GENERAL

is the bible silent about abortion

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One of the trending issues of the 21st century is abortion – the intentional termination of a pregnancy. In time past, this term was considered illegal and a taboo. Even mentioning the word used to be seen as a desecration of humanity.

However, towards the ending of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, the world began to experience a ‘reawakening’. A revolution similar to the Renaissance revolution of humanism was birthed. Things previously seen as abomination were seen as human rights.

Things worsened when the U.S Supreme Court made a precedent and ruling that abortion was a human right. Defenders of this ruling usually say that a woman has a right to her body.

Unfortunately, this movement is slowly sneaking into the church. Our girls are losing sense of the consequence of premarital sex and the sacredness of carrying a baby in the womb, because the foetus can be flushed out at her will.

Nonetheless, God’s word on abortion stands true!

But there’s no mention of abortion in the Bible?

Although, there’s no explicit mention of abortion in the Bible, several places in the Bible show that God recognizes the foetus in a woman’s womb as a separate living entity.

1. Psalm 139:13: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (NIV)

Though a man and woman need to conjugate in order for a fetus to be produced, God is the supreme maker of even that foetus. The physical features may be inherited from the man and woman, but the soul that makes the foetus a living being comes from God.

Therefore, it is not the mother’s property. Her body might be her property, but not the baby in it. The baby belongs to God! She is only a carriage or an incubator for the baby. Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”(NIV)

2. Psalm 139:16: Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)

Some believe God doesn’t care for unborn children – that isn’t true. God cares for the unborn children as much as he cares for the birthed ones. There is no child in a woman’s womb without a destiny ordained by God. Even while they’re in the belly of their mother, dependent on her for nutrition, the Lord has already ordained their purpose and destiny in life.

3. Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)

As previously stated, God has a destiny for every child, born or unborn. They are set apart for His special purpose. That an unborn child is unwanted by his parents does not mean he is not wanted by God.

From these three profound scriptures, we see that God fully recognizes what we call ‘foetus’ as humans. Therefore, if they are humans, why would we describe terminating their lives as ‘women right’.

Why infringe one’s right to exercise your right? I think it is very ironic that we see abortion as women right, yet, we see the killing of children as murder. It only points to her confused and misguided this generation is.

Thus, the church must not be silent on an issue like this. Men and women alike must be taught to face the consequences of their decisions. If we keep silent on an issue like abortion, the left-winged media will keep deceiving ignorant girls on the streets and putting them through a process that God gravely condemns.

Spirituality

To every Nigerian out there…

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October 1st is the day every Nigerian, young or old, remembers the heroic efforts of their forefathers in securing the nation’s independence.


It is day in which Nigeria was officially declared a free nation. On this day in 1960, thousands of Nigerians flocked their streets, their voices rejoicing at the news that the colonial and slave masters were gone.

Smiles and songs of triumphs were heard on this day. Everyone, even the worse witch, prophesied great things about the newly decolonized nation.

Little did we know that freedom from the colonial masters would only be the first part of the battles we would fight.


For sixty-one years of our existence as an independent nation, we have been in different turmoil. From coups to inflation, to insecurity, to corruption, Nigeria has found herself in the very depths of hell.

In the midst of these, an average Nigerian like me is tempted to be disinterested towards the independence day celebration. Moreover, what independence are we actually celebrating? The ideology of Nigeria’s independence is only an irony. Till date, we are still dependent on imports from other countries.

The thought of this as well as other sad happenings in this nation makes one to really wonder if this was the kind of country our forefathers fought for. It has a way of turning an independence day celebration into a day of mourning.

However, the last thing Nigerians ought to do is to relent.

History has repeatedly shown us that the greatest nations have fought the toughest battles. It has shown us that the superpowers of today were once deserted lands in the past.


