REJOICE, IT IS NOT LOST

MEMORY VERSE: He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Thessalonians 4 – 2 Thessalonians 1

A high ranking military officer once bought a slave boy. This boy was God - fearing, well behaved, reliable, and respectful. Everyone around him – his master, his master’s wife, his master’s children, his master’s friend, other slaves, – loved him. Because of his diligence and integrity, his master put him in charge of his business. One day, his master’s wife invited him to fornicate with her but he refused. Mrs. Potiphar kept on disturbing Joseph but he did not give in. One day, she grabbed Joseph and that one ran away leaving his jacket in her hands. When Mr Potiphar returned, she reported him and Joseph was cast into prison.

Joseph lost all for the sake of righteousness (Genesis 39:6-20). Because he refused to sin against God and fornicate with Mrs. Potiphar he lost everything. There are many like Joseph today who have lost all for the sake of Christ. Sister, have you lost a man, a potential husband, because you wanted to please God? He wanted to engage in sex before marriage but you said no, because of that, he left you for another lady. Have you lost a well-paid job in one of the big banks in the country because you wanted to live a life of holiness? The managing director wanted you to wear short skirts and tight blouse to attract male customers, but you refused and as a result of that he terminated your contract. Brother, have you lost business contracts because you upheld godly standards? Friend, have you lost family and friends because you converted to Christianity? Matthew 10:39 says, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Friend, whatsoever you have lost for the sake of Christ or gospel, you will get them back. Peter said to Jesus:“behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (Matthew 19:27)”. Jesus assured him that he would receive everything back in hundredfold, and also inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).

Friend, God restored all that Joseph lost as a result of living a life of righteousness (Genesis 41:44-46). Not only that, God gave him more. He went from prison to become a prime minister; from Potiphar's slave to become Pharaoh's father (Genesis 45:8); from a single brother to become a married man with children; from zero to become a national hero. To crown it up, God re-united him with his father and beloved brother, Benjamin. What a wonderful God! I do not know what you have lost for the sake of Christ; I do not know what you have given up for the sake of the gospel; one thing i know is God will restore all back and much more. You may have missed opportunities because you fear God but i want to assure you that better and bigger opportunities are coming your way. David had the opportunity to kill Saul and inherit his throne; he did not because he feared God. Few years later, without fighting or killing anyone, God gave him the throne.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Whatsoever you have lost because of Christ and the gospel is an investment into your future.

PRAYER: Father, help me never to disappoint you.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

“FOR YE ARE BOUGHT”

MEMORY VERSE: for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians6:20

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

Paul said, “For ye are bought with a price”. The question is from who? According to Galatians 3:13, you and I were redeemed from the curse of the Law. Prior to our purchase, we were under the bondage of the law, sin, Satan and the world. Our master used to be Satan. Not only that, everything we owned used to be in his hands. Our future, plans, marriage, home, business, just name it, were in his hands. We basically existed at his mercy. The next question is who bought us? Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of Sons.” What currency was used and how much was paid? We were bought not with gold and silver, but with the precious blood of Christ. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”Friend, you belong to Christ. I belong to Christ. We belong to Christ because He bought us with His precious blood. We are His property. Serving Him is no longer an option but compulsory. You cannot miss church service because you are tired. You do not miss work because you are tired. You cannot sit at home because you do not feel like going to church. You do not sit at home because you do not feel like going to work. Whether you are in the mood or not, you go to work. So whether you are in the mood or not, you must go to church. The devil does make people feel like not going to church so that they will not hear God’s word. God owns our body and spirit. According to 1 Corinthians 6:15, our bodies are members of Christ. As such, we are expected to glorify Christ in our bodies. Young brother In Christ, why are you ‘sagging?’ The top of your trousers or jeans is always below your waist, sometimes revealing much of your underwear. Is Christ glorified in your body when you ‘sag?’ NO! That body is not yours so you cannot wear anything you like on it. You cannot bleach your skin because it is the property of Christ. As a believer, you cannot draw tattoos on your body. Even if the tattoo is a cross sign, do not draw it. Even if it is ‘Jesus with a crown’ tattoo, it is forbidding. When a man replaces his natural tooth with a gold tooth, is Christ glorified in that? Friend, Christ is not glorified in your body when you do body modification. Why do you want a horn when you are not a cattle or goat? Why do you want a cat’s eyes when you are not a cat? Is Christ glorified in all these? NO! He gave you that skin color for a reason, so do not bleach it.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Every part of your body was given to you for a reason so appreciate it.

PRAYER: Father, help me to always seek your glory alone.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

“SALUTE URBANE, OUR HELPER IN CHRIST”

MEMORY VERSE: Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Romans 16:9

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Philippians 3 – Colossians 4

In Paul’s epistle to the church in Rome, he spoke about Justification, Salvation, Baptism and other biblical doctrines. Towards the end of his letter, he sent personal greetings to some brothers and sisters in the church. In his greetings, he mentioned their names and said something brief about them. Today we will look at Bro Urbane. Romans 16:9 says, “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” Paul did not say much about this brother like he did in the case of Priscilla and Aquila and other brethren. His age, surname, past, background, origin, financial status, employment status, immigration status, etc was not mentioned. When it comes to serving in the vineyard of God, friend, your age, surname, past, background, etc, does not matter. You do not have to be rich or young to serve in the vineyard of God. Even as a granny, you can still serve in one department or the other in the church. You can be the children Sunday school teacher or a greeter. Friend, your children are not too young to serve in the vineyard of God. How lovely will it be to see a six year old boy or girl singing with the choir?

