet your mouth is full of negativity, then you are not growing.
It is not God’s desire that you should suffer or live at a disadvantage as His child. So why are things not working for you? Why do you always expect the worst to happen?
When you have released negative words and power has gone forth to accomplish them, you then claim you “saw it coming.” Afterwards, you begin to blame the devil, witches, and wizards.
Whenever a negative word or pronouncement is made, it is your responsibility to reject it immediately and replace it with God’s Word. You cannot allow negative words to settle over your life.
There is always a connection between your heart and your mouth.
What is in your heart?
Is your heart filled with fear, doubt, and negativity? If so, that is what will manifest in your life. Then you deceive yourself by saying, “My heart cannot deceive me. I just know that is what will happen.”
No. You gave power to the words that proceeded out of your mouth.
The Bible talks about the mouths of the wicked, the fool, and the righteous. Which category do you belong to?
1) The Mouth of the Wicked
The Bible says in Psalm 10:7,
“His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.”
If you delight in cursing, do not tell me you are just joking or that it does not matter.
Everything matters.
Examine your life.
Every time you release negative words, you have yielded your tongue for the devil to use. Since there is power of life and death in the tongue, what you pronounce can come to pass.
Many people have been labelled as possessing strange powers simply because whatever they speak comes to pass, when in reality they have no extraordinary power backing them apart from the spiritual law governing words.
2) The Mouth of a Fool
A fool is one who is devoid of understanding and uses his mouth carelessly.
Psalm 32:9 says,
“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.”
A fool, one who lacks understanding, is compared to a mule.
What a shame.
Do you find it difficult to control your tongue?
Must you always speak negativity?
Do you boast and claim, “I just speak my mind”?
Is it the mind of Christ or the mind of Satan?
If speaking your mind destroys others, what have you gained?
What do you hope to achieve when your mouth is filled with hurtful words?
Proverbs 18:7-8 says,
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Think.
Is that what you want to be known for, a fool who simply opens his mouth and speaks without considering the effects and consequences of his words?
3) The Mouth of the Righteous
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom (Psalm 37:30; Psalm 49:3).
He is always watchful and conscious of what proceeds out of his mouth (Psalm 141:3-4).
Proverbs 4:23-24 says,
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”
One translation says to set a sentry, a security guard, at the gates of your heart, that is, your senses which feed your heart, so as to prevent unwanted thoughts from entering and causing your mouth to speak death.
Whatever enters your heart is eventually what will come out of your mouth.
Allow garbage in, and you will speak garbage.
There are no two ways about it.
Friend, fill your heart with God’s Word, and what will come out of you will be life and not death.
Are you a wise man?
The evidence is that you will preserve knowledge (Proverbs 10:11-14).
Wisdom is the hallmark of the righteous.
Do you possess wisdom?
Can people identify you as a wise person by listening to your words?
For your survival and advancement, it is important that you deal with negativity because you will soon discover that only negative things continue happening in and around your life.
Take a notebook and a pen.
Every time you say something negative, write it down.
Do this for one week and observe your life and your surroundings.
You will begin to see the picture your words are painting coming to life.
Then spend another week deliberately refusing to speak negative words.
Afterwards, compare the two weeks.
It is like constructing a ten-storey building, only to bring in a bulldozer at the final stage and pull the entire building down.
Words such as:
“I can’t.”
“It is not possible.”
“Nobody has ever done it in my family.”
“It will fail.”
“It cannot be done.”
“It will not stand.”
“It will be destroyed.”
Or thoughts such as:
“The weather will not be good.”
“What if an accident happens?”
“What if there is a mechanical fault?”
“What if we do not make it?”
“Nobody can do it.”
Be careful, my brethren.
There is nothing impossible to him that believes.
Stay focused.
You will eat the fruit of your words.
GOD”S OUTLOOK IN TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
A trial is an occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.
Temptation, on the other hand, is the act of provoking someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward as an enticement. It means to attract, allure, or beguile.
Biblically, trials are allowed by God, and they are described as tools for spiritual growth. They are designed to refine your character, build endurance, and prove whether your faith in God is genuine or merely based on what God can do for you or what you can obtain from Him.
You will agree with me that nobody wants to be loved merely because of what people can get from them.
Always remember that the end result of trials is to bring out the best in you. Sometimes, trials are referred to as the refining fire. They are designed to remove impurities from your life so that you become a vessel of honour.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 says:
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
Trials also build character. They teach perseverance, which in turn leads to spiritual growth.
Romans 5:3-5 says:
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
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.”
God corrects a child whom He loves, and He does so in a loving way.
Most times, trials are situations beyond your control that test your trust in God. A good example can be found in Job 1:6-12. In spite of all the trials and challenges he faced, Job did not curse God as Satan expected. The end result was Job’s grand restoration (Job 42:12-17).
Trials are not meant for your destruction, nor do they mean that God hates you.
Consider Joseph. The end result of Joseph’s trials led to the preservation of an entire people and the fulfilment of the promise God had given to His friend Abraham.
For every trial, God always provides a way out.
God knows your capacity; therefore, you will not be tried beyond your ability.
Trials are like examinations in school. After a term, semester, or session of learning, you are required to sit for an examination. Is it because the lecturers or teachers hate you? Of course not. You are tested to determine whether you have assimilated what you have been taught so that you can move on to a higher level.
That is exactly what trials are meant to accomplish.
The word trial is also used for products and procedures. Even drugs undergo trials to determine their effectiveness and safety before they are approved for use. Likewise, medical procedures are subjected to trials before being adopted widely.
Temptation, on the other hand, is an enticement to sin or do evil, either through external pressures or internal desires.
God does not entice anyone to sin.
Sometimes, the words trial and temptation are used interchangeably, but you need to understand that whenever sin is involved or the result is sin, God has no part in it.
As explained earlier, temptation is the provocation to do evil. You may be enticed, and there may even appear to be a reward attached to it. However, the devil, who is the author of such temptations, has nothing good to offer.
He is a liar and will eventually leave you to face the consequences of your actions.
The Bible says that he comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. There is absolutely nothing good that comes from following his path.
We have a saying in my place that literally means, “The devil will give you a chicken and collect a human being in return.”
Sit down and think.
That desire to destroy another person, what will you truly gain from it?
Will another person’s failure make you succeed?
Will it bring more money into your life?
What do you gain by hating another human being?
Why do you delight in causing others to suffer?
Then, when the consequences of your actions begin to manifest, you turn around and say that God is tempting you.
God has nothing to do with it.
The Bible says in James 1:13-15:
“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:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Beloved, learn to distinguish between God’s refining process and the enemy’s enticement to sin.
Trials are intended to strengthen you, mature you, and draw you closer to God.
Temptations are designed to separate you from God, lead you into sin, and ultimately bring destruction.
When you find yourself in a trial, hold on to God because He is working something good in you.
When you face temptation, flee from it and run to God for strength, because there is nothing good at the end of sin.
May the Lord grant us understanding and the grace to stand firm in every trial while overcoming every temptation that comes our way.
SHALOM.
Temptation, on the other hand, is the act of provoking someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward as an enticement. It means to attract, allure, or beguile.
Biblically, trials are allowed by God, and they are described as tools for spiritual growth. They are designed to refine your character, build endurance, and prove whether your faith in God is genuine or merely based on what God can do for you or what you can obtain from Him.
