Divine instruction your key to success

Genesis 26:1-3
“And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. AND THE LORD APPEARED UNTO HIM, AND SAID, GO NOT DOWN INTO EGYPT; DWELL IN THE LAND WHICH I SHALL TELL THEE OF: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father”

Nothing guarantees success in life like having divine instruction and following it to the latter. Whereas one can talk about the importance and pleasantness of divine instruction, it will by itself not deliver any good if you don’t obey or follow it to the core. 

One may ask what is divine instruction? It is simply an order, a command, a directive or a direction from God. It is God’s say or stand on a matter. To the Christian, this is a precious “factor for success”. Ignorance of what God prescribes or instructs on any matter, whatever you do MAY bring some level of success but that is not GUARANTEED. So, to exit this “probable” or “trial and error” or “guess work” environment, make yourself available to God’s instruction.

Our opening verses revealed how God made a champion out of his servant Isaac through instruction. Famine had taken over the Land, and Isaac must make the necessary moves to find a haven where he can be sustained. He made his first move to Gerar, a town in the philistine plain south of Gaza. But before a worse case issue will arise, God comes through with an INSTRUCTION, “DON’T GO INTO EGYPT, STAY WHERE I WILL TELL YOU.” In other words, God limited Isaacs’s option. In fact, his option was limited to ONE, that is “WHERE GOD WILL SHOW”. Then in verse 3 (Genesis 26:3), God says “ STAY IN THIS LAND (Gerar), and I will be with thee..”

In summary, Isaac stayed in the land -THAT IS OBEDIENCE to the instruction. He sowed in the Land that was wrought with famine BUT God did his part by BLESSING him. (Genesis 26:6,12). 

You see, many believers or Christians are in OVERWHELMING difficulties because of one, ignorance (on God’s instruction) and secondly, disobedience to God’s instruction. No Christian can do as he or she pleases and expect to succeed in this DEVIL CONTROLLED WORLD. You need to subscribe to God’s instruction, God’s word and God’s commands to succeed. 

It is a fact that you may have some plans in your head, or have your own strategies, but if it is at variance with what God’s instructs, no matter how beautiful or handsome you are, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. You will have to make things to WORK by yourself UNTIL you return to the LORD’S instruction.

You see, personal preferences are natural, and often legitimate. But it will be a foolish mistake to think that God’s  will must clash or align with your own desires. Instead, the very reverse ought to be the case if you are an obedient person. You must change your direction and not God. 

How can one get divine instruction in life? How can one get divine direction for career, marriage, finances, etc. These are the GREAT ANSWERS; One, study the word of God totally. Don’t take things out of context. Two, constantly fellowship with the spirit of God through prayer and meditation, and three, allow yourself to be counseled or directed by your pastor or shepherd with God’s word. There is nothing strange about divine instruction.

Pray for the heart to give in to divine INSTRUCTION no matter how wise you think you are!

Read: Proverbs 19:20 “Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that you are wise in your latter end”

Prayer: Father, thank you for providing me daily with instructions. I pray for grace to be always obedient.

THE MYSTERY OF A BLESSING

Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST”.

Blessing is a spiritual thing that accompanies the new life. Not only is blessing spiritual, but also has physical manifestations in most cases. Thus, when a person is blessed, the blessing can touch your spirit, soul and body. The blessing can touch your spiritual life, the blessing can touch you mind, understanding, finances, family, marriage, career, country and what ever you have. 

Our opening text reveals one great truth about “being blessed” or one great source of a blessing. The bible says “…WHO HATH BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST”. This means that, the believer is BLESSED in Christ. In Christ Jesus, “glorious things are spoken of you”.  In Christ you are redeemed, in Christ you are healed, in Christ you are victorious, in Christ you are anointed, in Christ you are made rich. 

You see, God is the source of EVERY blessing. When you understand this truth, you will treat God and his word as the final authority in your life. That’s why being born again or being a Christian must not be taken lightly. It is a priceless opportunity that warrants a noble life. 

John in his epistle, gives some clarity of what it means to be in Christ. John 15: 7 says “IF YE ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU…”. Thus, to be in Christ, is to allow God’s word to ABIDE, STAY, REMAIN, FULLY CONTROL, AND DOMINATE YOU. Folks who are in Christ, at a default will first and foremost give preeminence to doing and obeying God’s word even when it is contrary to their logic or emotion. 

