TITHE AND TITHING

 TITHE AND TITHING

Tithe is one- tenth or ten percent over hundred part of one's income dedicated to God and the payment of it is referred to as “ tithing”. It is a specific amount that is one - tenth part of your income that you pay first to the church where you worship and are  being fed spiritually and deriving spiritual benefits.

Tithing was part of Mosaic law and God promised to materially bless Israel for doing so.God intended it to be an avenue to blessing. There was biblical command to the Israelites to give one -tenth of their valued possessions to support the Levite priests.The LORD even spoke to Aaron " I give to the Levites all the tithe in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting." Num 18:21.The Israelites were presenting the tithe as an offering to the LORD. When the people were no more forthcoming as regards the tithe God spoke about it again and he attached blessings to it. He said to the descendants of Jacob. "Return to me, and I will return to you. But you ask, how are we to return? Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you?  In tithes and offering." You are under a curse- the whole nation of you - because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Mal 3:7-10.Brethren, here God was talking to the descendants of Jacob who are descendants of Abraham, and since  we are also Abraham's descendants, this is also applicable to us. Therefore payment of tithe is not optional but an obligation for christians. It is a command from God.In the early days, during the time of Moses, Abraham and Jacob, tithing was of the land, grain, fruits, honey, sheep and cattle. Generally then it was from livestock or crops but tithing has shifted to a system of currency these days and money is now being paid.  But in addition you can also tithe your time and talents by using them for the kingdom assignment in various ways viz: as in visitation and follow up of new converts and seeing them to mature Christians and making sure they abide; evangelism  and crusades.

Tithing shows our appreciation for our loving God. The first instance of tithing in the Bible was when Abraham gave a tenth of his war spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God. Gen 14:16-20. And He blessed Abraham.  Jacob, the grandson of Abraham was the second person mentioned in the Bible as regards tithe. He made a vow, saying,"If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey I am undertaking, and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I return safely to my father's  house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." Gen 28:20-22.  

Tithing is not obsolete or a thing of the past, therefore it should not be neglected. Jesus is much aware that  people  were tithing their possessions. He reminded them that in addition to tithing, justice, mercy and faithfulness are of paramount  importance that should not be neglected as they seemed to have. Matt 23:23.Biblical statements about Tithe.Lev 27:30-" A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."Mal 3:10- "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

Why Tithing?

It is a gift to God in appreciation for the many blessings he has bestowed on the giver.

It is an act of obedience to God's  command.

It is part of our spiritual worship and biblical obligation and stewardship.

It enables you prove your faith that God is your source.

Benefits of Tithing.

It is a way of storing up treasures in heaven.God promised to open windows of heaven upon you and pour out blessings.God will rebuke devourers for your sake meaning that he will not allow your finances from being drained off by all sorts of things beyond your control.There shall be no miscarriage or losses, neither shall your vines cast their fruits before time.You shall be called blessed and you will be a delightsome land.

Uses of Tithe.

To support God's works and for the advancement of his kingdom.

To maintain the church and for development that may be going on in the church.For payment salaries of  Levites, Priests, Pastors, Security guards and sextons.For charity through taking care of the widows, fatherless, homeless, sick and vulnerable.

Consequences of not Tithing.

Tithe should be paid regularly as soon as  one has an income but if delayed, a fifth of the tithe should be added when paying to redeem it. Lev 27:31.One is said to be robbing God and under a curse. Mal 3:9.All the blessings attached to it will be missed. Mal 3:10-12.

Brethren, you are admonished to pay your tithe and see what God will do and actually he says test me in this, and see if I will not throw  open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that  there will  not be room enough to store it..

 God is the source of your supply and is the one that gives you the ability to make wealth. Deu 8:18. Therefore it should not be difficult for you to give back to him  one -tenth of what he has given you. It is equally important to know that offering is not the same as tithe. You owe tithe and you must pay it. God has made a command on it. When not paid, you are owing God. On the contrary, you  don't owe God, offering.  It is what you give over and above your tithe. Offering should be given voluntarily  and  cheerfully for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Cor 9:7. No penalty is attached to it unlike tithe.

