DEPENDING ON GOD

DEPENDING ON GOD We’ve all heard the phrase “Depend on God” but most at times when we faced with diverse trial and tribulations, we ask ourselves “is there really a God to depend on”, or “ why should I depend on God”. As Christians, we always try to keep our faith in God intact but along the way, when things seems to be getting out of control, we then decide to act on our own. This always in most circumstances leads to greater woes. I have been there and I know you too have been there, whiles some are still in it, others are yet to experience it. This has prompted me share with you eight reasons why you should always depend on God and not yourself or any other person. Throughout scripture, God has given us countless reasons why we should trust in him, rest in him or depend on him. I will however base my exhortation on the book of Romans which introduces or presents to us to the good news of our new life in Christ Jesus. Reason 1: Romans 8:26-27 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD INTERCEDES FOR US 26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.] What a joy to know that the Holy Spirit who lives in us intercedes for us. This tells us that God is concerned for us and cares about every detail of our life; so depend on him to bring to fruition your prayers and heart desires. Reason 2: Romans 8:28 God is a Partner in our labour We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Are you a born again Christian? If yes then you are chosen and called by God himself and he partakes in every trials you go through. He is with you every step of the way and brings to fruition your labour. Even what was destined to destroy you would be turned into a blessing in your life for God is with you. Reason 3: Romans 8:29 We have been destined for greatness 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Yes! We have been destined for greatness in Jesus Christ. Even before you and I were ever conceived, God had already planned our future; and it is one of victory. The way maybe stony and full of thorns but rejoice knowing that no man or devil can change your destiny; for what God has decreed concerning our lives in Christ Jesus will certainly come to pass. It is already in motion brethren; depend on God to get you there. Reason 4: Romans 8:30 We have been justified And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. We are justified and made right with God; therefore all good things belong to us. We face no condemnation from God and therefore no man or devil can condemn us for what God has called clean let no man call unclean. Reason 5: Romans 8:31 God is for us What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] Really who can stand against us when God says we belong to him. Which can stop us to reach our full potentials in Christ Jesus? They may try but it will come to naught. Reason 6 Romans 8:32, 35 God loves us He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? 35 Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? The love God has for us is a weapon in itself as it fills our heart dispelling all fears and concerns. It gives us a supernatural energy to drive on no matter what the circumstance might be. In times of trial, ask God to fill your heart with his love and see what happens; it is supernatural!! Reason 7: Romans 8:33 we are covered and protected in God Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Most of we believers sometimes makes comments such as’ God is punishing me’ but hey will God condemn those he has personally acquitted of all sin? No. God is for us remember?, and if we consent to rest and depend on him, he will protects us no matter the accusations the devil brings against us. Reason 8: Romans 8:37-39 we are more than conquerors Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes!!! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; we can move mountains and change the world around us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world; we are victors in Jesus’ name. Let us learn how to rest and depend on God brethren for it is in him we have all things and we are who we are because of his grace. Situations around you may not be positive; you will feel you are all alone but know today that God is with you. I pray that the grace of God will continue to abound in our lives and that of our love ones, to see us all through every challenging situations in our lives all to the glory of the most high God in Jesus’s mighty name AMEN

