Living Word : 2026-02-08

Saturday, February 14, 2026

The Contract I Walked Away From: Why Integrity Must Cost Us Something.

One day, I received a call from our local government chairman to handle a project for the local government. It felt like a big “favour” because he called me directly. I did not know him, and I still don’t know how he got my number. Many people would have started rejoicing immediately, saying God had answered their prayers. But responding rightly in such situations requires discernment and principle, which is why this experience ties directly into How to Live with Integrity, Justice, and Faithfulness as a Christian—choosing to act honorably, transparently, and faithfully even when opportunity knocks unexpectedly.

But as a kingdom citizen, I hold everything on earth with a pinch of salt. I was asked to submit business proposals for the project. Since the number one himself called me, I was confident I would get the contract. So I did everything required and went to submit. Then I was told the amount I should quote for the contract. In reality, that amount was ten times more than what we actually needed to execute the project from start to finish. Experiences like this remind us to take responsibility for our actions, ensuring that our decisions are guided by integrity and accountability rather than just opportunity or expectation.

They told me plainly to put about seventy million naira — at a time when millions were still truly millions. They explained how the money would be shared. They would take their portion, a small part would come to me, and all I needed to do was show a sign that something was happening and then take the money. Brothers and sisters, I would have received at least ten million naira for myself. At that time, a few million could buy a very good car and even build houses. But in situations like this, we are reminded of how to treat everyone you meet right—honoring people with fairness and integrity rather than exploiting them for personal gain.

Immediately they finished explaining, I stood up and walked away. I was not interested. The “project” was later given to someone else.

While I was bidding for the contract, some Christians were also bidding. Sadly, some believers accepted this kind of arrangement. Brothers and sisters, please do not be part of the rot in society. We are meant to be light, not partners with darkness. Someone might say I walked away because I did not need money. Far from it. I had just finished university, and I needed money urgently. But you see, anything God cannot give me, I do not need it. Our politicians are destroying this country, yet we are quick to sing their praises. Until we decide to hold them accountable, this nation will not change. This is why it’s crucial to focus on the right issues—prioritizing integrity, justice, and what truly aligns with God’s purposes rather than chasing temporary gain or being distracted by the wrong pursuits.

Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.

Are You Really Giving to God? Rethinking the Way We Give Offerings

God brought an understanding about offerings to me that completely changed the way I give. It was not just a minor adjustment, but a shift in perspective that affected my heart and my actions. I would like to share this with you, but before we continue, I need to make something clear. If you believe that whenever you give an offering in church you are giving to the church or to the pastor, then this post is not for you. You may need to stop here. However, if you genuinely believe that when you give an offering, you are giving to God, then let us reason together. This insight is part of How to Live with Integrity, Justice, and Faithfulness as a Christian, where every act—including giving—is aligned with honesty, righteousness, and devotion to God.

If you have ever been close to church administration and seen how much most churches receive in offerings, you will begin to understand a certain reality. Many churches are sustained by those offerings, and yet the amounts are often not as large as people assume. Some people believe that pastors live comfortably on offerings alone, but in most cases, that is not true. Even where it may appear so, the offerings in many places are not enough to fully meet a pastor’s needs. There may be a few exceptions, but generally, this is the reality across many churches. Understanding this helps us grasp the kingdom principle of release, where giving is not about supporting individuals alone, but about participating in God’s work and sowing into His purposes with faith and intentionality.

So the question becomes very important: if we claim we are giving to God, why do our offerings often look so insignificant? Why is there such a gap between what we say we believe and what we actually give? The answer, when you think about it honestly, is quite simple. Many of us give because everyone else is giving. We participate in the act, but not always in the understanding or the intention behind it.

It is common to see people squeeze a small amount of money into their palms, dance energetically to the front, and drop it into the offering basket. Some even give money they would have otherwise thrown away. At times, we give simply because we do not want others to think we have nothing to offer. So we search our pockets, gather whatever is available, and present it. But in moments like that, we rarely pause to consider what we are actually doing or who we are truly giving to.

Let me ask you something that changed me deeply: can you give what you call an offering to your pastor? Better still, can you give that same amount to someone you truly love and respect? If you give 1,000 naira as an offering and consider it generous, would you confidently give that same amount to someone you deeply value? These questions may seem simple, but they reveal a lot about how we truly perceive our giving. It challenges us to stop bribing God, understanding that offerings are not about coercing blessings, but about sincere worship and honoring Him with our hearts.

There was a day I decided to give my pastor some money, and that experience changed my thinking. As I prepared the envelope, I found myself asking questions I had never really asked before. “Is this enough?” “Can he actually use this meaningfully?” I kept adjusting the amount, increasing it gradually until it became something I considered reasonable and worthy. I wanted it to reflect honor, not just obligation.

Then something struck me in that moment. If I could think this carefully about giving to a pastor—a man who serves the same God I serve—what about when I give to God Himself? That realization stayed with me. It forced me to confront the way I had been giving before. It made me see that sometimes, we are more thoughtful in our giving to people than in our giving to God.

Some may argue that if everyone gives a little, it will eventually become a large amount. While that may be true from a collective standpoint, that is not how God relates with us. God deals with us personally, not collectively. He is not measuring the total amount gathered in an offering. He is looking at your offering—your heart, your intention, and your sacrifice.

So consider this for a moment: if God were to use your offering for something as simple as a dinner outing, would it be enough? This question is not meant to condemn you, but to provoke honest reflection. It helps you evaluate whether your giving truly aligns with your belief that you are giving to God. Sometimes, we need such questions to awaken a deeper sense of responsibility and reverence in our giving.