Paul could only find four words, ‘Our Helper in Christ’, to describe this brother and those words speak volume. Who is a helper? The-Free-Dictionary describes a helper as a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose. From this definition, we conclude that Bro Urbane contributed to the fulfillment of a/the need in the church of God. Any time the church in Rome was in need, Bro Urbane would come to the church's rescue. When they need someone to clean the church, Bro Urbane would volunteer himself. When they need someone to go and pick up a visiting pastor from the airport or garage, Bro Urbane would volunteer himself. This brother was not a bench warmer. He was an asset to his pastor, denomination and Christ. Many a times when most of the members miss mid week service, Bro Urbane will be at church. This brother also contributed to the furtherance of several efforts to establish the church. When the church was trying to buy a building, Bro Urbane was part of those who contributed. When the church was trying to organize their anniversary, Bro Urbane did everything he could to make the anniversary a success. His wife must have decorated the church free of charge. His children must have joined the children Choir to sing at the anniversary. All these they did so that the Lord will not be put to shame in the life of their pastor and ministry. So every time his pastor wrote to Apostle Paul, he would say, “Please thank God for the life of brother Urbane, pray for him and his family because they are an asset to the church.” When Paul was writing to the church in Rome, he remembered all Bro Urbane had contributed towards the growth of the church in Rome and wrote: “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ” (Romans 16:9).

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: If your pastor or leader were to describe you in four words, what would it be?

PRAYER: Father, help me to be an asset in your vineyard.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

“FOR IT IS WRITTEN”

MEMORY VERSE: Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Matthew 26:31

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ephesians 5 – Philippians 3

Whilst keeping Passover, what we now call the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, with His twelve disciples, Jesus shared some things with His disciples that caused them to seriously consider their commitments to Him. Many of us claim that we love Christ, but when you hear testimonies of what some brethren did for Christ, you will be challenged. Your love for Christ will cost you something. What has your love for Christ cost you? Your love for Christ will cost you your tight dress and short skirts. You see, when you give your life to Christ, ‘dressing to kill’ will no longer appeal to you because you want people to see Christ when they see you. Your love for Christ will cost you your social life. No more clubbing or late night parties. It will cost you your freedom. Christ will put His yoke on you and you become His forever. You used to be your own master, but now that you have given your life to Christ, He becomes your new master.

Whilst eating Passover, Jesus told His disciples: “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad” (Matthew 26:31). Jesus while on earth spent time with the scriptures. He studied it, meditated on it, memorized it, and applied it correctly. Bible studies was not a ‘Sunday Sunday’ affair to Jesus, it was a regular affair. Jesus was able to speak about His future confidently because He knew what the scripture said about Him. Friend, do you know what the scriptures says about your future? Whether the enemy likes it or not, you will not die before your time. Not only that, you will not die single or childless for it is written: “There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil (Exodus 23:26).” Jesus was able to say, “For it is written” because He had studied the scriptures. I remember when I had challenges at work and was suspended for investigation, I told some brothers, “I will not lose my Job because Christ in me the Holy of glory (Colossians 1:27).”

Daniel was able to deliver his nation from bondage because he studied the scriptures. He said in Daniel 9:2:” I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, where of the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” Daniel discovered something that saved a whole nation from his personal study of the scriptures. Friend, what you have discovered in your personal bible study? Unless you spend time with your bible, there are some promises you will never discover. Have you discovered what God said in the scriptures concerning that re-occurring challenges? Nahum 1:9 says, “What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.”  Take this word to Him in prayer and watch that affliction rise no more.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: When you search the scriptures, you find spiritual nuggets

PRAYER: Father, as I study your Word, open my eyes to behold wondrous things out of it.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

“TAKE HEED WHAT YE HEAR”

MEMORY VERSE: And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. Mark 4:24

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ephesians 2-4

Mark 4:24 says, “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” ‘And he said unto them’ implies that a man spoke to a group of people. Who was the man? According to John 3:2, He is the teacher of teachers. He was a teacher, who Nicodemus, a greater teacher in Israel, John 3:10, called a great teacher. The One who spoke is Jesus Christ, the question is, who was he addressing? The bible says, “Them”. The ‘them’ refers to the disciples of Jesus and every other believer in the world today. What is Jesus saying to us today: “Take heed he what ye hear”.

