Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel; [ Proverbs 25:4 NIV ]
For the silversmith, the only thing that keeps him from producing beautiful vessels or jewelry is the impurities in the silver. The glory of the silver, namely the beautiful jewelry, is blocked by the dirt in the silver. So, as long as the impurities remain in the silver, the beauty cannot be brought out. The same thing happens to many believers. We have glory hidden within us, concealed by the dirt of unrighteousness. It is only revealed by the purifying works of Jesus’ presence—Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). The gap between your true height and your immediate height is the presence of impurity. For the believer, it may not necessarily be sin but an attitude or behavior that does not align with the revelation of God’s glory through them. And many times, it is disobedience. This is why we are supposed to study the Word of God and be transformed by obeying it. The Word of God creates. God spoke to nothingness, and nothingness gave rise to creation. The Word of God has the creative ability inherent in it. This creative ability recreates our mindset through consistent study and practice. And then we can be made ready for great works. A believer who does not get rid of the things that stand in the way of God’s glory in their lives may soar high but will inevitably fall to the ground as fast as they soar. To the believer who feels that God is not using them or doing anything significant with their lives, it may be that God is waiting for you to remove certain things from your life, such as unprofitable relationships, ungodly activities, and filthy habits. In the end, God will use you to the extent of your availability and readiness.
Prayer_Bead: Mighty Father, thank you for showing me to position myself right in You, so that you can use me for your glory. Help me in Jesus’ name.
Wisdom_Quote: Impurity is the death of a beautiful jewelry.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Carefully Consider.
[The Glory Unveiled]
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! [ Proverbs 6:6 NIV ]
There is so much wisdom we can glean from our everyday lives and experiences, if only we observe and consider everything around us. The things we see are always speaking to us, if only we pay attention. So much is hidden in plain sight, waiting for the man or woman who would consider them to actually see. In our anchor text, the lazy man is sent on an errand to visit the ant and learn from her ways. Apart from the physical nature and attributes of the ant, its philosophy stands out. Wisdom speaks through many things around us, but these things must intentionally be considered to understand what they’re communicating. Otherwise, wisdom may scream out loud with instructions, but we will not hear it. Wisdom is speaking loudly, but the ear to hear its loud call is observation. “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” (Proverbs 8:1). So, it is not a matter of wisdom not speaking to us, but rather a challenge of reception. We are unable to hear because we don’t consider what goes on around us. In Proverbs 24:30-34, the speaker said he observed the farm of a lazy man and he received instruction. He received instruction because he considered it well, and wisdom spoke to him. Consider the ways of the successful, the godly, the faithful, the wealthy, and instruction will speak to you. There is so much we could learn from the world around us because wisdom and understanding walk with the man who carefully considers all things.
Prayer_Bead: All Wise God, thank you for turning my heart into a garden of wisdom. Let the things I consider instruct me, in Jesus’ name.
Wisdom_Quote: Wisdom speaks to the enquiring mind.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Our Help Source
[The Glory Unveiled]
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. [ Psalms 121:2 NIV ]
It has become increasingly difficult to receive help from others in today’s world. This challenge is not solely the fault of those who possess the resources and capacity to provide assistance. Often, individuals in need seek help from the wrong sources. It’s rather disheartening that many people view individuals as their sole source of aid, when in reality, they are merely conduits through which help manifests. Unbeknownst to us, the direction of our focus determines the extent and nature of the assistance we receive. When we acknowledge God as our ultimate source of help, the aid we receive reflects that mindset and faith. Conversely, when we view other people as our primary source of help, our provisions are limited to human capabilities, which are inherently restricted. God, as the creator of heaven and earth and all that dwells within them, possesses everything we could possibly need. This grants Him the authority to provide for anyone as He sees fit. Hence, He is humanity’s ultimate source of help. In reality, God often aids people through the actions of others; however, these individuals are not the source but rather the means through which assistance is delivered. Without God’s intervention, these channels would have nothing to offer. Therefore, regardless of the intermediary, it is ultimately God who provides help. By keeping our focus and expectations fixed on Him, He will supply all that we need for life and godliness.
Prayer_Bead: Maker of heaven and the earth, the source of my help, thank you for releasing help to me through men. I look to you always for my every need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wisdom_Quote: Everything is sustained by its source.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Your compelling focus
[The Glory Unveiled]
“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.” [ Philippians 3:13 TPT ]
Success embodies a distinct culture. While failure may be erratic, success is not. Within the unique culture of success, individuals live by a well defined strategies. Consequently, every successful person possesses a driving strategy. Although they may label this driving force differently, ultimately, they are all referring to the same concept. For the apostle Paul, it was the one thing he consistently practiced, compelling his decisions and actions, directing his attention and focus. Paul, renowned for his significant ministerial achievements, earned the accolade, “Paul the least and the last is greater than the eldest and the first,” thanks to his compelling focus. This strategy, underlying all his endeavors, serves as the driving force connecting his determination and work, influencing every stroke of his pen and each ministerial journey. It is the reason prison and death could not deter him from his goals. With a compelling focus on our calling and life’s purpose, nothing in this world can hinder us from achieving our objectives. This strategy draws energy from the future, detaching from past failures and deadweights. The hope and promises of the future become the bullseye. Secure your heart to the future, leaving behind the past, including both victories and successes, to avoid complacency. Maintain your focus on what is yet to be achieved. Do you have a compelling focus yet?
Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me to have a compelling focus. So that my life can make meaning and impact my world.
Wisdom_Quote: Your compelling focus is your destiny driver.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Make way for Jesus
[The Glory Unveiled]
Do not quench the Spirit.[ 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV ]
There are many ways we stand in the way of God, but none of those ways equals the one that is most common: unbelief. Choosing not to believe what God says He can and will do, not only hinders us but also undermines the power of God. The scripture says we should not quench the Spirit. To quench the Spirit is to walk in unbelief, hindering the operation of the Holy Spirit because faith is the natural space that allows the Holy Spirit to act on our behalf. Without faith, no matter how much we yearn for something or think about it, we cannot have it. “He (Jesus) could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them” (Mark 6:5). The Lord Jesus himself could not perform miracles in His hometown because the people thought they knew him too well. As such, they didn’t believe Him to be who He is. In fact, the next verse says Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. This means their lack of faith is the reason Jesus couldn’t perform any miracles. Unbelief is a system that undoes the work of God. Has God made a promise to you? He will honour it no matter how long. Regardless of opposition, He will do what He says He will do. But you can stand in the way of the fulfillment of that promise through doubt and unbelief. You have a role to play—to allow or not to allow God to do what He wants to do in your life. Will you quench the Spirit, or will you allow Him to operate?
Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for the grace to believe Your every word. Help me to submit to your promises. In Jesus’ name.
Wisdom_Quote: Faith is the factory where the Holy Spirit acts on our behalf.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.