Prayer 

Father, thank you for sending your word, it is through the word that we know your mind.Give us the grace to obey your commands and one of them is that we bring Tithe into the Storehouse so that there may be food in your house. Father, we don't want to be under curse and we  don't want to be robbing you. Grant us the grace to pay our tithe as at when due. In Jesus' name we prayed. Amen.

GOD's APPOINTED TIME

In this context, God will be referred to as the one that controls times and seasons.

He knows the end of all things from the beginning, and he has set an appointed time to every event under the heaven. Our God is a God of order and he has its own time table for every event or occurrence. 

Appointed time is the specific, fixed, designated, proper, acceptable, favourable, assigned or ordained time.

God's appointed time is the specific and designated time the one who controls times and seasons has chosen to make an event or a particular thing to happen. With him there is no lateness and he is always on time. The time duration could be within seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or even years. But no matter what, such event or occurrence will certainly happen at God's appointed time. Hab 2:3; Ecc 3:1, "There is a time for every activity under heaven."

The Bible talks of appointed time severally. Let us go through some of them.

• Gen 21:2- "Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised."
• Ex 9:5-6a -"And the LORD appointed a set time saying, tomorrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land. And the LORD did that thing on the morrow," As God said, he caused a plague on the livestock of the Egyptians for refusing to release the Israelites.
• Ps 102:13-"You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come."
• Ecc 8:6-"For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may we weighed down by misery."
• Isa 49:8a-This is what the LORD says:"In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you;"
• Gal 4:4-5 -"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."

The coming of the Messiah had been prophesied by Prophet Isaiah at least 700 years before the event. God has his programme for events. Once we key into any of his promises, we require absolute faith in him, so that He May grant the grace to wait enduringly.   

From the above passages we can see that there are appointed times for specific events to occur in life that are totally out of man's control. Every event in life has its appointed time by God; and indeed God determines and controls the time of birth and death according to his will. No one lives on earth forever. At God's appointed time, conception takes place, birth occurs and death occurs. Our Lord Jesus Christ was born at God's appointed time and at the appointed place.

Let us consider a few cases in the Bible.

• Despite Abraham's and Sarah's old age, Isaac was born at the very time God had promised. Gen 21:1-2. i.e at the appointed time.
• Despite the double portion of sacrifice Elkanah offered to God at Shiloh year after year on behalf of Hannah over and above his first wife Peninnah with her children, it was at God's appointed time that God remembered her, opened her womb and Samuel was born to her 1 Sam 1:3-20. 
• Even though David was anointed by Samuel in the midst of his brothers as king at around age fifteen he did not become king in Israel until age thirty after Saul the first king died. In between those years, he went through several ordeals, among which King Saul desperately sought after his life. But despite all, he survived and became king at God's appointed time.1Sam16:1-13, 2Sam 5:4.
• There was a disabled man, of 38 years, who needed help to get inside the pool of Bethesda so that when the water is stirred he can be made whole; sadly he never got anybody to get him into the pool. But when the appointed time of his healing came, Jesus came into the picture. Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?" He replied, "Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Perhaps, he did not even recognise Jesus as a saviour and healer. Jesus said to him," Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once he was cured, picked up his mat and walked. Jn 5:1-8.

Brethren, the WHEN and HOW you imagine may not be the WHEN and HOW God plans. Are you looking unto God for a job, for healing, for breakthrough, for future partner, for fruit of the womb, for restoration, for turn-around of events and situations, the appointed time will surely come.

The appointed time came for Abraham and Sarah to have Isaac; for Hannah to have Samuel; for David to be king over Israel and for the disabled of thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda to be healed. Yours too will surely come in Jesus name. Amen

Be informed that whatever happens, it will always be according to God's plan. We may not understand why, but it does allow us to trust God and find our ultimate purpose in such. God does everything for his glory and for our good. Rom 8:28.

