GREAT HEARTED GROUP

2010-10-26T04:56:00.001-07:00

PRINCIPLES OF PROSPERITY

It takes understanding in this present age to be outstanding and prosperous. God derives pleasure when we prosper (Ps. 35:27, 3 John 2, Ezek. 36:11, Jer. 29:11) and he is the one who gives the wisdom and strength needed to make prosperity (Deut. 8:18). Every saint of God has the chance of becoming wealthy (Ps. 112:1-3), the thing is; you’ll have to decide whether you want to prosper in life or not.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Deut 30:19

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor 8:9

“Only an irrelevant religion fails to be concerned about man’s economic well-being. Religion at its best realizes that the soul is crushed as long as the body is tortured with hunger pangs and harrowed with the need for shelter. Jesus realized that we need food, clothing, shelter and economic security. He said in clear and concise terms: “Your Father knows what you need” (Matt. 6:8). But Jesus knew that man was more than a dog to be satisfied by a few economic bones. He realized that the internal of a man’s life is as significant as the external. So He added, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (v. 33) Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Ps 1:1-3 KJV

Money or wealth does not corrupt a person, it does not cause people to sin or backslide, it cannot make one worldly; it is a man’s desire and the position of his heart that drags him to sin; not the wealth he has acquired.

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17

Everything in the supernatural and in the natural have guiding rules or principles, to obtain wealth from God you must abide by the rules governing wealth creation; and these principles are:-

1. humility

2. obedience to God’s instructions

3. praises

4. tithing

5. free will offering

6. prophetic offering

7. And investment.

1) Humility – those who exalt themselves are humbled by the Lord. Those who humble themselves before the Lord are those whom the Lord raises up. (Matt. 23:11-12). On several occasions God has demonstrated His love toward the lowly. He loves the humble, but despises the proud. Prov. 6:16-17, James 4:6.

The Lord Jesus is a clear example of one who is meek; He demonstrated this in many ways, (Matt. 20:27-28, John 13:5-9,12-17, Phil. 2:5-11). Jesus had a choice; He could have decided to stick to His position as the Son of God, but He humbled Himself and was obedient even unto death. Charles Wesley said of Jesus: “He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race”

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Let’s look at some other characters in the Bible who enjoy God’s lifting because of their humility.

Abraham was an uncle to Lot, who out of love and kindness took Lot along with him to partake in God’s blessings which will accompany his calling; Abraham with the servants he had acquired went into war with King Kedorlaomer of Dan and conquered him in pursuit of his nephew Lot. Now when quarrel arose between Abraham’s herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot, Abraham could have maltreated Lot and sent him away or even kill him as most people will do today, rather, he let Lot have the good part of the land and went his way. Gen. 12 -13. And today he is the father of many nations and a friend of God.

God commended Moses also, he is said to be more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Num. 12:3); when Miriam and Aaron spoke evil against Moses because of his Cushite wife and God caused Miriam to have leprosy, Moses pleaded with God to show her mercy and cleanse her (Num. 12:1-2, 6-15), he did not say: “it serves her right, now everybody will be afraid of me and show me some respect”, just as most people will say today.

In the same vain, when the children of Israel built for themselves a golden calf and said of it to be the god who brought them out of the land of Egypt; God was furious and said to Moses, let me alone, let me destroy these stiff-necked people and raise a nation from you for Myself, this was an opportunity for Moses to become a father of nations in line with Abraham. Moreover the people had caused him a lot of trouble, but Moses pleaded on their behalf for God to pardon them (Exodus 32:7-14). Moses was indeed a humble man.

