Month: September 2023

Posted on

Quitting is not an option

[The Glory Unveiled]

“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option.” [ 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

Everyday, we are pressured by the world’s systems and we have learned quickly that the world is not on our side, as believers. Many times, we wonder what we ought to do or not do as the line between the ways of the world and the Word are very thin. So thin that we cannot tell where the difference lies. But in the midst of all these challenges and confusion, we know one thing—no quitting. We cannot quit for any reasons, personal or corporate. You might have been so overwhelmed by the frustrations and pressure of the world to such an extent you want to give up on everything you believed and stood for. But the word of God for us today is not to give up. We are encouraged by the Spirit of God to stand firm, to hope in God, to trust the surety of God’s word, His faithfulness. In every line of work, there is a code of conduct. In our walk with God, our code of conduct is that quitting is not an option. The Lord Jesus portrayed this truth with His life. He came face to face with sin and death; the punishment for our sins. The burden of sin which was the weight of our disobedience and the guilt of our iniquities hanged on him like a dress. In the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed to the Father, to let the cup of suffering pass over Him. But even in the heat of that pressure, He added, not my will but thine be done (Matthew 26:39). He wasn’t giving up on humanity. He wasn’t letting go of His commitment and love for humanity. And so, even with His last breath, He dragged Himself to Golgotha—the transaction place for our redemption. And He did not give up the ghost until He saw to it that the divine Justice was fully met. Jesus did not quit on us. He left us a legacy; a template. That we should not quit no matter the pressure of the world. Even when we don’t know what to do, we will learn, if we don’t quit that God is guiding us all the way until we come into the center of His will for us.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for your compassion and love. Thank you for not giving up on me. Let your name be glorified.

Wisdom_Quote: Quitting is not an option in our walk with God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Treasured Jars of Clay

[The Glory Unveiled]

“We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours.” [ 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

Many times, we judge things from an outward perspective, an unreliable angle. But the things that make the difference are not always visible from the exterior view. One of such mysteries to the angelic realm and the rulers and authorities in the world beyond our world is humanity. Angels are fascinated with God’s mercy shown us. They long to peer into the mystery of God’s grace. The angelic realm has always been mystified by God’s special creation—us (see Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). But unfortunately, many of us do not know who we really are; a precious jewel that does not know its value and worth. As a result, some of us, like the prodigal son have sold ourselves out to the basal things of this world. Stories are told of how, the people in the then Gold Coast exchanged gold for mirrors, sugar, cigarettes, and other items that did not measure up to the worth of the gold they gave. At the time, they didn’t know the worth of the mineral [gold] they had. Today, the case is not the same. Nobody, even outside their right minds will exchange gold for cigarettes or sugar, irrespective of the size of the gold. Now, they know the worth of the gold and will trade it for what it’s worth. As believers, our true worth is not on the outside. It is hidden within us—a glorious treasure. This treasure is also the foundation of our confidence. We are as bold as a lion because we know what we carry on the inside. We know the immeasurable power of who we have in us. Hence, the results of our lives have no attributions to ourselves. Everything we are, is because of the glorious treasure in us. What we are made of on the outside (clay) does not define who we are. So, don’t look on the outside, look to the inside and release God’s glorious power!

Prayer_Bead: Almighty God, thank you for putting your glorious treasure in me. Help me to display your power and glory.

Wisdom_Quote: Your true identity is beyond the camouflage of your clay-self.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Freedom from condemnation

[The Glory Unveiled]

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. [ 1 John 3:20 KJV ]

