KNOWN OR UNKNOWN

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

I love going to motor spare part markets whenever I have a need for auto parts. Maybe because it was part of my growing up being native of a particular town in eastern Nigeria. Apprenticeship is a core value for greatness in that field of entrepreneurship. The same town has more millionaires per capita than most places in the country.

Many wonder how I know so much about auto spare parts even as a medical professional. I was not an apprentice but was trained as one, living and working amongst them.

It’s very hard to find apprentices these days, not only in business but in life and ministry.

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness:for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14.

Many desire to become masters, teachers and “Oga” or the boss without being faithful stewards or apprentices. Apprenticeship has gone mainstream as internship, housemanship, mentorship, or trainee  programs or better said discipleship.

Everyone that becomes great has great teachers; the secret of great men are in their stories. Those that are taught and obtain excellent learning in letters and character are permitted to  become teachers and excel in life.

The knowledgeable are given the responsibility to share knowledge. Those that know better become better in life.  If what is known is not making better, more learning is needed; you know not as much as should be known.

Your life is a good picture of what is known or unknown.

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”Hosea 6:3.

Prayer :

Thank you father for the truth available in Christ Jesus by redemption. I am called to learn and to live by the word of life. The more I know of your word of life, the better I become in life by the same Christ Jesus.

NO MORE DISAPPOINTMENTS

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

Several years ago, I was watching with suspicion a particular preacher and his ministry.The tapes and books were available in the fellowship library but not for my reading or listening. I listened to some other teachers and read books from some other authors. I was surprised that few years later, I received clear instructions to follow the man and his ministry till date.

Teachers are given by God for the fulfillment of the destiny of men to whom they are sent. Just like fathers, family, gender, nationality;  we cannot choose our teachers. They are gifts to some, not to all; every ministry meets the need of the sent ones.

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”Romans 10:14-15.

You are not sent to everyone and everyone is not sent to you. The struggle for denomination and family church ends here and replaced by value added by the sent ones.  The church is built by the truth not fables or trash, everyone connected to the truth accomplishes a glorious destiny. Every scriptural truth heard, received and believed becomes the building block for living.

Growth is measured by effectiveness in word life or edification. The sent ministers to those appointed to him or her by God. The sent one opens the chapters of life by the operation of the word of life. Stunted growth is the byproduct of heaping teachers or appointing them to self.

Turn to the word and to appointed teachers for no more disappointments.

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”Jeremiah 3:15.

 Prayer :

Thank you Father the appointment by your word and teachers of the word of life. By this appointment I am not disappointed in the race of life. Grace to walk on my appointed paths and places receive in Jesus name.

BUILT TO LAST

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

One of the greatest job on the planet is to build others with knowledge and understanding and to find errors and correct them. That is the job of teachers and the teaching ministry. One may wonder why airplanes never collide mid flight and the answer is simple, they all maintain their specified course.

Apart from the few numbers of airplanes on flight, everyone has a altitude, a flight plan and course different from any other depending on the type of flight local or international. The pilots job is to maintain the flight plan both in altitude, course and destination. Correction is not an easy job, those are the most hated persons on the planet.

The word of God is not only for construction but also for correction and reproof.

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32.

One cannot build any lasting structure, relationship or enterprise without correction and reproof. Because of the hate associated with reproof and correction, many have refuse to indulge in any of them to their own detriment. This is the difference between the house on the rock and the house on sand.  Sooner or later, one of the houses fall and the other withstand the storms of life.

For those that desire to build a house, business, enterprise or relationship that can withstand the storm, ensure inclusion of reproof and correction. Sand is a great base for building but not without cement to bind it together in blocks and mortar; that is the role of reproof and correction.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:for it was founded upon a rock.”Matthew 7:24-25.

Prayer

Father lord, I am delighted to know that I am built to last, not to fall by the word of God. Sand is turned to stone by the binding power of your word cementing it together for eternal use. Make this a reality in my life in Jesus name.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32.

One of the dreads of construction is error in the building. It may begin with a little deviation from the plan or a subtle shift from the centre and later a leaning wall or a pillar out of proportion. I love to go to building sites with my father and it was fun to carry the giant plumb or level for him.

I thought that I’ll end up as a civil engineer but God had other plans for me.

