Men of Valour

DON'T TURN UNBELIEVERS AWAY

Bible Text: Luke 7:37-39

The woman in our text was referred to as a sinner but this didn't matter to Jesus and He let her wash His feet. Meanwhile, the Pharisee at whose house Jesus was dining, was thinking that only if Jesus knew who the woman was, He wouldn't even let her come near Him.

The Pharisee acted like a number of Christians do these days. He acted like he was better than the woman because he regarded her as a sinner. One whose sins were probably in his own opinion too great to be forgiven.

Jesus knew who she was, but He didn't let that shape the way He treated her. The Pharisee, on the other hand, was behaving in a manner which clearly said " I am holier than you".

This is an attitude you cannot afford to have as a Christian. Jesus should be your prime paragon in all you do, not the Pharisees. Never feel better than anyone because you are a "saint" and they aren't. You cannot afford to think like this.

As a Christian, it is your job to bring the unsaved to Christ and you cannot do this if you keep them so far away because you are scared that you will be polluted by the stench of their sin.

Sin is not an airborne disease. Yes, you must be careful that you do not begin to interact with them in a way that you let them influence you, but don't deny them the opportunity to know Jesus. The woman who washed the feet of Jesus obviously wanted to know Him which is why she did what she did.

YOUR FAITH MUST MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:1-4.

"Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress." (1 Timothy 4:15) ESV

In our bible verse above, Apostle Paul made it clear to Timothy that until people begin to see a visible difference in a person's life as a result of his Christian faith, then he has not really started his Christian journey.

However, the Divine nature is embedded in the word of God and the more you read, study, meditate and live by God's word, the more people will start to notice that you are really a child of God.

Peter was an illiterate but when people saw him displaying Divine capabilities, they took notice of him, realising that of a truth he had been with Jesus: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13).

Man of Valour, does your life show off your Christian faith positively to those around you? Evaluate your life. In our bible passage, Apostle Paul commended the Church at Corinth, because they manifestly declared to be true ambassadors of Christ.

In other words, their lives were a glorious testimony of their faith to those around them. Beloved, until the nature of God begins to show in and through your life then you have not fully learnt God's secrets. Keep digging deeper in His word.

PUT ON THE NEW MAN

Bible passage: Ephesians 4:24

The natural man is full of sins and things that displease the Lord. To reign with God for eternity, you have to put on a new nature which is Christ's. This nature is created after God, in righteousness and holiness.

This means that all the sinful things that were okay for you to do before have to be discarded, and you have to think like Christ does regarding every decision you make.

In your home, do you always think like Christ does in making decisions? Or is it only when you are in church that you put on this new man? Can your wife say that you love her like Christ loves the church?

The first place where it should be seen that you have put on a new man is within your household. Let His light shine in and through you.

YOUR SPIRITUAL EARS MUST BE CONSTANTLY OPEN

Bible Passage: Proverbs 20:12

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words." (Matthew 11:15)

Jesus was talking to the people who had come to listen to Him. He counselled that those who had ears should hear and heed His words. It seemed an odd thing to say since most people there had ears and had come purposely to hear His sayings.

But Jesus wasn't referring to their physical ears. He was referring to their spiritual ears. In our bible passage, Solomon reveals that some have ears that function the way they should and this is made possible by God alone.

Some have physical but not spiritual ears, while some are physically deaf but have spiritual ears. Having spiritual ears enables one to receive what is being said on heaven's frequency.

What Jesus told His disciples several years ago is still applicable to every man on earth today. Do you have ears that receive and understand what God is saying per time?

If you desire to have such ears, pray for the Divine grace to get them. As you do, may you receive what the Lord Almighty is saying concerning you in Jesus name.

FOR WISDOM OR FOR MONEY: SOMETHING IS BEING TRADED

Bible Passage: Luke 12:15-23

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." (Luke 12:15 KJV)

There was a game we used to play as kids tagged "your money or your life." Though only a game, it illustrates the decisions every one faces in daily life. Every action betrays what you value most - money or life.

Life is one long road of making choices for everyone in it. A choice regarding what to do and what not to do. What to accept or reject. A choice of where to go and where not to go. Above all, life is a choice to follow the path of wisdom or the path of fleshy lusts and conforming to worldly standards.

What most people perhaps don’t realise is that in all of these decisions something is being traded.

