BLESSINGS AND CURSES

MEMORY VERSE: As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. Proverbs 26:2

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 7

What is a blessing? A blessing is a summons to all the forces in heaven, on earth, and underneath the earth to work in favor of a man. A curse, on the other hand, is a summons to all the forces in heaven, on earth, and underneath the earth to work against a man. When a man is under a curse everything God created will work against him. When a man is under a curse people will hate him for no reason – even people who don’t know him from Adam. Look at what Cain said after he was cursed. Genesis 4:14 says, “... and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.”

Blessings and curses don’t have an expiry date. They, especially curses, travel from generation to generation. In Joshua 6, Joshua put a curse on Jericho. Verse 26 says, “And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.” Hundreds of years later, one man by the name of Hiel tried to rebuild the wall of Jericho and the curse came on him. 1 Kings 16:34 says, “In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.” Curses are real and powerful, so also are blessings. Do everything possible to get the latter.

There are two sets of people who can change the course of one’s life through blessings and curses. The first is one’s parents especially one’s father. All your father needs to say is "God bless you" and you are made. Even if he is an unbeliever; his blessings can put an end to struggling in your life. His curses, which i pray you don’t get, can change the course of your life. Reuben is an example of a son who was cursed. Although, he had everything going on for him, he was the firstborn and all that. Because he slept with his father's concubine, the father cursed him and that cancelled out the blessing of the first born upon his life. The second is one’s spiritual parents i.e. your pastors. Your pastor may not be as educated as you are, he may not even be able to speak the Queen’s English but i want you to know that his blessings can turn your life around for good and his curse can do the opposite. Blessings and curses are not free; they are provoked. Proverbs 26:2 says, “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” Although, Esau was the firstborn of Isaac, he still had to provoke his father’s blessing. Genesis 27:4-3 says, “Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.”

NOTE: If your father or spiritual father blesses you, you are made and if they curse you, God have mercy!

ACTION: Do everything possible to get their blessings not their curse. One way to provoke their blessings is by making them happy.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world

WHAT YOU DON’T VALUE,YOU CAN’T HAVE

MEMORY VERSE: There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Genesis 39:9

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 7-12

Statistics show that the rate of divorce amongst believers is growing. One of the reasons for this is that husbands and wives are not cleaving. The moment a small pressure is applied to the marriage, it falls apart. For a man and woman to cleave properly, something must first happen. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Unfortunately, what is happening in our cultures, even in our churches, is that only the women are leaving their her fathers and mothers; the men are doing nothing. What happens when a man does not leave his father and mother is that his family (father, mother and siblings) will start to exercise control over his marriage. They will dictate to him how he should run his family and treat his wife. In some cases, the woman will become an errand girl of the man's family. That is not how God ordained marriage to be. We have even seen instances where the husband's siblings will be beating up the wife and the man will say nothing. If a brother is not matured enough to make decisions without his parents then he should remain single. For a man to cleave to his wife, he must also leave his friends, work, ministry, etc. A lot can not cleave because they are married to the ministry and some to their work. Please be aware that your ministry must not come before your family especially your wife.

The reason why some men cannot cleave is because they see it as a weakness to cleave to their wife. The same with some cultures, they see it as a weakness for a man to sit with his wife and make decisions together. Barking instructions at one's wife is not a sign of strength. Some women also consider it a weakness for a woman to submit to her husband. It is not a sign of weakness to submit to one's husband.

It is one thing for God to have good plans for a brother; it is another thing for those good plans to materialize. A brother who God had good plans for was Joseph. The Lord did not make this secret. At a young age, He showed him His plans; his brothers were going to be his subjects (Genesis 37). This boy cherished this plan so much that he ran away from anything that could make God change His mind. Even when the wife of his master tried to have sex with him, he refused. Genesis 39:9 says, “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” We know the end of the story. He ended up in prison and from there the Lord elevated him to become the prime minister. Jesus also had good plans for Judas Iscariot; He did not hide His plans from Him. He told him he had written his name in heaven (Luke 10:20). He told him He planned that he would reign with Him in heaven (John 14:3). He even told him that he (Judas) and other disciples would sit on the twelve thrones with him and judge the twelve tribes of Israel ( Matthew 19:28). One would have expected this brother to respond like Joseph did. Because this brother did not cherish God’s plan for his life, he began to do everything that will offend his savior. He stole from Jesus several times. At the end, he sold the Master and missed out on God’s plan for his life.