You will agree with me that nobody wants to be loved merely because of what people can get from them.
Always remember that the end result of trials is to bring out the best in you. Sometimes, trials are referred to as the refining fire. They are designed to remove impurities from your life so that you become a vessel of honour.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 says:
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
Trials also build character. They teach perseverance, which in turn leads to spiritual growth.
Romans 5:3-5 says:
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
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.”
God corrects a child whom He loves, and He does so in a loving way.
Most times, trials are situations beyond your control that test your trust in God. A good example can be found in Job 1:6-12. In spite of all the trials and challenges he faced, Job did not curse God as Satan expected. The end result was Job’s grand restoration (Job 42:12-17).
Trials are not meant for your destruction, nor do they mean that God hates you.
Consider Joseph. The end result of Joseph’s trials led to the preservation of an entire people and the fulfilment of the promise God had given to His friend Abraham.
For every trial, God always provides a way out.
God knows your capacity; therefore, you will not be tried beyond your ability.
Trials are like examinations in school. After a term, semester, or session of learning, you are required to sit for an examination. Is it because the lecturers or teachers hate you? Of course not. You are tested to determine whether you have assimilated what you have been taught so that you can move on to a higher level.
That is exactly what trials are meant to accomplish.
The word trial is also used for products and procedures. Even drugs undergo trials to determine their effectiveness and safety before they are approved for use. Likewise, medical procedures are subjected to trials before being adopted widely.
Temptation, on the other hand, is an enticement to sin or do evil, either through external pressures or internal desires.
God does not entice anyone to sin.
Sometimes, the words trial and temptation are used interchangeably, but you need to understand that whenever sin is involved or the result is sin, God has no part in it.
As explained earlier, temptation is the provocation to do evil. You may be enticed, and there may even appear to be a reward attached to it. However, the devil, who is the author of such temptations, has nothing good to offer.
He is a liar and will eventually leave you to face the consequences of your actions.
The Bible says that he comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. There is absolutely nothing good that comes from following his path.
We have a saying in my place that literally means, “The devil will give you a chicken and collect a human being in return.”
Sit down and think.
That desire to destroy another person, what will you truly gain from it?
Will another person’s failure make you succeed?
Will it bring more money into your life?
What do you gain by hating another human being?
Why do you delight in causing others to suffer?
Then, when the consequences of your actions begin to manifest, you turn around and say that God is tempting you.
God has nothing to do with it.
The Bible says in James 1:13-15:
“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:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Beloved, learn to distinguish between God’s refining process and the enemy’s enticement to sin.
Trials are intended to strengthen you, mature you, and draw you closer to God.
Temptations are designed to separate you from God, lead you into sin, and ultimately bring destruction.
When you find yourself in a trial, hold on to God because He is working something good in you.
When you face temptation, flee from it and run to God for strength, because there is nothing good at the end of sin.
May the Lord grant us understanding and the grace to stand firm in every trial while overcoming every temptation that comes our way.
SHALOM.
GOD IS NOT TO BLAME
Contrary to what some people think and believe about God, He is not partial. Maybe you are one of those people who, like I used to, believe that God has favourites, that He loves some people more than others, even among Christians.
However, this is not so.
You need to understand that God does not have favourites, and He is no respecter of persons. He deals with all people in the same way. So why is there such a difference in results and outcomes? This is what we are going to explore today.
Let us start by looking at two plants: sugarcane and bitter leaf.
Sugarcane is a species of tall perennial grass used in sugar production, while bitter leaf is a highly nutritious leafy shrub that is greatly valued in culinary and traditional practices.
You see, these two plants receive the same rain released by God upon them. Then why is one sweet while the other is bitter?
Have you been close to identical twins? They come from the same mother, are fathered by the same man, and are sometimes so physically alike that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. They develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two separate embryos. They share nearly identical DNA and are always the same sex, yet they have different fingerprints and often exhibit different behaviours despite looking exactly alike.
Now let us make our journey to the church.
What makes two brothers who gave their lives to Christ on the same day through the preaching of the same man of God and the conviction of the same Holy Spirit produce different results? In fact, they were discipled under the same conditions and exposed to the same Word of God, yet their outcomes are startlingly different.
In all the examples above, is God partial to one and not the other?
When rain falls, does it fall only on the good?
Is it God’s fault when identical twins exhibit different natures and behaviours?
Is it God’s responsibility when two individuals exposed to the same conditions produce different results?
I have often heard people say that some countries have natural resources in abundance while others do not. In an effort to find out if this was true, I did some research and discovered that natural resources vary widely across regions and help shape the global economy. However, there is no nation that is completely without resources.
So if some countries are poor and unable to meet the needs of their populations, is that God’s fault too?
No country is completely devoid of natural resources. Even though some countries may not possess fossil fuels, minerals, or significant arable land, they have still built wealth and developed some of the world’s most advanced economies. Consider countries such as Singapore, Japan, and Switzerland.
This led me to a conclusion: there is no person created by God who was created empty.
Most of the time, the problem is that we fix our eyes on other people’s gifts and assume that because we are not gifted in the same way, we have nothing valuable within us.
God is a Master Builder. He does not create emptiness.
There is absolutely nothing He created that can be called waste.
So when people look down on you because you are not tech-savvy, know fully well that you have your own seed of greatness within you, a seed that you must discover and develop yourself.
If you continue comparing yourself with others, you will never become great.
The fact that there is so much noise around the technology industry or the sports world does not mean those are the only paths to greatness.
While we were growing up, the only acceptable route was education. If you were not academically gifted, it was assumed that you would never amount to anything in life.
I remember that my half-sister was very good at hockey while we were growing up, but academically she struggled. At that time, hockey was relatively new in our country, and the team she played for was consistently winning competitions. She brought many medals home, yet there was little or no encouragement.
The most senior person in the family was a medical doctor, so that became the standard by which the rest of us were measured.
Today, however, parents encourage their children to pursue sports and even the entertainment industry.
In our days, you could not even secretly dream of entering the entertainment industry. You would immediately be labelled lazy, irresponsible, or worse.
But look at what is happening now.
Many people in sports and entertainment are wealthier and more financially comfortable than doctors.
What am I driving at?
No man’s failure is God’s fault.
Romans 10:12 says:
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
In fact, He makes His rain fall on both the good and the evil (Matthew 5:45).
The failure of a nation has nothing to do with God. It is not because God lacks power.
Likewise, your situation has nothing to do with a lack of power on God’s side or because He is partial.
You have everything at your disposal to become great, to reach your peak, and to be above only.
So why are you still where you are?
Why are you still in bondage to sin, addiction, and every form of limitation?
Even if the economy is bad, which I do not necessarily believe, why are others prospering while you remain stagnant?
Friend, search yourself.
Are you not the cause of your predicament?
Have you ever sat down to examine whether the path you are treading is the source of your problem?
Do you even know your designed path?
Do you know what you were made for and what your assignment is here on earth?
What is your purpose?
It is often said that when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.
Are you where you are supposed to be?
God told Elijah to go to Brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:2-6).
Imagine if Elijah had chosen to stay somewhere else or gone to Brook Kidron instead of Brook Cherith. He would have died of hunger because of the famine in the land.