The choice you make between following the path of wisdom (doing what will please God) or the path of covetousness (pleasing self, following the world etc) comes at such a cost that if you knew what you were giving up for it, you may have a rethink.

The rich man in our bible passage today made the mistake of thinking life is about how much a man owns, without paying attention to his soul. Just when he thought it was now time to be free from his worries and start enjoying life, his soul was taken from him (Luke 12:15-20).

Gehazi, Elisha's servant chased Naaman down and extorted money falsely (2 Kings 5:20-24). It was money illicitly collected. He never thought he was trading something for it. In the end, the leprosy of the man he chased down was transferred to him (2 Kings 5:27). What are you trading everytime you collect illicit money or choose to satisfy the world?

Judas thought life was about riches but didn't live to enjoy the money for which he betrayed his master. He never knew it was his life that he was trading for it.

After Gideon liberated the children of Israel, he chose to celebrate the victory by asking the people to donate towards building an ephod (Judges 8:24-26). It was a sign of the weak side of him. A small indiscretion of pandering to human ego. That little act became a snare to him and his generations (Judges 8:27).

Granted that choosing the path of wisdom can seem hard and lonely, in the end it always leads to a better ending. Daniel knew the mere fact of agreeing to eat the King's food had a cost just as Joseph understood the cost of consenting to Mrs Potiphar’s advances would be too dear to find out.

As you make that decision to choose a course of action daily, always remember that you are trading something for it and choose wisely.

GOD SAID COME, WILL YOU?

Bible Passage: Matthew 11:28-30

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18 AMP)

Prophet Isaiah lets us know that God is calling everyone to come to Him for cleansing because the bible says all have sinned and fallen short of His glory.

God added that regardless of what sins you may have committed in the past, the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, is powerful enough to wash them away.

The picture of Jesus Christ on the cross spreading His mighty hands wide should give you an understanding of the fact that He is calling everybody and He doesn't want any to perish: "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." (2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

HAVE YOU ever considered the fact that the two thieves on either side of Jesus on the cross had the same opportunity and chance to heed His call but in the end, only one did. Beloved, are you still living in sin?

God is CALLING you today through His Son, to come to Him. As you do so, He will turn you into a brand new creature in Jesus mighty name.

ABUSING YOUR AUTHORITY?

Bible Passage: Daniel 4:1-27

“They have also cast lots for My people,
And have traded a boy for a pr******te
And have sold a girl for wine that they may drink.” (Joel 3:3 AMP)

A prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority is also known as abuse of power.

The Lord was talking to the people of Tyre and Zidon in our quoted scripture. He told them that they had cast lots for His people and sold them into slavery for personal gain.

God hates oppression.

When Daniel interpreted king Nebuchadnezzar's dream by the help of the Holy Spirit, he personally advised the king to shun oppression so as to avert the impending judgement of God. "Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” (Daniel 4:27).

Unfortunately, Nebuchadnezzar failed to heed this warning and eventually was turned into a beast and dwelt in the forest for seven years.

Anyone in a position of power or trust who abuses his/her position is setting themselves up for punishment by the Lord.

Brethren, putting personal gain ahead of your professional duty to the people you are leading always angers God.

Repent today to avoid the terrible consequences attached to such acts.

I pray the grace to maintain a right balance in that prominent position you occupy will be released unto you in Jesus name.

TAKE HEED THAT YOU DO NOT FALL AWAY FROM THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Bible Passage: Hebrews 6:4-6

"And then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace." (Hebrews 6:6)

Contrary to several false teachings in the body of Christ, the truth is that, backsliding is a reality in Christianity.

The bible in several places warns against falling away from the grace of God. The bible makes it clear that every believer has been saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8).

However, the same bible also says that it is possible to fall from this grace (Galatians 5:4). Saul started very well as a believer, but he fell, backslid and was dethroned. Similarly, Samson started and fell and was turned to a prey in the hands of his enemies.

Dear child of God, the bible says he who thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). I pray you will not fall by the wayside on your journey to heaven in Jesus name.

TAKE HEED TO DIVINE WARNINGS

Bible Passage: Ezekiel 3:17-19

"The day of the LORD is near, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be!" (Joel 1:19).

This was God's warning to Israelites through Prophet Joel. This verse and the message in our bible text are confirmations of the fact that, God usually warns sinners before punishing them.