QUESTION: God has a good plan for us and He has not hidden it from us. According to Jeremiah 29:11, He plans to give us an expected end. Are you going to run from everything that could make Him change His mind?

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world

WHAT PROFIT SHALL THIS BIRTHRIGHT DO TO ME?

MEMORY VERSE: And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? Genesis 25:32

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 72-74

If a man has something and does not value it, if care is not taken he may lose it. So also a woman, if she has something and does not value it, she may lose it if care is not taken. If an organisation or establishment has something probably dedicated staffs or an advantage and they do not value it, they will lose the staffs or the advantage if care is not taken. An example of a fellow who lost something he did not value was Esau. In ancient times, the birthright was a very important and sacred thing. It belonged to the firstborn. The family name and titles were to pass along to the eldest son. He would also receive a chief portion of the inheritance. But it was more than just a title to the physical assets of a family. It was also a spiritual position, and in the case of the people of God, God would lead the family through patriarchs, or fathers (Hebrews 1:1-2). Additionally, in the special case of Esau and Jacob, that meant the one to whom belonged the birthright was the one through who the covenant promise made to their grandfather, Abraham, would be realized. Ultimately, the Messiah would come through the holder of the birthright and bless the nations of the earth. Esau was the firstborn, and the birthright was his. Unfortunately, he didn’t think much of his birthright. Genesis 25:32 says, “And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” He so belittled his birthright that he traded it for a pot of red porridge. Hebrew 12:16 says, “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.” Although the birthright was his by default, he lost it because he didn't value it.

Had he valued his birthright, he would have protected it and kept it. Had he cherished it, he would have rather chosen to die of hunger than trade it for food. Another person who did not value what she had was Queen Vashti. Her husband, King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), was the supreme ruler of the Persian Empire. Her husband ruled over a kingdom which had 127 provinces. As such, she was the number one woman in the Persian Empire. Because she didn’t value her husband, the king, she disobeyed him when he called for her (Esther 1). Before she knew it , she was replaced with an orphan girl who valued the king. I pray that you will never lose something valuable in the name of Jesus. This bring us to the question, do you value what you have? Do you value your God-fearing wife who submits to you? A lot take advantage of their God-fearing wives who submit to them. Instead of loving her with the love of Christ, they beat her up at any provocation. Do you value your God-fearing husband who loves you? Instead of submitting to him, do you nag him? Instead of submitting to him, do you abuse him? As a church pastor, do you value the workers in the vineyard of God? As a member, do you value the pastor and his wife? Do you know that many of them stay awake to intercede for you and your family whilst you are asleep? One way you can show that you value them is by supporting the good work they are doing.

QUESTION: Do you value that connection? Do you value that opportunity to grow your spiritual gifts? Do you value that neighbour who watches after your kids when you are at work? Do you value that neighbour who collects your parcels for you when you are not at home? Do you value your business associates? Do you value the grace of God on your life? Do you value the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

WHEN RESOLVING ISSUES

MEMORY VERSE: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 14-18

Misunderstandings are inevitable in human relationships. When they occur, those involved should seek to resolve it as soon as possible. When the people involved sit to resolve the issue, they must be solution-focused. They must seek to save and strengthen the relationship not bring the other party down or make them feel guilty. The conversation should be geared not at apportioning blames. Only words that will build each other up according to their needs should be used. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Also, those involved should try to understand what the other person needs.The parties involved must resist the temptation to bring up previously confessed offences; drag up other people in; use wisecracks about people’s weight, height, colour, IQ, physical, mental and emotional limitations; or bring up totally unrelated things that could cloud the issue. All these keep one from finding a solution. Shouting or raising one’s voice in order to intimidate and manipulate other party is a no no.