Every block wall, beam, wooden or steel work is checked regularly for errors and deviations from the plan.

When the error is detected early, a few blocks may go down but when detected late, a whole wall or segment may have to be pulled down. Errors lead to deviation, vexation and destruction instead of construction.

Teaching is the path to an error free living; be under construction instead of destruction.

“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.” 2 Chronicles 15:3-5.

Without teachers, errors abound, those that learn the truth escape corruption and subsequent destruction. Experience is the worst teacher, many are not alive to tell of their experience. The true God reveals himself by the ministry gift of teaching by instructions and commandments.

Teachers are carriers of the virtue of greatness by interpreting scriptures and delivering from error and the terror thereof. The truth is the highway of the redeemed to be far from lies that lead to error. What was taken casually by one makes another great in life.

Truth is the greatest turn around tool, instruction delivers from destruction and ensures construction in any chosen endeavor. The Almighty makes men mighty, the most high gives access to the high places of life by his word of life. Without error, small shots become big shots in a short while by the truth.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:for it was founded upon a rock.”Matthew 7:24-25.

Prayer

Thank you father for the revelation of yourself by the word of life. The most high is the greatest, the Almighty makes men mighty by the same word. Deliver me from error by truth to reflect your true nature on the earth in Jesus name.

LEARNING FOR LIVING

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Many years ago, the radio was the centre of attraction, listening was an art that was promoted largely as a learning tool. Attention was a great virtue, quietness cultivated and admired. We made a joke that “my radio does not have a repeat or rewind button” so we listened with rapt attention.

One thing I have discovered lately is that people talk more and listen less. It’s imperative that learning is diminishing, education is under threat and entertainment is flourishing.

Learning cannot take place in a space where everyone is talking and no one is listening. Talk is cheap, platforms for its expression have multiplied exceedingly. Many have learned everything but not life itself; Christ is life, so learn of me! Learning of him is the foundation of knowledge, hearkening to him is the spring of life.

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:”Deuteronomy 28:1.

Life is a commandment, everyone alive is under the program for greatness. Hearkening, listening & learning the commandments make living a delight. It makes the difference between champions and losers in the school of life.  Hearkening to the commandments  is for construction in life; it’s the building block for a glorious life. Talking expresses what is learnt, listening receives more learning.

One attribute of the great is their listening skills, they talk less and their words are carefully chosen. Greatness is by choice,not by chance; a habit or lifestyle of Hearkening. Create good time to hearken, listen, hear and receive the word of God. Instruction from the word is the master plan for greatness; learning for living. His commandments are for construction and exemption from destruction.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:for it was founded upon a rock.”Matthew 7:24-25.

Prayer

Thank you, dear Father, for the program of greatness embedded in your word of life. Those that hearken diligently to do accordingly become great without exception. Today I commit to hearken diligently in Jesus precious name.

SCRIPTURAL ALERT

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32.

One of the fascinating things in this age and time is the transfer technology. Anything and everything can be transferred from one place and person to another in real time. It’s interesting that at the click of a button, a transfer takes place and is received miles away. Things that are transferred include money, materials, documents, mails messages, updates and the like supported by the digital platform.

One other thing that is transferred are spiritual virtues like grace, blessings, power, anointing and the like supported by the spiritual platform. These have been ongoing for ages long before the digital platform was discovered and developed. Teaching of the word is the process of transmission or transfer of spiritual virtues without hitches.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God:and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.”2 Chronicles 26:4-5.

While we speak so eloquently about the world becoming a global village not many are aware that there is no distance in the spirit. Virtues are given and received freely just as credit alerts to your phone. Heaven connects seamlessly with the redeemed through the word of God.

Those that connect with the word collect the virtues therein; the heritage of redemption. Teaching is the transfer platform, and is open only to seekers, not visitors. God is not short of instructions for man’s construction but teaching is key. Greatness is not a game of chance, blessing is not stumbled upon, truth is not elusive; teaching is for their continuous impartation. Results they say is the name of the game; receive spiritual alerts from the pages of scripture.

The word of God builds up great destinies, virtues are released by scriptural alerts.

“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.

