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SERMON ON HE IS OUR SUFFICIENCY

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HE IS OUR SUFFICIENCY –The first scripture I want us to look at is Genesis 17:1

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

This is where we find God calling I Himself El-Shaddai, the Almighty One. If God is the Almighty, then nothing can be mightier than Him. No matter how strong anything can be, it is not going to be as strong as the Almighty. No matter how complex anything is, it is not more than what the Almighty God can handle.

When this Almighty One is your Sufficiency, then there is no problem you have that He cannot handle for you. If the Almighty One can handle your problem for you, then you have all the reasons to take life easy.

He is Our Sufficiency, and He is sufficient to give us total victory over all our enemies. No matter how little your progress is, the enemy is not happy with it and there is nothing you can do to progress unless you overcome the enemy. How far you are able to move forward depends on how well you are able to attain total victory over this enemy of your progress.

There is no one who can help you to overcome except the Almighty God When you allow the All-Sufficient One to be your sufficiency, your victory is certain In Daniel 3, we find the story of three Hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego standing before Nebuchadnezzar, a very powerful king. The king wanted people to bow down for the idols he made and the punishment for refusal was to be cast into the fire. Very soon, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were accused of not bowing to the idols. They were the people that the king loved and promoted but some people hated them. When the enemy is set to accuse a man, there is no length they would not go to find a reason to accuse him. The king said in Daniel 3:15:

“Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made, well, but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”

That is a very serious statement that the king made

In verse 17 the Hebrew men said they were not going do how down to idols and that their God is able to deliver them.

There are three kinds of enemies that can confront you The first group comprises those that will see the glory of God upon your life and leave you alone It is not that they will not attempt to come at you but when they come and they see the glory of God upon your life they will leave you alone. You may not even know them because as soon as they begin to attempt to come against you and the begin to see the hand of God upon your life, on the one they would withdraw.

In Daniel Chapter 6, we have the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. The glory of God was around Daniel Eres ben men could not see it, the lions saw it Though the were hungry, there was nothing they could do to him because God was with him. The glory of God showed around Daniel and even the king withdrew from fighting against him. The king then made a decree that his people should serve the God of Daniel

The second kind of enemy that can confront you are the ones who will see the glory of God in you but they will not withdraw. They know that God is with you but stubbornly they will still want to resist God is sufficient to deliver you from them. The way God does it is to subdue them before you. In 1 Samuel 7:13 we see how God subdued the Philistines, and that was the way that Israel was able to overcome them.

The third type of enemies are the ones who still go on fighting even after they have been subdued. When God subdue them and they refuse, He knows how to deal with them A good example is that of Pharaoh. There was no miracle that Pharaoh did not see, until his child died When his child died, he succumbed but as soon as Israel was going, he changed his mind again. He followed them and walked into his doom.

You will find the story of David and his son, Absalom, in 2 Samuel 18 9.17. Absalom was pursuing his father so as to claim his throne. As he was pursuing the king, the Lord set a trap for him. His donkey went under a tree and before he knew what was happening, a branch of the tree caught his hair The man was hanging there until somebody came to save him by killing him. It was God that fought the battle. God is sufficient to fight your battles for you.

God will not stop at anything if He is set to deliver you God is sufficient to give you total victory even if it needs wiping everybody off, to clear a way for you. Those that will not go back, He will subdue. Those that will not allow themselves to be subdued, He will kill.

Isaiah 43:4 says:

“Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.”

 

The One who is All-Sufficient says you are precious in His sight. Because you are precious in His sight, He will not allow you to go on suffering. Because He loves you, He will give men for you.

Throughout Genesis 16, we find the story of how Abraham’s wife persuaded him to look for an alternative to the promise of God. She wanted to help God to fall His promise She felt that God was not able to bring the promise to pass. Abraham agreed and married the maid of his wife. As soon as the maid discovered she was pregnant, she began to despise Abraham’s wife. Sarah was annoyed and she told Abraham to send the maid away Abraham said that since she brought the alternative, anything she wanted would be done. The woman and her child were sent away

Abraham waited for many years and for a long time, God did not appear to him. God did not speak to him even when he was looking for an alternative. God was silent when he sent the alternative away. May be you have been waiting like Abraham did. After many years, God appeared to Abraham and said, “I am the Almighty God.” (Genesis 17:1)

No matter where you are, God is present there. He is your Sufficiency. What He did yesterday He is able to do today There is no yesterday with God. There is no tomorrow with God. God was telling Abraham that He is mighty and He can do anything mighty. When you combine your economic might, political might, financial might and military might, God will still be mightier than them

When talking about sufficiency, we are talking about having enough for yourself, to satisfy all your needs and having enough to give to other people. When you have what you can spare to other people then you can begin to talk about sufficiency. If you are going to have this kind of sufficiency you need wealth and the good thing about God is that He is the One that gives power to make wealth

Deuteronomy S.IS: “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: forum is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he stare unto thy fathers, as it is this dan When God is our God, you are close to the source of power to get wealth. Some people can be very close to i and can not get it.

