HOUSE NOT MADE OF HUMAN HANDS (PART TWO: ) LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY

 Every preparation of evil against you shall fail because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: HOUSE NOT MADE OF HUMAN HANDS (PART TWO: )

LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1–11

     The promise of an eternal dwelling should change the way we live today. Paul continues in 2 Corinthians 5 by explaining that while we are in this earthly body, we “walk by faith, not by sight” (verse 7). The Christian hope is not an excuse to neglect life on earth; rather, it gives earthly life its deepest meaning.

   An apologetic question often asked is: If Christians believe in heaven, why should what they do on earth matter? Paul answers this clearly. In verse 10, he declares that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” Eternal life is therefore connected to moral responsibility. Our actions matter because our lives belong to God.

   Paul also says, “We make it our aim… to be pleasing to Him” (verse 9). The evidence of genuine faith is not merely religious language, church attendance, or public confession. True faith produces a life that seeks to please God. Knowing that we will stand before Christ should inspire holiness, integrity, compassion, and righteousness.

    Paul adds, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (verse 11). This reveals the urgency of the gospel. Christians are called not only to prepare themselves for eternity but also to lovingly persuade others to be reconciled to God.

    One day, every earthly possession, title, and achievement will be left behind. The body we now occupy is temporary, but eternity is permanent. Therefore, do not build your entire life around what will perish. Invest in what cannot be destroyed.

REFLECTION: If your earthly tent were taken down today, are you prepared for the house not made with human hands?

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 .

 Lord, help me to live by faith, walk in righteousness, and remain conscious of eternity. Let my life please You and draw others to Christ. 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.

HOUSE NOT MADE OF HUMAN HANDS ( Part 1)

 

The curse of untimely death is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional; HOUSE NOT MADE OF HUMAN HANDS ( Part 1)
- Christian view on death -
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Bible text : 2 Corinthians 5:1–11
   The Christian faith makes a bold claim: death is not the end of human existence. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul writes, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” This passage presents one of Christianity's strongest answers to the question, What happens after death?
   Paul describes the human body as a temporary tent. A tent is useful, but it is not permanent. It can grow weak, wear out, and eventually collapse. In the same way, our physical bodies experience aging, sickness, weakness, and ultimately death. Yet the temporary nature of the body does not mean that human life itself is meaningless or that death destroys the person.
    The gospel declares that there is more to man than dust and biological processes. We are created by God for relationship with Him and for eternity. Paul confidently speaks of a heavenly dwelling prepared by God—a house not made with human hands. Human beings can construct houses, monuments, and civilizations, but only God can provide eternal life.
    This is where the Christian worldview differs fundamentally from the idea that death simply erases consciousness forever. The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the foundation for Christian hope. Christ conquered death, and those who belong to Him have the assurance that mortality will not have the final word.
   Therefore, believers need not live as prisoners of fear. Our earthly tent may weaken, but our eternal future is secure in God. We are pilgrims here, but heaven is not a human invention—it is the promise of the living God.
  +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.

GOD IS LEAST INTERESTED IN CHURCH CONVENTIONS AND SACRIFICES ( Part 2) :

 

You shall not be put to shame because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:  GOD IS LEAST INTERESTED IN CHURCH CONVENTIONS AND SACRIFICES
( Part 2) :

-The Fruit of Righteousness Is Peace-
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
  God is not against church gatherings, conventions, offerings, or sacrifices when they flow from genuine faith and obedience. What He rejects is empty religion—outward activity without inward transformation. The prophet Micah summarized God's desire: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
   True peace and stability cannot be purchased with offerings while corruption, violence, dishonesty, oppression, and immorality continue unchecked. Isaiah 32:17 declares, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Righteousness produces what money, political power, religious ceremonies, and human wisdom cannot produce: lasting peace.
   Jesus also said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). God's order is clear: righteousness first. When individuals, families, churches, and nations embrace God's ways, the foundation for genuine prosperity and security is established.
Isaiah 1:19 gives us another powerful promise: “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” Obedience is the pathway to enjoying God's blessings. We must therefore pray, not merely for miracles, but for transformed hearts. We need a healthy appetite for God's Word and the courage to preach righteousness without compromise.
    Our daily prayer should be: “Lord, make me hungry for Your truth. Give me power to resist temptation. Make me bold to live and proclaim righteousness.”
    A righteous church can influence a nation. Let us therefore return to repentance, obedience, truth, justice, and holiness.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins against You. I believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again for my salvation. I receive Him as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and give me power to overcome temptation. Create in me a hunger for Your Word and boldness to preach and live in righteousness. Let my life bring glory to Your name. 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.

GOD IS LEAST INTERESTED IN CHURCH CONVENTIONS AND SACRIFICES (PART 1)

 You shall rise again despite your challenges because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional:  GOD IS LEAST INTERESTED IN CHURCH CONVENTIONS AND SACRIFICES (PART 1)

  -God Desires Righteousness Above Religious Activity-

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Many people assume that organizing church conventions, seminars, conferences, vigils, and presenting sacrifices automatically pleases God. Religious activity, however, is not necessarily evidence of spiritual transformation. In Isaiah 1, God spoke strongly against a people who continued their religious practices while living in rebellion. He lamented, “Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity” (Isaiah 1:4). Their worship continued, but their society was spiritually sick.

