Who Determines Who lives or not?

More profound reflections of events around us are sufficient proof signalling life’s short term. No one holds the power keys to life and death except Jehovah. He decides when to open or close the life’s chapter of any individual. Acknowledging this helps to see the danger of taking life for granted. No one is a master of their destiny. Each life can upturn any time, and so, it is vital living each day cautiously void of sin.
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Defining the Perfect Friendship

After the pandemic, many people told me they realised they did not have any friends at all. It was not as if they never had any, but during the successive lockdown, many things about them and their friends came to the surface that they did not know existed before. It was like opening up the Pandora box at the wrong time. This happened to me, too. Perhaps you also had similar experiences. The point is, maybe we have asked for too much from our friendship with others than we ought to. If we can only avoid putting our trust in people and shift it all on Jehovah, we will not be disappointed. We can still have our friends, but we must not expect them to do anything or everything for us because they, too, are humans. Christ is the sole portrait of perfect friendship.

The End of Dislocated Societies?

Presently, many issues are affecting our societies. First is the COVID-19, which brings irreparable divisions and conflicts between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated. Second, the debates about Woke culture. The recent Peter Dinklage’s confrontation of the Disneyland Snow White film exposes hidden abuse of other people long considered abnormal within our societies. Those with Achondroplasia did not choose to be as they are, and it takes only one man to step up before a large organisation can recognise the human rights abuse. That ought not to be so. Other non-exhausted issues include hate speech, intolerance, racism and elevated levels of self-cantered. What is Christian love if we have difficulty accepting others as they are? What are our reactions when we come in contact with those with disabilities? How better can we define our relationship with Christ when we fail to acknowledge that we are part of those people who help through our unacceptable actions and characters in establishing our present-day dislocated societies?

The Mighty Ones

God’s angels are with us. We see some, but we don’t know they are Jehovah’s. We don’t see some because we are not allowed to, yet they know us all. These angels are the busiest because they must carry out each of God’s commands, such as protecting, safeguarding, guiding, carrying goodwill or even dishing out punishment. However, many Christians fail to acknowledge their presence because they don’t consider their importance. That is a terrible mistake! There are lots of deliverance stories in the Bible where angels intervened. Have you ever wondered how you escaped from a
dangerous situation? Well, God’s angel is at work. Sometimes the Lord either watches over us Himself or order His angel to do the job. We are not Worshipping angels when we acknowledge them. Instead, we are honouring Jesus. They are His “mighty ones” powerful than us, and a better example is Jacob, who wrestled with an angel throughout the night and dislocated his hip in the process.

May He open our eyes to see them in Jesus name.

The Real Face of Sin

This passage of the Gospel of Mark is part of a work-in-progress in a theological research study. The entire story of the demon-possessed boy’s deliverance is from Mark 9-14:29. And it is one of the most challenging cases the Lord handled. This spirit refused to leave the boy but to destroy him. Even the disciples failed to cast it out. It was after Jesus returned from the transfiguration on the higher mountain that He came face-to-face with the church leaders arguing with the disciples and the boy’s father. The latter could not imagine that Jesus’ disciples are incapable of healing his son. But understand, the storyline reveals the undeniable power of our Lord Jesus Christ over any power. The demon pretended to be mute when it was not. And it was trying everything to make sure the boy died. But why would this spirit bend on destroying the boy? Jesus’ statement while addressing the demonic spirit to come out and “never enter him again” is probably an indication of sin. It is either the boy or his father who had committed a wrongdoing. The only way to deal forever with an evil spirit is to live a sin-free life. Suppose that boy or his father went back to commit the same sin that brought in the demon, then it is likely to come back, and this time it will ensure it kills the boy. Any Christian who thinks they can continue to sin in secret even after reaffirming their faith in God is paving the way to return troubles into their lives. Sin offers nothing but destruction.

The Mighty Power of the Cross

Any fathers expect that their children to follow in their footsteps. And the children hope that their fathers recognise them and their needs. Any child is happy when recognised for their labour. In the above verse, Judas Iscariot was preparing to betray Jesus, who knew already the end was here. At this point, before he stood up, there was that sudden recognition of His father’s love for Him.

In Christ’s Shield

From generation to generation, the most vulnerable people bear the brunt of injustice. Domestic violence against women exists before the global Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is exacerbated beyond disproportionate numbers. In addition, in most places, children and the elderly are experiencing all forms of oppression fleshed out in poverty, famine, drought, lack of primary health care and needs, and many more. Many are asking where is Jehovah in all these. The answer is He is forever present, even when it seems not to be the case. God knows our current generation more than we do. He knows the deception beneath every act of governance and in all sectors. Today, inequalities are now the order of the day because of the need for the dominant groups to continue to maintain their upper position. They utilise all tactics to suppress others rights, such as compulsory vaccinations, higher taxes, expensive educational fees and more. Despite all, the true believers continue to find shelter under the Lord’s wings because He keeps His promises of seeing us through all kinds of situations no matter what or how. Having that assurance in Christ is enough to know that we will always be protected.

How to Finish Well

Well, 2021 is gone. Its chapter is closed forever, never to return. Today begins a fresh start to another twelve months journey that is unpredictable by humans. One can only speculate about how this year will be, but Jehovah alone knows its beginning to the end. Hence, I encourage you to stay focused on Jesus Christ throughout this journey. It is easier to sink into the deep water if you lift your eyes from looking at the saviour. You need to maintain a guard against the fountain of your heart, spirit, soul and body. Temptations and unprecedented events may surface; however, it is upholding faith in the Almighty that you become an overcomer. Therefore, please stay strong, attentive and be courageous. No matter how much you experienced last year, trust that this year will be your year of breakthrough. Do not give up. Do not back down while at the door of success. Do not retire from pursuing your dreams. Fight. Faith. Stay and be bold in the face of adversities.
May you finish this year beautifully.

What Can You Change?

Someone once asked me why I placed so much of my thoughts on a recent event as if I could change it. He was right as I did not realise I’d dwell too much on this issue. Everyone finds themselves in such a position where we want to turn back the hands of the clocks and reverse any unpleasant experience. But can we change it? If not, why worry when we can put all our anxieties at the feet of Jesus, allowing Him to take control? I love the above Philippians verse because it sums up the direct gateway to redemption. We cast aside our worries. Instead, we pray to the Father in Jesus name by telling Him what we want and ends it with the thanksgiving of faith, believing that it is done. So simple, right?

May the Lord Gives You Peace

Are you fed up with so many life’s events? Are you worried sick of many personal issues affecting your mind, soul and body? Are you concerned about a friend, a child? or someone else? Whatever is bothering you, I say to you today by the authority given to me that the Almighty Jehovah, the Supernaturally Incomparable God, gives you peace that surpasses all human understanding in Jesus name, AMEN.

Live ‘n’ Let’s Live

The growing trend of individualism is troubling. Everyone seems to be striving to waylay the other people to be the first. In this battle for fame, many Christians forget quickly the principle of giving others the liberty to express their God-giving gifts. They want to get the first price ahead of others when in fact, they ought to be helping others to climb the ladders of success. If it is difficult to support those who need help, then why not allow others to assist them? Why attempt to block their ways of development? Why prevent them from living their lives the way they desire?

Every Season A Reason

To all things, there is a season and a reason. The Ecclesiastes is right about this. Nothing happens for nothing. The same goes for praise and worship when only the living has the power to honour Jehovah. “While theirs is still time”’ implies while the believer is still alive, while they have the capabilities to offer their lives, souls and bodies to the services of God. These they can no longer do once they pass on to glory. That’s why everything we do on earth must be done with the consciousness that God is watching, and we must be cautious.