THE GOD OF MIRACLES

Text: Exodus 4-17

One of the characters of GOD is that He is a miracle working GOD. He is a GOD of signs and wonders. A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.  It is an inexplicable event of divine intervention in human affairs.  It is different from natural phenomenon and it surpasses all human or natural powers.  It is an extraordinary,  startling,  outstanding and unusual observable event happening as a sign of the power of GOD.  It cannot be reasonably explained in terms of human abilities or other known forces in the world. Miracles are signs and wonders of GOD. They are direct acts of GOD, they are instantaneous and the effects are instantaneous with symbolic signs.

There are so many miracles wrought by GOD that were recorded in the Bible. He is still working miracles till date. He is a miracle working GOD and he is the Alpha and the Omega.

The LORD himself made it known that he is a GOD of miracles.  Ex 7:3, "And I will make Pharaoh's heart stubborn and  hard, and multiply My signs, My wonders, and miracles in the land of Egypt".  Ex 10:1-2, "The LORD said to Moses, go to Pharaoh, for I have made his heart hard, and his servants' hearts, that I might show these My signs ( of divine power) before him, and that you may recount in the ears of your son and of your grandson what I have done in derision of the Egyptians and what things I have ( repeatedly) done there - My signs done among them - that you may recognise and know that I am the LORD". Ex 11:9 "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders (miracles) may be multiplied in the land of Egypt."

The psalmist also recalled the wonders of GOD.  Ps 77:11&14, "I will recall the deeds of the LORD;  yes, I will remember the wonders of old. You are the GOD who does wonders. You have demonstrated your power among the peoples."

Let us consider some of the miracles in the Bible. 

• The creation of heaven and earth by GOD within six days by speaking the word. Gen 1:1-31.
• The birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate miracle. Lk 1-24.
• The creation of Adam and Eve. Gen 2:7-23.
• The departure of the children of Israel from Egypt  was marked with a lot of miracles. Ex 4-17. 

A lot of miracles were wrought by GOD through the hands of Aaron and Moses. GOD put a lot of wonders in Moses hand. Ex 4:21.

• Turning of staff in Moses hand into a snake, by throwing it on the ground for the Egyptians to see the sign and believe, and the process was reversed.Ex 4:3.
• Moses putting hand into his robe as instructed by GOD and the hand became leprous. The process was reversed and restored again. Ex 4:6.
• Water taken from Nile river and poured on the ground and turned blood on the dry ground. Ex 4:9.
• The Nile water changed to blood and all the fish died, the river smelled and the water became undrinkable when Aaron stretched the staff over the waters and this lasted for seven days. Ex 7:20-21.
• Frogs invaded the whole land of Egypt at GOD's command. Ex 8:6.
• The plague of Gnats throughout the land. Ex 8:17.

This made Pharaoh's magicians to be perplexed because they have always made counterfeit of what the LORD was doing through Aaron and Moses and they were convinced and they confirmed that, "this is the finger of GOD." That is, it was not ordinary.

This was followed by different devastating Plagues such that Pharaoh  was overwhelmed and he released Moses and his people with their children and flocks and even required for their blessings. As they left Egypt, (Ex 13:21) " The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:" The LORD did not take away both pillars just to make sure they continued their journey day and night without darkness.

Again, the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea with their chariots, horsemen and all the host of Pharaoh and they were covered with water. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land. They sang songs of victory as they walked upon dry land. As they continued they witnessed miracles upon miracles. When there was no water in the wilderness, and the water in Marah was bitter, the LORD shewed Moses a tree and he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet and they drank. Again, when they were hungry and there was no food for them, the LORD rained bread from heaven. There was miracle of Quails which they called Manna and they fed on it for forty years until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. Again, Moses struck the rock in Horeb as directed by GOD and water came out and they drank. Brethren, the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt was accompanied by so many miracles that Pharaoh's  magicians knew and confirmed that the GOD of Israel who they were contending with is a GOD of miracles.

GOD also empowered his son, Jesus to perform miracles. Some of the miracles performed by him are:

• Transformation of water into wine at the marriage at Cana of Galilee. Jhn: 1-11.
• He raised Lazarus who had been dead after four days. Matt 8:23-27.
• Miracles of the loaves where he blessed five loaves and two fishes to feed about five thousand men and there was left over of twelve baskets full. Mk 6:41-44.
• Healing of the woman with the issue of blood of twelve years. Mk 5:25-29
• He restored blind Bartimaeus eyes. Mk 10:46-52.
• He healed the man at the pool of Bethesida who had an infinity for thirty eight years. Jhn 5:5-9.
• He calmed the storm. Matt 8:23-27.
• He walked upon water/on the sea. Matt 14:25-26.
• He was involved in many miracles of healing and of casting out of demons.

All these Jesus did to show that his Father is real. And GOD performed these miracles to make people know that he is GOD and he also wanted them to see signs and wonders and to show that there is no one like him in all the earth.