In other words, watch what you listen to. Friend, not all the songs on the radio are good for you. Most of these songs fill your mind with junks. Majority of these artists are high on hard drugs. What do you expect to hear from the mouth of a fellow who has just finished smoking cannabis? Some of them have written their names in blood and sold their souls to the devil for fame, their lyrics are demonic, they promote lawlessness, living undisciplined life, they encourage sex outside marriage, etc. Friend, be careful what you are hearing because what you hear can increase your faith or kill your faith. I used to believe it is ok to be sick once or twice a year. I used to believe it is impossible to go through a year without taking any drugs until I heard the testimony of man of God who celebrated his 34th year of divine health. That changed my perspective, by the special grace of God, in the last three years I have not taken any drug!

Friend, what you hear today will affect your future. Friend, what are you listening to? Are you listening to people who say all men are the same? Are you listening to people who say there are no good men left; all the good men are married? I hope you are not listening to people who say sisters from a particular area of town do not make good wives? Do you know where your future partner, the bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh, will come from? Friend, I do not want you to have problems. What is important to you is the will of God not where he or she comes from. I hope you are not listening to people who say one cannot serve God properly when one is married. Abraham was married yet he was a friend of God. David was married, yet he was the man after the heart of God. I hope you are not listening to people who say you need to be poor to make heaven. Was Abraham poor? Was David poor? Friend, take heed what you hear. You can be prosperous and still make heaven. You can be prosperous and still live a life of holiness. That illness is curable. There is nothing beyond the power of God.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: What you hear will decide what heights you will reach in life.

PRAYER: Please help me take heed to what i hear.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

IT WOULD MAKE SENSE IN THE END

MEMORY VERSE: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto Good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Galatians 5- Ephesians 1

Several thousands of years ago, a young man had two dreams. In his first dream, he and his eleven brothers were binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly, his sheaf arose and stood upright, his brother’s sheaves stood around his sheaf and bowed to it. In his second dream, the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed to him. It was obvious to this young man that God had a great plan for his life. It was clear to him that he was destined for greatness. It was apparent that he was going to be a man of uncommon achievements. Shortly after that, his world turned upside down. His brothers grabbed him, gave him the beating of his life, and sold him into slavery. As he walked through Sahara desert, in chains with other slaves, tired and thirsty, he must have wondered, “Is this unbearable pain part of His plan? Is this betrayal from my blood brothers, part of the divine plan?”

The slave traders sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard. Whilst serving in Potiphar’s house, he was wrongly accused of rape and sent to prison. Whilst in prison, Pharaoh had a dream no man could interpret. One of Pharaoh’s officers, who this young man had interpreted his dream, told Pharaoh about this gifted young man. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he made him a prime minister in Egypt. One day his eleven brothers came to buy food in Egypt and he recognized them. Being a merciful man, he forgave them, made provisions for his brothers and his father to come and live with him. After his father’s death, his brothers came and bowed before him, willingly requesting to be his servant. At this point, he remembered his dream.

Everything he had passed through now made sense to him. His life, the challenges he faced, the disappointments, the hatred and betrayal, now made sense. Genesis 50:20 says, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto Good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Friend, are you going through hell in your marriage? Is your world collapsing and you do not know what to do? Have you been wrongly accused of something you do not know anything about? Are you of a marriageable age and no man has come to propose to you? Are you going through untold pains and you do not why God has allowed it? Friend, everything would make sense in the end. Those challenges you are facing would make sense in the end. That failed relationship would make sense at the end. That disappointment and betrayal of trust would make sense in the end. That delay would make perfect sense in the end.

WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT: God has a plan for your life, as far as you continue in Christ, it will come to pass.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

SIBLING RIVALRY: CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

MEMORY VERSE: and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Genesis 37:4

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Galatians 2-4

Friend, no man is born a giant. The majority of the people you are using as ‘point of contact’ today, started very little. Do not use your beginning as a yardstick to measure your end. Do not use your present situation as a yardstick to measure your tomorrow. Do not be discouraged; continue making efforts, one day it will yield results. Someone once said, “Consistent effort brings luck.”

Where there is sibling rivalry, everyone suffers – the siblings involved, their children, their parents, etc. Not only that, if sibling rivalry is left unchecked, it may affect the work of God. In Numbers 12, Miriam, the first prophetess in Israel, became a leper as a result of sibling rivalry. Also, Moses’ wife, an Ethiopian woman, saw hell in the hands of her sister and brother in law as a result of the rivalry between Moses, Aaron and Miriam. Friend, God is not happy that you are not in talking terms with your siblings. They may have wronged you, please find a place in your heart to forgive them. One of the biggest hindrances to prayer is unforgiveness. Forgive them, not because they deserve it but because Christ forgave your sins and washed you in His blood.

How can we avoid or stem the tide of sibling rivalry in our families? Firstly, treat your children the same. Even If you love one particular one more than the others, do not show it. Due to one reason or the other, you may love one child above others probably because he or she is the child of old age. The bible records: “now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). Sibling rivalry did not start amongst the 12 sons of Jacob because he loved Joseph more than the rest. Loving your last born more than your first or second child will not breed sibling rivalry. The rivalry between the twelve sons of Israel started when they began to see that their Father loved Joseph more than them. Genesis 37:4 says,” and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” The old man loved Joseph and he did not hide it. He made him a coat of many colors in other words he got him a very expensive jacket and got the brothers nothing. Anytime they wanted to go out, Joseph would put on his expensive jacket, others would put on their old tattered jacket. Friend, are you treating your children the same or you buy a brand new coat for John and ignore the rest? When Beatrice speaks, you give her audience but when others speak you shun them. I want you to know that by doing this, you are dividing your family into two.

