WORKERS AND MOCKERS

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. Nehemiah 4:1, 3

One of the teachings on resolve, passion and purpose from the pages of scriptures is found in the book of Nehemiah.
He was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the mockers were not far away.
One of the proofs of walking in the will of God is the rise of mockers.
They have genuine concerns, common sense issues raised about your assignment.
A wall built by amateurs while the professionals watched in horror and turned to mockery.
Divine assignment has never made sense, only hard workers gets them done.
The mockers are not going to stop, but it takes hard work to make things work.
Have you ever been mocked for working hard on your assignment?
Welcome to the club. I known the misery of mockery and the joy of accomplishment.

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof:for the people had a mind to work.”Nehemiah 4:6.

For every divine assignment, there are workers and mockers.
Ever wonder why someone would mock your effort?
One reason is that they tried and failed to accomplish a similar task.
There are Sanballat and Tobiah to every divine assignment, yours is to work, and theirs is to mock you.
Some of my mockers gave me more impetus to succeed unbeknown to them.
Maybe i would have quitted, but their mockery spurred me on.
The mockers becomes envious when greatness becomes your portion.
Don’t mind the mockers keep working on your assignment.
Results is the name of the game; it brings an end to insults

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants:and the Philistines envied him. Genesis 26:12-14.

Prayer
Dear God and father, your assignment is for my working irrespective of my mockers. May my results end the insult of mockers. Grace to work, undeterred by mockers in Jesus name.

TRASH TO TREASURE

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

One of the ways of learning as a child was while playing or assisting with home chores.
After school time was a period to play and or help around the house.
The space around my house was filled with equipments and junk; the benefit of having a father who is a civil engineer.
Finding him working on one of the equipment is a delight, helping out was my joy.
After a while, this junk or trash is turned to a full functional equipment ready for use on-site.
I learnt a big lesson, waste can be turned to treasure when placed in the hands of a diligent or creative worker.
Thinking back now; rethink, reuse, recycle, reduce was not a slogan but a reality.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”Genesis 2:7.

It’s interesting to note that we were not formed from precious metals or choice materials but from dust.
The product called man is great but the process of creation leaves some amazed.
Every creator mass produces a model but God makes a masterpiece in every man he created.
In our diversity lies our peculiarity, in our difference is our strength.
From the trash of dust, great men and women are created.
There is no gainsaying that all of us are created with a great destiny insert.
Just like the workman makes a piece of art of great value, we have been created as a masterpiece in every way.
From trash to treasure; God is at work, creating treasures from trash.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Prayer
Thank you father for making me a masterpiece of your creation. Your creative ability turns dust to man and trash to treasures. Continually do your good work in me in Jesus name.

WORKING FOR REWARD.

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.The educational system has changed a lot from my own perspective.
Home work were things we could create, produce or manufacture at home; do it yourself schemes, working with our own hands.
My children come home with home work that need us to consult the internet for answers.
Things that even parents know not are being taught their children.
Most of these things cannot be practically effected, they end up as information or at most knowledge not wisdom as we were taught.
Learning without understanding is a waste of precious time.
Until learning becomes simple and practically applicable, the learning curve is incomplete.
We learnt wisdom and to work with our hands, they learn to know and be informed.
Learning becomes more useful when applicable & profitable.

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:for your work shall be rewarded.”2 Chronicles 15:7.

Without work, nothing works! Work has its rewards.
The prosperity of a people, community or nation is a measured of their work.
When things work, the nation, people or community prosper or increase in worth.
Someone may ask, what are the other rewards of work
What is worked at becomes better with innovation and discovery
Innovation is a new and better way of doing the same work faster or quicker
Discovery is a different way of working to produce new things.
Work turns ideas to products and services.
Blessing is the highest reward of the work process.
Increase, multiplication, reproduction, expansion are all products of God at work.
Blessing is the reward of hard work, your sure ticket to all round prosperity.

“The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand:and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.”Deuteronomy 28:12.

Prayer
Thank you dear God and father for blessing the work of our hands. More work for more rewards and blessing. Reward thou our work and increase our worth in Jesus name.

