Man here does not refer only to the male gender but to human beings, both male and female.
Have you noticed that some people display a lifestyle that makes others believe they have a special relationship with God? It seems they know God so much that He cannot refuse them anything, as if they are God’s favourites. You can say that, but not in the human understanding of it. God is good to all. He is rich in mercy to all who call upon His name. However, the difference between them and you is how deeply they have gone with God. Their relationship with God has gone so deep that God’s dealings with them are beyond human understanding.
There are some people who have gained God’s attention to the extent that the Almighty will not do anything around them without informing and involving them. The first example that readily comes to mind is Abraham. But I need you to know that there are people in our present world who are as close to God as Abraham, or even closer.
There are some people who, when a new season is coming to a people or a nation, have to herald that new season. They are like those who cut the ribbon at the opening of a place. They may not have to do anything else, but without their initial input, the labour of others may likely be in vain. Such people cannot be cast out, and you cannot fight them. You had better entreat God to give you favour with them. Sometimes, it is simply their knowing and blessing you that matters. You cannot hate such people or be indifferent to them. They have walked so deeply with God through thick and thin, and throughout it all, God has counted them faithful. He has counted it to them for righteousness.
Let’s look at the life of Abraham. In Genesis 11:26, we are told of Abraham’s birth. His father’s name was Terah, and he had brothers and sisters, just like you and me. He got married to Sarah, and they had no child, a family challenge.
In verse 31, Abraham migrated with his father and their household from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran, probably looking for greener pastures and a better life, like all of us.
In Genesis 12:1, we are told of his encounter with God and God’s command for him to separate from his father’s house. God also made several promises to him (verses 1–3). So, he obeyed God. He took his wife and his late brother’s son, Lot, with him. At that time, he was already 75 years old and still childless. However, they already had possessions, and based on God’s promises in Genesis 12:1–3, he must have thought, like all of us would, that the children would start coming because God had promised to make him a great nation.
By verse 10, the next thing that happened was famine in the land of obedience, a very grievous famine. A grievous famine is characterised by severe pain, suffering, sorrow, or very serious negative effects resulting from extreme, widespread food scarcity, leading to mass starvation, severe acute malnutrition, and a sharp increase in mortality.
This happened while Abraham was obeying God’s call. So, is it wrong to obey God? If it were today, we would automatically say that we had heard wrongly. But did God promise us a challenge-free life? Jesus told His disciples, and by extension, all of us, in John 16:33:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
My beloved, challenges and troubles are not peculiar to you alone. Do you know what tribulation means? It means a state or instance of great trouble, severe suffering, distress, or hardship.
So, we see Abraham going down to Egypt. A lot of drama happened in Egypt, and he was eventually sent out of Egypt. He received abundant favour and even acquired Hagar. He became very rich, and Lot also became rich. Eventually, he separated from Lot because of their abundance.
When it seemed that God’s promise was being delayed, Abraham listened to his wife, Sarah, and they took steps to help God bring His promise to pass. This resulted in issues that we have still not gotten over to this day.
By the time we get to Genesis 17, I believe Abraham had finally understood the God who called him. At this point, his name was changed to reflect the promise, and a fresh covenant was made.
In our journey towards becoming vessels of honour, there are many encounters, seasons, and periods of training. All these are meant to build a sound man of God—the man God can trust with weighty matters.
Be careful when challenges come. Never go down to Egypt. You may acquire material wealth, but there is always an Hagar waiting to attach herself to you. Her mission is to prolong your becoming, if not derail you completely. Know for certain that you will eventually have to do away with her, no matter how precious she may seem.
Finally, in Genesis 21, the promised heir was given. Abraham was 100 years old when he received Isaac, who had been promised to him when he was 75 years old.
A lot happened along the way. There were trials and tests, but eventually, the promise was fulfilled.
Now came the final test: Genesis 22:1–19. This time, there was no delay on Abraham’s part, no discussion with Sarah, and no unnecessary attachments. He obeyed God explicitly. He might not have understood, but he obeyed. A promise that had taken 25 years to fulfil, and then this! He had learned obedience. Remember that he had sent Hagar and Ishmael away, so Isaac was his only son with Sarah, yet he obeyed God.
Hebrews 11:17–19 says:
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Beloved, there are still many Abrahams in our own day. Indeed, they have passed through water and fire. They have earned their rightful place. They have paid their dues. They have their place in God’s scheme of things, and therefore, God is able to trust them with eternal assignments. God listens when they speak because He knows that their hearts beat after Him and His purpose.
When we look at them and see the awesome things happening in their lives and what God is doing through them, we tend to believe that there is some hidden thing.
Yes, they are human beings like us, and if we, too, are willing and ready to relate with God as they have done, there will be no hindrance to how far we can go with God.
But we are still in the infancy of our walk with God.
Some of us gave our lives to Christ when we could be considered adults, while others had the opportunity to do so when they were young. I gave my life to Jesus Christ at the age of 25, after I had my first child. No matter how old we are when we become saved, we can still become mighty vessels in His hands.
However, you cannot become a vessel of honour if:
* You have to be cajoled to pray.
* You only pray and fast when you have a need.
* You have to be begged and pushed to be concerned about the things of God.
* You refuse to build a vibrant altar because your desires have not been met.
* Your pastor or somebody else has to push you to become relevant in the house of your Father.
* The love for others is far from your heart, and you will only help those in your group or those who can help you in return.
* You give only when you are promised a reward.
* You are still arguing and bickering about 10% when God wants your all.
He will not take anything less.
Are you ready to give your all to Him?
SPEAK THE WORD
Confessions, both negative and positive, are so powerful.
Medical science has also confirmed that the words we speak have an effect on the human body and health. Words shape human health by influencing stress responses, emotional well-being, clinical diagnoses, and treatment.
The confession we are discussing today is not the confession of wrongdoing but the practice of speaking biblical promises, goals, or favourable outcomes to change your mindset, faith, and life circumstances.
Words are powerful, and depending on the power backing them, they are given life to perform. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Jesus Christ said in John 6:63:
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Here, Jesus, the Word incarnate, sheds light on our discussion. The word “quicken”means to put someone or something in a state of activity or vigour, to excite, or to rouse.
The words we speak have a spirit backing them, so there is no joking or treating them as mere humour.
Now, depending on the words spoken, there is power backing their fulfilment. That is why James said in James 3:5–6:
“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.”
But we also know that Matthew 12:34 says:
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Also, Luke 6:45 says:
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
So, it is not just opening your mouth that matters, but also what comes from your heart, being empowered by the Spirit. It is important to guard your heart.
Many Christians have made positive confessions on the spur of the moment or because somebody asked them to repeat after them. Such confessions, when they are not backed by a heartfelt relationship with the Word, will be of no effect.
Positive confessions are emboldened by your trust in and reliance on God and His power. He is faithful to His Word all the time.
However, negative confessions are backed by demonic power and have their stronghold in fear. Fear is an intense emotion triggered by the perception or anticipation of real or imagined danger, pain, or threat. The most common acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.
So, when you engage in negative speech, you are empowering dark forces to bring to pass what would ordinarily be false.
Remove negative words from your vocabulary and ensure they have no place in your heart. Words and expressions like “No,” “Never,” “Could not,” “Cannot,” “Not for people like me,” and so on, should have no place in your confession.
Fill your heart with the Word of God, which tells you of the possibilities available in Christ Jesus. You can do all things through Him as He gives you strength.
Speak words that build and not words that tear down.
It is well.
Medical science has also confirmed that the words we speak have an effect on the human body and health. Words shape human health by influencing stress responses, emotional well-being, clinical diagnoses, and treatment.
The confession we are discussing today is not the confession of wrongdoing but the practice of speaking biblical promises, goals, or favourable outcomes to change your mindset, faith, and life circumstances.
Words are powerful, and depending on the power backing them, they are given life to perform. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Jesus Christ said in John 6:63:
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Here, Jesus, the Word incarnate, sheds light on our discussion. The word “quicken”means to put someone or something in a state of activity or vigour, to excite, or to rouse.
The words we speak have a spirit backing them, so there is no joking or treating them as mere humour.
Now, depending on the words spoken, there is power backing their fulfilment. That is why James said in James 3:5–6:
“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.”
But we also know that Matthew 12:34 says:
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Also, Luke 6:45 says:
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
So, it is not just opening your mouth that matters, but also what comes from your heart, being empowered by the Spirit. It is important to guard your heart.
Many Christians have made positive confessions on the spur of the moment or because somebody asked them to repeat after them. Such confessions, when they are not backed by a heartfelt relationship with the Word, will be of no effect.
Positive confessions are emboldened by your trust in and reliance on God and His power. He is faithful to His Word all the time.
However, negative confessions are backed by demonic power and have their stronghold in fear. Fear is an intense emotion triggered by the perception or anticipation of real or imagined danger, pain, or threat. The most common acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.
So, when you engage in negative speech, you are empowering dark forces to bring to pass what would ordinarily be false.
Remove negative words from your vocabulary and ensure they have no place in your heart. Words and expressions like “No,” “Never,” “Could not,” “Cannot,” “Not for people like me,” and so on, should have no place in your confession.
Fill your heart with the Word of God, which tells you of the possibilities available in Christ Jesus. You can do all things through Him as He gives you strength.
Speak words that build and not words that tear down.
It is well.
PRAISE
Praise means expressing strong admiration, approval, or commendation for a person, an action, or an achievement, or showing honour and worship.
Biblical praise is the outward, active expression of honour, adoration, and gratitude directed towards God for who He is and what He has done.
There are some key words we need to consider in the definition above.
1. Outward, active expression
The Hebrew words translated as praise include:
(a) Halal which means to rave, boast, celebrate loudly, or show off God’s character with unrestrained joy.
(b) Yadah to revere, extend one’s hands, give thanks, or publicly confess God’s goodness.
(c) Tehillah a song or hymn of praise that flows from the heart, recognising God’s majesty.
From all the words above, there is definitely an outward expression. Praise is not meditated upon silently; you are expected to express it aloud.