ACTION: Treat your children the same. Give them equal attention. It will save you a lot of stress when you grow old. Let us remember to pray for parents that God will give them the wisdom to raise their children in a way that will promote love.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

DANGERS OF SIBLING RIVALRY

MEMORY VERSE: And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Genesis 4:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Second Corinthians 12- Galatians 1

The agenda of the enemy, the thief, can be summarized as follows: to steal, to kill and to destroy (John 10:10). When he wants to steal from, kill or destroy a family/a family member, one of the tools he employs is sibling rivalry. Friend, sibling rivalry is not a small thing, if left unchecked; it has the potential to truncate destinies as we will see shortly. The first thing I want you to know is, when there is rivalry between siblings, everyone suffers. The siblings involved suffers, their parents – father and mother suffers, in some extreme cases, the children of the siblings involved in rivalry suffers.

In Genesis 4:1-15, we find the first instance of sibling rivalry in the world. Two brothers, Cain and Abel, brought an offering to God. God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s offering. The bible records that: “And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5). Friend, why are you wroth and why has your countenance fallen? Is it because a sister is getting married soon and you are still single? Is it because God bought that family a house and He is yet to buy you a house? Because Abel’s offering was accepted and Cain’s offering was not, Cain got angry at Abel. The question is this, is it the fault of Abel that God accepted his offering and rejected his brother’s offering? Friend, do not get angry at that fellow because God is blessing him or her, instead ask the Lord to bless you too. Besides, God has not forgotten you. You will testify soon. Cain became angry and he killed Abel. Genesis 4:8 says, “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” Because of Cain’s action, he was cursed and banished from the presence of the Lord.

The rivalry between Cain and Abel led to the death of Abel. If sibling rivalry is left unchecked, it can lead to loss of lives. The destiny of Abel was truncated courtesy of the rivalry between him and his brother. Not only that, their rivalry brought untold pains and sorrow to their parents. Adam and Eve lost Abel forever. Cain too suffered because he received a curse. Cain’s children also suffered from the curse that was placed on their father. If the ground fails to yield her strength to Cain, how will Cain feed his wife and children? As you can see, everyone – father, mother, siblings, sibling’s children, etc, suffers when there is sibling rivalry. Do you know ministry also suffers and at times truncated as a result of sibling rivalry? By God’s grace we will look into that soon but in the mean time, it is obvious there is a need to raise prayers for families. Families are the fabric of our nation, if sibling rivalry continues to thrive in them; our nations will continue to suffer.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please put an end to sibling rivalry in our families.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.         

SIBLING RIVALRY

MEMORY VERSE: And the children struggled together within her, and she said, if it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. Genesis 25:22

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Second Corinthians 9-11

Sibling rivalry can be defined as competition or animosity between siblings. It often starts even before the second child is born, and continues as the kids grow and compete for everything from toys to attention. Every one of us, except if you are the only child, can relate to this. Am sure you will be able to remember a time in your life when you and your brothers or sisters fought, argued, or tried to outsmart each other. Sibling rivalry has brought division in some families today.  You see brothers and sisters not talking to each other, working against each other, blaming each other for their problems, and so on. Let us look at some instances of sibling rivalry in the bible. In Genesis 4:1-8, is an instance of sibling rivalry between two brothers of the same parents, Cain and Abel. Also in Genesis 27 is another account of sibling rivalry between two brothers of the same parents, Jacob and Esau. The rivalry between Jacob and Esau started when they were in their mother’s womb. Both of them fought morning, afternoon and night. Rebekah, their mother, had no peace, when the jostling became unbearable, she ran to God. Genesis 25:22 says, “And the children struggled together within her, and she said, if it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord.”   In Genesis 21:8-9, an account of sibling rivalry between two step brothers, Ishmael and Isaac, is recorded. Sibling rivalry is also common in ladies. In Genesis 30 is a record of sibling rivalry between two sisters of the same parents, Rachel and Leah. The case of Joseph and his eleven brothers is another instance of sibling rivalry. Sibling rivalry is also present in extended families. For instance, in Numbers 16, an account of sibling rivalry is recorded between some sons of Levi, certain Reubenites, 250 Israelite community leaders, Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 12:1 -10, we see an instance of sibling rivalry between aged prophet and prophetess of God - Moses, Aaron and Miriam.

Sibling rivalry is a tool the enemy uses to breakup families. When he wants to rob a family of something good, kill or destroy them, he employs sibling rivalry. As we will see later in these series, he uses it to inflict pains on siblings and their parents. Friend, is there a rivalry between you and your siblings? Hebrew 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men…” Unless you do something about that rivalry between you and your siblings, you may miss heaven. Is there a brother or sister you are not in talking terms with? Brethren, make peace with him or her. Parents, has sibling rivalry begun to grow between your children? Pray that the Lord will give you the wisdom to quench it. Also, pray for the spirit of love between your children. That sibling rivalry, if left unchecked could break up your family.