What are you doing with the vast resources of God’s Word that have been made available to you?
It is the same Word that you are hearing that others are hearing as well, yet their profiting is evident to all while you continue complaining that God is partial.
You say the pastor is partial because you do not give gifts.
You say church leaders are partial because you do not sow seeds.
You say your nation’s leaders are wicked and heartless.
You say the weather, the people, the economy, and everything around you are against you.
Wake up!
Can you not see others prospering in the same country, under the same conditions, and in the same environment?
You keep complaining that your father abandoned you and your mother when you were young.
Are you the only one who has been abandoned?
Do a little research and discover how many successful people were abandoned by one or even both parents and still rose above their circumstances.
You have no excuse.
The bitter leaf has no excuse either, yet look at what it accomplishes in human life.
Despite its bitterness, it is highly prized in culinary and traditional practices. It is packed with health-boosting antioxidants.
It does not dwell on what appears negative.
Do you know that after tasting bitter leaf, your mouth often becomes sweet when you drink water?
The bitter leaf can combine both bitterness and sweetness. Can sugarcane do that?
It has numerous benefits. It helps with blood sugar regulation, acts as an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic, and is rich in nutrients.
Listen, you do not know what you carry until you draw closer to your Maker.
In fact, you may possess much more than those you are envying.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
The earlier you realize this, the better for you.
God is not partial.
There is no unrighteousness with God.
If there is mismanagement of resources in your nation, that is not God’s fault. He provided the resources.
You voted for your leaders. That responsibility belongs to man, not God.
If you are not growing as a believer, that is not God’s fault.
He gave the five-fold ministry to the Church to help you grow.
He gave you His Word.
He even gave you the Holy Spirit, your Helper, who teaches you all things if you allow Him.
He will not force Himself on you.
You choose the path you follow. Therefore, you cannot blame God for the results.
We discussed this extensively at the inception of this blog. It will benefit you to go back and study it again.
Every one of your actions and inactions is a seed, and there will certainly be a harvest.
Therefore, examine yourself carefully before blaming God for what is happening around you.
Is there any area of your life that is lacking?
Then go to the Almighty.
He can supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), as long as it is for His glory.
Stop blaming God for your misfortunes.
You are the architect of many of the decisions that shape your life.
It is well.
However, this is not so.
You need to understand that God does not have favourites, and He is no respecter of persons. He deals with all people in the same way. So why is there such a difference in results and outcomes? This is what we are going to explore today.
Let us start by looking at two plants: sugarcane and bitter leaf.
Sugarcane is a species of tall perennial grass used in sugar production, while bitter leaf is a highly nutritious leafy shrub that is greatly valued in culinary and traditional practices.
You see, these two plants receive the same rain released by God upon them. Then why is one sweet while the other is bitter?
Have you been close to identical twins? They come from the same mother, are fathered by the same man, and are sometimes so physically alike that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. They develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two separate embryos. They share nearly identical DNA and are always the same sex, yet they have different fingerprints and often exhibit different behaviours despite looking exactly alike.
Now let us make our journey to the church.
What makes two brothers who gave their lives to Christ on the same day through the preaching of the same man of God and the conviction of the same Holy Spirit produce different results? In fact, they were discipled under the same conditions and exposed to the same Word of God, yet their outcomes are startlingly different.
In all the examples above, is God partial to one and not the other?
When rain falls, does it fall only on the good?
Is it God’s fault when identical twins exhibit different natures and behaviours?
Is it God’s responsibility when two individuals exposed to the same conditions produce different results?
I have often heard people say that some countries have natural resources in abundance while others do not. In an effort to find out if this was true, I did some research and discovered that natural resources vary widely across regions and help shape the global economy. However, there is no nation that is completely without resources.
So if some countries are poor and unable to meet the needs of their populations, is that God’s fault too?
No country is completely devoid of natural resources. Even though some countries may not possess fossil fuels, minerals, or significant arable land, they have still built wealth and developed some of the world’s most advanced economies. Consider countries such as Singapore, Japan, and Switzerland.
This led me to a conclusion: there is no person created by God who was created empty.
Most of the time, the problem is that we fix our eyes on other people’s gifts and assume that because we are not gifted in the same way, we have nothing valuable within us.
God is a Master Builder. He does not create emptiness.
There is absolutely nothing He created that can be called waste.
So when people look down on you because you are not tech-savvy, know fully well that you have your own seed of greatness within you, a seed that you must discover and develop yourself.
If you continue comparing yourself with others, you will never become great.
The fact that there is so much noise around the technology industry or the sports world does not mean those are the only paths to greatness.
While we were growing up, the only acceptable route was education. If you were not academically gifted, it was assumed that you would never amount to anything in life.
I remember that my half-sister was very good at hockey while we were growing up, but academically she struggled. At that time, hockey was relatively new in our country, and the team she played for was consistently winning competitions. She brought many medals home, yet there was little or no encouragement.
The most senior person in the family was a medical doctor, so that became the standard by which the rest of us were measured.
Today, however, parents encourage their children to pursue sports and even the entertainment industry.
In our days, you could not even secretly dream of entering the entertainment industry. You would immediately be labelled lazy, irresponsible, or worse.
But look at what is happening now.
Many people in sports and entertainment are wealthier and more financially comfortable than doctors.
What am I driving at?
No man’s failure is God’s fault.
Romans 10:12 says:
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
In fact, He makes His rain fall on both the good and the evil (Matthew 5:45).
The failure of a nation has nothing to do with God. It is not because God lacks power.
Likewise, your situation has nothing to do with a lack of power on God’s side or because He is partial.
You have everything at your disposal to become great, to reach your peak, and to be above only.
So why are you still where you are?
Why are you still in bondage to sin, addiction, and every form of limitation?
Even if the economy is bad, which I do not necessarily believe, why are others prospering while you remain stagnant?
Friend, search yourself.
Are you not the cause of your predicament?
Have you ever sat down to examine whether the path you are treading is the source of your problem?
Do you even know your designed path?
Do you know what you were made for and what your assignment is here on earth?
What is your purpose?
It is often said that when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.
Are you where you are supposed to be?
God told Elijah to go to Brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:2-6).
Imagine if Elijah had chosen to stay somewhere else or gone to Brook Kidron instead of Brook Cherith. He would have died of hunger because of the famine in the land.
What are you doing with the vast resources of God’s Word that have been made available to you?
It is the same Word that you are hearing that others are hearing as well, yet their profiting is evident to all while you continue complaining that God is partial.
You say the pastor is partial because you do not give gifts.
You say church leaders are partial because you do not sow seeds.
You say your nation’s leaders are wicked and heartless.
You say the weather, the people, the economy, and everything around you are against you.
Wake up!
Can you not see others prospering in the same country, under the same conditions, and in the same environment?
You keep complaining that your father abandoned you and your mother when you were young.
Are you the only one who has been abandoned?
Do a little research and discover how many successful people were abandoned by one or even both parents and still rose above their circumstances.
You have no excuse.
The bitter leaf has no excuse either, yet look at what it accomplishes in human life.
Despite its bitterness, it is highly prized in culinary and traditional practices. It is packed with health-boosting antioxidants.
It does not dwell on what appears negative.
Do you know that after tasting bitter leaf, your mouth often becomes sweet when you drink water?
