WHEN THE WICKED RISE AND WHEN THEY PERISH

 The yoke of oppression over your family shall be broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: WHEN THE WICKED RISE AND WHEN THEY PERISH

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Proverbs 28:28 (AMP):

“When the wicked rise [to power], people hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase and become great.”

   Proverbs 28:28 presents both a moral observation and an apologetic argument for the justice of God in history. The verse does not merely describe political cycles; it reveals a spiritual law. When wicked leaders rise, fear spreads. The innocent retreat. Truth is silenced. Righteous voices become cautious. History confirms this pattern—corrupt regimes thrive on intimidation, censorship, and oppression. People “hide themselves” not only physically but morally, withdrawing from public courage.

     From an apologetic perspective, this proverb answers a common objection: If God is just, why do the wicked rule? Scripture acknowledges that they do rise—but never permanently. Their authority is temporary and permitted, not ultimate. The Bible consistently teaches that God allows seasons of testing, yet He ultimately overturns unrighteous power (Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2:21). The rise of the wicked is real, but so is their downfall.

    The second half of the verse offers hope: “when they perish, the righteous increase.” Evil contains within itself the seeds of collapse. Oppression cannot sustain itself forever. When wickedness is removed, righteousness flourishes like plants after a storm. Truth resurfaces. Justice strengthens society. God vindicates those who stood firm.

   For believers, this proverb calls for steadfast faith. Do not interpret temporary wicked success as divine absence. God’s justice operates on His timetable. The righteous may hide for a season, but they are never abandoned.

   Therefore, remain faithful. Speak truth wisely. Pray fervently. For when the wicked fall—and they will—the righteous will not merely survive; they will increase and shine.

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 oppression.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

CALLED TO STAND APART

 You shall continue to make great progress in the face of adversity because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: CALLED TO STAND APART

    “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers and be separate, says the Lord, and do not touch what is unclean; and I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor]” (2 Corinthians 6:17, AMP).

    The command of separation is not a call to isolation, but to consecration. When Paul echoes the Old Testament, he stands on the same moral foundation declared in Exodus 23:2: “You shall not follow the crowd in doing evil.” God has always warned His people against surrendering conviction to consensus.

     In its original context, Exodus 23:2 addressed judicial corruption—refusing to twist justice because the majority demands it. Yet the principle reaches far beyond the courtroom. Truth is not determined by popularity.      Righteousness is not validated by numbers. The majority once bowed to idols in Babylon, but Daniel and his companions stood firm. The crowd shouted for compromise, yet faithfulness required separation.

     Paul’s exhortation in 2 Corinthians 6:17 is covenantal. Separation is relational. God promises, “I will receive you.” The apologetic force here is powerful: Christianity does not teach blind conformity but moral courage rooted in divine authority. As Romans 12:2 declares, we are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by renewed minds. And as Matthew 7:13–14 reminds us, the broad road is crowded, but the narrow way leads to life.

    Believers today face social pressure—cultural trends, political movements, moral compromises. Yet Scripture insists that righteousness is defined by God, not by consensus. To “come out” means refusing injustice, rejecting corruption, and declining participation in gossip, immorality, or deception—even when the crowd approves.

    Standing apart may cost acceptance, but it secures divine fellowship. When we refuse to follow a multitude to do evil, we align ourselves with heaven’s majority. And in that holy separation, God Himself draws near (Luke 24;15) 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my prayers 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 live in righteousness .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING CORRUPT VOICES ( Demonic attacks )

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

Good -Life Devotional: THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING CORRUPT VOICES ( Demonic attacks ) 

By  Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Scripture reveals a sobering truth: when people knowingly follow corrupt leaders—whether political or spiritual—they expose themselves to spiritual deception and demonic influence.

   In 1 Kings 22:22–23, the prophet Micaiah described a scene in heaven where a lying spirit was permitted to entice King Ahab through false prophets. Ahab had repeatedly rejected the true word of the Lord. Because he preferred flattering lies to convicting truth, deception was allowed to overtake him. The result was national disaster. When leaders reject truth, and people choose to follow them anyway, both suffer consequences.