PRAYER POINT: Father, let love grow in our families.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

HIDDEN FOR A PERIOD

MEMORY VERSE: And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.( Matthew 2:13).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Second Corinthians 4-8

The Lord protects His children in different ways. He can destroy their enemies. In Second Kings 18, Sennacherib, King of Assyria, plotted to take the children of Judah captive. To protect the children of Judah, His children, the Lord sent an angel to kill 185,000 Assyrian army (Second Kings 19:35). When Sennacherib woke up the next morning and saw the dead bodies of his men, he abandoned his plans and returned home with the remaining soldiers. Asides sending an angel, He can cause the enemies of His children to fight each other and destroy themselves. In Second Chronicles 20, the enemies of Judah, the Ammonites, the Moabites and the inhabitants of Mount Seir, fought each other and killed themselves. To protect His children, He can put their dread/fear in the heart of their (potential) enemies. He told Moses: “This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee. (Deuteronomy 2:25)”. To protect His children, He can cause their enemies to live at peace with them. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Better still, He can hide His children from their enemies. For instance, after Elijah, the Tishbite, prophesied against the land of Israel because of their idol worship, the Lord hid him, from the wicked King Ahab, by brook Cherith (First Kings 17:3). When Esau wanted to kill Jacob, his brother, the Lord hid Jacob at Laban's place (Genesis 27). When Herod sought to kill baby Jesus, God hid Him in Egypt. Matthew 2:13 says, “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” Friend, is God trying to hide you? If the One who will protect you asks you to hide, you had better hide as commanded. Do not play James Bond with your life. Except God hides you, you will be putting your life at risk trying to hide yourself. Urijah, a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, tried to hide himself (Jeremiah 26:20-24). His enemy, Jehoiakim the king, sent men to Egypt to fetch him out and kill him. The reason why you keep running from place to place, to hide from household enemy, and yet, they keep getting you is because you are using your wisdom to hide yourself. Friend, why not run to Jesus today. As you sit for those exams, ask the Lord to hide your exam papers from wicked examiners. As you apply for that visa or permit, ask the Lord to hide your application form from racist immigration officers. As you put in your application, maybe for a job or mortgage, ask the Lord to hide your application forms from wicked HR officers and assessment officers. Daily, ask the Lord to hide you from wicked men, bag snatchers, thieves, kidnappers, reckless drivers, people looking for whom to stab or shoot, etc.

NOTE: Except He hides you, no one can hide you.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

WORSHIP OR ENTERTAINMENT

MEMORY VERSE: Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:23-24

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 14 – Second Corinthians 3

The line between a worship session and an entertainment session is so thin that people take them for each other. Majority of our gospel artists are entertainers not worshippers. Their prime goal is to sell albums not to worship God. This is why majority of them are concerned with danceable beats not bringing down the presence of God. No wonder we see a lot of club beats in gospel albums. Fans now come first not God. Wonder why we see all sorts of collaboration between ‘so- called’ children of God and unbelievers in gospel tracks? A lot are only concerned with winning worldly awards not heavenly awards. Every award a man or woman wins on earth is useless if he or she does not make heaven. You may receive a Grammy award; will you receive the Crown of Life?

Even in our churches, what we do most of the time is entertain ourselves not worship God. During praise and worship session, you find people sending and receiving text messages. Others are busy talking and chatting away. Is this how to worship the Most High? Sister, you are meant to lead the congregation into the presence of God through praise and worship but there are people in the congregation you are keeping malice with. Can I inform you that you are not fit to lead people into the presence of God? All you will be doing is entertain the congregation not praise God. Church organist, you had a little misunderstanding with the church drummer and you have refused to greet him. Brother, let me be real with you, whatever sound that comes out of that organ will be noise unto God. The congregation, who can not see your heart, will dance as you entertain them with your piano skills but that will be it. Then, what is the point of playing instruments when the sound it produces is noise unto God? Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Before you mount the altar to offer anything to God, first of all, go and make peace with those you are not in talking terms with. We are not in church to entertain ourselves but to worship God. The kind of dresses, short skirts and tight dresses we see in our churches today, I wonder if the people wearing them are in church to worship God or seduce men or add to the figures. The kind of haircuts and jeans cut we see at times, you wonder if these brothers came to worship God or represent. The sad thing is many of them cannot wear those rag-like jeans or demonic looking haircuts to a job interview, why wear them to the place of worship? We cannot dress anyhow to the presence of God and expect Him to meet us with open hands. NO!

PONDER: If God were to be physically present in your church service, how will you conduct yourself?

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

LIVING FOR THE MOMENT?

