Category: Spirituality (page 1 of 3)

A collection of blog posts about Christianity and faith

How to Stay Focused and Accomplish Your Great Work

“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (Nehemiah 6:3 NLT)

In a busy world with lots of things happening, being a good leader means staying really focused on what you need to do. A long time ago, Nehemiah had a big job—fixing the walls of Jerusalem. Some people tried to distract him, but he said, ‘I’m doing important work, so I can’t come. Why stop working to meet with you?’ This shows how important it is to stay determined and focused, just like Nehemiah did. We can learn a lot from his story, and it still matters for leaders like you today.

WHO WAS NEHEMIAH?

Nehemiah is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly known for his leadership and administrative skills. His story is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah where he acted as a great worker and leader during a critical period in Israelite history.

In the 20th year of Artaxerxes’ reign, Nehemiah learns about the dire condition of Jerusalem, his homeland. The city walls were in ruins, leaving the inhabitants vulnerable to attacks and making the city susceptible to disgrace. While working as a cupbearer in the Persian kingdom, Nehemiah’s heart was moved, and he felt a deep sense of responsibility to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem

Nehemiah’s leadership shows us what we need for success in anything we do, like dealing with changes at work, encouraging new ideas, or solving important problems in society.

START WITH PRAYERS

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4 NLT)

 

Nehemiah was a great leader because he believed strongly in God. Before making decisions, he prayed and asked God for help. This helped him be a good leader because he made sure his actions were in line with what God wanted. His trust in God was a big part of how he led.

Times spent in prayer will allow you to approach your tasks with favour and grace. Instructions and knowledge come in the place of prayer.

 

FEAR AS A WEAPON OF THE DEVIL

The word Fear was mentioned four times in Nehemiah 6. Private messages, open letters and false instructions were sent to intimidate Nehemiah from completing his work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Despite facing opposition from neighbouring enemies, including Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah remained steadfast and resolute. He implemented strategic defensive measures, ensuring that the people continued working on the walls while being prepared to defend themselves if necessary. His determination and courage in the face of adversity exemplify the qualities of a strong leader.

God has called you to a great work but the Devil will try to inject fear. If you don’t guard your heart in these times, fear can creep in and prevent you from completing the great work.

This is similar to how people fear thunder yet lightning does the actual destruction. Fear kills people faster than the physical damage done. Eliminating fear is important and that’s why God has given you the Spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

BE CAREFUL OF WRONG ALLIANCES AND PUBLIC OPINIONS

There were attempts by Nehemiah’s adversaries, including Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, to undermine his leadership and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. They sought to distract him from his mission by inviting him to a meeting under the guise of forming an alliance. Nehemiah, however, discerned their deceitful intentions. He recognized that entering into such alliances could compromise the integrity of his leadership and distract him from the crucial task of rebuilding the walls.

There are so many opinions and facts in the public space. And most of these opinions come from evil people and places to provide anxiety and confusion. When anxious and uncomfortable thoughts come, rebuke these thoughts immediately and pick them as a signal to quickly come back to God.

Remember there is only one Truth i.e. the Truth of God that gives you freedom. Always Seek God’s Word to know the truth.

BE OPEN TO HEARING IN THE SPIRIT

Despite facing false rumours and attempts to tarnish his reputation, Nehemiah remained steadfast. He responded firmly, stating that he was too busy with the important work at hand and would not be swayed. Nehemiah was able to discern the motives of his enemies throughout his work of rebuilding the ruined walls of Jerusalem.

Your heart must be open to perceive the voice of God. He is always speaking. When God asks you to move from one place to another, it’s not because of the fear of the enemies attacking you. It’s the confidence in what God will do for you.

When you make a decision, ask the Holy Spirit what is your underlying motive for the decision. Is it fear of the enemy or faith in God?

The devil is frightened and humiliated when you complete the work with the help of God. You must focus on the work that God gives you rather than being distracted by the antics of the devil.

WHAT IS THE GREAT WORK?

Nehemiah’s efforts were successful. The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in an astonishingly short period of time. (The walls had not been built in 70 years but Nehemiah built them in 52 days). This was a testament to his effective leadership, organizational skills, and the unity he fostered among the people

Nehemiah’s story serves as an inspiration for leaders in various fields, emphasizing the importance of faith, vision, perseverance, and a commitment to the well-being of the community. His legacy as a great worker and leader continues to resonate in both religious and leadership contexts, making him a revered figure in the biblical narrative.