David was a man of great humility, even though he had been anointed king over Israel, he never spoke evil of King Saul, even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, David Said, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my Master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord” (1 Sam. 24:6). He still referred to Saul as “my master” because of the humble spirit. He was recommended as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22)

Job (Job. 1:8), Enoch, Noah (Acts 11:5-7), Mary (Luke 1:46-55) and many others served God faithfully and they were commended by God. Instead of trying to make ourselves great, we should walk to have God’s approval of us. Phil. 2:3-5,6-7, Gal. 6:3-5,

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5)

God will only lift the humble to greater height of prosperity; you stand a better chance of becoming wealthy if you humble yourself before God and man. Read:-1 Sam. 2:6-9, Ps. 18;27, 25:9, 113:7-8, Prov. 29:23, Isaiah 23:9, Matt. 18:4, 23:11, Luke 22:26-30.

2) Obedience to God’s instructions - the solution to most of our problems, and the answers to our questions and prayers lies in our obedience to God’s instructions. Most at times we are carried away by ceremonial and sacrificial activities ignoring the voice of the Spirit, take King Saul for an example, he tried to bribe God with fat offering after disobeying God (I Sam. 15;7-23). But he was rejected.

God will not do what we ask of Him hundred percent, He will always want us to take part in what ever He is doing, that is why we need to be hearing from God at all time to know the part we are to play in bringing our request or His will to pass. After hearing from God, the next thing to do is, obey Him.

Most at times we get into doing things that seem right to us but contradict God’s will; I mean what is wrong with going to Church? But what if God is saying “don’t go to church today, proceed to the hospital next to your house, there is a man there I want to heal of cancer through you that my name may be glorified”.

Or you are left with just your tithe on a certain Sunday morning and you have your mind against all odds to take the money to church, and God says: “you will not take this one to the church, but to a family I will show you who are in need, so that they will know that I Am the Greatest Provider”.

Do you know that if you do contrary to what God is saying in these two situations and acted as it seems right to you; it is a clear case of disobedience.

Still about hearing and doing what God says; God could have a location He wants you to use your gift (talent) in, or to invest your money in, or to start up a business, or to apply for a job or admission in a specified company/agency or school; or to pursue a course you don’t seem to like, or to put in for a political appointment or to resign from your present appointment and go into ministry.

In any of these cases, if you don’t recognize the voice of God or you heard God clearly but prefer doing it your own way; you have disobeyed God and you will have your self to blame when the end result surfaces.

Lets come back to the church where we do a lot of ceremonial and sacrificial activities aimed at pleasing God and encouraging one another; the question we should always ask ourselves is; “is this what God wants me to do at this point in time?

King David understood this better that is why he said “sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart”. (Ps. 40:6,8) see also (Prov. 21:3).

What about the Word of God (The Bible) that we know, in it are contained a lot of dos and don’ts, how many have we been able to obey. Rev. Emmanuel Ola has this to say: you must obey the first instruction God has given you, before He can be moved to give you another one”

When Jesus met with the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, after a little discussion with him, Jesus gave him a simple instruction “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8,9) It was now left for the man to obey and be healed or on the contrary, disobey and remain lame.

Our desire should be to obey God at all time and not rebel against Him like the children of Israel did. Obedience to the Lord is necessary in other to have prosperity – Deut. 11:26-28, 28:15-68, I Sam. 12:15, Rom. 6:16, II Thess. 1:7-9.

Some of the things we stand to benefit when we obey God’s instructions are contained in these scriptures:

“If ye walk in my statuses, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit” (Lev. 26:3-4).

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:

You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.

The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.” Deut 28:1-14

Read also:- Exodus 34:10,11, Lev. 25:18,-19, 26:3-5, I King 3:14, Ps. 119:57-64, Ezek. 34:18-27, 2 Cor.9:13.

3) Praises – something extra ordinary always happens each time we step into praising, worshiping, thanking and appreciating God. Praise is simply celebrating the effectiveness of God’s word (Ps. 56:4), and judging God faithful (Heb. 11:11). Praise is boasting in God’s ability (Ps. 20:6, 34:1-2, Ps.138) and rejoicing in the things that He has done. (Ps. 26:7)

It is only those who know the word of God and who our God really is, that can genuinely praise Him (Ps. 22:3). Praise is expressed through singing (Ps. 69:30); which is the combination of God’s word and melody. Praise can also be expressed through dancing, through the use of instruments (Ps. 33:1-3, 150:1-5), through limping and jumping. Through shouting (making a Joyful noise; Ps. 100:1); through clapping of hands, lifting up of hands and waving them to God. Giving God all the glory and hailing Him is praise.