Miracles make people to appreciate the awesomeness of GOD and to believe him. Brethren, GOD is still GOD. He is in control of miracles, signs and wonders. In what area do you need his signs, wonders and miracles? In healing, deliverance, multiplication, blessings, just name it. Go to GOD in prayer through Jesus and with faith  ask. If you desire any miracle, ask the Father in the name of his son Jesus Christ and with faith you shall receive. But watch out! For there are the likes of Pharaoh's magicians all over the place. You are admonished to beware of them so that you won't fall victim. The miracles from GOD are not hidden, they are always witnessed by many,  very outstanding, and not temporal.However as GOD used the hands of Aaron and Moses to work miracles then, he can still use the hands of those he likes to work miracles now for he is the same GOD and for ever he will be.

Prayer.

Father in heaven, I know you are a GOD of signs,wonders and miracles. Please, let me experience you in a miraculous way in all areas of my life and let your signs and wonders follow me for I believe. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY

Text: Ephesians 5:21-33, Ephesians 6:1-9. 1 Timothy 5:8.

A family is defined as a group of people related by blood, marriage, law, by adoption or custom.  A family is the essential building block of human society. Family is central in God's plan for mankind. God created family for the benefit of man and man has been given stewardship over it. The first family created by God was Adam and Eve.

A Christian family is a product of a Christian marriage and such a family is Christ centered. The love of Christ is binding all the members together. A man and a woman would form a union through marriage; they with their children become a family. Biblical family is comprised of one man, one woman, their offspring or adopted children. Extended family can include relatives such as parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties and uncles.

A Christian family is one that lives by biblical principles and is one in which each member understands and fulfils his or her God given role. Every member has roles to play. Since a family starts with husband and wife with the love of Christ binding them together, they are responsible for holding the family together. For harmony and peaceful coexistence every member must be committed to Christ and His service and every one must be prepared to fulfil God appointed roles.

We have physical family and the spiritual family/family of God. The physical family is the most important building block to human society; it should be nurtured and protected. The spiritual family is made of all people who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as saviour. Usually they are church members, fellowship members and the binding force is Christ and his love. God has so much interest in families and He expects family members to look after and care for one another. When God saved Noah, it was with his family members. Gen 6:18, "But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee." When God called Abraham out of Haran to move to a land God promised to show him, Abraham did not move alone but with his wife Sarah and his cousin Lot. Gen 12:4-5. The mother of Peter's wife was in Peter's house when Jesus came to heal her of fever. Matt 8:14. Therefore it is not out of place to find cousins, parents or in- laws living together under the same roof as a family. To live in peace and be in harmony is to put God first in everything and allow Christ love to be binding. To avoid conflict, everyone must be alert to his or her roles and play them well. It is necessary to highlight some of the roles of an individual in the family. 

Roles of members in the family.

Jesus Christ is the Spiritual head of the Christian family. He must be honoured and revered.

Husband/Father is the physical head and the pastor in the house. He is in charge of the family altar and it must be functioning; must provide for the need of the family; love his wife as Jesus loves the Church; treat the wife as he will treat his own body and learn to appreciate her; appreciate the fact that a wife is a helpmate and not a slave; bring everybody up in the way of the Lord; give the children good education; give them sound moral upbringing and bring them up in the fear of the Lord. Discipline of the children should not be neglected and they should be celebrated when there is need for it. Protect the children and make sure they are not abused by any party. Treat everybody with care and love. Pay the wages of maids and house-helps on time. If your parents are living with you, honour and obey them. If they are not yet in Christ win them to the Lord's side with humility and respect. Have priority, after God comes your spouse, follow by the children and others. He coordinates the activities in the family for smooth running.

Wife/Mother is a helpmate to the husband. She needs to be submissive and obedient to him; to boost the morale of the children; manages the finances and supervises the children; take care of the family food; should not be idle and should be a godly woman; make sure everybody under the roof is treated with love and equity; make the environment clean and the home conducive for all to live in. Her family must be a priority. Godly children are expected from her; must be accessible to her children; must be a role model, God fearing and seek godly counsel. Be a praying mother and be given to hospitality.

Children are to obey their parents and to honour them; run errands at home; be Christ 

ambassadors and good representatives of the family. Respect people around and be humble. Participate in church activities; be diligent in their work and be focused.  Avoid bad companies and must not allow sinners to entice them.

Other relations in the house should follow the rules and regulations as laid down by the head of the family. Respect yourself and be an asset. Avoid being abused and comport yourself in an orderly manner.  Be humble and make sure you attain spiritual maturity.

Grandparents should be good role models by all standards; be prayer intercessors; spend time wisely and be involved in kingdom activities. Never cause disharmony among family members. Do not pamper the grandchildren. Demonstrate Christ’s love; be fair to all and let heaven be your focus.

Househelp/steward should be obedient to the master and avoid eye service. Be diligent, honest and trustworthy. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. Be of good character. Show love to everyone and avoid being abused. Be in Christ and look unto Jesus for a better tomorrow.