Nehemiah’s great work was to rebuild the walls and establish the gates of Jerusalem. He restored the pride of Jerusalem in 52 days.

What’s your great work? – As a believer, your great work is to establish the kingdom of God on earth.

The devil uses the same tactics of fear and intimidation today. Be aware of contradictions preventing you from establishing God’s kingdom. Focus on the great work you are sent to do.

PRAYER REMAINS THE MASTER KEY

With prayer, your spirit is more attuned to listening from God. Every major event in the scriptures started in the place of prayer.  Nothing happens by mere circumstances. As a believer, you can influence your reactions by starting with prayers. Prayers also guard you with wisdom to navigate your tasks and accomplish great work.

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          Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

ALWAYS DO GOD’S WORK. IT’S THE GREAT WORK

Always wear the full armour of God and live His Word daily when establishing God’s kingdom on earth. Doing this will allow you to accomplish the great work with speed.

Establish God’s kingdom everywhere you go, including your workplace. And be rest assured that when you do God’s work, he will do your work.

Originally Written by Fredrick Osheku

The secret of increase: Here is The Lifelong principle

Here is a simple story to illustrate the principle of knowing the secret of increase. It is famously called The Parable of the Sower:

“Consider this: There was a farmer who went out to sow seeds. As he cast his seeds, some fell along the beaten path and birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell onto the gravel that had no topsoil. The seeds quickly shot up, but when the days grew hot, the sprouts were scorched and withered because they had insufficient roots. Other seeds fell among the thorns and weeds, so when the seeds sprouted, so did the weeds, crowding out the good plants. But other seeds fell on good, rich soil that kept producing a good harvest. Some yielded thirty, some sixty and some even one hundred times as much as he planted! If you’re able to understand this, then you need to respond.”

You are like the Farmer

Farmer planting Seed:
Secret of Increase by Zamai Banje
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

The job of every farmer is to have a great harvest. Every farmer is intentional and obeys the laws of the land. This applies to Christians too. You must obey the principles to ensure an increase.

Sadly, many people are still bound because they don’t know these principles. They possess the old mindset which revolves around having ungodly thoughts, wrong philosophy gained from deduction and personal experience.

What is The Secret of Increase

To know the secret of increase, you need to understand the power of God in your life. In John 8:32, Jesus Christ affirms you shall know the truth, and it shall make you free.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Jesus Christ, John 8:32

There is no increase without freedom. Truth is the access code to freedom. This means if the word of God is the Truth, then the Word is the secret of increase.

Your level of increase does not depend on how long you have been a Christian. Rather, it depends on how much you know about God’s Word and how it impacts your faith and thinking.

The Four States of the Heart

To gain freedom, there must be a hunger and strong appetite for the Word. The parable of the sower shows how we can identify the states of our heart and how to apply the secret of increase.

The seed from the parable is the Word of God, and it’s incorruptible. The potency of the seed can be maximized or minimized on the soil (your attitude). There are four states of the heart. Please do a self-audit as you examine each state:

Photo by ATC Comm Photo from Pexels

1. The Pathway or Wayside Heart

This is the high traffic mind that cannot be still enough to incubate the Word. With the pathway heart, there is no appetite for God’s Word. This happens because the heart is full of personal ideologies and half-truths.

These are people who forget the word immediately they finish hearing it. They are easily distracted and find alternative ways to fill their hearts. This could be social media, Netflix or obsession with work.

What is the Solution if you have a Wayside Heart?

Desire the Word. Be more receptive and intentional. Change your attitude towards receiving God’s Word.

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2

2. The Rocky Heart

This is a heart full of emotional reactions. It has a mental assent of the Word without strong conviction. The rocky heart is excited at what is possible but fails to take action.

This set of people usually engage the teachings with emotions. Yet, they forget God’s Word when tribulations and negative circumstances come. When you have a rocky heart, the teachings you receive remain at the head level. The head level is the level of awareness

God’s Word first creates awareness in your head before it brings revelation and faith to your heart. The Power of the Word only comes alive when you move from awareness to revelation and faith.

