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How Does the Bible View Ancient Polygamy? What Can It Teach Christians Today? Something to Clarify Before Mission Work in Relevant Regions...
“Do Not Divorce” Does Not Mean “Do Not Remarry”
The Bible records that when Jesus came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan, the Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:1–9; Matthew 19:1–8, NKJV) If we interpret Jesus’ words against the backdrop of that era—over 2,000 years ago, when polygamy was common—we can better grasp His intent: if a man had only one wife, he was not to divorce her; and if he had more than one wife at the same time, he was not to divorce any of them. In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:10–12; Matthew 19:9; 5:31–32; Luke 16:18, NKJV) Since Jesus states that divorcing one’s wife and marrying another is adultery, one might ask: Is marrying another without divorcing the original wife or wives also adultery? For ancient Israelites, the answer was no—remarriage without divorce was not considered adultery because the Law did not forbid polygamy. But for us today, under monogamous legal systems, one must divorce before marrying again. Thus, the option of marrying again without divorcing doesn’t legally exist. This often leads us to interpret “Jesus said do not divorce” as meaning “Jesus said do not divorce and therefore do not remarry”. However, for the Israelites, “do not divorce” did not equate to “do not remarry”. Another example: we tend to interpret “God hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16, RSV) as meaning “God hates divorce and therefore hates remarriage”. But for Israelites, “hates divorce” did not equate to “hates remarriage”. As monogamy became the norm in later generations, Christians treated it as doctrine. Yet, Jesus never intended to call on the Israelites to abolish polygamy. On the contrary, He called them to remain in their marriages with their own wife or wives, because He taught the Israelites that whoever—whether with only one wife or with more than one at the same time—was not permitted to divorce.
Not Only Allowed by Law—Sometimes God’s Will
In the Old Testament era—which was also the time when Jesus grew up—Israelites were allowed to take multiple wives. For example, Abram took his wife Sarai’s maid, Hagar, as a concubine. After Hagar conceived, she fled due to conflict with Sarai. However, the angel of the Lord told her to return and submit, thereby restoring the concubine to Abram (Genesis 16, RSV). Moreover, after King David had taken Uriah’s wife to be his own, God, through the prophet Nathan, told him that it was He who had put Saul’s wives into his bosom, and that if this had been too little, He would have added as much more. God then asked him why he had despised the word of the Lord by doing what was evil in His sight (2 Samuel 12:8–10, RSV). It seems that the kings of Israel having multiple wives could be in accordance with God’s will. However, God also gave a command through the Law that the king of Israel shall not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away (Deuteronomy 17:17, RSV). King Solomon, because he loved many foreign women, took 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. As a result, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, for he did not fully follow the Lord as David his father had done. This illustrates the serious consequences of entering into marriage with foreign women and multiplying wives for himself (1 Kings 11:1–13, RSV). In some cases, God even required His people to take another wife while already married. First example: if brothers lived together and one of them died without a son, the surviving brother was commanded to marry the widow in order to produce descendants for the deceased, so that his name might not be blotted out of Israel (Deuteronomy 25:5–6; Genesis 38:6–10, RSV). Second example: if a Hebrew slave was given a wife by his master and she brought him sons or daughters, when he was released, his wife and children belonged to his master. But if he loves them and does not want to leave, he could choose to serve his master for life (Exodus 21:1–6, RSV). God’s decisions also included the case where a man married a female slave as a wife (or concubine), and later took another wife for himself; he should not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights (that is, he should not divorce her). And if he did not do these three things for her, she should go out for nothing, without payment of money (Exodus 21:10–11, RSV). What do the above examples demonstrate? Polygamy among the Israelites was not only allowed by the Law, but in some cases, it even reflected the will of God—often rooted in His care for the vulnerable. Nevertheless, monogamy is undeniably the highest ideal of marriage. This is why Paul specified that those serving as bishops, deacons, or elders must each meet certain requirements for being above reproach, all of which include being the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9, RSV). Accordingly, the church has reasonably connected this with the verse “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NKJV) as affirming that the ideal form of marriage according to God’s will is monogamy—even though Jesus quoted this verse to emphasize no divorce, and Paul applied it to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:29–32; 1 Corinthians 6:15–17, NKJV).
The Church and Polygamy
As of 2025, approximately 50 to 60 countries legally recognize or permit polygamy. These include the following:
Legally recognized polygamy: Algeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Jordan, Guinea, Libya, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria (in some states), São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia (in some regions), Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia (except Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, West Papua), Iran, Iraq (except Kurdistan), Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria (except Kurdish areas), United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
Muslim-only polygamy recognized: India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Pakistan.
Customary law recognition: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia (in some regions), Niger, Nigeria (Islamic law states), Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Solomon Islands.
Hong Kong has fully implemented a monogamous marriage system, but legal provisions still protect polygamous marriages that were established before the enactment of the modern marriage law [1]. As a result, many churches in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East often encounter converts who are in polygamous marriages. Among them, quite a number of churches hold the view that, although monogamy is upheld as a doctrinal principle, the act of “putting away” a wife is also contrary to Scripture. Therefore, they support allowing converts to retain their existing marital relationships while refraining from taking additional wives. Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:1–12 holds profound pastoral significance in such contexts, as He forbade divorce, not only correcting the practice of dismissing wives but also protecting all spouses in existing marriages—including each wife in polygamous households. Before engaging in mission work in regions where polygamy is practiced, it is advisable to first understand the local marriage systems and the positions of the churches there. For reference, one may consult the works of scholars such as Dorothy Tembo (lecturer in theology at the University of Malawi), Moses Mlenga (Malawian theologian), David Gitari (Archbishop of Kenya), and Eugene Hillman (Roman Catholic priest):
• Dorothy Tembo, “Missionaries and the Construction of Christian Homes: Examining the Formation of African Social Identities in Colonial Malawi”, *International Bulletin of Mission Research*, Vol. 46(1), 2022, pp. 110–111.
• Moses Mlenga, *Polygamy in Northern Malawi: A Christian Reassessment*, Mzuni Press, 2016, pp. 197–207.
• David Gitari, “The Church and Polygamy”, *Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies*, Vol. 1 Issue 1, 1984, pp. 3–10.