MEMORY VERSE: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: First Corinthians 11-13

There are two kinds of people in the world today: those who live for the moment and those who live for the future. Those who live for the moment act hastily. They do things without thinking of the consequences. They talk without thinking. They talk without weighing their words carefully. Whether their words reduce people to tears or not, they do not care. They cannot delay gratification. They are sensual not spiritual. They only think of themselves not others. They are easily angered. They are reckless. Many of them are impulsive shoppers. People who live for the moment find it hard to apologise because they only think of their ego. They are always rude. They are always wicked. Recently, a pastor friend met his ex-boss who was very wicked to him. The ex-boss, now unemployed, could not look into his face. People who live for the moment are impatient. They cannot endure pain at all. They cannot endure pain for an hour. The moment they have a tiny headache, they take painkillers. Friend, too much painkillers leads to painkiller addiction. Why not drink more water. People who live for the moment find it hard to take no for an answer. If you tell them no, they will start to ignore you and treat you as an enemy. Friend, that fellow who could not borrow you 10 dollars today could end up dashing you 100 dollars tomorrow. Why get angry over 10 dollars and loose 100 dollars? Those who live for the moment find it hard to control their body or appetite. They drink, smoke, and humanize.

Many of those who live for the moment end up selling their birthrights for a morsel of bread. One of them was Esau. Hebrew 12:16 says, “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright”. Because Esau lived for the moment, the bible described him as a profane person. Many have exchanged their glorious destiny for five minutes of pleasure because they lived for the moment. They felt like having sex so they went to a brothel where they slept with a strange woman. Many have dropped out of school because one boy in their neighbourhood pestered them to proof their love for him by fornicating with him, without thinking of their future, they agreed, and became pregnant after the affair. A lot of fervent brothers and sisters have lost ministries and gifts of the Holy Spirit because they lived for the moment. A sister, mightily used by God, received an invitation to a program. Whilst she was praying, the Lord warned her not to go. Because she did not want to displease those that invited her, she decided to go and spend ‘only’ ten minutes. Immediately she entered into the building, she felt something leave her body. She lost the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A lot have resigned from their posts, divine assignments, because of a little misunderstanding with their heads or pastors. Unknown to them, they worked out of grace! Friends, do things with God’s plan, for your life, in mind. Do not live for the moment and indulge in exam malpractices. You may pass the exam today; will you pass the job interview in the future? Sister, i hope you have not joined the group of women who wear skimpy clothes and tight dresses. Anyone wearing such is living for the moment. Besides, men who are attracted to you today because of your tight dress and skimpy clothes will leave you for other women in skimpy clothes and tight dresses when your short and skimpy clothes begin to look funny on you because of old age.

PONDER: Are you living for heaven?

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

A RESPONSIBLE FATHER

MEMORY VERSE: Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isaiah 49:15

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: First Corinthians 8 -10

God is always on time. He is never late. To you, it may appear as if He is taking forever. It may appear as if He has completely forgotten you. God has not forgotten you and He does not forget His children. He is a responsible Father. He said in Isaiah 49:15, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Even when the bible says, “and God remembered ‘so and so’,” He never forgot ‘so and so’ in the first place. ‘And God remembered’ implies that God had been quiet about ‘a’ matter or ‘a’ person for a brief period not that He forgot the fellow or the matter. Exodus 2:24 says “and God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.” Although God did not speak about the covenant for over four hundred years, He had it in His mind. When the children of Israel cried to Him, He decided to take steps regarding the covenant.

Several years ago, an ‘acting’ position, with the possibility of being made permanent after six months, was advertised in my place of work and i applied for it. Whilst praying, the Lord spoke through a pastor that He had given the job to me. I said amen! I went for the interview and was unsuccessful. The first year passed, nothing happened. The second year, nothing happened. Towards the end of the second year, the same ‘acting’ position was re –advertised because those who were acting in the position left the organisation. I could not apply as i was working part time then. Around eight months later, the 'acting' position was re-advertised again, for the third time, because the people acting up in that position were sacked. By this time, i had forgotten what God said three years earlier. Few months later, they decided to make the ‘acting’ position permanent. I applied and was shortlisted for an interview.

During this time, the establishment decided to put a freeze on employment. For the next three years, no staff would be employed into any permanent positions, but there would be secondment opportunities and temporary staffs would be brought in to fill any vacant position. The permanent position, i applied for, would be the last before the three - year freeze kicks in. I prayed and went for the interview. Two months later, the result was announced and i got the job. Friend, i do not know what God has promised you. I do not know what vision or dream he has showed to you. I do not know what He has said, through a man or woman of God, concerning your life, but one thing i know is this: God has not forgotten you and He will do that which He has promised. Friend, in that three years period, i saw horror. To make matters worse, during that period, God never spoke a word, concerning that position, either to encourage me or remind me that He has not forgotten me. Not a single prophesy or dream! The fact that God has not spoken about that matter recently does not mean He has forgotten it. You will not die single. You will not die childless. He will do it, God who said it, will do it.