Condemnation is a very powerful nation with a tyrant who oppresses its victims and rules perpetually over those caught in its boundaries. The spirit of condemnation has kept half the world in prison and the other half wondering whether they are in prison or not. It pitches its tent in the hearts of its victims and spreads its cancer through the soul. But there is a higher courtroom for the human heart: it is where grace is enthroned. The very worst that is in us is known by God and He still showers mercy, love, and acceptance upon us—as if our worst was deleted or swallowed up by another person. This is the greatness of God’s grace. He sees beyond the sin of a moment and sees the holy affections of love in those who refuse to turn away from Him. God through His Son has made it possible for us to come into a time when we are set free from the dungeon of condemnation. In Romans 8:1, the Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Freedom from the tyranny of condemnation is possible only when we walk after the leading of the Holy Spirt. Yes, we begin to live in a state of no condemnation when we come into Christ by surrendering to His lordship and submitting to the leading of His Spirit. And then, even if our hearts condemn us, God who knows all things and is greater than our hearts helps us by giving us boldness to speak to God. So, let’s break free from condemnation. Let’s not walk any longer in the patterns of the flesh as we used to. Instead, let us walk in the path of the Spirit of God.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for the freedom from the bondage of condemnation. Help me to walk in step with your Spirit.

Wisdom_Quote: There is no condemnation for those who are in the new nation called Christ.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

The making of a champion

[The Glory Unveiled]

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. [ Proverbs 24:10 KJV ]

There is a day of adversity that visits everyone, one way or the other. Adversities are not always the signposts of curses or punishment from God. Adversities sometimes come just to test our ability and strength. The human world is a place full of different kinds of currencies, among which is strength. But just as all currencies can be spent, strength is exhaustive too. Currencies are spent when there is a need; they are meant to meet our needs. But if a need arises and a particular currency couldn’t meet it, then it means we don’t have enough of the currency needed to meet that need. Strength is developed when we remain faithful under pressure and spent or needed in times of adversity. But when we faint where we should be strong, it means we are bankrupt of strength. Adversity is an indicative need for strength, even when that adversity is not knocking at our own doors but that of others. There’s a saying that if you fail to help others in their time of need, you will grow too weak to help yourself. Helping people is not a burden, it’s an opportunity. It offers the privilege to grow strong from practicing with other people’s challenges. So that when our own challenges arise, we already know how to handle them. While strength is spent on adversities, it is replenished when we remain faithful under pressure. The daily challenges and confrontations we face refine and define us. You see, confrontations are not bad, they are the raw materials that make us who we ought to be. Everyday, the world throws challenges at us. But strength, forged from resilience and remaining faithful under pressure is the key that frees our souls from weary.

Prayer_Bead: Almighty Father, thank you for the strength to help others and to stand through adversity. May your name be glorified through my life. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: Helping people is not a burden, it’s a privilege.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

King slayers

[The Glory Unveiled]

“So keep yourself sexually pure from the promiscuous, wayward woman. Don’t waste the strength of your anointing on those who ruin kings— you’ll live to regret it!” [ Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

The world around us has in it, so many distractions and forces that aim for our souls. Most of them look innocent and unsuspecting, but they are death in disguise. Interestingly, paying attention to advice and listening to wisdom speak, is all that is needed to escape the world’s lofty traps. Unfortunately, it seems that we are in a generation that does not heed advice. And as regret becomes the clothing of those who refuse to heed advice, many are regretting their past actions everyday. Today’s text is an advice given by the mother of Solomon [referred to as Lemuel, a name believed to be a Pseudonym for king Solomon according to Jewish legend]. The same advice is suited for every young person today, and hence the reason for our study. The strength of the young person’s anointing is wasted by sexual promiscuities. Sexual immorality is a bed of grave that has swallowed many innocent young people who slept in her arms. The promiscuous woman is referred to as “those who ruin kings” because many a king were destroyed by the promiscuous woman—sexual immorality. Even in secular history, there are countless number of people whose destinies are altered or even destroyed, because of sexual promiscuity. Solomon’s mother advised him to stay away from sexual promiscuities, but in the end Solomon married many women including wayward promiscuous ones who eventually led him astray and wasted the strength of his anointing. We are royalty too—we are a royal priesthood—and if we don’t heed the same advice given to the then young would-be king, we may end up with regrets like he did. But if you are already regretting, may God extend His mercy and help to you.

Prayer_Bead: Holy God, thank you for the opportunity to hear your advice through your word. Please help me to stay away from sexual immorality in every form.