• Eugene Hillman, *Polygamy Reconsidered: African Plural Marriages and the Christian Churches*, Orbis Books, 1975, pp. 31–34.
Suggested reading order: start with Gitari’s article, followed by Tembo, Mlenga, and Hillman.
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:18–20, NKJV)
Note:
[1] Women who acquired the status of concubine before 7 October 1971, and their children, may inherit the estate of the deceased male party of a union of concubinage pursuant to Section 5 of the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap. 178) and Schedule 1 of the Intestates’ Estates Ordinance (Cap. 73) of the Laws of Hong Kong. Alternatively, they may apply for financial provision from the estate under Section 3 of Part II of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance (Cap. 481).
Bible Version Note:
The Scripture quotations cited in this article are taken from the “Revised Standard Version” (RSV) and the “New King James Version” (NKJV).How Does the Bible View Ancient Polygamy? What Can It Teach Christians Today? Something to Clarify Before Mission Work in Relevant Regions... “Do Not Divorce” Does Not Mean “Do Not Remarry” The Bible records that when Jesus came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan, the Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:1–9; Matthew 19:1–8, NKJV) If we interpret Jesus’ words against the backdrop of that era—over 2,000 years ago, when polygamy was common—we can better grasp His intent: if a man had only one wife, he was not to divorce her; and if he had more than one wife at the same time, he was not to divorce any of them. In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:10–12; Matthew 19:9; 5:31–32; Luke 16:18, NKJV) Since Jesus states that divorcing one’s wife and marrying another is adultery, one might ask: Is marrying another without divorcing the original wife or wives also adultery? For ancient Israelites, the answer was no—remarriage without divorce was not considered adultery because the Law did not forbid polygamy. But for us today, under monogamous legal systems, one must divorce before marrying again. Thus, the option of marrying again without divorcing doesn’t legally exist. This often leads us to interpret “Jesus said do not divorce” as meaning “Jesus said do not divorce and therefore do not remarry”. However, for the Israelites, “do not divorce” did not equate to “do not remarry”. Another example: we tend to interpret “God hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16, RSV) as meaning “God hates divorce and therefore hates remarriage”. But for Israelites, “hates divorce” did not equate to “hates remarriage”. As monogamy became the norm in later generations, Christians treated it as doctrine. Yet, Jesus never intended to call on the Israelites to abolish polygamy. On the contrary, He called them to remain in their marriages with their own wife or wives, because He taught the Israelites that whoever—whether with only one wife or with more than one at the same time—was not permitted to divorce. Not Only Allowed by Law—Sometimes God’s Will In the Old Testament era—which was also the time when Jesus grew up—Israelites were allowed to take multiple wives. For example, Abram took his wife Sarai’s maid, Hagar, as a concubine. After Hagar conceived, she fled due to conflict with Sarai. However, the angel of the Lord told her to return and submit, thereby restoring the concubine to Abram (Genesis 16, RSV). Moreover, after King David had taken Uriah’s wife to be his own, God, through the prophet Nathan, told him that it was He who had put Saul’s wives into his bosom, and that if this had been too little, He would have added as much more. God then asked him why he had despised the word of the Lord by doing what was evil in His sight (2 Samuel 12:8–10, RSV). It seems that the kings of Israel having multiple wives could be in accordance with God’s will. However, God also gave a command through the Law that the king of Israel shall not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away (Deuteronomy 17:17, RSV). King Solomon, because he loved many foreign women, took 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. As a result, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, for he did not fully follow the Lord as David his father had done. This illustrates the serious consequences of entering into marriage with foreign women and multiplying wives for himself (1 Kings 11:1–13, RSV). In some cases, God even required His people to take another wife while already married. First example: if brothers lived together and one of them died without a son, the surviving brother was commanded to marry the widow in order to produce descendants for the deceased, so that his name might not be blotted out of Israel (Deuteronomy 25:5–6; Genesis 38:6–10, RSV). Second example: if a Hebrew slave was given a wife by his master and she brought him sons or daughters, when he was released, his wife and children belonged to his master. But if he loves them and does not want to leave, he could choose to serve his master for life (Exodus 21:1–6, RSV). God’s decisions also included the case where a man married a female slave as a wife (or concubine), and later took another wife for himself; he should not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights (that is, he should not divorce her). And if he did not do these three things for her, she should go out for nothing, without payment of money (Exodus 21:10–11, RSV). What do the above examples demonstrate? Polygamy among the Israelites was not only allowed by the Law, but in some cases, it even reflected the will of God—often rooted in His care for the vulnerable. Nevertheless, monogamy is undeniably the highest ideal of marriage. This is why Paul specified that those serving as bishops, deacons, or elders must each meet certain requirements for being above reproach, all of which include being the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9, RSV). Accordingly, the church has reasonably connected this with the verse “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NKJV) as affirming that the ideal form of marriage according to God’s will is monogamy—even though Jesus quoted this verse to emphasize no divorce, and Paul applied it to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:29–32; 1 Corinthians 6:15–17, NKJV). The Church and Polygamy As of 2025, approximately 50 to 60 countries legally recognize or permit polygamy. These include the following: Legally recognized polygamy: Algeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Jordan, Guinea, Libya, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria (in some states), São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia (in some regions), Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia (except Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, West Papua), Iran, Iraq (except Kurdistan), Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria (except Kurdish areas), United Arab Emirates, Yemen. Muslim-only polygamy recognized: India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Pakistan. Customary law recognition: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia (in some regions), Niger, Nigeria (Islamic law states), Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Solomon Islands. Hong Kong has fully implemented a monogamous marriage system, but legal provisions still protect polygamous marriages that were established before the enactment of the modern marriage law [1]. As a result, many churches in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East often encounter converts who are in polygamous marriages. Among them, quite a number of churches hold the view that, although monogamy is upheld as a doctrinal principle, the act of “putting away” a wife is also contrary to Scripture. Therefore, they support allowing converts to retain their existing marital relationships while refraining from taking additional wives. Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:1–12 holds profound pastoral significance in such contexts, as He forbade divorce, not only correcting the practice of dismissing wives but also protecting all spouses in existing marriages—including each wife in polygamous households. Before engaging in mission work in regions where polygamy is practiced, it is advisable to first understand the local marriage systems and the positions of the churches there. For reference, one may consult the works of scholars such as Dorothy Tembo (lecturer in theology at the University of Malawi), Moses Mlenga (Malawian theologian), David Gitari (Archbishop of Kenya), and Eugene Hillman (Roman Catholic priest): • Dorothy Tembo, “Missionaries and the Construction of Christian Homes: Examining the Formation of African Social Identities in Colonial Malawi”, *International Bulletin of Mission Research*, Vol. 46(1), 2022, pp. 110–111. • Moses Mlenga, *Polygamy in Northern Malawi: A Christian Reassessment*, Mzuni Press, 2016, pp. 197–207. • David Gitari, “The Church and Polygamy”, *Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies*, Vol. 1 Issue 1, 1984, pp. 3–10. • Eugene Hillman, *Polygamy Reconsidered: African Plural Marriages and the Christian Churches*, Orbis Books, 1975, pp. 31–34. Suggested reading order: start with Gitari’s article, followed by Tembo, Mlenga, and Hillman. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:18–20, NKJV) Note: [1] Women who acquired the status of concubine before 7 October 1971, and their children, may inherit the estate of the deceased male party of a union of concubinage pursuant to Section 5 of the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap. 178) and Schedule 1 of the Intestates’ Estates Ordinance (Cap. 73) of the Laws of Hong Kong. Alternatively, they may apply for financial provision from the estate under Section 3 of Part II of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance (Cap. 481). Bible Version Note: The Scripture quotations cited in this article are taken from the “Revised Standard Version” (RSV) and the “New King James Version” (NKJV).0 Comments 0 Shares 165 Views 0 Reviews -
NEVER GIVE UP — YOUR STORY IS NOT OVER!