Yes, we have been taught that we should not allow an offering basket to pass us without giving. That teaching is good because it encourages generosity and participation. However, giving must go beyond habit. It must be intentional. You do not give to God out of pressure, and you do not borrow money just to give. You give from what He has already provided for you, with a heart that understands the value of what you are doing. This is where we see how God rewards His servants—He honors sincere, intentional giving that flows from understanding, faith, and a heart aligned with His purposes.

If you truly do not want an offering basket to pass you by, then it is wise to plan your finances accordingly. Make room in your monthly budget for meaningful offerings. Treat your giving as something important, not something you do casually or as an afterthought. When you plan for it, you give with purpose, and your offering carries more weight before God.

Personally, I believe that giving one worthy and thoughtful offering in a month is better than giving careless and insignificant offerings every time. There is something powerful about intentional giving that reflects honor and understanding. In the Bible, Solomon once gave a thousand offerings, and everything changed for him. That was not a random act—it was a deliberate and substantial expression of devotion.

Let us learn to give God offerings that truly honor Him. Let our giving reflect our understanding, our gratitude, and our reverence. When we begin to see offerings in this light, it changes not just what we give, but how we give—and ultimately, how we relate with God.

Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.

Are You Too Wise to Obey God? The Lesson of the Wall of Jericho

If you think you are too clever, too intelligent, or too able to think critically, you may struggle to serve the real God. I see many people argue about God as if He must fit neatly into their reasoning, as though He must explain Himself fully before they choose to obey Him. But if you believe you can completely understand God, and that He must always make sense to you, then there is a serious problem. The problem is simple: you cannot walk with God that way. True breakthrough comes when you embrace trust over understanding, which is exactly what How Faith and Obedience Unlock God’s Miracle teaches—aligning your actions with His Word even when logic alone cannot explain it.

Let us consider the nature of God for a moment. He is not limited to human logic or reasoning, and He does not always operate in ways that align with our expectations. How do you explain a God who tells His children to pull down a massive wall without any physical instrument? This is not a theoretical question—it actually happened. The wall of Jericho was about 12 feet tall and approximately 5 feet 11 inches wide. That is not a small structure you can push over casually; it was a fortress by every standard.

Logically speaking, only powerful tools—something like dynamite—could bring such a wall down. But instead of giving what we would consider a practical strategy, God gave very unusual instructions. He told them to go around the wall once every day for six days. Then on the seventh day, they were to go around it seven times and shout. Shout? What does shouting have to do with bringing down a wall? Yet, that was the instruction. And that is how God sometimes works—beyond logic, beyond reasoning, and beyond human expectations. This is also a clear example of why God empowers those who act on His Word—obedience, even when it seems illogical, activates His power in ways our minds cannot predict.

Now imagine if something like this happened in today’s world. The internet would carry it instantly, and the news would spread rapidly about how foolish those people must be. Social media would be filled with opinions, criticisms, and mockery. People would create skits about them, turning their obedience into entertainment. As they marched around the wall, others would record them, post the videos, and attach sarcastic captions. They would be misunderstood, insulted, and ridiculed publicly. And yet, that was exactly what obedience required.

Pause and think about that carefully. This is what it truly takes to follow God. Sometimes, you will look foolish in the eyes of others. Sometimes, you will be misunderstood by people who do not understand what God is doing in your life. There may even be moments when you are insulted, dismissed, or pressured to explain yourself. But if you insist on analyzing every instruction of God until it satisfies your reasoning, you may never obey Him at all. This principle is clearly seen in Joshua and the battle of Ai, where obedience to God’s unconventional instructions, rather than human logic, determined the outcome of the battle.

And if you never obey Him, you will never see what obedience produces. What guarantees results in serving God is not our intelligence, our ability, or how well we can argue or defend our beliefs. It is not about how deeply we can analyze situations or how logically we can explain them. The true key is how willing we are to obey, even when we do not fully understand.

So, consider your own life. Has God told you to do something that looks unreasonable? Something that makes you pause and ask, “How can this be?”—just like Mary did? It is in moments like these that your response matters the most. Do not let pride in your reasoning hold you back from obedience. What you do in that moment can determine what God is able to do through you.

Obey Him. Follow Him, even when it looks foolish to others and does not make complete sense to you. Trust that His ways are higher than yours, and that His instructions carry purpose beyond your understanding. When you choose obedience over explanation, you position yourself to see results that logic alone can never produce. This is the essence of the power of consistent obedience—steadfastly following God’s directions unlocks outcomes that reasoning or effort alone could never achieve.

You are destined for the top. So follow God obediently as He continues to lead you, and watch what He will make out of your life.

Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.

Friday, February 13, 2026

When Distractions Replace Devotion: A Simple Lesson From My Dog Gold

I once had a dog named Gold. She was very playful and always wanted to be around me. Whenever we were indoors, she followed me from room to room. If I went to the kitchen, she was there. If I went to the bedroom, she followed. She would even sit outside the bathroom door just to stay close. In many ways, this reminds us of building a strong, lasting relationship with God, where our desire is to remain near Him continually, seeking His presence in every part of our lives.

She loved being around me and always wanted to play whenever I was free. Indoors, we were inseparable. But everything changed when I took her outside for a walk. Outside, she became completely distracted. She ran after every movement, every sound, every smell. It was as though I no longer existed. No matter how I called her or even showed her a treat, she was too busy chasing other things to pay attention to me. This illustrates how hindrances to effective personal relationship with God—distractions, desires, and worldly pursuits—can pull our focus away from Him, even when our hearts truly want to stay close.

She would run around until she was tired, and only then would she return. Watching her one day, a thought struck me: Is this not how some of us behave toward God? When there are no distractions, we have time for Him. When life is calm and quiet, we can pray, read our Bible, and worship. But once something more “interesting” shows up, our attention shifts.

If there’s no important football match, God can have our time.

If there’s no urgent business deal, we can focus on Him.

If there’s no relationship demanding attention, we can pray longer.

