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The journey of consecration

[The Glory Unveiled]

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [ II Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ]

In the previous chapter, the Lord made a promise that He would dwell in us and live among us; He would be our God, and we would be His people. This was the promise God made as He called us the temple of the Living God (2 Corinthians 6:16). Now, the writer continues to emphasize that as a result of these promises, we have an obligation to fulfill. God is particular about where He dwells or is represented. In the Old Testament manifestation of these principles, He instructed the Israelites to always wash themselves before coming into His presence. While they washed themselves with water, we are supposed to cleanse ourselves with the word of God. As New Testament practitioners, we are to continually cleanse ourselves with the word of God until we are refined like silver and ready to be used as fine jewelry. To complete our consecration, we need to cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. God instructed the priests to inform the Israelites that they were to stay away from unclean things, but if anyone contaminated themselves, they were supposed to wash themselves. The same principle applies to us. We are to stay away from things that contaminate us, namely disobedience to God’s holy instructions, so that through obedience, we may become more like God. The promises await the fulfillment of our part.

Prayer_Bead: Father in Heaven, thank you for the call to consecration. Help me to always obey your holy laws. In Jesus’ name.

Wisdom_Quote: The promise of God has an obligatory factor.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lovers of God

[The Glory Unveiled]

“But as the Scriptures say, “No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” [ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭ERV‬‬ ]

It is evident that God loves us, as showcased through His actions. The Psalmist pondered, “Who is man that you’re mindful of him? You have made him a little lower than elohim and have crowned him with dominion” (Psalms 8:4-6), recognizing God’s particular attention to our creation. God’s constant concern for us is reflected in the biblical teaching to love our neighbours as ourselves, mirroring God’s love for us as His image bearers. The concept of the reciprocation of love is beautifully expressed by the apostle John: “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). We are compelled to love God because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. This demonstration of love by God is the reason we love Him back. Yet, in addition to the natural reciprocal gesture, God has special blessings and packages for those who love Him back. He has made provisions for His lovers, He has prepared ahead of their needs before the needs ever come. He made provisions and keeps those provisions ready for those who love Him; those who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed [AMPC‬‬]. To love God basically means to promptly obey Him above all else. Consequently, what God will do in your life and through your life will beat the imagination of everybody.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me to love you because you first loved me. Let your name be glorified through my life.

Wisdom_Quote: In your walk with God, your prompt obedience tells your love story.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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A life of faith in the Son

[The Glory Unveiled ]

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [ Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ]

The believer, though saved, continues to live in the flesh. Being saved does not prevent us from living in the flesh; it only means living above the things that lead the flesh to disobey God. Our natural way of life is living in the flesh because we are flesh and blood. However, the result of the life we live in the flesh, our natural life, should be a life lived by faith in Jesus after we have been crucified with Him. That is what a regenerated life is — a life that is lived with absolute trust in Jesus, a life that is lived to please God, a life that is lived under the influence of the Holy Spirit. A believer is not someone who stops living or isolates themselves from people because they are afraid to sin, but rather someone who, in spite of the tendency to sin, chooses to live for Jesus. One who understands that they owe Jesus love. While we live in the flesh, we must not allow the law of sin and death to govern our day-to-day affairs. We must live our lives under the influence of another law — the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Then, our lives will seem as if the law of sin and death does not exist around us. We must live every aspect of our lives by faith in the Son of God, just as the law of aerodynamics overpowers gravity and makes it seem like gravity does not exist in the air where airplanes fly. Our being crucified with Christ wouldn’t seem true unless, the natural life we live in the flesh, is lived by faith in Jesus, making faith in the Son of God our new ecosystem.

Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for me and giving me opportunity to live by faith in Him. Let your name be glorified through me.

Wisdom_Quote: Faith in the son of God is the believer’s ecosystem.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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The shadow of sin

[The Glory Unveiled]

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. [ Genesis 3:6 NIV ]

Our emphasis on the scripture above is the B portion of the text: “she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.” Eve did not disobey a direct command from God; she disobeyed a command given to her through Adam. However, Adam, with open eyes, disobeyed a direct command from God. He was there when the serpent deceived Eve but remained silent because he himself had similar desires as Eve. Apostle Arome Osayi remarked, “intentional sinning is the reason crowns fall off people’s heads.” Adam’s crown, and by extension, the crown of all humanity, fell off our heads because Adam sinned intentionally. He was not unaware of the consequences of his actions, as God had forewarned him about the outcome of disobeying the command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Even though Eve was moved to eat the fruit by what she saw, Adam was motivated by a desire for what could be outside of his immediate experience. He wanted to experience more than what was adequate for his walk with God. The prodigal son also desired more than he was ready for and returned years later wretched and beaten. Are you beginning to see what God does not approve of as having a possibility of good? If yes, sin is at your doorstep. Adam and Eve, King Saul, Samson, Judas Iscariot, Ananias, and Sapphire, among others, serve as a vivid description of the end of such lives. Every instruction from God is for our safety and protection. Hold unto them.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me the shadows of sin and supplying the grace to flee from its disguise.

Wisdom_Quote: Intentional sin is the reason crowns fall off people’s heads.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.