Road Signs

Have you ever been at a crossroad… everyway seems like the right way, you lack the necessary ability to decide which way to take? It is a regular occurrence in our day-to-day life. Decisions and choices face us each day. Starting from very big ones to the very small ones like what cloth to wear, what road to take, what and when to eat, etc. these are the choices that face us each day. There are times when human research and evaluation are just not enough. We do not have the ability to foresee how future events and decisions might affect the world in which we live. At those times when we are at lack as to the right decision or path to take, we need the help of the Holy Spirit.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit (the gift of Word of Wisdom, the gift of Word of Knowledge and the gift of Discernment of Spirits) are available to us, not just for our heavenly race, but also for our day-to-day decision-making. A Bible scholar described the Holy Spirit as that person that will always stay at one end of the table while you stay at one end and He will help you lift that table you would not have lifted on your own.

When we talk about the Word of Wisdom, we speak of things like common sense, sound judgement and keen insight – critical qualities in critical times. The Word of Wisdom constitutes supernatural, not human, insight given for specific situations. A Word of Wisdom is a specific message from the Holy Spirit for a specific situation that there would have been no human way of obtaining it.

Just like the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge describes a gift of knowledge through the Spirit for a specific instance or circumstance. It has nothing to do with human attainment. Discernment of Spirit is a gift that relates distinctly to distinguishing between spirits. It enables believers to comprehend the spiritual power that lies behind human activity.

Situations that demand the Holy Spirit’s help to make informed and sound decisions arise every now and then in our lives. God’s answer to these needs comes in the form of the gifts of a Word of Wisdom, a Word of Knowledge, and the Discerning of Spirits. The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom and knowledge in situations that call for more than our natural abilities to handle. The Spirit also helps us discern when the enemy of our soul is at work. Thank God for these gifts and ask Him to reveal what believers need to know to serve Him.

“…Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.

­­(1 Corinthians 14:12, NLT)

HEAVEN and HELL

I met a friend who told me he is scared and worried with the way his faith in running this Christian race is dwindling. So he began to narrate how he read and listened to testimonies of people who died and were given a second chance to come back to life, and some that even had experience and visions of HEAVEN and HELL. He continued; the Intricacy of the matter is that some of these people often end up in saying that outstanding ministers that were seen to be God’s general, while they were alive didn't make it to Heaven after death. When I heard this, I just said to myself that I’m doomed.

In our “what’s in it for me” culture, it’s often hard to convey the principle of commitment to anything. Unfortunately, this difficulty sometimes extends to the church. The trend among many Christians is to view their faith in terms of getting blessings from the Lord rather than taking on the responsibilities that come from being children of God and heirs of His Kingdom. A Song writer wrote;

I want to scale the utmost height  

And catch a gleam of glory bright

But still I’ll pray till heav’n I've found,

“Lord Plant my feet on higher ground.”

 There is now therefore, an increased importance for us to conform to the ways and standards of Jesus, our Lord and King.

 To further emphasize the point, the bible in John 12:26 says If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (AMP). Colossians 1:9-14 also confirmed this.

 

My friend made the gravest mistake by looking up to men’s standard rather than godly standard. Mind you, you can still follow godly standards and unbelievers see Christ in you and follow as well. We must not become complacent in our work with the Lord. When non-believers look at our lives, they should see a difference in us, a difference that comes from Christ living in us. Let us follow God’s ways so those outside of Christ’s Kingdom can see something that challenges the way they live their lives. Let our desire be for the Lord to use us to affect the lives of those around us.

Trouble Looming

In a world where common sense and morality is being looked at as primitive, a world that has become a ‘mecca’ of addictions featuring masturbation, smoking, drinking, rage, gossip, homosexuality etc…it’s so intense that some developed nations have classified Nigeria as unsuitable for support because of its stand against gay marriage.

A friend studying cinematography in the United States recently complained on her blackberry DP [Displayed Picture] saying, “everybody for America na? Me I don tire…” The problem is not only out there but here with us and in the church. So much distraction, entertainment, worldliness has taken our minds off what gives us life and essence, God’s Word.

The Bible is a book that cleanses us as we read it. Since we are in daily need of cleansing, it is important for us to take time daily to read and study God’s word. Without regular exposure to the scriptures, we will not be transformed into Kingdom citizens.

This week‘s lesson stresses our need to recommit to the word of God. As we reflect on its contents, do so with a determination not only to read the Bible but also to recognize God’s purpose for it in our lives. He desires to build the character of Jesus in our lives. ……….. Nehemiah 8:1-18

Most of us would probably agree with the assertion that knowing and obeying God’s Word is foundational to the Christian life. The bible is the operational manual for Christian living. If you do not read and understand it, living like Christ will be difficult for you. So the challenge for us may be found more in putting into practice what we learn from God’s Word.

Unbelievers can also come into a life of obedience by reading or hearing the word of God. The gospel has power to bring those outside of faith to the point of repentance. Think about the people God has placed in our lives. Let us ask the Lord for opportunities to present the gospel to them. You were saved to help bring others to salvation.

"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" – James 1:22