Brethren, in the family you are likely to fall into one of the groups above. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. Strive to play your own role and assist others when there is need for such so that all can work for the good of everybody. Work as a team for the success of the family. For smooth running of a family, love, faithfulness, understanding, transparency and trust will be required in addition to the individuals playing their roles. There must not be communication gap; issues and disagreement must be resolved amicably.  Each member must learn to forgive readily. The success of a family is centered on the husband and the wife and these two must be compatible; work towards the same goal and run with the same vision.  Financial challenges must be resolved with love, openness and sincerity. There must be intimacy between the two, encourage one another, appreciate each other, readily forgive each other and have a common goal.

Above all, God must be at the centre of your family with the love of Christ binding every member together and always lift up your family in prayer. The family unit is the foundation of human society and is like a building block. To be a Christian family, it has to be solid, well nurtured, protected, firmly built on Christ and be deeply rooted in Him and held together by the love of Christ.

Prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for creating family for the benefit of mankind.

Father, grant me the grace to have a successful Christian family and to uphold a successful family life.

Grant all the members of my family the grace to live by biblical principles and to love one another as Christ loved us. Make my family a good role model of a Christian family as I seek after a good name.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

REDEEMING THE TIME BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL

 

Text: Eccl 3:1-8, Ephesians 5:14-17, Colossians 4:5.

To redeem is to buy or pay back; to make up for; to recover or to restore. Also, it is buying up for yourself an opportunity and making the most of it. Time is a precious commodity freely and equally given by God to mankind. God created time and gives it to us as stewards. It is a divine gift. It is the most valuable gift one can give to someone or receive from someone.

Redeeming the time is to take advantage of every opportunity doing what is necessary and important so that it will not slip away. Time can be quantified by minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years. The days are evil; the devil is contending with our time with all its activities and is equally going about to win people to its side and also looking for whom to devour.

The greatest opportunity to have is to be alive and once you are alive you are a steward of time; you will be accountable for every day you have the grace to spend. Our time on earth is short, we need to use it wisely by devoting ourselves to God. Since our days are numbered, let us ask God to teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

We are reminded in Eccl 12:1a that the days are evil, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not." Therefore, each day must be redeemed from the clutches of the devil. Eph 5:16 says, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Col 4:5 says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time." Our Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Gal 3:13 We are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. He came to deliver us from sin and its consequences.

How can time (a day) be redeemed?

Redeeming the day starts by waking up early in the morning with praise and worship. Studying the word, meditating on it and acting on it. Praying with thanksgiving. Planning on the twenty four hours freely given to you daily. Work towards achieving the plan.

Apart from your secular work, witness and spread the gospel. Look out for souls to share the gospel with. Walk circumspectly and in the right way. Be focused and have priority. Avoid distractions. Never procrastinate, because procrastination is a thief and killer of time. Walk in the spirit and always act promptly. Avoid the works of the flesh and keep sin at bay. Go about doing good and be at peace with all men as long as it depends on you. Avoid time wasters such as sleeping too much, too much merry making, gossipping, laziness, idleness and prayerlessness.

Invest time in God's service. Learn to sow your time wisely and fill your heart with good thoughts always. Do not be ignorant of the devices of the devil. Assess your self at the end of each day to know if the time is wasted or lost or gainfully used. Have a strong intimacy with God and work to please Him always and live a holy life.

God Almighty gives time priority. He created the universe within six days and rested on the seventh day. He created seasons and each has a limited time to last within each year. He created night and day for specific hours of the day. Eccl  3:1"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. There is time for everything. Never waste it and never miss an opportunity. Be orderly. It is a great part of Christian wisdom to redeem the time by watching against temptation. A good Christian must be a good manager of time. Time not gainfully used is misspent and lost. Make a conscious effort to do what makes the day good.

Let us consider some characters in the Bible and study how they redeemed the time.

CAIN in Gen 4:9-16. God pronounced judgement on Cain for killing his brother Abel; "when he works the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for him; he will be a restless wanderer on the earth...". Cain said to the LORD, "my punishment is more than what I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."  But the LORD said to him, "Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him." The pronouncement runs from verses 9-12 and from the succeeding verse Cain cried out to God for clemency." Verses 13-14. Cain did not waste time at all. He seized the opportunity and acted promptly and the LORD had compassion on him and he went about with the mark of God. If Cain had kept quiet then he would have died a restless wanderer.

JOSEPH in Gen 39:5-20. Potiphar made Joseph overseer over his house and put all that he had into Joseph's hand. Because the LORD was with Joseph, everything he did prospered and Potiphar's house was blessed for the sake of Joseph. Potiphar's wife made sexual advances to Joseph but he resisted. She eventually set him up and Joseph took a prompt action by running away from her in the house leaving his cloak which she seized in her hand. Gen 39:7b She said, "Come to bed with me!" Joseph refused and said, "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" Joseph was aware of the evil lurked up and planned for him by his master's wife, he did not delay, he acted immediately and ran out. He did not even think of his cloak either.

Brethren, to redeem the time, prompt action is necessary. Joseph could have done the wicked thing and sin against God.