From the Heart of the Kerry Okoh Foundation
In the heart of every person lies a silent battle, a dream yet to be fulfilled, and a voice longing to be heard.
To the deaf child who was told they could never learn,
To the young girl in a wheelchair longing to be seen as more than her disability,
To the boy with a speech disorder who just wants to be understood,
To the parent of a child with special needs wondering how to keep going,
And to the many individuals who have been rejected, abandoned, and forgotten by society…
We see you.
We believe in you.
We stand with you.
At Kerry Okoh Foundation, we are not just offering donations or doing charity — we are rewriting stories.
We believe that disability is not inability.
We believe that your life has value, your voice matters, and your future is full of possibilities.
For every person who has ever been made to feel like they don’t belong —
Let this post remind you: You are not alone. You are not broken. You are powerful beyond measure.
We’ve seen students graduate against all odds.
We’ve seen parents of children with disabilities find courage and community.
We’ve seen young people with no limbs start businesses and empower others.
And we’ve seen hope reborn in the darkest moments.
Your life is not a mistake. Your existence is a blessing. And your dreams are still valid.
Let the world hear you! Let your light shine!
Don’t stop dreaming because you’re deaf.
Don’t stop trying because you can’t walk.
Don’t stop believing because life has been hard.
Your disability does not define you — your courage does.
And to our friends, families, and followers, please remember:
When you support this Foundation — when you donate, comment, share, or simply spread the word — you’re helping transform pain into purpose.
You are part of a movement that believes everyone deserves to be seen, loved, and empowered — no matter what they face.
We rise by lifting others.
Help us continue our mission.
Invite someone to like this page.
Tag a friend who needs encouragement.
Share this message of hope.
Let’s build a nation where disability is no longer a disadvantage.
Together, we are breaking limits, restoring dignity, and igniting futures.
#KerryOkohFoundation
#HopeForAll
#DisabilityIsNotInability
#TogetherWeRise
#GiveHopeChangeALife🌟 NEVER GIVE UP — YOUR STORY IS NOT OVER! 🌟 From the Heart of the Kerry Okoh Foundation In the heart of every person lies a silent battle, a dream yet to be fulfilled, and a voice longing to be heard. To the deaf child who was told they could never learn, To the young girl in a wheelchair longing to be seen as more than her disability, To the boy with a speech disorder who just wants to be understood, To the parent of a child with special needs wondering how to keep going, And to the many individuals who have been rejected, abandoned, and forgotten by society… We see you. We believe in you. We stand with you. 💚 At Kerry Okoh Foundation, we are not just offering donations or doing charity — we are rewriting stories. We believe that disability is not inability. We believe that your life has value, your voice matters, and your future is full of possibilities. For every person who has ever been made to feel like they don’t belong — Let this post remind you: You are not alone. You are not broken. You are powerful beyond measure. We’ve seen students graduate against all odds. We’ve seen parents of children with disabilities find courage and community. We’ve seen young people with no limbs start businesses and empower others. And we’ve seen hope reborn in the darkest moments. 🕊️ Your life is not a mistake. Your existence is a blessing. And your dreams are still valid. Let the world hear you! Let your light shine! Don’t stop dreaming because you’re deaf. Don’t stop trying because you can’t walk. Don’t stop believing because life has been hard. 🌈 Your disability does not define you — your courage does. And to our friends, families, and followers, please remember: 👉 When you support this Foundation — when you donate, comment, share, or simply spread the word — you’re helping transform pain into purpose. You are part of a movement that believes everyone deserves to be seen, loved, and empowered — no matter what they face. ❤️ We rise by lifting others. 📣 Help us continue our mission. Invite someone to like this page. Tag a friend who needs encouragement. Share this message of hope. Let’s build a nation where disability is no longer a disadvantage. Together, we are breaking limits, restoring dignity, and igniting futures. #KerryOkohFoundation #HopeForAll #DisabilityIsNotInability #TogetherWeRise #GiveHopeChangeALife0 Comments 0 Shares 116 Views 0 Reviews -
Just once...
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She wants happiness, and most importantly genuine love, to have and to hold for the rest of her life.Just once... She wants to be worth fighting for. Just once... She wants someone to be afraid of losing her. Just once... She wants to feel like she’s important to someone. Just once... She doesn't want to look stupid for loving someone. Just once... She wants to believe someone when they say they won't hurt her, despise her and never leave her. Just once... She wants to be able to look at someone in their eyes and not think about how bad it's going to hurt when they leave or don't come through. Just once... She wants to feel like she matters and feels what its like to be loved unconditionally. Just once... She wants happiness, and most importantly genuine love, to have and to hold for the rest of her life.0 Comments 0 Shares 131 Views 0 Reviews1
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DUNAMIS SEEDS OF DESTINY DEVOTIONAL FOR 5TH AUGUST, 2025 BY DR PAUL ENENCHE
TOPIC: SIGNS OF THE END
SCRIPTURE: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-3
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity.