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Eph 5:19-21 KJV

Most people have one or two excuses why they do not praise God. Some say we are not good at singing, while some complain that they don’t have good voices for singing. But the only qualification needed to praise God is life, to still have breath in your nostrils (Ps. 150:6). Even angels, heavenly host and other non living things are asked to praise the Lord (Ps. 148:1-14); you can do better. Even in difficult situation praise Him, when you are not in the mood, praise Him!

“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering and loving Him when He seems distant” (Evang. Otokpa Emmanuel).

The word of God is the stimulus of faith and praise is one of the agents that encourage faith. Praise enhances faith; when praise is turned-on, faith is high and doubt is low. Praise destroys your doubt and fear. Praiseful people are anxiety free people. You can’t be a true man of faith if you don’t know how to praise God.

Every time praise is turned-on God comes down to defend His people and fight their battles (2 Chron. 20:20-23).

“And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” 2 Chron 20:20-22. KJV

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose” (Acts 16:25-26)

Develop singing in your life, if you don’t know how to sing, play music in your home, and load your car with music. The Lord inhabits the praise of His people! Not only that, what other thing can praise do? Read on!

“Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations of the earth. Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us”. (Ps. 67:3-7)

Did you hear that? The psalmist just unveils to us another thing that happens each time we praise God, he said, “then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us”. That means each time you praise God, your resources are multiplied.

Let me briefly explain to us why it is said that the earth will yield her increase: for example, all the materials you could ever need to build a house are from the earth (land), the wood, “abestors” etc are all made out of trees which are from the earth. The zincs, nails etc are made out of iron ore which is from the earth, the sand, stones, cement etc. some of which are from rivers, soil etc. are all part of the earth.

All the materials needed to design a car are also from the earth, virtually everything are from the earth even the money you need to buy some of these things or to start up a business. The Nigerian currency for example is made of paper, polyester, iron ore which are all extracted from wood for paper, petroleum produce for polyester and iron ore for coin. Trace the raw materials needed for the production of all existing items; it will surprise you to know that they are all from the earth. So each time you praise God there will be an increase to your bank account, your business, your houses, your landed properties, etc.

That is why God said in the book of 2 Chron. 7:14 that: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.

Notice here that God did not say I will heal their diseases or their bodies; he said their land. King Solomon after building the temple of the Lord, pleaded with God on behalf of the people, should they wrong God and the heavens are shut up and there is no rain; and the people began to suffer from divers’ of predicaments because of their sins, and if they come to this temple which the King has built and pray to the Lord, let God answer them.

When ever they are financially sick or facing losses on their crops and livestock’s, or that they become emotionally sick, or even spiritually sick etc. and they call upon the name of the Lord, God promised to answer them, by doing a simple thing, God said, “I will heal their land”. Because, both the people and all they could need to be whole are all from the land.

And so if the psalmist says that after praising God the next thing that happens is increase from the earth, it means every area of your life is been multiplied; your possession, your finance, your cars, your houses, ... having exceptional health, meaningful relationship, sound mind, and more. Everything you can ever think of.

Is there anything you are believing God for? Step into praising God. I have tried it and am still doing it. These days I praise God more than I Pray; and it’s working for me. Your situation is not an option, as you praise God, He will remember you for good. Praise Him in every situation you find yourself and where ever you are. When it comes to praise nobody is exempted, if you want the glory of the lord to come down, praise the lord. Just keep praising Him!

“The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their division; all the Levites who were musicians-Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives-stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:

"He is good;

his love endures forever."

Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God”. 2 Chron 5:11-14,

4) Tithing – The next three principles we shall be discussing show the various avenues of giving/sowing in order to receive/harvest. When it comes to the issue of giving a lot of people don’t want to be part of it. But let me reveal to you that it is not what you give that makes you to lack, but failure to give.