Brethren, those challenges that have remained for so long, that are making you anxious, worried, downcast and sorrowful have expiry dates. At God's appointed time, solution will come and there will be an end to them in Jesus name. Amen. Just look unto Jesus, patiently wait on him with faith and do not waiver. God has his own timetable that he works with, He is never late and always on time. And since you are part of His master plan, He will never forget you. For He makes everything beautiful at its own time, yours won't be an exemption.

Our times are in God's hand, exercise faith and patiently wait on him on all issues for the appointed time. Heb 6:13-15. Avoid leaning on your own understanding or wisdom. Continue to trust as you surrender all to God. Be obedient to God's commands in order to allow fulfillment of His promises at the appointed time. We must not waver in our hope for “He who promised, is faithful (Heb 10:23). “The vision is for an appointed time, it may tarry but does not delay”. Habb 2:3

Prayer.

Heavenly Father, let all your promises be fulfilled in my life and family members at your appointed time. None of us will miss it or do anything that will work against the appointed time in Jesus name. Grant us the grace to patiently wait on you with faith. For in Jesus' name I prayed. Amen

INTEGRITY

Integrity can be defined as “the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. It is consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.”

Integrity requires wholeness, consistency of characters, honesty, truthfulness, considerable depth of self-awareness and an uncompromising willingness to be authentic.

A person of integrity keeps promises, is responsible, is committed to honour, can be trusted with secular and non-secular assignments, does the right thing no matter whether he is being monitored or not.

It will not be difficult for a believer who has integrity to be spiritually conscious by being faithful in all things, to follow righteousness, to not be given to sins and be obedient to God's commands and pursue godly character.

Our God is the God of integrity, every word of his is flawless. Prov 30:5. He is faithful, upright and just. Deut 32: 4. He expects us to be persons of integrity too.

What does the Bible say about integrity? Let us consider some of them.

1kgs 9:4-5a: "As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever".

1 Chron 29:17a: "I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity."

Job 2:3: "Then the Lord said to satan, have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."

Ps 25:21: "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you."

Ps 41:12: "Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever."

Prov 10:9a: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely."

Prov 11:3a: "The integrity of the upright guides them."

 

From the few examples written above, we can see that the word integrity occurs severally in the Bible. Since our God is the God of integrity, and He expects us to be too, how then can one display integrity?You can display it through consistency of character in all situations and circumstances and people should be able to visibly see it through your actions, words and decisions.

 

Let us consider some characters with integrity in the Bible.

Joseph: Gen 39:4-13. Joseph was Potiphar's attendant in Egypt. He was he put him in charge of his household and entrusted to his care everything he owned.  Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife to come to bed with her. Despite the fact that the woman was willing to have him and nobody was even around to testify against him he refused. Joseph said "With me in charge, he told her, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 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? " Despite the fact that this woman was persistent day after day, Joseph maintained his integrity and refused totally to go to bed with her or even be with her. Joseph was very loyal and faithful to his master, was committed and dedicated to the assignment given to him. He refused to offend his master and sin against God. Even though no one was around he was able to act justly. Joseph exhibited the traits of integrity through loyalty, faithfulness, commitment, and trust.

 

Samuel :1Sam 12:1-5. After the kingship of Saul was renewed by Samuel and the people of Israel at Gilgal in the presence of the Lord, Samuel stood before all Israel and said to them "I have been your leader from my youth until this day. Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right." Samuel boldly and confidently stood before them and asked the above.

 

Brethren, What integrity can surpass this? It is only a person of integrity that can assemble people and be throwing such questions at them. And the people replied, "You have not cheated or oppressed us, you have not taken anything from anyone's hand." Samuel went ahead and said to them, "The Lord is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this  day, that you have not found anything in my hand," And the people responded "He is witness."

Samuel displayed integrity through uprightness, forthrightness and honesty with the fear of the Lord. A lot can be learnt from Samuel and this is worthy of emulation. He was above board, distinguished, upright, and he was integrity personified.

Afterwards Job was testified to be a man of integrity. The Lord himself testified in Job 2:3b that, "There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity." His wife also acknowledged that he was a man of integrity Job 2:9, "His wife said to him, are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" It was said that in all this, Job did not sin in what he said. Despite all that job went through he said during his final word to his friends in Job 27:5, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." He boldly declared that he maintained his integrity. And of course God said it of him.

