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The only thing that counts

[The Glory Unveiled]

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. [ Galatians 5:6 NIV ]

“The only thing that counts” means exactly that. Numerous distractions vie for our attention and time, but they hold no significance in the grand scheme of things. Love and faith, when combined, work wonders. They form a crucial duo playing a vital role in our redemption. God demonstrated love by sending His Son to atone for our disobedience, bearing our punishment upon Himself. In response, we are called to express faith. Through faith, we consent to spiritual matters, and the outcomes often depend on whether we grant permission or not. Our faith is most powerful when driven by love. Unfortunately, faith can lie dormant when not rooted in love. Love provides purpose and velocity to God’s work. For instance, consider the paralyzed man carried by four friends who, out of love, made a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was. Touched by their love, Jesus healed the man. When faith intertwines with love, nothing obstructs its path to success. God, being love, approves our endeavors when infused with love. In the life of a believer, faith and love are paramount. Many experiences of believers revolve around faith and love. Without love, their faith confessions and attitudes may be deemed hypocritical. Let love guide our faith, recognizing that, in the believer’s life, the only things that truly count are faith and love.

Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me that the way of faith is love. Help me to love at all times.

Wisdom_Quote: Let love take the lead in your faith pursuit.

#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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The certainty of Faith

[The Glory Unveiled]

He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. [ Hebrews 11:25 NIV ]

Faith is certain, audacious, and true, enduring despite time. Moses made a deliberate choice, not compelled, even when the alternatives were clear. He could have lived as a prince with Pharaoh but, in faith, pursued certainty, dismissing fleeting promises of comfort. A person of faith shapes circumstances through the strong arm of faith, esteeming it more certain than visible reality. Moses didn’t undervalue himself or neglect God’s provisions. The certainty of faith relies on our resolve, convictions, and choices anchored in God’s word. God is always faithful, forming the bedrock of our faith. Faith in action is evident when decisions arise from conviction, not emotions. Sin offers momentary pleasures, while faith ensures the fulfillment of hope. Genuine faith compels choices misunderstood by others, as seen with Noah building an Ark, and Abraham journeying to an unknown land. The people of their day thought they were crazy to believe in something they didn’t yet see. Faith is the foundation to reveal the unseen. In the realm of faith, hopes are visible realities awaiting manifestation. Faith is certain because God is faithful. Follow faith’s certainty in every situation.

Prayer_Bead: Faithful God, thank you for the certainty of faith. Help me to depend on you in all things.

Wisdom_Quote: Faith guarantees delivery of what is hoped for.

#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.

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A walk with God

[The Glory Unveiled]

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [ Matthew 7:23 KJV ]

Regrettably, many people treat the Christian life lightly, as if it’s something they can manipulate to their advantage, disregarding the foundational pillars and the essence that makes that life possible—a relationship with God. Our walk with God is only possible through a relationship; without it, we cannot truly know God, nor can He know us. The significance of our identification with God lies in its relationship basis, not solely on what we have heard about Him. As Job eloquently puts it, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” (Job 42:5). Job’s statement implies that his experience of God differs significantly from what he had heard about Him, and this is a recurring theme in our individual experiences. Our encounters with God diverge from others’ accounts because each experience is unique. Therefore, one cannot genuinely claim to know God solely through another person’s relationship with Him. In Matthew 7:22, the Lord Jesus warns, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” This highlights the misconception that some believe the gifts of God alone identify them with Him. However, God’s gifts can coexist with individuals who lack a continuous, working relationship with Him. Gifts and callings are not revoked once granted. Thus, a gift cannot be the determinant of one’s knowledge of God. The true indicator is a genuine, ongoing relationship with God.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Father, thank you for my ongoing relationship with you. I am changed daily into the image of Christ.

Wisdom_Quote: A gift is not the true reflection of a relationship with God.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Clouds of temptation

[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.

