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Showing posts from March, 2024

Pastor, but I love him and my feelings for him are deep..."

When you're about to express love to someone, it's crucial to remember something important: if your love for that person makes you disobey God's word, then it's not genuine love, but rather it's a form of lust. This can be either the lust of the eyes or the lust of the flesh. To explain this further, let's consider the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham had waited for many years to have a child, so naturally, when Isaac was born, Abraham loved him deeply. However, when God tested Abraham's love by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. This showed that Abraham's love for God was greater than his love for his son. This story teaches us an important lesson: anything we love more than God becomes an idol in our lives. Even if it's something as precious as a child, if we prioritize it above our love for God, it becomes an idol. True love for God means putting Him first in our lives, even above the things and people we ...

"Pastor, can you explain the distinction between religion and spirituality?"

  In my opinion, religion means following certain practices to worship a deity or spirit being. The dictionary gives a few definitions of religion, which are similar. Here are some: Believing in a spiritual or metaphysical reality, often involving one or more deities, along with rituals related to that belief. Worshiping a superhuman power, like a God or gods. Following a specific system or set of beliefs and practices related to faith and worship. So, when people follow these practices, they consider themselves spiritual. This practice is known as spirituality. Spirituality is just doing things related to the spirit. While religion and spirituality are connected, they're not the same thing. Religion has set practices that make someone spiritual, but spirituality isn't tied to a particular practice. This means that sometimes, the Spirit might ask for something that isn't a practice in your religion. The people of Israel were spiritual because they followed the laws God gave...

Pastor, I'm getting frustrated. Why does it seem like money slips away so quickly, even when I work really hard for it?"

These days, there are many reasons why money seems to disappear quickly from our hands. While spiritual factors might play a role, it's essential to also consider some everyday reasons. Let's take a look at a few of them: The Economy The global economy isn't doing so well these days. Some countries are struggling more than others, and this affects everyone living there. For example, in my country, the cost of fuel suddenly skyrocketed. Since almost everything depends on fuel to function, the prices of basic things shot up too. But sadly, people's wages didn't increase to match these higher costs. So, imagine if you were earning a certain amount when fuel was cheaper, and suddenly the prices went up. You'd find yourself struggling to make ends meet because the money you used to spend in a month now has to last much shorter. This is a common problem many face today. Overspending I once knew someone who planned to furnish his new apartment with all the latest gadge...

"Pastor, I want to be more generous, but right now, I only give when I have extra money. Is that alright?"

Certainly! Let's dive into the idea of giving and its significance in the kingdom of God. You might think you have to wait until you have a lot before you can give, but that's not how it works in God's kingdom. Let's explore a scripture to understand this better: In 2 Corinthians 8, we learn about the churches in Macedonia. Despite facing great trials and deep poverty, they still gave generously. They didn't let their lack stop them from giving, and they even went beyond their means to give willingly. This sets a great example for all believers. Giving isn't just about the amount; it's about giving your best, regardless of your circumstances. Take the story of the poor widow in Mark 12, for instance. She only gave two small coins, which might seem insignificant compared to what others were giving. However, Jesus commended her because she gave from her heart, even though it was all she had to live on. This shows us that God values the intention and attitude b...

"Pastor, I've had enough of these falls. What can I do to break free from Satan's hold on me?"

  Resisting the devil is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey, as emphasized in James 4:7: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse underscores the importance of aligning ourselves with God's will and actively opposing the devil's schemes. Yet, despite our spirituality, many Christians still fall into Satan's traps due to a lack of awareness of his devices. The Bible is clear about Satan's strategies and schemes against believers. Ephesians 6:11 urges us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes, while 2 Corinthians 2:11 warns against ignorance of his devices. Without knowledge of our enemy's tactics, our efforts to resist him may be futile. Let's explore some of the devil's devices: Satan fights: Revelation 12 describes a war in heaven between Satan and the hosts of heaven. Similarly, Satan engages in spiritual warfare against believers, often manifesting ...

"Pastor, I'm going through a tough time and I'm not sure why. Can you pray with me and ask God to forgive any sins I might have done?"

