Category: Faith

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Building on our most holy faith

[The Glory Unveiled]

”But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit.“ [ ‭‭Jude 1‬:‭20‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

The believer’s relationship with God is like an edifice under construction, a continuous and progressive endeavor. Our journey with the Lord aims to transform us into the image of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we learn how to enter into union with Jesus: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Our experiences and growth are meant to be ever-increasing. We are instructed to build ourselves up on our most holy faith, which encompasses our sacred beliefs—the truths that form the foundation of our faith. The integrity of whatever we build is determined by our most holy faith. Especially now, we need to strengthen ourselves with strong Christian convictions and truths. Fortunately, we are shown how to build on these solid beliefs: by praying in the Holy Spirit. Praying with revelation and in the attitude and power of the Holy Spirit helps preserve our faith. Speaking in the language of the Spirit is a practice that should be maintained at all times. A believer doesn’t pray in the Holy Spirit when they are led; they pray whenever they want to, and they should want to at all times. The apostle stated in 1 Corinthians 14:15 that he would pray with understanding and also in the Spirit, indicating it was a choice he made. Similarly, we can and should make the same choice.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly father, thank you for the grace to build myself up on the truth I have received. Help me to pray in the Holy Ghost.

Wisdom_Quote: Praying in the Holy Ghost is the mason of our most holy faith.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

*#GNews:* _Unveiling the glory of God._

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Multiplicity of Grace

[The Glory Unveiled]

”Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord“ [ 2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ NKJV‬‬ ]

Speaking of grace, the apostle Paul asks if we should continue to sin so that grace may increase, since grace increases where sin abounds (Romans 6:1). Grace is the unmerited provision of God that sustains man in spite of every tangible reason to deny him that provision. The apostle Paul teaches that when we were under the influence of sin, grace increased for us to come to the knowledge of God. But that same grace made us dead to sin because it brought us through the baptism of death with Jesus (Romans 6:3). And so, the apostle Paul reasons that if we died with Christ, we cannot continue to sin (Romans 6:2). There are some believers who think that they need to sin once in a while to increase grace upon their lives. Unfortunately, the grace that is made available because of sin brings you through death so it is no longer available. The grace that is available to the believer is the grace that comes through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. As grace increases for the sinner to come to the cross, grace is multiplied to the believer who has the knowledge of Christ and not from sinning. While we were in the world in our ignorance, sin made grace available to us. But now, grace will be made available and multiplied through the knowledge of the Son of God. It will take knowledge to get more grace and not ignorance and sin. What you know about Jesus is the room that heaven makes for your peace and comfort. How much do you know of Jesus?

Prayer_Bead: Father in heaven, thank you for the provision of grace. Help me to grow in the knowledge of your son Jesus. So that grace may be multiplied to me. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Grace may increase where sin abounds but it is multiplied where the knowledge of Jesus is.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Unique Possession

[The Glory Unveiled]

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, [ Exodus 19:5 NIV]

It is possible to have a favourite among many things of the same kind. Though they may appear equal on the surface, there is often something extra, sometimes infinitesimal, that sets one apart from the rest. Many people will look at the full picture and not recognize the unique attribute that distinguishes this one. The distinguishing characteristic is only unique to the one for whom that particular attribute is important or a favourite. Even among children born of the same parents, some parents have their favourites among them. They seem to be more attached to and caring for their favourite. And many times, the object of that affection or love is known only to the lover. In our anchor Scripture, the Lord shows us how an individual or a nation can become His treasured possession. He gives just one criterion for becoming His unique possession: to fully obey God and keep His covenant. There are those who are in the habit of obeying God partially and partly. But if anyone wants to be God’s treasured possession, they must obey God fully, regardless of other alternatives or reasonable interventions. Yes, you are a child of God, but are you His treasured possession? Do you obey God fully? Do you keep His covenants with you as a person? God loves us, but there is a dimension of intimacy that we ascend to by our choices and actions. Out of the lot, may God single you out for honor through your intentional obedience.