This is the situation with many of us We are so close to the power to get wealth. We can see other people enjoying the wealth but we are not enjoying it. We are not partaking out of it We complain, we murmur, we grumble and yet it is like the power is not reaching us To get wealth is not a sin. If it were a sin, then God will not give us the power to get wealth. To become wealthy therefore is not a sin. There are those who commit sin to get their wealth but the truth is that God is the One that gives power to get genuine wealth When God gives you wealth, it will stay with you.

When you have God and you are able to tap into His resources, you will have sufficiency so much so that you will become a source of blessing to others. The desire of God for you is that you will become a channel of blessing to others. God does not want you to be waiting and begging before you will get.

How wealthy is God?

Let us look at few scriptures that talk to us about the wealth of God.

Psalm 24:1 says:

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

It is not only that God owns the earth but also everything in it belongs to Him. Men belong to God. Money belongs to God. Political might belongs to God. Financial might belongs to God. The world and everything that dwells there are under the control of the Almighty God Everything submits to Him and He is not submitting to anything. Everything is under Him and He is under nothing. He is over and above everything.

Haggai 2:8:

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Silver and gold are two precious stones bought with money. There is no where you take gold to that it will not turn to money. God is saying that He has something that can be converted to any currency in the world. In other words, all the money in the world is His.

Psalm 50:10-11:

“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.”

You may not appreciate what God is saying in this passage but there are so many people in the world today whose wealth is determined by the amount of animals they have. Every beast belongs to God. God is therefore wealthy

When we say God is our sufficiency even in the area of giving us power to make wealth, you will see that there is nothing God can not do. He can give silver, gold, animals, men and materials There is nothing that God can nor give to make you sufficient. God knows what you need more than what you know

 

When He becomes your sufficiency and you know how to tap into His resources, do you know He can choose just anything to give you? Whether He gives you silver, gold or animal wealth, these are things you can convert to meet your needs. You will meet your own needs and be able to meet the needs of others. You now become like a city that is set on a hill that can not be hid. God is wealthy and He has the power to give wealth.

Who can get this power from God?

Psalm 1:1-3:

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his lato doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not withers and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper

The one that will enjoy the sufficiency of God is the one that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, who does not stand in the way of sinners and does not sit in the si of the scornful but delights in the law of God. That person will be like a tree by the waterside. A tree that is planted close to the water does not get dry at all because all year round, the roots are getting something to draw from When other trees are drying, it will always be fresh

The Bible says whatsoever such a fellow does shall prosper Whatsoever does not exclude anything. If you are pushing truck or selling water you will prosper Many of us have been changing work and sometimes we even change from where our prosperity is to where our prosperity is not. It is not how many places you have worked that matter Many people work all day and have nothing to show for it. God is the One that prospers people and the Lord will prosper you

Who are those that will enjoy the prosperity of God?

Let us see Job 36:11:

“If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.”

God will prosper those who obey and serve Him Obedience to God is a key that will help you. As you serve God joyfully, you are clearing your way into the resources of God. You are paving your way to the sufficiency of God. Those who are close to God but who do not obey Him and do not serve Him, will not enjoy Him. They would see others who are obeying and serving Him enjoying the prosperity of God, but they would be left out. To them it would be as if God is partial God is not partial and He is also not a respecter of persons

Let us look at Psalm 92:12-14:

“The righteous shall flourish like the  palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they Shall be fat and flourishing; “

Righteousness is not what will bring poverty but whar will make a man to flourish. In fact, the Bible says in old age the righteous will be bringing forth fruit Because God is alive and He can not change, I know even in my old age I will still be flourishing The righteous are those that will tap into the resources of God. As you serve God faithfully, with all your heart, and as you obey Him in righteousness, you are marching yourself into the wealth of God.

How will God make this thing possible?

Deuteronomy 28:1 says the Lord will set you high It does not matter where you are today, if there is hierarchy of wealth and your own is somewhere, because He is mightier than the mighty, He said He will set you on high He is the One that will set you on high Also Deuteronomy 28:13 says God will make you. What men can not make you, God will make you. What men have refused to make you, God will make you. He said He will make you the head and not the tail What God is saying is that even if you are tail today, He will make you the head. God is going to transform you. He is not taking you to the middle but to the top.

The reason some of us are not progressing is not because God does not want us to progress but we have believed that where we are is good enough. God is saying you can still be the head and you are saying nobody in your family has ever been the head You tell Him that your head can not fit that cap. I tell you, change your mind today. Since He will make you the head, He knows how to make your head fit. God who brought Saul from the last to the first is your God and He will make you the first. Those who despise you will look for you.

How will God do it?

Isaiah 45:1-3

 

“Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the lord of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates, and the gates shall not be shut

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight. I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.”

