Thriving Words

15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  - 2 Timothy 2:15-16 Yesterday, I got into a heated argument with a friend.  We were arguing on our basis for doing certain things. We both use the Bible but our interpretation was so different. One thing I notice is this: my friend interpret the Bible in the light of f what some preachers/teachers had written about it especially the world renowned ones. Do you know you can justify almost every doctrine you practiced in the Bible, good or bad? I can be killing people and I will simply refer you to the Bible. I can be doing some weird things and you will found it in the Bible. Elisha committed genocide and we could simply back him up that the spirit of God was upon him. So many weird things people do and you will be shocked they will back it up in the Bib...

For we are labourers together (TeamPlayer) with God:...   - 1 Corinthians 3:9 One beautiful thing about teamwork is you achieve more. God didn't designed to do it alone. That is why in the body of Christ, everybody has a role to play, different roles but one mission. We are called to be team player. Just like in Football, everybody can't be a striker, everybody can't be a goalkeeper,  everyone has its own role on the field.  Paul's role as a team member was to plant, Apollo another team member role was to water. Too much individualistic trait is hampering the growth of the body of believers today. We all have different skills, talents and gifts, the purpose of teamwork is to harmonize all those talents for a common purpose. Paul lay emphasis on this in  1 Corinthians chapter 12.  We need each other to go furthe r and that is why we must be a TeamPlayer. You can't achieve much on your own.  An organization that negates the power of teamwork...

"...I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone." - Number 11:17 Teamwork is simply to work together with other people to achieve a common goal. One early thing we learnt about God is Team Work. He said in  Genesis 1:25 "Let us make man......". He didn't say "Let me make man.....".   From ages past, it has been so evidential that working as a team far outweigh working alone. Together we achieve more. Together, we have more. Together our defense is better. Jesus while on earth father twelve disciples, He was actually building a team. He knew the importance of teamwork where each individual will brings his talents, skills, suggestion to the table. Nehemiah chapter 3 gives us insight on how the wall of Jerusalem was built, which family built which part and so on. Nehemiah wa...

W Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? - Judges 1:1 I continue on the need for us to consult God before embarking on a project. You and I do not know  tommorrow, but God knows everything including tommorrow, won't it be wise for us to ask Him about the tommorrow. The Israelites knew this because that was how Joshua had led them.  Prayer is one way to consult with God: Prayer is not a monologue, it's a dialogue but unfortunately most has turned it into a monologue affair thus making it one-sided. We connect to God in prayer and in the place of prayer, we receive direction; We receive clarity to our confuse state; we receive divine guidance.  One major tool in consulting is communication and to communicate is to pray. We fight less, win more in the place of prayer. A prayerless life is a powerless life, without it, you...

Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? - Judges 1:1 Joshua the leader of the Israelite is dead, and the people don't know what next to do concerning the decision on who to fight for them against the Canaanites. The lesson in this verse is simple and straight forward;  Who you consult before taking a major decision is a determining factor in how well the decision will go.  The people of Israel can decide to choose anyone without consulting God but they know better. If there is anyone that know it all, know it best and never make mistake, it is God. One major thing I have learnt in life is this:  when you stick to what God says, you can't fail.  Yeah our human wisdom really do tell us what to do and how to do it but it's nevertheless limited. Throughout the pages if the Bible, God has never for once lost a battle. He is the fir...

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. - Psalm 23:6 Recently I was pondering on the benediction style in my church and most church. It usually goes like this; " Let's share the grace....".  Then the second part of it is the popular recitation from  psalm 23:6.  This is what got me pondering, the last part of the verse that says " I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever".  That was David making that prayer. He wants to stay in God's house forever. Back then in those days, the house of God which is the synagogue (temple) is equivalent to the Presence of God.  But all that change when Jesus came,  we don't dwell in the house of God. We are the House of God. God dwells in us through the Holy Spirit. If we still wait to go to our local parish before we access God's Presence, we are living in the oldies. We are carrier of God's presence. Wherever you are,...

11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12  But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.   - Exodus 1:11-12 Years after Joseph died, another new generation leader is in charge in Egypt. The Israelites were then already a mighty and prosperous people, the new king was jealous of them and also scared of them, so he devised a plan in which they will wipe out the Israelite with rigorous tasks. But here is the interesting part, the more the Israelites were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew. That baffles the Egyptian. Their plans has backfired and they are in disarray. They try so many evil methods to suffer the Israelites yet this special group of people keeps waxing stronger and stronger. What was the secret of the Israelites? How did they do it? God was their secret...

