This new week, wait on the Lord. Trust Him. Trust Him, in your job, career, studies, business, relationships, etc. And may that trust breed faith in you, fully anchored on hope and expectancy, to take God-inspired actions, that are sustained by patience, endurance and active persistence. Victory is inevitable!
True that the Holy Spirit can be received by every believer in Jesus Christ, but experiencing the gains of the indwelling Spirit doesn’t just happen by His mere presence in us, there is a continuous stirring required to ensure a steady, uninterrupted flow of the Spirit.
First Timothy chapter 6 is an admonition from Apostle Paul to shun ungodliness which is often expressed as strife, disputes, contentions, evil desires and pride. To rather pursue and embrace righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Godliness with Contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
Servants are to honor and respect their masters; whether believing or unbelieving. Teachers are to teach wholesome doctrines that are in accordance with godliness.
Verse 12 of 1 Timothy 12 is not just an admonition; it is a command. A command to fight the good fight of faith, laying hold on eternal life.
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
I Timothy 6:12 NKJV
My interest is on ‘lay hold on eternal life’.
To ‘lay hold of’ means to clench, cling to, clutch, catch, grasp, seize, to take and hold something, to understand something.
Eternal life means everlasting life, never ending life, never perishing, life more abundantly, continuous life, endless life.
If you have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you have eternal life (John 3:15-16). And the purpose of this life is to keep you in the covenant, in constant uninterrupted fellowship with God (1 John 1:1-3, John 6:54-58), to keep you safe from the Destroyer (John 10:28); safe to live and enjoy all that pertains to life and godliness available to you through Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:3).
Ungodliness and evil desires are evil, and they emanate from the evil One whose sole agenda is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
It is unlikely to be clinging, clenching, holding fast, grasping or holding firmly to eternal life (in fellowship and total surrender to God) and to still be drowned in strife, disputes, contentions, perdition, quarrels and all forms of ungodliness.
And because this life is endless and continuous, those who have it and remain fully plugged into it, can live perpetually in godliness and contentment, away from all expressions of evil.
It also is very unlikely that you’ll die before you are ready if you keep confessing and muttering “I have life and life more abundantly, God’s life, Zoe life, ….. the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is in me and continually pumps life to every part of my body”.
“We have to fight to keep our faith. Try as hard as you can to win that fight. Take hold of eternal life. It is the life you were chosen to have when you confessed your faith in Jesus—that wonderful truth that you spoke so openly and that so many people heard.“
1 Timothy 6:12 ERV
Happy Monday…
Have a most blessed week
Love Always ❤
“Hear this, you priests. Pay attention, you leaders of Israel.
Listen, you members of the royal family.
Judgment has been handed down against you.
For you have led the people into a snare by worshiping the idols at Mizpah and Tabor. You have dug a deep pit to trap them at Acacia Grove. But I will settle with you for what you have done.
I know what you are like, O Ephraim. You cannot hide yourself from me, O Israel. You have left me as a prostitute leaves her husband; you are utterly defiled. Your deeds won’t let you return to your God. You are a prostitute through and through, and you do not know the Lord .
The arrogance of Israel testifies against her; Israel and Ephraim will stumble under their load of guilt. Judah, too, will fall with them. When they come with their flocks and herds to offer sacrifices to the Lord, they will not find him, because he has withdrawn from them.
They have betrayed the honor of the Lord , bearing children that are not his. Now their false religion will devour them along with their wealth.
Sound the alarm in Gibeah! Blow the trumpet in Ramah! Raise the battle cry in Beth-aven ! Lead on into battle, O warriors of Benjamin!
One thing is certain, Israel : On your day of punishment, you will become a heap of rubble. “The leaders of Judah have become like thieves. So I will pour my anger on them like a waterfall. The people of Israel will be crushed and broken by my judgment because they are determined to worship idols. I will destroy Israel as a moth consumes wool. I will make Judah as weak as rotten wood.