Brethren, Divine warnings can come through personal revelation or God's prophets.

In whatever manner God decides to warn you, it is of paramount importance to heed His warnings in order to avoid irredeemable destruction. Pharaoh was a victim of such destruction as God sent Moses to tell him to let His children go, he failed to obey this instruction and he perished in the red sea with his hosts.

Has God been telling you to desist from anything, perhaps through your conscience or another medium?

Another rich client for that prostitution business, another line of that co***ne, may be all it takes to take you beyond redemption. Listen to God's instruction today, because He loves you and doesn't want you to perish but to enjoy eternal life.

I pray the grace to heed Divine warnings before it's too late, will be released unto you today in Jesus name.

TAKE HEED

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:8

When one sees another person doing something that ultimately will not end well, and puts the person in some form of danger, they will usually try to caution such a fellow.

For example the man who is constantly in debt just so he can maintain his wife’s expensive habits or a driver who is about to overtake another vehicle as they approach a bend.

In these two instances, the person being warned usually feels he knows what he‘s doing and is confident that he’s in control; there’s no cause for alarm.

But when what was being warned against actually happens, then they will remember that they had previously been warned. And if you were the one who gave the warning, you will feel bad because you saw the imminent danger but those involved refused to heed your warning.

This is the way the Holy Spirit feels when we miss our steps, when we yield to temptation, when we overlook the danger signals and eventually fall victim.

The Holy Spirit is a guarding and guiding Spirit who watches over us to ensure we don’t fall into error. The Holy Spirit can see the future and is able to warn us of things to come.

The Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul warns that we should “take heed” and not be carried away by our overconfidence and self-righteousness (1 Corinthians 10:12).

The devil is always planning to make the saints fall. You will not be a victim in Jesus merciful name. Amen

IF YOU DON'T TAKE HEED, YOU WILL FALL INTO SATAN'S TRAP

Bible Passage: Psalms 91:1-3

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." (Psalm 91:3 KJV)

The psalmist in our bible passage reveals to us that maximum protection is guaranteed for as many that seek refuge under God's shelter. It is unfortunate to discover that some had successfully done this, only to stray away from the shadow of the Almighty, eventually making them fall into the snare of the fowler.

The snare of the fowler represents the domain of darkness where Satan keeps and torment his victims. Judas Iscariot was a typical example of a Christian who fell into this trap as a result of greed and covetousness.

Demas was another example, as he worked with Apostle Paul to propagate the gospel, but then fell into the trap of the enemy because of the cares of the world (2 Timothy 4:10).

The devil lures the children of God with what their flesh loves and never gives up on his mission to bring them back to bo***ge.

My prayer for you is, just like Pharaoh and his hosts were destroyed when they attempted to bring the Israelites back to bo***ge, the Lord will frustrate and destroy every plan and strategy of the kingdom of darkness to bring you back to captivity in Jesus name.

BEWARE OF STRANGE DOCTRINES

Bible Passage: Hebrews 13:8-13

"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?" (Matthew 16:6,11 KJV)

Our quoted text reveals one of the sayings of Jesus to His disciples. He told them to beware of the doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

From this warning, it is clear that Jesus understood that some of their doctrines were satanic and could hinder one from entering the kingdom of God if followed. This is why we too must be very careful as Christians today, not to follow doctrines that negate the word of God.

As a matter of fact, Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit tells us that there will be many doctrines from the devil himself in the last days and this we can testify: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devil's."(1 Timothy 4:1).

Brethren, the only way not to fall into these erroneous doctrines is by holding on to the infallible word of God through the help of the Holy Spirit. I pray you won't be drawn away by satanic doctrines in Jesus name.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Bible Text: Judges 1:5-7

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

If you believed that you would be paid back for every action that you took, how many things would you desist from doing?

You've heard it said from the bible, that what you sow, you reap but how much has this guided what you do?

God knows and sees all, so He is certainly not mocked when you think you have been unfairly dealt a bad hand when you are actually responsible for the calamity that has befallen you.

Adoni-bezek was King of Bezek and from his own admission, he had cut off the thumbs and big toes of seventy kings in his lifetime. One day God delivered him into the hands of Israel as they fought to secure the land that God had given to them.