What is the Solution when you have a Rocky Heart?

Stay in the Word and diligently seek Him.

But without Faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

3. The Thorny Heart

This is the heart full of worldly worries, glamorized social media lifestyles and status consciousness.

If your outlook becomes influenced by the affairs of the world, it eventually chokes the Word of God. When you have a thorny heart, you see God as the access to material wealth, rather than the centre of your existence. You begin to see God as a tool, rather than a father.

What do You do if you have a Thorny Heart?

Make God’s kingdom your first priority. Don’t live to please others.

Read this article (INVEST IN RELATIONSHIPS THE RIGHT WAY) to learn the proper way to build relationships.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

4. The ‘Good Ground’ Heart

This is the heart that is receptive, amenable and humble. It is open to instruction and desperate for transformation.

When you have the ‘good ground’ heart, you delight in God’s Word and meditate on it daily.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

But the delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalms 1:1-3

Final Words

It’s possible to exhibit various states of the heart depending on the situation. Keep vigilant watch over the state of your heart at all times.

Growth will only happen when you locate where you are and move away from there.

Prime Source: Elevation Church Sermon on March 14, 2021.

Salt and Light: When your Purpose meets Brilliance

Have you ever read a specific verse in the Bible from a different version and had a profound perspective? This is how I felt after reading Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message. After reading these verses and sharing my thoughts, I sincerely hope it gives clarity and understanding in whatever you do. Read closely because it is also the sole reason on why you and I are here on Earth:

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

MATTHEW 5:13-16 MSG

Salt of the Earth: Be Valuable

In those days, salt was so valuable and useful that it was used as money. Today, America’s sea salt company identified over 14,000 uses of salt. It’s obvious that to live a healthy life, salt must be part of your daily diet. This is how you should be. Be the salt of the earth. Be extremely important in offering value. Here is how to be the salt of the earth:

Salt and Light: When your purpose meets brilliance
Photo by Jason Tuinstra on Unsplash
  • Be Salt. Preserve the peace in your environment and those around you. Try to be peaceful with all men (at least from your end).
  • Be Salt. Listen critically and cleanse the impurities. Dissociate from bad people and remove corrupt communication. Do what is right at all times.
  • Be Salt. Add ‘taste’ and ‘spice’ to the lives of others. Bring the individuality and uniqueness of your mentors, peers and juniors. Be a beacon of positivity and wisdom.
  • Be Salt. Know your origin. Just as how salts originate from the ocean, know you come from a place of abundance. You are limitless and vast. You are from a source of never-ending wisdom, strength and creativity. Knowing your self-identity also boosts your self-worth.

You are the salt of the Earth. Don’t forget this.

Light of the World: Be Visible

The Sun. The Moon. Electric bulb. Candle. These are symbols of life, tranquillity, innovation and restoration respectively. All because they produce light.

Salt and Light: Where your purpose meets brilliance
Photo by Dyu – Ha on Unsplash

This is who you are. The light of the world. You are never meant to be hidden. People need you to survive. Embrace this philosophy wherever you go. Here is how to be the light of the world:

  • Be Light. Give life. Let your attitude, actions and words always spread positivity and joy. People should feel energized, encouraged and elated when they see and hear you.
  • Be Light. Be visible. Share your story. Share your talents in whatever you can. You cannot be hidden. You are meant for the top. Strive with excellence and the urge to learn. Be spectacular in your doings. Always show up strong.
  • Be Light. Illuminate. Enlighten people around you with your exposure, experience and expertise. Don’t be a lonely light in the midst of darkness because it will eventually consume you. Light others up literally. Always seek ways to bring out the potential in others.
  • Be Light. Innovate. For instance, the Sun, fire and lighting powered by electricity give us energy, the power to stay active at night and improves our lives at a faster pace. This is how you ought to be. Stay active. Come up with new ideas. Improve constantly. This is the only way you can shine brighter.

FINAL WORDS

I know life is not perfect and throw bad situations at you. There are certain times when you might feel useless, unimportant or confused on what to do with your day or life in general. Or when waves of loneliness or darkness consume your thoughts which in turn affect your attitude and actions.

Please stay strong in those moments. Stay in constant contact with the Creator. Seek advice from positive friends. And one thing is certain.

Never lose sight of who you are. You are Salt and Light.