Whilst trying to resolve a misunderstanding, the individuals involved must seek a solution not a ‘victory’. Calling each other names and ‘diagnosing’ others only make things worse. The focus should not be on what the other person did or what the other person did not do, but on what you can do together to resolve it. The individuals involved should admit their own flaws- where they went wrong, and ask forgiveness immediately. It takes two to tango , acknowledging our own imperfections makes it easier for someone else to acknowledge theirs. Every time you take a “swing” at someone, offer them a positive “stroke”. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” For each of the difficulties addressed, a compliment must be given. A good one could be, “I am sure this wasn’t easy for to you hear. Thanks for listening to me so graciously.” Being solution-focused gives people something to live up to, not down to!

NOTE: Trying to score points off each other does not help resolve issues. Allowing each other to make their points without being interrupted is very good.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

DEAL WITH TODAY’S PROBLEMS -TODAY

MEMORY VERSE: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Ephesians 4:26

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 4-6

That recent incident (where you were wronged) doesn’t have to destroy the relationship that you have built over the years. I learnt this from a great man of God: “there are no permanent enemies and there are no permanent friends. That fellow who wronged you today could become your life-saver tomorrow. ” As we discussed yesterday, let’s be honest with our anger. There is no point pretending or denying our anger. This does not help resolve the matter in any way. Also, let's avoid the blame game. Watch your words when you are angry. Remember, with our tongue we can start a war and also with the same tongue we can bring an end to war. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” We say, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” but it’s not true. A person can die of a crushed spirit, and the one who spoke the words can live to regret the damage that they inflicted and may never get a chance to undo it. On the other hand, anger properly handled never needs to be repented of.

Keep your anger current. Storing anger in our hard drives only hurts us. Some of us are angry with one of our siblings or a friend for something they did or said in the past. The fellow who wronged you or made you angry probably can’t remember the incident but you are still angry and hurt. You are the one who is losing emotional energy, not them. They are living life with zest and you are still hurt. Why not let go. There are some of us who are angry with the dead. The dead doesn’t know you are angry, unfortunately, he or she can’t return to apologize for the wrong done. Why not let go and ask the Lord to help you get over it. What happens when we download old resentments and start to rehearse them is that we grow bitter. When you are angry deal with it quickly. Don’t passively allow time to decide your options or sit around hoping the other person will see the light and apologize. Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and the development of the spirit. Matthew 18:15 says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” If someone offends you, try to resolve it and restore the relationship. When you repress it you add one more skeleton to your closet. Sooner or later, doctors say it’ll be at your stomach lining, attack your immune system, and predispose you to heart problems, cancers, and other physical, social and emotional disorders. In the meantime, it’ll preoccupy you, dissipate you to heart problems, cripple your creativity, and hinder your fellowship with God, your friends and fellow believers; not to mention that it denies the offender an opportunity to clear their conscience, repent and get right with God and you. Lets’s stop dragging up the past, trying to blackmail the guilty by hauling skeletons out of closets at “auspicious” moments, plotting revenge, and passing down resentments for the next generation to carry.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me the humility and courage to deal with today’s problems – today.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

MEMORY VERSE: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ephesians 1-3

Who is an ambassador? An ambassador is the resident representative for the head of state of their country. An ambassador is a diplomat of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign state to another as its resident representative. The bible teaches that we are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Firstly, although we are in the world we are not of this world. Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). 1 Peter 2:11 says, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” Secondly, we belong to God’s kingdom. Ephesians 2:19 says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” From the day we gave our lives to Christ, our citizenship changed. We are now citizens of Heaven. Praise the Lord!!!