Dubai was once a deserted desert before it became a tourist attraction. Russia experienced several bloody revolutions before it gained economic stability and military supremacy; the same with France. America fought one of the most intense battles in history known as the cold war before it became the center of unity and love. The great Israeli nation was suffered what is known as ‘Holocaust’ – a mass execution of several millions of Jews.


There is no great nation today without a terrible yesterday. There is no powerful nation today that arose out of nowhere. The journey to power was intense. Blood was shed. Tears were shed. People were incarcerated. The economy suffered severely. However, in the midst of these, light shone. They survived! They recovered and now, they are doing well.



This is also going to be the story of Nigeria! We are in a season of travail! A season of pain, agony and suffering. We are groaning both spiritually and physically as a result of the terrible hardship of this nation. However, it is only for a season.


There will be a purgation of evil from the land. Nigeria will be great again and her greatness shall astonish many. So, don’t lose hope on this nation! Don’t speak bad about the nation! Keep hope alive. This country is destined for great things!

All over the world, Nigerians are doing mighty things. In Education, Military and Business, Nigerians are succeeding individually.

This is because every Nigerian is born for greatness! The instinct of greatness and impact is inherent in every one of us.

Though some might not seem like it due to our present leadership, it is only a matter of time before a mighty flood shall sweep this nation of its problems and usher in a new season of greatness!

Therefore, as we anticipate the birthing of a greener Nigeria, let us ensure we contribute our quota in Nigeria’s affairs. Vote when you have to. Contest when you have to. Protest when you have to. Pray when you have to. Give Nigeria your best!


Nigeria will surely be great again!


This article was written by The Reverend Nwodo Divine

Spirituality, STORIES

Be grateful for your gift!

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Clarissa had never felt as discouraged as she did on that particular Tuesday.


She went out for evangelism, which was supposed to be done in people’s homes. She stepped out with zeal and joy, accompanied by a man named Victor and a lady named Favour.


They prayed for guidance on where to go first in the village’s homes. Then Favour was led to take a specific path and minister to everyone who was present there.


Clarissa was the leader, but someone else gave them the direction, and they followed it without hesitation.


They were greeted warmly by the first family they approached. Clarissa told them about Jesus, and they joyfully accepted the Gospel. She brought them to Christ and prayed for them.


They were supposed to move to another family when Favour began to speak about what was going on in the family and how it should be handled, which was confirmed by the family.

And as she prayed for them, there was a visible manifestation of God’s power – one of them began to speak in tongues, and the other who was sick was instantly healed.



Clarissa became dissatisfied, wondering why she was the leader of the group and nothing was happening through her.

When they arrived at the next family. Clarissa became increasingly withdrawn. Victor had to do the preaching, and it was also a good time.



Clarissa didn’t wait for closing prayers after the ministrations and hurried up to go home, which surprised the other two. As a result, they had to pray on their own and then leave.


Yes, Clarissa did poorly, but before you throw stones at her, examine yourself as well. Let’s take a look at this verse.


Ephesians 4:16
“For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.”



Clarissa did not comprehend the preceding scripture, but you must comprehend it in order to avoid making the same error.




Clarissa possessed the gift of teaching/preaching; anyone who hears her words will be convicted, whereas Favour possessed the gift of healing/word of knowledge. They are both members of Christ’s body.





These gifts are given to each person based on their ability to contribute to the overall growth of the community.

Nothing says “I should be the head of all manifestations” like “I should be the head of all manifestations.” You will manifest your gift, and the other will manifest his or her gift, and progress will be made.

Anger, jealousy, and envy should not enter our hearts through ungodly thoughts. The body of Christ is analogous to the human body, which cannot function without the other.



Don’t be like Clarissa; instead, recognize your gift, stick to it, and be grateful for it. Be glad when others manifest theirs, and let the kingdom’s work prosper.

Spirituality, STORIES

A story of God’s salvation in an unusual way!

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At times it looks like God doesn’t answer us and leaves us to our own fate when we need His answer most. I once felt that way as well.