2. Honour, Adoration, and Gratitude
Honour means assigning weight, value, or great importance to someone by treating them with deep respect and esteem rather than taking them lightly.
Adoration is deep love, profound reverence, and supreme worship directed exclusively to God.
Gratitude is a heart posture that recognises God as the ultimate source of all good things.
It is important for you to have a deep understanding of what it means to praise the LORD. It is expected that when you praise Him, you do so openly and with the right attitude, not out of compulsion or in an attempt to please anyone.
Our God is the Creator of all things, and He has control over all things, contrary to the belief that His control is limited to heaven. He is the Almighty and upholds everything by the word of His mouth.
Why should we praise God?
* God is to be praised because He made all things.
* He has control over all things.
* He is good.
* He is merciful.
* He provides for all.
* He alone is able to save completely.
* He is reliable and trustworthy.
* He forgives us our sins.
* He is great , Psalm 48:1.
* He is the Most High , Psalm 7:17.
* He is full of marvellous works, and there are so many other reasons to praise Him.
Benefits to us
* When we praise God, our focus is shifted from our worries, fears, struggles, and so on to God’s strength.
* There is a peace that we experience.
* The earth will yield for us. God’s blessings are released upon us as we focus on Him.
When we outwardly praise God, the whole world can identify us with Him, and God will not allow His name and person to be put to shame.
Psalm 33:1 says, “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.”
Comely means that something is fitting and appropriate. Praise is suitable; it is the natural, logical, and right response for all who have received His goodness. When you praise God, it is attractive and pleasing to the eyes. It is befitting and graceful for you as a righteous person.
Praise is not offered only when you have received things, but it should be a way of life.
Psalm 103 contains a catalogue of what God has done and what He is still doing in our lives. Take your own pen and paper and write down what He has done. Start with the fact that you slept last night and woke up today. Many did the same but never woke up again. It was not your alarm that woke you up. Their alarms also sounded, but they never woke up.
We praise God at all times, not only when we receive something from Him, but also for who He is. As humans, we are visibly limited. As it is often said, we cannot see beyond our noses. There are so many evils God has delivered us from and so many things He has done for us without our asking. We become ungrateful if we fail to appreciate Him.
The Psalmist said, “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.” Even the breath that you breathe is by His grace. Go to the hospital and see how people are being billed for the very oxygen you breathe freely.
Beloved, rise up and praise Him. It looks good on you.
Biblical praise is the outward, active expression of honour, adoration, and gratitude directed towards God for who He is and what He has done.
There are some key words we need to consider in the definition above.
1. Outward, active expression
The Hebrew words translated as praise include:
(a) Halal which means to rave, boast, celebrate loudly, or show off God’s character with unrestrained joy.
(b) Yadah to revere, extend one’s hands, give thanks, or publicly confess God’s goodness.
(c) Tehillah a song or hymn of praise that flows from the heart, recognising God’s majesty.
From all the words above, there is definitely an outward expression. Praise is not meditated upon silently; you are expected to express it aloud.
2. Honour, Adoration, and Gratitude
Honour means assigning weight, value, or great importance to someone by treating them with deep respect and esteem rather than taking them lightly.
Adoration is deep love, profound reverence, and supreme worship directed exclusively to God.
Gratitude is a heart posture that recognises God as the ultimate source of all good things.
It is important for you to have a deep understanding of what it means to praise the LORD. It is expected that when you praise Him, you do so openly and with the right attitude, not out of compulsion or in an attempt to please anyone.
Our God is the Creator of all things, and He has control over all things, contrary to the belief that His control is limited to heaven. He is the Almighty and upholds everything by the word of His mouth.
Why should we praise God?
* God is to be praised because He made all things.
* He has control over all things.
* He is good.
* He is merciful.
* He provides for all.
* He alone is able to save completely.
* He is reliable and trustworthy.
* He forgives us our sins.
* He is great , Psalm 48:1.
* He is the Most High , Psalm 7:17.
* He is full of marvellous works, and there are so many other reasons to praise Him.
Benefits to us
* When we praise God, our focus is shifted from our worries, fears, struggles, and so on to God’s strength.
* There is a peace that we experience.
* The earth will yield for us. God’s blessings are released upon us as we focus on Him.
When we outwardly praise God, the whole world can identify us with Him, and God will not allow His name and person to be put to shame.
Psalm 33:1 says, “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.”
Comely means that something is fitting and appropriate. Praise is suitable; it is the natural, logical, and right response for all who have received His goodness. When you praise God, it is attractive and pleasing to the eyes. It is befitting and graceful for you as a righteous person.
Praise is not offered only when you have received things, but it should be a way of life.
Psalm 103 contains a catalogue of what God has done and what He is still doing in our lives. Take your own pen and paper and write down what He has done. Start with the fact that you slept last night and woke up today. Many did the same but never woke up again. It was not your alarm that woke you up. Their alarms also sounded, but they never woke up.
We praise God at all times, not only when we receive something from Him, but also for who He is. As humans, we are visibly limited. As it is often said, we cannot see beyond our noses. There are so many evils God has delivered us from and so many things He has done for us without our asking. We become ungrateful if we fail to appreciate Him.
The Psalmist said, “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.” Even the breath that you breathe is by His grace. Go to the hospital and see how people are being billed for the very oxygen you breathe freely.
Beloved, rise up and praise Him. It looks good on you.
THE TIME OF THE NIGHT
When God created the heavens and the earth, as recorded in Genesis, the first thing He created after observing that darkness was upon the face of the deep was light (Genesis 1:3–5).
Night is the dark part of the 24-hour day when direct sunlight is absent. You must be aware that there are different time zones. It may be daytime in the USA while it is nighttime in Africa. As the earth rotates on its axis, it causes night and day by turning different parts of the planet towards and away from the sun. When the side of the earth where you are faces the sun, you receive sunlight, which is experienced as daytime. As the earth rotates and your location turns away from the sun, it falls into a shadow, and nighttime begins.
The characteristics of nighttime include darkness. Objects like the moon and stars become visible. Temperatures become lower because the ground and the air lose heat from the sun. Biologically, the sleep cycle is triggered in humans and animals, as darkness causes the brain to release melatonin, making the body feel tired. Nocturnal activities increase as certain animals wake up to hunt and forage in the dark. The duration of nighttime varies depending on your geographical location, latitude, and the time of the year.
The information above is mind-blowing when presented in line with biblical statements concerning nighttime. Now, let’s look at some passages of the Bible.
Job 36:20 tells us one thing that happens at night: *”Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.” Being “cut off” here does not necessarily refer to physical death.
The time of darkness is a time when you cannot see; therefore, you lack certainty. With light, you can see where you are and probably identify the paths available for you to take. But with darkness, this becomes impossible.
When you are in a spiritually dark place, you lack understanding and certainty in your decisions. Hence, you are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Because of the uncertainty and challenges that accompany darkness, fear comes in.
Psalm 91:5–6 says:
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
This is not just fear but terror, which is an intense, overwhelming, or extreme state of fear. Of course, you will definitely find yourself running helter-skelter in search of a solution and thereby falling into the trap of the enemy.
Fear is one of the offspring of darkness. The kingdom of darkness uses it a lot. Fear is a natural, unpleasant emotional response triggered by real, anticipated, or imagined danger, pain, or harm. Fear paralyses.
In Isaiah 41:10, the Bible says:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
The devil wants you to see imaginary danger at every point. When you are afraid, you cannot think or behave rightly. As a child of God, you are only permitted to fear God. The fear of God does not paralyse. It is a profound, holy awe, reverence, and humble respect for God’s supreme authority, majesty, and holiness (2 Timothy 1:7). The word fear appears so many times in the Bible, and we are admonished to FEAR NOT.
Verse 6 of Psalm 91 goes further to tell us that there is pestilence during this dark time. When you do not know where to go or what to do, you will definitely go the wrong way. In such a place, you may come into contact with contagious, virulent, and fatal epidemic diseases. These are not necessarily physical diseases. And because they spread, the possibility of infecting others close to you is very high—your spouse, children, family members, colleagues, etc.
The times of darkness are full of the works of darkness.
As stated earlier, nighttime is when some animals forage. When the heat derived from your fellowship with God and His Holy Spirit is reduced, what would not ordinarily be able to fasten itself to you now has the opportunity to do so because of your lukewarmness and lack of fire. Your life becomes their foraging ground. It is easy for Satan and his demons to sense your spiritual state.
Indeed, the time of darkness is a time of sleep, a time of weakness and tiredness. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Matthew 13:25 says:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”
Spiritual melatonin is being released every hour by the kingdom of darkness, looking for whoever will desire its dainty offerings.
It is nothing; it cannot hurt you. It is free. Others are doing it. You are not a child anymore. Your parents are too spiritual. You need to enjoy your life now that you are young. All men are polygamous by nature. One woman cannot satisfy a man. All married women have affairs. It is not a sin. Just taste it. You don’t have to do it; just follow us.
So many forms of spiritual melatonin are making the rounds. They have a purpose:
* To make your body feel tired.
* To reduce your desire to fight and remain spiritually on fire. How can you pray when you are tired?
Beloved, the works of darkness cannot be hidden forever. Whatever you engage in during this time will be made manifest, and there will be a reward. Be not deceived (Galatians 6:7). There will be a reward.
The Bible warns us in Ephesians 5:11:
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
The time of darkness is a time when all children of light should run away from darkness and do everything within their means to stay in the light.
The time of darkness is also a time that tests your ability to rely on God and His Word. The devil wants you to believe that God is not concerned about you or that He is far away from you. He will dangle a lot of things before your eyes and tell you that he can give you everything you want. His condition is simple: just go to sleep. From there, he will continue to administer melatonin until one day he demands that you bow to him and deny God.
WHAT, THEN, DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NOTICE THAT YOU ARE IN A DARK MOMENT?
1. Look for light.
Ideally, when you are in a dark room or cave, all you need to do is introduce light. Switch on the electric bulb if there is electricity. Switch on your torchlight. Light a candle. Just get some light!
Psalm 119:105 says:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Fill your spirit with the Word of God (see also Psalm 39:9, Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 58:8, Matthew 5:14–16, and 2 Corinthians 6:14).