 

If Joseph, Samuel and Job could be men of integrity, then you should be able to. To be a person of integrity is a matter of choice and you are admonished to choose integrity.

 

How do you gain integrity?

Examine your own morals.

Be a good role model to others.

Stand up for things that are honourable and of good reports.

Honour your agreement.

Walk with people of integrity.

Benefits of Integrity:

You gain the trust of other people.

People feel safe in your presence.

Others see you as dependable and reliable.

You also gain influence because people will always want to associate with you.

The integrity of the upright guides them (Prov 11:3)

And above all, God honours a man who lives with integrity and sets him in his presence forever. Ps 41:12. May the Lord set you in his presence forever.

 

Integrity entails owing up to your shortcoming, being straightforward and honest. It also entails being reliable, loyal, committed, accountable, dependable and standing by your word.

Beloved, are you a man of integrity? Can people say you are? God said Job was a man of integrity, Can He say the same about you? I encourage you to embrace this quality. It is honourable to be a man of integrity and it is a good quality to imbibe.

 

Prayer.

Dear Lord, I desire and love to be a person of integrity. Because you have even promised to honour such a person and set him in your presence forever, grant me the grace to be in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

HINDRANCES TO FINISHING WELL

Hindrances are obstructions, impediments, barriers, limitations, obstacles, stumbling blocks, encumbrances, and they could also be temptations. Can be due to unfaithfulness, procrastination, unresolved issues, wickedness, unpreparedness, lusts, pride of life, love of money and abuse of power to mention just a few

 

Finishing well means completing on a good note, accomplishing something, bringing to a close successfully. In this context "Finishing well" is to follow Christ to the very end of our lives. It is to complete the kingdom assignment given to us and to receive the crown awaiting those who finish well. So that one will confidently be able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." 2 Tim 4:7-8a. Therefore, hindrances to finishing well are barriers that could prevent one from following Christ to the very end of one's life. 

The main objective of any believer is to run his christian race well and be heaven - bound but along the journey are some hindrances listed above which are likely to prevent one from finishing well. It is not impossible to start well and stop midway and be out of the race, or start well and not finish well, or start badly and finish well or start well and finish well. It is by the grace of God that one can finish well. To be in the race and remain in it to the very end is by the grace of God. I pray that His grace will be available to you.That is why the Bible admonishes in 1Cor10:12 , "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! " 

Hindrances to finishing well are many but we would consider these three: pride, love of money and abuse of power .

 

Pride can be defined as arrogance, egotism, self importance, or vainglory. It can be in form of self boasting, thinking too highly of self, seeking the praise of men, and seeking to share the glory of God in matters that pertain to success, and even salvation. Pride actually prevented Lucifer from finishing well and he was finally banished from heaven. He said, "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." Isa 14:12–14. He was too full of himself that he wanted to exalt his own throne even above his creator and be like the most High. Of course he was cut down to the ground, he fell from grace to grass and lost his initial position. Also the King of Tyre whom God endowed with beauty, wisdom and gave power to, to make wealth became so proud when all these got into his heart. He even imagined that his mind is the mind of God. He said "I am a god ; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." He thought he is as wise as a god. Since God resists the proud, he was brought low and driven in disgrace from the mount of God. He started very well for it was said of him "You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you". Ezekiel 28:2–17. Pride hindered him from finishing well.

 

Love of money is greed for money. It is an intense and selfish desire to get more money. Having preference for money above all other things and salvation inclusive. Money on its own is not an hindrance to finishing well. Afterwards God delights in the prosperity of the servants (Psalm 35:27) and He gives us power to make wealth(Deut 8:18) but the love of money is the root of all evil. (1Tim 6:10). Possibility of loving money above other things is very real. That was exactly what happened to Judas, a disciple of Jesus. He betrayed Jesus his master because of his love for money. He brought himself under God's curse by hanging himself and so he could not finish well. Deu 21:23. Also Achan's greed and love for money brought destruction and untold hardship upon Israel. God handed Israel over to Ai to be routed out because Achan stole devoted things and kept as his own possessions. When Joshua inquired from the Lord why Ai routed them out, the Lord said, "they have been made liable to destruction and that I will no longer be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction".  By this God was referring to the spoils and loots that Achan had seized. Joshua followed the instruction God gave him and Achan eventually confessed ." This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred Shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath ." All he coveted were taken out, spread before the Lord and burned with his properties. He and his sons and daughters were stoned and burned. Josh 7:1-26. 