  Why do I have to be the one to ask the Lord to forgive you? Confession is a personal thing. It says in the Bible, in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. If you believe that your suffering is because of a sin you committed, just ask Him to forgive you. But if you're not sure what sin you committed that's causing your suffering, it's concerning. You think a sin might be the cause, yet you don’t know what it is. This seems like you might be influenced by wrong teachings, which could be leading to confusion. Not knowing what sin you committed suggests that maybe you didn't sin, and something else might be causing your suffering. Some people say that problems only come to people because of sin, but that's not always true. Challenges come to everyone, not just because of sin. Let's look at some examples from the Bible: Example 1: In John 9, there's a story where Jesus m...

"Pastor, can Christians go on dates? And how is courtship different from dating?"

  The topic of dating among Christians can be quite challenging to address, especially with the prevalence of something called "Christian dating" being promoted by some pastors. Even if we present the truth about dating, many Christians might struggle to accept it due to their emotions. Recently, I had a conversation with a pastor who suggested that we shouldn't make everything overly spiritual and questioned how one could know if someone is suitable for marriage without dating them. This made me wonder if it's better to just avoid discussing the matter altogether. However, since the topic has resurfaced, it's essential to guide people away from the pitfalls of romantic emotions. When we look beyond satisfying our emotional desires, what other reasons are there for dating someone? According to the dictionary, dating involves a romantic courtship between two individuals to assess their suitability as partners in an intimate relationship. However, dating often lacks...

"Pastor, I'm young and not thinking about marriage yet,but how do I resist the temptations of this world and control my desires?"

  I'm surprised that there are still young people thinking this way. Nowadays, satisfying the desires of the flesh has become common, even among Christians. Some pastors even promote what they call "Christian dating." But in my article yesterday, I made it clear that desiring a romantic life when you're not ready for marriage is a distraction from serving God. You'd be wasting your energy on something that probably won't work out. One of my followers who read yesterday’s article was relieved. She had been struggling with feelings for a guy, but deep down, she knew it wasn't the right time for her. She fought against those feelings until one day she realized they were gone. In today's world, where many people have lost sight of morals and decency, it's crucial to take strict measures to avoid being pressured into doing the wrong thing. Here are two things you can do: Be cautious of pleasure. Pleasure can weaken your spiritual strength and distract y...

"Pastor, I met an incredibly lovely woman yesterday, and I think she might be my perfect match."

  No! You can't decide if someone is truly right for you just because they're good-looking or charming. True compatibility goes deeper than surface qualities like appearance or feelings of infatuation. When considering who might be the right partner for you, it's essential to look beyond outward appearances and focus on qualities that truly matter. If you're seeking a life partner, don't base your decision solely on superficial traits or worldly standards. Instead, look inward and consider what kind of person would complement your life's purpose and goals. Your spouse should be someone who aligns with your calling and mission in life, not just someone who makes you feel good in the moment. Choosing a partner who shares your vision and values will make it easier to pursue your God-given purpose together. Let me share a biblical example to illustrate this point: In the book of Genesis, we learn about Adam and how God created Eve to be his companion. Before Eve was...

"Pastor, since I started getting closer to God and showing my faith, my coworkers and even some of my bosses seem uninterested. Should I keep quiet about my faith at work?"

 Navigating Unreceptiveness in Expressing Your Faith Have you ever felt hesitant to talk about your faith at work because it seems to make your colleagues and even some superiors unreceptive? It's a common experience for many Christians who take their faith seriously. But should you let this deter you from sharing your beliefs? Let's dive into this topic. Firstly, it's essential to understand that faith isn't just a belief system; it's a way of life for Christians. The Bible tells us that "The Just shall live by faith." So, if you're not living by faith, you're already off track. Your faith should permeate every aspect of your life, including your workplace. If you've noticed that your colleagues were friendly and open before you started expressing your faith, but now they seem distant, there's likely a reason for it. The expression of your faith may be having an impact on them, whether they realize it or not. It could be making them feel u...

"Pastor, I find that I often get distracted by thoughts while I'm praying. It's making it hard for me to focus during my prayer time."