 

God knows all the secret places where wealth is kept He will give to us the treasure of darkness and riches that are kept in secret places. Why will God do this? It is so that we will know that He is God, the One who has called us, and the One who is our sufficiency. He will give to me the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places so that I may know that He is my sufficiency and so that others may know too that He is my God.

Genesis 8:20-22:

“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth, neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

There was something Noah did here contrary to what should be his concern Before this time, Noah had been in the ark with some animals and few people for many days. They were there and then after the rain and the flood went off, what should normally be the concern of Noah was how they were going to settle down and rebuild their lives. However, Noah realised that what he needed was more than what he could afford Out of the few animals he had, he took some and began to offer sacrifices to God He was concerned with how to please God God saw the sacrifice of Noah and was pleased and He made a new covenant with Noah

In Genesis 22:2, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham did not argue He could have asked God about the promise of making him the father of nations, Abraham did not ask God at all. He took that child even though it was not a convenient thing for him. Like Noah, Abraham was willing to sacrifice. The result of his obedience is seen in Genesis 22:15-18. You can see that God renewed His blessing for him.

Anyone that wants to tap into God’s resources must be willing to become a sacrificial giver

What is a sacrifice?

From the two examples we have given, a sacrifice is what is not normal and convenient to do. As you become a sacrificial giver, and serve God in obedience and sacrificially, His resources will open up for you.

HE IS SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT

One of the problems that human beings have is anxiety The Bible says you should be anxious for nothing When your mind is calm, the peace of God will find place there

We all know that there is nothing people cannot do to seek protection Some people out of the fear of death, they went to kill themselves. There are some people today who cannot sleep in their homes because of fear One of the problems of the rich people, especially if they do not have God, is how to keep their treasures. The fear of protection grips their hearts Isaiah 43:1-2) God has given us the guarantee that He is with us. He said if you are passing through rivers or through fire, you are secured. The last thing Jesus said before He left the earth was that He would be with you His Name Emmanuel means “God is with us”. Now if God is with us, then we are secured He is more than able to keep you

On what basis will God be with a man?

Who can we say is qualified to enjoy the presence of God?

Isaiah 43:1 tells us the basis

 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.”

The first basis by which God will be with a person is that the fellow is redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb If you have been redeemed, you qualify for God’s presence and divine protection.

The second basis is if He can call you by your name He said, “I have called thee by thy name.” As many people who have their names written in God’s Book of Life, are qualities for His presence The third basis is that because you belong to God, you are His property God is assuming the responsibility to keep you because you are His. If I know that I belong God then I should be rest assured that He is keeping me Now I can rely on God to keep me because Psalm 121:4 and 6 say

“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep “

“ My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.”

The One that is keeping me is neither sleeping nor slumbering This is so that I can sleep. Because God is my Keeper, I can go to sleep

Psalm 127:1-2 says:

 “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”

Isaiah 54:13-17:

“And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD 3B and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror, for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by  me: whosoever shall gather together against the shall fall for thy sake

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

 

God says your children shall be in peace. Do not be surprised that Jesus gives peace, because His Name is Prince of Peace. When God is with you, to keep you, one of the things you can be sure of is that His peace will operate upon your life When people are running around, you will be experiencing peace God says in righteousness you shall be established When God is your Keeper, you will be established, so you can be rest assured. He says also that you shall be far from oppression Fear is oppression Fear and oppression go hand in hand. When a man is living in fear, that man is living in oppression and once a man is oppressed, he will live in fear A man who is in fear is really in trouble.

God also says that your enemies will gather but they shall fall for your sake. That is one of the benefits you get when God is with you. God goes on to say that no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that will rise against you in judgement you will condemn. Even when they accuse you falsely and you do not know what to say, because God is with you, the moment you open your mouth, the wisdom that will come out of your mouth will beat their imagination and make them wonder

When God is with you, blessings will flow. Anywhere God is present, His blessing is also present there At a time of

famine. God told Isaac in Genesis 26:1-3

And there was a famine in the land, beside the fir famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Irage went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thes, and till bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father

Because God was with Isaac in that dry land, he sowed in the land and received in the same year hundred folds. He waxed great until he became very great God’s presence with man carries labour with it. How can we make sure we keep God’s presence especially when it is related to protection? It is by running into the Name of the Lord. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and is safe. What David did against Goliath was to run into the Name of the Lord David carried the Name of the Lord with him so he was protected

Psalm 20:7-9 says:

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright

Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Some are trusting in charms. Some people have their gods

behind their doors. A man who trusts in charms for his protection is open to defeat when the charm gets lost The Name of the Lord cannot get lost because it is inside you. All you need to do is to just call the Name and as you bring the power of the Name to bear on any situation, those warring against you will surrender. In Mark 16:17 Jesus spoke to us about the Name:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe in my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues;

Philippians 2:9-11:

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things

under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The Name of Jesus is above every name. At the mention of the Name, every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. When you carry the Name of the Lord with you, because God is with you and you allow that Name to be real to you as it was to David, you can always confront any situation with it.