Does Job serve God for nothing? - Job 1:9 Someone said it's easier to serve God when all your prayers are answered, when all your desires and dreams come to pass. But when the storm comes in, will you still serve God? Will you still give Him praise even when there is trouble? Will you still tell people how Great He is even when you lost a loved one.? One-sided Christianity has kind of ruined some believes' true perspective. Imagine some believers going through what Job went through, most will simply find another god as an alternative. Life is full of ups and downs for everybody on this earth regardless of who you are or what you do. Jesus didn't promise a storm-free life but He promises His protection through the storm. Jesus didn't promise a persecution-free life but He promises to be with us through it all... The way we serve and worship God should NOT be a function of what we go through or a function of how much is in our bank account. Regardless of a...

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; - Mark 6:7  During his brief time on this earth, there are so many things to learn from the live of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Jesus method was discipleship. He trained them and send them forth even while on earth, He has been sending them forth. We  can learn a lot from Jesus' approach as a leader to delegation of ministry in Mark 6:7-13. His method was to train the disciples and delegate responsibilities to them. Jesus didn't limit Himself,  He delegate to His disciples and reposition to build a strong and successful team of Ordinary Folks that are able to thrive in their ministerial calling. Of course consider the people that you are delegating to. Jesus choose his disciples carefully knowing fully well their strength and weakness.  At first there will be a   learning curve, but once your team is on board with yo...

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: - Exodus 18:21 We continue on on the series 'Power of Delegation'. The last but not the least quality to consider before you delegate is; • Contentment: there are some roles/responsibility that you can't delegate to a greedy person especially in the area of finance. People of integrity are those that have contentment. A contended person will be honest enough to carry out his/her functions well enough. Jethro also advised Moses to put leaders in charge who can overseer the affairs of the people from their tens to their thousands. This is a very simple way of even rewarding the diligent leaders. When a leader managing ten people does well, he/she will be promoted to managing a hundred. If he/she still does, will be promoted to managing...

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: - Exodus 18:21 We continue on on the series 'Power of Delegation'. What are the qualities one need to look out for in the person you want to delegate to? Moses Father in-law, Jethro gave him  some insight on this.  • A Delegate must be able: He/she must have the ability to carry out the responsibilities delegated to him. For example: you need help with an I.T problem and you delegate it to someone who doesn't know anything about I.T. Such person is bound to fail because he/she is not capable to carry out the responsibility delegated to him/her. Capability is the first trait you check before delegating. Delegating to an incapable person is worst than not delegating. • God Fearing: A delegate that is God fearing will carry out his/her r...

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22  And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. - Exodus 18:21-22 In Exodus 18:13-26, the Bible tells us about the work Moeses is doing, judging the people, teaching them the ordinances of God. He does this from day to night. Of course like every other human, he becomes so tired and worn out. Jethro, his father in law advised me to delegate some of this responsibilities to other people who are worthy to judge. Only great issues that require his attention should be brought to him. Guess what? It works. Moses was able to free up time to do other important things as we...

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9  For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. - Proverb 1:8-9 One of the major functions of parents is to instruct the children in the right way. No sane father won't want the best for his children. Even the evil fathers love their children. When you despise the instructions of your Parents, you could be headed for destruction. Every child that want to go far in life won't ignore the advise of his/her parents.  One of the first advice given by Solomon is for child to hearken unto the voice of the parents. Most children that repeat the mistakes of their parents are those that haven't learnt at their feet.  The impact of a father/mother in the life of a child can't not be over emphasis. Perhaps your biological father or mother is late, you surely have a father/mother figure who you can learn from. The instructions of your Father (or ...

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  - Matthew 25:40 One thing I have come to understand in life is this: You are blessed so that you can be a blessing to others. You are assisted so that you can assist others. God has helped you, in like manner be of help to people.   No help is too small, whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever position you occupy, use it to help people. When you die, you will be remembered for the lives you have touched and helped. Nothing is wrong with you having assets, but there is something wrong if you are rich and you do not help other people. God is our helper, believers are also called to be helper. God has position people to help you in life, the same way you are also positioned to help people in this life. Many children still go to bed hungry, many intelligent folks can't still pay school fees. Many...