Love of money can cause people to deviate from faith and do anything without considering the morality and the consequences of such actions. If Judas, a disciple of Jesus Christ, could betray him for thirty silver pieces; and Achan could put the whole of Israel in trouble because of two hundred shekels and a bar of gold. The love of money is indeed a big hindrance to finishing well.

Brethren, beware of the love of money, the root of all kinds of evil so that one will not wander from faith and be pierced with many griefs.1Tim 6:10.

 

Abuse of power can be defined as misuse of a position to take unjust advantage of individuals or organizations. It is improper use of authority by someone who has that authority because of the position he holds or occupies. Abuse of power can come in form of interfering with justice, high handedness, bullying or harassing behaviour, requesting someone to run personal errands or pressuring someone to do favours.  

Ahab king of Samaria and his wife Jezebel abused the power bethroned on them as rulers of Samaria. 1 Kings 21:1-25. King Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard at all cost for a vegetable garden since it was close to his palace but Naboth refused and he became cheerless and moody. Through manipulations and abuse of power Jezebel got the support of elders and nobles and plotted against Naboth. She connived with some people to testify against him that he cursed both God and the king, and Naboth was stoned to death. Jezebel was pleased to inform Ahab of Naboth's death and encouraged him to go and possess the land; he did possess the land. While Ahab was on the land, the word of the Lord came to Elijah. Say to him,"Have you not murdered a man and seized his property? In this place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood - yes, yours!" 1 Kings 21:17 - 19. And also concerning Jezebel the Lord says: "Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel." 1 Kings 21:23. This was God's pronouncement on the two of them. 

Ahab abused his position as the king to get prophet Micaiah imprisoned because he claimed Micaiah never prophesied anything good about him. On the contrary, Micaiah was truthful and he did as God revealed to him.1 kings 22:27. Ahab died and the dog licked up his blood, as the word of the Lord had declared 1 Kings 22:38. Also Jezebel died when thrown down from the window and her blood splashed all over, dogs devoured her flesh at the plot of ground at Jezreel as Elijah prophesied.

They both abused the power enthroned on them and they did not finish well. God's pronouncement on them came to pass. 

Brethren, the above is food for thought because finishing well should be the ultimate for all believers. Whatever will not allow one to finish well should be prevented. To prevent or overcome hindrances to finishing well, consider the following:

• Live a Christ - centred life.
• Have a daily walk with Jesus.
• Submit yourself totally to God.
• Train yourself on godliness and holiness.
• Avoid evil association.
• Be humble.
• Live by the word and avoid sin.
• Be disciplined and have self control.
• Be focused and fix your eyes on Jesus.
• Be amenable to correction.
• Avoid lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life.
• Avoid love of money and be content.
• Never abuse power and always exercise power in the fear of  the Lord .
• Be ready to persevere and endure to the end.
• Always pray and ask God to grant you the grace and the enablement to finish well. 

Prayer:-

Heavenly Father, life is full of distractions and there are hindrances along the Christian race to finishing well. I desire to finish well and to follow Jesus Christ to the very end of my life. Grant me the grace to overcome all these hindrances in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

The battle of the soul

Text: Romans 7:14-25.

The key words in this sentence are 'Battle' and 'Soul'.

Battle is conflict or struggle. It could be warfare or a fight between opposing armies or groups. It could be trying very hard to achieve something that is difficult. In any battle, there will always be a winner and a loser.