Wisdom_Quote: Regret becomes the clothing of the man who refused to heed advice.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

The wise virgin

[The Glory Unveiled]

Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” [ Mark 7:13 NIV ]

The book of proverbs speaks of the adulterous and the virtuous woman. Both are symbolic of two systems in the church. One is religious and alluring, tempting the young and anointed one to come to her bed of compromise and sin, just like the foolish virgins who wanted to lure the wise virgins to give out their oil (Matthew 25:8). The other is the holy bride, wise, virtuous and pure, keeping her first love (“wedding vows”) for Christ alone. One system brings shame and despair; the other brings favour, honour, and glory. The two systems go as far back as the time of Jesus. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law represented the system that nullified the word of God by their traditions. In Matthew 23:13, Jesus accused them of shutting the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s face, and that they neither go in themselves nor allow others to go in. The same system is still operating today, except that today, the system has a rather larger network of players, enforcing the agenda of the system—hindering people from entering the kingdom of heaven. There are so many in the church who are enemies of the church, fighting the bride of Christ tooth and nail. They try to undo the work of Christ with their self made traditions and those handed down to them. But for the virtuous bride, the solution is wisdom. In this season and time of the church, just as it was in the parable of the virgins, it will take wisdom for the true bride of Christ, the church to escape the evil plot of the world’s church—the foolish virgin. It is only the Spirit of wisdom that can protect us from the religious church and unite us to the other, the holy church. This is why we must submit to Wisdom. We must make wisdom our quest in this season. We must stay with wisdom and let discernment enter our hearts. And then, no matter the temptations and distractions of the religious church, we will not be swayed.

Prayer_Bead: Merciful Father, thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for the Spirit of Wisdom. And as we walk in the shadows of wisdom, deliver us from the religious church. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: Wisdom is the way of escape for the holy church against the luring traps of the adulterous church.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

God’s viewpoint

[The Glory Unveiled]

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. [ Judges 6:12 KJV ]

Perspective is a wonderful tool as it is important. The outcome of two people’s lives can be utterly different just because of their perspectives. Perspective however, is an art animated by the pencil of position. Where a person is positioned influences their perspective. God’s perspective is vast and encompasses the past, present and future of man’s existence and experience. As a result, God sees and calls us according to the end He had predestined for us and not by our present circumstances nor our past. In God’s vocabulary, He calls the things which are not as if they were because they are—from His perspective. Even before God had actually created man, He had created us. He had a perfect picture of what He would do which was not different from what He did. Whenever God says something, it becomes, because God’s word is reality. As at the time God called Gideon a mighty man of valour, according to our text, he was actually a mighty man of fear, from human perspective. He was literally hiding from the Medianites—the enemies of Israel at the time. But God was speaking from His reference point of reality. Gideon was not who God called him because he had some special qualities that set him apart, God called him a mighty man because God’s Spirit and presence was going to be with him. Apart from the presence of God, Gideon was a little man full of fear (see Judges 6:16). And so, Gideon was only as far from his true identity as the distance between him and the presence of God. His closeness to his identity was determined by his proximity with God’s presence. The same is true for us all. Our true destinies lie beyond the boundary of our acquaintance with what we perceive to be reality to what God calls us to do.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to come into the reality of the the person from your viewpoint. Help me in Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: The distance between our view and experience of reality and God’s view of our identity is the presence of God in our lives.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

God’s purpose, God’s method.

[The Glory Unveiled]

The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” [ Exodus 2:14 NIV ]

