Tag Archives: Faith

GENERAL

Look unto Sarah not Feminism!

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Isaiah 51:2: “Look unto Sarah [that] bare you…”

In a world in which perverseness and wokeism has become the order of the day, it is imperative that believers are well taught and instructed in Bible culture and values, else conformity to the ungodly civilization will be inevitable.

We live in a society which has been taken over by the rise of radical feminist movements. These movements started in the early 19s as honest movements in nations with subjugation of the female gender; yet, they have deteriorated into movements that are against the pillars of marriage, especially in Christianity.

Thus, the Spirit is sounding a firm warning to the female gender in Isaiah 51:2; He says, “… look unto Sarah”. He does not say, ‘… look unto Adichie…’ or ‘…look unto feminism’, instead, He reveals to us who is His blueprint for Christian wives to conform to; Sarah.

Who was Sarah?

Sarah is the first wife of Bible’s Abraham. Her role as a wife, friend and partner in Abraham’s life can never be overemphasized.

Sarah was not the one God called, Abraham was the one called by God. Sarah was not the one who received the promise, it was Abraham. But when Abraham shared it with her, she supported Abraham by choosing to go with him in his journey towards destiny. Here, Sarah shows us that as a wife, you must be ready to support your husband in his pursuit of his God-given vision. You must be ready to make sacrifices for him; you must be ready to displease yourself to see to the fulfillment of that great dream.

          Imagine how difficult it was for Sarah to leave her home, country and comfort to go with Abraham to an unknown land. It shows how much she loved Abraham and how far she was willing to go to see to his success in life. Sacrifice is a great necessity in building a strong marriage.

Sarah’s love and sacrificial heart made her consistently follow Abraham even as he wandered from one place to another. She was selfless, and truly devoted her whole life to supporting Abraham’s vision.

If we could get more wives like Sarah in Christian marriages, certainly, we would get more men like Abraham; because the success of Abraham, to a large extent, was tied to the supportive role of his wife.

  • She was submissive

1 Peter 3:5-6: “For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.” (NIV)

Sarah was a submissive wife. In several places in the book of Genesis, she called Abraham ‘her lord’. The Hebrew word for ‘lord’ in that context is ‘Adonai’ and it means an owner or a master. Thus, Sarah recognized Abraham’s lordship over her. She recognized the fact that in that marriage, she belonged to Abraham. She recognized Abraham not just as her husband, but also as one who rightfully owned her; and she proved this by her unfailing devotion to serving Abraham.

When Abraham was entertaining the three strangers in Genesis 18:6, he instructed Sarah to bake bread and she promptly obeyed his instruction. In the two events in which Abraham instructed Sarah to hide her identity as his wife, Sarah obeyed perfectly. Folks, this is the reason God had to appear to Abraham and tell him to listen to Sarah and send Hagar away from the house.

Sarah is an epitome of true strength in marriage. She reveals to us, that as a wife, the way to getting a strong home and respect from your husband is not in fierce opposition or constant disobedience to his instructions, but in love and submission.

Spirituality

The Enemy’s Wiles

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What analogy can be best suited to describe a Christian warrior who is in constant opposition to Satan?


Here is one:


A boxer has a higher chance of winning when he understands every move of his opponent. He is calculative enough to know beforehand the next action of his foe and the best way to counter it.

Once he understands his opponent’s inclinations, he can take defensive techniques to avoid getting hit with the blows and then launch his attack.


Swiftness is what it is, an athlete needs to be quicker than his opponent.



The opposition with the devil has been from time immemorial. It is a war and only a witty Christian can outmanoeuvre the attacks of Satan.


If we are innocent of the enemy’s schemes, then we will not recognize his handiwork and he will use us for his ends. If we are cognizant of his tactics, then we will know when he is at work and deal with him.


1 Cor 12:1
“Now concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant.”



Below are the commonest schemes and means by which the enemy attacks:



å Thoughts:

The mind is a powerful channel to send opinions to a man. Satan works subtly. It takes wittiness to discern him when he comes through the channel of the mind.



