Category: Gospel

[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.

[The Glory Unveiled]

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [ Matthew 26:41 NIV ]

Clouds of temptation gather in specific places for particular assignments. When you notice the temptation cloud forming in the distance, it’s time to watch and pray. Watching and praying serve as the best security measures to anticipate challenges, eliminating potential threats. Temptations do not discriminate based on status, class, or anointing; all individuals face temptation in one way or another. Those who appear untouched by temptations are often those who consistently overcome. For such individuals, sin cannot imprint its stain through temptations. The believer’s primary spiritual defense is sensitivity to the Spirit, providing an early warning system against dangers. Sensitivity to the Spirit equips and prepares one to face any challenges with courage. It also aids in discerning God’s will and mind, ensuring prayers are aligned. A spiritually sensitive person knows when to pray and watch, staying vigilant instead of sleeping when prayer is essential. In case of injuries, our spiritual first aid comes through the prayers of others when we are weak. The flesh’s verdict is evident: the flesh is weak. While the spirit is willing, executing its will always requires the energy of the flesh. Unfortunately, the flesh is the entry point for temptations, emphasizing the importance of avoiding temptation clouds through constant vigilance and prayer.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for teaching me to watch and pray. Help me to stay away from temptation’s breeze.

Wisdom_Quote: It is time to watch and pray when you see the finger of temptation in the clouds.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. [ Genesis 2:16-17 KJV ]

Nothing entices a person into the land of no return like gullibility. Temptations will inevitably arise, but being gullible propels us toward that irreversible place. Lucifer, driven by gullibility, coveted what was not rightfully his and found himself in the land of no return. Similarly, Adam and Eve had the freedom to partake of any tree, except one. Despite the abundance of alternatives, they succumbed to temptation. Joseph, entrusted with everything in his master’s house, except the wife of his master. A temptation is a force that draws us toward the prohibited. In the moment, it may seem like the sole solution to fulfilling our needs, but obtaining it often results in losing everything else. Just like Adam and Eve were tempted and deceived into thinking the forbidden tree was better than the trees they were permitted to eat from, only to learn too late that they lost everything when they chased their appetite. It is prudent to identify and understand what God has deemed off-limits. Our ignorance often leads us to pursue the forbidden. Recognize that God’s restrictions are for our well-being, safeguarding our future. Joseph wisely acknowledged his limitations to Mrs. Potiphar (Genesis 39:9), illustrating that our knowledge of permissible boundaries forms a secure zone. Let us dwell within the boundary of the safe zone God prepared for us in His wisdom.

Prayer_Bead: Almighty God, thank you for teaching me to identify temptation’s red zones. Help me to stay away from what is wrong. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wisdom_Quote: A temptation is a pull or a push towards the one thing you are forbidden to have.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” [ John 9:25 NIV ]

In the human world, your identity matters less to people than what you do for them. Typically, people are more concerned about what they receive from you than who you are. The blind man healed by Jesus didn’t know doctrines or religious rituals; he lacked knowledge about Jesus. However, he was acutely aware of his blindness, and after encountering Jesus, his restored sight became more significant to him than others’ opinions about Jesus, as clarified in the account. The multitude followed Jesus primarily for food, receiving bread and fish. Yet, beyond sustenance, our capacity to gain enlightenment after an encounter is paramount. Moses’ face radiated after his encounter with God. We must carry such value that people are transformed after meeting us. The lasting impact is not in our name but in the ability of others to see differently after encountering us. Like the blind man who proclaimed, “I was blind, but now I see,” if people can confidently declare newfound vision after meeting us, then the kingdom of God is manifest through us. Jesus asserted to the Pharisees that if He drove out demons (performed miracles) by the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of heaven had come to them (Matthew 12:28). Bring the kingdom of heaven to your world.

Prayer_Bead: Gracious Father, thank you for the privilege to bring the kingdom of heaven to many people. Let your name be glorified.

Wisdom_Quote: In the long run, people only hold on to what you did for them.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

“But to remain in my body is more needful and essential for your sake.” [ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ ]

Sometimes, we must set aside our desires and preferences and opt for the greater good by making a sacrificial choice. Many individuals enshrined in history’s hall of fame earned their places through such sacrificial decisions. Along our individual journeys, we inevitably reach a juncture demanding a life-altering choice. From that pivotal point, we grapple with the consequences, often paving a new path that unveils our truest potentials and gifts. When the apostle Paul faced the decision of departing to be with the Lord or continuing to live in the flesh, he carefully considered his options. Despite recognizing that leaving might be best for him, he chose to stay for the sake of fellow believers and their needs. He understood that his continued presence would benefit many, and for their well-being, he opted to remain. Life frequently presents us with choices between paths, opinions, and views, each with its implications and consequences. By relinquishing our personal desires and interests, we can accomplish great things in honour of God. Before taking the next step, weigh the cost, consider your options, and choose what brings glory to God, essential for the sake of others. May our lives be dedicated to the well-being of others, lived not only for ourselves but because of the impact it can have on those around us.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Jesus, thank your for helping me to live like you lived, in total service of other people.

Wisdom_Quote: One truly begins to live when they start living for other people.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

[The Glory Unveiled]

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,” [ Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ]

The apostle Paul referred to his imprisonment when he said “the things which happened to me.” In retrospect, he saw it as something that had helped in the furtherance of the gospel.“ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalms 24:1). God as the owner and manager of the earth is able to use any situation at all to advance His agenda. Unfortunately, we label anything that does not give immediate benefit as bad. But God, who sees the end from the beginning, calls everything good because He is able to make good of every situation, causing even the “bad” to do His bidding. If only we could see as God sees, we would understand that, the negative experiences and events around and in our lives are occasions to further the course and purpose of God in His time. The apostle added that his imprisonment had boosted the confidence of many believers. People will courageously go out in the name of Jesus because Paul was imprisoned but was still preaching about Jesus. His courage gave others courage. In fact, many people became saved because Paul was imprisoned. They had the opportunity to hear the good news in prison. Wherever we find ourselves, we can make impact with the little resources we have. Paul did not fold with the excuse of his predicament. He continued the work of God as if he was actually free. Whatever is happening to you now, can turn for the good of God’s plan for you. Just play your part.

Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness. In every situation, you remain with me. Thank you.

Wisdom_Quote: God is faithful at all times.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.