Study the Word every day. Listen to messages from true servants of God. Attend gatherings of Bible-believing people. When you are filled with light, darkness has no place to hide.
2. Purpose to grow.
God’s nature in you is the will He has given you. Use it well. Determine to grow and seek God with all your heart. Invest in your growth. The devil is afraid of your growth. Keep growing. You cannot grow too much, and there is no end to learning.
3. Continue following Jesus.
John 8:12 says:
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Follow men who follow Christ. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1:
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Measure your life by the standard of God’s Word. Jesus is the Light (John 1:4–5). You cannot be fully immersed in light and still give darkness a place around you.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 says:
“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
4. Fight the good fight of faith.
Ephesians 6:12–13 says:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
You cannot afford to remain in darkness. That is where the powers of darkness reside.
1 John 1:5 says:
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
You cannot afford to sleep, for Matthew 13:25 says:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”
You cannot afford to be complacent.
Do not assume that you are perfect or that you are standing securely. As 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us:
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
There is a saying by Stephen Hawking that has really blessed me: “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance but illusion.”
An illusion is a false impression, a distorted perception, or a misleading image that does not correspond to objective reality.
It is well.
Night is the dark part of the 24-hour day when direct sunlight is absent. You must be aware that there are different time zones. It may be daytime in the USA while it is nighttime in Africa. As the earth rotates on its axis, it causes night and day by turning different parts of the planet towards and away from the sun. When the side of the earth where you are faces the sun, you receive sunlight, which is experienced as daytime. As the earth rotates and your location turns away from the sun, it falls into a shadow, and nighttime begins.
The characteristics of nighttime include darkness. Objects like the moon and stars become visible. Temperatures become lower because the ground and the air lose heat from the sun. Biologically, the sleep cycle is triggered in humans and animals, as darkness causes the brain to release melatonin, making the body feel tired. Nocturnal activities increase as certain animals wake up to hunt and forage in the dark. The duration of nighttime varies depending on your geographical location, latitude, and the time of the year.
The information above is mind-blowing when presented in line with biblical statements concerning nighttime. Now, let’s look at some passages of the Bible.
Job 36:20 tells us one thing that happens at night: *”Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.” Being “cut off” here does not necessarily refer to physical death.
The time of darkness is a time when you cannot see; therefore, you lack certainty. With light, you can see where you are and probably identify the paths available for you to take. But with darkness, this becomes impossible.
When you are in a spiritually dark place, you lack understanding and certainty in your decisions. Hence, you are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Because of the uncertainty and challenges that accompany darkness, fear comes in.
Psalm 91:5–6 says:
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
This is not just fear but terror, which is an intense, overwhelming, or extreme state of fear. Of course, you will definitely find yourself running helter-skelter in search of a solution and thereby falling into the trap of the enemy.
Fear is one of the offspring of darkness. The kingdom of darkness uses it a lot. Fear is a natural, unpleasant emotional response triggered by real, anticipated, or imagined danger, pain, or harm. Fear paralyses.
In Isaiah 41:10, the Bible says:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
The devil wants you to see imaginary danger at every point. When you are afraid, you cannot think or behave rightly. As a child of God, you are only permitted to fear God. The fear of God does not paralyse. It is a profound, holy awe, reverence, and humble respect for God’s supreme authority, majesty, and holiness (2 Timothy 1:7). The word fear appears so many times in the Bible, and we are admonished to FEAR NOT.
Verse 6 of Psalm 91 goes further to tell us that there is pestilence during this dark time. When you do not know where to go or what to do, you will definitely go the wrong way. In such a place, you may come into contact with contagious, virulent, and fatal epidemic diseases. These are not necessarily physical diseases. And because they spread, the possibility of infecting others close to you is very high—your spouse, children, family members, colleagues, etc.
The times of darkness are full of the works of darkness.
As stated earlier, nighttime is when some animals forage. When the heat derived from your fellowship with God and His Holy Spirit is reduced, what would not ordinarily be able to fasten itself to you now has the opportunity to do so because of your lukewarmness and lack of fire. Your life becomes their foraging ground. It is easy for Satan and his demons to sense your spiritual state.
Indeed, the time of darkness is a time of sleep, a time of weakness and tiredness. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Matthew 13:25 says:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”
Spiritual melatonin is being released every hour by the kingdom of darkness, looking for whoever will desire its dainty offerings.
It is nothing; it cannot hurt you. It is free. Others are doing it. You are not a child anymore. Your parents are too spiritual. You need to enjoy your life now that you are young. All men are polygamous by nature. One woman cannot satisfy a man. All married women have affairs. It is not a sin. Just taste it. You don’t have to do it; just follow us.
So many forms of spiritual melatonin are making the rounds. They have a purpose:
* To make your body feel tired.
* To reduce your desire to fight and remain spiritually on fire. How can you pray when you are tired?
Beloved, the works of darkness cannot be hidden forever. Whatever you engage in during this time will be made manifest, and there will be a reward. Be not deceived (Galatians 6:7). There will be a reward.
The Bible warns us in Ephesians 5:11:
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
The time of darkness is a time when all children of light should run away from darkness and do everything within their means to stay in the light.
The time of darkness is also a time that tests your ability to rely on God and His Word. The devil wants you to believe that God is not concerned about you or that He is far away from you. He will dangle a lot of things before your eyes and tell you that he can give you everything you want. His condition is simple: just go to sleep. From there, he will continue to administer melatonin until one day he demands that you bow to him and deny God.
WHAT, THEN, DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NOTICE THAT YOU ARE IN A DARK MOMENT?
1. Look for light.
Ideally, when you are in a dark room or cave, all you need to do is introduce light. Switch on the electric bulb if there is electricity. Switch on your torchlight. Light a candle. Just get some light!
Psalm 119:105 says:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Fill your spirit with the Word of God (see also Psalm 39:9, Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 58:8, Matthew 5:14–16, and 2 Corinthians 6:14).
Study the Word every day. Listen to messages from true servants of God. Attend gatherings of Bible-believing people. When you are filled with light, darkness has no place to hide.
2. Purpose to grow.
God’s nature in you is the will He has given you. Use it well. Determine to grow and seek God with all your heart. Invest in your growth. The devil is afraid of your growth. Keep growing. You cannot grow too much, and there is no end to learning.
3. Continue following Jesus.
John 8:12 says:
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Follow men who follow Christ. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1:
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Measure your life by the standard of God’s Word. Jesus is the Light (John 1:4–5). You cannot be fully immersed in light and still give darkness a place around you.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 says:
“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
4. Fight the good fight of faith.
Ephesians 6:12–13 says:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
You cannot afford to remain in darkness. That is where the powers of darkness reside.
1 John 1:5 says:
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
You cannot afford to sleep, for Matthew 13:25 says:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”
You cannot afford to be complacent.
Do not assume that you are perfect or that you are standing securely. As 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us:
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
There is a saying by Stephen Hawking that has really blessed me: “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance but illusion.”
An illusion is a false impression, a distorted perception, or a misleading image that does not correspond to objective reality.
It is well.
THE MIND
One of the greatest hindrances to answered prayer is our mind.
The human mind is the part of us that thinks, feels, and remembers. It is your capability for rational thought. It is where your ability to be aware of things is located. It contains your ability to remember things and to focus your thoughts. It is where your judgment, opinions or views, desires, inclinations, or intentions reside.
Now, let’s look at the heart.
THE HEART
The focus of the heart is feelings, passion, and deep values. Its major function is connection to others through empathy and love. It is subjective, personal, and deeply emotional.
Biblically, the heart is not just about emotions; it is the command centre where choices, morals, and deepest thoughts originate. It is the source of your emotions, so you are advised to guard it with all diligence.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Moreover, Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
It is flawed by nature and represents your fundamental loyalties. It shows what you truly love or worship.
Your mind, biblically, is related more strictly to intelligence, perception, and how you process information.
It often shows that your heart governs your mind. What your heart loves or desires will shape how your mind reasons and processes truth.
From this, we understand that no matter what you pray with your mouth, all we need to do is look into your heart. And since it is the source of all actions, your profession, no matter how good, will not be realised until what is in your heart aligns with what you are praying.
The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. What is on your heart is what your mind is playing out. Until there is an alignment with what is coming out of your mouth, you cannot have what you pray for.
If you are praying for progress and greater heights, and what is in your mind is the fact that nobody in your lineage has ever risen to that level, then you will continually be limited by what your heart is giving to your mind.
The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
God is not just concerned about what you are asking. It is possible for you to be asking for something because someone else is also asking for it, but He will look into your heart because that is your true person.
You can imagine the confusion when your heart is desiring something that is different from what your mouth is saying.
So, what is the way forward?
1. Guard your heart.
Be conscious of what you allow into it. The doorways to your heart are your eyes, ears, your hands through touch, and your feelings.
So, what the Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 means that you should be very watchful and serious about what you allow into your heart, for it is through such things that your emotions, etc., are formed.
2. Renew your mind with the Word of God.
Jeremiah 17:9–10 says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
So, you need to renew your mind at all times with the Word of God.
There is always a Word of God available for every situation and circumstance that you may go through. So, search for the appropriate one and meditate on it. Fill your heart with it, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
3. Renew your mindset.
A mindset is an established set of attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking that shape how you perceive and respond to the world.
Mindsets are formed through a combination of early upbringing, ongoing experiences, cultural surroundings, and daily social interactions.
You want to go far in life? Then check your mindset.
Do you believe that your intelligence, talents, and abilities are unchangeable — a fixed mindset?
You cannot rise above this mindset, no matter the number of hours spent in prayer.
You have to believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning — a growth mindset.
Nothing is cast in gold. It may take time, but consistency will get you to the place.
Do not believe that God will delight in supporting mediocrity. His name is at stake here, and He wants you to be at the top always.
Moreover, the accuser is waiting and ready to cry, “NEPOTISM!”
That is why He said in 2 Timothy 2:15:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
You have to improve yourself.
In prayer, you allow Him to refine you and show you the areas you need to work on, and in study, you are built up. Then you go out as His representative in your field, making sure you are thorough.