If the house is quiet and nothing is pressing, then we remember God.

The strength or you ministry is determined by the strength of your secret place.

But once distractions appear, He gets pushed aside.

As a dog owner, I must admit I don’t feel happy when Gold ignores me completely because something else caught her attention. It makes me wonder:

How does God feel when we give Him only our spare time? Do you think He is pleased when He gets what is left over after everything else has taken priority?

Serving God requires intentionality. Distractions will always be there. There will always be something competing for our attention. But we must choose, deliberately, to make time for Him. This is at the heart of how to build a personal relationship with God—setting aside deliberate moments to focus on Him, listen, and cultivate intimacy despite the noise around us.

God should not be our last option. He should be our priority. May we not seek Him only when we are in trouble or in need. May we learn to value His presence above every distraction. May God help us to stay focused on Him.

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Living a Fasted Life: Beyond Occasional Fasting in the Christian Walk.

Today, let's talk about fasting. Fasting is one of the most important practices in the Christian faith that we should not ignore. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights, and many Christians have also undertaken long fasts.

Fasting is when you deny the body certain pleasures to seek the face of God. These pleasures could include food, social media, TV, football, relationships, and more. From time to time, we must fast to maintain a vibrant Christian life. If you are a Christian who does not fast, learn to fast as you are led by the Spirit, for it is a vital part of building a personal relationship with God and drawing closer to His presence.

And if you are never led by the Holy Spirit to fast, take time to fast anyway. Fasting benefits both your spiritual and physical life.

Beyond Setting Days for Fasting.

There is an aspect of fasting that many of us may not know — it is even more important than simply setting aside days to fast. Many of us feel spiritually vibrant during fasting. We become so alert that it seems we should never stop. But if you set a day for fasting, you must stop when that day ends. True growth, however, comes from time spent in the secret place, where intimacy with God continues beyond the fast and nurtures lasting spiritual strength.

So, what do you do on the remaining days when you are not fasting? Do you live carelessly and allow the flesh to dominate your spirit? That is not the goal.

Living a Fasted Life

There is a style of fasting I was taught as a teenager that has helped me tremendously, and I want to share it with you. This approach keeps you spiritually alert at all times, and most of the time, it doesn’t feel like you are fasting. Later, I discovered that Jesus practiced this kind of lifestyle even after His 40-day fast. I call it “living a fasted life,” a practice that helps remove hindrances to effective personal relationship with God and keeps your spirit sensitive to His guidance daily.

What does it mean?

It means living in a way where you deny yourself daily those things that hinder your spiritual alertness.

Practical Examples of a Fasted Life

Food: If you love food and eating makes it difficult to pray effectively, adjust your meals. For example, avoid eating heavy dinners that leave you sluggish during night prayers.

Entertainment: If TV, movies, football, or games eat into your prayer and study time, limit them before your spiritual activities.

When I learned this as a teenager, I stopped eating much in the evening so I could pray at night. If I had to eat, I ate very small portions. Over time, I unconsciously adjusted.

Now, I rarely eat after 6 PM. Most evenings, I finish my last meal between 4 and 5 PM.

Jesus Loved a Fasted Life

Jesus valued His spiritual activity over food. In John, when His disciples brought food, He was not interested in eating. His focus was on spiritual priorities. If food or any other pleasure would interrupt His spiritual activity, He set it aside. This demonstrates the benefits of a personal relationship with God, as it keeps our priorities aligned, our hearts focused, and our lives empowered to pursue what truly matters.

This is a fasted life. This is how a true Christian should live daily. We should not allow worldly things to determine our spiritual effectiveness — we should control them, not be controlled by them.

Reflection

Do you live a fasted life? If not, is this something you can start practicing? If yes, when will you begin? A fasted life is not just about occasional fasting — it is about cultivating daily spiritual alertness and discipline that keeps you vibrant in your walk with God.

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Guard Your Thoughts: How Your Mind Shapes Your Life

Today, let’s talk about the mind and what we think. Your entire life is shaped by your thoughts, whether you realize it or not. Someone once said, “Thoughts are things,” and there is deep truth in that statement. Scripture also makes this clear in a very direct way. Proverbs 4:23 (ERV) says, “Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.” If your thoughts control your life, then your life will never rise above the quality of your thinking. This is why renewing your mind is so crucial—it aligns your thoughts with purpose and truth, shaping a life that reflects the highest potential.

There was a time when I personally realized the power of a thought in a way I could not ignore. One day, I reacted wrongly toward someone. When I later reflected on the situation, I realized that what happened did not justify the intensity of my reaction. My behavior was excessive and out of proportion. That realization troubled me deeply, so I went to God in prayer and asked the Holy Spirit to help me understand why I behaved that way.

The Bible tells us that the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked—who can know it? Sometimes we do not even understand our own motives or reactions. That is why Scripture warns us to guard our hearts with all diligence. As I prayed sincerely and searched my heart, I began to see something clearly. I discovered that the seed of that behavior had actually been planted long before the incident happened. This taught me an important principle: we must kill evil thoughts before they kill you, stopping them at the root before they grow into destructive actions.

At some point in the past, a negative thought about that person had entered my heart. I did not confront it when it came. I did not reject it or deal with it decisively. Instead, I allowed it to stay quietly in my mind. That single thought became a seed over time. And when the right situation eventually came, that seed produced fruit in the form of my reaction.

Pause for a moment and think about this carefully. What thoughts have you allowed to remain in your heart unchecked? Sometimes we assume that because a thought is silent, it is harmless. But many of the actions we display later begin as thoughts we once entertained without resistance. This is why the condition of the mind matters more than many people realize.