The Name of the Lord will also set you on high (Ps. 91:14.) The Name would bring deliverance for you. The Name will bring protection for you. The Name will bring favor for you. Those who see the Name as sufficient for them will carry the Name with them.

ALSO, READ CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY

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Signs God Wants You To Be With Someone

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Signs God Wants You To Be With Someone

We all desire to be with someone specially ordained by God for us. This is because we believe that with God’s chosen partner, we can experience a unique and harmonious relationship. As faithful servants of God, we anticipate divine connections to lead us to our life partners. However, during the search and waiting period, you might find yourself wondering how to recognize the right person when you meet them. This uncertainty can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused. The question that arises is: are there signs or indications to identify the one God has destined for you?

Choosing the wrong partner can be a grave mistake with profound consequences. A failed relationship can leave you emotionally and mentally broken, potentially jeopardizing your destiny and impacting those around you. Some individuals carry the emotional trauma of past relationships into new ones.

Life’s journey comprises various phases, and relationships are one of these phases. They can be temporary or permanent. Love is a journey, and for any journey we embark on in life, we must choose the right path to achieve success and happiness. This not only benefits you but also your partner, and it can serve as a source of inspiration to others in existing relationships.

If you’re wondering how to identify the right partner for yourself, below are some biblical signs to help you recognize your divinely chosen partner.

Biblical signs and guidelines on how to identify the right partner

1. They speak God’s word

A person who speaks God’s word carries the spirit of Christ within them. Pay close attention to the words they speak. Do their words align with the teachings of Christ and the Word of God, or do they convey worldly wisdom? It’s essential to discern this but to do so effectively, you must have a good understanding of the Scriptures. If you’re not well-versed in the Scriptures, there’s no better time to start than now; it’s never too late to begin your journey of spiritual study.

2. They don’t lie

God’s chosen partner won’t be a liar. He won’t send someone to you who lies intentionally. When he gives you something, he makes it perfect and unique. God won’t bless you with a partner who lies, because lying is of the devil.

3. He doesn’t corrupt your good character.

The right person will be someone who will make you a better person, not someone who will influence your attitude and personality negatively. God gives his children someone who will compliment them and support them. They won’t corrupt your manners; rather, they will have a positive impact on you.

The question you should ask yourself and sincerely answer is: Does this person help me to grow in Christ or lead me on the wrong path?

4. You feel comfort and peace when that special someone is around

A very good sign that God wants you to be with someone is when you are comfortable and at peace with them. It shows that there is a great bond and that God has divinely connected you to your significant other. It is important to choose someone who makes you feel good about yourself, someone you are free with, and who will give you peace of mind.

5. The two of you had a strong friendship before the relationship

You’ve probably heard that marrying your friend is a good idea. Relationships that start with a foundation of friendship often lead to success. If you had a strong friendship with your partner before you began dating, consider it a significant advantage.

Being in a relationship with a friend makes it easier to connect because you both already know and understand each other before taking the step to love one another. If you happen to be in a relationship with a friend, consider yourself fortunate, as your union is likely to be truly unique.

6.You know there is true love between you

True love is divine and eternal. God loves us genuinely and expects us to love in the same way. If you notice that there is genuine love in your relationship with this person, you have found the right one. Don’t jeopardize this beautiful connection you share because it aligns with God’s will. When true love is present, your spirit will confirm it, and you’ll feel it deeply.

True love is healthy; it boosts your self-esteem, elevates your spirit, and doesn’t bring you down. It’s characterized by divinity, sincerity, faithfulness, honesty, kindness, patience, and the absence of criticism. If you both genuinely love each other, congratulations! you’ve made the right choice.

ALSO, READ What Does The bible Say About Divorce

7. Your relationship makes you a better individual

A good relationship makes you want to improve and work on your flaws. You become a better human. The two of you will become better because you complement each other; this is a sign that heaven has brought the right one.  Do not take this for granted.

8. This individual played a pivotal role in nurturing your spiritual growth.

Our God wants the best for us, and he wants us to come closer to him. He will give you someone who will help you grow spiritually. If your partner urges you to seek God first and leads you to embrace Christ, then it’s God’s choice for you.

9. Your traits complement each other

Do your attributes or personality align? Do your positive and negative attributes complement each other? If yes, then you are in the right relationship. Don’t push that person away.

10. The two of you have the same goal: to put God at the center of your lives

Having the same goal as a couple is important, especially in the aspect of pleasing God. When you and your partner agree to place God at the center of your relationship and to honor him, it’s a sign you’re with the right person. This way, you are involving God in all that pertains to your relationship. You also inspire others to build a Goldly relationship.

11. You can see yourself growing old with this person

Another clear sign God wants you to be with someone is if you envision yourself being married with kids and getting old together. Sometimes our thoughts are God’s way of revealing things to us.

With this, you know your heart accepts this person, but if it’s not the will of God, he will definitely reveal it to you.

12. You share the same ministries

Belonging to the same ministry here means you both reason alike and you wish to settle down together as a couple. You both intend to build a godly home and live as Goldly couples.