NOTE: If He says it, He will do it. Remain steadfast and do not backslide.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

ADVANTAGES OF HIS PRESENCE

MEMORY VERSE: and they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves. Judges 15:12

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: First Corinthians 5-7

One of the things you benefit from spending time in God’s presence is fullness of joy. When you spend time with Him, He fills your heart with joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” A lot of us are full of ‘happiness’ not ‘joy’. Happiness comes when something good happens, maybe your wife delivers a set of twins, or you are promoted at work. Joy is that exceeding gladness in your heart regardless of your situation. In the face of serious challenges and problems, you will still be smiling. The only place to get such joy is in the presence of the Lord not in smoking cannabis or consuming alcohol. I remember when i had challenges at work and people were worried because of the ‘so-called’ evidences against me, i told them, “do not worry, i will be back because Christ in me the hope of glory.” I was able to say that because of the joy of the Lord in my heart.

Another thing one benefits from spending time in His presence is unshakable confidence that all will be well. After the Lord gave Samson victory over the philistines, he retired to the top of rock Etam, a natural stronghold, to spend time with His maker (Judges 15:8). When his brethren came to bind him and deliver him into the hands of the Philistines, he did not panic because he knew that all would be well. All he was concerned about was his brethren not attacking him, because if they tried it, he would be left with no other option than to defend himself and that could result in their death. Judges 15:12 says and they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves. When you spend quality time in God’s presence, what others see and run, you will see it and smile. The men of Judah saw the Philistines as the alpha and omega; Samson saw them as lunch. The men of Israel saw Goliath as an indomitable giant, but David, a man who had spent quality time praising God, saw him as a little dog (First Samuel 17:43). Do you know, when you spend quality time in His presence, how you perceive your problem changes? What others see and panic, you will see it and smile. What others see and say, “it is over,” you will see it and say, “this is just the beginning”. When you spend quality time in the place of prayer, what others call a challenge; to you it will be an opportunity. What others call threats, you will call it opportunities. When other sees blood during pregnancy, they panic but when you, who have spent quality time with our Father in heaven, see blood, you smile because you know it is the blood of Jesus not that you have had a miscarriage. A sister who recently put to bed testified how, every time she saw blood, she would confess that it was the blood of Jesus. This happened several times during her pregnancy. At the end, she gave birth to a baby girl.

NOTE: For you to spend time in His presence, you need to bring down His presence first through praises and worship. Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”  Bring down His presence into that hospital ward by praising Him.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.       

SATANIC WISDOM, COMMON SENSE & GODLY WISDOM PART THREE

MEMORY VERSE: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: First Corinthians 2-4

There are three types of wisdom: satanic wisdom, common sense and godly wisdom. According to James 3:15, satanic wisdom descendeth not from above i.e. it comes from the pit of hell. Satanic wisdom is corrupted wisdom. It is the wisdom of Satan that propels a person to pull down a fellow being, in order to get favour. Satanic wisdom is at variance to the word of God. At last, satanic wisdom kills its seeker. Common sense is part of human wisdom. Common sense will not work with God because it will often be contrary to His will.

Then, there is godly wisdom. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”Godly wisdom is from above unlike satanic wisdom, which is from the pit of hell, and human wisdom, which is from humans. God is the author of godly wisdom. The first thing you need to know about godly wisdom is that it is pure i.e. it is holy wisdom; it is separated from all that is evil. The wisdom of God encourages uprightness and righteousness. Human wisdom will tell you to use flattery to get your way but godly wisdom will tell you to say what you mean, and mean what you say. Human wisdom will tell you, if you want a day off from work, phone in sick, or phone in that, your child is sick but godly wisdom will tell you to use your annual leave instead. Secondly, godly wisdom is peaceable. It encourages one to live in peace with everyone. Snubbing people is not godly wisdom. Thirdly, it is gentle. Godly wisdom does not encourage violence or bullying one’s way through. It is forbearing. It makes allowances for others. Fourthly, it is easy to be intreated. Godly wisdom is compliant. Godly wisdom does not say, “I know it all” or “i am the alpha and omega.” It encourages one to listen to what others have to say. Godly wisdom will tell you, “It is true that you can see the back of head of everyone; you need someone to see the back of your own head.” It will tell you that you do not know it all. Fifthly, it is full of mercy and good fruits. It is godly wisdom to forgive and not seek revenge. Godly wisdom will tell you to respect God and man. I have heard many say, the only person they respect is God, they respect no man. That is not godly wisdom. Godly wisdom encourages one to do good things and care for the poor. Sixthly, it is without partiality. It encourages one to be fair. Godly wisdom discourages respect to persons. It will tell you, treat everyone equal. Lastly, it is without hypocrisy. Godly wisdom gives its seeker peace of mind. Human wisdom may tell you to lie about your age when you meet a brother; some have done that and gotten themselves in a big mess. They claimed they are twenty-eight years old, when they are actually thirty-three. The brother has proposed, they need to come out clean but they are confused as to how to go about it. Some brothers introduced themselves has Kelvin, now they have met the sister’s parents, they do not know how to come out to say that their real name is Billy not Kelvin.

PONDER: Are you running your life using common sense or the wisdom of God?

