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Showing posts from January, 2025

THE CROSS AND THE RAINBOW IN THE CLOUD: God’s Covenant of Peace

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“For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. ” (Isaiah 54:9 NKJV). Peace is arguably the greatest need humanity has ever faced. However, true peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of divine order, wholeness, and assurance. Biblically, the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, encompasses completeness, soundness, and welfare. Peace cannot be earned through human effort; it is freely given through God’s mercy. Peace is a divine gift, a promise fulfilled, and a covenant. A promise originally given to Israel now belongs to all through Christ Jesus. “ For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall MY COVENANT OF PEACE be removed,” says the Lord who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10 NKJV). This covenant serves as a divine assurance that, despite the inevitable turmoil of ...

THE GIFT OF GAB: A Biblical Perspective on Speech and Influence

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Words are powerful. They shape destinies, alter perspectives, influence lives, and even start wars. The ability to speak persuasively—often called the  gift of gab —can be a  blessing or a weapon . In Scripture, we see that speech can be used to  build up or tear down , to  lead to truth or deception . The serpent in  Genesis 3  is a striking example of how words can be used to  manipulate and deceive . But they can also be used to  bring wisdom, healing, and transformation . This article explores how the Bible presents the  power of speech , its  dangers when misused , and how we can  redeem our words for God’s glory . The Serpent’s Speech: Persuasion by Deception The first recorded instance of  manipulative speech  in the Bible comes from  Satan himself , disguised as a serpent. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You mu...

THE ILLUSION OF STRENGTH: Why Trusting in Physical Glory Leads to Downfall

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Throughout history, humanity has been captivated by physical strength, beauty, and material power. We celebrate athletic prowess, admire physical beauty, and rely on military might. Yet, the Bible repeatedly warns against placing too much emphasis on these external attributes. Strength, beauty, and weapons can serve God's purposes, but when people trust in them rather than in God, they set themselves up for failure. This truth is woven throughout Scripture, particularly in the lives of three men: Saul, Goliath, and Absalom . Each was distinguished by an extraordinary physical trait, yet their stories ended in ruin because their confidence rested in their outward attributes rather than in the Lord. SAUL —A King Chosen for His Appearance but Rejected for His Heart When Israel demanded a king, God gave them Saul. But what stood out about him? His height. “And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders...

THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE AND RELIGION

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Religion is a significant subject, studied even in prestigious universities around the world. Most of the world’s religions fall under twelve classical categories: Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. Beyond these, there are countless other religions, like the Ifa religion practiced among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, that don’t make this list but are no less important to their adherents.  Interestingly, Christianity is often classified as a religion in academic settings. By this definition, every one of us is born into one religion or another. Consider this: What are the chances a child born in India to an Indian family will grow up in Hinduism? Very high. What are the chances a child born in Iran to an Iranian family will be raised in Islam? Nearly certain. And what about a child born in the Vatican to a Catholic family? Again, almost a hundred percent. These observations may not be base...

CONFRONTING GOLIATHS: A Call to Victory

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  Goliath was a colossal national crisis—a giant whose presence dismayed even Israel’s seasoned military experts. His threats endangered not just the freedom of Israel but the very identity of God’s people. The stakes were unimaginable: if anyone dared to fight Goliath and failed, Israel would be enslaved to the Philistines. You can find this dramatic account in 1 Samuel 17 . A LIFE-OR-DEATH FIGHT For whoever faced Goliath, it was victory or death. David, chosen and anointed by God, stepped into this daunting battle. For Israel, the challenge was national—slavery loomed if David failed. For David, the challenge was personal—his life was on the line. But there was a difference: David carried the anointing, and that anointing ensured victory. Had anyone else fought Goliath, it would have meant certain defeat and enslavement for Israel. David’s success was not in his skill but in his divine calling as God’s chosen saviour for that moment. ANOINTED TO SAVE OTHERS David was not ju...