DEPENDING ON GOD

DEPENDING ON GOD We’ve all heard the phrase “Depend on God” but most at times when we faced with diverse trial and tribulations, we ask ourselves “is there really a God to depend on”, or “ why should I depend on God”. As Christians, we always try to keep our faith in God intact but along the way, when things seems to be getting out of control, we then decide to act on our own. This always in most circumstances leads to greater woes. I have been there and I know you too have been there, whiles some are still in it, others are yet to experience it. This has prompted me share with you eight reasons why you should always depend on God and not yourself or any other person. Throughout scripture, God has given us countless reasons why we should trust in him, rest in him or depend on him. I will however base my exhortation on the book of Romans which introduces or presents to us to the good news of our new life in Christ Jesus. Reason 1: Romans 8:26-27 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD INTERCEDES FOR US 26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.] What a joy to know that the Holy Spirit who lives in us intercedes for us. This tells us that God is concerned for us and cares about every detail of our life; so depend on him to bring to fruition your prayers and heart desires. Reason 2: Romans 8:28 God is a Partner in our labour We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Are you a born again Christian? If yes then you are chosen and called by God himself and he partakes in every trials you go through. He is with you every step of the way and brings to fruition your labour. Even what was destined to destroy you would be turned into a blessing in your life for God is with you. Reason 3: Romans 8:29 We have been destined for greatness 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Yes! We have been destined for greatness in Jesus Christ. Even before you and I were ever conceived, God had already planned our future; and it is one of victory. The way maybe stony and full of thorns but rejoice knowing that no man or devil can change your destiny; for what God has decreed concerning our lives in Christ Jesus will certainly come to pass. It is already in motion brethren; depend on God to get you there. Reason 4: Romans 8:30 We have been justified And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. We are justified and made right with God; therefore all good things belong to us. We face no condemnation from God and therefore no man or devil can condemn us for what God has called clean let no man call unclean. Reason 5: Romans 8:31 God is for us What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] Really who can stand against us when God says we belong to him. Which can stop us to reach our full potentials in Christ Jesus? They may try but it will come to naught. Reason 6 Romans 8:32, 35 God loves us He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? 35 Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? The love God has for us is a weapon in itself as it fills our heart dispelling all fears and concerns. It gives us a supernatural energy to drive on no matter what the circumstance might be. In times of trial, ask God to fill your heart with his love and see what happens; it is supernatural!! Reason 7: Romans 8:33 we are covered and protected in God Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Most of we believers sometimes makes comments such as’ God is punishing me’ but hey will God condemn those he has personally acquitted of all sin? No. God is for us remember?, and if we consent to rest and depend on him, he will protects us no matter the accusations the devil brings against us. Reason 8: Romans 8:37-39 we are more than conquerors Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes!!! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; we can move mountains and change the world around us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world; we are victors in Jesus’ name. Let us learn how to rest and depend on God brethren for it is in him we have all things and we are who we are because of his grace. Situations around you may not be positive; you will feel you are all alone but know today that God is with you. I pray that the grace of God will continue to abound in our lives and that of our love ones, to see us all through every challenging situations in our lives all to the glory of the most high God in Jesus’s mighty name AMEN

DEPENDING ON GOD

DEPENDING ON GOD We’ve all heard the phrase “Depend on God” but most at times when we faced with diverse trial and tribulations, we ask ourselves “is there really a God to depend on”, or “ why should I depend on God”. As Christians, we always try to keep our faith in God intact but along the way, when things seems to be getting out of control, we then decide to act on our own. This always in most circumstances leads to greater woes. I have been there and I know you too have been there, whiles some are still in it, others are yet to experience it. This has prompted me share with you eight reasons why you should always depend on God and not yourself or any other person. Throughout scripture, God has given us countless reasons why we should trust in him, rest in him or depend on him. I will however base my exhortation on the book of Romans which introduces or presents to us to the good news of our new life in Christ Jesus. Reason 1: Romans 8:26-27 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD INTERCEDES FOR US 26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.] What a joy to know that the Holy Spirit who lives in us intercedes for us. This tells us that God is concerned for us and cares about every detail of our life; so depend on him to bring to fruition your prayers and heart desires. Reason 2: Romans 8:28 God is a Partner in our labour We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Are you a born again Christian? If yes then you are chosen and called by God himself and he partakes in every trials you go through. He is with you every step of the way and brings to fruition your labour. Even what was destined to destroy you would be turned into a blessing in your life for God is with you. Reason 3: Romans 8:29 We have been destined for greatness 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Yes! We have been destined for greatness in Jesus Christ. Even before you and I were ever conceived, God had already planned our future; and it is one of victory. The way maybe stony and full of thorns but rejoice knowing that no man or devil can change your destiny; for what God has decreed concerning our lives in Christ Jesus will certainly come to pass. It is already in motion brethren; depend on God to get you there. Reason 4: Romans 8:30 We have been justified And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. We are justified and made right with God; therefore all good things belong to us. We face no condemnation from God and therefore no man or devil can condemn us for what God has called clean let no man call unclean. Reason 5: Romans 8:31 God is for us What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] Really who can stand against us when God says we belong to him. Which can stop us to reach our full potentials in Christ Jesus? They may try but it will come to naught. Reason 6 Romans 8:32, 35 God loves us He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? 35 Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? The love God has for us is a weapon in itself as it fills our heart dispelling all fears and concerns. It gives us a supernatural energy to drive on no matter what the circumstance might be. In times of trial, ask God to fill your heart with his love and see what happens; it is supernatural!! Reason 7: Romans 8:33 we are covered and protected in God Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Most of we believers sometimes makes comments such as’ God is punishing me’ but hey will God condemn those he has personally acquitted of all sin? No. God is for us remember?, and if we consent to rest and depend on him, he will protects us no matter the accusations the devil brings against us. Reason 8: Romans 8:37-39 we are more than conquerors Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes!!! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; we can move mountains and change the world around us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world; we are victors in Jesus’ name. Let us learn how to rest and depend on God brethren for it is in him we have all things and we are who we are because of his grace. Situations around you may not be positive; you will feel you are all alone but know today that God is with you. I pray that the grace of God will continue to abound in our lives and that of our love ones, to see us all through every challenging situations in our lives all to the glory of the most high God in Jesus’s mighty name AMEN