You see, the mind is the battlefield where the enemy wages his war.
As soon as he has captured your heart/mind, it is just a matter of time because he knows that whatever your heart tells your mind to do is what will eventually happen.
If you are defeated in your mind, he has already taken over.
The fact that you come from a family of failures does not mean you are a failure. You fail because you refuse to make use of what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has purchased for you.
If you will arise and refuse to conform to a defeated mindset, you will not just prosper, but you will be above always.
Please guard your heart with all diligence, my beloved.
The human mind is the part of us that thinks, feels, and remembers. It is your capability for rational thought. It is where your ability to be aware of things is located. It contains your ability to remember things and to focus your thoughts. It is where your judgment, opinions or views, desires, inclinations, or intentions reside.
Now, let’s look at the heart.
THE HEART
The focus of the heart is feelings, passion, and deep values. Its major function is connection to others through empathy and love. It is subjective, personal, and deeply emotional.
Biblically, the heart is not just about emotions; it is the command centre where choices, morals, and deepest thoughts originate. It is the source of your emotions, so you are advised to guard it with all diligence.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Moreover, Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
It is flawed by nature and represents your fundamental loyalties. It shows what you truly love or worship.
Your mind, biblically, is related more strictly to intelligence, perception, and how you process information.
It often shows that your heart governs your mind. What your heart loves or desires will shape how your mind reasons and processes truth.
From this, we understand that no matter what you pray with your mouth, all we need to do is look into your heart. And since it is the source of all actions, your profession, no matter how good, will not be realised until what is in your heart aligns with what you are praying.
The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. What is on your heart is what your mind is playing out. Until there is an alignment with what is coming out of your mouth, you cannot have what you pray for.
If you are praying for progress and greater heights, and what is in your mind is the fact that nobody in your lineage has ever risen to that level, then you will continually be limited by what your heart is giving to your mind.
The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
God is not just concerned about what you are asking. It is possible for you to be asking for something because someone else is also asking for it, but He will look into your heart because that is your true person.
You can imagine the confusion when your heart is desiring something that is different from what your mouth is saying.
So, what is the way forward?
1. Guard your heart.
Be conscious of what you allow into it. The doorways to your heart are your eyes, ears, your hands through touch, and your feelings.
So, what the Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 means that you should be very watchful and serious about what you allow into your heart, for it is through such things that your emotions, etc., are formed.
2. Renew your mind with the Word of God.
Jeremiah 17:9–10 says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
So, you need to renew your mind at all times with the Word of God.
There is always a Word of God available for every situation and circumstance that you may go through. So, search for the appropriate one and meditate on it. Fill your heart with it, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
3. Renew your mindset.
A mindset is an established set of attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking that shape how you perceive and respond to the world.
Mindsets are formed through a combination of early upbringing, ongoing experiences, cultural surroundings, and daily social interactions.
You want to go far in life? Then check your mindset.
Do you believe that your intelligence, talents, and abilities are unchangeable — a fixed mindset?
You cannot rise above this mindset, no matter the number of hours spent in prayer.
You have to believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning — a growth mindset.
Nothing is cast in gold. It may take time, but consistency will get you to the place.
Do not believe that God will delight in supporting mediocrity. His name is at stake here, and He wants you to be at the top always.
Moreover, the accuser is waiting and ready to cry, “NEPOTISM!”
That is why He said in 2 Timothy 2:15:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
You have to improve yourself.
In prayer, you allow Him to refine you and show you the areas you need to work on, and in study, you are built up. Then you go out as His representative in your field, making sure you are thorough.
You see, the mind is the battlefield where the enemy wages his war.
As soon as he has captured your heart/mind, it is just a matter of time because he knows that whatever your heart tells your mind to do is what will eventually happen.
If you are defeated in your mind, he has already taken over.
The fact that you come from a family of failures does not mean you are a failure. You fail because you refuse to make use of what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has purchased for you.
If you will arise and refuse to conform to a defeated mindset, you will not just prosper, but you will be above always.
Please guard your heart with all diligence, my beloved.
FELLOWSHIP
In my few years of coming to the full realisation of my status as a child of God, I have had some of my prayers answered and some not answered. However, I have heard some people declare that there is no prayer they prayed that was not answered. This statement made me wonder sometimes whether God deals with His children differently or whether He has preferential treatment for some special people.
Even though I decided to take things as they are, I am still not satisfied. Why are all my prayers not answered like those of others?
Where I come from, people pray — morning, afternoon, night, and in between. We have prayer chains, vigils — night and day. We have different prayer mountains — some specifically for the male gender and others for both genders. We pray different kinds of prayers — warfare, supplications, all manners of prayers as outlined in the Bible — yet we have little or no results to show for it.
We have replaced all other things with prayer. Do not get me wrong, prayer is good. Yes, it is the key; we cannot do without it. But most times, our engagement in prayer is wrong.
God should always be the centre of our prayer. Our focus when we go to pray every time should be to fellowship with God, not only to ask for things.
He created us in His image and likeness, and Jesus Christ, the begotten of God, showed us clearly what this means in Mark 3:14:
“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.”
So, your focus when you go to pray all the time should first and foremost be fellowship with your Heavenly Father.
Fellowship is not just singing songs of praise and worship to Him. It is deeper than that. That is just you entering into His gate.
Psalms 100:4 says:
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
When you have access to a friend’s house, do you just enter and begin to demand things? No. So why do we do that with our Father?
Some of our prayer time is just a time of requests. God is not a machine; He is not a robot.
Although He is the Almighty, He has some characteristics that He has shared in part with His human creation, who are made in His image and likeness — love, holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, etc. And so, He delights in fellowshipping with them.
Fellowship is a relationship with shared interests.
God wants to talk with you, not just hear you or your complaints or your demands. He wants to do things with you. He has His own feelings and desires.
Those of you who have best friends, BFFs, and so on, you do not just talk. You also listen to them. God has an agenda too. There are things He wants to do, loves to do, and wants to achieve. He also loves to discuss with you.
So, when you go to prayer, listen to Him too.
If He knows you are there for Him and not just for your demands, you may not need to make demands anymore. He is your Father; He knows what you need before you ask. He created all things and has even made provision for you before you were born.
This brings me to the next focus of prayer — your growth.
Sometimes, you do not need to ask for some things. They are already set in your way. All you need is to grow to the point of accessing them.
Prayer time should be a time for capacity building.
When you allow God to speak, He will tell you the areas of your life you need to work on and His Word that builds you to that point.
As a child of God, your growth is dependent on the amount of His Word in you. Not the one you just read or the one you quickly open in an emergency, but the one within you.
God told Joshua in chapter one, verse eight:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Biblical meditation is the active and deep reflection on God’s character and works through His Word, rather than the emptying of the mind. You fill your mind with divine truth. You engage actively with His Word, and through this, you see your flaws, your weaknesses, and the grace for growth is supplied.
At the end of your prayer time, we should be able to measure and see your growth. It is this growth that will determine your requests, and since it is based on your fellowship with your Father, all will have His attention.
When you meditate the biblical way, you:
* Fill your mind with divine truth from His Word.
* Recite or whisper God’s Word repeatedly to commit it to your mind.
* Become deeply concerned with the matter in the Word, thinking it over and over in your mind.
You become like a ruminant animal. Ruminants are animals that chew the cud. You give deep reflection to the Word, and through this, you are able to see areas of your life that are not in conformity with His Word and the way to change them to become more conformed, so that you and God are on the same page.
When your prayers are not answered, I can tell you categorically that it has nothing to do with the availability of God’s power or its efficacy. Under ideal conditions, the power of God will always produce the desired effect. He is God Almighty. All power belongs to Him.
* Psalms 62:11
* Isaiah 40:29
I am sure you are still wondering why all your prayers are not answered in spite of the above. There are so many other reasons.
In the next publication, we will try to look at one or more reasons out of so many others.
Stay focused.
Even though I decided to take things as they are, I am still not satisfied. Why are all my prayers not answered like those of others?
Where I come from, people pray — morning, afternoon, night, and in between. We have prayer chains, vigils — night and day. We have different prayer mountains — some specifically for the male gender and others for both genders. We pray different kinds of prayers — warfare, supplications, all manners of prayers as outlined in the Bible — yet we have little or no results to show for it.
We have replaced all other things with prayer. Do not get me wrong, prayer is good. Yes, it is the key; we cannot do without it. But most times, our engagement in prayer is wrong.
God should always be the centre of our prayer. Our focus when we go to pray every time should be to fellowship with God, not only to ask for things.
He created us in His image and likeness, and Jesus Christ, the begotten of God, showed us clearly what this means in Mark 3:14:
“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.”
So, your focus when you go to pray all the time should first and foremost be fellowship with your Heavenly Father.
Fellowship is not just singing songs of praise and worship to Him. It is deeper than that. That is just you entering into His gate.
Psalms 100:4 says:
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
When you have access to a friend’s house, do you just enter and begin to demand things? No. So why do we do that with our Father?
Some of our prayer time is just a time of requests. God is not a machine; He is not a robot.
Although He is the Almighty, He has some characteristics that He has shared in part with His human creation, who are made in His image and likeness — love, holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, etc. And so, He delights in fellowshipping with them.
Fellowship is a relationship with shared interests.
God wants to talk with you, not just hear you or your complaints or your demands. He wants to do things with you. He has His own feelings and desires.
Those of you who have best friends, BFFs, and so on, you do not just talk. You also listen to them. God has an agenda too. There are things He wants to do, loves to do, and wants to achieve. He also loves to discuss with you.
So, when you go to prayer, listen to Him too.
If He knows you are there for Him and not just for your demands, you may not need to make demands anymore. He is your Father; He knows what you need before you ask. He created all things and has even made provision for you before you were born.
This brings me to the next focus of prayer — your growth.
Sometimes, you do not need to ask for some things. They are already set in your way. All you need is to grow to the point of accessing them.
Prayer time should be a time for capacity building.
When you allow God to speak, He will tell you the areas of your life you need to work on and His Word that builds you to that point.
As a child of God, your growth is dependent on the amount of His Word in you. Not the one you just read or the one you quickly open in an emergency, but the one within you.