Similarly, Judges 9:23–24 says, “God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem.” The people of Shechem empowered an ungodly ruler out of selfish ambition. Their alliance with corruption opened the door to division, violence, and judgment. What they endorsed eventually destroyed them.

   The New Testament echoes this principle. 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 declares that those who “did not welcome the love of the truth” are given over to strong delusion. Deception is not merely intellectual error—it is spiritual vulnerability. When truth is rejected, darkness gains ground.

Proverbs 29:12 warns, “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.” Hosea 4:9 adds, “Like people, like priest.” There is a spiritual connection between leadership and followership. To knowingly align with corruption is to participate in its consequences.

   Believers must test every spirit (1 John 4:1), discern leaders by their fruit (Matthew 7:16), and refuse partnership with darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Loyalty must never override righteousness.

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 evil , Lord give me a love for truth and discernment to recognize deception. Keep my heart from being entangled with corrupt voices. Align me only with leaders who fear You and walk in integrity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GOD WILL PUT THE DREAD OF BELIEVERS IN THE HEARTS OF THEIR OPPRESSORS

 That which was lost shall be restored because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: GOD WILL PUT THE DREAD OF BELIEVERS IN THE HEARTS OF THEIR OPPRESSORS

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

“This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples… they shall tremble and be in anguish because of you” (Deuteronomy 2:25, AMP).

    As Israel stood on the edge of destiny, they were not the strongest nation militarily. Yet God declared that He Himself would go before them. The fear that would grip their enemies would not come from Israel’s weapons, but from God’s presence. This was a divine initiative. The dread was supernatural. The victory was God’s.

    Spiritually applied today, this promise reassures believers that oppression and corruption do not have the final word. When God’s people walk in obedience and righteousness, He can cause even hardened hearts to tremble. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wills.” No leader is beyond God’s reach. No corrupt system is immune to His intervention.

    Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern. In Joshua 2:9, Rahab confessed that terror had fallen on Jericho because of what they heard about God’s mighty acts. In Exodus 14:24-25, the Lord threw the Egyptian army into confusion. In Acts 5:11, “great fear came over the whole church and over all who heard” as God defended the integrity of His people. Even Psalm 9:20 prays, “Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know they are but men.”

When believers pray against injustice, they are not asking for revenge but for divine justice. God is able to disturb the peace of the wicked, expose hidden corruption (Luke 8:17), and bring the “wickedness of the wicked to an end” (Psalm 7:9).

    Therefore, stand firm. Walk uprightly. Pray boldly. The same God who put dread into the hearts of kings in ancient times is still sovereign today. He defends His own, and He is able to make oppressors tremble at the report of His glory.

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 intimidating forces .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

FREEDOM FROM THE WEAPONIZATION OF FEAR

 You are delivered from the fear of death because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good -Life Devotional: FREEDOM FROM THE WEAPONIZATION OF FEAR

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Fear has long been a weapon in the hands of oppressive rulers. Across generations, corrupt politicians have used intimidation and threats of violence to silence the electorate—especially on election days. When citizens are afraid to show up, manipulation becomes easier. The fewer the voters, the easier it is to rig. In many nations, sit-tight rulers have relied on this strategy to enslave people for decades.

Yet Scripture reminds us that fear is the devil’s ancient tool. Hebrews 2:14–15 declares that through His death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death—that is, the devil—and freed those who all their lives were held in bondage by the fear of death. The ultimate intimidation tactic has been broken at the cross. If death itself has lost its sting, what threat can enslave a believer?

     Jesus said in Matthew 16:25 that whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for His sake will find it. Playing it safe out of fear leads to loss, but trusting Christ secures divine purpose.    God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

   Daniel faced the threat of lions yet stood firm, and God established ( Daniel chapter 6)  righteousness in Babylon. Isaiah confronted imperial intimidation with unwavering faith ( Isaiah 37;33-35) . Their courage shaped history.