Prayer :

Thank you father for the heritage of redemption loaded in your word and transferable on request. Teaching is the veritable platform for transfer of spiritual virtues. My portion another will not receive in Jesus name.

REIGNING WISDOM

So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 2 Chronicles 27:6-7.

There are many theories of greatness, nature and nurture or genetics and environmental. The proponents and the opponents have reasons for believing in their course. The discourse does not end, it’s continuous; many pride themselves in their heritage of greatness and have 3-4 generations of greats. Many of the kings in the scriptures were born into royalty, but not all became great.

One phrase was always used for those that became great” they did that which was right before the lord God of Isreal”. “This reinforces my belief that all men are born equal” doing the right thing determines your status and stature   No matter how great your heritage, doing that which is right is a must.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God:and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.”2 Chronicles 26:4-5.

Teachers are great treasures in helping us choose right from wrong. Everyone that became great had great teachers of the truth. Greatness is becoming what is written concerning you. Copycats end up as mediocre, the best is being what you’re born to be in Christ.

The first step to reign in life is to be born into the kingdom of God; that’s the only heritage of guaranteed greatness. Princes are born,kings are made! Ask Jotham or Uzziah. Teachers turn princes to kings by wisdom transferred by truth Impartation.

Information is the limitation, knowledge is for liberty, wisdom is the reigning key

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” Proverbs 4:7-9.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly father, greatness is defined by you, almighty is your heritage. Your children are the seeds of the almighty with the heritage of greatness. Teach us to reign in life by the same wisdom through Christ Jesus.

TRIUMPHANT LIVING

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. 2 Chronicles 15:3-5.

Every time I read through these verses, my curiosity heightens. The problem is perfectly stated; no peace, great vexation or “wahala” as my people would say. The situation was persistent and the people affected were the Israel of God. The cause of the “wahala” was also obviously stated; no true God, teaching priest and law. By the law of cause and effect, one was the solution to the other.

The keys to spiritual worship provide solutions to life situations. Without the true God, a teaching priest and the law, disorder and chaos prevail. This is true both for secular and spiritual living also for individual, community and nations. Watch out for systems, process and methods as they coexist with the rule of law.

“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God:and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.”2 Chronicles 26:5.

Greatness in God begins with an understanding of who he is. Everyone that encounters the true God and is under the ministry of a teaching priest and the word of God prospers in life. That is the testimony of everyone that became great in scriptures and king Uzziah in the verse above.

Everyone that becomes great knows his teachers, in this case Zechariah. 

Common things that occur when the true God is revealed to his people are creative inventions and solutions to life situations. The cure to the chaos or life “wahala” is the revelation of God. Revelation gives light and understanding to end crisis and chaos  whenever  The triad of the true God, a teaching priest and the word of God is the key to triumphant living.

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”2 Corinthians 2:14.

Prayer:

Thank you father for expressly showing by your word the keys to triumphant living. The true God, a teaching priest and the word of God is my triad for triumph in life. Creative solutions are mine to manifest in Jesus name.

OPEN THE BOOK AND READ!

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:4-5.

I belong to several groups of former classmates, secondary school and University. It’s a great platform to connect with these former classmates and colleagues. Some discussions arise on the platform that may become touchy as previous prejudice comes into play. Many still remember you for your past, not many know you presently. One thing for sure, we are no longer classmates; many of us have had  different teachers and have opened different chapters of life.

God does not make duplicates of the same person, he creates individuals. Teaching is the platform to reveal the person you’re born to be in life. Every word believed and received reveals the picture of the real person in you. 

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up:and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.”Luke 4:16-17, 20.

Many are still having a crisis of identity due to lack of revelation of their personality. Every word from God reveals you identity as prepared in the beginning.

Jesus opened the book and was opened to his destiny from the pages. He read out his life objective with precision from the pages in front of many and closed the book and gave it back for all to find their own identity.

We are no longer classmates, the word from God places one in a class of his own. Teachers unveil the word from God for you to belong to a special class. The teacher reveals the secret when you open the book and read the words for yourself. The book is general, the truths are personal; open the book and read!

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32.

Prayer :

Thank you father for having a great plan for me written down for discovery when I read the book. It’s not hidden form me, it’s written for me. May the book open to me your plan every time I open it in Jesus name.