God told Joshua in chapter one, verse eight:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Biblical meditation is the active and deep reflection on God’s character and works through His Word, rather than the emptying of the mind. You fill your mind with divine truth. You engage actively with His Word, and through this, you see your flaws, your weaknesses, and the grace for growth is supplied.
At the end of your prayer time, we should be able to measure and see your growth. It is this growth that will determine your requests, and since it is based on your fellowship with your Father, all will have His attention.
When you meditate the biblical way, you:
* Fill your mind with divine truth from His Word.
* Recite or whisper God’s Word repeatedly to commit it to your mind.
* Become deeply concerned with the matter in the Word, thinking it over and over in your mind.
You become like a ruminant animal. Ruminants are animals that chew the cud. You give deep reflection to the Word, and through this, you are able to see areas of your life that are not in conformity with His Word and the way to change them to become more conformed, so that you and God are on the same page.
When your prayers are not answered, I can tell you categorically that it has nothing to do with the availability of God’s power or its efficacy. Under ideal conditions, the power of God will always produce the desired effect. He is God Almighty. All power belongs to Him.
* Psalms 62:11
* Isaiah 40:29
I am sure you are still wondering why all your prayers are not answered in spite of the above. There are so many other reasons.
In the next publication, we will try to look at one or more reasons out of so many others.
Stay focused.
GIMMICKS OF DARKNESS
God Almighty is the Creator of all things, and He upholds all things by His power.
The devil, like man, cannot create anything, but he is a master manipulator who can copy all things and is a great opportunist.
He is extremely patient and can watch for years and years, looking for the opportunity to unleash his terror at the right time.
For every copy, there is an original. The devil has an agenda, just as God also has an agenda. He will use every one of his arsenals to make sure his agenda is fulfilled.
As believers, we are advised to be very sensitive. Everything is not as it appears on the surface. You have to look beyond the physical. Do you think that Satan’s desire for Eve and Adam was to see as God sees and to understand like God? Of course not. His purpose first was to make sure they disobeyed God, thereby joining forces with him in his rebellion. And through that action, his agenda on earth would be fulfilled.
By virtue of creation, God put mortal men above him. Psalm 8:5 says, “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
The word translated as “angels” in the Hebrew language is Elohim. Human beings are described as beings created just a step lower than the Divine.
You see, the devil is anti-God. His intention before being cast down is seen in Isaiah 14:12–14:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
So, he fights tooth and nail against everyone and everything that has God’s imprint or stamp.
To achieve this, he has a fourfold agenda, which he achieves through men, ideologies, and institutions. He kills, steals, and destroys — John 10:10.
His agenda is:
1. To stop men from having a real encounter with Jesus Christ and accessing the transformative life that comes from Him through the Gospel.
2. To invite perpetual rebellion against the Lordship, government, and value system of Christ by seeking to replace love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
3. The institutionalisation of global hostility against those who love Jesus and against programmes that advance God’s agenda.
4. To stop men, especially believers, from accessing light, illumination, and intelligence that empower men to walk in the reality of honour, dignity, dominion, and victory.
(Listen to “Revive Us Again, Part 1” by Apostle Joshua Selman of Koinonia Global Ministry.)
In addition to being a copycat, he is a master opportunist. He can stay and watch for years, and as soon as he sees a tiny opportunity, he grabs it.
He rides on ignorance and fear, and when you let down your guard even a little, because he has been watching you, he quickly takes the opportunity. He can even present himself as an angel of light to deceive the gullible.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 says:
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
He offers laced help and solutions filled with dark repercussions. So, he looks for opportunities and grabs them.
He hides under darkness to perpetrate evil, especially when you are distracted and believe the attack is coming from another end. He uses subtlety to deceive and divert attention so that you will be chasing shadows while he is doing his destructive work.
Be sober. Be vigilant. Draw close to God through His Word.
You see, the battle going on is a battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.
The devil has no desire for your marriage. He is concerned about the godly children that will come through that union, with awesome power to destroy him. Therefore, he will fight everything to make sure those arrows that will destroy him do not come.
And eventually, when you get married, he will make sure that the home is not peaceful. He will make sure that you don’t have enough. And when the children come, he will attack your finances so that the children will not be able to go to good schools.
He will make sure that the institutions you can afford are those that are designed to work for him.
He sends evil people your way — men and women who will molest your children and damage them even before they mature enough to destroy him.
Then he continues to sell you lies about God:
* If God indeed is good, why did He not protect you and your family?
* Why do you lack in spite of serving God?
* Why does a good God not destroy the wicked?
* And so many others.
Have you noticed that a lot of people around you who have nothing to do with God prosper?
The bargain is, “Sell your soul to me, and I will give you everything.”
It has been like that since the beginning. He told God that Job feared Him because of the blessings and not because of true love — Job 1:6–11.
In Matthew 4:8–9:
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”
All he wants is your allegiance to him, and he will give you all things. But, my friend, your soul is the price.
Eternal damnation and alienation from God throughout all eternity. That is too much a price to pay for temporary things.
That is too much a price to pay to impress a woman or your colleagues.
God told us not to envy. Psalm 36:1–7. Your Father is the owner of true riches (Proverbs 24:1–2, 19–20; Job 5:2).
Why worship Satan or demons who are manipulators and have no power to create anything, who steal, copy, and disguise, when the Creator of all things, the Almighty God who is love and desires good things for you, is beckoning for you to come?
He alone can kill and raise again. He has prepared all things for you.
Choose God.
Choose the kingdom of light.
Choose true riches.
Choose peace.
Choose prosperity without adulteration.
Choose life with no strings attached.
The devil, like man, cannot create anything, but he is a master manipulator who can copy all things and is a great opportunist.
He is extremely patient and can watch for years and years, looking for the opportunity to unleash his terror at the right time.
For every copy, there is an original. The devil has an agenda, just as God also has an agenda. He will use every one of his arsenals to make sure his agenda is fulfilled.
As believers, we are advised to be very sensitive. Everything is not as it appears on the surface. You have to look beyond the physical. Do you think that Satan’s desire for Eve and Adam was to see as God sees and to understand like God? Of course not. His purpose first was to make sure they disobeyed God, thereby joining forces with him in his rebellion. And through that action, his agenda on earth would be fulfilled.
By virtue of creation, God put mortal men above him. Psalm 8:5 says, “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
The word translated as “angels” in the Hebrew language is Elohim. Human beings are described as beings created just a step lower than the Divine.
You see, the devil is anti-God. His intention before being cast down is seen in Isaiah 14:12–14:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
So, he fights tooth and nail against everyone and everything that has God’s imprint or stamp.
To achieve this, he has a fourfold agenda, which he achieves through men, ideologies, and institutions. He kills, steals, and destroys — John 10:10.
His agenda is:
1. To stop men from having a real encounter with Jesus Christ and accessing the transformative life that comes from Him through the Gospel.
2. To invite perpetual rebellion against the Lordship, government, and value system of Christ by seeking to replace love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
3. The institutionalisation of global hostility against those who love Jesus and against programmes that advance God’s agenda.
4. To stop men, especially believers, from accessing light, illumination, and intelligence that empower men to walk in the reality of honour, dignity, dominion, and victory.
(Listen to “Revive Us Again, Part 1” by Apostle Joshua Selman of Koinonia Global Ministry.)
In addition to being a copycat, he is a master opportunist. He can stay and watch for years, and as soon as he sees a tiny opportunity, he grabs it.
He rides on ignorance and fear, and when you let down your guard even a little, because he has been watching you, he quickly takes the opportunity. He can even present himself as an angel of light to deceive the gullible.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 says:
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
He offers laced help and solutions filled with dark repercussions. So, he looks for opportunities and grabs them.
He hides under darkness to perpetrate evil, especially when you are distracted and believe the attack is coming from another end. He uses subtlety to deceive and divert attention so that you will be chasing shadows while he is doing his destructive work.
Be sober. Be vigilant. Draw close to God through His Word.
You see, the battle going on is a battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.
The devil has no desire for your marriage. He is concerned about the godly children that will come through that union, with awesome power to destroy him. Therefore, he will fight everything to make sure those arrows that will destroy him do not come.
And eventually, when you get married, he will make sure that the home is not peaceful. He will make sure that you don’t have enough. And when the children come, he will attack your finances so that the children will not be able to go to good schools.
He will make sure that the institutions you can afford are those that are designed to work for him.
He sends evil people your way — men and women who will molest your children and damage them even before they mature enough to destroy him.
Then he continues to sell you lies about God:
* If God indeed is good, why did He not protect you and your family?
* Why do you lack in spite of serving God?
* Why does a good God not destroy the wicked?
* And so many others.
Have you noticed that a lot of people around you who have nothing to do with God prosper?
The bargain is, “Sell your soul to me, and I will give you everything.”
It has been like that since the beginning. He told God that Job feared Him because of the blessings and not because of true love — Job 1:6–11.
In Matthew 4:8–9:
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”
All he wants is your allegiance to him, and he will give you all things. But, my friend, your soul is the price.
Eternal damnation and alienation from God throughout all eternity. That is too much a price to pay for temporary things.
That is too much a price to pay to impress a woman or your colleagues.
God told us not to envy. Psalm 36:1–7. Your Father is the owner of true riches (Proverbs 24:1–2, 19–20; Job 5:2).
Why worship Satan or demons who are manipulators and have no power to create anything, who steal, copy, and disguise, when the Creator of all things, the Almighty God who is love and desires good things for you, is beckoning for you to come?
He alone can kill and raise again. He has prepared all things for you.
Choose God.
Choose the kingdom of light.
Choose true riches.
Choose peace.
Choose prosperity without adulteration.
Choose life with no strings attached.
GOD HELPS
The Psalmist said in Psalm 121:1–2, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
By nature, man is limited in all areas, even though he is the zenith of God’s creation. Created in the image and likeness of God, yet he does not have absolute power like God. He may have a will, a strong one at that, yet he is limited by physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries. The human body is frail, i.e., transient. It ages over time and is subject to physical decline and death. Due to that frailty, it experiences physical exhaustion. It is subject to imperfection. Man does not have all knowledge and, therefore, cannot predict the future perfectly. Also, man lacks the ability to be in different places at the same time.