It is important to pay attention to your thoughts, especially when you are alone and no one is around to hear them. Notice what you think about a person, a situation, your workplace, or even your country. The mind often begins quiet conversations that seem insignificant at first. But these internal conversations shape how you will eventually respond outwardly. This is why cultivating a sound mind matters—it guides your thoughts toward clarity, peace, and wise action.

You might think about someone and say within yourself, “If he does this again, he will see how I will respond. I will talk to him so rudely he will never try it again.” At that moment, it may feel like it is just a thought passing through your mind. But in reality, something deeper has already taken place. The reaction has already been rehearsed internally, and it is simply waiting for the opportunity to appear in real life.

Sometimes the moment a person’s name comes to your mind, a negative label quickly follows. You may think, “I don’t like him,” or “She is too secretive,” or even, “He thinks he is better than everyone.” Whether your judgment is accurate or not is not the first issue. The real issue is that once a negative attitude settles in your heart, a seed has been planted. And seeds, by their nature, are designed to grow.

Because of this, you should not be surprised if your behavior becomes subtly different the next time you meet that person. Your tone may change slightly, your attitude may shift, or your patience may become thinner. Many of our reactions are not truly spontaneous as we often assume. In many cases, they were already prepared in the mind long before the situation ever appeared.

You may try to act right toward someone you have already judged in your heart. You may smile, speak politely, and attempt to maintain a good appearance. But the truth is that pretense does not last very long. All it usually takes is a small provocation or misunderstanding, and everything that was stored inside begins to come out. What was hidden internally suddenly becomes visible externally.

Sometimes you may not even say anything outwardly, yet inwardly you are already making declarations. You might be thinking, “The way I will deal with him, he will know I am not someone to treat like this.” Again, the seed is planted in the mind. And just like seeds planted in the ground, thoughts also grow quietly over time until they eventually manifest in behavior. This is where the power of human will comes in—it determines whether those thoughts remain dormant or grow into actions that shape your life.

This is why it is so important to guard the small thoughts that come quietly and unexpectedly. Many people only try to control their actions, but the real work must begin in the mind. That is where attitudes are formed and decisions are shaped. That is also where many conflicts begin long before they appear outwardly.

Small negative thoughts, when ignored, can gradually shape behavior in ways we may not intend. They can damage relationships, weaken trust, and slowly introduce bitterness into the heart. Over time, what started as a small internal idea becomes a pattern of behavior that affects others around us. And often, people do not realize how it all started.

The truth is simple but powerful: your outward life is the harvest of your inward thoughts. What you consistently think about eventually shows up in how you speak, how you react, and how you treat people. This is why Scripture tells us to guard our hearts carefully and intentionally. Your thoughts are not just passing moments in your mind—they are shaping your future.

So guard them carefully.

Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Stand Up to Your Bully: Confront Fear With Faith and Authority

Let’s talk about bullies. I am sure you have experienced one in one way or another, even if it was not obvious at the time. Not all bullies look the same, and not all of them wear a face you can easily identify. Some are loud and aggressive, while others are subtle and persistent. But one thing is certain—if you do not confront a bully, you may remain under its control longer than necessary. And many times, fear is the only weapon it truly has. That is why it is crucial to understand your authority in Christ, knowing that you are empowered to stand firm, resist intimidation, and walk in freedom.

Bullies come in different forms, and it is important to recognize this. A bully may not always be a person standing in front of you. It could be a witch in your compound not letting you rest, or a stubborn situation that refuses to change despite your efforts. It might be someone who does not want to see anything good come your way, constantly working against your progress. It could even be a colleague blocking your promotion or a lecturer determined to delay your graduation. Whatever form your bully takes, one thing remains true—if you do not stand up to it, you may never be free from it.

Let me share something from my primary school days that shaped my understanding of this reality. When I was in primary school, I had a friend who drew close to me for one reason—to copy my work during exams. I was brilliant and never failed my exams, and he knew this very well. Instead of studying for himself, he relied on copying from me. He was taller and bigger than me, and to make matters worse, his mother was a teacher in the school. This made many of us afraid of him and unwilling to challenge his actions.

During exams, he would deliberately drag his seat close to mine so he could see my answers. If I refused to let him copy, he would threaten me, beat me, or even forcefully open my exam paper. This continued from primary three into primary four, and for a long time, I tolerated it because of fear. His name was Emmanuel, and in my mind at that time, he seemed untouchable. I believed he had power over me, but in reality, I had simply not confronted him. This taught me an important lesson: don't hand over your responsibility to God—you must act courageously and exercise the authority and responsibility He has given you.

Then came the day everything changed—third term in primary four. As usual, he tried to force his way, attempting to slap me and open my exam sheet. But that day, something shifted inside me. I had had enough. I stood up and fought him. It was not easy because he was bigger and taller, but I gathered all the strength I had and faced him directly. What I did not realize all along was this: he had been using fear to control me. He had size, but no real power.

It did not take long before I defeated him, and that moment changed everything. That was the last day he ever touched my exam paper. He stopped sitting near me and became cautious around me. The fear that once controlled me shifted to him. That experience taught me a lesson I have never forgotten: until you confront a bully, you will never truly know whether it has real power or is simply relying on intimidation. Many times, what appears strong is only sustained by your fear.

However, not all battles today can be confronted physically the way I confronted mine. Life presents situations that require a different kind of response. Some challenges are spiritual, emotional, or systemic, and cannot be solved with physical strength. But that is exactly why Jesus gave us authority. As believers, we have been given the power to stand against anything that is not aligned with God’s will for our lives. We are not helpless, and we are not without options. You have power over demons, and through Christ, you can exercise authority over every spiritual attack that seeks to derail your life.

When something is out of place, you do not have to tolerate it silently. You can rise in faith and take your stand. You can speak with authority and declare, “No. This must change.” And not just speak casually, but believe what you are saying. Faith is what gives weight to your words, and authority is what enforces them. Without faith, words are empty—but with faith, they become powerful.

