Category: Gospel

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A holistic armour

[The Glory Unveiled]

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [ Ephesians 6:11 KJV ]

The whole armour of God is the only structure and system that can stand against the wiles of the enemy. There are many promising alternative armour that is selling in the world, advertising to help stand against the wiles of the enemy but only the word of God is capable of that protection. The armour of God is referred to as the “whole armour” because it is wholistic in nature. Every other armour may cover some vitals but they cannot guarantee absolute safety. Now, even though the armour of God is holistic in operation, one can install them piece by piece and even dare to operate them in their individual components. Such as the armour of the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness or the belt of truth. God instills order and purpose in everything, and attempting to disassemble His work leads to suffering. Choosing partial armour only allows standing against some of the devil’s wiles, as each battle armour protects specific body parts. A holistic armour gives holistic protection on the battlefield. In the same way, the whole armour of God gives comprehensive protection against the wiles of the devil. God’s armour also helps us to stand. Unlike the armour of Saul which actually made David unstable and unable to stand, the armour of God actually gives us stamina. Don’t depend on the world’s armour if you want to fight the Lord’s battle, rely on His armour, as the battle is won with the Lord’s equipment. Therefore, put on the whole armour.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for your provisions for my wellbeing. I put on the whole armour.

Wisdom_Quote: God’s battles are won in God’s armour.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Given to Faith

[The Glory Unveiled]

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. [ Hebrews 11:7 NIV ]

If Noah had disregarded God’s instructions just because no one believed in him, he would not only have jeopardized the lives of the people of his day but also his own life and his family’s. Whatever adventure we pursue is usually, to a large extent, not only for ourselves but also for those close to us, especially when the task is asked of us by God. When Moses freed the Israelites in obedience to God’s request, he also liberated himself in the process. Similarly, our disobedience is fatal to the livelihood of others connected to us. The disobedience of Adam and Eve didn’t affect them alone; it impacted all of humanity. Let us take a moment to consider whatever we are doing in this season of our lives, in this space of time. Are our decisions, choices, actions, and reactions furthering the cause of our destinies and those connected to us? Or are they ticking clocks leading to their imminent destruction? In the end, our actions point to one of these outcomes. Noah was moved by faith and holy fear to obey God in doing something that was unheard of, something nobody in his day had ever seen or could imagine. He embraced faith because when God speaks to us about anything, it’s only faith that makes it relatable. So, when nobody could relate because they didn’t have Noah’s kind of faith, he was not moved by unbelief. Let us embrace faith and become obedient heirs of righteousness.

Prayer_Bead: Father of our fathers of faith, thank you for the grace to obey you in all things even when others disbelieve, may I not be discouraged. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: Faith makes the instructions of God relatable to our spirits.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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The grace insurance cover

[The Glory Unveiled]

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. [ Jude 1:4 NIV ]

The grace of God, like everything from God, is good. However, this goodness has caused much chaos and controversy within the body of Christ. Some take the message and teachings of grace to extremes, while others remain on the fringes. Both of these positions contribute to the disturbances and chaos. It’s important to note that these positions aren’t inherently bad. Unfortunately, our struggle to interpret God’s grace from these perspectives makes them problematic. An extremely grace-oriented message holds truth, but its intensity may prove overwhelming for fallen individuals in recovery. Even those medically invalids in recovery follow controlled diets until they regain strength. God’s grace empowers and equips us to lead an ascended life, avoiding distractions or detours into our former life of sin. However, when the emphasis on grace becomes extreme and we neglect responsibilities in its name, we risk reverting to our former sinful life, erroneously convinced of a grace “insurance cover.” Under such conditions, our new state of sin can be worse than the previous one. The license of grace doesn’t grant permission to sin, just as a teaching council license isn’t for practicing medicine. God’s grace is not intended for immorality. Embrace the empowering grace to live the superior life of Christ.