Prayer_Bead: My Father and King, thank you for making me a treasured possession through my obedience. Let your name be glorified in Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Full obedience gives full access to God’s heart.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Praying according to God’s will

[The Glory Unveiled]

”Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.“ [ I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ]

One common thing about all children is that they have the habit of constantly asking their parents for things. However, even though they ask constantly, they don’t always receive what they request. There’s something that influences parents to either grant or withhold their children’s requests. And this is not a question of whether they love their kids or not because every parent love their kids. The same is true of our heavenly Father; He doesn’t always grant our requests even though He loves us all. The good news is that He tells us the kind of requests He responds to—those aligned with His will. If our requests align with God’s will, we can be confident that He will grant them. This awareness gives us confidence in prayer, garnishing our faith and helping us depend on God’s faithfulness. Thus, regardless of external circumstances, we remain steadfast, convinced that God will honour His word. This truth should motivate us to discern God’s will in any matter. Praying without knowing God’s will would be futile. Therefore, our first task should be to understand God’s will before presenting our requests to Him. The will of God is synonymous with the word of God; it cannot contradict it. By studying the word of God, we can discern His will and pray accordingly, knowing that God will not only hear us but also answer us. Confidently make your requests known to God, knowing that you are asking according to the will of God.

Prayer_Bead: Father in heaven, thank you for this knowledge. Help me to pray according to your will and your word, in Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: The word of God does not contradict the will of God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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What God would have for you

[The Glory Unveiled]

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [ Exodus 33:14 NIV ]

Many times, we seem to know what we want in life for our comfort and peace. However, when those things we think we need are scrutinized by the Creator of the Universe, they lose their appeal, and we discover that what we truly need may differ. The apostle Paul pleaded with God to remove a thorn in his flesh. In that moment, he believed that was what he needed, but God gave him His grace instead. This indicates that what Paul genuinely needed was the grace of God. Moses approached the presence of God and asked to see His ways and receive favour. In response, God revealed the importance of rest and His presence. This suggests that what would fulfill Moses’s perceived needs is the presence of God. Beyond our desires, what does God want for us? On a day-to-day basis, we must strive to discern God’s will for us, as opposed to our own desires. When we gain a clear understanding of God’s desires for us, rest from ceaseless and futile labour becomes our portion. The challenges of life can be overwhelming and lead to restlessness. Therefore, when we pursue our goals and dreams without God, our energies are depleted. We are meant to rely on God’s provision for life. What God desires for us is ultimately the best we could hope for on earth. May He guide us to desire the things He would rather have for us.

Prayer_Bead: Omnipresent Father, thank you for your guidance and care. Help me to accept what you would rather want me to have. And let your name be glorified.

Wisdom_Quote: God’s provision will quench your requests.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Follow the leading voice

[The Glory Unveiled]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. [ Isaiah 30:21 KJV ]

The Holy Spirit is the believer’s partner and helper, akin to how God provided Adam with a suitable helpmate. The Holy spirit is given to us as the perfect helper. His ministry is expressed in us in diverse manifestations. One of such expressions is when He speaks to us. The Holy Spirit directs us in the way we should go. He is the voice we hear behind (in our hearts) saying this is right, go ahead or don’t do it. He instructs us in our decisions, choices and actions. He will give us clarity and direction when we need guidance. Unfortunately, many a people rely too heavily on their minds and senses, often to the detriment of their futures. They try to explore other alternatives even when they know that those alternatives are leading to the wrong end. There are those who went after funny desires even when the Holy Spirit urged them to turn away. It’s crucial to recognize that for every good thing, there are equally deceptive counterfeits. The devil offers seemingly enticing shortcuts that ultimately lead to spiritual peril. When God reveals the path, it’s vital to heed His guidance and not wander off in search of alternatives. In the end, it would be the longest and treacherous journey you would have ever made. And so, stick to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and endeavor to wait for the timing of God in patience and absolute trust. Follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and express the life of Jesus in our world.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for your leading and guidance. Make me attentive and obedient in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: There are no better alternatives to the Holy Spirit’s instructions.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Stop searching