The bitter leaf can combine both bitterness and sweetness. Can sugarcane do that?
It has numerous benefits. It helps with blood sugar regulation, acts as an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic, and is rich in nutrients.
Listen, you do not know what you carry until you draw closer to your Maker.
In fact, you may possess much more than those you are envying.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
The earlier you realize this, the better for you.
God is not partial.
There is no unrighteousness with God.
If there is mismanagement of resources in your nation, that is not God’s fault. He provided the resources.
You voted for your leaders. That responsibility belongs to man, not God.
If you are not growing as a believer, that is not God’s fault.
He gave the five-fold ministry to the Church to help you grow.
He gave you His Word.
He even gave you the Holy Spirit, your Helper, who teaches you all things if you allow Him.
He will not force Himself on you.
You choose the path you follow. Therefore, you cannot blame God for the results.
We discussed this extensively at the inception of this blog. It will benefit you to go back and study it again.
Every one of your actions and inactions is a seed, and there will certainly be a harvest.
Therefore, examine yourself carefully before blaming God for what is happening around you.
Is there any area of your life that is lacking?
Then go to the Almighty.
He can supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), as long as it is for His glory.
Stop blaming God for your misfortunes.
You are the architect of many of the decisions that shape your life.
It is well.
GOD IS LOVE
The Bible describes God as love, not merely that He loves, but that He is love. His acts and movements are completely a reflection of love. It is important for us to understand the true meaning of love.
The Hebrew word translated as love is Ahavah. However, in Greek, the word love is broken down into different categories to reflect the true meaning of the various emotions and affections that make up what we generally call love. Because of these categories, we are able to understand the word better.
While growing up, and even in my adult life, I found it very difficult to understand when someone told me, “I love you.” Most times, my understanding of love was different from theirs. To me, I should be able to see my understanding of love reflected in your behaviour and not merely in your words.
When I gave my life to Christ, I began to encounter many teachings and revelations from the Word of God. I came to understand that the word love has many meanings, and it is very possible to misunderstand it.
The Greek language has different words to describe the various feelings and affections that are simply termed love. This has greatly helped me in understanding the phrase, “God is love.”
God’s kind of love is described as Agape. This is unconditional love. It is selfless—amazing. This love does not require anything in return.
In all my adult life, which spans about four decades, I have never come across anyone who declares love to you without expecting something in return. This happened to be the first problem I faced when I was told that God loves me unconditionally. Is that even possible?
I am always very suspicious when someone declares undying love to me because I have been hurt so many times and have concluded that nothing comes for nothing. So, as soon as you approach me, I have already built a barrier until I know what you want in return, so that if I can afford it, I may agree. But if you keep telling me, “I just love you and expect nothing in return,” I assume you are lying.
But Agape, God’s kind of love, is different. It represents charity and empathy. It is the highest and most intentional form of love. It seeks the best for others without expecting anything in return.
It is a love that would give His only Son without having the assurance that the object of such love and sacrifice would accept Him. It is as though He made Himself vulnerable. What if…? This is beyond human comprehension.
He was not afraid that the sacrifice of His only Son might be in vain, yet He gave His only begotten Son.
1 John 4:7-11
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”
Brethren, is it possible to express this kind of love to others? Can you express this kind of unconditional love like God’s own?
You may be a minister in the five-fold ministry or simply a believer. Can you love without expecting anything in return?
God’s love is a love that gives. Pure and unconditional love will always give because it desires the best for the other person. It gives with no conditions attached. It continues to give and give. It cannot withhold any good thing from the object of its love.
If He knows that what you are asking for will lead to your destruction, He will not give it to you, not because He cannot, but because He loves you too much to give you something that will destroy you.
If you, as an earthly father, would not allow your five-year-old child to drive, even though you can afford to buy twenty cars for him, because you know he is not mature enough to handle it, how then do you think your Heavenly Father, who loves you unconditionally, would give you something that could lead to your destruction?
Most times, we ask for things we are not mature enough to handle, and when we are denied them, we believe that God does not love us.
Friend, grow into maturity.
He who spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all, do you think He will withhold anything good from us? (Romans 8:32).
It is this same love that causes Him to continue forgiving sinners, hoping that one day they will realise their ways and turn to Him, whereas we often count it as weakness or ineffectiveness on His part (2 Peter 3:9).
However, when the fullness of His wrath is kindled, there is none who can deliver from His hand.
Sometimes He corrects, chastises, and disciplines. All these are done in love because He desires the best for His children.
He is ever jealous over the object of His love. He will never allow anyone to do them evil.
There is a name we call God in my dialect. It means that when God fights on your behalf, even you will be afraid.
He is a consuming fire, and He will consume everything in His path if it has to do with rescuing His beloved. He will leave no stone unturned.
You see, God deals with us individually. He has no grandchildren.
So even if it is your own children who join forces with the enemy against you, God will avenge without regard for their relationship to you.
God loves completely and fiercely. When it comes to the enemies of His beloved, He is ruthless. He deals with them without pity or compassion.
It is a fearful thing to fall into His hands.
I pray that we will never experience the severity and pitiless hand of God.
No man can love like Him.
Sometimes, when you see God’s love being displayed, it almost appears as though He is vulnerable as He continues to pursue an ordinary man who refuses His love. He does everything, yet the man refuses to acknowledge Him.
Now let us briefly look at other expressions of the word translated as love:
1. Eros
This is passionate and romantic love. It comprises physical desire, infatuation, and intense romantic attraction. As soon as the object of attraction is no longer present, the love often flies out of the window. It depends on give and take. There are usually conditions to be fulfilled.
2. Philia
This is deep affectionate friendship. It is neither sexual nor romantic in nature. It is a bond of mutual respect, loyalty, and deep companionship shared between trusted equals. It reminds me of the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible.
3. Storge
This is familial love, the natural, protective affection and familiarity that organically develops between family members. It is not sexual or romantic either. However, we see many aberrations today, for which the judgment of God has been promised.
4. Pragma
This is a mature, committed love built on duty, compromise, and shared goals that sustains long-term relationships. Commitment is expected from both parties. Therefore, if one party fails, the so-called love may degenerate.
5. Philautia
This is self-love, the love of oneself without consideration for others. “What is in it for me?” If it is not all about me, then it is not going to work.
Dearly beloved, your knowledge of these different expressions of love will save you from deep disillusionment and heartbreak. You will know what to expect and what is expected of you, enabling you to make informed decisions.
I used to expect unconditional love even from family members and was greatly disappointed. However, now that I understand that Storge can be conditional in practice, I have learned to let go of disappointment arising from family members.
God is calling you today to come and enjoy His unconditional love.
Are you going to refuse His offer again, my friend?
The Hebrew word translated as love is Ahavah. However, in Greek, the word love is broken down into different categories to reflect the true meaning of the various emotions and affections that make up what we generally call love. Because of these categories, we are able to understand the word better.
While growing up, and even in my adult life, I found it very difficult to understand when someone told me, “I love you.” Most times, my understanding of love was different from theirs. To me, I should be able to see my understanding of love reflected in your behaviour and not merely in your words.
When I gave my life to Christ, I began to encounter many teachings and revelations from the Word of God. I came to understand that the word love has many meanings, and it is very possible to misunderstand it.