WORK WITH OWN HANDS

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;1 Thessalonians 4:11.

One of the components of education for some of us that went to school in the village was handicraft.
Baskets, hats, mats, brooms, raffia bags and other materials made out of the back of palm fronds were favourite items.
It was the norm that everyone learnt the skill of making one or more of these materials.
This was an essential part of my education, some persons continued with some of the skills as a source of livelihood.
Sometimes they had people in waiting for their products and services.
I may not fully remember how to make many of these materials today but working with my hands is an essential part of my professional life.

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:for your work shall be rewarded.”2 Chronicles 15:7.

No one is expected to be without a handiwork,even though you may not have a paid employment.
There is something one could do by himself or do it yourself.
While many are busy going after paid employment, the areas of need in arts and crafts increases.
There is none deprived or denied of a skill, competence or handiwork.
Having the opportunity to develop these skills are a great asset indeed.
Everyone must work irrespective of having a paid employment or not.
Be reminded God blesses the work of your hands not your profession.
Work with your hands and be blessed in return.

“The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand:and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.”Deuteronomy 28:12.

Prayer
Thank you dear Lord and father for showing me that it is not the profession that is blessed but the work of my hands. Grace to work with my hands for a blessing receive in Jesus name.

SEASONED WORKERS

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Proverbs 6:6-10.

Activity is not always the measure of productivity, work should be profitable.
Profitable work should be in time and season.
There is what to do every time and season to obtain the desired profit.
Understanding of the times and seasons of life is key to working smart.
There is a different work for the summer and the harvest, go to the ant!
Changing the work style as the seasons change is important for profitable living.
The ants are also trained to work smart and profitably in all seasons.
Work is profitable notwithstanding the scope of work.
The ant works in team to ensure that everything works; seasoned workers for all seasons.
It will take much work to ensure that everything works well this year.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day:the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”John 9:4-5.

Expecting success without work is tantamount to robbery.
Work is a must in the school of generational success.
Work is not a choice unless failure is an option.
Jesus operates the work platform and personally endorses the work principle.
Work in non-negotiable, work makes everything work.
This new year is work in motion for those that desire that things work for them.
God is busy working, Jesus is at work, even the ant is a model of work accomplishment, anything less is a scam.
Expecting things to work this year without working smart is the platform for repetition of past failures.
Get to work, God is at work and everything works; become a seasoned worker in this new year, work without ceasing.

“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”John 5:17.
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:for your work shall be rewarded.”2 Chronicles 15:7.

Prayer
Dear father, you are already at work to ensure a great & profitable yer for me. Now i know that work is my passport to good success hence my commitment to working with you. Grace to work in season without ceasing receive i in Jesus name.

TOKENS OF SUCCESS

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25

If wishes were horses, the beggars would ride is a common proverb used by many persons. The beginning of the year is filled with so many wishes. These wishes bring hope and enthusiasm to the new year which wanes after a while. One may ask for the difference between a wish and a goal.

Wishes are statement of strong desires, expectations or hope in something that is not expected to happen or not easily attainable. Goals are strong desires, a desired result which one is committed to make happen. Listening to a radio phone in programme on the second day of the year, I noticed a mix up between wishes and goals.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:” Proverbs 6:6-10.

What are the things you’re committed to working on this year?  While some persons are yet to recover from the euphoria of a new year, others are busy working to have a better year ahead. The difference between last year and the new year is the accomplishment of new set goals.

Success is not a game of chance,it’s for those that make a choice. Those that succeed convert their strong desires to goals instead of wishes. It’s time to arise from the slumber of wishes to work with set goals in the new year.
Success has many friends, failure is an orphan; wishes are tickets to failure , goals are tokens of success.
The new year is another opportunity to set new goals in life.

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:for your work shall be rewarded.”2 Chronicles 15:7.

Prayer
Dear God and Father, thank you for the mind to wish and to commit to life goals this year. Your grace for goals setting by your word I receive in Jesus name Amen.

