AN IDOL IS NOTHING IN THE WORLD, THERE IS ONE GOD (part 1)

 You are beyond the reach of evil spiritual manipulations because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good-Life Devotional: 

AN IDOL IS NOTHING IN THE WORLD, THERE IS ONE GOD (part 1)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Text: Isaiah 44:10-20; 1 Corinthians 8:4

    Isaiah 44:10-20 presents one of Scripture's strongest apologetic arguments against idolatry. Isaiah exposes the absurdity of idol worship: a craftsman cuts down a tree, burns part of it for firewood, cooks his food with another part, and then fashions the remainder into a god before which he bows (Isaiah 44:14-17). The Bible is not denying that idols physically exist; rather, it declares they possess no divine nature, power, or life. They are the products of human hands (Psalm 115:4-8). Idol worship leads to a lack of the understanding of truth.

      Paul echoes this truth: "We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4). Idols neither create, save, judge, nor answer prayer. They are powerless objects behind which demonic influences may sometimes operate (1 Corinthians 10:19-20), but the carved image itself is nothing.

    This truth was dramatically demonstrated when the Philistines placed the Ark of God before Dagon. The next morning, Dagon had fallen on his face before the Ark. After being set upright, he fell again, with his head and hands broken off (1 Samuel 5:1-5). The God of Israel publicly humiliated the false god without Israel lifting a sword.

    Believers today are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God no longer dwells in an ark made of wood overlaid with gold but in His redeemed people (2 Corinthians 6:16; John 14:23). Wherever God's presence resides, every idol is exposed as powerless.

   There is only one true and living God (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Idols are powerless creations of men.

God's presence always triumphs over false religion.

    Christians are now God's dwelling place through the Holy Spirit. We become aware of His presence through meditation on his word , fasting and prayer in righteousness

    In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and freedom from spiritual manipulations.

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 and boldness to overcome the fear of idols .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE RIGHTEOUS

 

The enemy shall be terrified of you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good-life Devotional: THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE RIGHTEOUS

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Psalm 37:18–20, 37–38
     Psalm 37 lifts our eyes beyond the present into eternity. David declares that "the LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever" (Psalm 37:18). Earthly wealth cannot compare with the eternal inheritance reserved for those who belong to Christ.
    The wicked may enjoy temporary abundance, but their future is one of loss unless they repent. Psalm 37:20 says they "shall perish," while Psalm 37:38 declares that transgressors will ultimately be destroyed. God's justice may seem delayed, but it is never absent.
    By contrast, the righteous possess what money cannot buy: forgiveness, peace with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. Matthew 6:19–21 urges believers to lay up treasures in heaven. Hebrews 13:5 commands us to be content, knowing that God will never leave nor forsake His people. Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
   Christian apologetics proclaims that true blessing is found in reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, not in corrupt wealth or worldly status. Therefore, let believers reject the false gospel that glorifies riches while ignoring righteousness. A faithful life with God's favour is infinitely better than great riches without Him. In the end, the righteous inherit everlasting joy, while the glory of the wicked passes away forever.
   In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and contentment and peace of mind .
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 Spirit and power to overcome greed and covetousness.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

DO NOT ENVY THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED

 You shall not be put to shame because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: DO NOT ENVY THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Text: Psalm 37:1–2, 7

    Envy is a subtle temptation. When corrupt people prosper while the righteous struggle, it is easy to question God's justice. David answers this by saying, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers... neither be thou envious" (Psalm 37:1). Their success is temporary; God's justice is certain.

    Many powerful and wealthy people appear untouchable, yet Scripture reminds us that earthly prosperity without God is fleeting. Psalm 73:18–19 reveals that God sets the wicked in slippery places, and their downfall can come suddenly. Proverbs 23:17–18 urges believers not to envy sinners but to continue in the fear of the Lord.