This is why the words of Jesus in Mark 11:23 are so important: “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” Mountains respond to authority backed by faith. They do not move because of noise or fear—they move because of conviction and spiritual authority. Ignorance of your authority in Christ can make you live in fear, missing out on the power and freedom God has already given you.

Fear is what keeps bullies alive. It sustains their influence and gives them room to operate. But faith confronts them and strips them of that power. The moment you rise in faith and refuse to be intimidated, you begin to see things shift. What once looked immovable starts to give way. What once controlled you begins to lose its grip.

So now the question is simple, yet deeply personal: will you stand up to your bully today, whatever form it may take? Or will you continue to allow fear to control you and limit your progress? The choice is yours, but remember this—freedom often begins the moment you decide to confront what has been confronting you.

Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.

Take the Word, Leave the Lifestyle: What Jesus Taught About Imperfect Preachers.

Today, let us consider the very important words of Jesus to His disciples, because I believe they apply to us today as His disciples as well.

A proper understanding of certain passages in the Bible will guard you against some religious practices we see today and equip you with Kingdom principles for effective ministry. By aligning our actions with God’s instructions, we can serve faithfully, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we minister to.

These practices can be so loud and dominant that they make you think they are right. If you do not align with what they teach, you are quickly labeled a rebel. But Jesus is our standard, not any man.

The Words of Jesus

Matthew 23:1–3 (GNT)

“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples.

‘The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees are the authorized interpreters of Moses' Law.

So you must obey and follow everything they tell you to do; do not, however, imitate their actions, because they don't practice what they preach.’”

When the Message Is Right but the Lifestyle Is Wrong

We live in a generation where many people preach what they do not practice. Some preach the sound word of God, but their lives do not back it up. This is why understanding the Bible correctly is crucial—it helps you discern truth from error, follow God’s Word faithfully, and avoid being misled by appearances or hypocrisy.

The wrong lifestyle of some of these preachers is so obvious that many people know they are living wrongly, yet they continue preaching.

There are also those who preach the wrong message altogether.

When it is a wrong message, we have no obligation to listen.

But when the message is right and the lifestyle does not align, Jesus has already advised us on what to do.

He says: take their words, but do not copy their actions.

In other words, obey the word of God they teach, but do not imitate their wrong lifestyle.

Pause and think about that carefully.

Judgment Is Not Ours

There are many religious people who condemn a man of God and judge those who listen to him as not being true children of God, simply because that preacher is not living right. Yet, the key lies in discerning the truth of Scripture and embracing the power in the word of God, which is effective regardless of human imperfections.

For example, when a man of God divorces his wife. I am not discussing whether divorce is good or bad. The point is that some religious people will discourage you from listening to such a man simply because he is divorced.

Jesus’ words suggest otherwise.

I have seen many “good” Christians condemn a preacher and those listening to him, acting as though they are the final judge — forgetting that both they and the preacher will be judged by the same Lord.

So whenever someone makes you feel it is wrong to listen to a preacher simply because they have found fault in his personal life, they may be acting against the very words of Jesus.

Do you understand the basics of Christianity, and how good are you in them?

However, if you are advised not to listen because the message itself is wrong, that is justified.

Be Christians, Not Just Religious

Let us be true Christians — not merely religious people who assume others are less righteous than we are and therefore should be ignored.

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Why Many Children in Christian Homes Don’t Serve God

I believe one major reason many children raised in Christian homes do not serve God is simple: they have not met Jesus, and they did not truly experience God at home. This may sound strong, but it deserves serious attention and honest reflection. Being raised in a Christian house is not the same as being born again, and attending church is not the same as encountering Christ. These are truths we must not ignore. And one thing we often overlook is this—children can tell the difference, even when adults try to blur the lines.

At the same time, it is crucial to remember building a marriage based on kingdom principles. Children learn as much from the way their parents relate to God and each other as they do from sermons or Sunday school. A home grounded in Kingdom values creates an environment where faith is lived authentically, and where the next generation can witness what it truly means to follow Christ in both heart and practice.

When I say they have not met Jesus, I mean they have not experienced the new birth. They are familiar with church language, they know the songs, and they understand the culture of Christianity. They can follow the flow of a service and even participate actively. But deep within, they are not born again. If a child does not encounter Christ early in life, it can become more difficult later. Habits begin to form, the heart gradually hardens, and independence starts to take root in ways that resist God. Salvation is personal; it cannot be inherited from parents, no matter how spiritual those parents may be.

The second issue is just as important: many children grow up in homes where the gospel is preached on Sunday but not practiced from Monday to Saturday. They see a version of Christianity that is public but not personal. A parent may appear holy in church, yet behave differently at home where no one is watching. They hear about love, patience, and forgiveness in sermons, but they do not experience these same virtues in their daily environment. And children are not foolish—they observe more than we think. When what is preached does not match what is practiced, confusion sets in, and over time, some begin to question whether what they hear in church is even true.

It is for this reason that how to raise spiritually powerful children becomes a vital concern. Children need consistent examples of faith lived out daily. When they witness parents walking in integrity, love, and obedience to God, the seeds of a strong spiritual foundation are planted—seeds that will grow into lifelong faith and godly character.

Pause and think about this carefully: what version of Christianity are your children actually experiencing? Is it a living reality or just a weekly performance? Is God real in your home, or only discussed in church gatherings? These are not comfortable questions, but they are necessary ones. The answer to these questions may determine the spiritual direction of your children more than any sermon they will ever hear.

When a child genuinely encounters God early in life and also experiences Him consistently at home, something powerful happens. That child will most likely serve the God of the parents, not out of pressure, but out of conviction. In many cases, such children go even further than their parents in their walk with God. Why? Because exposure matters, environment matters, and authenticity matters. A consistent environment where God is real creates a deep-rooted faith that can withstand the pressures of life.

