Month: December 2024

Posted on

Receive Jesus

[The Glory Unveiled]

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [ John 1:12 KJV ]

Gifts may be freely given, but whether or not they are received depends solely on the recipient. The saving power of Christ is available to the world but is accessible only to those who receive the Lordship of Christ. Our faith in the Son of God is the system that gives us access to the life of God in Him. And because this faith must be rooted in Christ, only those who have heard and believed in the Son can possess it. Receiving Him means believing in His name and His authority. The power of sonship, which grants access to the family of God, does not automatically come because we go to church or engage in religious activities. The privilege of sonship is given when we believe in Christ as the fullness of God with whom we can have a relationship. However, all this is impossible without faith. Faith is the means by which the life of God in Christ is imputed to humanity. The power that makes us joint heirs with Christ does not discriminate between people. Whoever we are, and whatever tribe or group we belong to, if we come to believe in Jesus, the power of sonship extends the privilege of belonging to God. We become identified in Christ as members of His body. We receive the gift of God by believing in Christ. This gift is Jesus, the only begotten of the Father. Do you believe in His name? Do you believe in His authority and power?

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and you died for me. I accept you as my Saviour and Lord. 

Wisdom_Quote: Salvation is in no other name except the name, Jesus.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

The reason for our freedom

[The Glory Unveiled]

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. [ Galatians 5:1 NIV ]

There is a purpose behind every action undertaken by humanity. The Lord Jesus did not go to the cross without reason; He went with the greater purpose of saving the world. The Lord Jesus said that if anyone wants to build a tower, they must first sit down and estimate the cost to see if they have enough to complete it. A lot of planning and thought goes into taking any worthwhile action. In the same way, Jesus went to the cross on our behalf to bring us freedom. Before the cross, we were held captive by the power of sin. The price required to free us was the death of the Son of God. His holiness and righteousness were given in exchange for our sins and iniquities. However, after Christ Jesus fulfilled His part, we must fulfill ours by staying within the provisions of His sacrifice. His death made a way for our freedom, but we need to remain within the boundaries of that provision. We are called to stand firm and resist every burden and yoke of slavery. The enemy will always seek to exploit people’s ignorance to burden them again with what Christ has already dealt with. To protect ourselves from the enemy’s deception, we must stand firm in the knowledge of our inheritance. Jesus died for us, and we must hold fast to this awareness and truth. You are free if you have embraced the provisions of Jesus’ death and resurrection by faith. Walk in this consciousness.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege to walk in the provisions you made for me through Your death.

Wisdom_Quote: Jesus’ death and resurrection provided for our every need.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

The Truth you know.

[The Glory Unveiled]

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [ John 8:32 NIV ]

The Lord Jesus asked this question: “Who do men say that I am?” Through this, He was teaching His disciples a profound truth. He posed this question before telling them that the truth frees those who know it. The Lord Jesus teaches that it is our relational knowledge of Him that sets us free. It is not merely the intellectual ability to understand or recall what the Scriptures say about Him, even though there is a degree of deliverance that comes from knowing about Him. True freedom, however, comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. It is about knowing His heart, seeing Him for who He truly is, and embracing His character. “Knowing the truth,” as described in our anchor Scripture, refers to knowing the person of Jesus, not just the texts that speak about Him. Nicodemus, for example, was a learned man and a Pharisee. He knew much about what was written concerning Jesus but lacked a personal relationship with Him. As a result, he found himself spiritually trapped. One day, he sought Jesus and met Him face to face to begin a relationship. (John 3:1-2) In verse 2, Nicodemus said: “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” This shows that while Nicodemus knew about Jesus, he did not truly know Him relationally. This is why Jesus had to take Nicodemus back to the basics—inviting him into a relationship with God by being “born again.” We, too, need to know the Truth—who Jesus is—and relate with Him personally to experience true freedom.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to me. Teach me to walk in the reality of who you are. Amen

Wisdom_Quote: Jesus is more than what is written about Him.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

The voice of the Lord

[The Glory Unveiled]

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. [ Genesis 3:8 NIV ]