DEPENDING ON GOD

DEPENDING ON GOD We’ve all heard the phrase “Depend on God” but most at times when we faced with diverse trial and tribulations, we ask ourselves “is there really a God to depend on”, or “ why should I depend on God”. As Christians, we always try to keep our faith in God intact but along the way, when things seems to be getting out of control, we then decide to act on our own. This always in most circumstances leads to greater woes. I have been there and I know you too have been there, whiles some are still in it, others are yet to experience it. This has prompted me share with you eight reasons why you should always depend on God and not yourself or any other person. Throughout scripture, God has given us countless reasons why we should trust in him, rest in him or depend on him. I will however base my exhortation on the book of Romans which introduces or presents to us to the good news of our new life in Christ Jesus. Reason 1: Romans 8:26-27 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD INTERCEDES FOR US 26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.] What a joy to know that the Holy Spirit who lives in us intercedes for us. This tells us that God is concerned for us and cares about every detail of our life; so depend on him to bring to fruition your prayers and heart desires. Reason 2: Romans 8:28 God is a Partner in our labour We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Are you a born again Christian? If yes then you are chosen and called by God himself and he partakes in every trials you go through. He is with you every step of the way and brings to fruition your labour. Even what was destined to destroy you would be turned into a blessing in your life for God is with you. Reason 3: Romans 8:29 We have been destined for greatness 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Yes! We have been destined for greatness in Jesus Christ. Even before you and I were ever conceived, God had already planned our future; and it is one of victory. The way maybe stony and full of thorns but rejoice knowing that no man or devil can change your destiny; for what God has decreed concerning our lives in Christ Jesus will certainly come to pass. It is already in motion brethren; depend on God to get you there. Reason 4: Romans 8:30 We have been justified And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. We are justified and made right with God; therefore all good things belong to us. We face no condemnation from God and therefore no man or devil can condemn us for what God has called clean let no man call unclean. Reason 5: Romans 8:31 God is for us What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] Really who can stand against us when God says we belong to him. Which can stop us to reach our full potentials in Christ Jesus? They may try but it will come to naught. Reason 6 Romans 8:32, 35 God loves us He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? 35 Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? The love God has for us is a weapon in itself as it fills our heart dispelling all fears and concerns. It gives us a supernatural energy to drive on no matter what the circumstance might be. In times of trial, ask God to fill your heart with his love and see what happens; it is supernatural!! Reason 7: Romans 8:33 we are covered and protected in God Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Most of we believers sometimes makes comments such as’ God is punishing me’ but hey will God condemn those he has personally acquitted of all sin? No. God is for us remember?, and if we consent to rest and depend on him, he will protects us no matter the accusations the devil brings against us. Reason 8: Romans 8:37-39 we are more than conquerors Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes!!! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; we can move mountains and change the world around us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world; we are victors in Jesus’ name. Let us learn how to rest and depend on God brethren for it is in him we have all things and we are who we are because of his grace. Situations around you may not be positive; you will feel you are all alone but know today that God is with you. I pray that the grace of God will continue to abound in our lives and that of our love ones, to see us all through every challenging situations in our lives all to the glory of the most high God in Jesus’s mighty name AMEN