I went for a program in a place far away from home. I was to minister in songs and yes I did minister.



It was awesome. The spirits of many were lifted and the barriers in people’s heart were broken down. Many were totally broken and completely surrendered to God.



It was an evening program and the weather was looking bright and normal.



After the singing and praising, it was time for the word to be preached. There was so much being said to us. God was expressly speaking to us through the Pastor.



Closing prayers were about to be concluded when the weather suddenly changed and it began to rain heavily.




We ignored it thinking that it will soon stop. We finished the prayers and did other needed things but the heavy rain continued.


Those whose houses were close and or umbrellas with them left for home while I and a few persons were stuck.


“Pray and command the rain to stop,” one of them said to me. I just stared at the person and didn’t say anything. I had to pray because I had done something similar before and the night was already catching up with us. I did everything I could think of, but the rain didn’t stop.


At this point, we had to get our things inside a waterproof material and began to journey home under the rain since there was no transport close by.



We all felt bad and bitter. But we learnt later that God used the rain to save many of us who might have been victims from kidnappers that operated that evening.



When we knew about it, we thanked the Lord – fully understanding this scripture;



Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

I learnt a vital lesson from this experience; that no matter how inconvenient the circumstances you find yourself in might be, God is using it to work out His will!

You might not see it – and you don’t need to, for we walk by faith and not by sight. Thus, all you have to do is keep believing that everything you’re going through – the heavy downpour, the tempestuous storm, will eventually work out God’s glorious plan in your life!

Amen!

GENERAL

TD Jakes: Don’t follow the culture!

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Romans 12:1 tells us not to be conformed to the ways of the world. The strength of the Church is in her uniqueness. Our victory is in the peculiarity of our faith and not in our conformity to worldly standards.

We might adopt their technology. We might use their gadgets. But we must be careful not to conform to their culture. Our words must not be like theirs – ours must be seasoned with the Grace of God that dwells in us.

Our lifestyles must be unique from theirs. We must be consecrated unto God. Until the Church restores her culture of uniqueness, she will remain powerless.

TD Jakes speaks more on this in the video below;

Source: @bishop_jakes

GENERAL

Why you shouldn’t be wealthy… the wrong way

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We now live in a world where the pivotal purpose of existence has turned from living for eternity to living for vanity.

As a result of this, men have become desperate for wealth and in their desperation, illegitimate businesses have become a norm.


Here in Africa, there has been an increase in the number of youths who engage in Internet fraud; it has become a social convention and has even dubbed ‘yahoo’.


Folks who engage in this chain of fraud seem to earn a lot of profit from it. They drive expensive cars and live extravagantly. This flaunting and extravagant life is also like the scent of sugar that drives men like ants to engage in it as well.


However, as believers, we must be resolute in our decision not to engage in such mischievous act.


Both Bible history and recent history has taught us that we can prosper as believers through legitimate businesses. The likes of Oprah Winfrey, Don Won Chang, Strive Masiyiwa etc, have proven this.

Thus, we must be careful not to keep our eyes focused on making a living legitimately and not fraudulently. This is because;


ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH WILL END IN SHAME:

Proverbs 21:6: The riches you get by dishonesty soon disappear, but not before they lead you into the jaws of death.



My father once told me of a very wealthy elder who once lived in his village. This elder had lots of houses, cars, trucks etc. He lacked nothing. He was also influential and was among the most revered elders in the village.

However, before his exit, he called my father – at this time, my father was still a teenager, and began to counsel him.



‘He showed me his great wealth and narrated the story of how he achieved all he achieved. Then he looked at me with pain in his heart and said, “Don’t ever get into the occult”’ My father said to me.


‘He told me how he got into the occult because of his desperation to be wealthy. But in the occult, he lost his wife, he lost his peace of mind; and all his children are living a wasted life. And then he said to me, “Don’t chew meat that is very sweet but will eventually cause your gum to bleed”’ my father recalled.