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

BE DELIBERATE

MEMORY VERSE: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 10-14

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus said:“ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Friend, our lights must shine not dimly but brightly.  Non Christians around us must know that we are different. The way we carry ourselves must be different. As lights we must be modest in our dressing not flamboyant or sexy. 1 Timothy 2:19 says, “in like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.” The way we talk, our choice of words, our choice of music, must be different. How can the favourite song of a born again, regenerated, spirit filled believer be ‘sexual healing’ or ‘Mr Bombastic’? How can the ringtone of a believer be ‘Get rich or die trying?” Friend, old things must pass away and all things must become new (Second Corinthians 5:17). Astrology and palm reading must pass away. Playing lottery must pass away.

Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.”  That they may see your ‘good’ works not ordinary works. Friend, I want you to know this, letting your light shine is work. One thing with ‘work’ is that, you do it, not because it is convenient, easy or pleasant, but, because you have to do it. There are times you wake up in the morning tired, especially after night vigil, and do not feel like going to work. Despite the tiredness, you still go to work because you have to. Some times, letting your light shine before men is not easy or pleasant. If someone betrays you, letting your light shine before such fellow is not very easy. This is where the ‘work’ bit comes in. Letting your light shine before a fellow who has just testified falsely against you is not pleasant. This is where the ‘work’ bit comes in. Whether it is easy or not, whether it is pleasant or not, whether it is convenient or not, our lights must shine.

In doing good works, we must be deliberate. That fellow may not deserve it, but do good to him or her. In letting your light shine, be deliberate. Deliberately greet that sister that is keeping malice with you. Deliberately pray for that fellow who has wronged you and mean the prayer. Deliberately refuse to swear and curse when you are angry. Deliberately refuse to buy cigarette and beer for your friends. Be good to people. Deliberately refuse to be nasty to people evenwhen they are nasty to you. You have nothing to gain by being nasty and you gain everything by being nice. Deliberately refuse to pay people back in their own coin. Deliberately refuse to start a big quarrel any time that man comes home drunk or late at night. Instead of shouting and asking, “where have you been,” greet him. When he is asleep, wake up and ask the Lord to touch his heart. Instead of flaring up over petty things, deliberately smile and say, “it is well”and mean it. Be deliberately nice to fellow road users. The next time that fellow wrongs you; deliberately refuse to remind him of how he has wronged you  fifteen times in the last two weeks. The next time Angie, at work, leaves the kitchen dirty; deliberately clean it up without making fuss about it.

NOTE: You have a lot to lose by being nasty.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HARVEST IS COMING

MEMORY VERSE: and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.Galatians 6:9

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 24-26

In Brother Paul’s epistle to the brethren in Galatians, he wrote this: “and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall we reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). I want you to know that it is possible for one to become weary in well doing or get tired of doing what is good. Friend, are you beginning to get tired of doing what is good or you are tired already of doing what is good? Are you beginning to consider sex before marriage and ask for forgiveness after because most of your friends who indulge in it are all married with children? I want to encourage you in the Lord, do not get tired of doing what is good i.e. saying no to sex before marriage. Are you considering fraud because your friends who do it have three to four houses and drive nice cars? Just as Paul encouraged the believers in Galatians, i want to encourage you too, please do not get tired of doing what is good. Have you , a born again sister, joined the group of 'big girls' who date sugar daddies because your room mates have the latest gadgets, they are hardly in school yet they never fail? Please repent immediately. Do not get tired of doing what is good.

The reason why you must not stop doing what is good is because, every good thing you do is a seed sown. Every time you say no to sex before marriage, you are sowing a seed. Every time you witness to that family member of yours that is yet to give his or her to Christ, you are sowing a good seed. Every time you intercede for that family friend, you are sowing a seed. Every time someone tries to provoke you and you refuse to get angry, you are sowing a seed. Every time you put the work of God first, before your personal business, you are sowing a seed. Every time you refuse to compromise whether at work or in business, you are sowing a seed. In due season, you will harvest a big testimony/breakthrough/ open door, if you do not give up doing what is good. While other young men relished the king’s meat, Daniel and co decided to say no. While everyone enjoyed the meat offered to idols, Daniel and his friends vowed that they would not touch any unclean meat (Daniel 1). They kept on sowing that good seed daily, at the end Daniel became third in command to the king and his friends became governors (Daniel 6). Mrs Potiphar kept on offering Joseph a nice time and he kept on turning it down (Genesis 39). Every time she said, “Joseph dear, what about what we discussed,” he will sow a good seed by saying “i cannot do this terrible thing and offend God.” Few years later, he became the prime minister (Genesis 41). Friend, are you under serious pressure to give up doing what is good? Are you under pressure to compromise? Harvest is coming very soon, God is about to reward you for not compromising in that place of work. Your long awaited husband is just around the corner; do not fornicate with that boy who is promising to take you to his parents once he knows you carnally. The pressure to give up is at its highest, moments before breakthrough. The pressure to stop interceding for that family member is always at its highest, when the Lord is about to answer your prayers over them.

NOTE: The pressure to stop witnessing to a difficult fellow is at its highest, when the Lord is about to convict the heart of the fellow. Do not give up today because you are very close to a breakthrough.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.