Prayer_Bead: Gracious Father, thank you for the privilege to live above sin. I practice righteousness by the spirit of grace. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: Grace is not a license for sin, but a support for righteous living.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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The sacrifice of obedience

[The Glory Unveiled]

But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. [ 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV ]

Saul’s attitude when instructed by God to destroy the Amalekites, including their king, and his response afterward is typical of many believers. Often, we attempt to outsmart God. When we disobey God and engage in actions He instructs us against, our default attitude should be remorse and repentance. However, we often try to cleverly evade accountability. Adam blamed God for giving him a woman who misled him, Cain denied responsibility for his brother’s welfare after killing him, and David resorted to killing Uriah to conceal his adultery. Instead of seeking mercy with humility, we frequently attempt to find excuses. Saul disobeyed God, doing what he deemed right to please people. When held accountable by God, he refused to admit his wrongdoing. He even sacrificed to God while not in good terms with Him. God values obedience over showy sacrifices; it’s better to obey than to offer elaborate sacrifices. The spirit of humility, however, facilitates faster forgiveness and deliverance than many alternative approaches. So instead of falling on other alternative approaches, let us humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness and amend our ways. So that Saul’s fate will not befall us. Let’s change our ways through humility and obedient submission to God, remembering that “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

Prayer_Bead: Omnipotent, Omniscient Father, thank you for the grace to obey you at all cost. Help me to seek to please you alone in all things.

Wisdom_Quote: Obedience is better than sacrifices.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Mingled with Christ

[The Glory Unveiled]

“For we are mingled with the Messiah, if we will continue unshaken in this confident assurance from the beginning until the end.” [ Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

The Christian’s advantage is positional, and this position is conditional. Our advantages are also conditional, signifying that what believers experience as a result of Christ comes with conditions. This ensures that Christ remains the ultimate Lord, fostering unity in Him. It’s crucial not to assume unrestricted freedom, as the One placing you in a position can also remove you from it. Being partakers with Christ requires faithful continuation in our confident assurance, much like a grafted tree is part of another as long as it remains connected. Persistent continuation with the Lord signifies our mingling with Christ, where we’re intimately connected, expressing His essence and life. Our position dictates influence and perception, not as a birthright but as a privilege from submitting to Jesus. However, this positional privilege is precarious for the self-conceited. Hence, the caution that one who thinks they stand must watch lest they fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). This caution is exemplified in Samson’s experience with the anointing on his life. Believing the anointing was at his disposal, he overlooked that access was due to consecration (position). He learned this lesson rather belatedly. Our identity is shaped by where Jesus placed us, a result of His actions. To maintain this, we must submit to the order and obey the One who made it possible.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for what I have as a result of His sacrifice. May your name be glorified.

Wisdom_Quote: Our position in God is based on the condition of the sacrifice of the Son.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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A world of mighty things

[The Glory Unveiled]

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. [ Jeremiah 33:3 KJV ]

It may seem that we possess extensive knowledge until tested on it. When one acknowledges their limited knowledge, opportunities for learning and growth arise. Despite walking with God for many years, without calling on Him, He may remain silent, as God doesn’t impose anything. It’s a recognized fact that no individual knows everything. God’s offer to reveal mighty things we don’t know is intriguing, starting with a call. The call precedes everything else. God doesn’t just promise to show mighty things; He instructs us to call on Him first. It is when we call unto Him that we are ushered into the realm of great and mighty things. Interestingly, we often try to grasp God’s promises without seeking Him. The world tends to call on everything else except God, leading to frustrations. While asking, knocking, and seeking are valid approaches, calling upon the Lord surpasses them all. It brings every attribute of God alive in our space, as seen in Adam and Eve’s case, where God came looking for them. Although Adam and Eve didn’t call on God, He still provided for them, obtaining animal skin for their covering. When the Israelites called upon Him, His glory brought manna, defeated the Egyptians, and conquered other nations. Similar results are still achievable today when we call upon Him. Don’t chase the mighty things outside God, it is a futile pursuit. Instead, call desperately unto God with all your heart.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Almighty, hallowed be your name. As we call upon you as our only hope, we thank you that you answer us. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Years of walking with God does not amount to knowing God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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What is your profit?

[The Glory Unveiled]

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [ Matthew 16:26 KJV ]

The entire world, not just a portion is compared to the worth of the soul and the world falls short. The question arises: what else could be given in exchange for a man’s soul? The rhetorical answer is nothing. Nevertheless, many people trade their souls for trivial things. Some settle for less than a piece of the world in exchange for their souls. In a barter trade system, prices aren’t fixed, presenting both opportunities or risks based on one’s marketing skills. A piece of cloth might be bartered for a cow in one market and exchanged for a pair of scissors in another, influenced by needs and the attached value. As believers, understanding the value placed on us through the blood of the eternal Son prevents selling ourselves too cheap, even for two worlds. The Bible is unequivocal about the worth of our souls, surpassing anything this realm offers. Our value shouldn’t diminish. God emphasizes our worth, stating that we’re worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31). It suggests God is intentional about our value, knowing our true worth and discouraging wasting what is precious on mundanity. Like Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of soup, devaluing himself in the eyes of his brother and God, exchanging your soul for anything in this world, even the world itself, leads to a perpetual loss. Your soul has sentimental value to God, beyond purchase—so, don’t attempt to sell it.