The story of this elder is an illustration on how the life of those who use ungodly means to get wealth will be.


Like Ahab, they might be lucky to escape judgment here, but their children will suffer for their sins, and the flames of hell will also eagerly anticipate their arrival.


Here’s another text that further illustrates this;


Micah 2:1 How terrible it will be for you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry out any of the wicked schemes you have power to accomplish.


Micah 2:2 When you want a certain piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence…



Micah 2:3 But this is what the Lord says: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to escape! After I am through with you, none of you will ever again walk proudly in the streets.”


GOD PROSPERS


Strive Masiyiwa, one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs, started his business with just $75 according to Arrow Leadership and followed Biblical principles of prosperity. Here’s his story;

“Like most business owners Masiyiwa faced hardships along the way. He requested a license to cellular frequencies from the Robert Mugabe government. Mugabe refused to grant a license, claiming he had potential for becoming a monopoly. Masiyiwa sued the government. Almost immediately, Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court ruled against him, leaving seemingly no chance for appeal. It appeared his dreams of a pan-African mobile network were doomed.



It was then that his wife convinced him to go to church with her.



Masiyiwa recalls, ‘It seemed as though everyone in the room except me was so happy! The young American pastor was preaching about Jesus Christ, whom I thought I had known all my life. Now I realized that I did not know Him; I only knew of Him.” That moment changed everything for him. He borrowed a second-hand Bible, and read the entire thing in two weeks, committing his life (and business) fully to Christ.



With renewed determination, he dove back into the fight against the Mugabe government. Five years, and thousands of prayers later, Masiyiwa was granted the license and the means to grow a mobile technology company.



Today, Econet Wireless, operates in more than 15 countries and enjoys a majority share of Zimbabwe users. The company began offering mobile banking, and within 18 months, some 20 percent of Zimbabwe’s GDP was passing through its networks.


If his story ended here, it would be a powerful testament to the strength of Christ in the lives of businesspeople who are fully committed. But over the years Masiyiwa has grown into one of the most prolific philanthropists in Africa and around the world. As part of the The Giving Pledge, Masiyiwa spends nearly as much time and money giving back as he does growing Econet Wireless. He is the co-founder of the Capernaum Trust, a Christian charity that sponsors the education of over 28,000 Zimbabwean orphans, he founded the environmental group the Carbon War Room with Sir Richard Branson, and sits on countless boards from Grow Africa to organizations leading the charge against HIV/AIDS and Ebola.”



Source: Arrow Leadership



Strive’s story is one of thousands of testimonies that show God’s willingness to bless and prosper His children.

Therefore, let us keep our eyes off the fraudulent money of the evil and follow the true path to godly and lasting prosperity.

GENERAL

Tame your Anger

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Being a teacher exposes one to different flavors of people – both children and adults. Having taught in over five schools in my lifetime, I have experienced these unique characters even among my co-workers.


I have seen how talented teachers fell simply because of the lack of character and self control. I almost became a victim of this years ago.

I was teaching in Primary 3 class – a class I’ll describe as my least favorite class. It was my least favorite class because it comprised mainly pupils who had very little academic intelligence and interests.

Only a few were interested in learning. However, I do not hold the kids responsible for this; it’s common situation amongst African homes.
I normally checked their notes on Fridays.

On one of the Fridays, I came across the notebooks of one of my pupils there. It looked very rough and scanty. This only meant that the boy hadn’t been following in class works.

At this realization, anger flared up within me. Anger at the fact that despite all the topics I had laboured to teach on, this kid made no effort to put them in his notebook.

In my anger, I put a slap across his face. Ignoring his pale look and pleas that he was ill, I proceeded to flog him severely.

That little boy eventually suffered a convulsion in class that same day. It took the quick and expertise attention of the teachers to resuscitate him and bring him back to order.

As I recall the event, I ask myself ‘What if the boy could not be resuscitated. What would have been my fate?’ was the question that haunted me for the following few days.