PERSEVERANCE- A VIRTUE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS

PERSEVERANCE- A VIRTUE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS To persevere is to continue in a course of action without regard for discouragement, opposition or previous failures. It is to have your eyes glued to your final destination or the final outcome. Most at times, people do not understand why some other people are so obsessed with certain things they do though they have tried and have been unsuccessful several times. I was once a person who easily gave up on any project I started, either because it seemed not to work as quickly as I had hoped for, or my friends have told me I am wasting my time and resources on something that was only a reality in my head, so I give up. This was once me. But I know that many others are still trapped in this. What is most common is the fact that sometimes in our walk with the Lord, we begin to feel that the promises of the Lord, or the changes you had hoped to see in your life are not taking place. At this point you begin to have opposing voices whisper to you that that is not the place you should be. It is good to listen to advice. But it is not all advice that is good for you. It is good to share your vision with your friends and family, but it is not everyone who should hear of your vision. You may either be encouraged or discouraged. In every good thing, God expects us to persevere. He expects us not to look at the circumstances around us but to keep our eyes glued to Christ Jesus who gives us strength to do all things. (Philippians 4:13). The world would always oppose you and discourage you. But in Christ, you are more than a conqueror. I know many have prayed for a miracle from the Lord but have not seen their miracle. All I will say is that doing not give up. In fact never give up, persevere. Allow me to take you back to two prominent stories in the bible which really informed me to write this piece. The first story is from Mathew 15:21-28 and the second is Mathew 20:29-33. Mathew 15:21-33 tells us about the gentile woman who approached Jesus for a miracle. She spoke for a while but Jesus ignored her. And finally the disciples, who probable had become feedup, approached Jesus and asked him to send the woman away. Finally Jesus speaks to her but it was not to help her but to tell her that he came only for the lost sheep of Israel and that it was bad to take food meant for the children and give it to the dogs. But it is the woman’s reply that really proved that she was determined. And the Lord said to her that she had great faith and her request was done for her. The second story is quiet similar but with a different twist. It talks about two blind men who heard that Jesus was passing by where they usually sat daily. They probably heard the noise of the multitudes that followed the Lord. Now this two men” thought” this was their opportunity to also receive a miracle, so shouted at the top of their voice, calling on Jesus . Now what is prominent here is that as they shouted, the crowd told them to shut up, but they never gave up, they persevered and finally Jesus gave them his attention and they had their miracle. I pray that you take time to read these two scripture verse to catch the revelation in them. God is with us, and we need not be afraid of the world. Whatever you have purposed to do to contribute to the success of your career, business and aspirations, God is with you, persevere.