Adam and Eve had just sinned by disobeying God’s instructions. However, they still heard the sound of God in the garden. Not only did they hear the sound of God, but in verse ten, it is clear that what they actually heard was the voice of God. Although their disobedience did not silence God’s voice, it severed their relationship with Him. Their disobedience led to their banishment from the garden, and God’s voice became distant to their ears. This increased distance between them and God’s voice plunged them into spiritual oblivion. Our walk with God hinges on hearing His voice. We cannot afford to walk with Him without recognizing or hearing His voice. The voice of God is our compass, directing us toward the true north of our destinies. Without a compass, a traveler may easily become lost in unfamiliar territory. For the believer, God’s voice serves as our moment-by-moment guide. However, here is the reality: you may hear the voice of God, but disobedience can cause you to miss His direction. Adam and Eve heard God’s voice, yet their disobedience prevented them from remaining in His presence. As believers, it is vital not only to hear God’s voice but also to obey it. Sometimes, God’s voice comes to us through the help of others, as it did for Eve and Samuel during the early stages of their walk with Him. Regardless of how His voice reaches us, adherence to it is key. Stay in God’s presence by continually walking in obedience.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege to hear your voice and obey your instructions. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: The voice of God gives direction to the believer.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Press on

[The Glory Unveiled]

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ( Philippians 3:12 NIV )

The difference between the living and the dead is activity. The living are constantly engaged in some form of activity. Even when they are sleeping, their body parts and organs perform essential life functions. The dead, on the other hand, do nothing. The apostle Paul said he had not yet achieved his goal, but he pressed on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of him. Every calling has its markings, and our success is tied to pressing on toward the mark of the call. At the time Paul made this statement, he was not a lazy or idle person. He had already achieved significant things and could have rested on the laurels of his past successes. The glory of his past accomplishments might have lasted him for a while. However, if he had done so, he would have “died” in a figurative sense. His relevance and purpose would have been lost in his own time. We cease to truly live when we stop striving and fail to press on to the next item on our agenda. Life is a continuous march forward toward a set goal. The apostle Paul never claimed he had achieved enough to stop pressing on. Despite all he had already accomplished, he continued to move forward with determination. We must also recognize that there is a force that drives us forward toward achieving our goals. For Paul, this force—this magnet—was the reason Christ took hold of him. The value we place on what lies ahead of us has the power to draw us toward it. If the target we set before us is truly important, we will make every necessary effort to strive toward it. Remember,  the world recognizes only the living—those striving to leave a mark. Be one of those.

Prayer_Bead: Lord, thank you for the vision you have placed in my heart to pursue. Help me not to relent. In Jesus name.

Wisdom_Quote: Press on towards the mark of your calling.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

One thing

[The Glory Unveiled]

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ( Mark 10:21 NIV)

There’s power in one. It’s amazing how great things often begin with a single individual or a single course of action. The Lord Jesus encountered a young man who expressed a desire to inherit eternal life. Jesus outlined the commandments the man needed to follow, and he confidently replied that he had been observing them since his youth. Yet, he was still unqualified to inherit the kingdom of God because he lacked one essential thing. For this young man, it was just one thing standing in the way of his eternal life. In Luke 10, when Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha was preoccupied with many tasks—household chores. However, in verse 42, Jesus told Martha that only one thing was necessary, and Mary had discovered it. Mary’s life stood out because she focused on the one thing that truly mattered, while Martha was distracted by many things. It wasn’t about doing numerous things; it was about identifying and prioritizing the one thing of greatest importance. For each of us, there is one thing that significantly impacts the quality and sustenance of our lives. Some of us are missing that one thing; many of us haven’t even identified what it is. As a result, we often find ourselves busy with everything, yet our lives lack clear direction. Have you noticed that you might be preoccupied with too many things? Take the time to discover the one thing that is crucial for your life and focus on it. As the saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none.” Concentrate your gifts and attention on the one thing that truly matters to you.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for the privilege to pursue the one thing that matters to my life and livelihood.

Wisdom_Quote: Change starts with one.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Hope beyond this life

[The Glory Unveiled]

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. ( 1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV )

Every intentional action is motivated by a vision and a hope that goes beyond immediate desires. Hope is the fuel that keeps humanity moving forward. Anything that gives hope should provide people with a reason, or reasons, to persevere or pursue a course of action. While the degrees of what and why people subscribe to certain things may vary, hope offers a long-term assurance of something greater. The apostle Paul asserts that if our hope in Christ yielded only earthly benefits, then we are, of all people, most to be pitied. Imagine the sacrifices we make as believers and the lifestyle choices we adopt to be Christlike. If, after all these sacrifices and changes, our hope were confined to the limits of this earthly existence, then the reward would not justify the sacrifice. What is sacrificed must pale in comparison to the reward envisioned. This is the essence of why anyone places hope in something. Nobody invests their hope in something that does not promise a meaningful outcome in the future. If our hope in Christ were limited to this life alone, it would be a loss compared to other earthly pursuits one could engage in. However, the reason we hope is undeniable: this hope extends beyond this life into the eternal. This is why we confidently continue pursuing this hope. And it is also why, despite suffering or losses, we are not miserable. The hope we have sustains us, transcending the challenges we face in its pursuit. So, keep this hope alive.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for the hope of my calling. I wait persistently for the full manifestation of your purposes.