It was only then I understood why the Bible admonishes us to keep our tempers under control {Eccl. 7:9}.

Just as I was with kids who had some annoying proclivities, one might be surrounded by folks who intentionally want to get on one’s nerves. But one must be mature enough to tame his anger.

Until a believer learns how to tame his anger, he will remain an easy tool in the hands of Satan. His anger will become a weakness; and it will be very easy for the enemy to influence his actions.

Furthermore, the consequences of acting on anger can be see from the life of Moses. Just when he was on the verge of entering the promised land, he was angered by the murmurings of the Jews; he acted by impulse and faced the consequences.

From Moses’ story, we learn that though we have no control on how we are spoken to, we bear full responsibility for how we respond.

Therefore, as mature believers and members of the society, let us follow the 2 Don’ts of Anger;

– Don’t speak

– Don’t act

It was Jefferson who said that ‘anything done in anger will end in shame’ Bierce added his, ‘Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you can ever regret’.

Though this seems to be hard and unnatural, especially to those who have inherent anger propensities.

However, through determination and the help of the Holy Spirit, everything in possible.

What do I do when I’m angry?

1. When you are at the verge of acting in rage, speak and project calmness to your soul. David did this whenever he was anxious {Psalm 42:11}.

2. Don’t act yet.

3. Cool off.

4. Identify the root cause of the anger.

5. Analyse the situation from a neutral perspective.

6. Express your anger only when you’re calm.

As the Bible says, be angry but don’t sin.

STORIES

Rejected by the saviours

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Though the sun has risen, I find no reason to rise with it. I am in a state where I find no reason to do nothing and all I want to do is nothing.

The memories of pain flood my heart as I sit on my bed, my head bowed and my knees crooked. I hear the voices again – the voices of pain, more powerful than barricades and as sharp as swords. They pierce open wounds, causing more pain to ooze out.

“You can’t be here with us. You’re a heinous abomination!” Fr. Chika’s voice is the one that sticks out the most in my mind. Maybe it’s because he was the one I trusted the most.

He said he had my back, so I leaned on him, not realizing he was about to stab me in the back.

I went to him to confess my transgressions. ‘Promise me you won’t tell anyone,’ I said. He smiled reassuringly, his face as white as the robes he was wearing. ‘Of course, Mike,’ he said. ‘You can trust me,’ he said, and I decided to do so.

Moments of silence passed, and I heaved a heavy sigh, saying to him, ‘I think I’m gay.’ Again, silence reigned supreme. As my gaze wandered around his office, I felt his gaze on me. I started to feel cold – I’m not sure if it was from his air conditioning or the realization that my darkest secret had been revealed.

Finally, he sighed and asked, ‘What did you just say?’

‘I think I’m gay,’ I told him.

‘Why?’

‘I’m not sure…’ I’m finding myself attracted to boys.’ My heart was pounding in my chest as I blurted out. He stopped questioning me, patted me on the back, and prayed for me. At least temporarily, I felt relieved.

The temporary relief from his prayer wore off quickly, and I was back to fighting the raging torrents of my emotions.

I had to fight the rising of my middle man when I saw attractive men.

I had to fight the erotic images that ran through my head whenever I was alone with a guy.

I had to fight the urge to seek pleasure on the internet late at night.

I had to fight the urge to keep my hands away from my middle man and remain pure.

Some times, I won these battles, and sometimes, I lost and found myself overwhelmed with guilt and condemnation.

Days passed by and soon, it was Sunday. I dressed casually and reluctantly went to Church. Father Chika was preaching when I arrived. As I sat, it seemed as if he took notice of me and began to speak on homosexuality. “Homosexuality is a sin that God is strongly against! He condemns it seriously! Avoid all who claim to be gays” he preached aloud.

I wasn’t perturbed by his sermon; I believed God was against homosexuality. But I was perturbed by the fact that His eyes were fixed on me as he preached.