Take for instance, a Christian who got offended by a cab driver, he tries to ignore the offense and stay cool. While at it the devil gives him reasons why he must retaliate to the provocation.


Wisdom is the application of knowledge. A wise Christian will not be taken advantage of because he quickly takes notice when strange thoughts creep into his mind and he can identify them as Satan’s ploy.


2Cor 2:11
“…that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”


å Incitement:

This could come from anyone, most often from peers. Here is another common instance of how it works:

_A Christian girl who is clear-minded and has zero interest in romantic dates, however, gets her clear-mindedness all infused with inordinate fantasies. This is after her peers incessantly share loved-up and sensual stories about their lovers, more so encouraging her to get into romantic relationships._


Incitement comes in a form of advice, encouragement, or a call to action, often to do wrong things.


While these and more are the likely schemes by Satan, it is 100% possible to outwit him.



Wisdom and discernment are the virtues needed to understand the tactics of the devil. Not only understanding his tactics but also knowing when he is at work.


These virtues are not utopian, they are given to us by God through prayers.



James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.


James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.



Finally, brethren, discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 12:10) which should be desired by every Christian, just as St. Paul admonished.


God who gives freely is able to give us all that we ask for; every good thing comes from Him.

Health and Lifestyle

Rejoicing in Grief

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Apart from the fact that depression eats its prey silently, it a way of subtly camouflaging itself as a seemingly peaceful state of mind, which is in reality, the exact opposite.



Romans 8:1 says ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’




Depression is not deep thinking, but meditating on the mistakes, ill-luck and unfortunate things that happened to one; not to spur one to positive response, but to bound such a one’s mind with the mind-set that he was born to fail.



Depression is a negative force. Like a magnet, it doesn’t come alone, it attracts negative results, output and circumstances to itself.



The way out?


Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord Always. Again, I will say, Rejoice”


Finding a reason to appreciate God is a sure way to escape from the fangs of depression. Depression cannot dwell in the heart of a grateful soul.


Instead of regretting and feeling like a failure, give thanks to God in faith and hope that things will get better.



2 Samuel 12:15: “After Nathan returned to his home, the Lord made Bathsheba’s baby deathly ill.”


2 Samuel 12:16: “David begged God to spare the child. He went without food and lay all night on the bare ground.”


2 Samuel 12:17: “The leaders of the nation pleaded with him to get up and eat with them, but he refused.”


2 Samuel 12:18: Then on the seventh day the baby died. David’s advisers were afraid to tell him. “He was so broken up about the baby being sick,” they said. “What will he do to himself when we tell him the child is dead?”



David committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife, and as a punishment, God struck the child of their cohabitation with a deadly sickness.



David wept, fasted and prayed for the healing of his child. He prayed that God would preserve the life of his child. Still, the child died.


Such an occurrence is capable of destabilising even the most hardened of hearts. David lost his precious baby to the sickness.



But my interest in this study isn’t that David lost his baby, but what David did after the loss.



2 Samuel 12:20 Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. Then he went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and ate.


Instead of weeping and cursing God for a child that was gone, David worshipped God and put on the garments of devotion to the sovereignty of God.


Thus, we learn that we might not be able to control everything that happens in our lives, but we can always determine our response to that situation.

There are certain things that our prayer might not have been able to prevent, such as the casualties from the Covid, or the Lockdown, but we can decide that in the midst of all these, we will remain grateful saints.


David never went into prolonged depression despite the loss of his child. Thereafter, God gave him another child who became richest and one of the wisest Kings of Israel.


Beloved, don’t be dismayed, because God will surely give you double of what you lost.



Instead of regretting, rise up, believe those wonderful things He has promised you and hold unto them.





Give thanks, rejoice, sing songs of worship and change your atmosphere from one of mourning, to one of rejoicing.

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Spirituality

JUST BE STRONG

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Only the one who wears the shoe knows where the pain is felt. Others can only see how beautiful and shiny the shoe is; even if the feet in the shoe is rotten.




When the reason to live is not substantial and the reason to go isn’t justified too, hanging between choices; when happiness becomes one with sadness; and gloom merges with a smile facade.



And it is said “Just be strong”

What exactly is Strength!
What does it mean to be strong?