13. Makes sacrifice

Any relationship that exists without sacrifices is unhealthy. A clear sign that this person is God’s divine arrangement is if your partner makes sacrifices for the growth of your relationship. You are not doing the work alone, but you two are involved.

14. Has a forgiving spirit

Forgiveness is a virtue to possess, and as Christians, we should learn to forgive. If your partner forgives you, that shows he or she has a Christ-like attitude, but if not, you have to give that relationship a second thought.

15. He practices what he speaks

A true Christian is one who practices what he says. If they are the type to say, “Do what I say, but don’t do what I do,” then the person is fake.

16. Goodness

Is this person good? Are they kind to you and others? If the answer is yes, don’t let go. It’s wonderful to find someone with a good heart; you can bring happiness to each other.

17. Faith

We all desire a lifelong, faithful partner, not one who flits around. If your partner is faithful and sincere, it’s a definite advantage.

18. Your Partner is Rich in Christ-like qualities

Does your partner exhibit Christ-like attributes? If your answer is yes, it’s a clear sign that God may be leading you to the right person. Before entering into any relationship or taking an existing one to the next level, ensure that your partner has a deep reverence for God. If you’re a true Christian and your partner is not, it’s advisable not to pursue that relationship, as it may lead to problems.

19. The Person is the Answer to Your Prayers

Does this person align with the qualities you’ve prayed for? Do you see this person as the answer to your prayers? If the answer is yes, then it’s likely God’s perfect choice.

20. The People Around You Support Your Union

One positive indicator of God’s choice is having the support of those around you regarding your relationship. If your family and friends are in favor of your union, that’s a good sign. As the saying goes, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.”

Conclusion

Having God’s chosen partner brings you peace. Knowing that the person you’re with was sent to you by God instills confidence and alleviates the fear of the unknown. With this person, you can be sure of a harmonious and blissful union.

ALSO, READ Seek First The Kingdom of God

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Do Dogs Go to Heaven?

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Do Dogs Go to Heaven?

The question of “if dogs go to heaven” has been a matter of concern. The scripture doesn’t state that dogs go to heaven, but as we search through the Scriptures one can conclude this thought. Firstly, we would take a look at what heaven is like and how to relate it to this topic.

Heaven is better than we imagine

We all have an idea of what heaven looks like. Although we might have a different picture of what it looks like from our broad spectrum.

However, whatever our imaginary picture looks like, it can’t be compared to the real image of God. It’s far above our strength to get the exact picture of heaven. Even our idea about the joy and happiness that reigns in heaven is far below what it is. The beauty and comfort in heaven are beyond our human imagination.

1 Corinthians 13:12 gives us a clue “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” Seeing the reflection of your children in the mirror is nothing in comparison to picking them up, swirling them around, and holding them close to your chest. The real picture of heaven will be far better than our imaginary picture.

Heaven Is for Those Who Are Saved

Heaven is for those it has been prepared for, it’s meant for the saved John 14:6  says Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. Anyone who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord will be saved (Romans 10:9 added That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Then John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave him only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

As regards these scriptures one can draw a Conclusion. Heaven is a place of joy and will always be. Even if we come across dogs or other animals in heaven, it shouldn’t be questioned because they’re also created by God.

The ability to make heaven depends on your salvation. Animals have restrictions. in Mark 5:11-13, he permitted a group of demons to possess some pigs, leading to the death of the pigs.

The creation of dogs and other animals is for a good purpose.

God created animals on the fifth and sixth days. Animals in the sea were created on the fifth day and God said it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. (Genesis 1:24).

God created humans and animals on land on the same day. Perhaps God created both on the same day with similar features they possess.

God created these animals to be taken care of by man, which means man is superior to animals and has been placed to be in charge of them. These animals were created as a gift for a man to care for and value, they can’t be equal in the sight of God.

God Created Man in His Image

God created every firmament, animal, and human by declaring the words in his mouth. He said the word, and his word eventually brought them to reality. When it was time to create man the method was different, using words was not just what he needed. He said let us make man in our image and likeness The creation of man was unique. God took his time to create man because he wanted man to be his kind.

God took dust and made man and also created woman from man. Then he breathed life directly into both of them. God created them for his image to be reflected in them. They were formed with supernatural qualities that no other living creature has. We were all created in the image of the Father to reflect him.

ALSO, READ Seek First The Kingdom of God

Only Humans Have a Soul

Since we were formed in God’s image, we are the only living beings with a soul. Our soul is part of us that the holy spirit possesses. It’s a part that is beyond human flesh and bone. This part is what we can’t understand but it exists and is sacred and divine to enable us to commune with God.

If a soul is saved by sincere confession of the risen Christ, the soul appears in heaven where Christ gives it a new immoral body this is found in 2 Corinthians 5:2 ‘For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven”. Ecclesiastes 12:7 tells us ‘Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it”.