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Prov. 11:24 NIV.

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Prov 13:7

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NIV

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Prov 10:22

And the primary reason why we are working or doing one business or the other is to help the needy. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Eph 4:28

Tithe is ten percent of your earning, your profit or of every increase you receive. (Gen. 14:18-20, Prov. 3:9). Most people get confused at what should be tithed, well, the answer is this: Every increase must be tithed. Not just your salary or the usual profit from the business; each time there is an extra income you need to pay tithe on it, each time you receive a gift also, convert the tithe of the item you receive into money and pay the tithe for it. Lev. 27:30, Deut. 14:25.

Somebody ones asked me this question: who is to pay tithe? Every child of God is bound to pay tithe, whether they be pope, bishop, priest, reverend, pastor, evangelist, etc.

“Speak to the Levites and say to them: `When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD's offering” (Num. 18:26).

And our tithes are to be paid to God’s minister, or to a ministry (Deut. 26:2-11, Neh. 10:37-38)

“ That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us.

And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God.

And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them” (Deut 26:2-13).

In the text above, the manner in which one is to pay the tithe is also described. Also, every truly born again child of God is a fertile ground that you can give to; including the less privileged, orphans, widows and the poor and also to missionaries. As you give your tithe to God’s minister and others you are doing it unto the Lord.

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. Matt. 25:34-40.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV

Now, when you pay your tithe regularly, there will always be divine provision for you, the devourers are rebuked for your sake (Mal. 3:11), God will open the floodgates of heaven and release His blessings on you (Mal. 3:10, you will enjoy dignity in Christianity and your blessings will be visible. (Mal. 3:12).

5) Free Will Offerings – giving offering is a command, (Deut. 16:16,17). We should endeavor to always go into God’s presence with an offering. (Exodus 35:5-9)

On a certain evening after work, on my way home; I stopped by one of the super markets around my area to got a pack of juice for my son; On reaching home I gave the juice to him. After a while I asked him to give me the pack of juice so that I can take some, he refused, then I said to him: give some to you mother, but he will not give it to her also, he kept everything to himself.

Most of people are like that; is there anything we have that was not given to us. Your children, your house, your cars etc. were given to you by God. But do you know that if God asks us to give these things back to Him or to the less privileged, it seems so impossible with most people.

God demanded Isaac from Abraham, and Abraham gave him to God, but when Jesus said to the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-22, go and sell all your possession; give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, he turned down the Lord’s offer. He so much loved his wealth more than the giver and more than the salvation of his soul. Are you like Abraham or like this rich young man?

God wants us to grow up to the level where He can ask for just anything from us and it will not be a problem giving it to Him. Give as you are able to, not until you have it in abundance.

“Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee”. (Deut 16:16-17)

“For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, thou shall open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deut. 15:11).

“Remember the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35)

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again”. (Luke 6:38) KJV

“Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land”. (Eccl 11:1-2)

It is also a command to give to the less privileged, the needy, the poor, orphans and widows.

“For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, thou shall open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deut. 15:11).

Read these texts also:- (Exodus 22:22, Deut. 10:17-20, 24:17-22, Ps. 82”3-7, Prov. 31:20, Isa. 25:4, Ezek. 22:29-30, Jer. 22:15-16, 2 Cor. 8:11-14).

The only time you are permitted to receive is after you have given something. God will first lead you to those you will give to, before leading you to those that will give to you. Abraham gave one tenth of everything to Melchizedek and his only son Isaac to God and God gave him prosperity. Solomon at Gibeon offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord and God gave him Wisdom. (1 Kings 3:4-12). Sowing comes before harvest.

God Himself made sure He has finished creating everything a man could need for living before creating man; and giving him everything, even the beautiful Garden of Eden. God also gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ to us. That is why the word of God says: “Give and it shall be given unto you” Luke 6:38 KJV

Giving is a universal law, even if an unbeliever practices this principle it will work for him; let alone a child of God. Never say you don’t have what to give (Deut. 16:17). Do not let greed, selfishness or doubt deprive you of God’s blessings.