You see, being in Christ also gives you the power to bless others. The bible in Romans 12:14 admonishes the believer to bless people even in the face of persecution. The bible also tells that, the priest or minister of God has the power to bless (Hebrews 7). As agents or carrier of God’s grace to bless, we bless people by proclamation or “speaking of good words”, preaching the gospel and by laying hands on them. 

We see Jesus laying hands to bless in Mark 10:16, “And he (Jesus) took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them”. Also, Romans 15:29 describes the gospel as a blessing- “And I am sure that, when I (Paul) come unto you, I shall come IN THE FULNESS OF THE BLESSING OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

In Genesis 28:1,3-4 we see Isaac blessing his son by SPEAKING “And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.” To confirm the power of this blessing, the bible in Hebrews says “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come” (Hebrews 11:20). 

Beloved, God has provided everything for your success and greatness in this life. Yours is to align to the divine truth in his word. BLESSINGS are real. In Christ you are blessed. This is sure and without any contradiction. God has also provided that you can be blessed in the body of Christ through your pastor, fathers and other spirit filled believers. Don’t take for granted the opportunity to be blessed. Abide in Christ and stay true to the principles of the word and you will be blessed.

Hebrews 7:7 “And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing me in Christ. I pray for wisdom to also connect to all the channels of blessing you have provided in the body of Christ.

Power of a blessing

Numbers 23:20
“Behold, I have received a command to bless; When He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it.”

The subject of BLESSING is a very interesting one. Not only because of the benefits it bestows on a person, but also the channels by which one can be blessed.  One simple explanation I will give about blessing in this study is to say or speak “a good word” about a person or a place that offers a prospect of success, victory, increase and a great fortune. 

In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve, by making a pronouncement of goodwill about their future “AND GOD BLESSED THEM, and GOD SAID UNTO THEM, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”. The Bible also gives a record of the blessing of Noah and his sons by the Lord. God also blessed Noah and his sons. Genesis 9:1 says“AND GOD BLESSED NOAH AND HIS SONS, and SAID UNTO THEM, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth”. From these verses, we see a proclamation or the speaking of a good word from the one blessing to the receiver of the blessing.

You see, not only did God bless people in the bible, he gave the privilege for men, the priest and fathers to also bless people. Numbers 6:23-26 says, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”. This is what we sometimes call the “priestly blessing” 

Fathers have also blessed, their children in the same way. 

Genesis 28: 1, 3-4, AND ISAAC CALLED JACOB, AND BLESSED HIM, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan, AND GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS THEE, AND MAKE THEE FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY THEE, THAT THOU MAYEST BE A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. 

Jacob also blessed Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48). We again see Jacob blessing all his sons in Genesis 49.  From these references we can establish the truth that, blessing can be pronounced by a priest and a father over a person’s life.  

You see, the blessings pronounced over a person are not void. It has power to influence and to change many things around you and in your life. For instance, after Jacob was blessed by the father Isaac, he run away from home for the fear of his brother Esau, because he took his blessing. But though he went away with nothing- the blessing spoken upon him came to pass. He came back greater. See what he said about himself in Genesis 32:9-10 “Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies” 

A blessing spoken over your life can make you greater, better, bigger, prosperous, victorious and accomplished in life. NEVER UNDERMINE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO BE BLESSED BY YOUR PASTOR OR FATHER. Believe it and you will see it manifest. This truth notwithstanding, the child of God must understand that the efficacy of a blessing simultaneously functions with your attitude to God who is the ultimate blesser. Thus, you can’t take God for granted with your life and expect “blessings to flow”.

Hebrews 7:7 “And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to find and discover opportunities to be blessed by my pastor and father in Jesus Name.

That affliction is for a moment.

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

Life has it own challenges. Whether in the natural dimension or spiritual dimension. This means that, the child of God is not insulated from encountering challenges in life. Nonetheless, the challenges can’t undo the power of Christ in and upon us. 

In our opening text, the Apostle Paul expressed a  profound truth about the challenges or afflictions that one may encounter in life as a Christian. He says that affliction is “light and but for a moment”. 

This truth or insight to challenges made the Apostle indefatigable in life. He never gave up on his mandate and assignment in life. He faced troubles and challenges squarely. He knew it was just a matter of time and the challenges will by themselves dissipate.

See what he said in the preceding verses, 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are troubled on every side, YET NOT DISTRESSED; we are perplexed, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR; Persecuted, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; cast down, BUT NOT DESTROYED”.