 Title: Overcoming Anti-Prayer Spirits: Keys to a Consistent Prayer Life Introduction: Prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It is the means through which believers communicate with God, seek His guidance, and align themselves with His will. However, despite its significance, many Christians struggle to maintain a consistent prayer life. This is often due to the influence of anti-prayer spirits – forces that hinder believers from praying effectively. In this blog post, we will explore these anti-prayer spirits and discuss practical strategies for overcoming them to cultivate a thriving prayer life. The Importance of Prayer: Before delving into the challenges of prayer, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. Prayer is not merely a religious ritual; it is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, empowerment, and communion with God. Jesus Himself emphasized the necessity of prayer, setting an example for His disciples and future ge...

Christians, be careful not to harm yourselves...

Title: The Power of Discipline: Understanding When to Break Yokes and When to Exercise Self-Control Introduction: In the realm of spirituality, we often hear about the power of anointing to break yokes and the efficacy of faith to move mountains. However, not every challenge we face requires a supernatural intervention. Sometimes, what we need most is discipline – the ability to control our actions and habits in order to avoid unnecessary struggles. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of discipline in overcoming certain obstacles in life, drawing insights from personal experiences and biblical teachings. Understanding the Role of Discipline: It’s easy to attribute every difficulty we encounter to spiritual warfare or the need for divine intervention. While these factors certainly play a role in our lives, there are instances where our own lack of discipline contributes to our struggles. Bishop David Oyedepo, in a recent sermon, shared an anecdote about the negative eff...

"Pastor, I feel like I'm always left out because I don't have money. Does God still want me to be a shining example to others?"

  Title: Unveiling the Light Within: A Journey to Understanding Spiritual Illumination In our journey of faith, we often hear the call to be the light of the world, but how exactly does this light shine? Let's delve into the scriptures to unravel the mysteries behind our role as bearers of light. Scripture 1: The Morning Sun Prov 4:18 (NIV) paints a vivid picture: "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." This analogy beautifully illustrates our spiritual journey. Just as the morning sun gradually brightens the day, we, as children of God, are destined to bring forth the full light of His glory. However, like the dawn, we begin our journey with a partial brightness. This signifies that while we are redeemed from darkness into light, our illumination unfolds progressively. Scripture 2: Shining with Wisdom Daniel 12:3 unveils a key aspect of shining brightly: wisdom. The wise shall shine like the brightness of the...

"Pastor, everything God said would happen in my career was going well until recently. But now, things have gotten really tough, and I feel like God's help is far away. What do you think could have caused this change?"

  Unveiling Spiritual Insights: Understanding the Factors That May Disconnect Us from God's Help The scriptures serve as a profound guide, illuminating the intricate dynamics of our relationship with the divine. Within its sacred texts, we find wisdom that unveils the subtle yet powerful factors that can hinder our connection with God's assistance. Let us delve into these insights and explore how they impact our spiritual journey: 1. Vision: Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that "where there is no vision, people perish." Vision goes beyond mere sight; it encompasses purpose, passion, and divine calling. It empowers us to see into the future and advance towards our aspirations. Vision is not something passive; it is a proactive tool that we engage to impact the world with our calling and ideas. Without vision, even the most promising ideas may falter. We must cultivate a visionary mindset to navigate through life's challenges and propel ourselves towards success. Consider...

“Pastor, I graduated from school 5 years ago, and since then I’ve been looking for a job. It’s getting frustrating, what can I do?”

In today's world, the pursuit of education is often viewed as the key to unlocking a prosperous future. However, the harsh reality is that graduating from school or obtaining numerous certificates does not guarantee employment. If it did, we wouldn't witness the troubling phenomenon of unemployed graduates struggling to find their place in society.   As someone who has navigated the complexities of the job market and experienced firsthand the challenges of unemployment, I've come to understand the importance of more than just academic qualifications. While education undoubtedly has its merits, it's imperative to recognize the significance of spiritual empowerment in shaping our destinies.   The truth is, the spiritual realm holds sway over the physical. No matter how many degrees adorn your wall, if your spirit isn't aligned with your purpose, success may remain elusive. This is a reality that many overlook in their quest for professional advancement. Consider t...