[The Glory Unveiled]

Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” [ 1 Samuel 9:3 NIV ]

Saul and a servant went out to search for his father’s missing donkeys. For days they combed the streets of towns and villages to no avail. All the while, the donkeys had already been found, unknown them. They continued looking for the donkeys that were not missing any longer. “As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?” (1 Samuel 9:20) Saul and his servant were searching frantically for something that was not missing. But they didn’t know because Saul was still who he was [in knowledge (about the donkeys)] when he began his journey. What you lost will not return to the same state you were in when it left. It will only return when you upgrade yourself. Many times, we lose things because of who we are in that moment; we lose things when the things we possess outgrow our experiences, skills or knowledge to handle them. That gap takes our possessions from us, whether they are material or immaterial. But when Saul encountered Samuel and he came to another awareness of who he was, he discovered that, what was missing was found. We search for missing things that are not actually missing because of a gap between us and the knowledge or skills necessary to keep that thing. And so, to find it, we need to update our knowledge and skills. Stop searching and start growing your awareness and knowledge and every lost thing will return.

Prayer_Bead: Father in heaven, thank you for showing me this truth. Help me to enlarge my knowledge and capacity to keep what you have given me. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Stop searching and start growing capacity.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Take Action

[The Glory Unveiled]

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [ Luke 15:18 NIV ]

The son, famously known as the prodigal son, turned his life around by taking action. The gap between where we are and where we want to be is often bridged by action. He had a plan, but as long as that plan remained in his head and wasn’t executed, his situation never changed. Verse 20 begins with “So he got up and went to his father…” His action changed his fate; otherwise, he might have died in that foreign land. Many people, institutions, families, and businesses are suffering due to inaction. Inaction fosters negativity in our lives; laziness and choosing not to act sow thorns in our beautiful gardens. A lazy person’s attitudes and choices reveal their laziness. For instance, in Matthew 25:26, the servant’s attitude toward his master’s property exposed his laziness, even though he didn’t explicitly admit it. Our choices speak volumes about us, with laziness being the epitome of inactivity. Deciding to do nothing when action is required is the portrait of laziness, which ultimately leads to poverty and stagnation. Your inaction is planting seeds in your life, unfortunately, seeds that will grow into monumental embarrassment and label you as someone who chose to do nothing. Decide today that you will take action and effect change in every aspect of your life. Get up and take action.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for the grace to do all that I must do. Help me to take action now, in the direction of progress. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: Laziness is the portrait of one’s inactive choices.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God

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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.

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The house of God

[The Glory Unveiled]

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. [ Genesis 28:16 KJV ]

Our understanding of God forms the backdrop against which our physical and spiritual existence unfolds. How we live is a direct reflection of what we comprehend about God. The potential to miss the Lord’s visitation arises when we hold preconceived notions about how God’s presence should manifest. Samuel might have missed God’s visit if not for Eli’s guidance. Countless individuals, like Samuel, may unknowingly bypass their seasons of visitation. In the cited scripture, Jacob nearly missed his encounter due to ignorance, only realizing the sacred nature of the place after a dream revealed its significance. Spiritual encounters elude us when we become captivated by physical attributes, as the world around us is a deceptive reflection. The world may appear as we perceive it until our eyes are opened. This is why the Lord Jesus came to His own but His own did not receive Him because they didn’t recognize Him. But as many as received Him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God (John 1:12), essentially becoming the dwelling place of God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have become equipped to house God’s presence and serve as a conduit for connecting heaven and earth. We bear the responsibility of ensuring unhindered access to God. And so, always remember, you are the house of God.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me as your house. Let your glory be seen in the world through me.

Wisdom_Quote: Your body is the temple of God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.