The Greek language has different words to describe the various feelings and affections that are simply termed love. This has greatly helped me in understanding the phrase, “God is love.”
God’s kind of love is described as Agape. This is unconditional love. It is selfless—amazing. This love does not require anything in return.
In all my adult life, which spans about four decades, I have never come across anyone who declares love to you without expecting something in return. This happened to be the first problem I faced when I was told that God loves me unconditionally. Is that even possible?
I am always very suspicious when someone declares undying love to me because I have been hurt so many times and have concluded that nothing comes for nothing. So, as soon as you approach me, I have already built a barrier until I know what you want in return, so that if I can afford it, I may agree. But if you keep telling me, “I just love you and expect nothing in return,” I assume you are lying.
But Agape, God’s kind of love, is different. It represents charity and empathy. It is the highest and most intentional form of love. It seeks the best for others without expecting anything in return.
It is a love that would give His only Son without having the assurance that the object of such love and sacrifice would accept Him. It is as though He made Himself vulnerable. What if…? This is beyond human comprehension.
He was not afraid that the sacrifice of His only Son might be in vain, yet He gave His only begotten Son.
1 John 4:7-11
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”
Brethren, is it possible to express this kind of love to others? Can you express this kind of unconditional love like God’s own?
You may be a minister in the five-fold ministry or simply a believer. Can you love without expecting anything in return?
God’s love is a love that gives. Pure and unconditional love will always give because it desires the best for the other person. It gives with no conditions attached. It continues to give and give. It cannot withhold any good thing from the object of its love.
If He knows that what you are asking for will lead to your destruction, He will not give it to you, not because He cannot, but because He loves you too much to give you something that will destroy you.
If you, as an earthly father, would not allow your five-year-old child to drive, even though you can afford to buy twenty cars for him, because you know he is not mature enough to handle it, how then do you think your Heavenly Father, who loves you unconditionally, would give you something that could lead to your destruction?
Most times, we ask for things we are not mature enough to handle, and when we are denied them, we believe that God does not love us.
Friend, grow into maturity.
He who spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all, do you think He will withhold anything good from us? (Romans 8:32).
It is this same love that causes Him to continue forgiving sinners, hoping that one day they will realise their ways and turn to Him, whereas we often count it as weakness or ineffectiveness on His part (2 Peter 3:9).
However, when the fullness of His wrath is kindled, there is none who can deliver from His hand.
Sometimes He corrects, chastises, and disciplines. All these are done in love because He desires the best for His children.
He is ever jealous over the object of His love. He will never allow anyone to do them evil.
There is a name we call God in my dialect. It means that when God fights on your behalf, even you will be afraid.
He is a consuming fire, and He will consume everything in His path if it has to do with rescuing His beloved. He will leave no stone unturned.
You see, God deals with us individually. He has no grandchildren.
So even if it is your own children who join forces with the enemy against you, God will avenge without regard for their relationship to you.
God loves completely and fiercely. When it comes to the enemies of His beloved, He is ruthless. He deals with them without pity or compassion.
It is a fearful thing to fall into His hands.
I pray that we will never experience the severity and pitiless hand of God.
No man can love like Him.
Sometimes, when you see God’s love being displayed, it almost appears as though He is vulnerable as He continues to pursue an ordinary man who refuses His love. He does everything, yet the man refuses to acknowledge Him.
Now let us briefly look at other expressions of the word translated as love:
1. Eros
This is passionate and romantic love. It comprises physical desire, infatuation, and intense romantic attraction. As soon as the object of attraction is no longer present, the love often flies out of the window. It depends on give and take. There are usually conditions to be fulfilled.
2. Philia
This is deep affectionate friendship. It is neither sexual nor romantic in nature. It is a bond of mutual respect, loyalty, and deep companionship shared between trusted equals. It reminds me of the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible.
3. Storge
This is familial love, the natural, protective affection and familiarity that organically develops between family members. It is not sexual or romantic either. However, we see many aberrations today, for which the judgment of God has been promised.
4. Pragma
This is a mature, committed love built on duty, compromise, and shared goals that sustains long-term relationships. Commitment is expected from both parties. Therefore, if one party fails, the so-called love may degenerate.
5. Philautia
This is self-love, the love of oneself without consideration for others. “What is in it for me?” If it is not all about me, then it is not going to work.
Dearly beloved, your knowledge of these different expressions of love will save you from deep disillusionment and heartbreak. You will know what to expect and what is expected of you, enabling you to make informed decisions.
I used to expect unconditional love even from family members and was greatly disappointed. However, now that I understand that Storge can be conditional in practice, I have learned to let go of disappointment arising from family members.
God is calling you today to come and enjoy His unconditional love.
Are you going to refuse His offer again, my friend?
HE HOLDS ALL THE POWER
There has always been a belief by some people, based on certain passages in the Bible and their understanding of those passages, that God has power only in heaven because He Himself gave power over the earth to the children of men. Let us go to the beginning. In Genesis 1:26-30:
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
God indeed gave dominion over all He had created to man. It is based on this that some believe God has no control or power over the earth. (Notice that God did not give dominion to man over fellow man.) It was this control that the devil, through the serpent, deceived man into surrendering, and the control was wrestled from man. That was why Satan was bold enough to tell Jesus that if He would bow down and worship him, he would give Jesus all. Matthew 4:8-9.
Thanks be to God, Jesus eventually defeated the devil and wrestled the control of the earth back for man. One of the reasons why He had to come as man. Even though there was really no time when man had absolute control of the earth, yet Jesus established the fact that the power given by man to the devil had been taken back by another of the human race. It was given to him by the first Adam, but the last Adam took it back.
We need to know that there is no way the spirit world can operate on earth without the consent or cooperation of man, the original power holder over the earth. So you can see the devil fighting ceaselessly to get at least one man on earth through whom his plan and purpose to kill, steal, and destroy can be achieved.
But in spite of all his efforts, God is still the One with absolute power over heaven and earth. He established the laws and decrees that govern the earth. You have heard that all thrones and dominions are established by Him, and He has the power to remove one and put another in place. No matter how powerful a man is, God can pull him down and raise another in his place. He is the giver of the breath of life in man’s nostrils, and He alone can withdraw it at any time He pleases.
Though men in power will want you to believe that they can do and undo, and sometimes it feels as if they are prospering, a day will come when their atrocities are full, and the Almighty will arise and deal with them. For reference, ask Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, and others like them. God used Nebuchadnezzar mightily and gave him so much power, but as soon as he got to a level where he believed his achievements were by his own power, the Owner of the power humbled him. For seven years he became like an animal, eating grass and living in the wild.
There were many other people whom God used mightily in biblical times, and I am sure many are still being used right now. However, the day they begin to believe they have all the power or that they can do and undo, that is when their downfall begins.
We must understand our place as human beings and the purpose of our creation. Study the Bible and you will hear of Pharaoh, Cyrus the Great (whose birth was prophesied about 150 years before he was born), called God’s anointed, and others like him. You must settle this one fact: all thrones, dominions, and powers are established by God, and He alone has absolute power and control over all.
The people we see as mighty today, when their time ends, the Almighty will put others in their place. No human being lasts forever. No matter how long you spend on earth, ask Methuselah, who lived for over nine hundred years, he eventually died.