The scripture made it abundantly clear that we are in the last days. Though God never told us categorically when the end would come, He gave us signs and signals that will help us identify the end of the age (Matthew 24:36-43). So, God did not totally leave us in the dark, because with these signs, we can know that the end is around the corner.
Today, we are going to look at the signs and signals of the last days.
1. The abundance of deception and falsehood. Matthew 24:5 says, For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:11 says, And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Now, one of the things that will indicate to us that we are around the end of age is the explosion of deception, an explosion of falsehood – many false prophets, false apostles, false teachers, false doctrines, heretic practices and operations.
When we came to the Lord many years ago in the late 70s and mid-80s, there were a few mentions of the phrase, “False prophet.” I cannot even remember anyone identified as a false prophet in those days. People were genuinely passionate for God. But today, there are people who have no dealings with Jesus Christ at all, yet they are parading themselves with all manner of titles. They don’t even know what it means to be born again. People who should have been native doctors or witch doctors are wearing suits and ties as pastors and preachers, apostles and prophets.
The challenge right now is that there are fake and false ones who are being celebrated as real and there are real ones who are suspected of being fake.
I once came across someone who said that she went to a place where she paid almost a million Naira for deliverance, healing or help, and at the end of the day, no solution.
2. The abundance of conflicts, crises and wars on the earth. It was predicted in Scriptures, in the Sixth Verse of the Twenty Fourth Chapter of Matthew, …And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
There is an abundance of conflicts, crises, and tensions everywhere across the globe. Almost everywhere in the world you hear about wars and rumors of wars.
Beloved, everything points to the fact that we are in the last days. How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity. The question is, where would you be if the rapture happened now? where would you be if God said your time on earth was up? Think about it!
Remember this: How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity.
ASSIGNMENT (S):
1. Refuse to live in sin.
2. If you have not given your life to Christ, do it now.
3. Invest in things that will matter after time. Live ready!
PRAYER: Lord, I receive the grace to live upright so I can spend my eternity with You at the end of time, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SURVIVING IN THE LAST DAYS BY DR PAUL ENENCHE
DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 64-66
QUOTE: Our eternity with God is not guaranteed if our Christianity is not confirmed. Culled from the book, The essence of Christianity by Dr Paul Enenche.
AMAZING FACT: Lionesses will nurse each other's cubs if necessary.
PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: Father, help me not to miss it at the end of the day, Lord in Jesus NameDUNAMIS SEEDS OF DESTINY DEVOTIONAL FOR 5TH AUGUST, 2025 BY DR PAUL ENENCHE TOPIC: SIGNS OF THE END SCRIPTURE: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-3 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity. The scripture made it abundantly clear that we are in the last days. Though God never told us categorically when the end would come, He gave us signs and signals that will help us identify the end of the age (Matthew 24:36-43). So, God did not totally leave us in the dark, because with these signs, we can know that the end is around the corner. Today, we are going to look at the signs and signals of the last days. 1. The abundance of deception and falsehood. Matthew 24:5 says, For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:11 says, And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Now, one of the things that will indicate to us that we are around the end of age is the explosion of deception, an explosion of falsehood – many false prophets, false apostles, false teachers, false doctrines, heretic practices and operations. When we came to the Lord many years ago in the late 70s and mid-80s, there were a few mentions of the phrase, “False prophet.” I cannot even remember anyone identified as a false prophet in those days. People were genuinely passionate for God. But today, there are people who have no dealings with Jesus Christ at all, yet they are parading themselves with all manner of titles. They don’t even know what it means to be born again. People who should have been native doctors or witch doctors are wearing suits and ties as pastors and preachers, apostles and prophets. The challenge right now is that there are fake and false ones who are being celebrated as real and there are real ones who are suspected of being fake. I once came across someone who said that she went to a place where she paid almost a million Naira for deliverance, healing or help, and at the end of the day, no solution. 2. The abundance of conflicts, crises and wars on the earth. It was predicted in Scriptures, in the Sixth Verse of the Twenty Fourth Chapter of Matthew, …And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. There is an abundance of conflicts, crises, and tensions everywhere across the globe. Almost everywhere in the world you hear about wars and rumors of wars. Beloved, everything points to the fact that we are in the last days. How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity. The question is, where would you be if the rapture happened now? where would you be if God said your time on earth was up? Think about it! Remember this: How you live on earth determines where you will spend your eternity. ASSIGNMENT (S): 1. Refuse to live in sin. 2. If you have not given your life to Christ, do it now. 3. Invest in things that will matter after time. Live ready! PRAYER: Lord, I receive the grace to live upright so I can spend my eternity with You at the end of time, Lord, in Jesus’ Name. FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SURVIVING IN THE LAST DAYS BY DR PAUL ENENCHE DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 64-66 QUOTE: Our eternity with God is not guaranteed if our Christianity is not confirmed. Culled from the book, The essence of Christianity by Dr Paul Enenche. AMAZING FACT: Lionesses will nurse each other's cubs if necessary. PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: Father, help me not to miss it at the end of the day, Lord in Jesus Name![]()
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SEEDS OF DESTINY DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE BY DR PST PAUL ENENCHE
DATE: THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST 2025
TOPIC: MAKING IMPACT THROUGH FAITH
SCRIPTURE: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, HEBREWS 11:33
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things.
In our journey through life, it is crucial to know that our existence, spiritual relevance and impact on the earth are made possible by faith.
Hebrews Chapter Eleven is commonly referred to as the
Bible’s Hall of Fame. This is because everyone who featured in Hebrews Chapter Eleven was someone who made impact by faith. Existence without faith is therefore existence without impact and relevance.
Now, if our lives and impact are determined by faith, what then is faith all about? Faith is seeing the invisible, doing the incredible or unbelievable, and experiencing the impossible.
You open the Bible and see something that others have not seen, and you go ahead to do something that others cannot do, then you experience something that others cannot experience. That is faith! They may say you are fanatical or foolish, but you are only acting based on what you see from the Bible.