Beloved, this must be your attitude in daring moments. When difficulties come don’t be DISTRESSED, and don’t DESPAIR. REMEMBER that, because of God, you can’t be FORSAKEN or DESTROYED- Hallelujah!

You see, when God is on your side no power of hell can hold you down. This is why, any challenge is but for a moment. You will only lose when you decide to. But from God’s standpoint, you have already won before the battle or challenge began.

You see, God by his divine justice, won’t permit things beyond your ability to confront you. So, for any challenge, you have the divine capability and capacity to handle. 

Stay strong when the tides move against you. Look at the Lord. The challenges by themselves are lying vanities. Observe them not.

Look at the Lord and what he accomplished on the cross for all mankind. Because when all is said and done, you will see glory.

Don’t quit before your glory days come.

Jesus endured the cross and transited from that momentarily hurdle into a permanent glory. That must be your story here on earth and beyond.

Read: Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace to stand any challenge and emerge a victor, in Jesus name. Amen

The word, your weapon in times of temptation

Luke 4:2-4
“Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. AND JESUS ANSWERED HIM, SAYING, IT IS WRITTEN, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD.”

Our opening text, shows the notable temptation of Jesus by the devil during his fasting in the wilderness.  The bible says, Jesus fasted for forty days and within the same time, he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4:2 says “BEING FORTY DAYS TEMPTED OF THE DEVIL…”. His temptation did not end there but continued even after the fasting. Luke 4:2-3 says “…AND IN THOSE DAYS HE DID EAT NOTHING: AND WHEN THEY WERE ENDED, HE AFTERWARD HUNGERED. AND THE DEVIL SAID UNTO HIM, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread”. So just after the fast also ended, the devil came again to tempt him. 

You see, one would have thought that one of the moments that the devil will not try to tempt anyone is during such a strong spiritual exercise. But the opposite was the case. The devil came in full force. He tempted Jesus during the fasting and after the fasting. Meaning that, the fasting could not stop the devil from bringing his temptation to Jesus. That’s strange, one would say. But that was what actually happened. 

You see, God’s word has made it clear the source of temptation- the devil. No temptation comes from God. Satan is the source and author of all temptations. He capitalizes on our weakness and desires to lure us out of God’s will and path for our lives. James 1:13 says “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one” (AMP)

For instance, the devil came to tempt Jesus about food, when he was truly hungry. The devil wanted to take advantage of the situation. 

But the crux of the matter is, how did Jesus overcome the temptation? The answer is the word. He overcome the devil by the word. He didn’t overcome with the prayer and fasting. This is not to underscore prayer and fasting, but if that was the case, then the devil would not have even had the chance in the first place. 

You see, For every temptation thrown at Jesus, His answer was, “it is written”. He knew God’s word on the subject raised. This made him outdo the tricks, and the luring of the devil. 

Today, many Christians fall during temptation because they don’t know the word. You see, even if you pray against temptation, it must be based on the word. The word is the way of escape God will give you against temptation.

Make time for the word, study it and let it dominate your heart. It is your weapon against temptation.

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for empowering me with your word against any temptation from the devil.

Essence of the written word.

Romans 15:4
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

God’s word is of great importance to the believer. The word of God has been described as light, water, and spirit throughout the Bible. 

Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” 

Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” and in John 6:63 it says “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”.

But all these symbolisms, and other truths revealed in the word of God is for our benefit as Christians. Romans 15:4 says the word that is written is for our LEARNING and it is to offer HOPE after the comfort it gives. 

You see, the preacher, in his writing said “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). That’s to say that the bible as a book of records and truth provides us with events that we can learn from since the likelihood of meeting similar or same events can’t be disputed.

Thus, we can learn from people who succeeded in their life time as recorded in the bible, we can learn from people that failed, we can learn about the rise and fall of nations, we can learn about God’s dealings with his people, and we can learn about the devil. As Christians, we are not left unguided. Many examples have been set forth in God’s word to help us journey through this world successfully. 

Also, the Bible shows us situations and scenarios of other people, that lived before us to give us comfort, should we find ourselves in similar circumstances. No wonder we have verses like James 4:11 which says “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy”. 

You see, with God’s word, you are able to see what God has done before and what God is capable of doing. You get to know the wondrous works of God in different situations and circumstances. Are you troubled, are you in a fix, are you thriving or are you still finding the way up in this end time? Then I recommend the word of God to you. You will surely regain hope and remain comforted in life. 