Wisdom_Quote: Hope is humanity’s fuel for perseverance.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Jesus gave Himself for a reason

[The Glory Unveiled]

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ( Titus 2:14 KJV )

From the eleventh verse of our anchor Scripture, it says that the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. This grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. We are called to look forward to the hope and appearing of Jesus. It is this same Jesus that our anchor verse describes as having given Himself for us. But why did He give Himself up? Was it worth it? Our anchor Scripture aligns with the description of Jesus’ work in the salutation of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, specifically in Galatians 1:4. The Lord Jesus gave Himself for a reason. His purpose was to redeem us from a life of sin and iniquity and to purify us unto Himself. He paid the ultimate price so that we could be set apart for Him, without blemish. If such detail and attention were devoted to our redemption, then it is not something to take lightly or jeopardize. Our redemption is as precious as gold, something to be treasured. The fact that He gave Himself for us, rather than sending an angel, demonstrates the immense value He places on us. We are worth His Son. God values us as much as His only begotten Son. But He also redeemed us for a purpose. If Jesus truly redeemed us, then this redemption should manifest in our lives. We must be peculiar and zealous in our good works for Him. Our peculiarity stems from being called out of what we once were, and our zeal is fueled by our knowledge of Christ and our gratitude to God. May God continually help us in our walk with Him.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Jesus, thank you for your redemption and the blessings you have called me into. I am eternally grateful.

Wisdom_Quote: Jesus redeemed us for an assignment.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

When change is unnecessary

[The Glory Unveiled]

Do not move the ancient landmark
that your fathers have set. ( Proverbs 22:28 ESV)

It is a popular saying that change is the only constant. However, there comes a time when change is unnecessary. Even though change is something we will always encounter, it often arrives when we least want it. Change is like our shadows—we cannot banish them from following us. Even when we wish to escape them, they remain with us. Similarly, change is unavoidable. As a result, we have become so accustomed to change that we often resist keeping things the same for too long. Yet, there are moments when we must avoid change—times when we must consistently pursue a singular course of action. The author of Proverbs, in our anchor Scripture, advises the current generation not to move the ancient landmarks set by their forefathers. Landmarks are established to guide and serve as reference points for navigation. Removing or altering them in the name of change can cause significant problems and misdirection. When generational landmarks are removed, future generations may lose their way in matters of history. There are instances when change is unnecessary, especially in matters that extend beyond our immediate existence and livelihood. In such times, we must disregard fleeting sentiments and unnecessary customs. When change is unwarranted, it is essential not to embrace it. If there is something God wants you to keep at consistently,  don’t let go. Don’t change it even if half the world is doing something new. Be a statue if you must but remain insistent on your assignment of giving direction to others. And God will be pleased with you.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for the landmarks in my life. Help me not to move them against your will or distort your plans for my life and those around me.

Wisdom_Quote: When change is unnecessary don’t fight it.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

Posted on

Resurrection and life.

[The Glory Unveiled]

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” ( John 11:25-26 NIV )

The apostle Paul prayed, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). Paul understood something profound about the resurrection power of Christ and longed to experience it. He desired to encounter that power. He also recognized that resurrection is only activated in the presence of death and suffering. The one who believes in Jesus lives, even though they die. Death is not the end of existence. For some, death serves as a doorway into another reality. The same apostle wrote in Romans 8:36 that he was “killed all day long” for the sake of other believers. He lived daily as if dying to himself. Jesus also instructed those who wish to follow Him to take up their cross (embrace death), deny themselves, and follow Him. Death becomes an avenue, an instrument through which the resurrection power of Christ is experienced and shared. If we live by believing in Christ Jesus, we will never die (in terms of losing our relevance and ability to replicate ourselves spiritually). When Jesus lived on earth, believing in our heavenly Father, He multiplied Himself through many others. As a result, after He died and rose again to be with the Father, many “Jesuses” remained—His products. The same is expected of us. What would you want to know more than anything else? Paul made it clear that his deepest desire was to know Christ, and he pursued this with everything in him. When Jesus spoke to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, saying, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He was demonstrating that with Him, there is no loss. If she had Jesus, she could not truly lose anything, even when it seemed lost. If you have the Resurrection and the Life on your side, you have everything you could ever want.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, I believe in you for my life and its sustenance. Let your name be glorified in me.

Wisdom_Quote: Death is a gateway to a new beginning.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.