I was privileged to grow up in a Christian home, and there is one experience I will never forget. Our home was always open to others—Christian brothers, sisters, and extended family members could visit at any time. It was that kind of house, a place where people felt free and welcomed. But one day, something happened that left a lasting impression on me and shaped my understanding of what it means for God to be real in a home.

One of our distant relatives, who used to visit us regularly, came back to us in a condition we never expected. He returned as a mad man. He had gone for native treatment because of his condition but was not improving. It was not violent madness, so he could still stay around people. However, when you looked at him—his appearance and behavior—you could clearly see that something was wrong. It was obvious to everyone that he was not in his right mind.

This story underscores why parents must communicate with their children. Open, honest, and consistent communication helps children understand the world, process difficult situations, and make wise choices. Without such guidance, misunderstandings and missteps can easily take root, leading to struggles that could have been prevented.

He stayed with us for some time, and during that period, something unusual began to happen. Every morning, he would wake up early and go sit under a palm tree not far from our house. He would remain there for hours before returning home. There were no dramatic daily prayer sessions organized for him, no loud deliverance programs, and no outward display of intense spiritual activity directed at his condition. Yet, he was in an environment where God was real.

Gradually, he started regaining his senses. Little by little, there was noticeable improvement in his condition. What seemed impossible began to unfold quietly. Over time, he became completely sound and eventually returned to where he lived in the western part of the country. He came to us as a mad man, but he left as a normal person. And to this day, as far as I know, he remains healthy. That experience showed me something powerful—God does not always need noise to work; sometimes, His presence in an environment is enough.

If children experience God this way—alongside the teaching they receive—do you think they will not serve Him? I believe they will. When God is not just preached but experienced, it leaves a mark that cannot be easily erased. Except in cases where a parent’s life consistently contradicts what they preach, children who grow up in such environments often carry that reality with them for life.

Learn a little more about my life story here.

Children do not just listen to sermons; they observe consistency. They measure authenticity in ways that are often deeper than words. They are watching how you live, how you respond, how you treat others, and how real your relationship with God truly is. I am grateful that I discovered early in life that the Word of God is true—not just in theory, but in reality. And I believe every Christian parent should desire the same testimony for their children, not just that they know about God, but that they truly experience Him.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2026

How Good Are You With the Basics of the Christian Faith?

In life, everything has a foundation. Every field, every profession, every skill has primary building blocks — what I will call the basics. In education, primary and secondary school form the foundation of all learning. Without these early lessons, students often struggle in higher education, no matter how intelligent they are. In music, solfa notes are the basics; without mastering them, no musician can progress to complex compositions. In building, the foundation determines the strength and durability of the structure. In the same way, there are basics in the Christian life, the primary spiritual building blocks every believer must grasp. Nobody ever outgrows the fundamentals. In fact, how far you can go in any field, including your spiritual journey, is determined by how well you understand and practice these basics. This is why understanding the truth about being born again every believer should know is crucial—it is the foundational starting point for everything in your spiritual life.

Many people underestimate the power of a solid foundation. There are students who struggle with basic algebra or grammar because they never learned the essentials in primary and secondary school. Conversely, those with a strong foundation handle advanced concepts with ease. Spiritually, the same principle applies. A believer who has not grasped the basics of prayer, Scripture, and holiness will struggle to grow in maturity. Understanding the fundamentals of Christianity is not a matter of pride or formality; it is a necessity. This is why Paul, in Hebrews 6:1–2, urges believers to move beyond elementary teachings and build on them: “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” The point is clear: the basics are critical, but they are just the starting point.

If you are reading this, chances are you are a Christian. If so, I want to ask you a question I constantly ask myself: How good are you with the fundamentals of Christianity? Did you just think, “It doesn’t matter”? My dear, it matters tremendously. Your grasp of the basics of the Christian faith determines how far you can go in your walk with God. How well you understand and practice the foundations of prayer, Scripture study, and holy living will shape your spiritual strength, endurance, and fruitfulness. A tree cannot grow healthy without deep roots, and neither can a Christian thrive without solid spiritual foundations. This is why what Jesus said about being born again is so essential—it is the starting point of a vibrant, transformative relationship with God. Without this new birth, no amount of activity or knowledge can produce true spiritual life.

So, what are some of these fundamentals? First is prayer. Prayer is the lifeline of the Christian. It is not merely a ritual or a quick set of words uttered in a hurry while rushing out of the house. True prayer is intentional, consistent, and heartfelt fellowship with God. Jesus himself modeled this in Luke 5:16: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Notice the word “often.” Prayer is not occasional; it is habitual, a way of life. If your prayer life is inconsistent or superficial, your spiritual growth will be limited. Prayer connects you with the power of God, aligns your will with His, and strengthens you to face life’s challenges.

Equally important is understanding what you received when you got born again. At the moment of your new birth, you received spiritual life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and access to every spiritual blessing in Christ. These gifts are the foundation upon which your prayer life, faith, and spiritual growth are built. Without grasping this, it’s easy to approach Christianity as mere activity, rather than a dynamic relationship with God that transforms every area of your life.

The second foundational element is the study of God’s Word. Do you read the Bible to feed your spirit, or only when you are preparing to preach or teach? Do you approach the Scriptures with a desire to understand God, or merely as a duty? Psalm 119:105 reminds us of the purpose of God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without studying the Word, a believer cannot navigate life effectively. The Bible is not just a book to admire; it is a guide for righteous living, a source of comfort, and a tool for spiritual growth. If you find yourself in a place without a church, the Word becomes your anchor. Will your faith survive if you rely solely on human teaching, or will it slowly wither without consistent engagement with Scripture?