The spirit of God dwells in us and when we die, it’s this spirit that goes back to God in heaven. So animals do not have God’s spirit nor do they have a soul, therefore saying they are in heaven is against what we know.

With our findings, we can finally say that animals, birds, and even our pets may or may not be found in heaven because they aren’t humans that have souls or spirits.

Will my Dog be in Heaven?

There are two different descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth, and the scripture states that animals will be found there. Isaiah 11:11 says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and Egypt, and from Pathros, and Cush, and Elam, and Shinar, and Hamath, and the islands of the sea.

This peaceful description of the relationship between the different species of animal is seen in three verses and another verse that says something about it is seen in Isaiah 65:25 which says “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD”.

Although pets were not in the description, the fact animals are stated implies there is a possibility we will see dogs and other animals in heaven.

Since heaven is full of joy, God may bring these animals to heaven since they are all part of his creatures.

Final Thoughts

There is no guarantee that our animals or pets will be in heaven with us, but we should rest assured that God has made heaven in such a way that we will be comfortable without these animals. And our joy in heaven is not dependent on any earthly creature, because heaven is divinely and spiritually made.

ALSO, READ The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

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What Does the Bible Say About Crystals?

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The Bible makes mention of crystals in some scriptures. The Bible talks about rubies and sapphires (Lamentations 4:7, Proverbs 8:11), and topaz (Job 28:19). For instance, the breastplate that the Levitical high priest wore had twelve stones, with each one inscribed with the names of the tribes of Israel: “The first row was carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl; the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emerald; the third row was jacinth, agate, and amethyst; the fourth row was topaz, onyx, and jasper. All were placed in gold filigree settings” (Exodus 39:10–13).

The river that flows from the throne is described as “clear as crystal” (Revelation 22:1), and the region before the throne is something like “a sea of glass, clear as crystal” (Revelation 4:6), and “spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked something like a vault, sparkling like crystal, and wonderful” (Ezekiel 1:22). The Bible never assigns any mystical properties to crystals.

Apart from being beautiful mineral structures, they are used for performing crystal healing. Crystal healing is a pseudoscience that intends to treat different illnesses. According to crystal healers, when you carefully place crystals on a patient’s body, it’s meant to align with or trigger the body’s chakras and enhance healing.

There is a belief that crystals have internal power that can be controlled and used for various purposes. Some use crystals to ward off evil spirits or negative energy and to attract fortune. At times, crystals are used in feng shui, believing they generate positive vibrations. Crystals that absorb too much negative energy during their use in a home need to be “cleansed” to readjust the vibrations.

However, these superstitious beliefs concerning crystals are not found in the Bible. The scripture never states that crystals are useful for acquiring wealth, reviving romance, or warding off evil spirits, nor does it talk about crystals being required to relate to God’s Spirit. On the other hand, the Bible discourages involvement in things connected to superstition and the occult. God detests superstitious beliefs and occultic practices, as found in Deuteronomy 18:10–12, and witchcraft is linked with idolatry as an ungodly act (Galatians 5:19–21). The use of crystals as amulets, charms, or talismans is an example of occultic practice. No matter how simple it may seem, anything that invokes the spirit world can be classified as witchcraft.

The use of crystals in a superstitious manner is an example of a generation altering what God has created and compromising to engage in ungodly acts. Crystals are indeed examples of God’s marvelous handiwork. It is not wrong to use crystals for decorating the home or wearing them as jewelry, but there is nothing inherently magical about them. Using crystals as protective tools is considered idolatry because it depends on external forces instead of relying on God’s power for healing and protection. This means it is essentially serving another god, and the Bible strongly condemns idolatry. You can find references to this in Deuteronomy 4:15–20; Jeremiah 44:1–4; 1 Corinthians 10:14–20; 2 Corinthians 6:16–17.

In the English Versions of the Bible, the word can also signify rock-crystal or crystallized quartz. The Greeks called it “krustallos,” meaning “ice,” because they believed it was formed from water through extreme cold. Thus, in Revelation 4:6, 21:11, and 22:1, either “crystal” (in English versions) or “ice” (in the Greek, “krustallos”) matches the text. The Bible uses the word “crystal” in Ezekiel 1:22 (qerach), which is referring to the same substance (the Revised Version margin also suggests “ice”).

What are the 12 crystals in the Bible?

The twelve sacred gemstones of Revelations are as follows Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprasus, Jacinth, and Amethyst. The majority still believe that there is an obvious connection between the twelve apostles and the twelve gems from the walls of Jerusalem.

Where are crystals found in the Bible?

You can find crystals in Apoc., iv, 6; xxi, 11; xxii, 1. In Ps. cxlvii, 17, and Ecclus., xliii, 22. The word zkwkyh, Job, xxviii, 17, is also translated as crystal, meaning glass.

What is the meaning of spiritual crystals?

A very common belief is that crystals communicate with the body’s energy fields, which is also called vibrational energy. The perception is that crystals can push and re-channel the flow of energy with their specific energetic vibrations. This aids in unblocking regions of the body or energy field that are now “stuck.”