‘A person like Mike should not be here!’ The sound of my name dispelled the cloud of drowsiness and caused my heart to race faster. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on me. Whispers, murmurs, jeers, and scorns pierced my heart from various angles of the church hall.

‘Will you stand up?’ demanded the father. ‘This boy is an abomination in the eyes of God. He admitted to being a homosexual last week,’ the audience exclaimed. I buried my face in my palms to avoid the embarrassment of seeing my parents’ disgusted expression. ‘We excommunicate you from this fellowship as of today, Mike. No gays are welcome in God’s house!’

As I was led out of the church, all I could think about was, “Was it my fault?”As I was ushered out of the church, all I could ask within myself was, ‘Was it my fault?’

Was it my fault that I was drawn to men?

Did I ever fantasize about it?

Did I ever ask God for it?

Was it my fault that I was weak?

Was there anything I’d done to deserve it?

I walked away, my head bowed. I’d been turned down by the person I thought would save me.

I thought the Church was the light, but they have now made my life darker than it has ever been. And I’m still not sure if I’ll be able to get out of this bed and face the same people who rejected me.

Whether it happens or not, I want everyone who hears my story to understand that all I wanted was to be a normal person with a normal life.

Spirituality

Why should we value God’s instructions?

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Proverbs 4:13 “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”

Instructions are God’s tool for guiding us towards success and progress. They are directions from God to believers. 

There are over 1,050 commands in the New Testament for Christians to obey. They cover every phase of man’s life in his relationship to God and his fellowmen, now and hereafter. However, if neglected, dire consequences can ensue. 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalms 32:8. 

The instructions of God cannot be overestimated in the life of a believer. If God does not instruct us and teach us the right way to live our lives as believers, we will end up following the wrong path, and as scriptures warn, ‘there is a way that seems right to a man but ends in destruction’.

Unfortunately, many Christians go about their daily lives without thinking about what God wants them to do. They speak and act without first seeking God’s approval. Though this may appear to be a cool thing to do, it is actually an act of rebellion in and of itself. Let us use the earthly family as an instance; when a child living in his father’s house lives as he wants without bothering to know the opinions of his father, such child cannot be considered as wise.

However, this is how many have been living! God has no say in their job; He has no say in their relationships; He has no say in their habits etc. As believers, we can’t afford to live outside God’s instruction. We are only safe in God’s instructions!

How can one receive and obey instructions from God? 

  1. Study and meditate on God’s word daily.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness.” – 1 Timothy 3:16.

Taking just a few minutes each day to read what is in the Word will give you insight into how to live as a believer. Thus, make studying God’s word your habit. It ought to be the first and last thing you read each day.

2. Obey the common instructions you know.

Until we obey the general instructions in scriptures such as praying, fasting, being honest etc. it will be difficult for us to receive unique instructions from God.

3. Be Attentive

“Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12. 

A wise man once said God is speaking, but few are listening. A lot of times, God doesn’t speak in the loud and forceful way one would expect from a ruler. Instead, He speaks gently. Hence, Solomon admonishes us to tune our ears to His words.

The question the believer must ask himself is not ‘Is God speaking’, but ‘Am I listening to what God is saying?’

Nwodo Divine

We must align the ears of our mind and eyes to what God is saying. This means in every situation, location or circumstance you find yourself, you have to be conscious that God is with you and He could have something to tell you.

4. Habitual prayer:

Prayer helps us our stay aligned to hear from God.

We must pray like David;

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Psalm 119:18-20. 

Folk, God won’t speak until we ask. Prayer makes God’s instructions more accessible and applicable. Moreover, It is on the strength of prayer we receive the ability to obey God’s instructions.

Bible Verses about Benefits of Instructions

 1. Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. Proverbs 12:1. 

A man who doesn’t love instructions doesn’t love his life.

2. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. Proverbs 10:17. 