So what are we driving at here? The One who is in absolute control, who put them there and can remove them at any time, gave you, and is still giving you, the way of escape. You have the Spiritual Intelligence (SI) needed to live successfully here on earth, how to escape evil, and how to be victorious, yet you still refuse to make use of all these resources.
You cannot continue to disregard His commands and nudges and then complain when evil prospers in your life. The extent to which you obey Him is the extent to which you will be delivered from the calamity that overruns the world.
Today, you can decide to obey His commands or continue to wallow in problems. You can decide to draw closer to Him because He alone has all the intelligence you need to be at the top of your career, ministry, or vision, or you can continue to complain and join others in blaming God for all the calamities in the world.
You can continue to live like an orphan without hope when you have access to the most Powerful and Influential Creator. A lot of us believe that if we were related to any of the names on the Forbes list of the richest men on earth, our lives would be far better. My friend, you are mistaken. The fact that you are related to them does not mean they can help you, except the Mighty One directs them to do so.
The One whose favor you need to seek is the Almighty God, whose word stands forever. David confirmed this in Psalms 37:35-37:
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Psalms 62:11- God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
You Will Succeed.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
God indeed gave dominion over all He had created to man. It is based on this that some believe God has no control or power over the earth. (Notice that God did not give dominion to man over fellow man.) It was this control that the devil, through the serpent, deceived man into surrendering, and the control was wrestled from man. That was why Satan was bold enough to tell Jesus that if He would bow down and worship him, he would give Jesus all. Matthew 4:8-9.
Thanks be to God, Jesus eventually defeated the devil and wrestled the control of the earth back for man. One of the reasons why He had to come as man. Even though there was really no time when man had absolute control of the earth, yet Jesus established the fact that the power given by man to the devil had been taken back by another of the human race. It was given to him by the first Adam, but the last Adam took it back.
We need to know that there is no way the spirit world can operate on earth without the consent or cooperation of man, the original power holder over the earth. So you can see the devil fighting ceaselessly to get at least one man on earth through whom his plan and purpose to kill, steal, and destroy can be achieved.
But in spite of all his efforts, God is still the One with absolute power over heaven and earth. He established the laws and decrees that govern the earth. You have heard that all thrones and dominions are established by Him, and He has the power to remove one and put another in place. No matter how powerful a man is, God can pull him down and raise another in his place. He is the giver of the breath of life in man’s nostrils, and He alone can withdraw it at any time He pleases.
Though men in power will want you to believe that they can do and undo, and sometimes it feels as if they are prospering, a day will come when their atrocities are full, and the Almighty will arise and deal with them. For reference, ask Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, and others like them. God used Nebuchadnezzar mightily and gave him so much power, but as soon as he got to a level where he believed his achievements were by his own power, the Owner of the power humbled him. For seven years he became like an animal, eating grass and living in the wild.
There were many other people whom God used mightily in biblical times, and I am sure many are still being used right now. However, the day they begin to believe they have all the power or that they can do and undo, that is when their downfall begins.
We must understand our place as human beings and the purpose of our creation. Study the Bible and you will hear of Pharaoh, Cyrus the Great (whose birth was prophesied about 150 years before he was born), called God’s anointed, and others like him. You must settle this one fact: all thrones, dominions, and powers are established by God, and He alone has absolute power and control over all.
The people we see as mighty today, when their time ends, the Almighty will put others in their place. No human being lasts forever. No matter how long you spend on earth, ask Methuselah, who lived for over nine hundred years, he eventually died.
So what are we driving at here? The One who is in absolute control, who put them there and can remove them at any time, gave you, and is still giving you, the way of escape. You have the Spiritual Intelligence (SI) needed to live successfully here on earth, how to escape evil, and how to be victorious, yet you still refuse to make use of all these resources.
You cannot continue to disregard His commands and nudges and then complain when evil prospers in your life. The extent to which you obey Him is the extent to which you will be delivered from the calamity that overruns the world.
Today, you can decide to obey His commands or continue to wallow in problems. You can decide to draw closer to Him because He alone has all the intelligence you need to be at the top of your career, ministry, or vision, or you can continue to complain and join others in blaming God for all the calamities in the world.
You can continue to live like an orphan without hope when you have access to the most Powerful and Influential Creator. A lot of us believe that if we were related to any of the names on the Forbes list of the richest men on earth, our lives would be far better. My friend, you are mistaken. The fact that you are related to them does not mean they can help you, except the Mighty One directs them to do so.
The One whose favor you need to seek is the Almighty God, whose word stands forever. David confirmed this in Psalms 37:35-37:
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Psalms 62:11- God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
You Will Succeed.
GOD IS NEVER WEARY
The book of Isaiah chapter 40 says a lot about God’s power and manifestations. I have often heard people say that if indeed there is a God who is as powerful as Christians claim, why then is evil everywhere? Why are innocent children killed? Why are there so many illnesses and diseases? Why do bad people prosper while the so-called righteous keep getting poorer and poorer? Why are there disasters all over the world?
If there is a God, why can’t He destroy the wicked so that wickedness will end? What kind of God will see a two-year-old child, or even younger, raped to death by an adult and not instantly strike such a person dead? What type of powerful God will watch leaders of nations live lavishly on resources meant for the whole nation while malnutrition and diseases kill the younger population? What God will see so-called pastors and religious leaders desecrate the altar, rape young girls and boys, sleep with married women, and not strike them down instantly as we read about Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible?
So many questions begging for answers, and because the answers are not forthcoming, many people have concluded that there is no God, or that He is powerless and unable to control the universe and the people He created. Some have even concluded that there is nothing like a Creator at all, that everything just came into existence on its own.
This morning, I can clearly tell you without mincing words that I do not have answers to all the numerous questions you are asking. I am not going to deny the realities you have outlined. But one thing I will tell you loud and clear is what I know about my own GOD, the ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is therein.
You see, we know there is a God who is in control of all things. The extent to which you allow Him into your life is the extent to which you will experience His power and awesomeness. I have experienced God so much that no one can convince me that He is not the Almighty or that He is not in control. Isaiah 9:6. This my God can do all things, and whatsoever He does shall be forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). When God works, it is perfect; there is nothing you can add to it or take away from it.
Sometimes our problem is the way we see things. The way God sees things is far, far different from the way we see them, and therefore the way we expect Him to respond is different from the way He actually responds. In such situations, people conclude that God is not powerful. But because He sees all things and knows all things, the way He moves will definitely differ from the reaction of a man who cannot see beyond his nose and does not know what lies ahead.
Because God is the Almighty, He never faints. He is not lacking in strength. He is not weak. He is not inclined to fail. He is never lacking in courage, spirit, or energy. There are countless adjectives to qualify God, yet none can fully describe Him. You cannot search out His power. Intelligence agencies tell you to study your enemy, both strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to attack. But if you try searching for God’s weakness, you will die searching because it does not exist. There is no record of it, and you cannot find it out.
God is always at hand and afar off (Jeremiah 23:23). You cannot confine Him to one place. He is omnipresent, everywhere at the same time. Always available, always ready, always willing. If you sincerely call upon Him, He will answer you. But if your plan is only to use Him to satisfy your selfish desires, He will not answer you. That is why many continue doubting His existence and power.