Is being strong is equal to living a sad and gloomy life?


Does it mean staying longer for a soon coming death?


Does it mean masking your lifeless soul with a cheerful outlook?


Or maybe being strong means becoming a sacrifice for all in the person of another saviour 🤔🤔


The phrase “Just be strong” loses its value without HIS presence.


Only HE can supply the strength that keeps one going just as HE has kept me going.

When I was in a dark tunnel, HE smiled at me.



The pain caused by the scorning and mockery of men gave way to His reassuring and loving smile.


I can truly ‘Be strong’ because the source of my strength is eternal.

I can truly be happy because the source of my happiness is Joy of The Spirit.





In the fire, HE is with me.
On the troubled waters, HE is with me.
Even in the valley of death, I fear no evil because HE is with me.
Even when everyone leaves me, HE never leaves me.
Even all has given up on me, He upholds me with His Right hand.



HE is Abba, My Father.

Beloved, be strong because HIS will for I and you is not for evil but for good; to bring us to His expected end.

To be strong is to know Abba, hold unto his word and live according to the Spirit; not giving heed to the senses or flesh, but seeing His wondrous works and goodness in all situations.



Abba is strength, to be strong is to have Abba with you and in you, in oneness.

Written by:
Chidimma Blessing.

GENERAL

Building Godly Foundations for the Next-Gen

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It is no secret that the world which we live in is full of perversion, immorality and ungodliness. It was designed by Satan to be hostile to believers. If a Saint must succeed in this world, he must be deep rooted in Christ.



Unfortunately, even in the Church, the love of Christ is waxing cold. It makes me wonder the next generation has what it takes to pioneer the move of God. The absence of foundational teachings on godliness, righteousness and faith further worsens the situation.



“The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver, bringing words of redemption to others, but the heart of the wicked is corrupt” – Proverbs 10:20.


These times call for preachers to return to the teaching of the foundational doctrine of God’s word. We need to preach the Gospel of Christ and not some sort of motivational gospel that only breeds weak and emotional believers!


The foundation of the bold is laid through accurate knowledge of God’s will concerning how we are to live on earth.


The responsibility for the laying of this foundation does not belong to our preachers. Parents must also take responsibility of laying this foundation in the lives of their children.



We must understand that it is the responsibility of believers to set the foundations of godliness and righteous living upon which their next generation will live.


Recently, the state of California called for the introduction of teachings on the grotesque Aztec god into their school’s curriculum and even frowned at the sales of materials that condemn homosexuality.


If Christian parents do not take responsibility for the godly upbringing of their kids, Satan will do it on their behalf.



How is the foundation of the godly laid


1. The fear of the Lord:

Image Credit: Arise Ambassadors Ministries

“The Lord shows favour to those who fear him, to his godly lovers who wait for his tender embrace.” – Psalms 147:11 {The Passion Translation}



What this generation lacks is the fear of God. We no longer fear God. We even do things that even angels wouldn’t dare imagine.

Even in our Churches, we lack reverence of the sacredness of God’s presence. We allow comedians to flood our pulpits and bring defiling jokes on God’s altar.


The children of Eli died because they didn’t have the fear of the Lord. You can’t offer strange fire to God and expect God’s approval; what you will get is death!


We must teach our children as well as ourselves, to remain conscious of the ever abiding presence of God. Only a consciousness of God’s presence and eyes watching us will instil the reverence needed.


2. The Knowledge of His Will:

Image Credit: Patrick Oben Ministries

The Foundation of the Godly is bent on the knowledge of the will of God.


One of the things that Christ has blessed us with is access to the knowledge of God.


No man can live accurately if he does not know the kingdom. It is the full revelation of Christ and his kingdom that makes us perfect in our walk with Christ.



“The teachings of hypocrites can destroy you, but revelation knowledge will rescue the righteous.” – Proverbs 11:9.


God’s Will must be taught relentlessly!


3. Purity and Virtue:

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The path of the Saint is a pilgrimage of holiness and godly virtues. Christianity is founded upon certain unquestionable virtues. Without the practice of these virtues, the Christian institution will collapse!