Soul is the part of the human being that will live on in eternity. Jesus said "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell". Matt 10:28. Human being is made of Spirit, soul and body. The soul is our personality, our very self. Hence Jesus said " What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Matt 16:26. The soul is the seat of human personality, intellect, will, desires, appetites, affections and emotions like happiness, love, sorrow, anger, relief and compassion. With it one is able to resolve issues, choose and make decisions. The soul represents the real being who will live forever in heaven or in hell.

The battle of the soul is within, it is an internal one and since the soul controls the emotions, the battle is within. Perhaps that is why it is common to hear people say "God save my soul. Bless the Lord, O my soul: I thank God for the salvation of my soul." And not the salvation of the body or the spirit. The psalmist cried out too." Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?. My soul pants for you O God. My soul thirsts for God. "Ps 42:5.

Battles of the soul can be caused by many factors.

• When you are dissatisfied with your situation or circumstances and you are discontent, then the soul is troubled.
• Comparison with other peoples' achievement or status
• Disappointment, bitterness, frustration, loss of hope, anxiety, lack of sleep and depression.
• When you allow your past to becloud you, having sense of quilt, or you are overwhelmed with problems and your faith is badly shaken.
• When you use worldly standard to rate your success and your desired expectations are not met, the soul is affected and troubled and there is battle within.

Let us consider some characters in the Bible who experienced the battle of the soul.

The Psalmist.(Psalm 73:1-28). He had an inward conflict as a result of envy which resulted in a great soul battle for him. He was busy envying the arrogant, the prosperity of the wicked, the way they were amassing wealth and comparing himself with them. He compared himself so much with them that he thought that they had no struggles as he had and concluded in his mind that it was in vain he had kept his heart pure and washed his hands in innocence. His soul was so troubled that he thought keeping his heart pure and perhaps living holy brought afflictions and punishment. He concentrated on worldly things and used worldly standard to rate his own success. Then he did not think beyond earthly things. The battle was so great within him. But luckily for him he entered the Sanctuary, and had an encounter with the Lord and then understood the final destiny of those he had been envying, he realised that they were placed on slippery ground, that they would be destroyed, and swept away by terrors. He also realised he had been senseless and ignorant by comparing himself with them because his feet almost slipped away. Coming to the sanctuary brought him closer to God and his encounter with the Lord helped him resolve the battle that would have consumed his soul totally. He confessed and concluded by saying "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Brethren, the Psalmist's soul would have been consumed by this battle if he had not come to the sanctuary of God and be near him.

You are admonished to not envy anybody and compare yourself with anybody. Each one is fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14. Otherwise one may be consumed.

Apostle Paul. (Romans 7:14-25) Paul was so overwhelmed as a result of trouble and unrest going on within him that he had to cry out. He started by saying" We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do- this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who want to do it but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work; Although I want to do good evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me."

Brethren, Paul was so restless and disturbed and his soul was not at peace. He wanted to be spiritual but he was unspiritual; had desire to do good but could not, but evil. There was a fight within. He demonstrated a fundamental conflict between the sinful nature living by the law of sin and a regenerate soul, by the the Law of God. It then manifests in confusion and agony.  It is not impossible to be in a similar situation. Such people need a way out to resolve and overcome the battle of the soul. He actually realised it and cried out the more "What  a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!."

Like the Psalmist who was able to resolve the battle when he had an encounter with the Lord, Paul was delivered by God through Jesus Christ.

For you to be able to overcome the battle of the soul, you need to be near God, and you need Jesus Christ. You cannot win the battle of the soul by your own effort.

 

The Young Rich Man. (Matt 19:16-21). This young man, though rich, had a burden as regards eternity and he went to Jesus and asked "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus admonished him to keep the commandments. But he wanted to know which of the commandments he should keep. Jesus listed the ones written in Matthew 19:18 and he said all those he had kept and enquired if anything was still lacking and Jesus told him to go sell his possessions and give to the poor, so that he could have treasure in heaven and then follow Him.  On hearing this, he went away sad because he had great wealth and was not ready to part with it. He cherished his wealth more than his soul. He was so obsessed with his wealth. He went away with the battle he came with, if not more troubled than he ever came to Jesus.