When the Israelites captured him, instead of killing him as was the usual practice, they cut off his thumbs and big toes - exactly the same punishment he himself had inflicted upon others. Immediately he recognised that this was God meting out justice for what he had done in the past. Unfortunately for him, it was too late to stop the inevitable and he eventually died.

What is it that thing you've been doing like Adoni-bezek, that you think you will get away with?

What injustice have you been doling out to others that God has been warning you to stop? Take heed and repent before it is too late.

FREEDOM FROM BO***GE

Bible passage: Exodus 1:8-11

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him." (Psalms 12:5).

During the days of Joseph, the children of Israel walked into Egypt as free men and women, but years later a king that did not know Joseph came up who turned their freedom into bo***ge.

After four hundred and thirty years in Egypt, the Lord remembered the Israelites and relocated them to their place of rest (Exodus 2:23-25).

The unfortunate thing about this world is that people often walk into bo***ge out of their own volition as a result of failing to heed to the warning signals from the Holy Spirit. Such bo***ge could be marital, financial, ministerial, etc.

These bo***ges often arise from hobbies which the devil has successfully manipulated into becoming a point of enslavement e.g watching TV, reading newspapers, surfing the internet etc.

Man of Valour, never allow fleshly desires to lure you into relationships that could drown you in hell.

Have you ignorantly fallen into the enemy's trap? Or are you oppressed by sickness, addiction, poverty, pain, constant defeat and failure?

The Lord Almighty will arise on your behalf today and relocate you from your place of torment to your place of rest in Jesus name.

THERE IS AN ORACLE BEHIND EVERY MIRACLE

Bible Passage: 2 Kings 6:8-13

"Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." (2 Kings 6:11-12)

An oracle is a priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from. In ancient times, these oracles were intermediaries between the gods and man. Similarly in God's kingdom, God appoints special ministers as His mouthpiece or oracle so as to perform His miracles among the children of men.

Our bible passage tells us of one of God's oracles called Elisha, who was so in tune with God, that God used him to deliver victory to the whole kingdom of Israel.

One amazing point that struck me most in this biblical account is the fact that, even the King of Syria knew within him that there was an oracle working against his victory which made him to inquire who the Oracle was.

Beloved, if an ordinary heathen can acknowledge the wonder-working power of an oracle of the Living God, what about you?

What is your attitude towards genuine ministers of the Gospel? Do you respect the anointing of God upon their lives? Do you take heed to every Divine word that proceeds out of their mouth?

Remember that if the king of Israel had failed to obey the words of Elisha concerning the Syrians' ambush, he would have suffered defeat which would have eventually led to his untimely death.

I pray the Lord Almighty will give you the heart of obedience so as to pay attention to every Divine instruction that comes to you through God's oracles in Jesus name.

IT SHALL BE WELL

Bible Passage: Isaiah 3:10-11

"Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings" (Isaiah 3:10).

The Alpha and Omega is giving an assurance to all His children in this passage that: "all shall be well". He made this statement because He knows tomorrow. He knows that the tomorrow of the righteous is beautiful in Him.

For a child of God living uprightly, it doesn't matter how things may look around you now, your Father says "it shall be well". Not only is He faithful to His promises, He also has the power to bring all His promises to pass.

This statement can mean different things to different people. To the sick, it means He's the healer. To the blind, He will open their eyes. To the oppressed, He will be their deliverer.

For a true child of God, who lives right and desires to please God always, God wants to do something special in your life. All will be well! Go to Him now in prayer and He will completely turn over your life in Him.

BE HEAVENLY FOCUSSED

Bible Passage: Colossians 3:1-3

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 KJV)

For continuous progress in life as a Christian, you must refuse to settle on yesterday's accomplishments. If what you have accomplished in the past still seems your best, it implies that you are not doing enough today.

Paul made known his accomplishments to us, but he focussed on what God had for him in the future (Philippians 3:13-14). No wonder he graduated from being a Christian who performed miracles to one who performed special miracles (Acts 19:11).

Brethren, don't sit around waiting for tomorrow's opportunities as doing nothing will only lead to stagnancy.

As you resharpen your focus today by looking up to Jesus alone (Hebrews 12:2), He will open your eyes to see divine opportunities (Psalm 119:18) that will translate you to your next level of greatness.

WHAT LEGACY?

Bible passage: Proverbs 20:7

There is saying that, today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday, which implies that every minute now, counts towards how your future will be.

