Seeds of Wisdom
We can truly trust and have complete confidence in God because He has proven Himself again and again. He is the creator of all things including the princes (influential). The Psalmist admonishes us “not to put our trust in princes, in human beings who cannot save.” What more can we expect from man? We have trusted many people and many things.
The story above brings tremendous encouragement. Jacob believed that Joseph was dead because of the evidence of his clothes soaked in the blood of an animal depicting that he was devoured by a ravenous animal was his reality. Hence, he had no intention of seeing Joseph again let alone seeing Joseph and his sons (Jacob’s grandchildren).
In life, it is not enough just to see clearly but a necessity. Clarity of vision provides a clear sense of direction, enabling us to make decisions from a broader understanding of any situation. Unclear vision caused by the dullness of the heart or the unwillingness to be led by the Spirit could cause one to make bad decisions. Sentimental feelings could cloud one’s judgement, which is why it is important to be led by the Spirit.
In the times we live in everyone is busy and doing their own thing and it may seem as if you are on your own with your burdens. It may also seem like no one cares. The reality is that man is limited in what they can do as they are humans. The good news is that we have a burden bearer who confidently throws an invitation to us to bring our burdens for Him to carry.
God asks a question that has been asked throughout history in Job 1:8: “Have you considered my servant job?” This question captures a deep truth that Christians in the modern world need to understand: the fact that God is thinking about our lives. Every deed, every thought, and every word said are measured against the standard of God’s judgement.
Paul encourages Christians to “work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b), a call to walk with reverential fear of God, acknowledging His consideration of all things, even our thoughts and intents. This involves active participation, effort, dedication, and commitment to the ways of the Lord.
When we received Christ, we received His Spirit and all that we need to effectively live the Zoe kind of life into our spirits. We received regenerated Spirits, but the heart needs to catch up with the regeneration that the spirit already has. Scripture says that positional (in Christ), we have received new hearts which are hearts of flesh that can be pierced and penetrated by God’s Word…
In Luke 5:21b, the question is posed: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” This inquiry encapsulates the truth that forgiveness is inherent to the nature of our gracious God. He is kind and merciful, ready to forgive our sins, transgressions, and iniquities when we come to Him with sincere repentance.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s willingness to forgive even the gravest of sins.
One thing that certainly stands out in the Scriptures is that prayer can dramatically change situations, people, occasions, and even the course of nature itself. But what prayer changes the most is you. God will allow hardship and difficulties in our lives so that He can reveal Himself and put His power and glory on display for those who are watching. When we pray, we are acknowledging our need for God’s help.
The unyielding commitment of the divine towards Earth’s redemption echoes through the ages, signifying God’s resolute intent to manifest His kingdom on Earth. God appointed humanity as stewards of His grand design, evident in the dominion mandate granted to mankind (Genesis 2:5). However, the fulfilment of His purposes necessitates that His children evolve from passive beneficiaries to active agents spearheading the advancement of His kingdom.
Deciding to bring peace in a conflict, which may cause you to lose substantially is often a very painful experience. But it may be a wise thing to do to end strife. Abram did it for his nephew, Lot. Both of them had become so rich that they could not afford enough grazing land for their cattle, so their herdsmen had to constantly fight.
We have heard this phrase over and over: “Forgive and forget.” The challenge is that, as human beings, we hold on to offence and, in the process, hinder ourselves. It is important to learn how to forgive and let go of offences so that we can be free from anything that can hold back the blessing of God in our lives.
Today’s passage deals with something that determines many things in your life: your tongue. Your tongue is a very powerful thing – much more powerful than it looks. God’s Word says if you can control your tongue, you will be able to control yourself in other things. It says the tongue is a flame of fire that can ruin your whole life.
Jesus told the disciples that He had given them power over the enemy. They were told that nothing would, by any means, hurt them or take advantage of them. This is the assurance that God has given to all of us as believers. James 4:7 says that when you resist the devil, he will flee from you, terrified.
Stewardship within the Christian context encapsulates the sacred responsibility we bear as Disciples of Christ to faithfully manage what He has entrusted to us. This Principle of Discipleship calls us to emulate Christ’s example in every aspect of our lives, including the management of resources (1 Cor. 4:2).
God strengthens His people in any situation they may find themselves in. The scripture above is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul is not talking about winning a sports game or having the courage to do something daring. Instead, Paul is talking about his time in prison.
Prayer does not change the will of God; it helps us see, understand, and align with the will of God. We must ask according to God’s will whenever we ask. Let us examine our text. It says, “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” We must not conveniently leave out the beginning part of this scripture and only run with “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
In the above verse, we see Jesus, our master, giving us an instruction that is so dear to Him about our giving. He advises us to give, but he is also interested in the person receiving it. He says we should not give holy things to dogs and pearls to pigs. Our Lord is so direct on this particular instruction. He is not against us giving, but who we give to matters.
Jacob experienced God when he dreamed and saw the angels ascending and descending. Few people have ever been able to peek into and get a glimpse of heaven. The truth is that you have to be pure and free from sin to enter therein. And since no one is pure or righteous, no one has ever had access to it.
Peter was being set free from prison by an angel, and he did not even know it. He thought he was dreaming. Peter, a follower of Jesus, was set free from a trance by Jesus’ teachings. Jesus taught that if we held to His teachings, we would know the truth, which would set us free. He promised unconditional love, peace, forgiveness of sins, and an abundant life.
What you focus on determines your reality. God told Abraham to envision the great expanse, knowing that this principle, if adhered to, would enable him to realise all that God had purposed for him. God is not a man who jokes with words; what He says is what He is determined to do. If we look in the direction we are instructed to, then His plan for us is unveiled.
If your faith is just to get what you want from God, you have missed the point. Faith is not to get something from God. Faith is trusting God for who He says He is and doing what He has promised. God has made provision for all things, but we see by the Word and get direction on how to receive those things (1 John 5:4).