AVOID BEING CAUGHT UP IN WORLDLY TRENDS

 AVOID BEING CAUGHT UP IN WORLDLY TRENDS

February 29, 2024

 

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." James 4:4 NLT

    "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 NLT

   A true disciple of Christ is driven by the divine purpose of winning souls for God's kingdom. Any person claiming to be a follower of Jesus Christ and  is comfortable with not leading anyone to God's kingdom has a questionable salvation . 

   The power of the gospel : the anointing - is revealed in the salvation of souls for God's kingdom ( Rom.1;16-17) Our lives should lead people to Christ and make them uncomfortable living in sin . The disciple of Christ is light that reveals the dark parts of the human heart resulting in confessions of  sins and salvation .

    The worldly Christians is that persons who lives to please the world and has no moral boundaries . Such persons are not accountable to any pastor ,they are Lords unto themselves  . A true disciple is under spiritual authority (Heb13:7,17)  A rebellious Christian is under the spirit that governs the world's system ( The prince of the power of the air Eph.2:2) .They are inconsistent and unreliable in a marriage relationship.

 The disciple of Jesus Christ is not led by worldly trends. Whenever a christian deviates from the truth of the gospel ,they receive a distorted spiritual identity and become confused about their calling ,this confusion results in a low self - esteem .The bible says 2 Peter 1: 9 says ' But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.' 

  The lack of self-esteem by Christians  who have compromised on their faith results in a an unhealthy desire to belong or be noticed . It is this desire to belong that results in such persons getting caught up in trends  ,fads and media. This is a major destroyer of marriages . Such  persons become emotionally wasteful and soon get frustrated about being committed to a relationship . 

    Trends are usually short lived , and it results in a short lived devotion to the important things of life . Been caught up in fads is financially and mentally demanding and a major reason for emotional exhaustion and the inability to have savings by many couples. We should resist being influenced by trends that drain instead of build us up. If it does not result in a better relationship with the lord , a happier family , peace with one's neighbours , higher devotion to discipleship ,then its not worth it . ( Exodus 23;2a,Col 2:8, Rom12:2a,Psalm1:1) 

   Entertainment is the most influential instrument of enculturation , social media has facilitated the rate  at which harmful material are distributed . Content matters a lot when being entertained , words and visual images are powerful and addictive. Many disciples have lost their passion for Christ due to unhealthy entertainment. ( Psalm 101:3, Psalm 119:37, Isa 33:15,2Kings17:15)  While attending  parties , social gatherings , maintain your boundaries in a friendly manner  ( Rom 13:13,14,1Pet 3;3,4) 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and savior and receive the Holy Ghost and power to resist temptation in Jesus name .

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

Discipleship comes with a price

 DISCIPLESHIP COMES WITH A PRICE

February 27 , 2024

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own."Luke 14:33 NLT

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in o field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.

When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! Matthew 13:44‭-‬46 NLT

    Discipleship requires the  total dedication of oneself to the cause of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and it comes with a price. It is likened to the business of treasure hunting requiring the sale of a less valuable item for a most valuable one. The job of a disciple is likened to that of a jeweler. It is highly priced. A thing of great honour . 

    Discipleship requires placing the assignment above every other calling . Jesus Christ said " So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own." Luke 14:33 NLTbible nothing is more valuable than the calling of being a disciple , human life is so valuable to Jesus Christ that nothing should stand between you and an unsaved soul. You should be ready to give up anything to save a soul for God's Kingdom. 

  This should determine the kind of person you marry . Couples must be driven by the same passion for sustainable peace in a marriage. Marry a soul winner if you must keep winning souls for the Kingdom. 