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Where did you build

[The Glory Unveiled ]

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [ Matthew 7:26 NIV ]

The believer is a practitioner of Jesus. The Christian life is to be practiced. Just as lawyers study and practice law, the believer studies Jesus under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit and practices Him. Reading from verse 24 of our anchor chapter, it seems that two types of houses were described, one built on the rock and the other on the sand. However, there is no mention of the types, suggesting they may look similar. There is no mention of materials or designs, implying the houses might be the same but in different locations. The rains, streams, and winds came against both houses, but the outcome depended on their locations. In matters of destinies, legacies, and any form of advancement, location matters a lot. For example, Abraham would not have become the father of many nations if he had not been at the right location. Every individual faces challenges, and while all believers hear the word of God, scripture says the wise practice what they hear. Practicing the word of God establishes us in Christ, like a house built on the rock. Hearing and not practicing is like building on sand without a firm foundation. And when the smallest wind of destruction comes, it carries the non-practitioner along. Beloved, let us strive to practice the word of God at all costs, building our faith and spiritual lives on the firm Rock, who is Jesus.

Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for being the Rock on which I am being built. Help me to always practice the word of God

Wisdom_Quote: Location is a destiny defining factor.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Navigating life’s journey through obedience

[The Glory Unveiled]

And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: [ Genesis 26:2 KJV ]

Abraham and Isaac have humility and obedience in common. Abraham moved in obedience to God’s word from his father’s house to the land God showed him. In our anchor chapter, a severe famine struck the land where Isaac resided, leading him to consider going to Egypt for better prospects. However, God instructed him to stay, emphasizing the importance of listening to divine guidance to avoid life’s tragedies. Unfortunately, many individuals neglect seeking God’s opinion, relying solely on their perceived logical thinking. Even among those who seek God’s guidance, disobedience often occurs, possibly due to the seemingly illogical nature of divine instructions. Despite this, God’s guidance consistently works for our well-being. Understanding what to do and when is the key to a victorious life. Genesis 26:12 illustrates Isaac’s obedience, as he sowed in a seemingly unproductive land, reaping a hundredfold blessing in the same year. This success stemmed from being precisely where God intended him to be. Following God’s instructions, even when they appear perplexing, leads to unparalleled results. Walking in the light of divine guidance is crucial for receiving God’s promises, as their fulfillment depends on our obedience to His instructions. Discover what God is communicating to you in the present moment and act on I t.

Prayer_Bead: Kind and gracious Lord, thank you for your guidance and your love. Help me to walk in the light of your leading.

Wisdom_Quote: Walk in the voice of God’s guidance.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.

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Temptation’s Red Zones.

[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.

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Mirroring Jesus

[The Glory Unveiled]

“For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].” [ ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ ]

The believer does not have a life of their own because, technically, every believer is a living dead human. Their old self died with Christ on the cross, and the only person who is legally permitted to live is Christ, who resurrected. This means that our lives become a shadow of the life of Jesus, a reflection of His life. Intentionally, our lives can be a mirror reflection of the life of Jesus. A mirror reflects only the objects in front of it. Similarly, for our lives to mirror Jesus, we must stay close to Him. In other words, the Lord Jesus must be present in our lives if we are to reflect Him to our world. This brings us to the foundation of the Christian faith—the Lord Jesus as Lord in our lives, our lives submitted to Him in all things. The disciples were referred to as the lookalikes of Jesus because they stayed with Him. When we let Jesus live through us, our own lives disappear. Thus, when we let go of what we are, we become what we might be. God’s original picture of us is Christ Jesus. Hence, we become who we are supposed to be when we bear the image of Jesus. And we bear the image of Jesus only when we absorb His identity in our relationship with Him. And in this relationship, we cannot call the shots of our lives anymore. We are merely living out the instructions and desires of another, Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be seen through you (the body He has saved).

Prayer_Bead: Lord of the universe, thank you for the privilege to live your life and manifest your glory.

Wisdom_Quote: You become what you might be when you let go of what you are.

#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.