The above text says when you walk righteously, your children will be blessed after you. David blessed Mephibosheth, because of the good deed his father Jonathan had done for him (2Samuel 9:7).

As a man of valour, you have to be conscious of the fact that whatever you do will tell on your children, which is why you must ensure you do good all the time.

The bible says you must follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14), and do good to all (Galatians 6:10). Endeavour to leave a good legacy.

THE GLORY OF MAN

Bible Passage: James 1:10

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away” (1 Peter 1:24)

We live in a world where men strive to make achievements for the glory that will come to them. Many strive to achieve educational degrees or political positions but the truth is that regardless of how many earthly achievements a man attains, these are only temporal.

The bible likens it to grass that can be green today and yet be dry and withered tomorrow. Jesus said that the glory of Solomon, despite all his splendour, was not arrayed like the glory of the lilies: "Yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are." (Matthew 6:29).

Dear Man of Valour, have you achieved so much on this earth to such a level that you don't have any regard for anyone again, not even God?

Remember that God said all flesh is as grass, and all the splendour and magnificence of your earthly wealth is like a flower that will wither sooner or later before it is finally consumed by the fire of God.

Any achievement outside God is meant for destruction, I pray the wisdom to seek for true honour and riches will be released unto you in Jesus name.

DON'T WAIT TILL THINGS GET COMPLICATED.

Bible passage: Daniel 4:1-37

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him when he is near." (Isaiah 55:6).

The fourth chapter of Daniel reveals an awesome encounter with the Ancient of Days. King Nebuchadnezzar at this time was governing over a vast empire which covered most nations of the known world.

Looking at his disposition at the beginning of this bible passage, it was clear that he had become a believer in the Almighty God. He did not start this way however, it took God taking him through fire before he humbled himself before the Lord.

Unfortunately, not many people have learnt from this king's experience. They prefer to be burnt by God's fire before acknowledging Him as supreme. Many wait till they are hardly conscious on their hospital bed, before they confess Christ. Some wait until they get locked up in prison before they accept Him.

Man of valour, are you waiting to encounter God as a consuming fire before giving Him the glory due to His name? Don't wait to be forcefully brought to your knees, accept Christ's Lordship today, tomorrow may be too late.

SUSTAINING YOUR FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH

Bible Passage: Luke 16:11-12

"Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness." (Proverbs 8:18)

Our bible passage talks about durable riches which can be said to be wealth that can never be destroyed. The bible talks about a financial devourer which is capable of destroying all wealth that is not durable (Malachi 3:8-12). We live in a world where a man who is rich man today can be poor tomorrow while a poor man today may be rolling in riches and affluence tomorrow. Beloved, the key to sustaining financial breakthrough is found in the bible which instructs on how a man can have durable riches.

1. Pay your tithes and offerings to avoid financial devourers: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; (Malachi 3:11)

2. Give generously to the poor: "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." (Luke 12:33)

3. Do not let your wealth deceive you to such an extent that you neglect the Word of God: "... but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:19)

4. Fix your hope on Jesus and not on your wealth: "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)

5. Put your trust in Jesus and not in your wealth: "He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28)

6. Don't be arrogant as your riches increase: "By your great wisdom, by your trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is lifted up because of your riches." (Ezekiel 28:5)

When you apply all the above Divine principles, you make Jesus the pillar of your wealth and as you do so, your finances will never crumble in Jesus name.

COMMIT YOUR LIFETIME TO GOD

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"My times are in Your hands;
Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue and persecute me." (Psalm 31:15).

Everything in life happens according to the times and seasons Jehovah has appointed concerning them. In other words, your times and seasons of manifestation as a believer have been divinely planned by God.

However, it is unfortunate to discover that several people today fail to commit their times and seasons to the Most High God.

People in this category rule him out and attribute their achievements in life to luck and fortune. As if this is not enough, they move ahead to plan their future based on their own desires disregarding the Holy Spirit: "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit." (James 4:13).

Beloved, the devil is busy moving about the world like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour, but when you commit your times to God like the psalmist did in our introductory verse, He will ensure that you are protected from the terror of the night, the pestilence that walks in darkness and the destruction that wastes souls at noonday (Psalm 91:5-6).

I pray the Lord will give you the Divine wisdom to commit your lifetime to God as from today in Jesus mighty name.