    Discipleship requires forsaken the unhealthy crave for material possessions. Persons with an undying passion for material possessions cannot be disciples of Christ , such persons are a major source of distress to any church due to their inactivity and selfishness .  They are described as idol worshippers and in danger of missing heaven ( Col 3:5)

   The Bible says “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19‭-‬20 NLTBible 

   Men who crave for honour from man cannot be fruitful disciples . Discipleship requires forsaking worldly and material ambitions ( 2Tim 2:4, Heb.12:1,Mark 4:19) . One has to count the cost first before becoming a disciple ( Luke14 :27-32) and it will require crossing the point of no return ( 1king 19:19,21) 

  Procrastination and giving excuses results in a person never serving God .(Luke 9:57-62) Some persons like Peter and Andrew took more time to investigate then later made a commitment ( Jn 1:37-42; Jn1:43; 2:1-2: Mk 1:16-20) Discipleship requires sacrificial giving ( Luke 8:3; Acts11 :29) 

  Discipleship does not always mean abandoning work or business. Jesus Christ had some rich businessmen and women as disciples Acts 9:36,39; Matt27:57; Jn19:38-40) 

 Some disciples had prominent positions in society ( Rom16:23; Acts 10:24,44-48; Acts 19:31 ; Mk 15:43 ) 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to preach the gospel with signs and wonders in Jesus name.

+2348035536911; +2348098536911 e-mail: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WEAPONIZATION OF POVERTY

 the curse of poverty is broken because of the anointing of God's favor upon you .

Good-Life Devotional OVERCOME 

 THE WEAPONIZATION OF POVERTY

February 26, 2024

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

' And Hezekiah  king of Judah sent to  the king of Assyria to  Lachish, saying, I have  offended; return from  me: that which thou  puttest on me will I bear.  And the king of Assyria  appointed unto  Hezekiah king of Judah  three hundred talents of  silver and thirty talents  of gold. And  Hezekiah gave him all  the silver that was  found in the house of  the Lord, and in the  treasures of the king’s  house." 2 Kings 18:14-15 

   The bible says in verse  13 " Now in the  fourteenth year of king  Hezekiah did  Sennacherib king of  Assyria come up  against all the fenced  cities of Judah, and took  them." The king of Syria understood the power of economy over politics . He who controls the economy of any community or nation has overwhelming advantage over the politics of the community or nation.

   He took control over the banking system and the borders. His goal was to have God's people as slaves and turn to idol worshiping.   This  same thing applies in many African countries . God's people are subjected to extreme poverty through no promotion in the civil service  , non payments of pensions and gratuities , multiple taxations by politicians who use poverty as a weapon to fight the opposition and render the citizens hopeless and desperate with no option but to accept the inducements often offered by politician a few days to elections to buy the votes of the poor . 

   This has been the pattern of maintaining a stronghold on government by evil politicians .

   It would be difficult to employ a graduate who is gainfully employed to become a political thug . Poverty and the lack of education are the platform upon which bad governance thrives in Africa. 

  The weaponization of poverty is divided into the weaponizatiom of politics ( where you must be in a particular political party in other to enjoy certain benefits ) and weaponization of religion ( where you must belong to a particular religious group to enjoy certain benefits). This does not allow for the best brains in governance and it's a major reason behind the underdevelopment of Africa . 

     The plans of the king of Assyria failed and he was defeated . God does not want the economy to be in the hands of a few to avoid oppression. Every citizen should be a stakeholder in whatever happens to our economy to give them a sense of belonging. 

  The early church understood this by ensuring an inclusive government structure based on a Commonwealth.  The bible says in Acts4: 32 "And the multitude of  them that believed were  of one heart and of one  soul: neither said any of  them that ought of the  things which he  possessed was his own;  but they had all things  common." They destroyed poverty and this attracted more souls into the church .. This should be the model for governance for God's people worldwide . Fasting and prayers helps in building a strong resistance to financial inducements by evil politicians.

 In Acts 6; 3 A democratic government was introduced that ensured the equitable distribution of resources , rights and privileges resulting in an unprecedented church growth .

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive your Holy Spirit and power to promote good leadership. Amen. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi @gmail.com

LIVING A DEDICATED LIFE

 

  

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24 NKJV

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:9‭-‬10 NKJV

 A dedicated follower of Jesus Christ is known as a disciple , this should be the ultimate goal in soul winning . God does not  want our churches full of members but with disciples . These persons are world changers driven by a passion to establish God's kingdom on earth . Disciples are followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said " For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15 NKJV

    A disciple must love the lord above all others . Jesus Christ said " He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:37 NKJV The disciple's service to the lord is borne out of gratitude and love for the lord . The scriptures says " He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him,  " John14:21;23 . The disciple's life is driven by the spirit of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ abides in him and vice versa (John15:4;9;10,1 John 2:6) They are soul winners . God's concept of a fruitful Christian is that they are using the fruits of the Holy Ghost to bear fruits or win souls into God's kingdom. The Bible says " By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." John 15:8 NKJV