HEZEKIAH in Isa 38:1-16. Isaiah came to inform Hezekiah who was ill to a point of death of the LORD's message that he should put his house in order because he would not recover from his illness. As soon as Isaiah finished with the message Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD. He reminded God how he had walked before him faithfully and wholeheartedly and he wept bitterly. The LORD responded immediately by sending Isaiah back to him that he has heard his prayers and had seen his tears and said in Isa 38:6, "I will add fifteen years to your life." And the LORD gave him a sign to show that this promise will be fulfilled. Hezekiah said, "You restored me to health and let me live."

Brethren, Hezekiah redeemed the evil of that time by swinging into action immediately. He prayed unto the LORD and reminded Him of his faithfulness and wholeheartedness. He did not faint when he was told the unpleasant news but prayed. The above made efforts to redeem the time with timely prayers and prompt action reverted the intended death.

PETER in Luke 22:31-32. During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, he reported, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Time was redeemed for Peter by Jesus Christ.

Brethren, this is to let you be conscious of the evil in the day. Satan is still busy looking for who to sift away from faith. Occupy your time with godly activities. Never be idle otherwise devil will find job for you and your time will be filled with evil activities.

DAVID in 2 Sam 11:5-27. David remained in Jerusalem while his men under the leadership of Joab were off to war. David while walking around on the roof of the palace saw Bathsheba the wife of Uriah who was at the war front. David committed adultery with her and it resulted into pregnancy. David tried to cover up by playing on Uriah but it did not work out. He eventually organised that Uriah be put in front where the fighting is fiercest so that he would be killed. Uriah was killed and Bathsheba became his wife. But the LORD was displeased with what David did. It could be said that David had no plan for the day. He did not make use of that day wisely (he was idle), he did not fill his heart with good things but evil, he had no good intention hence he became a victim of adultery and murder. As a king whose men were off to war, one would have expected him to be busy praying and seeking the face of the LORD for victory in the war but he occupied his mind with evil and he was caught up with it. David became a victim of the evil of the day.

Brethren, it is either you redeem your time or you squander it. Be aware that no one knows when the hour will come, do not be trapped by evil times. Purpose in your heart to spend your time wisely and redeeming every second made available to you.

Prayer.

Heavenly Father, I am very aware that the days are evil, please redeem me from all forms of evil. Grant me the grace to be a good manager of time, to order my time with priority and walk circumspectly. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY

Text: Matt 25:35-40, 3 John 1:5-8 

Christian hospitality is the friendly reception and treatment of guests, visitors or strangers in a warm and generous way. It denotes the reception and treatment of guests. It involves love, kindness, caring and sharing.

The Bible enjoins us in 1 Peter 4:9 to "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." Heb 13:2 reads "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Hospitality is a mark of true Christian and one should be given to it. Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour encouraged us to be hospitable by what he said in Matt 25:35-40.That when he was hungry, he was given something to eat, given something to drink when he was thirsty, invited in when he was a stranger and  when he needed clothes; looked after when he was sick and was visited when he was in prison. And that any one doing these to  the brethren is doing it for Him. He said it so that we should do such for brethren and he also made us realise that there is a reward for doing such. Beloved, be given to hospitality and practice it.

Let us consider some characters in the Bible who have shown hospitality to some people: Abraham, Lot, Lydia and the Shunamite woman.

Abraham. Gen 18:1-8.

Abraham entertained  three visitors near the tree of Mamre. While he sat at the entrance to his tent, he looked up and saw three men standing nearby.

He hurried to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He pleaded for an opportunity to be hospitable to them by encouraging them to wash their feet with water and to rest under the tree. As they consented, he hurriedly  prepared food for the visitors. While the visitors ate, he stood near them under a tree. His hospitality was rewarded with a promise of a child for Sarah and this was fulfilled. Abraham also had a revelation from God about His intention to destroy Sodom  and Gomorrah and the privilege to plead with God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah.

Lot. Gen 19:1-21.

Lot sat in the gate way of the city when he saw two angels. He got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. In verse 2 Lot said, " My Lords,""Please turn aside to your servant's  house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning." Lot insisted strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared meal for them and they ate. Lot even defended and protected them against the men of the city of Sodom who wanted to have sex with them. Lot was rewarded for being hospitable. In verse 12, "The two men said to Lot, Do you have anyone else here sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it." Lot's hospitality to these strange people earned him safety and mercy from the LORD.

The Shunamite woman. 2 Kings 4:8-17.

The woman urged Elisha to stay for a meal when he went to Shunem and whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. The woman, in agreement with her husband, made a place comfortable for Elisha to sleep whenever he passed by. Elisha was so impressed by her hospitality that he rewarded her. In 2 kings 4:14, "What can be done for her? Elisha asked, Gehazi said, She has no son and her husband is old. Elisha decreed in verse 15, "About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms." The woman became pregnant and the following year, she gave birth to a son just as Elisha decreed.

Lydia from the city of Thyatira. Acts 16:13-15.