Brethren, despite the fact that this young rich man had an encounter with Jesus, he refused to let go, he had a way out to be freed from the battle of the soul, he missed it. His life would be full of regret, his soul would be more troubled and would likely lose his soul.

Jesus concluded thus using the young rich man's case "It is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

Without Jesus and an encounter with the Lord, the battle of the soul cannot be overcome or resolved.

Considering the three cases mentioned above, they all had an encounter with Jesus.

The Psalmist and Paul were able to overcome the battle of their soul but the young rich man even though had a way of overcoming too, for his preference over and above his soul. And what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul. As long as one is alive, there will always be a battle within.

How can one overcome or resolve the Battle of the soul? Since the word of God can always penetrate the soul, and renew the mind, it is advisable to feed on the word regularly by:

• Praying and asking God to save your soul and deliver you from worldly influences.
• Avoiding evil and sinful desires which wage war against your soul.
• Obeying all the commandments. 
• Not putting your trust in your wealth. 
• Letting the salvation of your soul be a priority and never compromise it for any other thing.
• Compare yourself with nobody and never envy anyone for their wealth, position or achievement.
• Above all, move nearer God and allow Jesus into your life. By so doing, the spirit of the Lord will keep guiding, teaching and reminding you of what to do.

Brethren, you are admonished to tell it to Jesus whatever you are passing through. He cares for you. Do not bottle up because your health and sanity may be affected negatively and your peace may be threatened. He is interested in you and he pays attention to what is happening to you. Nothing is too small or too big to talk to the Lord about. It could be health, marital, job related, family related, business related, finances, emotional, educational or spiritual. Whatever it may be, just tell it to Jesus.

Prayer.My Father in heaven, your word says we should cast our cares on you and that you will sustain us and you will never let the righteous be shaken. Father, the battle of my soul, I cannot resolve on my own, help me resolve them in your own way. Preserve my soul and grant me peace that cannot be taken away from me. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

Divine Empowerment

The key words are Divine and Empowerment.

Divine is relating or pertaining to God. It is another term for godly.

Empowerment is power or authority given to someone. Ability given for enablement. Empowerment can be a process through which people become strong enough to participate within, share in the control of, and influence events affecting their lives. It necessitates that people gain particular skills or knowledge. Therefore, divine empowerment is the release of God's ability in human beings through the Holy Spirit to accomplish purposes. It is the power and the enablement God has given to one to accomplish, to fulfill destiny and to end well.

One can be empowered financially, socially, professionally, academically, martially and spiritually.

Divine empowerment is needed in all areas of man's life to be able to do all that are needed to be done for without God, man can do nothing.

God divinely empowered us through the Holy Spirit and this is evident in Jn 14:16&18 when Jesus was going to his Father in heaven he said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate/ comforter/ counsellor to help you and be with you forever. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Jesus did not just go back leaving us as orphans but asked the father to empower us.

Some of the evidence are provided below.

Phi 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Phi 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Ps 18:29-"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."

 

Isa 41:10-"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

 

Isa 43:2&3a-When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy one of Israel, your saviour."

 

Jer 1:19-"They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you  and will rescue you,"declares the LORD

Matt 28:20b.-"And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

 

Brethren, considering the few passages above, we  know God has empowered us through various ways with confidence, assurances, boldness , security, protection, safety, victory and grace to go out and disciple others.

 

What is the purpose of divine empowerment?

It enables us to do exploits for God and to live in the supernatural. It enables us to  be bold and have confidence  to proclaim Jesus anywhere.

It promotes our spiritual growth to maturity and grants us the enablement to handle kingdom assignments with confidence. It grants us the grace to manifest the attributes of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and to be fully armed with the spiritual armour of God so as  to be able to withstand the devices of the devil. It enables us to live a victorious Christian life and to end well and strong. It  makes one to be connected spiritually to God, One who is greater than the one who is in the world.1 Jh4:4.

The early  disciples of Jesus were able to do great exploits because they were divinely empowered. Going about spreading the gospel, preaching, healing the sick  and casting out demons. They made use of divine empowerment.