What does crystal mean in the Bible?

Crystal is a Hebrew Girl name and it means “Clear, Unblemished”.

Bible verse on crystals

1. Ezekiel 1:22

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

2. Revelation 4:6

And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

3. Exodus 28:18

The second row ruby, sapphire, and crystal;

4. Exodus 39:11

The second row ruby, sapphire, and crystal;

5. Job 28:17

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

6. Job 28:18

Don’t even bother to mention coral and crystal wisdom is more valuable than a bag of rubies.

fine gold.

7. Ezekiel 1:22

Now over the heads of the living beings there was something like an expanse, like the awesome gleam of crystal, spread out over their heads.

8. Revelation 4:6

and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.

9. Revelation 21:11

having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.

10. Job 28:17-18

“Gold or glass cannot equal it,

Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

“Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned;

And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls.

Conclusion

According to the Bible, there is no spiritual attachment to crystals. Any other perception about crystals outside the Bible is superstitious, and Christians shouldn’t embrace it.

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Best places To Begin The Bible

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Best places To Begin The Bible

The Bible is made up of new and old testaments, each having different books. As Christians, we are encouraged to study the Bible daily. But you might ask, “Where can I begin if I want to study?” This is a matter of concern for many Christians, especially for new converts. Seeing how voluminous the Bible is, they tend to lose interest.

So you might be wondering where to begin. Where exactly do Christian theologians and other clergy recommend that Christians start reading? Are there particular scriptures to read and others to push aside or read later? If you have been asking this question about what to do exactly, then I have the solution to clear the confusion in your head right now. Keep reading while I give you some guidelines.

Where Not To Start

I have had more non-believers ask me this than new Christians, and this is a great question. The Bible is not strictly written in chronological order. For example, the book of Job begins in the time frame of the book of Genesis. Some have tried to start at Genesis and go through the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and then Deuteronomy, but when they get to certain sections of the Old Testament, they get tired of the lengthy genealogies.

A good example is found in I Chronicles 9:11–12: “Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.” You get the idea.

Where to Begin

The New Testament speaks more about Jesus Christ and his life on earth. It is more convenient for an unbeliever or a new Christian, to begin with, the New Testament, so they can have a clear introduction and understanding of who Christ is. When I made up my mind to start reading the Scripture, I began with the book of Matthew. It was much easier for me to comprehend as a baby Christian. I found it interesting to read. I read through Matthew, which has the genealogy of Jesus Christ and how he began his ministry.

The books of Mark, Luke, and John have the story of Jesus Christ’s ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection. These books have related stories written differently by their authors. But they all have similar messages about the life of Christ. The only difference is that Mark and Luke have longer stories. Although after the crucifixion of Christ, John was present, so in that aspect, it has a more detailed story.

The first recommendation I will give is to read the book of the Gospel. It’s a good start for new Christians. The next book of the Bible begins in Genesis. This is the beginning of the holy bible, it entails the creation of God and its magnificent power. It tells us about his sovereignty.

It tells us how God created heaven and earth and humans in his image and likeness. It also portrays how humans disobeyed God and the punishment they received afterwards.

A Guide for New or Non-Believers

Most times, when I am asked by unbelievers or new Christians about where to begin reading the Bible, I usually give my recommendation. Although some people would say you should start from Genesis to Revelation. If it were an old Christian who normally reads the Bible, it would be very easy, but for a new Christian, it would be discouraging.

When you begin something new, you must start from where you will easily flow. Reading from the book of Revelation, for example, will reduce the interest in reading further. As a new convert or unbeliever who has little or no idea about the Bible, you have to start with a simpler scripture. This will help you understand God’s word by introducing you to Jesus Christ, his son.

The most challenging aspect of reading the Bible is getting started, a lot of people get stuck at this point. They become confused about where to begin.

The word of God is powerful and is our weapon against the devil. Studying the bible enhances our relationship with God and also draws us closer to God. He uses the scripture to open our eyes to obey his instructions. We can know how to behave as believers. The Bible is a guide for Christians. The word consoles us in times of difficulty, admonishes us, and also tells us what is expected of us.

God’s word gives comfort, consolation, peace, healing, joy, hope, etc. We draw strength from God’s word. Every issue we face is addressed in the Bible; you just have to search for it. As the Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” The Bible is a believer’s book guide to lead you. Every message was written to keep us in check. If you study the Bible, you get to know more about God and understand him better. When I had a very serious health challenge, it was the word of God that gave me hope and boosted my trust in God.

Making the Bible a daily routine to study is a spiritual way of feeding the mind. The more you study the word, the closer you are to God. Gradually you hear from God, you understand his word to a point where you can state it without looking at the scriptures. Studying the word opens our spiritual eyes and gives us spiritual strength. It keeps us in check and reminds us of God’s unending love for us. If you are familiar with the Scriptures, when you are about to err, remembering his word will help you retrace your steps.