Look at the case of Abraham for example. He heard what nobody heard, saw what nobody saw and experienced what nobody could experience. God told him, Get out of your fathers’ house to a land I will show you (Genesis 12:1-5). When he heard it, nobody was there. When he saw it, nobody was there. He did not even know the specific location he was going to. He only heard God’s voice and moved.
His family may have been surprised at his decision to the point of considering a deliverance session for him or even taking him for a psychiatric examination, thinking that the 75 years old man had lost his mind. But only Abraham heard what he heard and saw what he saw.
Today, Abraham is called the father of faith. He became the custodian of the blessing by that act of faith.
In the realm of supernatural supplies our ministry does not have or rely on any earthly sponsor. I believe there is a budgetary allocation from heaven for us. I also observe that in the Ministry of Jesus Christ, there was no collection of offering, yet He could go to wherever He wanted without any constraint.
He could send His disciples to go to a junction an untie a donkey that has never been ridden by any man, why? The donkey was part of heavenly allocations for His Ministry. He said, Go! If anyone asks you, say the Master is in need of it, and they will let you take it (Matthew 21:2-7 Paraphrased). He told Peter, Go to the river, cast the hook, the first fish that you will catch, open its mouth, like Automated Teller Machine (ATM), there is money inside (Matthew 17:27 Paraphrased).
And the same Jesus said to you and I, As my father sent me, I sent you. Who is that devil that wants us to be frustrated while on assignment for the Master? No way!
You know what? The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things.
Beloved, if you want to experience the impossible, see the invisible, and do the incredible.
REMEMBER THIS: The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things.
ASSIGNMENT (S):
1. Let revelation from the Word of God power your vision and expectations.
2. Whenever you hear God’s instruction, be prompt in obeying it.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your Word that You designed to frame my world. I receive my portion in You as I act by the light from Your Word, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH PART 3 BY DR PAUL ENENCHE
DAILY BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 4-6
QUOTE: The absence of faith is the reason for fear in the midst of the storm. Culled from the book, Riding the Storm of Life by Dr Paul Enenche.
AMAZING FACT: Elephants can understand complex commands when trained in captivity.
PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: The Lord open Your eyes to behold wonders of His Word in Jesus Name.🍒🌽 SEEDS OF DESTINY DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE BY DR PST PAUL ENENCHE DATE: THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST 2025 TOPIC: MAKING IMPACT THROUGH FAITH SCRIPTURE: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, HEBREWS 11:33 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things. In our journey through life, it is crucial to know that our existence, spiritual relevance and impact on the earth are made possible by faith. Hebrews Chapter Eleven is commonly referred to as the Bible’s Hall of Fame. This is because everyone who featured in Hebrews Chapter Eleven was someone who made impact by faith. Existence without faith is therefore existence without impact and relevance. Now, if our lives and impact are determined by faith, what then is faith all about? Faith is seeing the invisible, doing the incredible or unbelievable, and experiencing the impossible. You open the Bible and see something that others have not seen, and you go ahead to do something that others cannot do, then you experience something that others cannot experience. That is faith! They may say you are fanatical or foolish, but you are only acting based on what you see from the Bible. Look at the case of Abraham for example. He heard what nobody heard, saw what nobody saw and experienced what nobody could experience. God told him, Get out of your fathers’ house to a land I will show you (Genesis 12:1-5). When he heard it, nobody was there. When he saw it, nobody was there. He did not even know the specific location he was going to. He only heard God’s voice and moved. His family may have been surprised at his decision to the point of considering a deliverance session for him or even taking him for a psychiatric examination, thinking that the 75 years old man had lost his mind. But only Abraham heard what he heard and saw what he saw. Today, Abraham is called the father of faith. He became the custodian of the blessing by that act of faith. In the realm of supernatural supplies our ministry does not have or rely on any earthly sponsor. I believe there is a budgetary allocation from heaven for us. I also observe that in the Ministry of Jesus Christ, there was no collection of offering, yet He could go to wherever He wanted without any constraint. He could send His disciples to go to a junction an untie a donkey that has never been ridden by any man, why? The donkey was part of heavenly allocations for His Ministry. He said, Go! If anyone asks you, say the Master is in need of it, and they will let you take it (Matthew 21:2-7 Paraphrased). He told Peter, Go to the river, cast the hook, the first fish that you will catch, open its mouth, like Automated Teller Machine (ATM), there is money inside (Matthew 17:27 Paraphrased). And the same Jesus said to you and I, As my father sent me, I sent you. Who is that devil that wants us to be frustrated while on assignment for the Master? No way! You know what? The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things. Beloved, if you want to experience the impossible, see the invisible, and do the incredible. REMEMBER THIS: The reason why we are not all at the same level is that we are not seeing the same things. ASSIGNMENT (S): 1. Let revelation from the Word of God power your vision and expectations. 2. Whenever you hear God’s instruction, be prompt in obeying it. PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your Word that You designed to frame my world. I receive my portion in You as I act by the light from Your Word, Lord, in Jesus’ Name. FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH PART 3 BY DR PAUL ENENCHE DAILY BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 4-6 QUOTE: The absence of faith is the reason for fear in the midst of the storm. Culled from the book, Riding the Storm of Life by Dr Paul Enenche. AMAZING FACT: Elephants can understand complex commands when trained in captivity. PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: The Lord open Your eyes to behold wonders of His Word in Jesus Name.1 Comments 0 Shares 141 Views 0 Reviews1
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Beloved, it is an abomination to be identified with God and be stagnated in life, its an abomination to be connected to God and be redundant on earth. It's an abuse of association to claim to know God and your life remains unchanged. That shall not be your portion, God shall lift and shift your life this season... Amen. (Rev 4 v1)
O Lord, l ask that you lift and shift my life and destiny to the next level. Take me to the next phase of my life, Lord... Amen.