   Soul winning is in two ways directly (personal soul winning) and indirectly (training believers to become disciples ) this is the essence of the teaching ministry . The Bible says  "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...." Matthew 28:19‭-‬20 NKJV We demonstrate love for the lord by teaching the gospel ( John21:15-17) A disciple is a person who obeys the lord . A disobedient Christian is not a disciple . The bible says ."Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;" John 8:31 KJV 

 As part of our daily prayers ,we should pray that the lord grants us a  disciple's heart and boldness to preach the gospel .

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you i believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation i receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to preach the gospel with signs and wonders following  in Jesus name.

+2348035536911 +2348098536911    e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail. com 

CONTEND ONLY WHEN NECESSARY

Receive healing from heartbreak and pains now by the anointing of God's favour upon.

Good- Life Devotional: 

CONTEND ONLY WHEN NECESSARY

February 23, 2024

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers : “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question."Acts of the Apostles 15:1‭-‬2 NLT

   The believer in Jesus Christ is an embodiment of the righteousness of God. The scriptures describes the Christian as a living epistle . The scriptures say  2Cor 3:3 "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." 

   The epistles are about God's righteousness, his peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Whenever the gospel is challenged,  the  believer is expected to rise in defence of the gospel to avoid the twisting of the gospel by mischief makers seeking to established their false teachings .  

  The bible says " Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation." Proverbs 26:5 NLT and

 ' Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people." Jude 1:3 NLT

   On the issue of circumcision being a precondition for salvation by some section of the church the scriptures says the disciples disagreed with that thinking and defended the gospel of salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ " Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people."and Jude 1:3 NLT says "We are to defend our faith at all times ".  The bible also says "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit," I Peter 3:3‭, ‬15‭- NKJV we are to oppose liars and false teachers in defence of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive as Lord and  saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to rise in defence of the gospel with signs and wonders in Jesus name .

+2348035536911, + 2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GOD TRULY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU

 The curse of stagnation and confusion is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good-Life Devotional :

GOD TRULY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU

February 8, 2024

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

'The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." Psalms 103:13‭-‬14 NLTBible 

  " Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:4‭-‬5 NLTBible

   The scriptures in Isaiah 53 gives us a picture of what Jesus Christ had to go through to justify our emancipation from the forces that were against us . He liberated us through a vicarious atonement as a demonstration of his love for us 

     He knows exactly what you are going through and has great plans for you. The scriptures says "Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people ... I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering." Exodus 3:7 NLTBible

    He is not untouched by our pains , he knows exactly how you feel. The scriptures says " In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years." Isaiah 63:9 NLTBible

  Though he disciplines us he loves and comforts us in our hour of grief ."In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord ! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me." Isaiah 12:1 NLTBible 

    Though you suffered loses during your dark days , you shall be quickened . The bible says " You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.

" Psalms 71:20‭-‬21 NLTBible because his "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30: 5 NLT Bible His favour upon has no end.

    He does not always subject us to a life of suffering  and pain , the bible says " He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve."  Psalms 103:9‭-‬10 NLTBible

  He does not delight in hurting his people , the bible says  "For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." Lamentations 3:31‭-‬33 NLTBible

   Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to comfort the broken hearted in Jesus name. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

RESIST THE DEVIL

 The stronghold of the fear of failure is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good-Life devotional : RESIST THE DEVIL NOW

February 3, 2024

"Neither give place to the devil.' Ephesians 4:27 KJV

  The word 'grant or give ' is the Greek word 'didōmi' it means to grant permission and the word 'place' is the Greek word  'topos' and it means to power, opportunity or occasion for acting .

 This means the devil always seeks for legal grounds before attacking anybody . You must first give him the licence through our utterances and thoughts before he can take over your marriage, business, family  etc  Our cries and murmuring are music in his ears . 

   He is controlled by the word of God and persons who are ignorant of Gods word easily fall prey by unknowingly giving Satan the right to operate in their lives. These persons are guided by their feelings like Eve was before losing Eden to Satan. God is not moved by our feelings the same way your cable or phone network subscriptions is not moved by how you feel but by the terms of the contract that binds you with the company . They will disconnect you as soon as you run out of subscription .