When Israel and Judah saw how sick they were, Israel turned to Assyria— to the great king there— but he could neither help nor cure them.
I will be like a lion to Israel, like a strong young lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces! I will carry them off, and no one will be left to rescue them.
Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me.”
Hosea 5:1-15 NLT
………….
He who has ears let him hear.
It’s easy to have wisdom interwoven with understanding and assumed to mean same thing. But do they really mean the same?
“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
Isaiah 11:2 NLT
While Isaiah 11:2 might look like 3 bundles/pairs of the functionality of the Spirit of the Lord, however, one thing is clear, and that is the fine delineation between the Spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
Has God ever asked you to undertake a project, start a business or ministry, embark on a journey? Now, can you remember Him providing you with clear details of every stage of that endeavor from the onset?
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know what to do? Take a look at Proverbs 24:3-4, I love this portion of scripture…
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV
There are different definitions of wisdom; the right application of knowledge, knowing what is right or true, sensible thinking, etc.
The Bible provides somewhat different definition of wisdom…
“And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Job 28:28 NLT
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
Wisdom is to fear the Lord.
To fear the Lord is to reverence the Lord, to trust fully in the Lord, to hearken to the Lord.
Understanding is often explained as comprehension, insights, good judgement, awareness, discernment, etc.
From the Bible, we learn that understanding means to clearly delineate evil from good and to choose to embrace good. Understanding means discernment, clarity, gainful reflections.
Knowledge is acquired fact or information.
So, with knowledge, we gather information/facts, understanding helps us make sense of knowledge while wisdom helps us arrive at the right decision/action.
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV
We create things through wisdom and establish them through understanding.
God created all the beauties of earth and heaven through wisdom. Through understanding, He founded and established all His creations.
“By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.“
Proverbs 3:19 NLT
“But the Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.
Jeremiah 10:12 NLT
Solomon amassed the most recorded wealth in the scriptures by operating in wisdom and understanding.
“God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.“
1 Kings 4:29 NLT
“With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth— gold and silver for your treasuries.“
Ezekiel 28:4 NLT
A prosperous farmer is one that has understood the times and seasons and through wisdom takes the right actions.
“The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.”
Isaiah 28:26 NLT
“Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:17 AMPC
Therefore while we can create things through the wisdom of God, understanding is what helps us bring them to tangibility.
We need knowledge, wisdom and understanding to create and amass wealth.
To be successful in life, knowledge, wisdom and understanding must work together.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding“
Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
“But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.“
Job 12:13 NLT
“Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.“
Psalms 119:104 NLT
1. Understanding comes to us as insights when we listen and are perceptive.
Understanding comes from listening, by being perceptive, through reflective thinking, through discernment.
“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.
Matthew 13:12 NLT
“Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow—there’s nothing to them.”
Proverbs 15:7 MSG
“Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.”
Proverbs 20:5 NLT
“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”
Proverbs 18:2 NLT
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.”
Proverbs 17:27 NLT
2. Knowledge is in The Word of God.
“And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.”
Proverbs 2:6-8 MSG
3. Wisdom begins where the fear of the Lord rules however wisdom becomes fully expressed when we go back to God for understanding and knowledge.
If you ever feel like you do not know what next to do in what God has asked you to do, you need wisdom….. indeed, you’ll need more than wisdom to be successful.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.“
Proverbs 4:7 KJV
Without understanding, wisdom is fruitless.
“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV
We need understanding to gain knowledge, and we have to apply knowledge gained in order to act wisely.
Here is what I see in all of this; Listen to the Word of the Lord and draw understanding, then you will build knowledge (become knowledgeable) and when you apply gained knowledge, then you are operating in wisdom. That’s how to know what to do at every time ‘t’.
“A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.”
Proverbs 14:6 NLT
Listen. Understand. Know. Act.
This is the expected pathway to acting in wisdom. However, many times, this is not the common pathway God walks us through.