He is the true God, the living God, and there is none that can be compared unto Him (Jeremiah 10:10). However, He is not a God of groups. He does not have grandchildren. He is a God who relates on an individual basis. There is a limit to how far your parents’ relationship with God can carry you. Your relationship with Him must be personal.
The fact that He said in Psalms 91:7–8: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…” does not automatically apply to you because you attend church or sing in the choir. What relationship do you truly have with Him? Is your whole life under His control, or only part of it? What is your first point of call when challenges arise or when you need to make decisions? At what level have you placed His Word in your life? Do you only call upon Him when all else has failed?
If you place me, an ordinary human being without any special power, behind others and expect me to always be at your beck and call, you will waste your time because I will not respond to you, even if I had the power to help. God will not share His glory with anyone. He would rather stay out if He sees that you still have other gods or alternatives you trust in. You cannot mix God with anything else and expect Him to answer you. You cannot serve God and mammon.
If you will completely trust in Him and hold on to Him, He is ready to be with you always (Matthew 1:23). There is absolutely nothing impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).
You need to understand that He sees all things and can reveal secrets to you. He can direct you to take a route that seems farther away from your destination because He sees the obstacles and traps hidden in the path that appears right to you (Daniel 2:28).
So before you join others in condemning God or saying there is no God or that He is not love, why not give Him a chance? Why not approach Him today and give Him your whole heart, then observe whether He will not manifest His power in your life? You have no right to condemn Him when you have not truly tried Him. You have no moral justification to criticize or denounce God when you have not allowed Him the opportunity to reveal Himself to you.
It is well.
If there is a God, why can’t He destroy the wicked so that wickedness will end? What kind of God will see a two-year-old child, or even younger, raped to death by an adult and not instantly strike such a person dead? What type of powerful God will watch leaders of nations live lavishly on resources meant for the whole nation while malnutrition and diseases kill the younger population? What God will see so-called pastors and religious leaders desecrate the altar, rape young girls and boys, sleep with married women, and not strike them down instantly as we read about Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible?
So many questions begging for answers, and because the answers are not forthcoming, many people have concluded that there is no God, or that He is powerless and unable to control the universe and the people He created. Some have even concluded that there is nothing like a Creator at all, that everything just came into existence on its own.
This morning, I can clearly tell you without mincing words that I do not have answers to all the numerous questions you are asking. I am not going to deny the realities you have outlined. But one thing I will tell you loud and clear is what I know about my own GOD, the ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is therein.
You see, we know there is a God who is in control of all things. The extent to which you allow Him into your life is the extent to which you will experience His power and awesomeness. I have experienced God so much that no one can convince me that He is not the Almighty or that He is not in control. Isaiah 9:6. This my God can do all things, and whatsoever He does shall be forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). When God works, it is perfect; there is nothing you can add to it or take away from it.
Sometimes our problem is the way we see things. The way God sees things is far, far different from the way we see them, and therefore the way we expect Him to respond is different from the way He actually responds. In such situations, people conclude that God is not powerful. But because He sees all things and knows all things, the way He moves will definitely differ from the reaction of a man who cannot see beyond his nose and does not know what lies ahead.
Because God is the Almighty, He never faints. He is not lacking in strength. He is not weak. He is not inclined to fail. He is never lacking in courage, spirit, or energy. There are countless adjectives to qualify God, yet none can fully describe Him. You cannot search out His power. Intelligence agencies tell you to study your enemy, both strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to attack. But if you try searching for God’s weakness, you will die searching because it does not exist. There is no record of it, and you cannot find it out.
God is always at hand and afar off (Jeremiah 23:23). You cannot confine Him to one place. He is omnipresent, everywhere at the same time. Always available, always ready, always willing. If you sincerely call upon Him, He will answer you. But if your plan is only to use Him to satisfy your selfish desires, He will not answer you. That is why many continue doubting His existence and power.
He is the true God, the living God, and there is none that can be compared unto Him (Jeremiah 10:10). However, He is not a God of groups. He does not have grandchildren. He is a God who relates on an individual basis. There is a limit to how far your parents’ relationship with God can carry you. Your relationship with Him must be personal.
The fact that He said in Psalms 91:7–8: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…” does not automatically apply to you because you attend church or sing in the choir. What relationship do you truly have with Him? Is your whole life under His control, or only part of it? What is your first point of call when challenges arise or when you need to make decisions? At what level have you placed His Word in your life? Do you only call upon Him when all else has failed?
If you place me, an ordinary human being without any special power, behind others and expect me to always be at your beck and call, you will waste your time because I will not respond to you, even if I had the power to help. God will not share His glory with anyone. He would rather stay out if He sees that you still have other gods or alternatives you trust in. You cannot mix God with anything else and expect Him to answer you. You cannot serve God and mammon.
If you will completely trust in Him and hold on to Him, He is ready to be with you always (Matthew 1:23). There is absolutely nothing impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).
You need to understand that He sees all things and can reveal secrets to you. He can direct you to take a route that seems farther away from your destination because He sees the obstacles and traps hidden in the path that appears right to you (Daniel 2:28).
So before you join others in condemning God or saying there is no God or that He is not love, why not give Him a chance? Why not approach Him today and give Him your whole heart, then observe whether He will not manifest His power in your life? You have no right to condemn Him when you have not truly tried Him. You have no moral justification to criticize or denounce God when you have not allowed Him the opportunity to reveal Himself to you.
It is well.
GOD, THE HELPER
God helps man in diverse ways. He is the Almighty, and we will be missing out if we box God into one single mold. God can send help through men, through angels, and He can also help man by Himself. Sometimes, when you look at God’s move, you know that this can only be the finger or hand of the Almighty Himself.
2 Chronicles 20:1–30 is a long read, but I want us to go through it with understanding:
“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them others beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle…”
The whole passage tells us how a great multitude came against Judah, and Jehoshaphat feared. But instead of panicking, he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They gathered together to ask help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat acknowledged before God that they had no might against the great company that had come against them, neither did they know what to do, but their eyes were upon Him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who declared: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
God instructed them to go out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. They were only to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
What army going to war will send forth a worship band before the men of war? What strategy could make armies from different nations gathered together against one country turn against themselves and begin to destroy one another until all of them were completely wiped out? And how is it possible that without one arrow being shot or one bullet being fired, great spoils were taken? That is God for you.
In different passages of the Bible, we hear that the people who have God’s help are happy. And whenever this is mentioned, what follows is usually a display of His power (Deuteronomy 33:29). God will not cast away the righteous, neither will He help the evildoer. So if evil seems to prosper against good, then something is definitely wrong. It is certainly not because God lacks power or ability.
God will always hear the righteous in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1–4). He will help and strengthen them in times of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked (Psalms 37:39–40; Psalms 46:1–5). When you trust in God’s help, you will not be moved. He will keep you in every circumstance.
So with all the power and might of the Almighty God behind us, why then do we still fail? Why is it that the enemy continually rejoices over us? Why does the rod of the wicked seem to rest upon the lot of the righteous? There are many reasons for this:
* Lack of knowledge.
Knowledge brings illumination. No matter how powerful you are, if you are devoid of knowledge, the enemy will continue to toss you to and fro. Are you aware that there is absolutely nothing God cannot do? Do you know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him? Are you aware that sin and unrighteousness are a reproach, and the devil will continue to accuse you before God? You cannot expect a Holy God to avenge you when your hands are soiled. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Are you aware that he who is not merciful will not receive mercy? Are you aware that God does not reward mediocrity? God expects you to rise above reproach so that when He blesses you, the accuser will have nothing to accuse you of.
