Month: September 2023

[The Glory Unveiled]

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. [ Luke 5:5 KJV ]

Peter and his had toiled all night at sea but caught nothing. They were experts in the fishing industry. They understood the terrain very well. But then, on this fateful night, they caught nothing. Experience is good but there is something more advantageous than having mere experience. It is the strategy of having God’s presence. This strategy works in and out of season. And so, what Peter needed that day was the presence of God and not technical knowledge or skills. Not every challenge needs the push and pull of mental strength. Some challenges only need the presence of God to be fixed. When Peter said they had toiled all night, but caught nothing, he meant they had tried every possible combination of ideas and strategies known to fishermen but it didn’t work. They tried every other options they could find. But what they didn’t know was that, the solution was not hidden in different strategies. You see, familiarity with routines creates a sense of dependence on activities and skills alone. The solutions to the challenges you face are not encrypted in the many things you could do. Rather, they are hidden in the instructions received in the presence of God. Like Peter and his colleagues, many of us have toiled all year round but have nothing to show for it. But if we will abandon our expertise and depend on the instructions of God in His presence, we will equally have the kind of testimony that Peter and his colleagues had afterwards. Diligently search for the present revelation and instruction from the Lord and obey them promptly.

Prayer_Bead: Great Monarch of Zion, thank you for the grace to learn this truth. Help me to trust the word of your presence rather than my skills.

Wisdom_Quote: Skills and experience cannot beat the voice of God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. [ Joshua 9:14 NIV ]

God had informed Israel not to ally themselves with countries that were close to them, such countries were supposed to be destroyed as they pose a threat to Israel. The Gibeonites who were close neighbours to Israel however, came to form an alliance pretending to have come from a far away country. This was after they heard what the Israelites had done to Jericho and Ai (verses 3 & 4). From fear that they would be destroyed like the other close nations to Israel, they decided to deal craftily with the Israelites. Now, the Israelites were not distracted or deceived because the Gibeonites were more crafty. They were distracted because they did not discern nor seek God’s opinion on the matter (verse 14). The fact that they had been given a template—an instruction on what to do—was not enough to make decisions without the involvement of God when He could be reached. God does not look on the outward [appearance] to make judgements. God looks beyond the exterior to examine motives and hearts. Appearances can be deceptive. And because as humans (mere observers) it is impossible to tell the motives of people, we need to consult God to avoid distractions. The Israelites judged the Gibeonites by their appearances, and they were misled. In making any decisions that matter to your destiny and wellbeing, decisions such as marital decisions, among others, consult God even if you have a pattern or an inkling of what you want. Stay alert and lean not on your own understanding. Lean on the perspective of God through His word and guidance. Be discerning, be willing to listen to God rather than to your eyes and ears, and you will not be distracted.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for your truth, help me to stay alert. Keep me from distractions. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Leaning on God kicks deceptions and distractions away.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

But godliness with contentment is great gain. [ 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV ]

In a world of many alternatives, discontentment is the reason why many people don’t live to see the things they chase after. The availability or abundance of something is not a license to abuse them. It is rather a call to manage and protect them from going extinct or harming us. Take for instance, our water bodies or green vegetations. We abuse them because we think we have them in abundance and now, see the struggles we face. Their extinction and destruction is posing as a threat to humanity. If only we were content with what we had and managed it, the story of the world would have been different. The deception of social media and the illusionary lifestyles displayed by many celebrities on these platforms have made some discontent with what they have and could afford or manage. Their appetites are insatiable, their desires like an endless pit. They go on and on, gathering for themselves what they will not live to enjoy. The Bible says “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Godliness without contentment is a great loss and a waste of time. The seed of discontentment is sown by lust and pride, and bears the fruit of instability. This instability has robbed many of privileges reserved for those who are content in God. This is why discontentment has become the shovel that digs the grave of many people and the scissors that cuts short destinies that could revolutionize our world. You can gain or lose, the choice is yours to make, but to gain, you need to be content. The world and everything in it does not satisfy. Only by leaning on Jesus and trusting Him for everything can you find peace; the great gain of contentment.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, our Redeemer and strength, thank you for all the things you have entrusted to me. Help me to be content. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Godliness with contentment is great gain.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.