Purpose Before Life: God’s Blueprint for Existence

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Does life precede purpose, or does purpose come first? From a biblical perspective, the answer is clear: purpose comes before life. God, in His infinite wisdom, designs every individual with a specific and unique purpose before their physical existence begins. Life is then given as the means to fulfill that purpose. Let’s explore this profound truth and its implications for how we view ourselves and our time on earth. God’s Design: Purpose Precedes Life God Knew Us Before We Were Born. The Bible reveals that God’s plans for us were established even before our conception: “ Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Jeremiah’s purpose as a prophet was determined before his physical existence. His life on earth was the outworking of a divine plan already in motion. Our Purpose Was Set Before Time Began Paul wrote about God’s eternal plan for us. “ He has saved us and called us t...

The Divine Promise of Restoration

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Restoration is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, rooted in God’s character as a loving, just, and sovereign Restorer. It is a divine promise that transcends time, reaching into every area of our lives—physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational. The Bible paints a portrait of a God who not only redeems but restores abundantly, giving back more than what was lost. Understanding God’s restorative power inspires us to trust His process and walk in faith, knowing that His plans for us are good. The Nature of God as Restorer Restoration is not just an act of God but part of His very nature. His promises are not limited to restoring what was lost; they often go beyond, creating something even better. In Joel 2:25 , God declares, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."   The Hebrew word for “restore” conveys bringing something back to its original or improved state. God’s restoration is not hindered by time, circumstances, or the extent of t...

THE TEST OF FAITH: Holding Fast to God's Promises

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  In life, it’s not uncommon for us to face situations where God’s promises seem to contradict our present circumstances. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a family crisis, or a challenge within a community, there are times when the reality we see with our eyes can make God's promises feel distant or unclear. But in moments like these, God has a powerful word for us. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)." — Hebrews 10:23. The key to overcoming these challenges is holding on tightly to the faith we profess, unwavering in our belief that the One who made the promise is faithful to fulfill it. The Example of Abraham: Faith Tested and Strengthened Abraham’s life is an outstanding example of unwavering faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. His story is a testimony to how faith in God’s word can hold steady, even when the natural world offers no reason to believe. Scripture reminds us that whe...

"BEHOLD" – The Summary Scripture

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The word “Behold” carries immense weight throughout the Bible, serving as a divine directive to pause, reflect, and engage deeply with God’s revelations. It calls for attention, discernment, and faith, encapsulating the very essence of the believer’s journey. A powerful summary of this concept is found in  2 Corinthians 4:18 : “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” This verse distills the faith responsibility of “beholding,” inviting believers to focus on the unseen, eternal realities of God rather than the fleeting, temporal circumstances of life. In this article, we will explore how this verse encapsulates the themes of beholding and its significance in the life of faith. 1. Beholding as a Shift in Perspective 2 Corinthians 4:18  calls believers to lift their eyes from the visible, transient world to focus on the eternal realities of ...

PARTNERING WITH GOD TO REVIVE HOPELESS SITUATIONS

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The Power of Prophetic Declarations One of the most profound revelations in scripture is that God, in all His omnipotence, did not act alone in reviving the dry bones in the valley as recorded in Ezekiel 37. Instead, He instructed Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, speaking life and restoration into what was utterly lifeless and hopeless. This reveals a significant principle:  God chooses to operate by inviting His people to partner with Him through faith-filled declarations that release His power. God’s Invitation to Partnership When God led Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones, He posed a question: “ Can these bones live? ” (Ezekiel 37:3). Though God already had the answer and the power to bring the bones to life, He involved Ezekiel in the process. God’s instruction to Ezekiel was clear: “ Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! ’” (Ezekiel 37:4). By commanding Ezekiel to prophesy, God demonstrated His desire to work through human ve...

JUSTICE AND WISDOM: The Divine Pairing That Restores and Transforms

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  " A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth JUSTICE " ( Isaiah 42:3, NIV). Justice is more than a set of rules or principles; it is a profound reflection of God’s perfect righteousness and a critical calling for every believer. As we strive to live justly in a broken world, it becomes increasingly clear that the pursuit of justice cannot be done in isolation. To embody true justice—one that restores heals, and aligns with God’s will—we must deeply understand the role of wisdom. Both justice and wisdom are intricately linked in Scripture, and their union creates the foundation for a life that reflects God’s heart in the world. A Working Definition of Justice Biblical justice is the application of God’s perfect standards of righteousness to human relationships, systems, and communities. It is about making things right, ensuring fairness, and restoring what has been broken. Justice is not simply about...