    Even within the church, there is a danger of celebrating greed and corruption because they produce visible wealth. The Bible never teaches that riches alone are proof of God's favour. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15, "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." The measure of God's blessing is a transformed heart, not merely a prosperous bank account.

     God calls His people to trust Him, wait patiently, and refuse to compromise their integrity. Though the righteous may experience hardship, the Lord sees every act of faithfulness and has prepared an eternal reward. The prosperity of the wicked fades like grass, but those who trust in the Lord will inherit His everlasting kingdom.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and humility, self control and contentment.

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 Spirit and power to overcome envy .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays

THE LITTLE THAT THE RIGHTEOUS HAS IS BETTER

 You shall be fully supplied and sustained regardless of your situation because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: THE LITTLE THAT THE RIGHTEOUS HAS IS BETTER 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Text: Psalm 37:16–17

"Better is the little that the righteous hath than the riches of many wicked." (Psalm 37:16)

   God's definition of success is vastly different from the world's. While society applauds wealth regardless of how it is acquired, God esteems righteousness above riches. A small income earned honestly with a clear conscience is far better than vast wealth obtained through greed, corruption, deception, or oppression. Wealth acquired through corruption is cursed and gives no peace Zechariah 5;1-4 .

   The tragedy today is that even some professing Christians admire the lifestyles of the ungodly and equate material prosperity with God's blessing. Yet Psalm 10:3–4 exposes the true character of the wicked: they boast of their sinful desires, bless the greedy, and have no place for God in their plans. Their prosperity is not evidence of divine approval but of God's patience before judgment.

    Scripture repeatedly warns believers not to envy evildoers. Psalm 37:1–2 commands us not to fret because of them, while Proverbs 15:16 declares, "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith." 1 Timothy 6:6–10 teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, but the love of money destroys many. Africa struggles with poverty, low life expectancy, insecurity because of the wrong perspective of wealth . 

    The Christian's treasure is not merely earthly possessions but fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and the hope of eternal life. The wealth of the wicked is temporary, but the inheritance of the righteous is everlasting. Therefore, choose integrity over greed, contentment over covetousness, and obedience over worldly applause. What God calls "better" is truly better, both now and for eternity.

   In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and deliverance from greed and selfish leadership. 

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 Spirit and power to overcome greed .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

HOW TO IDENTIFY FLATTERY

 You are beyond the reach of witchcraft manipulations because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional:  HOW

TO IDENTIFY FLATTERY

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Flattery is not the same as genuine encouragement. Compliments focus on building others up, while flattery focuses on manipulation. 

EXCESSIVE OR GRAND PHRASING: 

   Look out for over-the-top praise that feels disproportionate to your actual actions.  The bible says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." (Proverbs 26:28)  

HIDDEN AGENDAS: 

   Notice if the praise is immediately followed by a request for a favor, money, or loyalty. The Bible says  "Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet." (Proverbs 29:5) [1, 2]

INCONSISTENCY IN BEHAVIOR: 

      Watch how the person speaks about others; if they praise you but instantly gossip about someone else, their words are unreliable. The Bible says : "For there is no faithfulness in their mouth... they flatter with their tongue." (Psalm 5:9) 

EXCLUSIVELY POSITIVE FEEDBACK: 

   Be cautious of individuals who refuse to offer constructive criticism when honest feedback is clearly needed. The Bible says  "He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue." (Proverbs 28:23) 

UNEARNED INTIMACY: 

   Be alert if someone acts like a close confidant immediately after meeting you, using smooth words to gain quick trust. The Bible says "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive." (Romans 16:18) 

HOW TO AVOID FLATTERY

   Protecting yourself from flattery requires a mix of self-awareness, biblical discernment, and active boundaries.