There are believers who consider themselves ‘progressive’ and do not believe in Biblical holiness and godly living. They lower their standards and conform to worldly civilizations all in the name of being ‘progressive’. The Church must be purged of these folks before they deceive other true Saints!


Genesis 18:19: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”


God here spoke fondly of Abraham. He was confident that Abraham would train up his children in the path of holiness.

May we learn how to command our children and his household after the way of God!


POETRY

DEPRESSION

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Feeding your mind with so much hate,
Your life becomes lost without no taste,
Your mind wanders into dark places,
You ask yourselves why are you in pieces?


Rivers of thoughts flood your mind,
Your spirit is in despair
Wounds and scars are the reflections of your day,
You suck up your eyes and cheeks in tears and dismay,


Fix it out, dear!



Even though you’re in darkness presently,
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Give the devil no chance in your bowels
Give him no shot to explore!
Embrace Jesus today and allege your gem.

GENERAL, POETRY

Poetry Today: We stand tall!

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Wounded and broken,
But still we stand tall.
No challenge too over-bearing,
And no fear too consuming.


For each day is a battle,
One we do not always win,
But our persistence is our courage.
We fight with all that we have,
And sometimes that is not enough,
Yet still we continue in a battle
With victory seeming impossible.


Our determination and dreams of happiness
Are not only our guidance,
But also a dagger in our back,
For it is the euphoric joy and brightness
That we battle for.


With each passing loss,
The prospects of happiness begin to grow dim.
Again we continue to fight,
Disregarding the wounds of our previous battles,
Ignoring what may seem inevitable.


For every once in a while we stand,
Our heads held high, victorious at last.
It is now that we find the will-power to keep fighting,
To continue in this never ending war.


But for that brief moment of victory,
We embrace the beauty that is life and all it has to offer.

#WeMove!

Spirituality

Paradoxical Success

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Studying Arts, Literature particularly, has increased my love for history.

When I study the works of pacesetters and geniuses of poetry, I am in awe at what human minds could produce even in centuries that were void of easy access to information and education as our age.


But inasmuch as I admire their talents and works, I also study their personal lives to see what lessons I can learn them.



One of the poets who fascinate me most is Edgar Allen Poe. Edgar is among the pioneers of detective fiction, cosmological poetry and short story telling. His works received several positive reviews and awards during his lifetime.


Amongst other poets, why did I choose to mention Edgar Allen Poe in this brief diary entry. Keep reading, and you’ll discover why.


Despite his popularity, fame and literary success, Edgar had a horrible personal life. He was an Alcoholic, and lacked self-control.

Edgar’s addiction to alcohol made him drunk, publicly on several occasions. It also contributed to his collapsed marriage. The death of his wife worsened it.



Edgar became a radical Alcoholic. And some time later, he passed away from complications which could be traced to his Alcoholic addiction.


He had a successful career, but a horrible life. He was a great author, yet, a miserable Alcoholic . He was an incredible public figure, yet a terrible person. His weakness did not stop his success, but it definitely cut it short.


Like Edgar, you might be very talented and professional in your specialty.

It could be poetry, education, storytelling, music etc. You might be an incredible craftsman, renowned and celebrated by all who come across your works, yet, in the midst of all these, you find yourself having a weakness, a hidden one, which keeps rising up when you’re away from the crowd and public admiration.


That weakness could be anger, a sexual sin, drunkenness etc. No one knows about it, and it seems pleasurable to your darkened mind. So you’ve decided to submit to the weakness secretly, and continue your journey to fame publicly.

That would be the greatest mistake of your life. Because that weakness, that negative addiction, when the whole world knows your name, will be used by Satan to tarnish your image and give you a miserable end.


He’s watching silently, crouching at the door of your heart, like a little puppy. He’s waiting for the time when the whole world knows your name, and then he will take hold of your weakness and use it to make you take a detour into your downfall.

Don’t tolerate that secret sin!


Samson was a successful warrior. He was recorded among the list of the greatest of Jewish judges.



Yet, after he had done a public exploit, he would go to Delilah, an agent of the enemy, and take pleasure in her soothing laps.