She was hospitable to Paul. After she had listened to Paul's message, the LORD opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. Paul said, "When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home," She persuaded Paul to come and stay in her house. The Bible referred to her as a worshiper of God.

Brethren, hospitality is a mark of a true Christian and can be an avenue for expansion of the kingdom of God on earth. It should be extended to those whose office in the church is to teach the word. The Bible enjoins us in Gal 6:6 that anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Also hospitality should be extended to first timers in the church as this will encourage those who are yet to find a place of worship to settle into. First impression about the church and its congregation matter a lot to people coming for the first time to worship in such a place. It promotes church growth. 

Also hospitality can be extended to prisoners, widows, orphans, homeless, the lonely, the downtrodden, the poor and those in distress. Heb 13:3. For these groups you may have to look out for them because they are not or may not likely to be your guests or visitors. You are admonished to share with Lord's people who are in need. Rom 12:13. Expected of an overseer is hospitality. 1 Tim 3:2. Show hospitality and do it in a way that honours God and you shall be rewarded. Abraham, Lot and the Shunamite woman were all rewarded.

Some people may be encouraged by the hospitality shown to them and may want to serve the LORD you are serving and through that give their lives to Christ and you in return will be promoting church growth and winning souls for Christ.

Beloved, imbibe hospitality and practice it.

Prayer.

Hospitality involves love, kindness, caring and sharing. Father, endow me with these virtues and grant me the grace to be sensitive and responsive to the hospitality needs of people in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOUL WINNING

Text: Mark 16:15, Luke 19:10, Acts 1:8.

Soul winning is winning souls for the Lord Jesus Christ through witnessing, evangelism, preaching the word and by telling others about Jesus Christ. The purpose of soul winning is leading lost souls (sinners) back to Jesus through sharing the gospel with them.

Soul winning is so primary and important to God that He sent Jesus to man as flesh so as to bring us back to Him after the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus was actually in the business of winning souls. He was the master of soul winning. He said in Lk 19:10"For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost." Soul winning is so pleasing and delightful to Jesus that he told his disciples in Mk 16:15 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Matt 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost." Before he ascended into heaven he appeared to his disciples and gave them the Great Commission; this was a personal directive and instruction for making disciples. He commanded them to be soul winners. He told his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. Therefore, Soul winning should be the primary assignment of every true born again Christian. Jesus has set for us a very good example and his disciples followed suit. So we have to be involved too. Jesus followed Zacchaeus home to bring salvation to his house. Even when people muttered and wondered why Jesus must follow a sinner home he responded Lk19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Be out to seek the lost and share the gospel with such soul. Soul winning is more dear to the heart of God and so pleasing to Jesus.The Great Commission is about soul winning. It is a command and to be effectively involved one needs the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in Acts1:8,  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. "It is the power received from the Holy Spirit that will enable one to witness with boldness and a sound mind. Sound knowledge of the word is needed, therefore one has to be vast in the knowledge of the word. 2Tim 2:15. Godly wisdom is very necessary for this; as it will enable one to utter the most appropriate word on each occasion. To have love for the lost and perishing souls. 2Peter1:7. To be compassionate will be a good advantage to the soul winner. Self denial, dedication and praying without ceasing will assist a lot.

There is a need to pray to God to give one the strength, courage and the right attitude for the work. You need the grace to appreciate the value of a soul and have a strong desire for soul winning. Whatever method you use to present the gospel, you must not stray away from the biblical truth that can set the sinners free. It may be on one to one, you may identify a group of people, a tribe, a settlement, a community or select a prison yard. Where ever you choose, preach the gospel and share the testimony of your salvation.

God will give you divine grace, back you up and put the right word in your mouth, endow you with perfect health, fill you with the Holy Spirit and be with you till the end (Matt28:20). On your part you should have unconditional love for the lost, be compassionate, ask for Godly wisdom, be diligent, be disciplined, be painstaking and pray always. Always look for every opportunity to present the gospel and never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Roman1:16).

Rewards for soul winners.
Your labour will not be in vain. 1 Cor 15:58.
You will be counted among the wise. Prov 11:30.
You will enjoy the presence of God till the end. Matt 28:20.
You will shine like the brightness of heavens and like stars for ever and ever. Dan 12:3.
You will glory in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes back. 1 Thess 2:19You will be rewarded according to what you have done. Rev 22:12.

Brethren, you are admonished to be among the wise by being involved in winning souls. Do not delay for tomorrow may be too late. These souls are all over, search for them and share the gospel with them.You can do it through him who gives you strength. Phil 4:13

Prayer: May the LORD of harvest grant you the grace and enable you to have victory in soul winning for Christ. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

FULFILLING YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD

Text: Numbers 30: 1-16, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Vow to God is a solemn promise made before God or to God. It is an earnest promise or pledge or personal commitment to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules. It is the ultimate commitment to God. It is to make a determined decision or promise to do something. Vow is an oath and God expects us to fulfill any vow made to him. Num 30:2, "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." Matt 5:33 & 37, "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' be 'No,' ;anything beyond this comes from the evil one." To fulfill is to bring to realization. That is, that which you have promised, you make to happen.