AN APP FOR LIFE

And further, by these, my son, be admonished:of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12:12.
One of the things I learnt early as any good student is the ability to study independently. The other virtue was the use of a library as a means of gaining access to books. When a good book is found on a relevant topic, it is borrowed for a specified period of time before it is returned. Such books were limited in number and maybe on special shelves to avoid being stolen or misplaced within the library.

We were there before the library opened and were excused for its closure. Times has really changed, soft copies of many relevant textbooks could be access at the click of a button of any smart device. Knowledge has increased tremendously but learning has not increased in the same measure.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:” Proverbs 6:6-10.

There is a generational shift in everything, a smart universe is born where Apps is life. Learning has changed from knowledge of wisdom to understanding the use of software applications; reading is relegated. The force of entertainment has overtaken education, play is chosen over work.

Laziness is now a virtue, owning smart devices is an accomplishment, being on multiple social platforms is an attainment. Hard work is the still the shortcut to success, learning is still the shortcut to understanding and skills gives worth to life. Those that pay attention to knowledge never lack understanding; Gods’s word is the application or App for life.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”Proverbs 4:20-22.

Prayer
Thank you dear Father for the essence of your word which is life. Your word delivers from the corruption in the world. Word attention gives me access to divine connection, thank you lord in Jesus name.

SURE WORD OF PROPHECY

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits,
and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:19-20.

ne of the things that are common at this time of the year is prophecies, predictions and resolutions.
Many have heard one or more of such predictions or prophecies for the new year.
The quest to know the future is as old as man, some persons even make a merchandise of it.
It’s becoming the norm for churches to have themes for the year.
Some persons go for personal prayers counseling and prophecies for the year.
How do you know what God has said or has not said in the midst of the buzz.
God has a book, he always speaks from his book.
Any word of prophecy that is not according to the book is a lie, his word is true.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”2 Peter 1:19.

Prophecies are light to see the future clearly in word and pictures.
Prophecies enlighten the believer of the end from the beginning.
The word of God is prophetic, every word of God is a prophecy; it lightens and enlightens.
God does not guess! Neither does he peep and mutter incoherent words.
Your future is not dark, it’s chapters are clear from the pages of scriptures.
This year is already declared in the book, stop seeking for prophecies or predictions, the book has it all.
How could you be looking for what you have? You and the book!
Light for your feet, lamp for your paths is the sure word of prophecy.
No one misses his way going according to the book.
This is your year of light for life! I prophesy that you shall not lack light.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.”Psalms 119:105-106.

Prayers
Dear God and Father of light, thank you for giving us light for our paths and lamp for our feet. The book is prophetic, it lightens and enlightens. Thank you for not giving us a guess to life in Jesus name.

A NEW CHAPTER OF LIFE

And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed,

which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Isaiah 29:11-12.

Every book is known by its title, it has chapters, sections and pages.
There are other parts of the book that is not commonly read; preface, foreword and acknowledgement.
The book is written to give specific information or for a purpose.
A book is not judged by the covers but it’s content.
This book has several other books insert, one theme and one message.
He book is very old, available and accessible but the words are always new.
The words of the book are plain but the meaning is sealed.
Reading does not translate to understanding, many read but few have insight.
Learning helps us with reading, understanding occurs when the seal is broken.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.

The things prepared by God are written in this book.
It’s not a book of wishes but of plans, purposes programmed for pursuit.
Every detail from birth to death is included; my life is like a book written by God.
The things prepared by God are revealed or shown by the Spirit of God.
Jesus breaks the seal from the book for the words to come alive.
He is the saviour of the world, he opens the words of the book to truths instead of information.
The books of the book are the chapters of your life.
The words of the book are the paths and pages of life.
Your eyes and ears are opened to see, hear and understand the words of the book. Jesus Christ opens the chapters of life from the pages of the book.
The vision of all is on the pages of the book, new chapters is yours for the taking.

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8.

Prayer
Dear father, thank you for what you have prepared for me which is also written about me. The book unveils the details, my eyes are opened to see the chapters of life unveil in Jesus name.