He never identified with her publicly, but behind closed doors, he submitted his head- his authority and his will, to her hands.


He never envisaged his downfall. But Satan did. And when the time was right, Samson fell miserably. His eyes were gorged out. The great warrior became the blind spectacle.


Behold how the mighty falls and learn!


Mark 9:43: “And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.”



Subdue that weakness before it subdues you.


Spirituality

The Preserving Faith

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There are three P’s of Faith: Patience, Persistence, and perseverance. These three constitute the nature of faith.


As Believers, we are meant to solidify our faith to fight the imminent evil days. If our faith is not strong how then can we fight against the fiery darts of the enemy? How would we stand against storms and sufferings and prosecutions?



The days we are in look like the sun is so darkened and the heavens have been closed over us. Such days where the government is against the rise of the Ecclesia.

Such occurrences are part of the test of our loyalty to God. For if we have no vitality at the time of tribulations, we are weak and have not yet been trained to uphold the Faith.


Our ancestors, the first-century fathers of faith; the apostles, were not called fathers of faith simply for recognition.

It was because they went through different types of trials. The storm was so great that the church in Jerusalem was dispersed but yet they had a persistent and preserving faith.


They were patient because faith can’t build enough stature in us if there is no patience. Patience makes our faith robust, firm, and able to hope and see beyond what is going around us.


It doesn’t matter what we are going through, it doesn’t matter how the situation looks like now. What we need is a faith that will make us live and dwell daily in the supernatural.


For the raging roar of stormy winds and waves cannot erode our faith in God. Rest in His presence has a constantly flowing river whose sparkling streams bring joy and delight to his people. Psalms 46: 3-4.


There are so numerous storms in life and, it is only our faith that can calm them. It takes a man of faith to speak and things would return to normal.


Do we remember the miracle of faith that Jesus performed while the disciples were on a boat?

The master was sleeping comfortably in the boat when storms and the winds came wrecking.

The disciples were afraid of death even when the master who gives life to all was on the boat with them. He simply rebuked the raging sea and wind and they became calm. The disciples had joy and rest.



When we have persistence, perseverance, and patience, there is no high level of the storm coming that we won’t be able to surmount.

We should do well to plant our lives in Christ Jesus that our faith may produce fruits in due season. With Him in our boats, our faith springs forth life.


Hallelujah!



God wants us to overcome every storm, it is in God’s interest for us to win every battle in our lives. By this, His glory in us is displayed.



What is your faith’s level?
Boost it today.



Greenhills Emmanuel Amarayahweh

GENERAL

Why I flaunt my pictures on Fb despite my Eye defect.

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Posting my pictures on Facebook is something which is not new to me.



Sometimes, some persons describe me as bold because of how I unashamedly upload my pictures on my social media handle, despite my closed eye.


I have learnt not to be ashamed of my appearance.


Never be ashamed of a disability or physical challenge that you have.
Disability is not ‘Inability’. That you are Physically Challenged does not mean you cannot pass the challenge of life.



Learn how to appreciate yourself. Do not give room for a low Self-esteem. Love and admire yourself. You are unique and special!


The reason why you feel bad when people make mockery or fun of you is that you have not yet come to the point of admiring yourself.


You are still insecure and you give ears to what people will say because you have not discovered how special you are.




The difference between a crippled that is making waves in life and the one begging at the road side is the mind-set. One has a positive mind-set about life and the other has accepted failure.


No one can verbally intimidate you if you are proud of your outlook.



Until you start admiring yourself, nobody will admire you.


You are handsome and beautiful irrespective of your look. People that will love you will love you, but love yourself first.


REMAIN BLESSED.

POETRY

Poetry Today: Tragedy

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Life calls unto deep,
Frail men can’t understand it,
The light shines at the end,
Darkness takes over the dead.

Teach us about life,
That when she comes,
We will be able to overcome,
For she gives birth to sorrow,
In the lives of many men.

Leave everything in the hands of God,
I have detected in the jaws of men,
She uses sorrow as a tool of destruction.

Teach us to overthrow her,
When she rises like a flood.


Greenhills Emmanuel Amrayahweh