The third fundamental is living a holy life. Christianity is not only about belief; it is about obedience and transformation. Romans 12:1–2 calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Holiness is not optional; it is a reflection of God’s character in your life. Have you made up your mind to live a righteous life for the sake of God’s kingdom? Holiness is demonstrated in daily choices, in resisting sin, and in prioritizing God’s will above your own desires. Without it, your faith will lack integrity and impact.

Consistency in these basics is what produces spiritual maturity. A Christian who prays, studies the Word, and lives a holy life daily builds a spiritual resilience that cannot be shaken by trials. James 1:22–25 emphasizes this principle: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” Action upon the fundamentals is what transforms knowledge into true spiritual power.

I leave you with this question again: How good are you with the basics of the Christian faith? Are you intentional in prayer, diligent in Scripture study, and committed to holiness? Your answers to these questions will determine how far you will go in God’s plan for your life. Spiritual growth is a journey that begins with the basics, and mastery of these fundamentals ensures that you will not falter as you move into deeper spiritual realms.

At the same time, remember what Jesus said about preachers whose message does not align with their lifestyle. He warned against those who speak the truth but fail to live it themselves, showing that integrity is inseparable from effective ministry. If we desire to lead others well and make a lasting impact, we must not only know the Word but live it consistently, letting our actions reflect the truths we proclaim. May God grant you wisdom, discipline, and steadfastness to build your life upon the unshakable foundation of His Word and His ways.

God bless you for reading.

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Why Does God Allow Suffering? Understanding Free Will, Dominion, and the Fall

This question has troubled many hearts for centuries: “If God is loving, why does He allow suffering?” or “If He is good, why do good people suffer?” Many have watched pain unfold in their lives or in the lives of others and could not make sense of it. Some have even turned their backs on God, concluding that He must be wicked. But a proper understanding of this subject changes everything. When you understand it correctly, you will see the sovereignty of God in a different light—and you may even love Him more. Let us examine this carefully, especially how to experience God in your darkest moments, finding His presence and peace even amidst pain.

God Allowing Suffering Does Not Mean He Desires It

First, we must understand this clearly: God allowing suffering does not mean God wants people to suffer. In the same way God allows people to live in sin—though He does not want them to sin—He also allows suffering. God’s original intention was never suffering. We see this in the Garden of Eden. God provided everything Adam needed. Man lacked nothing. There was no pain, no struggle, no lack. So even though God does not support suffering, He does not always directly interfere with what brings suffering, which helps us understand why God's will does not always bring instant victory.

Why? The World Operates by Principles

Secondly, we must understand that the world operates by principles and laws. God created these principles, and He does not break them—even though He is sovereign. He has never violated His own order and will not begin to do so. If mankind had obeyed the principles and laws God established, suffering would not exist. But man chose a system of government independent of God. That decision introduced consequences that are still unfolding in the world today.

Free Will: The Turning Point

After establishing divine laws, God gave man free will. Man had the freedom to obey or disobey. It was the misuse of that free will that opened the door to suffering. And that free will has not been taken away. Today, you still have the right to choose. You can choose obedience or rebellion. Blessing or curse. God or the devil. That freedom explains much of what we see in the world. Pause and consider this carefully: if love requires choice, could God remove suffering without removing freedom? This perspective also helps us see when disappointment is mercy, revealing God’s protection even in what initially seems painful.

The Origin of Suffering

Let us now look at the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, God created man in His image and likeness and gave him dominion over the earth. Dominion meant authority. It meant governance. It meant responsibility. You can read this in Genesis 3. Man was given power to rule, and if something was not right, he had authority to address it. But the devil became jealous. He devised a plan to take that dominion from man.

Before the serpent appeared, God had already instructed man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This command created a real choice. The serpent deceived Eve. Eve ate the fruit. She gave it to Adam, and Adam ate.

The Transfer of Dominion

This act was not merely disobedience—it was a legal transfer of authority. By disobeying God, man handed dominion over to the devil. The devil assumed rulership, and man fell under bondage. Luke 4:5–6 (NKJV) says:

“Then the devil… showed Him all the kingdoms of the world… And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You… for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.’”

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) says:

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…”

From this perspective, suffering began when dominion shifted. Where the devil reigns, evil follows.

In life, there are pains we cannot ignore; I call them Necessary Evil, learn more.

Why God Allows It

Suffering exists because authority was transferred. God allows it because man exercised his free will and entered into consequences. Contrary to what many assume, God is not micromanaging every evil act happening in the world. Much of it flows from a fallen system now influenced by the “god of this world.” But the story does not end there. God responded. He sent Jesus to restore what was lost—to reclaim dominion and offer redemption. Suffering may exist, but it is not the final word.

If you have questions about this topic, leave them in the comment section. I will respond. Understanding the origin and purpose of suffering gives clarity, restores perspective, and deepens your trust in God. Remember: His sovereignty remains intact, and His love is unchanging, even in the midst of pain.

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Do You Have Spiritual Anorexia? Signs You Lack Appetite for God’s Word.

Don’t mind the title. I am not a medical person, and we will not be discussing medicine in this write-up. I am also not an English professor who enjoys using big grammar—though some of my friends are. What we will be talking about is anorexia nervosa, but in a very simple way. If you don’t know what it means right now, don’t worry—you will understand by the end of this write-up. Along the way, we will also uncover secrets to building a strong, lasting relationship with God, showing how spiritual health can strengthen every area of life.

Let me start with a story that will help explain what I want to talk about. There were two children I knew some time ago called Emma and Deborah. They were children of the same parents, with Emma being Deborah’s elder brother. Their relationship was close, but their eating habits could not have been more different.