Even though he is the zenith of God’s creation, he has no control over all that God created and cannot create anything from absolute nothingness like God. He can only manipulate existing matter.
Men are confined by time and have no power to stop time, slow time down, or reverse the flow of time.
In Genesis, when God created man, He said 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 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 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 everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”
Note that God did not give man control over everything He created. He has no control over other men and things like the sun, moon, etc. In essence, man is very limited in the control given to him.
It has been known and seen throughout all ages that man is deficient and, therefore, men have always sought help or assistance from others; men, who are also limited; demons and devils, whose help is not absolute and has great repercussions; and from the Almighty God, who has all the power and is ready and willing to give assistance as long as it will not lead to our destruction.
God helps man in different ways. We have discussed a lot of these in previous write-ups. Today, we are zeroing our discussion in on when God sends help through other men like you. You see, when God wants to bless a man, He will send a man, and likewise, when the devil wants to destroy a man, he will also send a man.
God does send men to man as:
1. Destiny helpers
2. Burden bearers
3. Men of influence or gatekeepers
4. Gifted men
5. Divine connectors
DESTINY HELPERS
This is a person or persons whom God has strategically placed in your life to guide, help, and support you to achieve your goals and fulfill your life purpose. These may provide wisdom through valuable advice, instructions, or even mentorship. They open doors for you and lift you up. They can give financial, physical, and emotional support, especially during hard times.
They may not be in your life forever. Mostly, they are there for a purpose and for a season, and then they leave.
God sees the area in which you are lacking and sends them. They may not be rich or famous. They often show up during unexpected or difficult seasons of your life. Their support is sincere and meets your deepest need.
Sometimes, they are one-off relationships or seasonal relationships.
It is very important for you to understand this. Human nature tends to extend these relationships forever because of the comfort they bring. However, any attempt to do this may lead to unfavorable results. God brought them in during your season of lack, and He expects you to learn and grow into maturity, not to expect such people to take the place of your growth.
Examples of such are Aaron and Hur, who helped support the hands of Moses during the battle with the Amalekites in Exodus 17. Another is Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, in Exodus 18:17–24.
Do not expect that destiny helpers will be a permanent feature. They are there for a season or an assignment.
BURDEN BEARERS
These are the people God sends into your life to stay with you through hard times so as to keep you from giving up or moving backward. They prevent you from going back when the situation gets hard. They help carry your emotional or physical load when your strength is depleted. They stand by you until you achieve your goal or are able to stand and move on.
There is no condition attached.
A good example is Simon of Cyrene. On Jesus’ way to Golgotha, after the beating and terrible treatment He had experienced, He had lost a lot of blood and became very weak. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help bear His cross — Matthew 27.
GATEKEEPERS OR MEN OF INFLUENCE
These are individuals who, by virtue of their power or influence, can help you on your way to achieving God’s goal for your life. These are strategically placed on your way by God.
They have influence and authority, and you will do well to recognize them in your life. They may not necessarily be of your faith, but they hold great influence.
You cannot fight them or wish them away. You can only ask God to give you mercy and favor in their sight. They hold a very great importance to where you are going, and only God’s mercy will cause them to open the gate for you.
They control the gate and, therefore, control access. If they deny you access, you will just continue to mark time in one place. They hold the authority to permit or block access.
You cannot cast these ones out because they determine what influences or ideas enter or leave. They are very important in the scheme of things. An example is Joseph of Arimathea. They are men of substance and influence, and if you need what they have, you must pray to have favor with them. There are no two ways about it: either God gives you favor with them, or you stay unfulfilled.
Imagine Joseph refusing to interpret Pharaoh’s dream because he was a pagan king. How would he get to a position to preserve the covenant people of God?
GIFTED MEN
These are people who demonstrate extraordinary potential or superior ability in your area of assignment, competence, or others.
When God told Moses to build the tabernacle and the ark of testimony according to the pattern shown to him on the mount, God told Moses in Exodus 31:1–6:
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.”
God always gives His children resources and helpers for the assignments He has asked them to do.
As one sent or given an assignment, you need to develop people skills in addition to your discernment. Sometimes, these treasures need to be searched out because they are in earthen vessels.
They are not necessarily as spiritual as you are or in your league, but they have been filled with the Spirit of God, and where your education is lacking, they have been sent to fill that area.
Sometimes, they are so covered in dirt that you need the refiner’s fire to help you. You cannot do it by your power but through prayers to the Great Refiner.
DIVINE CONNECTORS
Another set of helpers God has given to His children is divine connectors. These don’t have what you need, but they know who has it or are connected to them one way or the other.
They are like bridges. These are ordinary or unexpected people sent by God to link you with the right individuals or opportunities that will accelerate your divine purpose.
These may not have the money or power to help you, but they are connected to someone who can help you. They open doors for you. They may look insignificant, but you need sensitivity and humility, or else you may misjudge them.
Examples in the Bible are:
* Pharaoh’s butler — Genesis 41:9
* The servant girl of Naaman’s wife — 2 Kings 5
There are so many examples of helpers that God sent to His people in the Bible. Some of them are:
* Jonathan to David. He stood as a loyal protector and covenant friend. He was like a gatekeeper who helped David when Saul was after his life.
* Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, who helped him when the burden of leading and judging the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness was becoming unbearable to him.
* The elders who were chosen by Moses to help him in judging the people, thereby relieving him of the heavy burden.
* There are others like Barnabas, who helped Saul; Priscilla and Aquila; the women in Paul’s ministerial team; and also the women in Jesus’ team, and so many others.
The important thing is to identify and stick to the purpose of their assignment in your life. A good relationship can be destroyed if you attempt to extend the duration of a helper sent to you for a season or to extend such help to cover all areas.
Note that, if care is not taken, a helper can be placed in the place of God. This is very dangerous, as God will not share His glory with any man.
In my life, I have experienced awesome help from God-sent helpers. However, I have also experienced terrible situations when seasonal help has been extended to include other areas in my life. The relationship became so toxic that I had to block all access.
There is always the danger of expecting too much from such relationships. You must be sensitive enough to know when the season is over or when the assignment has been achieved, and move on.
IT IS WELL
By nature, man is limited in all areas, even though he is the zenith of God’s creation. Created in the image and likeness of God, yet he does not have absolute power like God. He may have a will, a strong one at that, yet he is limited by physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries. The human body is frail, i.e., transient. It ages over time and is subject to physical decline and death. Due to that frailty, it experiences physical exhaustion. It is subject to imperfection. Man does not have all knowledge and, therefore, cannot predict the future perfectly. Also, man lacks the ability to be in different places at the same time.
Even though he is the zenith of God’s creation, he has no control over all that God created and cannot create anything from absolute nothingness like God. He can only manipulate existing matter.
Men are confined by time and have no power to stop time, slow time down, or reverse the flow of time.
In Genesis, when God created man, He said 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 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 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 everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”
Note that God did not give man control over everything He created. He has no control over other men and things like the sun, moon, etc. In essence, man is very limited in the control given to him.
It has been known and seen throughout all ages that man is deficient and, therefore, men have always sought help or assistance from others; men, who are also limited; demons and devils, whose help is not absolute and has great repercussions; and from the Almighty God, who has all the power and is ready and willing to give assistance as long as it will not lead to our destruction.
God helps man in different ways. We have discussed a lot of these in previous write-ups. Today, we are zeroing our discussion in on when God sends help through other men like you. You see, when God wants to bless a man, He will send a man, and likewise, when the devil wants to destroy a man, he will also send a man.
God does send men to man as:
1. Destiny helpers
2. Burden bearers
3. Men of influence or gatekeepers
4. Gifted men
5. Divine connectors
DESTINY HELPERS
This is a person or persons whom God has strategically placed in your life to guide, help, and support you to achieve your goals and fulfill your life purpose. These may provide wisdom through valuable advice, instructions, or even mentorship. They open doors for you and lift you up. They can give financial, physical, and emotional support, especially during hard times.
They may not be in your life forever. Mostly, they are there for a purpose and for a season, and then they leave.
God sees the area in which you are lacking and sends them. They may not be rich or famous. They often show up during unexpected or difficult seasons of your life. Their support is sincere and meets your deepest need.
Sometimes, they are one-off relationships or seasonal relationships.
It is very important for you to understand this. Human nature tends to extend these relationships forever because of the comfort they bring. However, any attempt to do this may lead to unfavorable results. God brought them in during your season of lack, and He expects you to learn and grow into maturity, not to expect such people to take the place of your growth.
Examples of such are Aaron and Hur, who helped support the hands of Moses during the battle with the Amalekites in Exodus 17. Another is Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, in Exodus 18:17–24.
Do not expect that destiny helpers will be a permanent feature. They are there for a season or an assignment.
BURDEN BEARERS
These are the people God sends into your life to stay with you through hard times so as to keep you from giving up or moving backward. They prevent you from going back when the situation gets hard. They help carry your emotional or physical load when your strength is depleted. They stand by you until you achieve your goal or are able to stand and move on.
There is no condition attached.
A good example is Simon of Cyrene. On Jesus’ way to Golgotha, after the beating and terrible treatment He had experienced, He had lost a lot of blood and became very weak. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help bear His cross — Matthew 27.
GATEKEEPERS OR MEN OF INFLUENCE
These are individuals who, by virtue of their power or influence, can help you on your way to achieving God’s goal for your life. These are strategically placed on your way by God.
They have influence and authority, and you will do well to recognize them in your life. They may not necessarily be of your faith, but they hold great influence.
You cannot fight them or wish them away. You can only ask God to give you mercy and favor in their sight. They hold a very great importance to where you are going, and only God’s mercy will cause them to open the gate for you.
They control the gate and, therefore, control access. If they deny you access, you will just continue to mark time in one place. They hold the authority to permit or block access.
You cannot cast these ones out because they determine what influences or ideas enter or leave. They are very important in the scheme of things. An example is Joseph of Arimathea. They are men of substance and influence, and if you need what they have, you must pray to have favor with them. There are no two ways about it: either God gives you favor with them, or you stay unfulfilled.