SOWING SEEDS EVERYDAY

SOWING SEEDS EVERYDAY Genesis 8:20-22 The story of Noah’s sacrifice to God after the flood is one we are all too familiar with. But the most significant thing in this story is God’s blessings proclaimed on the earth. “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvesting, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” This proclamation by God whether we are aware or not still stands and forms the basis of our everyday activities. Whether you are poor or rich, sick or healthy, happy or sad, we must all release that a seed was planted and the outcome or harvest is what we have or see happening in our daily lives. The question then is what is a seed and how do I sow a seed? Most often people of God only look at a seed to be tangible substances or money, I also thought so once. Hence many have always felt bad that they do not have money to sow seeds when an altar call is made in the church. But I recently discovered that a seed goes beyond money or any tangible or physical substance. God as a loving father has invested or planted in us all a giant tree which produces fruits and seeds of all variety. This tree or investment God has made in us however needs to grow and continue growing in order for us to enjoy our lives, grow rich, happy and healthy. If we do not sow these seeds produced in us, it remains exactly what it is, a seed. It would not bear fruits. And is the fruit that we need most. God in his wisdom has made all things available for us to lead fruitful lives, he knows the seeds he has kept in each of us and expects us to plant these seeds to enjoy the fruits of life. Let me ask this question, have you ever met someone you smiled at or someone smiled at you and you frowned? Well I haven’t and I know you haven’t as well. The first reaction to a smile is to reciprocate; is to smile back. When you sow a seed of smiles, you are also rewarded with a fruit of smiles. Galatians 6:6-10 says that God cannot be mocked, we reap what we sow And this is very practical in our daily lives. If you sow love, you would reap the fruit of love. If you sow peace and harmony, you reap the fruit of peace and harmony. The other side of it is also very true, when evil and malice is sown, evil and malice is reaped. We are full of wonder seeds. Some of us are gifted with the best smiles, others are gifted to bring joy to people, and whiles others are gifted to help, motivate and inspire people to be achievers. The list is very tall but the point is whatever your gift is, some are common to all of us, some are not, simply sow it in someone’s life and see this principle of seedtime and harvest work in your life. We should be conscious of the fact that money is not what our life is about. Money is a compliment, but there are deeper stuff which your money can never buy for you. You only get those things when you sow the exact thing back into someone’s life. As we move into the weekends, I think it would be prudent that we all sow a seed of smiles, hugs, laughter, time, etc in the lives of people we meet. And the blessings of the lord would surely fill our cups and over flow. A lot can be said about this topic and I pray I get the opportunity to dwell deeper into it. SHALOM.

WAGING THE WAR

WAGING THE WAR 1 Many Christians do not know that as followers of Christ Jesus, we are more of soldiers ready to and waging war on the kingdom of darkness to pull people into the kingdom of light. Some have had this perception that when they get born again is all that it takes to make it to heaven. True, but getting born again is just the first step we take to preparing ourselves for a journey with our Lord and Savior Jesus. Unfortunately, many have not been able to continue this walk because; one they were not aware of the battle ahead and two, those who were aware decided to fight on their own. Before one accepts Christ as lord and savior, the person might seemingly enjoy everything good in the world; accept the norms of the world that are contrary to what the word of God say. The person accepts what they say he is and what he should do. And he does them and is rewarded with some momentarily joy. Others too are tormented and abused no matter what they do to realize their goals in this system of the world; a lost war is fought. When we accept Jesus as lord and savior, we are taken from this system of the world, we are set free from the world but that does not mean that the war we fought when we were operating in the world system is over. In fact, when we accept Jesus into our lives, the devil wages a fierce war against us, to stop us from our walk with the lord and mostly this battle is fought in the mind or our head. In 2 Corinthians 10:3, the apostle Paul reveals to us that we are humans but we do not wage war as humans do. The war we wage is very supernatural and most Christians are usually taken aback. What we forget is that our thoughts, our minds should be strongly protected. The things we entertained in the worldly system would come back to haunt us once awhile and the only way to fight this is to remove those memories and thoughts from our minds and replace them with Godly thoughts. The only way to do this is by exchanging the old thoughts with that of what God offers through the studying of his word. The word of God would break any ungodly strongholds in our minds and replace it with the peaceful thoughts of God. Another area of attack is with debating with what we hear and see every day and with what God has said concerning us. Due to the fact that we still live in the world, the world would still try to influence us every day. Sometimes our friends and families may be the instrument of this influence if they do not know Christ. 1st Corinthians 15:33 admonish us to shy from bad company as bad company corrupts good behavior. This clearly tells us that we should intentionally choose our friends when we are living a new life. Friends who would not help us in our walk with Jesus should be put away immediately since they can corrupt us. So you see, we are constantly at war and must be conscious of this. It is very real whether we see it or not. The second part of this discussion would point out what why we should not fight on our own, why we cannot fight on our own and win the battle since it is a waste of time. Why? The victory has already been won for us.

