Stop observing, make a move

[The Glory Unveiled]

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. [ Ecclesiastes 11:4 KJV ]

The wise sayings of the preacher explain why many destinies are held in a stationary position. It is normal to observe the wind before you put a seed in the soil or the clouds before you harvest your crops, but sometimes you cannot be sure what the weather will bring and you may have to take a chance rather than wait forever. Oftentimes, procrastination gives us the evil lecture that you don’t have the right materials to start, you don’t have the numbers to begin, you can do it at a future date when you are better prepared, or when circumstances align in your favor, etc. All these beautiful excuses come from the chief steward—procrastination—in the camp of delay and stagnation. Unknown to many people, these suggestions are the reason they are still where they have been. Many times, the favourable conditions may be absent but we must still make the move. The army of Israel kept looking at the stature of Goliath and as a result couldn’t make any move to fight him. They were stopped by what they saw. David, on the other hand, brought a historic breakthrough to Israel when he decided to make a move. He knew that the situation he faced was very uncertain but he didn’t consider defeat as probable as it was. If you’ve been watching the wind for months or years even, it’s time you sow your seeds. And if you’re afraid the clouds will pour rain, and so, you’re holding back on harvesting then please ignore the clouds and reap your harvest. Your testimony is overdue. Let the world see the glory of God through you.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for showing me the agenda of procrastination in my life. Help me to make the necessary moves. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: Your outcome is changed by your move, not your observations.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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.

Stars in the dark

[The Glory Unveiled]

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. [ Genesis 39:20 NIV ]

This was not the first time Joseph had been betrayed. His initial encounter with betrayal came from his own brothers, who sold him into slavery. His world seemed shattered. He likely felt his world crumbling, his heart crushing, his hope dashed, his mind wandering. And then, just as it seemed he was delivered from his worst fears and comforted in the house of Potiphar, another darkness came—he was taken to prison. But just as we see stars when it’s dark and rainbows when it rains, Joseph’s story saw a beautiful “rainbow ending.” Many times, the dark seasons of our lives are opportunities in disguise. Joseph’s prison experience was a blessing in disguise because that place gave him access to the government of Egypt—a fate he couldn’t have achieved any other way due to his lack of connections, formal education, and money. Yet, the dark season of his life ushered in the greatest opportunity and blessing he could have ever dreamed of. He was placed in the prison where the king’s prisoners were kept. It was no coincidence because he would later become one of the king’s officials. Even in the dark season of your life, pay attention to the signs on the wall because, even then, your immediate environment may give you a hint about your tomorrow. The most remarkable attribute Joseph displayed is that he never complained. In the heart of his dark season, he depended on God. And when the devil brought what seemed like a ladder to bring him out, he declined. He chose prison over disobeying God’s holy law when he said, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). And teaching us that staying true till the end brings the glory that lies at the end..

Prayer_Bead: King of kings, thank you for your mighty works in my life, even in the dark seasons. May your name be glorified through it all. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: We get stars in the dark.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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

Ready and useable

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.

God is calling out

[The Glory Unveiled]

Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” [ 1 Samuel 3:6 NIV ]

God is always calling on us, one way or the other. Our inability to hear Him is not an issue of God’s refusal to call to us. It is a matter of not being able to recognize the voice of God when He calls. If not for the guidance of Eli, Samuel would have thought that God never spoke to him or called out to him. It is the same with many of us who feel God does not talk to us. Samuel didn’t know the voice of God and so, he would think that God never spoke to him. God usually speaks in His house. Samuel was in the house of God when God called out to him. And we are the house of God, Bethel, the conduit of God to earth. We are Heaven’s medium of communication and relationship with the earth. As a result of who we are to heaven, we need not only to learn to hear from God but to position ourselves well for the communication to take place. Samuel was positioned right but he didn’t know the voice of God. Both requirements are important for heaven to communicate and for us to hear and respond. Could it be that God is calling out to you, maybe to initiate a relationship but you’re unable to recognize His voice? Could it be that you are not familiar with the beckoning of God? And that you might be going to the wrong people instead of God? God is drawing our attention to Himself today, be still and know that He is God.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for calling out to me and creating opportunities for me to commune with you.

Wisdom_Quote: God is calling out to you.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

The seed of Favour

[The Glory Unveiled]

But Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD. [ Genesis 6:8 NIV ]

The seed of favour is intentionally planted. Many times, it may seem like favour chooses people randomly, but the reality is that favour operates with a selection system guiding its choices. Favour doesn’t just pick anyone, as you would agree; otherwise, everyone should be favoured, right? However, that’s not the case. Favour follows a traceable agenda. While it may appear that we play no role in receiving God’s favour, our posture and attitude silently influence the process. Take Noah, for instance—why was he chosen from among many in his day? Was God being partial or selective? No, because the Bible states that God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34). This implies that Noah must have done something to merit the favour he received. This leads us to the question: who was Noah? Where was he? How did he live? Genesis 6:9 provides the answers, revealing that Noah was a man set apart and distinct from the people of his day. He walked with God and consistently obeyed Him. Due to his attitude toward God, when God desired to show favour, Noah would be at the top of His list. So, even though Noah didn’t overtly do anything, his just and righteous behaviour caught God’s attention. The seed of favour is diligence in everything we do. This is why the scripture affirms with a question, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29). Diligence leads us to people and places we may not qualify for. Be diligent in all you do; sow the seed of favour today.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Father, thank you for the privilege and the knowledge you have given me through your words. Help me to sow the seed of favour.

Wisdom_Quote: The seed of favour is diligence.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.