And the LORD answered me, and said,  Write the vision , and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. - Habakkuk 2:2 For some times, I wonder why God asked Habakkuk to write the vision. Later in life, I have come to discover that every Believer should be a writer.  One major reason we write things down is to be able to make reference to it. Writing a vision down denotes the importance of that vision. Many people don't believe in the power of writing their goals down. Their year end goal, or 5 years goals in life. Writing it down plainly will always make it useful to you on your way to achievement. No matter how intelligence we might be, our mind is bound to forget some things. Whatsoever God is telling you, write it down. Along the line, when things ain't right, you can go back to what you have written Down.  We are able to read the Bible because it was written down. Whatever you write down now might help someone after you. Write! Wri...

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.     - Psalm 121:4 The spiritual Israelites as indicated in the above verse are the believers. True and guaranteed protection comes only from God. We must not rely upon men and means, instruments to protect us from the evil of this world. The Almighty God is  the keeper of every particular believer, who may promise themselves the utmost safety under His care.  Every believers must look to God who makes all earthly things to us what they are for absolute protection. We must see all our protection in God; from Him we must expect it, in His own way. We comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers arises. It is almighty wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of those that put themselves under God's protection. God is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; He is never weary; he not only does not sleep, but He does not so much as slumber.   Many people re...

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay  tithe  of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. - Matthew 23:23 Recently, there has been this fierce and controversial debate on tithing. A school of though believes tithing was under the law and has no place in the New Testament which is the dispensation of grace. Another school of thought believes tithe is necessary and that not doing so attracts curses that God outlined in Malachi chapter 3. Another school of thought believes tithing is needed but not compulsory, it is believed that tithing is not gonna attract any curse because God is a God of Love, He doesn't curse. Honestly I have been reading various responses each day on tithing. But I remember today's verse on what Jesus said. Exactly what was happening then is kind of happening now. There are more important things ...

He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; - Romans 4:20 Abraham happens to be a man who has no child even at his old age. God promised him a child (which kind of seem impossible), Abraham's wife Sarah finds it difficult to believe but Abraham believed it and surely it came to pass. Abraham has no doubt that God will give him a child.  There is no reason to stagger at, or hesitate about any of the promises of God, since they are made by Him that cannot lie; His faithfulness is engaged to perform them; with Him all things are possible; every promise is in Christ, yea and amen, and never did any fail; and yet so it is, that some of God's children. As believers, we can learn from Abraham when it comes to faith. Whatever God has said will surely come to pass. We must learn to have faith in God and hold on to the promises of God for us.   Stop doubting what God can and will do. Doubt weakens your fait...

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and  lose his  own soul? - Matthew 16:26 Toward the end of His time on earth, Jesus explained to his disciples the reason why He has to die. It was for them to live. The death of Jesus is to redeem our souls from death. These days, believers has become materialistic and we pay more attention to the needs of our flesh than the need of our soul. Every now and then, believer in pursuit of his/her daily need so so with little regards to the soul. One of the most important and valuable thing in this world is the salvation of our soul.  Having all the money in this world, achieving your physical goals of this world is not important than your soul. After death, we will become immortal, and then everything you see now will already be useless. The only useful thing that will remains is your saved soul. In search of your daily needs, take heeds to your soul. Don't sell your conscience because of money. Do...

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. - John 1:46 When Philip told Nathanael that he has found the long promise messiah, Nathanael couldn't believe it, he found it too good to be true.  Most people then expect the Messiah to come from a very powerful family possibly royal and from a powerful town but hearing  Jesus was from Nazareth was really incredible. Nazareth wasn't known for anything peculiar.   Nathanael’s prejudice was but the giving voice to a fault that is as wide as humanity, and which we have every day of our lives to fight with; not only in regard to religious matters but in regard to all others-namely, the habit of estimating people, and their work, and their wisdom, and their power to teach us, by the class to which they are supposed to belong, or even by the place from which they come. So many times we judge people based on where they come from, who they are, their fam...

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. - Genesis 37:18  In this very month, every conspiracy against you will be in vain and everyone that conspire against you shall be exposed. In this very month, every evil plans for you in the future is annulled. Every killer sent to kill you before your set time are all destroyed. In this very month, the Lord will take you from the midst of conspirers and move you above them. In this very month, all those that want to slay you wouldn't be able.  The almighty God will move you higher, He will increase and enlarge you on every side. You will do well than all those who don't wish you well . This month of November will be far. Enter than the previous month: in this month, you are unshakable, unstoppable and in moveable. This is your month or accelerated progress, unlimited success, unrivaled miracles. Good Morning and Do have a blessed month.