 

Conclusively, God’s instructions are to profit us and are not a punishment to us. They are not chains that keep us bound, rather, they are guides that pushes us into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. Purpose in your heart to always ask God for His say in your life and decisions.

This article was written by GreenHills Emmanuel.

GENERAL

Lessons from Samson’s conception

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The story of Samson’s miraculous conception is one that will forever be known in Christian history. It is a story that reminds us of how a barren old woman with a withering womb gave birth to one of the most powerful Jewish leaders in history.

However, there is more to the story of Samson’s conception than many realize – this more is what I intend to reveal through this lesson.

Firstly, let us study the background of the text. Israel is in a state of turmoil, confusion and oppression. She has abandoned her Creator and has gone back to her evil ways. The nation is void of light as well as life, and there is no one to deliver them.

Israel is left to the wishes of her enemies – the Philistines. They oppress and torment them until they begin to cry to God for help once again.


Somehow, I find a connection between the state of Israel in the text and the state of Nigeria presently.

We are in a state of turmoil and confusion. We are in a season of weeping and Groaning. Oppression has become the norm. Banditry has become the order of the day. The destiny of the nation has been hijacked by the men in power. There is no light – both physically and in the context of development and wealth.

We are in dire need of a saviour, just like Israel was in need of a saviour.
Israel was in need of someone who would stand up for their rights and ensure a better future for them.

Who would this person be?


In Judges 13, the narrator takes a detour from describing the general state of Israel to telling us about a family – a family that consisted of the old, frail voice of the father and the loving voice of the wife but no cries and excited screams of children. It wasn’t because their children were asleep, it was because they had no children.



The narrator says they were barren. Manoah’s wife was barren and was incapable of having a child. That was what everyone called her – barren.

However, a twist occurs in the plot. An angel appears to her and tells her that her barren womb will soon become an incubator for Israel’s future judge.


The significance of the woman’s encounter with the angel is that though she was called barren, her ‘barren’ womb became the incubator of what would save Israel.


Dear Nigerian, American, Ghanaian, whatever your country may be, you are the incubator of the seed that will deliver your nation.


It doesn’t matter the label men might have placed on you – poor, broke, wretched, useless etc. The Bible tells us that we are born of an incorruptible seed, this seed of Christ in you if allowed to nurture can blossom into a light for the world.

Have they called you foolish? The Bible says God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

Have they called you ‘nothing’ – the Bible tells us God creates big things from nothing.


It does not matter the label they’ve given to you, God has chosen you to be the source of hope and light to this generation.


As Manoah’s wife’s womb seemed incapable of producing something valuable, you might have been described as incapable of being the light your nation needs. Do not despair! Barren women still give birth and good things still come from Nazareth!


How can I be so sure of this?
God’s Word says so. In the days of Manoah, there was no Bible, so God had to use angels. But God has made his word available to us to make us realize that we are useful.


But what puzzles me further about our text is not that Manoah’s wife gets a revelation of the potential seed in her womb, but that she also gets specific instructions on how to nurture her seed and ensure it thrives {Judges 13:3-5}


Proverbs 4:4

“Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live.”


Proverbs 4:13

“Carry out my instructions; don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.”


Be aware that we are in the midst of a society that is against Christianity and all it has to offer. We are under a government that is similar to that of Herod who sought to kill the light of the world.

In times like this, we must be careful to hear what God is saying, because it’s only in the instruction of God that can be protected.


Joseph was able to save and nurture his baby into maturity by the instruction of the angel.


In order for the dream that you’re pregnant with to become a reality, you must be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Him alone can lead you to the place of safety.


It is in the instructions of God to us that we discover the uniqueness of our calling. Even as the Manoahs were banned from feeding Samson with ‘forbidden food’, there are things the peculiarity of our calling prohibits.


Thus, like Manoah, we must continually ask God ‘for instructions about this’ dream that He has given to us.


Conclusively, there is no nation so dark that God cannot light up. There’s no race so low that God cannot lift. But He works with men. And that’s why He had chosen to use you for your nation.