Good morning, have a stress free day.Beloved, it is an abomination to be identified with God and be stagnated in life, its an abomination to be connected to God and be redundant on earth. It's an abuse of association to claim to know God and your life remains unchanged. That shall not be your portion, God shall lift and shift your life this season... Amen. (Rev 4 v1) O Lord, l ask that you lift and shift my life and destiny to the next level. Take me to the next phase of my life, Lord... Amen. Good morning, have a stress free day.0 Comments 1 Shares 121 Views 0 Reviews -
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6TH 2025
TOPIC: OVERFLOWING MERCY
MEMORISE:
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).” - (Ephesians 2:4-5)
READ: MARK 1:40-45 (KJV)
40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
45 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
MESSAGE:
Many of God's attributes can be seen in the Bible, and one of them is that He is merciful. Today's memory verse says that He is rich in mercy, and this means that He has more than enough for everyone; hence, He can never run out of it. The Bible also says in Psalm 62:12:
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy...
The Scripture above tells us that mercy belongs to God. When something belongs to someone who loves you, you can rest assured that he or she will give you that thing anytime you need it. This means that as long as you belong to God, you will always enjoy His mercy.
Today's Bible reading tells the story of a leper who came to Jesus and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." In other words, he was saying, "I know you are merciful, but I don't know if that mercy extends to me. If you will have mercy on me, then I know I will become clean." Jesus didn't get angry at him; He reached out to him and touched him. In those days, it was forbidden to touch a leper, but when mercy shows up for a man, it breaks human protocols. Jesus also corrected the leper's wrong mindset. He told him, "I will; be clean." Jesus showed him that mercy is always available to those who come to Him. God never withholds His mercy from those who cry out to Him for it. When Blind Bartimaeus cried for mercy in Mark 10:46-52, Jesus heard his cry and responded. When a father cried for mercy concerning his son who was tormented by a devil, Jesus responded and delivered the child (Matthew 17:14-18). When the Canaanite woman cried for mercy concerning her daughter, even though it wasn't yet time for the Gentiles to experience God's merciful gift of salvation, Jesus responded, and the girl was made whole (Matthew 15:22-28). In the name above every other name, I pray that God's mercy will locate you and make you whole in all areas of life.
God's mercy is great. Psalm 57:10 tells us that His mercy is great unto the heavens. However, as great as God's mercy is, it is only available to those who genuinely repent of their sins, surrender their lives to Jesus, and make a commitment to living a holy life. Only those who fear God will partake of His overflowing mercy (Psalm 103:11).
KEY POINT:
Those who fear God will always enjoy His overflowing mercy.
AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 9-11
HYMNAL: 15 - PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR
1 Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
2 Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
3 Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
4 Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me;
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heaven but Thee?OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6TH 2025 TOPIC: OVERFLOWING MERCY MEMORISE: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).” - (Ephesians 2:4-5) READ: MARK 1:40-45 (KJV) 40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 45 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. MESSAGE: Many of God's attributes can be seen in the Bible, and one of them is that He is merciful. Today's memory verse says that He is rich in mercy, and this means that He has more than enough for everyone; hence, He can never run out of it. The Bible also says in Psalm 62:12: Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy... The Scripture above tells us that mercy belongs to God. When something belongs to someone who loves you, you can rest assured that he or she will give you that thing anytime you need it. This means that as long as you belong to God, you will always enjoy His mercy. Today's Bible reading tells the story of a leper who came to Jesus and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." In other words, he was saying, "I know you are merciful, but I don't know if that mercy extends to me. If you will have mercy on me, then I know I will become clean." Jesus didn't get angry at him; He reached out to him and touched him. In those days, it was forbidden to touch a leper, but when mercy shows up for a man, it breaks human protocols. Jesus also corrected the leper's wrong mindset. He told him, "I will; be clean." Jesus showed him that mercy is always available to those who come to Him. God never withholds His mercy from those who cry out to Him for it. When Blind Bartimaeus cried for mercy in Mark 10:46-52, Jesus heard his cry and responded. When a father cried for mercy concerning his son who was tormented by a devil, Jesus responded and delivered the child (Matthew 17:14-18). When the Canaanite woman cried for mercy concerning her daughter, even though it wasn't yet time for the Gentiles to experience God's merciful gift of salvation, Jesus responded, and the girl was made whole (Matthew 15:22-28). In the name above every other name, I pray that God's mercy will locate you and make you whole in all areas of life. God's mercy is great. Psalm 57:10 tells us that His mercy is great unto the heavens. However, as great as God's mercy is, it is only available to those who genuinely repent of their sins, surrender their lives to Jesus, and make a commitment to living a holy life. Only those who fear God will partake of His overflowing mercy (Psalm 103:11). KEY POINT: Those who fear God will always enjoy His overflowing mercy. AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 9-11 HYMNAL: 15 - PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR 1 Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. 2 Let me at Thy throne of mercy Find a sweet relief; Kneeling there in deep contrition, Help my unbelief. 3 Trusting only in Thy merit, Would I seek Thy face; Heal my wounded, broken spirit, Save me by Thy grace. 4 Thou the spring of all my comfort, More than life to me; Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?0 Comments 0 Shares 152 Views 0 Reviews
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GOD'S SINGULAR PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE
As you follow Jesus, God works in your life daily with one central purpose: to conform you to the image of His Son — not to make you happy, wealthy, great, or comfortable in this world.
God’s goal is to bring your old life to an end and replace it with the life of Christ. As Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Since no human can meet this divine standard, God transfers the perfection of Christ to those who are in Him.
BECOMING A NEW CREATURE
God achieves this by crucifying your old self and integrating you into the life of Christ, turning you into a brand-new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). From that point, when God looks at you, He sees Christ in you. This is the kind of life that pleases God — now and forever.
This is why Jesus warned, “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” (John 15:6).
THE GREATEST ENEMY OF YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: SELF
The single greatest threat to this divine transformation is SELF — the fallen nature inherited from Adam, and the part of man that Satan uses as his strongest weapon.
SELF craves attention, comfort, recognition, and control. It is the remote control Satan uses to guide and manipulate lives, even religious ones.
This is why Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…” (Luke 9:23). Because SELF and CHRIST cannot coexist in the same heart.
SELF: THE ROOT OF SPIRITUAL FAILURE
Most people don’t truly want to deny self. Why? Because denying self means losing your worldly identity — becoming a nonentity in the eyes of the world.
That’s what happened with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-23. He loved Jesus, and Jesus loved him. But he could not part with SELF, and so he walked away sorrowfully. Not even Jesus' love could override his allegiance to SELF.
IN THE LAST DAYS, SELF WILL RULE
The Bible warns:
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self…” (2 Timothy 3:1-2).