You are admonished to be a man of integrity. God does not forget vows made to him, watch what comes out of your mouth. It is better not to vow anything than to vow and not fulfill it. Breaking vow made to God is a sin and it has consequences.so never make a hasty vow. A vow to God is extremely binding and you have to keep it. However a broken vow should be taken to God in true confession so that God can forgive. Apart from making vows to God, vows can also be made to man. For example, marriage vows between husband and wife, to a friend, to a relation, to parents, to an employer or as a form of membership in to an Organisation. These vows are in form of pledges, promises or oaths. Your integrity is at stake when making vows, so before making any at all, you must understand what it is and what it involves. Never rush to make a vow. Be a man of integrity.

Num 30:2, “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said”.

Deut 23:21 & 23, “If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

Ps 50:14, “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Ps 66:13-14, I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you- vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.

Ps 116:14, I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

Eccl 5:4, When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

Jnh 2:9, But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, Salvation comes from the LORD.

Matt 5:33, Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.

Brethren, you are admonished to redeem whatever vows you make and that you should not make a hasty vow. Let us consider the following characters in the Bible as to vows made and fulfillment of such.

Hannah in 1 Sam 1:11-28

Hannah was Elkanah's wife but had no child until later. She went to Shiloh to pray to God. In her deep anguish she prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly and made a vow saying in 1 Sam 1:11, "LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." The LORD remembered her and in the course of time she became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel, saying "Because I asked the LORD for him." She nursed Samuel until she had weaned him and went back to where she prayed unto God and said I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So I now give him to the LORD. And Samuel worshiped the LORD there. Hannah happily fulfilled her vow unto the Lord.

Jacob in Gen 28-1-22

Jacob's father Isaac instructed him to go to Paddam Aram, to the house of his mother's father Bethuel to take a wife. Jacob was prepared to go and God revealed himself to Jacob in a dream and promised to be with him, watch over him wherever he goes and bring him back to his father's land he was leaving, and will not leave him until God has done what he has promised him, Then Jacob made a vow in Gen 28:20, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I return safely to my father's household, then the LORD will be my God, and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house." God fulfilled the promise to Jacob. He went to Paddam Aram, He was blessed and God increased and enlarged him. He had wives, children, male and female servants, cattle, donkeys, sheep and goats. He accumulated a lot and he came back safely to Bethel with all the people with him. In fulfillment of his vow he built an altar in the place where God revealed himself to him when leaving Bethel and called the place El Bethel. Also, he bought a plot of land at Shechem in Canaan and set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel. Jacob did as he vowed and the stone he set up as a pillar became God's house.

Jephthah in Judges11:1-39.

Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. The elders of Gilead appealed to him to come and lead war for them against the Ammonites and promised to make him head and commander over them and they did to him as promised. He led the war for Israel against the Ammonites. v29-31, “Then the spirit of the LORD came on him and he made a vow to the LORD. If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." Then he went over to fight and the LORD gave him victory and Israel subdued Ammon. As he returned to his home in Mizpah, his daughter, the only child danced to the sound of timbrels to meet him at the door. On sighting her, he tore his clothes and cried and was so devastated. But he said in v35b, "I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break." And Jephthah did to her daughter as he vowed to God."

Going through the examples given above we see the faithfulness of God in all the cases. Our God is ever faithful. Thank God, Hannah, Jacob and Jephthah had the grace to fulfill their vows. We make vows to God when we are in distress, in anguish and afflicted. When we are desperate for attention and want God to intervene and do something concerning our case. Really, making vows help one to focus on God and help one to place God in the forefront of one's mind all the time.

Consequences of breaking vows made to God.

Breaking vows attracts condemnation and judgement. James 5:12.

One will be guilty of sin. Deut 23:21.

One will be accused of wrong doing. Num 30:15.

The advantage of fulfilling vows is that you receive more blessings from God and you become more honorable. 1 Sam 2:21.

Brethren, you are admonished to be honest and be truthful when you are making vows and also about financial matters especially in the house hold of God. 

2 Cor 8:12. Never make a hasty vow. Seek the face of the Lord before you make a vow.

Prayer.

Lord, you are ever faithful to your promises. As humans we do rush to you in times of anguish, despair and distress and make vows to you.

Grant us the grace to be able to fulfill such vows and if there are outstanding ones yet to fulfill have mercy on us and grant us the grace to fulfill them in Jesus' name. Amen.

FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 33:4, Pro 3:3, Isa 55:11

To be faithful is to be reliable, steadfast, loyal, devoted, unwavering, worthy of trust, consistent with truth, uncompromising and is to be full of faith. A faithful person is someone who walks consistently with God in humble service. Someone who is true to his or her word, promises and vows. One who is loyal and steady in allegiance or affection.