As believers, we must refuse to be paralyzed by fear. Christ has liberated us. Let us stand our ground, act with wisdom, and boldly fulfill our civic responsibilities, trusting God to preserve us for His purpose—the advancement of His righteous government on earth.

  In our daily prayers we should cast out the spirit of the fear of death and resist intimidation .

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 the fear of death.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

VOTER APATHY IS SATAN’S STRATEGY TO HIJACK ELECTIONS

 What was meant for your demotion shall become an instrument for your promotion because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: VOTER APATHY IS SATAN’S STRATEGY TO HIJACK ELECTIONS

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Scripture shows us that leadership selection matters deeply to God. In Acts 6:1–6, the apostles instructed the believers to “select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (AMP). There were candidates, and there was an engaged electorate. The church did not withdraw in apathy; they participated prayerfully and responsibly to ensure integrity in leadership.

    Elections require both credible candidates and active voters. In corrupt systems, evil politicians often intimidate citizens, creating fear so they can manipulate voting materials and rig outcomes in their favor. When people withdraw out of frustration or fear, space is created for unrighteous agendas to prevail. Voter apathy becomes a subtle strategy of the enemy to hijack systems and promote darkness resulting in killings , stealing and destruction of destinies .    Scripture reminds us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12 AMP). We must discern the spiritual dimension behind civic responsibility.

     Nehemiah faced intense intimidation while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, yet he declared, “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome” (Nehemiah 4:14 AMP). He refused to abandon nation-building because of threats.    Likewise, believers must be prayerful, steadfast, and courageous, refusing to be silenced by hooliganism or fear.

Galatians 6:9 (AMP) encourages us: “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.” God also promises that corrupt rule will not stand forever (Ezekiel 21:25–27). As Proverbs 29:2 declares, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”

Do not quit. Pray, engage, and stand firm. Righteous participation is part of God’s redemptive plan for nations.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and steadfastness to promote godly ideals .

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.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM

 The anointing of God's favour upon is  restoring  all that was lost in double portions. 

Good -Life Devotional:  FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Freedom of religion is never sustained by prayer alone; it is preserved where justice governs the land. The account of Mordecai and Esther shows that when political systems lose integrity, faith communities become vulnerable. In Esther 3, Haman manipulated royal authority to pass an irrevocable decree to annihilate the Jews. The threat was not merely spiritual opposition—it was a corrupted governmental process weaponized against a people of faith. Religious freedom collapsed the moment integrity failed at the top.

    Mordecai refused to bow to Haman (Esther 3:2), choosing obedience to God over submission to corruption. Esther risked her life to confront injustice within the palace (Esther 4:16). Through courage and lawful intervention, God overturned a genocidal agenda. When Mordecai was elevated (Esther 8:2; 10:3), governance was restored to righteousness, and the Jews experienced peace. Their deliverance shows that faith must engage civic structures to secure justice.

    The early church also modeled integrity in governance. In Acts 6:1–6, when conflict arose over food distribution, the apostles instructed the believers to choose seven men “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” The process was transparent, communal, and accountable. There was no manipulation—only prayer, discernment, and fairness. Integrity protected unity and ensured equitable distribution.

    Scripture repeatedly connects righteous leadership with societal peace: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). Daniel served faithfully within Babylon’s government (Daniel 6:3–4), demonstrating that integrity in public office honors God.

    Where electoral systems are broken, injustice multiplies, and innocent lives suffer. Believers must pray (1 Timothy 2:1–2), but also stand for truth, justice, and transparent processes. The electoral transmission of results in real time  from polling units has proven to be the most reliable to ensure integrity in the electoral process . 

     Religious freedom flourishes not merely in churches, but where governance reflects God’s righteousness.

May we be watchful, courageous, and committed to integrity in both faith and civic responsibility.

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 promote righteousness .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com