Now, back to that God-inspired project you embarked on….did God walk you through; listen to my word, gain understanding, know what I want you to do, then do it? …
Commonly, we find ourselves starting from Acting on a Godly counsel (instruction or directive), we hear God say ‘start this’ or ‘do that’ and we generally obey and follow.
We follow because we trust and reverence God. By doing so, we actually begin the walk towards wisdom…. the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom….
But then, in the middle of it all, we may seem lost unless we go back to; Listen, Understand, Know. I believe that it is when we go through this process that we are able to establish and bring to tangibility the things God spoke to our hearts.
“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV
Whatever point you are at in that Godly mission, here’s a prayer to pray….
I thank You Father because I have wisdom, understanding and knowledge. I listen and draw from understanding and knowledge from You (Your Word and Spirit), so I say that I know what to do (in line with your plan and purpose). Success is inevitable and success will be my experience in Jesus Christ name. Amen!
Everything God asks us to do will 1. work for the furtherance of the gospel; improve people’s knowledge of God, 2. Be of benefit to other people.
We must understand how the world we live in works, we must find out how our Godly mission fits into the larger whole, and we must identify areas of impact God would have us make.
Wisdom to create. Understanding to found and establish. Knowledge to make it functional and fit for purpose.
Thank You Father ❤
“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
I Peter 2:25 NKJV
“Like a good shepherd, he takes care of his people. He gathers them like lambs in his arms. He holds them close, while their mothers walk beside him.“
Isaiah 40:11 ERV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
John 10:11, 14 NKJV
“Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalms 121:4 NKJV
“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.”
Psalms 23:1-3 ERV
“Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.“
Psalms 23:4 ERV
“The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.”
Psalms 121:6 NKJV
“You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.“
Psalms 23:5 ERV
“Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.“
Psalms 23:6 ERV
I have a Good Shepherd. He is the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul. He never sleeps nor slumbers. He ensures that I have everything that I need. I am kept safe in Him. I am protected from the scorching sun, the moon provides me light in darkness.
Thank You Lord.
‘I BELIEVE’ is All Jesus ever looked for in order to heal (John 9:35, Mark 11:24, James 2:19, John 11:26, etc).
If 5 loaves of whole bread fed 5,000+ persons (with 12 baskets of fragments) and 7 loaves of whole bread fed 4,000 persons (with 7 baskets of fragments), how many persons will 1 loaf of whole bread feed?
While it may seem like our momentary subconscious negligence of the all-time workings of grace in us is a bad thing, we can actually rejoice with the realization that we are all-time champions
I have never seen a man more audacious and unconventional than Jesus Christ. With almost every encounter with the leaders and ‘teachers’ of His time, he appeared to intentionally pull down highly revered and enshrined traditions of his people. Little wonder the people stopped at nothing to eliminate him. His claim of being the Messiah didn’t even help matters. He neither looked nor acted like anything their imagination of a Messiah should be.
Jesus’s problem wasn’t with the people as much as it was with their disrespect for the law of God. He loved the people but not their acts. The people had become quite skilled in twisting and turning every part of the law to drive their personal ambitions. Worst still, they lived nothing like the law they so easily reeled out for others to follow and obey.
Truth was, Jesus didn’t come to earth to gain cheap popularity. He had a mission to accomplish. Upsetting existing man-made systems and traditions wasn’t a big deal for Him. He knew the people, probably more than they knew themselves. Explaining why he so easily thwarted every trick and stunts they tried to pull on Him.
Jesus was settled in His identity, mission and purpose. He knew that seeking a consensus or validation would ultimately deter Him from doing the unpopular things required to deliver on His mandate. Did the people think Jesus was arrogant and not humble? Your guess is as good as mine.
Do you want to accomplish your God-given purpose in God’s way? Stop seeking cheap popularity. And definitely, stop looking for validation from wrong quarters.
Be settled in your purpose, walk closely with the Holy Spirit, be full of faith, patience and endurance. And be vigilant to identify your God-sent helpers as well as agents on a contrary and opposing mission ❤