Imagine Joseph refusing to interpret Pharaoh’s dream because he was a pagan king. How would he get to a position to preserve the covenant people of God?
GIFTED MEN
These are people who demonstrate extraordinary potential or superior ability in your area of assignment, competence, or others.
When God told Moses to build the tabernacle and the ark of testimony according to the pattern shown to him on the mount, God told Moses in Exodus 31:1–6:
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.”
God always gives His children resources and helpers for the assignments He has asked them to do.
As one sent or given an assignment, you need to develop people skills in addition to your discernment. Sometimes, these treasures need to be searched out because they are in earthen vessels.
They are not necessarily as spiritual as you are or in your league, but they have been filled with the Spirit of God, and where your education is lacking, they have been sent to fill that area.
Sometimes, they are so covered in dirt that you need the refiner’s fire to help you. You cannot do it by your power but through prayers to the Great Refiner.
DIVINE CONNECTORS
Another set of helpers God has given to His children is divine connectors. These don’t have what you need, but they know who has it or are connected to them one way or the other.
They are like bridges. These are ordinary or unexpected people sent by God to link you with the right individuals or opportunities that will accelerate your divine purpose.
These may not have the money or power to help you, but they are connected to someone who can help you. They open doors for you. They may look insignificant, but you need sensitivity and humility, or else you may misjudge them.
Examples in the Bible are:
* Pharaoh’s butler — Genesis 41:9
* The servant girl of Naaman’s wife — 2 Kings 5
There are so many examples of helpers that God sent to His people in the Bible. Some of them are:
* Jonathan to David. He stood as a loyal protector and covenant friend. He was like a gatekeeper who helped David when Saul was after his life.
* Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, who helped him when the burden of leading and judging the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness was becoming unbearable to him.
* The elders who were chosen by Moses to help him in judging the people, thereby relieving him of the heavy burden.
* There are others like Barnabas, who helped Saul; Priscilla and Aquila; the women in Paul’s ministerial team; and also the women in Jesus’ team, and so many others.
The important thing is to identify and stick to the purpose of their assignment in your life. A good relationship can be destroyed if you attempt to extend the duration of a helper sent to you for a season or to extend such help to cover all areas.
Note that, if care is not taken, a helper can be placed in the place of God. This is very dangerous, as God will not share His glory with any man.
In my life, I have experienced awesome help from God-sent helpers. However, I have also experienced terrible situations when seasonal help has been extended to include other areas in my life. The relationship became so toxic that I had to block all access.
There is always the danger of expecting too much from such relationships. You must be sensitive enough to know when the season is over or when the assignment has been achieved, and move on.
IT IS WELL
HINDRANCES TO GOD’S BLESSINGS
As explained earlier, one major hindrance to receiving God’s blessings is when what you request is not His will.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth, He operated according to the will of His Father. Even though He is God incarnate, He taught His disciples that doing the will of His Father is His ultimate purpose. In John 5:30, He said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Even in the face of the impending agony, while praying in Gethsemane, with His sweat dropping like blood instead of water (Matthew 26:30), He still submitted everything to His Father’s will. No wonder He fulfilled His purpose on earth and pleased His Father.
Philippians 2:8–11 says:
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
It is important for us to note that because we are created in God’s image and likeness, we also have a will, and as such, God will not force His will on us. However, His power will only follow where His will goes.
When Jesus was teaching His disciples in Matthew 6:9–10, He said:
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
In Romans 12:2, it is important to understand that conformity with the world will always make you desire worldly things, and as such, the will of God will be far from your view. When your mind is renewed, you tend to see the way God sees and reason the way He reasons. When this happens, supporting you with His power becomes easy.
God will always back you up with signs and wonders, with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, only according to His will. There is always a confidence you have when you pray according to His will (1 John 5:14).
You want to have maximum effect here on earth? Then follow His will (Hebrews 2:4).
You desire God’s blessings? Then follow His will.
MATURITY
Another hindrance to your accessing the fullness of the blessings of God is maturity.
You cannot remain a babe and expect to be treated as a mature person. Apostle Paul, while writing to the brethren in Galatians 4:1–2, said:
“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”
Verse 7 says:
“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Hebrews 5:13–14 says:
“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
As long as you remain a babe, you will be treated as a servant. There are no two ways about it. You must grow.
A lot of us refuse to deal with the sinful nature within us. We are quick to point out, “This is the way I am,” “That is the way we are in my family,” “I cannot take any rubbish from anybody.”
Please, how far have you gone with this behaviour?
Our character has not only pushed people away from us, including helpers that God has sent to us, but it has also pushed us away from accessing godly help.
According to the dictionary, your character is your distinguishing features, traits, and nature. It is your mental and moral qualities and the distinctive features that belong to you.
Do a self-examination now.
Write down all these characteristics and be truthful to yourself. Would you want to have any type of relationship with that person? Would you willingly commit your family, business, and life to that person? Would your mind be at rest?
Your personality, disposition, temperament, and nature have a great effect on your relationship with God and man.
You must grow up.(I am not talking about age.)
You are told to desire the sincere milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2).
Desire means having a strong feeling of wanting, wishing, or longing for something. You should have a strong urge, craving, or passion towards something that brings happiness, satisfaction, or pleasure.
So, you must:
* long for
* crave
* yearn for
* have an urge for
the Word of God and a relationship with the God of the Word.
Are you satisfied with the level you are now, or do you desire more?
Then deal with all these flaws.
SIN
Another hindrance to God’s blessings is sin.
I do not think we need to overflog this issue. A holy God cannot behold where there is sin.
Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 14:34.
UNBELIEF OR DOUBT
Another hindrance to God’s blessings is unbelief or doubt
When you doubt God’s promises and refuse to operate in faith, you will not experience the fullness of God.
Mark 11:24 says:
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
The believing comes before the receiving.
You have to trust God that what He has said, He will do.
Hebrews 11:1, 6.
You must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. He is not a man; He does not lie and has no reason to deceive you.
WATCH THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
Watch the company you keep.
Keeping company with people who have no relationship with God will lead you away from God and will always lead you to a wrong end.
Proverbs 13:20 says:
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Psalm 1:1–3; Proverbs 1:10–18.
Watch your surroundings too.
Where you are and where you frequent have a way of rubbing off on you. Be conscious of how and where you spend your time.
Your time is the unit of your destiny, so what you give your time to is taking your destiny.
CONSISTENCY AND REVERENCE FOR GOD
When you are dealing with God, you have to be consistent.
You must make sure your attitude towards God and the things of God is top-notch. You must always be in awe of Him and reverence Him always.
The fact that you are a child of God does not mean you should be in deference to, or disregard, Him and His Word.
You cannot be too familiar with God.
Proverbs 9:10 says:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
(Proverbs 2:5; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 14:26; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 19:23; Proverbs 22:4; Isaiah 8:13.)
It is important to understand that we are in the world, and there will be challenges that we cannot overcome by our own strength or ability.
God has provided us with diverse graces that we need to overcome and be above always.
It is well.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth, He operated according to the will of His Father. Even though He is God incarnate, He taught His disciples that doing the will of His Father is His ultimate purpose. In John 5:30, He said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Even in the face of the impending agony, while praying in Gethsemane, with His sweat dropping like blood instead of water (Matthew 26:30), He still submitted everything to His Father’s will. No wonder He fulfilled His purpose on earth and pleased His Father.
Philippians 2:8–11 says:
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
It is important for us to note that because we are created in God’s image and likeness, we also have a will, and as such, God will not force His will on us. However, His power will only follow where His will goes.
When Jesus was teaching His disciples in Matthew 6:9–10, He said:
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
In Romans 12:2, it is important to understand that conformity with the world will always make you desire worldly things, and as such, the will of God will be far from your view. When your mind is renewed, you tend to see the way God sees and reason the way He reasons. When this happens, supporting you with His power becomes easy.
God will always back you up with signs and wonders, with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, only according to His will. There is always a confidence you have when you pray according to His will (1 John 5:14).
You want to have maximum effect here on earth? Then follow His will (Hebrews 2:4).
You desire God’s blessings? Then follow His will.
MATURITY
Another hindrance to your accessing the fullness of the blessings of God is maturity.
You cannot remain a babe and expect to be treated as a mature person. Apostle Paul, while writing to the brethren in Galatians 4:1–2, said:
“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”
Verse 7 says:
“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Hebrews 5:13–14 says:
“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
As long as you remain a babe, you will be treated as a servant. There are no two ways about it. You must grow.
A lot of us refuse to deal with the sinful nature within us. We are quick to point out, “This is the way I am,” “That is the way we are in my family,” “I cannot take any rubbish from anybody.”
Please, how far have you gone with this behaviour?
Our character has not only pushed people away from us, including helpers that God has sent to us, but it has also pushed us away from accessing godly help.
According to the dictionary, your character is your distinguishing features, traits, and nature. It is your mental and moral qualities and the distinctive features that belong to you.
Do a self-examination now.
Write down all these characteristics and be truthful to yourself. Would you want to have any type of relationship with that person? Would you willingly commit your family, business, and life to that person? Would your mind be at rest?
Your personality, disposition, temperament, and nature have a great effect on your relationship with God and man.
You must grow up.(I am not talking about age.)
You are told to desire the sincere milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2).
Desire means having a strong feeling of wanting, wishing, or longing for something. You should have a strong urge, craving, or passion towards something that brings happiness, satisfaction, or pleasure.
So, you must:
* long for
* crave
* yearn for
* have an urge for
the Word of God and a relationship with the God of the Word.
Are you satisfied with the level you are now, or do you desire more?
Then deal with all these flaws.
SIN
Another hindrance to God’s blessings is sin.
I do not think we need to overflog this issue. A holy God cannot behold where there is sin.
Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 14:34.
UNBELIEF OR DOUBT
Another hindrance to God’s blessings is unbelief or doubt
When you doubt God’s promises and refuse to operate in faith, you will not experience the fullness of God.
Mark 11:24 says:
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
The believing comes before the receiving.