As citizens of Heaven, we are here on earth to represent our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. I want us to know that ambassadors are very important people. If they don’t do their job correctly, a misunderstanding can easily develop – and possibly even war. An ambassador is supposed to be a good representative of their country. They are expected to communicate clearly what their country is about. It is unfortunate that the ambassadors of Christ, you and I, have not been doing a good job communicating this. The messages we are communicating to the inhabitants of earth are conflicting. We say we belong to a kingdom whose head is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and we fight among ourselves. There is rancor and animosity in our midst. We claim that the president of our Kingdom is Jesus, the Lamb upon the throne, but we exhibit pride. Because Christ’s ambassadors have not always communicated the correct message to earth’s inhabitants, the people who are supposed to be enjoying the blessings of peace with God are at war with Him. Many of them don’t even want to hear about Jesus. This is why they are banning prayers in many assemblies today. Many think God wants to restrict them and make their life boring and all that, No!

A good ambassador for Christ must know the message of God, and speak His message – accurately. This is why we always encourage believers to study their bible. A lot of us don’t study it as often as we ought to. We spend more time reading newspapers than the bible. The message of Christ is to set people free not beat them down or put them in bondage. God has a message of love for mankind. He loves them and will help them, if they will only turn to Him. This message must be communicated clearly. As ambassadors we are to present Jesus to people as He truly was, and is- and people will be drawn to Him, because there is no fault in Him. An ambassador does not speak for himself or herself, he or she speaks the official policy and message of the country he or she represents. So we are not here to give our opinions, but to proclaim what God has said in His written Word, the Bible – Heaven’s official message.

NOTE: Ambassadors are expected to familiarize themselves with the Bible. The Bible should not be what we read only on Sundays or once or twice a week. It should be something we read daily.

CONFESSION: I will be a good ambassador of Jesus Christ, to represent Heaven, and speak His accurate message here on Earth.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HANDLING ANGER

MEMORY VERSE: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Ephesians 4:26

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 13-14

Two forceful personalities in a relationship are like two rivers flowing into one; there is definitely going to be a strong current. Anger comes in different forms. It can be like a flash of lightening or prolonged like the rumble of thunder. Sometimes we clash painfully, other times we distance and silently abandon the relationship. But, anger handled the right away doesn’t have to destroy (the relationship that has been built over the years).

There are few things we can do to handle our anger. Firstly, let’s be honest when we are angry. When angry, do not deny it. Let’s not pretend that all is well when all is not well. It is perfectly normal to get angry when people are mistreated and wrongs are not being made right. We are right to get angry when people falsely accuse us of something we know nothing about. Ignoring the other person, stifling, suppressing the anger or pretending that we are not angry is basically dishonest. Another form of lying when we are angry is exaggeration. “You never listen to what i say.” “You always ignore my wishes.” “You are always doing these things to get me angry.” Such generalizations are untrue and serve only to aggravate and polarize, guaranteeing the real problem gets obscured and goes unresolved. Another way to lie when we are angry is blaming. “It is your fault that this happened to us.” “Maybe if you had arrived on time i wouldn’t have to nag you.” Blaming is a way of evading our own responsibility while pointing the finger at others. It angers others, perpetuates our own anger and never produces the result we want. Blaming is counter-productive.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” What this means is that we must not let our anger escalate to the point of doing damage. When angry we must not use our words as a weapon or a control mechanism. It is okay to express our emotions in a healthy way; we must keep them in check. Our goal must be to resolve the problem and strengthen the relationship, not ‘sound off’ and wound the other person. Words spoken in jest, sarcasm, self- righteousness or ‘righteous indignation’ wound people, sometimes permanently. Perverseness of the tongue breaks people’s spirit. Proverbs 15:4 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Angry words, once unleashed, can: “go down into a man’s inmost parts” (Proverbs 16:22). Our words can live in the heart and memory of a person and go all the way to the grave with them. A person can die of crushed spirit, and the one who spoke the words can live to regret the damage that they inflicted and never get a chance to undo it. On the other hand, anger properly handled never needs to be repented of.

NOTE: We must learn to differentiate between the anger we feel and the words we speak. Anger, carefully thought through, can reveal important information about needed changes.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please rid me of anger.

twitter@BroOluwatoki

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.