Prayer_Bead: Lover and Lord, thank you for the value you placed on my soul. It is worth the blood of your Son. Thank you.

Wisdom_Quote: The human soul has no equal value in this world.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Exhibition of the hidden life

[The Glory Unveiled]

“Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ.” [ Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ]

All of humanity was bound to a particular life when we sinned through our ancestors, Adam and Eve. That life became our master and driver, leading us where we would not choose to go. This life compels us against our will because we forfeited our rights to that nature. Satan, the usurper, orchestrated this treacherous swindle, deceiving us by exploiting our desires, lusts, and the things we see, touch, feel, wish, and hope for. Subsequently, we legally surrendered our rights, becoming slaves to the usurper’s world. Freedom from this world comes at a cost—the death on the cross. However, this payment has a consequence, a positive one in my opinion. The consequence is that we become indebted to Christ. In the repayment plan, when we died with Christ, our connection to this world and the old life was severed. Our true life, now our new life, is concealed in Christ Jesus. If our true lives are hidden in Christ, it implies that neither we nor others have any influence over this new life except Jesus. Ironically, we have the freedom to do as we please, yet our new master, the Lord Jesus, demands an allegiance that, without coercion, leads us to honour and obey Him. This is what it truly means to make Him our Lord, as Lord signifies master and owner. If Jesus genuinely owns our lives, we cannot live it our way but His way. Let the world witness that Jesus is the Lord of our lives through the way we live it for Him.

Prayer_Bead: King of kings, thank you for your reign in my life. Help me to yield to you in all things.

Wisdom_Quote: The Lord Jesus is the master of the hidden life.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Did you sweat blood?

[The Glory Unveiled]

“After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in your opposition to sin.” [ Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬ TPT‬‬ ]

It is a fact that sin has no power over us now as believers, but the influence and culture of sin from our old lives persist. This influence urges us to repeat our past ways and displease God. Hence, there is a need to resist sin. Technically, we are not resisting sin but the influence of the sin nature that used to be in us. In our anchor text, we learn that there are dimensions and levels of resisting sin. The highest level is where you resist the influence of sin until you begin to sweat blood. Unless one has passed that stage of resisting sin, they have no excuses or anything to complain about. This is especially true because the Lord Jesus, our example, encountered such temptation to sin in the garden of Gethsemane but He did not give in. He resisted the temptation to do His own will rather than the will of God, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). He didn’t give in to the influence of sin but resisted until His sweat bore witness that He will not give in, as recorded in Luke 22:44: “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Sin and the devil only flees in the face of staunch resistance. The devil left Jesus after He consistently resisted him during the temptations in Matthew 4. Don’t give in to sin’s influence; put up a fight against it and do not succumb.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for showing me to resist sin’s influence even unto the point of sweating blood. Sin has no dominion over me.

Wisdom_Quote: Sin flees in the face of opposition.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Faith; the believer’s key

[The Glory Unveiled]

“Faith opened the way for the Hebrews to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to cross they were swallowed up and drowned!” ‭‭[ Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ TPT‬‬ ]

Faith serves as the believer’s essential master key, unlocking various kinds of doors irrespective of the guards or those who hold the keys. As the Egyptian army pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea, unbeknownst to them, the Hebrews possessed the key to open the sea’s door. Lacking this key, the Egyptians faced a closed door, resulting in their drowning. A crucial insight is that if a method succeeds for someone but not for you, it could mean that you haven’t discovered their key. Life responds to specific keys, granting discriminatory access to different doors. Rather than imitating others, seek their keys, allowing you to navigate the same doors unhindered. Learn under their feet if you must. But whatever you do, don’t take a step in their footprints without access to the keys they have. Another valuable piece of advice is to not follow someone’s path unless you possess their keys, access to the secrets they hold. Blindly emulating others can lead to one’s downfall, akin to the fate of the Egyptians who lacked preparation and the right keys. Destinies are not shaped through imitation but crafted with intentional blueprints, which include trusting God, determination, patience, humility, courage and commitment to purpose. Do you possess the believer’s master key? Or are you taking a chance in the trail of someone’s success?

Prayer_Bead: Almighty God, thank you for showing me the way out of many troubles and disturbing challenges.

Wisdom_Quote: Destinies are not forged in the quarry of imitation.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.