One author rightfully said “The Bible is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is gained, Heaven opened, and hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is designed, and the glory of God its end. It shall fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure”

Read: Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”

Prayer: Father, I thank you for the availability of your word. I pray that as I diligently study your word it’s benefits will be evident in my life in Jesus name. Amen

Change by renewing your mind

Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”

God wants believers whose lives are consistent with the faith they profess. That’s what the transformation mandate is all about. You can’t be a Christian with a “worldly” life or subscribe to the wrong and sinful ways of living life. 

Prior to being born again, we all lived under the power and influence of the devil. In fact, we gave in to worldliness, sin, and wickedness because that was the standard we had. Ephesians 2:1-2 says, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, IN WHICH YOU USED TO WALK WHEN YOU CONFORMED TO THE WAYS OF THIS WORLD AND OF THE RULER OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT WHO IS NOW AT WORK IN THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE”. 

But you see, the story changes when you become a Christian. You become a changed person. Although this change is first spiritual, you must let the change also manifest in your life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 in the Living Bible says “WHEN SOMEONE BECOMES A CHRISTIAN, HE BECOMES A BRAND NEW PERSON INSIDE. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” You must allow what you are on the inside reflect on the outside by renewing your mind. 

To renew here means to have a complete change of something for the better. It also means to cause something to become new and different. This renewal of mind can come when you allow and receive God’s thoughts, as you study and meditate on his word.  

You see, just being born again without any conscious effort to study and mediate on God’s word daily will not make you live out the virtues in Christ. This is the reason why so many Christians don’t shine morally, or  show integrity in their daily lives. 

No Christian who has allowed God’s word to dominate his or her life can be a liar, fornicator, thief, disloyal element, mischievous, fraudster, proud, arrogant, selfish, lazy, and unwise. When you are word ruled and giving fully to change in your mind by the power of the word, you live a glorified life. In your daily life, people can only say that you are manifesting the works and words of Jesus. This is what Christianity is about. 

If you are born again, you are in the first realm of change. Change your mind. Let the word of God change your thoughts. This will ultimately change your choices and actions.

Ephesians 4:23-24 “to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in TRUE righteousness and holiness”

Prayer: Father, I thank you that I am born again. I pray that the life of the Spirit will dominate me and course me to have a changed mind, which is the mind of Christ. Amen.

Don’t throw away the history; those who forget

Exodus 1:6-8
“And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. NOW THERE AROSE UP A NEW KING OVER EGYPT, WHICH KNEW NOT JOSEPH”

One satirical statement that I once heard is that “it is history that people don’t learn from history”.  Although, this should not be the case, that is one reality that has characterized our world. Many people don’t learn from history and others to don’t keep history. 

History is the branch of knowledge dealing with past events. One dictionary also explains that history is a continuous, typically chronological, record of important or public events or of a particular trend or institution. Anytime we are talking about history we are talking about a chronicle, an archive, a record, a report or a narrative. 

You see, history is a great source for information. It helps with the knowledge of the past events which must help us do things in the future. One important effect of the power of history is that it makes us give honor to deserving people or remain grateful in life. Without the knowledge of the past, that is, what God did for you, and what people did for, you may end up becoming an evil person or become ungrateful.

Our opening story tells how the one-time saviour of the world, Joseph, a man whose grace and wisdom saved Egypt and finally the entire world, was forgotten in no time in his days. 

You see, the prominence of Joseph, should have made it difficult for his name not to be captured in the annals of Egypt.

Genesis 41:41-44 says “Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. And Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval.”

Beloved, despite the great status Joseph occupied, he was forgotten. In fact, not just by ordinary people but the by the new king that came to rule Egypt. Joseph was forgotten from the high place. If the king’s palace where records are kept, forgot about Joseph, how about common citizens? The kings neglect of history made him, and his people wicked towards the ancestry of Joseph. 

Exodus 1:11 “THEREFORE THEY DID SET OVER THEM TASKMASTERS TO AFFLICT THEM WITH THEIR BURDENS…”

You see, if you forget history or throw away history you will become wicked. You will be ungrateful to people you must honour or forever appreciate. Keep history! Keep the pictures, keep emblems that will make you remember. In fact, build your own memorial. Have your own Memorial Day- don’t join those who forget. 