Brethren, it is not impossible to waste or bury  the empowerment. The person given one talent wasted it by just keeping it whereas the other two men given five and two talents respectively made use  of them and were applauded by God for he was satisfied with them  but dissatisfied with the man given one talent and  the talent was withdrawn from him. So God expects us  to manifest the empowerment given us  in many ways especially in evangelism, in soul winning and in the Great Commission.

Divine empowerment is a gift from God and  one needs to retain it. How? By abiding in Christ, by not 'grieving the Holy Spirit' through sin and through blaspheming. The Holy Spirit  can not dwell in a dirty vessel, so one needs to live holy and be obedient to God's commands. Intimacy with God and spending quality time praising him, worshipping him in Spirit and in truth. Studying, meditating  and living by the word will enhance its sustainability and praying without ceasing will enable one to communicate with God regularly.  You shall not diminish in Jesus name.

Some characters in the Bible that utilised their divine empowerment:

Elijah, Elisha, Moses, Joshua and Paul  engaged their  divine empowerment greatly and did so much in the kingdom service. God expects same from us if not greater because Jesus said "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."Jh12:14.

Let us consider one or two activities God empowered each of the above listed to do.

Elijah-: 1 kings17:2-23. While Elijah was sojourning with the widow of Zarephath as he was directed by God, God empowered him to stretch for a long period the handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug that were meant as a last for the widow and her son  to feed and die. Even with Elijah they fed until the day the Lord sent rain to the land. He was also empowered to revive miraculously the same widow's only son who died while Elijah was still with her at  Zarephath.

Elisha-:2 kings4:1-37.He was divinely empowered through the miracle of oil to bail out the widow of one of the sons of the prophets whose two sons would have been taken away by her late husband creditors to offset the debt the husband owed. The little oil in a small  jar the woman had at home was greatly multiplied into many jars that the widow sold them to offset the debt and lived on what was left. Also like his mentor Elijah, he too  was able to restore to life the Shunammite woman's son who died.

Moses-:Exo 14:15-31. Moses was divinely empowered to part the Red Sea. God instructed him to stretch out his hand over the sea and as he did all that night  the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land and the Israelites went through  the sea on dry ground. As the Egyptians pursued them, the Lord empowered Moses the more by asking him to stretch out his hand over the sea again, as he did the sea went back to its place and the Egyptians pursuing them were swept into the sea with their chariots and horsemen. This event made the Israelites to fear God and put their trust in him and  in Moses his servant.

Joshua-: Jos 10:1-14 The Gibeonites sought the assistance of Joshua against the five kings of the Amorites who rose against them and the Lord empowered him to win the battle. The Lord told him" Do not be afraid of them, I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."  The Lord honoured his command when he raised his voice to God in the presence of Israel, saying "Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon over the valley of Aijalor on the day the Lord gave Amorites to Israel."  So the sun stood still and the moon stopped till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky. There has never been a day like it before or since - a day when the Lord  listened to a human being. Joshua was so empowered to be at the forefront of the fall of Jericho and the Lord delivered Jericho into his hands along with its king and its fighting men. So the Lord was with him and his fame spread throughout the land. Jos 5:13- 6:27.

Paul-: Acts 20:9-12 He was able to raise from dead Eutychus who fell to the ground from the third story and died. Paul just put his arms around him and he came back alive.

At the Island of Malta as Paul gathered some wood and put it on fire, a viper, driven out by the heat fastened itself on his hand. He shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects, though the people expected him to swell up or to suddenly fall dead. When nothing  happened to him the people said he was "a god". Not knowing that he had been divinely empowered from above and actually God gave him power to perform extraordinary miracles. Acts 28: 3-6.

Brethren, the One  who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world and you can do all things through Christ which strengthens  you.

You have been empowered, you have got all the potentials to do exploits, in fact extraordinary ones for God. You will manifest and not diminish in Jesus name.

Prayer.

Father, I thank you for empowering me through the Holy Spirit and by the spoken word  from Jesus as in Jh12:14.  I pray that I will be able to use the endowment in your kingdom service on earth and finish well and strong in Jesus mighty name.