You carry in you the seed for national exploits. Discover it and harness it.

GENERAL, Holiness and Grace, Spirituality

What does it mean to be the salt of the Earth?

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Frankly speaking, cooking is the last on the list of things I like doing. I don’t like cooking and for that reason, I’m can hardly be found in the kitchen.

However, things changed when I rented my own apartment and started living alone. I had to compel myself to cook my own lessons. One of the foods I quickly mastered is Beans and Plantain Porridge.


One day, I prepared it so delicately with the spices available. When the porridge was cooked, I was so pleased with its scent and outlook.


But the grin on my face quickly faded was I tasted the food. It tasted bland.

Then I recalled that I hadn’t put salt in the food. This realization struck me – the realization that in spite of all the spices I added to the food it remained bland until salt was added.


As soon as the salt was added, the taste was restored and it was edible again.


This invaluable significance of salt is the reason Jesus used it in describing believers.


When He described us as the Salt of the Earth, He meant we are the ones that will restore God’s original nature and flavour to humanity.


1. Salt adds taste


Just as salt is used to add taste to food, Jesus expects believers to add value to people’s lives.


Jesus expects us to be the source of hope and joy to troubled hearts. He expects us to be motivation to a depressed world. He expects us to be instruments of edification.


Believers ought to be fountains of hope for folks of different races to come and draw from. We are supposed to be so endowed with heavenly graces and fragrance, that no one spends time with us and remains depressed or down casted.

Instead, by conversing with us, men receive inspiration to pursue that which God has called them to do.



2. Salt gets rid of corruption


Salt is used to preserve food and prevent its corruption. Likewise, God expects believers to be instruments to get rid of the corruption prevalent in men through the preaching of the Gospel.



In Romans 12:1, we are admonished to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This simply means that God desires for men to live for Him here on Earth. However, God will not accept the life sacrifices of men that are full of corruption.



Thus, in Mark 9:15, Jesus said, “every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.”


The only way we can make men presentable and acceptable to the Lord is salvation. We must make it our duty to bring the good news of Christ to people.



Paul described the Gospel of Christ as ‘the power of God’ unto salvation. This mighty power of God is the only antidote against sin and moral decay that exists in humanity.


It is through preaching God’s Word that we dispense our seasoning to the world.


CAN A SALT LOSE IT’S TASTE?



This is one of the strongest metaphors in scriptures. It seems quite difficult to understand because in literal sense, a salt can almost-never lose its taste, because it is the taste that makes it salt.



However, Jesus as a warning to believers for us to lead holy and God-fearing lives to avoid being like a salt that has lost its flavour.



A believer can lose the divine flavour and influences in him if such believer continually lives in sin. He can also lose it if he decides to live in carnality. Such believer is not useful to the Kingdom.

Jesus said such believer will be trampled upon – this means he/she will be a slave to the wishes of the world and Satanic agents.



Believers are meant to be rulers and folks with authority to trample over serpents and scorpions {representing satanic and his cohorts}.

However, if such believer casts off Divine influences and conforms to the world, he will lose his usefulness in the kingdom and become an easy prey.



Jesus’ metaphor further reveals that there are two kinds of salt,
– The useful one
– The worthless one


Which do you desire to belong to?


What differentiates a salt from every other spice is its flavour. When this flavour is gone, the salt will lose its uniqueness.

Thus, Jesus was also trying to teach believers to hold onto the lifestyles and beliefs that makes us unique and distinct from the world.

Paul reiterated this in Romans 12:2 when he instructed the Church to avoid conforming to the world’s pattern.


If we adopt the world’s morally debased system of living, we will lose the divine flavor that makes us separate and unique amongst them.

The conclusion of this is that the consciousness of our salt-like nature and responsibilities must never leave our minds. We must live with it and live by it.



You are the salt of the Earth ❤️

Communion with God through Literature

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