This prophecy shows how deeply Satan will entrench SELF in the hearts of men, especially in the end-time. SELF will instinctively dominate thoughts, desires, and decisions — even in the church.
THE CHURCH AND THE AGE OF SELF
Many churches today operate as platforms that glorify SELF. The biggest and richest churches are often those that promise success, wealth, and influence — not brokenness, sanctification, or the Cross.
They rarely preach the message of The Cross because it requires denying self — and that’s “bad for business.” In contrast, the early apostles boldly declared the message of crucifixion with Christ (Galatians 6:14, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:18, Acts 14:22).
WHERE IS THE CROSS TODAY?
This silence on The Cross has led to the lukewarmness Jesus warned about in Revelation 3:17 — where churches claim to be rich and prosperous, but are actually “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”
Today, many churches would celebrate the Laodicean testimony without realizing that Jesus is standing outside the door, knocking (Revelation 3:20).
THE GREAT FALLING AWAY
As prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, a great falling away from Christ is happening. Jesus also said in Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
Why not? Because the ocean of SELF will sweep away many believers who once started well.
THE FAITHFUL FEW
In this perilous time, only a few believers will survive the onslaught of SELF. These few will be those who choose to walk away from popular Christianity and seek a direct, intimate, and sacrificial relationship with Christ.
They will hear the gentle knock of Jesus on the door of their hearts (Revelation 3:20) and open it, even though The Cross awaits them on the other side.
May you and I be counted among these faithful few who embrace the sufferings of Christ for the joy set before us.
Thanks for reading. Remain sober, remain watchful. Jesus is coming soon. God bless you.GOD'S SINGULAR PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE As you follow Jesus, God works in your life daily with one central purpose: to conform you to the image of His Son — not to make you happy, wealthy, great, or comfortable in this world. God’s goal is to bring your old life to an end and replace it with the life of Christ. As Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Since no human can meet this divine standard, God transfers the perfection of Christ to those who are in Him. BECOMING A NEW CREATURE God achieves this by crucifying your old self and integrating you into the life of Christ, turning you into a brand-new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). From that point, when God looks at you, He sees Christ in you. This is the kind of life that pleases God — now and forever. This is why Jesus warned, “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” (John 15:6). THE GREATEST ENEMY OF YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: SELF The single greatest threat to this divine transformation is SELF — the fallen nature inherited from Adam, and the part of man that Satan uses as his strongest weapon. SELF craves attention, comfort, recognition, and control. It is the remote control Satan uses to guide and manipulate lives, even religious ones. This is why Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…” (Luke 9:23). Because SELF and CHRIST cannot coexist in the same heart. SELF: THE ROOT OF SPIRITUAL FAILURE Most people don’t truly want to deny self. Why? Because denying self means losing your worldly identity — becoming a nonentity in the eyes of the world. That’s what happened with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-23. He loved Jesus, and Jesus loved him. But he could not part with SELF, and so he walked away sorrowfully. Not even Jesus' love could override his allegiance to SELF. IN THE LAST DAYS, SELF WILL RULE The Bible warns: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self…” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This prophecy shows how deeply Satan will entrench SELF in the hearts of men, especially in the end-time. SELF will instinctively dominate thoughts, desires, and decisions — even in the church. THE CHURCH AND THE AGE OF SELF Many churches today operate as platforms that glorify SELF. The biggest and richest churches are often those that promise success, wealth, and influence — not brokenness, sanctification, or the Cross. They rarely preach the message of The Cross because it requires denying self — and that’s “bad for business.” In contrast, the early apostles boldly declared the message of crucifixion with Christ (Galatians 6:14, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:18, Acts 14:22). WHERE IS THE CROSS TODAY? This silence on The Cross has led to the lukewarmness Jesus warned about in Revelation 3:17 — where churches claim to be rich and prosperous, but are actually “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Today, many churches would celebrate the Laodicean testimony without realizing that Jesus is standing outside the door, knocking (Revelation 3:20). THE GREAT FALLING AWAY As prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, a great falling away from Christ is happening. Jesus also said in Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Why not? Because the ocean of SELF will sweep away many believers who once started well. THE FAITHFUL FEW In this perilous time, only a few believers will survive the onslaught of SELF. These few will be those who choose to walk away from popular Christianity and seek a direct, intimate, and sacrificial relationship with Christ. They will hear the gentle knock of Jesus on the door of their hearts (Revelation 3:20) and open it, even though The Cross awaits them on the other side. May you and I be counted among these faithful few who embrace the sufferings of Christ for the joy set before us. Thanks for reading. Remain sober, remain watchful. Jesus is coming soon. God bless you.0 Comments 0 Shares 121 Views 0 Reviews1
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We were nine girls in the family,with
no brother amongst us,so many laughed at my parents for being unable to give birth to a male child.His friends would advise him to chase my mum home and marry a new wife.They said that we girls were use#ls
But the love my dad had for my mum was so strong that he did not
listen to what any of his friends and relatives were saying.Because of how deeply he loved my mum and
us,his children,rumours began to circulate that he was under charms.
They said many nasty things about
my mum."she is a wit#ch and is
manipulating her husband."some said.while others accused her of using char#ms to hold my dad.They even accused her of being
the reason why my dad was no longer progressing like before and was now a mechanic.
Because of the absence of a male child in the family,our wicked relatives began to attack my parents from all angles.We were nine grown-up ladies all ready for marriage,but
yet no one showed any interest in us.It was always one story or the other.
I could remember the day my immediate elder sister came back looking so excited.We asked and she told us that she had finally found a husband.None of us believed her words.We thought she
was joking with us,but the following day,a Prado Jeep drove into our compound to our shock.A man came down from the car and greeted us all as we happily offered
him a seat.
He immediately went straight to the
point."I have come to collect the list so that I can pay her bride price and
take her back to America.Our eyes
were wide open as we thought that
it was all a dream.He left that day
only to return few days later when
the list was ready.We fixed the date
for the traditional wedding and everyone all agreed to the date.
But after he left that day,we never saw him again.His number was not
reachable and even when my sister
visited his place,the security guards
had to throw her out of the house like she was a nobody.She returned
home in tears crying and rolling on
the ground in Pains."Who is doing this to us?"My dad asked."Look at
this man ,so responsible and kind.