CHECK YOUR EGO:   

    Acknowledge your own areas of pride. Flatterers succeed because their victims secretly want to believe the exaggerated praise is true. The Bible says "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) 

REQUIRE TRUE ACCOUNTABILITY: 

   Surround yourself with proven, long-term friends who have permission to tell you the hard truths. The Bible says "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (Proverbs 27:6)

TEST THE MOTIVES: 

   Do not instantly accept words at face value; observe whether the speaker's lifestyle and motives align with truth.  "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (1 John 4:1) 

REDIRECT THE PRAISE: 

   Deflect exaggerated compliments by sharing the credit with your team or giving glory to God, which neutralizes the flatterer's power over your ego.  "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise accorded him." (Proverbs 27:21) 

ADDRESS THE BEHAVIOR DIRECTLY: If the behavior continues, establish a clear boundary and refocus the conversation on objective facts.  : "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25) 

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and discernment of spirits.

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 Spirit and power to overcome witchcraft manipulations .

+2348035536911   email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

WHY FLATTERERS WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED

 People shall remember to do you good because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: WHY FLATTERERS WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   The Bible teaches that flatterers will face judgment because their deceit is an attack on truth and justice. Insincere praise is fundamentally a form of lying and self-worship. Because flatterers use others merely as stepping stones to feed their own greed and pride, they are actively corrupting God's standards of righteousness (Job 17:5).    Consequently, their deceit invariably results in a self-destructive downfall, as the foundation built on lies cannot stand.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: Absalom, David's Son

   The story of King David's son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15), perfectly illustrates the destructive nature of flattery. 

THE MANIPULATION: After a period of bitter estrangement from his father, Absalom decided to usurp the throne. Instead of relying on merit or patience, he stood at the city gates early each morning and flattered the people of Israel. 

THE EMPTY PROMISES: Absalom told every person seeking judgment that their cause was "good and right," implied that David’s government was neglecting them, and deceptively promised that he would execute perfect justice if he were made judge. He stole the hearts of the people through calculated charm, hugs, and feigned humility. 

THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES: This calculated political flattery and deceit caused a massive, bloody rebellion that forced King David to flee Jerusalem. However, flatterers and the foundation of deceit ultimately lead to ruin. The rebellion resulted in a devastating civil war, and Absalom was killed in battle while hanging by his hair in a tree (2 Samuel 18:9)—a tragic end that demonstrates how flattery leads to destruction. 

In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and separation from a lying tongue .

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 Spirit and power to overcome deception.

(234)8035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECT OF FLATTERY

 

The conspiracy against you shall fail because of the anointing of God's favour upon you
Good-Life Devotional: THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECT OF FLATTERY

"A flattering mouth worketh ruin." — Proverbs 26:28
    Flattery is a destructive tool of manipulation designed to stroke the ego, bypass discernment, and advance a hidden agenda. Unlike sincere encouragement, flattery is rooted in selfish ambition. It uses smooth words to gain influence, control decisions, or secure personal advantage. Scripture warns that "a flattering mouth worketh ruin" and that a flatterer spreads a net for another's feet (Proverbs 29:5).
THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF FLATTERY
IT BLINDS AND DECEIVES. Flattery disguises selfish motives behind attractive words, causing people to believe lies instead of embracing truth. False teachers often exploit others with deceptive speech for personal gain (2 Peter 2:3).
IT BREEDS DIVISION. Flatterers isolate leaders from honest counsel and manipulate followers through emotional appeal. Such people create divisions and deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting (Romans 16:17-18).
IT REPLACES INTEGRITY WITH POLITICS. When leaders reward flattering voices instead of truthful ones, character is replaced by manipulation, and organizations, families, and churches eventually decline.
  God desires truth in our speech. Faithful correction may be painful, but it builds character, whereas flattering lips destroy lives and relationships. Every believer should pray for discernment to distinguish genuine encouragement from manipulative praise. Choose friends who tell you the truth in love rather than those who merely tell you what you want to hear.
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 Spirit and power to overcome temptation. deliver me from deceptive words and from becoming a flatterer. Give me wisdom to value truth above praise and integrity above popularity, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.
+2348035536911 email  michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com