Isaiah 1:7 says, “Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire.” The lesson is sobering: religious ceremonies cannot compensate for national and personal unrighteousness. A nation may have churches everywhere and yet suffer corruption, insecurity, violence, poverty, and injustice if the people refuse to embrace God's righteous standards.

   Jesus Christ began His public ministry with a direct message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Repentance means turning away from sin and returning to God. Unfortunately, the message of repentance is sometimes replaced with messages that merely stimulate covetousness. People are encouraged to pursue financial miracles while ignoring holiness, integrity, justice, and obedience.

But 2 Peter 2:5 describes Noah as “a preacher of righteousness.” Noah's generation perished because they rejected God's righteous standard. This reveals an important truth: God is not impressed by outward religion when the heart remains unrepentant.

   The church must never substitute conventions for conversion, sacrifices for obedience, or offerings for righteousness. God desires transformed lives. Let us hunger for His Word and boldly proclaim the message that Jesus preached: Repent and return to God.

Scripture Meditation: Isaiah 1:4–7; Matthew 4:17; 2 Peter 2:5.

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 preach righteousness.

+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 YOUR BURDEN (Part 2) COMFORTED TO COMFORT OTHERS

 You shall not be put to shame for your painful losses , an extraordinary recovery and comfort is coming to you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

The Good Life Devotional : CAST YOUR BURDEN (Part 2) 

COMFORTED TO COMFORT OTHERS

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3–10

   The Christian life does not mean we will never suffer. Even the Apostle Paul experienced intense trials. He wrote that he and his companions were “burdened beyond measure, above strength,” so much that they even despaired of life (2 Corinthians 1:8). Yet their suffering did not prove that God had abandoned them. Rather, it taught them to depend upon God, “who raises the dead” (verse 9).

      Paul calls God “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). This reveals a beautiful truth: God comforts us in our troubles so that we may comfort others who are facing similar afflictions. Sometimes the pain you survive becomes the testimony that strengthens someone else.

   Joseph suffered betrayal before becoming a deliverer. David experienced persecution before becoming king. Paul endured imprisonment, rejection, beatings, and hardship, yet his trials produced encouragement for generations. Your present affliction may be preparing you to become a source of strength to others.

    The Bible does not deny suffering, but it repeatedly declares God's faithfulness in the midst of it. “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8). “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him” (Psalm 37:24).

Therefore, do not waste your suffering by allowing bitterness to take root. Cast your burden upon the Lord. Receive His comfort. Then allow your testimony to become encouragement to someone else.

   Remember: many may be the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord is still the Deliverer. Your burden may be heavy, but your God is greater. The battle may be intense, but comfort, deliverance, and restoration are available in 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 him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome grief. 

Father of mercies, comfort me in every trial and use my testimony to strengthen others. I trust You to deliver me and sustain me. 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 YOUR BURDEN ( Part 1)

Your emotional burdens and pains  are being lifted off your shoulders because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:
CAST YOUR BURDEN ( Part 1)
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
The God Who Delivers Our Soul
Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:18, 22; 2 Corinthians 1:3–10
“He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me...” — Psalm 55:18
   Life is filled with battles that are sometimes invisible to others. There are battles of fear, anxiety, disappointment, grief, financial pressure, betrayal, and spiritual conflict. A person may smile publicly while carrying a heavy battle within the soul. David understood this experience. Yet he declared, “He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me” (Psalm 55:18).
   God does not merely see the outward battle; He sees the conflict within us. He knows the sleepless nights, silent tears, unanswered questions, and burdens we cannot explain to anyone. Therefore, Psalm 55:22 gives us a divine invitation: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” God never intended us to carry alone what only His grace can sustain.
   The righteous are not promised a life without trouble. Scripture says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Jesus also said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
   Casting your burden means transferring the weight from your shoulders to God's hands. It means praying instead of panicking, trusting instead of surrendering to despair. “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
  Today, do not allow the battle within you to destroy your peace. Bring it to Jesus. The One who redeemed David's soul is still able to deliver yours.
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 persevere. Lord, I cast every burden upon You today. Deliver my soul from every battle within me and fill me with Your peace. 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

WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN, O MY SOUL?

 

The anointing of God's favour is healing you of every heartbreak and pain now.
Good -Life Devotional: WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN, O MY SOUL?

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:5–11
   The psalmist repeatedly asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God.” This passage is a powerful apologetic against the claim that faith in God means believers never experience fear, depression, discouragement, or emotional pain.    The Bible does not hide human suffering; rather, it reveals how faith responds to it.
   The writer of Psalm 42 felt overwhelmed. His tears had become his food, and enemies questioned him, saying, “Where is your God?” Yet his emotional condition did not become evidence that God had abandoned him. He spoke to his own soul and redirected his hope toward God. Faith is not pretending that pain does not exist; faith is refusing to let pain have the final word.
   Notice the psalmist's declaration: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” His circumstances had not yet changed, but his confidence was anchored in the character of God. This is the heart of biblical apologetics: Christianity does not deny the reality of suffering; it explains that suffering exists in a fallen world while God remains present, purposeful, and faithful.
   When doubts arise and your heart becomes troubled, remember God's past faithfulness. David said, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 27:13). Jesus also promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
   Speak to your soul today: Hope in God. Your present sorrow is not the end of your story. You shall yet praise Him!
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 heal the broken hearted .
+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.