YOU ARE GOD’S GARDEN

YOU ARE GOD’S GARDEN Every farmer’s desire is to see his farm flourish. He works hard to ensure that that the seeds he has planted would not only grow and bear fruits, but also desires to have a bountiful harvest in his farm. This desire of the farmer can be likened to God’s desire for us believers to succeed in all that we do to the glory of his name. Jesus Christ did not break our chains of bondage to see us go right back to pick those same chains back. He did not set us free from slavery for us to go on being slaves. No. the desire of God is for us to live a life full of his glory; lacking nothing and enjoying the fullness of life to the glory of his holy name. Unfortunately, many born again Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit still wallow in misery because they do not know their place in Christ. They do not know their inheritance and hence allow the wisdom of the world to dictate their every move. Remember in Hosea 4:6 that God says “my people perish for lack of knowledge”, if you like due to ignorance. The question comes to where you get to know your inheritance or where you get to be knowledgeable. The answer is of course not in our school books but in the word of God. The word of God is our “course” book which needs to be studied and meditated upon diligently. The word of God reveals and directs us in everything we do and hence points us to our inheritance in Christ Jesus. In Mathew 13: 23, Jesus shares a parable with his followers which is commonly known as the parable of the sower. In this parable, we get to know that the sower or farmer is God or the preacher of the word of God, and the seed is the word of God. Also the field represents us believers. This parable clearly defines what the word of God does in our lives us believers. A key lesson learnt from this parable is that we should be diligent in listening to the word of God and receive the word every day. Hence we should not be footpaths where the seed is easily stolen from us. We should also not be like the shallow soil where we easily give up when faced with trials and persecution. Neither should we be like the thorns where the cares of the world and lust of the flesh easily takes the place of the word in our lives. Rather we should be like the fertile soil in which the seed produces bountifully in us because we accept and receive the word of God in faith, trusting in the giver of the word. In furtherance, Jesus goes on to reveal to us that we have a choice to determine how bountiful we reap from the word sown in us. In mark 4:20, he says “ and the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear the word and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even hundred times as much as had been planted” so you see, the more you have the word in you, the greater your harvest. This is very practical; I mean you can’t expect to get a healing miracle by faith when you do not know what God says about your health. It is impossible. You must have the word of God in you then you can confess the word to receive your healing. Remember faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God. Let us make the studying of God’s word a daily routine in our lives. Without the word we cannot do anything. SHALOM

KNOW AND SAY WHAT GOD SAYS

KNOW AND SAY WHAT GOD SAYS I know I have written a lot about and placed much emphasis on the power of the word of God and above all what it means for the believer to have the word of God in him. One of my main aims in doing this is for Christians all over the world to know what God says concerning a particular matter and saying exactly the same thing; instead of relying on people to tell you what the bible say, why not find out for yourself. It is good to listen to men of God everyday as they bring you the word of God. But I think that should not end there, one must also read the scriptures to confirm what he or she has heard. This does two thing; one it strengthens or reaffirms your faith in the word of God and two, it helps you to be devoid or safe of distorters. In this last days, many self styled men of God have distorted the Holy word of God for their own personal gains. As foretold by Jesus Christ, false prophets now parade around our media outlets deceiving many. Distorting the word of God is one of the devils schemes; in fact it is what the devil does to believers for them to loss guard and fall into sin. The first distortion of the word of God started in the Garden of Eden. God said to Adam “you may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:16-17. In order to tempt Eve, the devil distorted, twisted the word of God and presented it to her “did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” you would notice that in the first instance he misquoted God by taking out the word freely. Also the devil ended his statement in a question form casting doubt in the mind of Eve concerning the love of God for them. This doubt casted influenced Eve’s response where she did not quote God verbatim. This gave the devil more room to further coax her to eat the fruit. Also our Lord and savior Jesus Christ was also tempted in this same way in Mathew 4:6 when he asked Jesus to jump from the highest point of the temple. The devil misquoted God’s word again and presented it to Jesus which can be found in psalm 91:11-12. But what the devil failed to realize was that he was talking to the word of God, praise God, he really messed up there. Well from these two instances, we can see very clearly that the devil will always misquote and distort the word of God in order to get to you. He can’t quote exactly what God says because he would end up trapping himself so be on guard. Be conscious of what you hear and from whom you hear. But most importantly study the word and meditate on it daily and God himself will give you understanding. Remember God says in Hosea 4:6 “my people are being destroyed for lack of knowledge” another puts it this way “my people are being destroyed because they do not know me” how do you get to know God? It is only through studying and meditating on his word that you get to know who God is and his plans for you. SHALOM