He could have been a huge blessing to this family,but look at how it ended?"We all were devastated as
we wondered when all these would
end.
Most of my sisters had reached their
Forties and yet they were still in the
house not doing anything tangible with their lives.It was not that they
weren't beautiful,they would win the
beauty contest if it were to be held
in my village because they were the
most beautiful.Yet,not even a single
one out of them is married.It reached a stage where I could no longer bear the pain any longer.
My dad was just a mechanic while
my mum was a petty trader,but they
were still the ones feeding us at such age which was unacceptable to me.I knew that Something needed to be done.I knew that this was not ordinary at all.For nine beautiful girls
to be at home doing nothing without a husband coming to ask for them is
not a good thing at all.No one would
ever wish for such.
I was still in secondary school when all these things were happening,so
on one fateful morning,I was on my way to school when I ran into our neighbor,I loved her so much because of how close she was with
my mum.She was always in the house and my mum never hides any secret from her.
She gave me bread and akara which
I happily collected from her before
putting it inside my bag.I waved at her as I continued my journey to school.I was just chilling by the corner waiting for the bell to ring so
I could bring out the bread and akara and start enjoying myself when I
saw a cripple coming my way.He was a new comer in my school and was in a higher class than I was then
I saw him crawling towards me and
I quicky looked away."please,am hungry,can you give me something
to eat?"he pleaded.I was moved with
pity for him.So,I brought out my transport money and handed it over
to him."This money is for my transport.Since I have giving it to you,I have no other option but to trek
home after dismissal."
"Why give me your transport money?"he asked."Because,I feel your pain and do not want to see you suffer like this"I replied."Can I see the bread and akara in your bag?"he asked and I startled in shock."Like how did you know that there is something like that in my bag?"I asked anxiously."Can I have it..."he asked again and then I reluctantly handed the bread over to him"
"You were supposed to d## this
night if you had eaten this akara and
bread."He said as I stood up in shock ,my eyes wide open."A lady gave this to you right?A fat dark Lady, a neighbor that your mum loves so much right?"he asked and
I nodded my head still overwhelmed with fear."
There is a part two of this story.it's so emotional that I had to keep it separate.But if you want to read the
second part,
Please follow me on
Richard Chidawah
for the next part,let me know in the comment section and I will drop it immediately.
Don't forget to Share it pleaseWe were nine girls in the family,with no brother amongst us,so many laughed at my parents for being unable to give birth to a male child.His friends would advise him to chase my mum home and marry a new wife.They said that we girls were use#ls But the love my dad had for my mum was so strong that he did not listen to what any of his friends and relatives were saying.Because of how deeply he loved my mum and us,his children,rumours began to circulate that he was under charms. They said many nasty things about my mum."she is a wit#ch and is manipulating her husband."some said.while others accused her of using char#ms to hold my dad.They even accused her of being the reason why my dad was no longer progressing like before and was now a mechanic. Because of the absence of a male child in the family,our wicked relatives began to attack my parents from all angles.We were nine grown-up ladies all ready for marriage,but yet no one showed any interest in us.It was always one story or the other. I could remember the day my immediate elder sister came back looking so excited.We asked and she told us that she had finally found a husband.None of us believed her words.We thought she was joking with us,but the following day,a Prado Jeep drove into our compound to our shock.A man came down from the car and greeted us all as we happily offered him a seat. He immediately went straight to the point."I have come to collect the list so that I can pay her bride price and take her back to America.Our eyes were wide open as we thought that it was all a dream.He left that day only to return few days later when the list was ready.We fixed the date for the traditional wedding and everyone all agreed to the date. But after he left that day,we never saw him again.His number was not reachable and even when my sister visited his place,the security guards had to throw her out of the house like she was a nobody.She returned home in tears crying and rolling on the ground in Pains."Who is doing this to us?"My dad asked."Look at this man ,so responsible and kind. He could have been a huge blessing to this family,but look at how it ended?"We all were devastated as we wondered when all these would end. Most of my sisters had reached their Forties and yet they were still in the house not doing anything tangible with their lives.It was not that they weren't beautiful,they would win the beauty contest if it were to be held in my village because they were the most beautiful.Yet,not even a single one out of them is married.It reached a stage where I could no longer bear the pain any longer. My dad was just a mechanic while my mum was a petty trader,but they were still the ones feeding us at such age which was unacceptable to me.I knew that Something needed to be done.I knew that this was not ordinary at all.For nine beautiful girls to be at home doing nothing without a husband coming to ask for them is not a good thing at all.No one would ever wish for such. I was still in secondary school when all these things were happening,so on one fateful morning,I was on my way to school when I ran into our neighbor,I loved her so much because of how close she was with my mum.She was always in the house and my mum never hides any secret from her. She gave me bread and akara which I happily collected from her before putting it inside my bag.I waved at her as I continued my journey to school.I was just chilling by the corner waiting for the bell to ring so I could bring out the bread and akara and start enjoying myself when I saw a cripple coming my way.He was a new comer in my school and was in a higher class than I was then I saw him crawling towards me and I quicky looked away."please,am hungry,can you give me something to eat?"he pleaded.I was moved with pity for him.So,I brought out my transport money and handed it over to him."This money is for my transport.Since I have giving it to you,I have no other option but to trek home after dismissal." "Why give me your transport money?"he asked."Because,I feel your pain and do not want to see you suffer like this"I replied."Can I see the bread and akara in your bag?"he asked and I startled in shock."Like how did you know that there is something like that in my bag?"I asked anxiously."Can I have it..."he asked again and then I reluctantly handed the bread over to him" "You were supposed to d## this night if you had eaten this akara and bread."He said as I stood up in shock ,my eyes wide open."A lady gave this to you right?A fat dark Lady, a neighbor that your mum loves so much right?"he asked and I nodded my head still overwhelmed with fear." There is a part two of this story.it's so emotional that I had to keep it separate.But if you want to read the second part, Please follow me on Richard Chidawah for the next part,let me know in the comment section and I will drop it immediately. Don't forget to Share it please0 Comments 0 Shares 123 Views 0 Reviews -
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).
Note: we are all saved by his Grace not by our works.
Thank you JesusGod, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Note: we are all saved by his Grace not by our works. Thank you Jesus 🙏0 Comments 0 Shares 81 Views 0 Reviews1
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