Faithfulness is one of the characters of God and is an attribute of him. He is faithful in discharging every aspect of the covenant he made and to his promises and vows. It is part of God's faithfulness that made him to send Jesus Christ to us. And Jesus Christ was faithful from cradle to the cross to the one who appointed him. Even when the feature is bleak and circumstances are impossible and hopeless, one can always count on God's faithfulness. Jeremiah could say of the Lord in Lam 3:23 "Great is your faithfulness." When the Israelites were faced with the desolation of Jerusalem because of the nation's sin. Faithfulness is also a gift of the Holy Spirit and a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If faithfulness is a character of God, and of Jesus Christ and a gift of the Holy Spirit, then it must be a characteristic of man. It is a quality God wants to reproduce in us through the salvation that comes in Christ. God expects us to be faithful in all things.

Faithfulness in using God's talents and gifts received from Him to serve others as faithful stewards of God in various forms. It is to be a hallmark of a true Christian.

God's faithfulness as supported in the Bible:

• Ps 33:4 - "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
• Ps 86:15 - "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."
• Ps 91:4b - "His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
• 1 Cor 1:9 - "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
• 1 Cor 10:13b - "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
• 1 Thess 5:24 - "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."
• 2 Thess3:3 -But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."
• 1 Jn 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
• 2 Tim 2:13-"If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
• Gal 5:22-"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

We can see faithfulness being demonstrated by God the Father, God the son and faithfulness as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. God demonstrated faithfulness in many places in the Bible. In Gen 12:1-3 The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse and all people on earth will be blessed through you and God fulfilled these promises." In Gen 18:10, a child was promised and God fulfilled it by blessing Abraham and Sarah with Isaac, Gen 21:1-3."

You are admonished to embrace faithfulness. Prov 3:3 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. "God wants us to be faithful and he even said in 1Sam2:35a "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind." Jesus encourages us to be faithful by using the parable of the bags of money in Matt 25:21 and 23 where the two of the three servants that were faithful were rewarded. He told the Pharisees in Matt 23:23 that justice, mercy and faithfulness are more important matters of the law they should have practiced and He said in Rev 2:10b "be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."

Brethren, if Abraham, Daniel and Moses being human were faithful during their time, we should be too. Abraham did as God instructed him and it was credited to him as righteousness by God.
Gen 15:6 "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." Abraham is known as father of faith. He was faithful enough for willingly wanted to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God's command. Gen 22:8-10.

Heb 3:5 "Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future." The LORD said of him in Num12:7b-8" he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD."

Daniel remained faithful in trying situations that might have caused him to lose faith and bend from his beliefs. In defiance to King Darius command that nobody should pray to other God except his gods, Daniel knew the penalty and still went ahead to pray to his God. Dan 6:10 "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened towards Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." He did not argue when he was to be thrown into the lion's den as penalty for praying. Contrary to expectation Daniel was not hurt and when the king called out to know whether he was dead or alive. Daniel answered Dan 6:21-22 "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions .They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight." Hence the king issued a decree that in every part of his kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel and also wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth about the living God of Daniel. Daniel's case should be an inspiration to us.

Brethren it is possible to be faithful in all things .How?

• Stay in fellowship with God. - 1 Jn 1:3.
• Be consistently righteous. - Hos10:12.
• Walk by faith and not by sight.-2 Cor 5:7.
• Align yourself with people of faith and walk with wise men. – Pro 13:20.
• Be fervent in spirit. – Rom 12:11.
• Be disciplined. – Pro 3:11-12.
• Be hot for God. – Rev 3:16.
• Be not moved by evil tidings, but trust in God and fix your heart on him. – Ps 112:7.
• Feed yourself with the word. - 2 Tim 2:15.
• Walk in obedience to God's commands. - Deut 5:33.

Brethren, all round faithfulness is expected from you. Faithfulness to God and to man. Faithfulness in your ministry and in using the spiritual gifts given to you, in paying your tithe, offerings, vows and promises, in your relationship with others, marriage, in handling resources in your care, in your place of work and in discharging your duty.

Benefits of Faithfulness:

• The LORD preserves the faithful. – Ps 31:23.
• The faithful shall flourish and abound with blessings. – Pro 28:20.
• More responsibilities shall be given to the faithful. – Matt 25:21.
• The faithful will have favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. – Pro 3:4.
• A crown of life will be given to those who are faithful unto death. – Rev 2:10.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are faithful in everything and you sent Jesus to us as an example that as human we too can be faithful. LORD, I pray that the grace to be faithful in all things and to the end grant unto me in Jesus' name. Amen.

PRIDE

Text: Isaiah 14:12-14, Jeremiah 13:15. James 4:6

Pride is the state or feeling of being proud, a lofty and often arrogant assumption of superiority in some respect. It is an exaggerated estimate of one's own ability or attainment. It is giving oneself the credit for something God has accomplished and taking the glory that belongs to God and keeping it to oneself - 1Cor 4:7. It is a failure to accept and perceive the reality of one's dependence on God. Pride is lack of humility and the opposite of it. Pride and arrogance go hand in hand. It gives you a sense of excessive self-esteem and superiority over others.