The 5 Places to Start Reading the Bible

1. The Gospel of John

This scripture is a good starting point for new believers. It tells us about Jesus Christ and his ministry and it gives a better understanding of his mission. Other gospels such as Luke, Mathew, and Mark talk about Jesus Christ’s mission but the gospel of John specifically talks more about the person of Jesus than his work.

2. Romans

The book of Romans which is the New Testament is another good place to start reading. It enlightens us on our Faith. It specifically gives us the instructions that will help us grow spiritually. Since we want to attain heaven by living upright it’s good we begin from here to get more insight.

3. Psalms

Psalms is a prayer scripture and a verse that gives hope. When you go through Psalms very well you notice it’s more of a prayer request from the prophets of old. The book of Psalms gives us hope, healing, and the assurance that God will always fight for us. That’s why some people call it the Psalms of Prayer.

4. Proverbs

It is one of the most powerful scriptures, filled with wisdom. If you seek biblical wisdom and knowledge, you can start with proverbs as well. It has instructions and a biblical guide that will direct you in your daily activities. You can also call it the Book of Wisdom, although there’s the Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament.

5. Genesis

Genesis, being the beginning of the Bible, is a good place to start if you want to get a better understanding of the whole word of God from creation. But if you ask me, I wouldn’t recommend it to you to begin with.

It’s not a bad idea, though. Where you begin doesn’t count, as long as you understand what you study. When I started studying the word, I began with the book of Mathew. The reason is that I just wanted to flow with the scriptures in a way that I would get to know about the life of Christ first. Believe me when I say it’s easier to understand the Bible when you begin with the New Testament. You might say it’s a personal idea but it worked for me.

Conclusion

When you study the Bible, you are building your spiritual mind. The word of God is food for our minds and soul. Don’t just start, follow the guidelines and you will find it interesting to study God’s word.

ALSO, READ Is Gossip a Sin?

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Is Gossip a Sin?

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Is Gossip a Sin

Gossip is an Idle talk about someone’s private or personal matters, especially someone not present in that scene. Most times we believe gossiping is just when you ridicule someone behind their back. Gossip goes beyond that, you can say something true about someone, but as long as the person is not there with you, it’s gossip. In simple terms, gossiping is the act of discussing other people’s affairs in their absence. God forbids this act and the book of Proverbs emphasises gossip.

Proverbs 11:13. Says “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret”

This scripture summarises what gossip is. In clear terms, you are betraying the person in question. Though not in your actions but in words. The tongue is the most powerful and dangerous part of the body, it can save and also kill. You might be wondering why it’s a betrayal. The reason is the subject of the discussion is not present. Their absence automatically makes it gossip.

The quasi-newton here is, that when you begin a conversation about someone who isn’t present, there Is a possibility it will lead to gossip. Whether it’s intentional or not.

Is gossip a sinful act?

The Bible tells us that Gossip is a sin. Even if you aren’t a Christian, humanity frowns against it. Gossiping is a devilish act. It’s contrary to the way God expects us to behave towards each other. He doesn’t want us to betray our neighbours that is why he is against it. We ought to be kind with our words and what we say about people. If you are still in doubt, “know this now gossip is a sin”.

If you involve yourself in gossip it’s bad. Now is the time you should desist from it. A lot of people have wrecked others’ reputations through gossiping. Some even cook up stories just to tarnish someone’s image. They speak ill words about that person.

Bible Verses about Gossiping

Below are some bible verses that talk about gossip.

1. Proverbs 16:28 says “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends”

2. Proverbs 20:19 says “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much”

3. 1 Timothy 5:13 says “And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t”.

4. Psalm 141:3

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

5. Ephesians 4:29

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

6. Proverbs 20:19

He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.

7. Psalm 34:13

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

8. Proverbs 11:13

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

9. Ephesians 4:29

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

10. Proverbs 16:28

A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.

11. Titus 3:2

To malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

12. Exodus 23:1

“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.

13. James 4:11

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.

14. Proverbs 26:20

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.

15. James 1:26

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

16. Psalm 101:5

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

How to Control Gossiping?

1. Shut it down

 Now that you know gossip is a sinful act, you have to stop engaging yourself in it. Shut it down, don’t involve yourself in it. If you find yourself in a place where they gossip, is either you walk out or shut your mouth.

2. Shout it out

Do not allow yourself to fall victim to gossiping. Like the bible says if your mouth will lead you to sin cut it off. So instead of getting involved when you find yourself in such a scenario shut it out and free yourself of the guilt of becoming a gossiper.

3. Shield don’t shovel

When gossip is about to begin you should sense it and try to protect the person’s image that is been damaged. Instead of joining them to gossip, condemn their act and speak against it. Shield the person’s image don’t dig out a dirty part, even if is true.

Conclusion

Gossip is a sin no matter how you try to beautify, the fact still remains that you are speaking about someone in their absence. So in other not to be guilty shield and don’t shovel.

ALSO, READ Seek First The Kingdom of God

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