Emma did not like eating. Each time food was given to him before leaving for school, he would either bring the food back home or his sister would eat it for him. Deborah, on the other hand, loved food. She would eat her own food and also eat her brother’s food. When you looked at Deborah, she appeared bigger, healthier, and more robust than Emma. If you didn’t know them well, you might even think Deborah was older than Emma. This story reminds us to wrap yourself in the Word, feeding on God’s truth daily so your spirit grows strong, healthy, and vibrant, just as food nourishes the body.

What caused this clear difference between them was their eating habits—one loved food, the other avoided it. Using this illustration, one had anorexia nervosa, which is a lack of appetite, while the other did not. Emma had no appetite for food, but Deborah did. This simple example shows how habits can affect health, strength, and growth over time.

So why did I share this story? There are many Christians today who suffer from spiritual anorexia nervosa—they have little or no appetite for the Word of God. When there is a prayer program, music concert, film show, comedy program, or any social gathering, you will see them there. But invite them to a Bible study or a teaching meeting, and suddenly they are not interested. This is why it is crucial to understand the power in the Word—it nourishes your spirit, strengthens your faith, and equips you to live victoriously.

This group believes that prayer alone is enough to deliver them from the devil and bring them blessings, yet they have no hunger for God’s Word. Instead of allowing God to use them, they try to use God. Some will even say, “I have a Bible at home; I read it,” but their lives show little evidence of consistent engagement with Scripture.

So pause for a moment and check yourself. Do you have spiritual anorexia nervosa? Do you genuinely hunger for the Word of God? If you were invited to a three-day teaching meeting focused solely on God’s Word, would you gladly attend—or would you start making excuses? Do you deliberately create time for personal Bible reading and study on a daily basis? Reflect carefully, because these habits reveal some of the hindrances to an effective personal relationship with God.

The only way we can be spiritually strong, healthy, and mature—like Deborah in our story—is by consistently feeding on the Word of God, both personally and together with other believers. It is not enough to attend events occasionally; spiritual nourishment comes through regular engagement, obedience, and application of Scripture.

So let me end with the same question I started with: Do you have spiritual anorexia nervosa? Examine your heart and your habits. Hunger for God’s Word. Let it shape your life, strengthen your spirit, and guide your actions. God bless you for reading.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Why God’s Will Doesn’t Always Bring Instant Victory: Lessons from Israel’s Battles

Judges 20:18-45 tells a story that can leave anyone scratching their head:

Judges 20:18-44 NKJV

[18] Then the children of Israel arose and went up to the house of God to inquire of God. They said, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The Lord said, “Judah first!”

[19] So the children of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. [20] And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel put themselves in battle array to fight against them at Gibeah.

[21] Then the children of Benjamin came out of Gibeah, and on that day cut down to the ground twenty-two thousand men of the Israelites.

[22] And the people, that is, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and again formed the battle line at the place where they had put themselves in array on the first day.

[23] Then the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, “Shall I again draw near for battle against the children of my brother Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Go up against him.”

[24] So the children of Israel approached the children of Benjamin on the second day.

[25] And Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah on the second day, and cut down to the ground eighteen thousand more of the children of Israel; all these drew the sword.

[26] Then all the children of Israel, that is, all the people, went up and came to the house of God and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.

[27] So the children of Israel inquired of the Lord (the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

[28] and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

[29] Then Israel set men in ambush all around Gibeah.

[30] And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in battle array against Gibeah as at the other times.

[31] So the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city. They began to strike down and kill some of the people, as at the other times, in the highways (one of which goes up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah) and in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

[32] And the children of Benjamin said, “They are defeated before us, as at first.” But the children of Israel said, “Let us flee and draw them away from the city to the highways.”

[33] So all the men of Israel rose from their place and put themselves in battle array at Baal Tamar. Then Israel’s men in ambush burst forth from their position in the plain of Geba.

[34] And ten thousand select men from all Israel came against Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the Benjamites did not know that disaster was upon them.

[35] The Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel. And the children of Israel destroyed that day twenty-five thousand one hundred Benjamites; all these drew the sword.

[36] So the children of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel had given ground to the Benjamites, because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah.

[37] And the men in ambush quickly rushed upon Gibeah; the men in ambush spread out and struck the whole city with the edge of the sword.

[38] Now the appointed signal between the men of Israel and the men in ambush was that they would make a great cloud of smoke rise up from the city,

[39] whereupon the men of Israel would turn in battle. Now Benjamin had begun to strike and kill about thirty of the men of Israel. For they said, “Surely they are defeated before us, as in the first battle.”

[40] But when the cloud began to rise from the city in a column of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and there was the whole city going up in smoke to heaven.

[41] And when the men of Israel turned back, the men of Benjamin panicked, for they saw that disaster had come upon them.

[42] Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel in the direction of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them, and whoever came out of the cities they destroyed in their midst.

[43] They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and easily trampled them down as far as the front of Gibeah toward the east.

[44] And eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell; all these were men of valor.

At first glance, it can seem confusing: God told Israel to fight Benjamin, yet they were defeated twice. Why would God support a battle that ended in failure? Did He lack power? Was His guidance ineffective? Before you bail on me, hear me out. Victory Requires Change. When Israel finally won, their strategy was completely different. They didn’t repeat the same approach that led to failure. That’s the lesson I want to share: Being in God’s will does not guarantee success if you are not willing to change, and understanding this is essential for how to experience God in your darkest moments.

It may sound controversial, but consider the pattern: Israel was not out of God’s will the first two times. God said “go,” yet they failed. Why? Because they were not ready to see the situation from a new perspective or adopt a new strategy.

Sometimes, we miss God’s best for us because we cling to our old ways. We assume, “If it is mine, nothing can take it away.” But carelessness, rigidity, or laziness can cost us blessings, opportunities, or God-ordained relationships—a reminder that sometimes necessary evil serves as a tool to redirect us toward God’s best.

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