God placed within each one of us a knowing of what we have to do to feel fulfilled. Somehow, we seem to know what we are supposed to do or at least have a blurry idea of what it ought to be. While it is very clear to some people, to others, it is rather a slow process of discovery. But the method to arriving at that ideal destiny is not inherently known to us. For Moses, he was supposed to liberate the Israelites. He knew he had to set the people free from their captors but he didn’t know the right method nor had the right equipment. He had the passion and the skills but having passion and skills are not enough to arrive at the place of destiny. And so, he needed the Spirit that would guide him and direct his skills. Until then, he had invested in the wrong method. He thought he had to kill the Egyptians to liberate the Israelites—his method. But how many people could he have killed to succeed in liberating his people? We cannot have God’s results with our methods. We need God’s method in order to have His results. The reality is that, along our journey to destiny, we may become scared at the magnitude of what God is calling us into. The truth however is that, it is only bigger than us when we want to attempt it alone. But when we partner with God, we discover that it is possible. The question that the Israelite asked Moses gives us a clue to entering our calling and destiny. We need to be made into who we are called to be. “Who made you Judge and Ruler.” By any means, someone needs to make us and that someone is the One who destined us to the things we desire to do. Is there an urge, an inkling, a nudge to go in a certain direction with your life? Ask God for the vehicle, the means and method to carry out that task or desire. Use God’s method. Ask God and obey Him.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for showing me to depend on you in my pursuit of purpose. Please show me your method to arrive at my destiny’s goal.

Wisdom_Quote: Man’s method does not produce God’s results.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Lifetime slavery

[The Glory Unveiled]

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. [ Hebrews 2:15 KJV ]

The mind and belief system of a person is cultured by the things that dominate that mind. Overtime, they become so bound and content with the bondage that when a window of opportunity presents itself for their freedom, they will still choose the bondage. The Israelites were in bondage for so long a time that when the time for their freedom came, it was very hard for them to believe it or go into the land of freedom. A famous psychoanalytic theorist, carried out an experiment on conditioning. Lab rats were caged for a period of time, after some time, the cage was opened but these rats will not go out because they thought they were still caged. The long experience of being in a cage had conditioned them into thinking that they were never free even when they were. This same feeling happens to many believers who seem to trust their experiences more than they trust God’s word and plan. Reality and truth is actually what God says it is, not what we feel. The Bible says, “let the weak say I am strong” (Joel 3:10). This means your experience may be weakness, but the Bible says your reality is strength. And your faith must agree with the word of God to carve out that reality experientially. Fear is a slave master. Fear enslaves more people than all other factors put together. And because fear is not always visible, it can enter anywhere it is allowed, enslaving whoever hosts him. Fear has killed so many potentials and people, prematurely. Many people and dreams came to their untimely death because they welcomed fear. Today’s text speaks about the fear of death. And because fear always keeps people in bondage, such people become perpetual slaves. Jesus overcame sin and death and took the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:8). Hence, our freedom from the bondage of fear is in Jesus. He who has Jesus, has the power over fear because they have the Spirit of love, sound mind and power. You’re not in bondage any longer. You’re as free as you choose to be.

Prayer_Bead: Mighty God, I worship you. Thank you for Your Spirit in me. I am free from the bondage of fear.

Wisdom_Quote: Fear subjects its hosts to a lifetime of bondage.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Another man

[The Glory Unveiled]

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. [ 1 Samuel 10:6 KJV ]

There is a version of us that the world has not yet seen. Indeed eyes have not seen, ears have not heard nor hearts conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). There is much more than we are experiencing and displaying of our lives. Gideon couldn’t believe that he could save his family, talk less of saving his nation (Judges 6:15). That other man; the mighty man of valour was hidden within him until he let it out. The Bible records other people who were “another men” but only entered that otherness after they had encountered the Lord. Jacob changed to Israel (another man), Abram to Abraham (another man), Elisha became another man when he took the mantle of Elijah, Moses became another man after the burning bush experience, Samson became another man whenever the spirit of God came upon him. These transformations into another man happened in the Old Testament by different means even though the Spirit of God was in the background for them all. In the New Testament, we become another man through intimacy with God; in prayer. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are changed into another man; the man Jesus as we behold His glory [face] like in a mirror. We behold until He is formed in us. Moses beheld God on the mountain until he radiated God when he came down. We are supposed to do same through our fellowship with God until we became another man. One who can do business in deep waters on behalf of the kingdom of God. The Spirit of God came upon Saul and he became another man, so that the people who saw and heard him marveled at him. The world will only marvel at the glory we are only after we become another man. Keep beholding His face.

Prayer_Bead: Loving Father, thank you for all your provisions for me. Help me to behold you until I’m formed as the other man that I am. So help me, in Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: There is another layer of God reality hidden within you.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.