    Likewise God is king over his kingdom and we are his subjects, his kingdom operates by rules instituted by the king for the benefits of all subjects. Therefore, every  act of contravening God's laws in the Bible is seen as an affront against the kingdom and opens doors to satanic attacks .  Fear and arrogance ( not being under divine and human authority  Rom.13) are indicators that a person is under  Satan's control. In Eden  Adam and Eve rejected God's government and fell. 

   Keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ serves as  our source of strength from the Devil's attacks ( Hebrew 11;27:  Heb 11;2-3 ) and being committed to regular prayers of faith while seeking God's help . 

Clinging to God's word  puts the Devil away "Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.'  Psalms 119:80 KJV

 When the devil tries to fill your heart with filthy thoughts which generates filthy behaviour quickly seek to know what God's word says about such a thinking and read it out loud (John 15:3) doing this destroys devilish thoughts.

     The devil tries to plants seeds of corruption and self destruction in our minds and the Bible says " Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4 KJVBible 

     To fight the devil you must be willing to give up your cravings out of love for the lord,  the Bible says " And those who  are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24 NKJVBible  It is difficult for a believer to be controlled by Satan  as long as he or she  does not take pride in owning any material thing. Materialism ( confidence in material possession ) is a sign of spiritual weakness and vulnerability to Satanic attacks .

   Set your mind on the ultimate Christian goal  which is honour by the lord (Hebrew 11:25-26, Hebrew 12:2 ) and always exercise a strong willpower and determination not to yield to Satan. This is easy when we genuinely fear the lord " The fear of the Lord  is a fountain of life, 

To turn one away from the snares of death."Proverbs 14:27 NKJV  We demonstrate our fear for the lord through our giving to the church and the poor ( Deut.14:23) 

     Be serious and sober about serving the lord . ( Thes5:8; 1Peter5:8) the lord desires to have a serious relationship with you and he will deliver you from Satan (2Pet2:9; Heb 2:18 ) and he will be with you always , the scriptures says " When you pass through the waters, I will  be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 'Isaiah 43:2 NKJVBible 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to overcome temptation  in Jesus name . 

+2348035536911 , +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

AVOIDING THE TRAPS OF TEMPTATION

 AVOIDING THE TRAPS OF TEMPTATION

February 02, 2024

   

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on."Proverbs 4:14‭-‬15 NKJVBible

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NKJVBible

   Temptations are part of life ,we encounter them on a daily basis . They stem from the devil's plot to destroy humanity .The Bible says ' And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat."Luke 22:31 NKJVBible  temptations also emanate from our own lusts ( cravings ) , the scriptures says " And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death."James 1:13‭-‬15 NLTBible    The devil sets traps everyday against God's people and traps are set based on two principles 1) repeated possible pathway of target  2) hunger or thirst of prey . To catch  a prey simply study its movement and discover a pattern or study its dietary habits . It is for this reason that the Lord directs the steps of the righteous who pray to him . Jesus Christ taught is disciples to pray that the lord leads us not into temptations  

We should also pray for a righteous appetite , habits are created through regular tasting. Eating a food regularly eventually results in an appetite. The scriptures says " Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 NLTBible

    We are enjoined to avoid the path to the wicked ( Pro.4:14) and if  sinners entice you   do not consent  (Prov.1:10) avoid religious persons who twist the scriptures to justify their selfish sinful acts ( 2Pet3:17) . 

    The devil knows our weaknesses and capitalizes on it , therefore , we should not be overconfident of our abilities , we should know our weaknesses and be well guarded against them  ( Gal.6:1, Rom13:14 ) . This involves not subscribing to entertainment that makes sin look appealing and rewarding . Words and visuals are seeds with the capacity to replicate in an unacceptable behavior . Do not bring an abominable thing into your house ( Deut7:25-26)  The scriptures says " I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them." Psalms 101:3 NLT   Many marriages have be destroyed by being part of unhealthy groups on social media that celebrates infidelity and  lawlessness( Psalm106:35,26) .

 Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to overcome temptations.

+2348035536911 ,+2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com