You have to trust God that what He has said, He will do.
Hebrews 11:1, 6.
You must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. He is not a man; He does not lie and has no reason to deceive you.
WATCH THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
Watch the company you keep.
Keeping company with people who have no relationship with God will lead you away from God and will always lead you to a wrong end.
Proverbs 13:20 says:
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Psalm 1:1–3; Proverbs 1:10–18.
Watch your surroundings too.
Where you are and where you frequent have a way of rubbing off on you. Be conscious of how and where you spend your time.
Your time is the unit of your destiny, so what you give your time to is taking your destiny.
CONSISTENCY AND REVERENCE FOR GOD
When you are dealing with God, you have to be consistent.
You must make sure your attitude towards God and the things of God is top-notch. You must always be in awe of Him and reverence Him always.
The fact that you are a child of God does not mean you should be in deference to, or disregard, Him and His Word.
You cannot be too familiar with God.
Proverbs 9:10 says:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
(Proverbs 2:5; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 14:26; Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 19:23; Proverbs 22:4; Isaiah 8:13.)
It is important to understand that we are in the world, and there will be challenges that we cannot overcome by our own strength or ability.
God has provided us with diverse graces that we need to overcome and be above always.
It is well.
THE BLESSINGS OF GOD
The Bible says, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22.
Oftentimes, when we hear the word “blessing,” we equate it to financial release or increase. Blessing is not just money. When we talk about God’s blessings, it includes the gifts of goodness, favour and grace, peace, forgiveness, eternal life, physical provisions such as health, protection, fruitful works, and so on.
In Genesis 12, God called Abram out of his father’s house, his place of familiarity, and from serving an idol, and promised to bless him. From all indications, Abram was okay. Verse 5 says:
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
One of the challenges Abram was facing was childlessness, so in Genesis 22:17–18, God said:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
God blesses by invoking divine favour upon His children.
You see, God knows your areas of deficiency, which are many as a human being. Just like Abraham was concerned only about childlessness, God sees beyond that. He knows what needs to be done for you to enjoy your blessings without the attendant issues from the devil and his agents.
Nothing on this earth works in isolation. Everything is connected, even if you cannot see it.
It is like a man desiring to have a car. Yes, a car is good, and even if it is to prove a point to your friends and colleagues, you can deceive yourself into thinking it is a need. (I am not saying having a car is a luxury.) But you know getting a car is the least of the problems, you will need to do the necessary paperwork, fuel the car, and spend money on maintenance. You have to think of insurance, theft, accidents, fire, etc.
So, you see, the car itself is minimal.
Another example is when you have a new job. Your Father will not just give you the job; He will also have to make sure He gives you the wisdom, strength, and grace to be successful at the job.
So, when the Bible says God’s blessings do not add sorrow, it means God considers everything that is associated with the blessing and deals with them so that you will not have any sorrow.
Imagine driving the car out with all your family members in it and an accident occurs, and everyone dies except you. Is that a blessing that gives joy?
You can argue that you have your necessary papers, you have serviced your car, you fuel it, and it is in good condition. But, my friend, you have no control over the other driver and the condition of his vehicle. Still, you lost your loved ones.
The major purpose of the blessings of God is to show His love to His children and to display His power in their lives for the world to see.
So, if you ask for something from Him and He knows what surrounds such a request, He can decide whether your request is good for you or not.
Sometimes, it is even an issue of your maturity. Are you mature enough for what you are asking for?
His love for you will not let Him give you what you cannot handle.
The Bible says in Psalm 84:12:
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Our ignorance makes us conclude that when we ask and do not receive, in spite of His promises, then He is not what He says He is. Some even depart from the faith because of this.
Now, do you think the Almighty God who made the heavens and the earth is not able to provide what you need?
The Bible says the cattle upon a thousand hills belong to Him; gold and silver are also His.
I have wondered so many times how the animals came to Noah to be in the ark. He showed mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and obey His commands, Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 5:10.
Do you think what you are asking for is so big that He cannot provide it?
All the things you need to live and prosper have already been created. He does not have to go into the factory or exercise any extra power to meet your need.
He loves you too much to give you what will destroy you.
God desires your progress and victory because He is glorified when you succeed, John 15:8.
If you do not receive what you ask for, then it is not time to complain and believe that God hates you or that His words are not powerful enough. Rather, you need to know how God functions and how the life that you have received from Him functions.
Do not assume that you know because someone said so or because you see manifestations of something in someone else’s life.
You must have heard that God does not have grandchildren. You have to know Him by yourself and seek His ways for you.
God’s blessings are always comprehensive. They cover all areas of your life, irrespective of where you are.
Joseph is one example of God’s blessing.
* While in his father’s house, he enjoyed favour.
* While in Potiphar’s house as a slave, his presence brought God’s blessing to Potiphar’s house.
* While in prison, the Bible says in Genesis 39:21–23:
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
* Eventually, when he became a prime minister in a strange country, the economy of the country became so blessed that, during the famine, the whole nation of Egypt and other nations round about were preserved. At that time, Egypt became a world power.
You see, when God blesses you, it is a total package, full option, your family, people around you, and even nations benefit from God’s blessing on your life.
If your so-called blessing is limited to you, then of what good will that do to the Kingdom of God and the coming of the Lord?
God wants to display His power — Genesis 39:2–3.
The Bible says in Psalm 62:11:
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
God wants to display His power in your life much more than you also desire, but it is only through His way that it will be done.
1 Corinthians 4:20, Ephesians 1:19, Hebrews 1:3.
God’s blessings will be displayed in your life according to His will, and His power will always follow His will. He will not sponsor anything that has nothing to do with His will.
Know His will and obey it. Then you too can boldly say, there is nothing I ask from God that He has not done or that He will not do for me.
Oftentimes, when we hear the word “blessing,” we equate it to financial release or increase. Blessing is not just money. When we talk about God’s blessings, it includes the gifts of goodness, favour and grace, peace, forgiveness, eternal life, physical provisions such as health, protection, fruitful works, and so on.
In Genesis 12, God called Abram out of his father’s house, his place of familiarity, and from serving an idol, and promised to bless him. From all indications, Abram was okay. Verse 5 says:
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
One of the challenges Abram was facing was childlessness, so in Genesis 22:17–18, God said:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
God blesses by invoking divine favour upon His children.
You see, God knows your areas of deficiency, which are many as a human being. Just like Abraham was concerned only about childlessness, God sees beyond that. He knows what needs to be done for you to enjoy your blessings without the attendant issues from the devil and his agents.
Nothing on this earth works in isolation. Everything is connected, even if you cannot see it.
It is like a man desiring to have a car. Yes, a car is good, and even if it is to prove a point to your friends and colleagues, you can deceive yourself into thinking it is a need. (I am not saying having a car is a luxury.) But you know getting a car is the least of the problems, you will need to do the necessary paperwork, fuel the car, and spend money on maintenance. You have to think of insurance, theft, accidents, fire, etc.
So, you see, the car itself is minimal.
Another example is when you have a new job. Your Father will not just give you the job; He will also have to make sure He gives you the wisdom, strength, and grace to be successful at the job.
So, when the Bible says God’s blessings do not add sorrow, it means God considers everything that is associated with the blessing and deals with them so that you will not have any sorrow.
Imagine driving the car out with all your family members in it and an accident occurs, and everyone dies except you. Is that a blessing that gives joy?
You can argue that you have your necessary papers, you have serviced your car, you fuel it, and it is in good condition. But, my friend, you have no control over the other driver and the condition of his vehicle. Still, you lost your loved ones.
The major purpose of the blessings of God is to show His love to His children and to display His power in their lives for the world to see.
So, if you ask for something from Him and He knows what surrounds such a request, He can decide whether your request is good for you or not.
Sometimes, it is even an issue of your maturity. Are you mature enough for what you are asking for?
His love for you will not let Him give you what you cannot handle.
The Bible says in Psalm 84:12:
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Our ignorance makes us conclude that when we ask and do not receive, in spite of His promises, then He is not what He says He is. Some even depart from the faith because of this.
Now, do you think the Almighty God who made the heavens and the earth is not able to provide what you need?
The Bible says the cattle upon a thousand hills belong to Him; gold and silver are also His.
I have wondered so many times how the animals came to Noah to be in the ark. He showed mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and obey His commands, Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 5:10.
Do you think what you are asking for is so big that He cannot provide it?
All the things you need to live and prosper have already been created. He does not have to go into the factory or exercise any extra power to meet your need.
He loves you too much to give you what will destroy you.
God desires your progress and victory because He is glorified when you succeed, John 15:8.
If you do not receive what you ask for, then it is not time to complain and believe that God hates you or that His words are not powerful enough. Rather, you need to know how God functions and how the life that you have received from Him functions.
Do not assume that you know because someone said so or because you see manifestations of something in someone else’s life.
You must have heard that God does not have grandchildren. You have to know Him by yourself and seek His ways for you.
God’s blessings are always comprehensive. They cover all areas of your life, irrespective of where you are.
Joseph is one example of God’s blessing.
* While in his father’s house, he enjoyed favour.
* While in Potiphar’s house as a slave, his presence brought God’s blessing to Potiphar’s house.
* While in prison, the Bible says in Genesis 39:21–23:
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
* Eventually, when he became a prime minister in a strange country, the economy of the country became so blessed that, during the famine, the whole nation of Egypt and other nations round about were preserved. At that time, Egypt became a world power.
You see, when God blesses you, it is a total package, full option, your family, people around you, and even nations benefit from God’s blessing on your life.
If your so-called blessing is limited to you, then of what good will that do to the Kingdom of God and the coming of the Lord?
God wants to display His power — Genesis 39:2–3.
The Bible says in Psalm 62:11:
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
God wants to display His power in your life much more than you also desire, but it is only through His way that it will be done.
1 Corinthians 4:20, Ephesians 1:19, Hebrews 1:3.
God’s blessings will be displayed in your life according to His will, and His power will always follow His will. He will not sponsor anything that has nothing to do with His will.
Know His will and obey it. Then you too can boldly say, there is nothing I ask from God that He has not done or that He will not do for me.