The scriptures reveal many things about pride. Some examples will be considered below:

• Ps 12:3 "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things."
• Prov 15:25a "The LORD will destroy the house of the proud:"
• Prov 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
• Prov 16:19 "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."
• Prov 29:23 "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
• Isa 2:12 "For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low."
• Jer 13:15 "Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD has spoken."
• Jam 4:6 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
• 1 Pet 5:5 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
• 1 Jhn 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

From all indications, God detests the proud and warns against pride and it is not of Him.

There are so many things that can make man to puff up and become proud. Examples are achievements, wealth, position, success, beauty, prestige in the community, attending a prestigious school or institution, distinction of having been born into a certain family, family connections, skills acquired and great offices. A whole community or a nation can be proud over natural resources deposited in their area or land or even scientific breakthrough can lead to pride. Spiritual gifts can lead to arrogating power that belongs to God to self. Any of these can lead to man's, or a nation's downfall.

Let us consider some characters who exhibited pride in the Bible and what became of them.

Nabal – 1 Sam 25:1-38

Nabal a Calebite, the husband of Abigail, was a very wealthy man. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep which he used to shear in Carmel. One of the days that he was shearing sheep, David sent pleasantries to him and humbly and politely requested that Nabal be favourable towards his men and himself by sending whatever he could find for them since it was a festive time. But Nabal proudly and arrogantly responded to the ten young men David sent. 1 Sam 25:10 -11 "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?" One of Nabal's servants who witnessed this scene reported to Abigail that Nabal hurled insults at David's men despite the fact that David's men had been good to them. Abigail tried to broker peace and appease David with gifts politely. David accepted the gifts and Abigail returned home in peace. About ten days later the LORD struck or smote him and he died. 

King Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel 4:1-37; 5:20-21

He had a dream which Daniel interpreted as follows: The king had become great and strong and his greatness had grown and dominion extended to distant parts of the earth. But the Lord had decreed that he would live among wild animals and eat grass until he acknowledges the sovereignty of the Most High, renounce his sins by doing what is right and being kind to the oppressed. This dream was fulfilled for the charge against him was that he became arrogant and was hardened with pride due to his achievements. As he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon he said Dan 4:30 "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty? "Before he could finish this statement a voice came from heaven "O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee." Your royal authority has been taken from you." He arrogated the greatness of Babylon to himself. He was driven away from people and ate grass like ox as his dream was interpreted.

Dan 5:20-21 "But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride he was deposed from his royal throne and striped of his glory. And he was driven from the sons of men and his heart was made like the beasts and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will."

The Pharisee -Lk 18:9-14

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector as told by Jesus.

The Pharisee exalted himself when he went to the temple to pray. He stood by himself and prayed "God, I thank you that I am not like other people-robbers, evil doers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." Because of his acclaimed self-righteousness and spiritual pride he went home unjustified. Jesus said "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Uzziah king of Judah – 2 Chron 26:1-23

Uzziah son of Jekoliah and Amaziah became king of Judah at age of sixteen after the death of his father Amaziah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, sought God and was in the fear of God. As long as he sought God, God gave him success. He acquired wealth and became politically and militarily powerful. He went to war with some nations and God gave him victory. He achieved a lot and his fame spread far and wide. Unfortunately, he became proud to his destruction. 2 Chron 26:16 "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. "He arrogated the assignment of the priests to himself and when the priests confronted him, he became angry and raged at them in the LORD's temple. Instantly leprosy broke out on his forehead and the priests hurried him out of the temple of the LORD and banned him from the temple. He was removed from the palace and replaced by his son. He died a leper and his son Jotham succeeded him as king. His achievements, fame and power led to his pride and downfall.

Lucifer – Isa 14:12-14

Lucifer was an exceedingly beautiful angel in heaven. He became so impressed with his own 

beauty, position and wisdom that he desired for himself the honour and glory that belonged

to God. These statements were credited to him. Isa 14:13-14 "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." For these reasons Lucifer was banished from heaven and cast out and stripped of his authority. His pride and desire to be like God led to his downfall and destruction.

Pride provokes God's displeasure, and leads to destruction but unfortunately it is not easy to see or identify pride in oneself but very easy to see or identify in others. Pride shuts God out of one's life since it is not of God but of the devil. It causes one to have low ability and worth of others and to treat others with contempt. It leads to ruin and downfall.

Evidence of pride in one can be in any of these forms.

When you:

• hardly consider other people's opinion.
• desire to be served.
• feel too confident in what you have and know.
• find it difficult to apologise or accept fault.
• find it difficult to share your spiritual and physical needs with others or seek help. 
• have "I" mentality and statements like "If not for me.” "I did it."
• want everything to be revolving around you.

If you exhibit any of these traits, watch out.

Brethren, pride is not of God but of the devil. Avoid it. Ask God to reveal your weakness to you and pray about it.

Prayer

Dear Father, I humbly request that you reveal my weaknesses to me especially any one that has to do with pride and grant me the grace to totally come off it.

In Jesus's name I pray.

Amen.