Read: Psalm 77:11 “I WILL REMEMBER THE DEEDS OF THE LORD; YES, I WILL REMEMBER YOUR MIRACLES OF LONG AGO”

Prayer: Father, I pray for grace to always remember your goodness for my life and to be grateful to all those who have been a blessing in my life in Jesus name. Amen

See God in it

Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD, TO BRING TO PASS, AS IT IS THIS DAY, TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE”

One of the greatest setbacks in life is a negative mindset. No one can make progress or achieve any significant thing in life with a wrong or negative mindset. For us as Christians, we must see things from a different light or different perspective. This includes having the right perspective to life and situations. 

The bible in Romans 8:28 says “AND WE KNOW THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, who have been called according to his purpose”. You see, no matter what happens, God is working for your good. This is the mindset you must carry as a Christian. 

From our opening text, you can see that, the success of Joseph during those dark moments of his life can be attributed to the mindset he carried. See what he told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”. Thus, one can say that despite all his struggles, i.e., from one dungeon to the other, from one prison room to the other, and from one slave master to the other, “he still knew that all shall be well”. 

In case you have lost hope in life, in case things are not going the way you expected, in case things are not going according to the prophetic word released over your life, in case your business is not doing well, in case your relationship or marriage is becoming a nightmare, in case your health is failing, and in case your life is falling apart, STAY STRONG my brother or my sister. Have the right MINDSET for you shall end well. 

Beloved, the bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING”. (Psalm 30:5). You see, the situation may be bad, BUT your joy is coming, the doctor’s report may look hopeless BUT your joy is coming. Let this be your mindset. Yes, if God be for you, who can be against you. 

No matter what happens, see God in the situation, because you are not on your own. You are God’s handiwork for exploits. Anytime you put up the right mindset, you never give up. The right mindset you cultivate will keep you moving and pressing on to the upward way.

Refuse to think that schemes people or the devil devise against you will stand. Beloved, your redeemer lives, and he will perfect all that concerns you. Nothing can subvert your course. Lamentations 3:36 says “To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not”

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].”

Prayer: Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides me to think positively. From today, I have the mindset of a winner and I overcome every obstacle in life in Jesus name. Amen

Show gratitude, with a sacrifice

Genesis 46:1
“And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, AND OFFERED SACRIFICES UNTO THE GOD OF HIS FATHER ISAAC”

Our best “thank you’ or expression of gratitude can’t only be limited to words. Gratitude speaks volume when is accompanied by a relevant action or attitude. We can also show gratitude by a way of sacrifice. That’s sacrificing or letting go of something valuable in honour of someone who has been a blessing to us. 

The core of this message shows how Jacob, the father of Joseph expressed his gratitude to God after thirteen years of not seeing his son. Jacob for years lived with the fact that his son had died. Genesis 37:31–33 says “So they took josephs’ tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.”

Nonetheless, the news from his sons about Joseph after they had visited Egypt to secure food for sustenance during the famine made the hope of the old man Jacob come alive. The news came like a cold water that brought him satisfaction.  Proverbs 25:25 “As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country”. 

The joy of the news of the son being alive and the zeal to go and see him did not make Jacob forgot that this was the doing of God. He knew it was the MERCY and the grace of God that has made all this possible. Thus, on his way to see Joseph, his son he had not see for many years, he offered a sacrifice to the Lord. Genesis 46:1 says, “And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, AND OFFERED SACRIFICES UNTO THE GOD OF HIS FATHER ISAAC”.

You see, Jacob’s thank you was a sacrifice. It was something he gave to honor God. It was something valuable he gave out to the Lord (since not just anything was accepted as sacrifice in those days). Jacob may not have said thank you, by word of mouth, but he acted it out.

You see, today we can’t say thank you enough to Jesus for saving us and taking our place of guilt. We can’t say thank you enough to the Lord for how far he has brought us. I believe our appropriate action must be more than words. It must be something we must do to say thank you. Your obedience to God is a better thank you. Your service or work in the house of God is a better thank you.

How are you saying thank you to God? How are you saying thank you to people who become core pillars for you to succeed or get somewhere in life? Words alone, can’t say thank you enough!

Read: Isaiah 12:4-5 “And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the Lord in song, for He has done [b]glorious things; Let this be known throughout the earth. (New American Standard Bible)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for all you have done for me. I pray that as a sign of appreciation, let my life be vessel in your hands to be used by you. Amen

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