* Putting God in a box.
A lot of us have the idea that God must work in a particular way. He can give you ideas, wisdom, and open your eyes to opportunities where others see only difficulties and challenges. He does not always work in one pattern. You miss out on a lot when you insist that this is the only way He should do things. Some of us pray believing that God will use that rich uncle to give us a large sum of money for the business we want to start, whereas God wants to give you an idea that will take you beyond your nation and establish you globally.
* Mismanagement.
God is a shrewd businessman and does not condone mismanagement. How are you handling what He has deposited into your hands? You desire to move higher and want Him to help you, but how faithful are you with what you have now? How faithful are you in another man’s business entrusted into your care? The Bible says in Luke 16:10–12:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
If you have not been faithful with little, why should greater things be committed into your hands?
* Lack of sensitivity.
Most times, the children of God are not sensitive to God’s moves. Sometimes you see the burning bush that is not consumed. Sometimes God sends thunderings and lightnings, but these are only to get your attention. If care is not taken, you may misinterpret these things, and when the still small voice comes, you fail to hear the necessary direction. Sometimes you are so frightened by the thunderings and lightnings that you run away like the children of Israel at the mount. Yet many times, the solution you need is wrapped up in what you see as challenges or problems. The burning bush, the thunder, the lightning, and the shaking are only to attract your attention. Wait. Where are you running to? Be patient. Habakkuk 2:1–3 says:
“I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me…”
Not only will you receive the answer, but you will also receive the strategy for success and the correct timing.
* Idolatry.
Sometimes we do not receive help from God because of idol worship. You may say you are not an idol worshipper because you do not bow to wood or stone, yet the shrine of pride is still embedded in your heart. Self struggles to dominate you and erects altars wherever it finds space. Children, especially favourite ones, can become idols in the lives of believers. In trying to avoid the excessive strictness of previous generations, many have moved to another extreme, spoiling their children beyond measure under the guise of “gentle parenting.” If care is not taken, such children may become a curse as Absalom was to David. God will not share His glory with any man or thing. Many worship money, beauty, influence, and countless other things. Yet God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him.
It is possible for you to trust in others rather than in your Maker. You may trust in your rich uncle, your father’s wealth and influence, your education, or your connections. But know this: those things would not even exist without God’s help. The arm of flesh shall surely fail you (2 Chronicles 32:8). Human help is vain (Psalm 60:11; Psalms 107:11–12). When you put your trust in man, failure is inevitable. Isaiah 31:1–3 says:
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help… but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
God is always available when you call upon Him sincerely, but you must allow Him to have His way.
Shalom.
2 Chronicles 20:1–30 is a long read, but I want us to go through it with understanding:
“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them others beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle…”
The whole passage tells us how a great multitude came against Judah, and Jehoshaphat feared. But instead of panicking, he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They gathered together to ask help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat acknowledged before God that they had no might against the great company that had come against them, neither did they know what to do, but their eyes were upon Him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who declared: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
God instructed them to go out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. They were only to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
What army going to war will send forth a worship band before the men of war? What strategy could make armies from different nations gathered together against one country turn against themselves and begin to destroy one another until all of them were completely wiped out? And how is it possible that without one arrow being shot or one bullet being fired, great spoils were taken? That is God for you.
In different passages of the Bible, we hear that the people who have God’s help are happy. And whenever this is mentioned, what follows is usually a display of His power (Deuteronomy 33:29). God will not cast away the righteous, neither will He help the evildoer. So if evil seems to prosper against good, then something is definitely wrong. It is certainly not because God lacks power or ability.
God will always hear the righteous in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1–4). He will help and strengthen them in times of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked (Psalms 37:39–40; Psalms 46:1–5). When you trust in God’s help, you will not be moved. He will keep you in every circumstance.
So with all the power and might of the Almighty God behind us, why then do we still fail? Why is it that the enemy continually rejoices over us? Why does the rod of the wicked seem to rest upon the lot of the righteous? There are many reasons for this:
* Lack of knowledge.
Knowledge brings illumination. No matter how powerful you are, if you are devoid of knowledge, the enemy will continue to toss you to and fro. Are you aware that there is absolutely nothing God cannot do? Do you know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him? Are you aware that sin and unrighteousness are a reproach, and the devil will continue to accuse you before God? You cannot expect a Holy God to avenge you when your hands are soiled. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Are you aware that he who is not merciful will not receive mercy? Are you aware that God does not reward mediocrity? God expects you to rise above reproach so that when He blesses you, the accuser will have nothing to accuse you of.
* Putting God in a box.
A lot of us have the idea that God must work in a particular way. He can give you ideas, wisdom, and open your eyes to opportunities where others see only difficulties and challenges. He does not always work in one pattern. You miss out on a lot when you insist that this is the only way He should do things. Some of us pray believing that God will use that rich uncle to give us a large sum of money for the business we want to start, whereas God wants to give you an idea that will take you beyond your nation and establish you globally.
* Mismanagement.
God is a shrewd businessman and does not condone mismanagement. How are you handling what He has deposited into your hands? You desire to move higher and want Him to help you, but how faithful are you with what you have now? How faithful are you in another man’s business entrusted into your care? The Bible says in Luke 16:10–12:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
If you have not been faithful with little, why should greater things be committed into your hands?
* Lack of sensitivity.
Most times, the children of God are not sensitive to God’s moves. Sometimes you see the burning bush that is not consumed. Sometimes God sends thunderings and lightnings, but these are only to get your attention. If care is not taken, you may misinterpret these things, and when the still small voice comes, you fail to hear the necessary direction. Sometimes you are so frightened by the thunderings and lightnings that you run away like the children of Israel at the mount. Yet many times, the solution you need is wrapped up in what you see as challenges or problems. The burning bush, the thunder, the lightning, and the shaking are only to attract your attention. Wait. Where are you running to? Be patient. Habakkuk 2:1–3 says:
“I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me…”
Not only will you receive the answer, but you will also receive the strategy for success and the correct timing.
* Idolatry.
Sometimes we do not receive help from God because of idol worship. You may say you are not an idol worshipper because you do not bow to wood or stone, yet the shrine of pride is still embedded in your heart. Self struggles to dominate you and erects altars wherever it finds space. Children, especially favourite ones, can become idols in the lives of believers. In trying to avoid the excessive strictness of previous generations, many have moved to another extreme, spoiling their children beyond measure under the guise of “gentle parenting.” If care is not taken, such children may become a curse as Absalom was to David. God will not share His glory with any man or thing. Many worship money, beauty, influence, and countless other things. Yet God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him.
It is possible for you to trust in others rather than in your Maker. You may trust in your rich uncle, your father’s wealth and influence, your education, or your connections. But know this: those things would not even exist without God’s help. The arm of flesh shall surely fail you (2 Chronicles 32:8). Human help is vain (Psalm 60:11; Psalms 107:11–12). When you put your trust in man, failure is inevitable. Isaiah 31:1–3 says:
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help… but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
God is always available when you call upon Him sincerely, but you must allow Him to have His way.
Shalom.