THE USE OF RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC SENTIMENTS TO HINDER GOD’S PURPOSE ( Part 2)

 Your breakthrough shall not be hindered by your weakness because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good -Life Devotional: THE USE OF RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC SENTIMENTS TO HINDER GOD’S PURPOSE ( Part 2) 

- BUILDING UNITY THROUGH OUR COMMONALITY- 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Text: Acts 21:37-40; Acts 22:1-2; Ephesians 2:14

    Paul understood that communication could either escalate conflict or create a bridge. When the crowd in Jerusalem became hostile, Paul spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect. Acts 22:2 says that when they heard him speaking in their own language, “they became even more quiet.” His ability to identify with them helped create an opportunity for him to speak.

   Language is a powerful instrument for building bridges. Paul did not deny his identity; he used what he had in common with his audience to communicate the Gospel. We can learn from this.

    The answer to ethnic and religious division is not pretending that differences do not exist. Rather, we must refuse to weaponize those differences. Christ “is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14).

    The Bible teaches, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). We are also instructed to “seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14), and to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3, NLT).

   This principle is important in governance. The enemy can use tribe and religion to divide an electorate so that citizens fight one another while bad leadership survives. We must highlight common interests: justice, security, good education, economic opportunity, accountability, freedom, and human dignity.

   Our differences should enrich society, not destroy it. We must reject the politics of “us versus them” and promote the politics of common good.

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 unity . Lord, make us builders of bridges rather than walls. Give us wisdom to use language, culture, and shared values to promote unity. Let righteousness, justice, and good governance prevail over tribal and religious manipulation. Amen.

+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 USE OF RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC SENTIMENTS TO HINDER GOD’S PURPOSE. ( PART ONE:)

 

What was declared as missing shall be recovered because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: THE USE OF RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC SENTIMENTS TO HINDER GOD’S PURPOSE. ( PART ONE:)

-WHEN SENTIMENTS BECOME A TOOL OF DIVISION-
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Acts 21:27-36; Galatians 3:28
    Satan understands the destructive power of division. Jesus said, “Any kingdom divided against itself is doomed” (Mark 3:24, NLT). Therefore, one of the enemy’s strategies is to exploit ethnic, religious, tribal, and cultural differences to hinder what God wants to accomplish.
   In Acts 21, Paul returned to Jerusalem from a missionary journey with the desire to minister to his fellow Jews. However, Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd against him, falsely accusing him of bringing Greeks into the temple and defiling the holy place. Their accusation exploited religious and ethnic sensitivities and almost resulted in Paul’s death.
     Under the Old Covenant, the temple had restrictions concerning Gentile access to sacred areas. But Christ inaugurated a greater covenant in which ethnic barriers no longer determine our spiritual standing. “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
    Peter himself once fell into this trap. In Galatians 2:12-14, he withdrew from Gentile believers because of pressure from those associated with the circumcision party. Paul confronted him because his conduct contradicted the truth of the Gospel. Religious identity had produced segregation within the church.
   The same tactic can operate in society. During elections and the pursuit of good governance, people can be manipulated into voting according to tribe or religion rather than character, competence, justice, and truth.
   Judges 9 demonstrates the danger. Abimelech exploited tribal loyalty to mobilize his kinsmen against Gideon’s other sons. The result was bloodshed, insecurity, and destruction.
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 peace .Father, deliver Your Church and our nation from manipulative tribal and religious sentiments. Help us recognize those who exploit differences to divide us. Let truth, justice, righteousness, and love prevail. Amen.
+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.

CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE (Part 2):

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

Good-Life Devotional: CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE

(Part 2): 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi.

-Do Not Let Sin or Slothfulness Steal Your Confidence-

   Confidence in God must be guarded because certain things can weaken our boldness before Him. Slothfulness is one of them. Hebrews 6:12 says, “Do not be sluggish,” but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Spiritual laziness gradually weakens conviction, prayer, obedience, and perseverance.

     Sin can also damage our confidence. “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21). When we deliberately walk in disobedience, our conscience can accuse us and hinder our boldness before God. Proverbs 28:13 says that the one who confesses and forsakes sin receives mercy.

    But what happens when we have confessed our sin, asked God for forgiveness, yet our hearts still condemn us? John gives us tremendous comfort: “In whatever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart [He is above our conscience], and He knows everything” (1 John 3:20, AMP).

    Our conscience is not greater than God's grace. When we genuinely repent, we must learn to believe God's promise of forgiveness rather than continually imprison ourselves in condemnation. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). 1 John 1:9 assures us that God is faithful and righteous to forgive and cleanse those who confess their sins.

    Therefore, do not throw away your confidence. Repent when you fall, receive God's forgiveness, reject condemnation, and continue following Christ.

    Like Caleb, keep following faithfully. Like Abraham, wait patiently. Like the saints of Hebrews 11, keep your eyes on God's promise.

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 guilt . Father, cleanse my heart from sin, slothfulness, fear, and condemnation. Restore my confidence and give me grace to patiently follow You until I inherit Your promises. Amen.

+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.

CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE ( Part 1)

 

The plans of the evil one against you shall fail because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE ( Part 1)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
-Confidence That Comes from Knowing God's Will-
Text: Hebrews 10:35 — “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
  Christian confidence is not arrogance, presumption, or wishful thinking. It is the settled assurance that comes from knowing God's character, trusting His Word, and walking according to His will. The Bible gives us a reasoned basis for confidence: God is faithful, His promises are trustworthy, and His character does not change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
   One area where believers can have confidence is prayer. “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14, AMP). Our confidence in prayer is therefore not based on getting everything we want; it is based on knowing that God hears us when our requests agree with His will.
  But confidence must be sustained through patience. Hebrews 6:12 warns believers not to become sluggish, but to imitate those who “through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Abraham waited for God's promise. Caleb waited forty-five years before receiving his inheritance (Joshua 14:10-13). Through all those years, Caleb did not abandon his confidence in God's promise.
   Apologetically, this reminds us that biblical faith is not blind optimism. It is confidence grounded in God's revealed character and demonstrated faithfulness.
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 failure. Father, help me not to cast away my confidence. Teach me to pray according to Your will, wait patiently for Your promises, and remain steadfast when circumstances challenge my faith. Amen.
+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 HOLES-IN-THE-POCKET SYNDROME. ( Part 2)

 You shall not suffer lack because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

THE HOLES-IN-THE-POCKET SYNDROME. ( Part 2) 

- Obedience Opens the Way for Restoration- 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Texts: Isaiah 1:19; Joel 2:25–26

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19

  God did not expose Israel’s failure in Haggai 1 merely to condemn them. He wanted to bring them back into obedience and restoration. After hearing God’s word through Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant obeyed the voice of the LORD (Haggai 1:12). Their obedience became the turning point.

   This reveals an important apologetic principle: biblical prosperity is not merely about accumulating money; it begins with right relationship with God, obedience, diligence, wisdom, and faithful stewardship.

Proverbs 3:9–10 says, “Honor the LORD with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” Jesus also warned against making material wealth the master of our lives (Matthew 6:24).

    God promises restoration: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25). The promise continues: “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God” (Joel 2:26).

    Restoration, however, should not be reduced to a promise of instant riches. God restores His people according to His wisdom and covenant purposes. Sometimes restoration involves provision; sometimes it involves opportunity, discipline, wisdom, healing of wasteful habits, renewed relationships, or the recovery of purpose.

  Galatians 6:7–9 reminds us that we reap what we sow. Proverbs 21:5 teaches that diligent planning leads toward abundance, while haste leads to poverty.

   Therefore, return to God, obey His Word, work diligently, manage resources wisely, and trust His faithfulness.

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 get wealth . Father, restore what has been lost and teach me faithful stewardship. Let obedience, wisdom, diligence, and integrity govern my finances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

+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.

YOUR WORDS HAVE BEEN STOUT AGAINST GOD, WHEN YOU SAY SINNERS PROSPER (Part 2):

 

You shall not be overwhelmed by your circumstances because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: YOUR WORDS HAVE BEEN STOUT AGAINST GOD, WHEN YOU SAY SINNERS PROSPER
(Part 2):

-God Keeps A Book Of Remembrance-
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Malachi 3:16–18
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it.” — Malachi 3:16
   Malachi gives us God's answer to those who questioned whether serving Him was worthwhile. The Lord did not ignore their words. He heard them. But He also revealed something they could not see: God distinguishes between those who serve Him and those who reject Him.
Verse 18 declares, “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”
   This is a powerful apologetic response to the claim that sinners prosper, therefore God does not exist or does not care about righteousness. The argument assumes that prosperity must be God's final verdict. Scripture says otherwise.
   God's judgment is not limited to what happens in this present life. Hebrews 9:27 says that after death comes judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:10 teaches that everyone will appear before Christ's judgment seat.
   Malachi says that God has a “book of remembrance” for those who fear Him and esteem His name. Their faithfulness is not forgotten, even when their obedience seems unrewarded.
   The wicked may prosper temporarily, but temporary prosperity cannot cancel eternal accountability. Conversely, the righteous may experience hardship without being abandoned by God.
Therefore, do not say, “It is vain to serve God” because sinners appear successful. God sees what human eyes cannot see, remembers what people forget, and will ultimately reveal the difference between righteousness and wickedness.
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.
Father, help me to remain faithful even when circumstances seem unfair. Let me trust Your wisdom, Your justice, and Your eternal judgment. May my words honour You rather than accuse You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
+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.

YOUR WORDS HAVE BEEN STOUT AGAINST GOD, WHEN YOU SAY SINNERS PROSPER (Part 1):

 

You shall be celebrated by those who once mocked you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:
YOUR WORDS HAVE BEEN STOUT AGAINST GOD, WHEN YOU SAY SINNERS PROSPER  (Part 1):

-The Problem of Apparent Injustice-
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Malachi 3:13–15
“Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD.” — Malachi 3:13
Malachi confronted people who accused God of being unjust because they observed wicked people appearing to prosper while those who served God seemed to suffer. Their complaint was essentially: What is the advantage of serving God if the wicked seem to have better lives?
   This is an important apologetic question. Atheists sometimes make a similar argument: If God is good and just, why do evil people prosper while good people suffer? But the existence of apparent injustice is not evidence against God's existence. It is evidence that we live in a world where justice is not always immediately manifested.
    The mistake is judging God's justice by a temporary snapshot of human circumstances. Wealth, influence, comfort, and success are not proof of God's approval. Likewise, suffering is not proof of God's rejection.
Psalm 73 describes Asaph's struggle when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. Yet his perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary of God and understood their ultimate end (Psalm 73:16–17).
   God's patience with sinners is not divine approval. Romans 2:4 teaches that God's goodness is intended to lead people to repentance. The apparent prosperity of the wicked may actually be an opportunity for repentance before judgment comes.
Therefore, never measure God's faithfulness by the temporary fortunes of sinners. God's justice is certain, even when its timing is not immediately visible.
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 depression and poverty.
Lord, deliver me from judging Your righteousness by temporary circumstances. Give me wisdom to trust Your justice and remain faithful when evil appears to prosper. Amen.
+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.