6) Prophet Offerings – by this I mean ministering to God’s ministers. Great blessings are attached with seeing the need of God’s servant and meeting that need.

The widow at Zarephath had only a handful of flour and a little oil and she despised the fact that, the handful of flour and the little oil is all she and her family had left to eat and die; she fed Elijah the servant of the Lord with it and God delivered she and her family from the effect of the famine, by giving them enough to eat and later brought her dead son back to life. (1 Kings 17:7-24)

The shunamite woman saw that Elisha the servant of the Lord needed a place to rest each time he was passing by, so she took permission from her husband and build a small room, containing a bed, a table, a chair and a lamp for him; and God gave her a child, which she never dreamt of having. (2 Kings 4:8-17)

A woman at Bethany (Mary Magdalene) anointed Jesus’ feet in the home of Simon the Leper; and she made history for herself. Where ever the gospel is preached through out the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. (Mark 14:3-9)

“He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward”.( Matt 10:40-42)

Ministers of God have the power to bless and each time they bless you God honors it. Reach out to your ministers today and enjoy God’s divine provision.

“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” Num 23:20

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Cor 9:6-8 KJV

7) Investment – after you have carried out all the principles listed above and the blessings of God begins to locate you, you can now invest your resources. It is wise to invest into God’s kingdom before any other investment.

“… seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things shall be added to you”. Luke 12:31

Investment is the outlaying of money today in a place, e.g. a bank, company, owning a property, etc; with the object of making a profit. E.g., by buying stock in a company, or by acquiring housing or landed property to sell them back in the near future with the sole purpose of making profit. Remember that investment requires proper planning and patience.

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke 14:28

Investment is like sowing seed today to reap bumper harvest in due time. You may want to ask: why investment? Why don’t I just go and drop the money in the bank? What if on the process of investing, I loose all the money?

Well, let me start by answering these questions one after the other; have you ever heard of the word inflation? It means increase in the supply of currency or credit relative to the availability of goods and services, resulting in higher prices and a decrease in the purchasing power of money.

In simple terms, what this is saying is that, in as much as the prices of goods and services are on the increase, money will continue to lose its value. The money you suppose can buy you a car some ten fifteen years ago cannot buy you even a motorcycle today. Now, if you have actually kept this money in the bank for this long, with the aim of buying a car, sorry to say, you can’t use it to buy yourself a car any more, because from that time till now, the money, especially the Nigerian currency has lost its value drastically.

Leaving your money in the bank for a long time is a waste of time and resources. About being afraid to loose all your money on the process of investing it; I want to bring to your notice that life itself is a risk; all great men and women we are celebrating today took one risk or the other yesterday. Besides inflation, the bank where your money is kept can be bankrupt or liquidated, leading to losing all your life savings. It is also a risk putting your money in the bank.

Some of the advantages of investing your money are listed below:

a) It is to provide for future needs. Investment is done to augment limited financial resources, especially at old age when you lack the strength to work for a living.

b) To earn profits or high returns

c) To safeguard your fund from inflation

d) To provide employment opportunities. This could enable expansion of business, production capacity etc. thereby leading to creation of new jobs.

e) To provide a person means of livelihood on retirement or when a person experience lost of job.

f) It provides security against possible danger and high risk

g) It provides a feeling of satisfaction even at old age and takes away psychological discomfort.

Investment requires:

1. Self discipline – if you are not self controlled you cannot cut off those unnecessary expenses in order to save some money to invest.

2. Investment also requires great commitment:

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”. Prov. 22:29. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son”. Prov. 10:4-5. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor”. Prov. 12:24. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty”. Prov. 21:5.

3. It requires big sacrifices: you may have to deprive yourself of certain luxuries to enable you invest.

Some of the instruments for investment are:

a) Shares/stock – buying and selling of shares is a good investment with high returns, whether you are buying from the primary or secondary markets.

b) Real Estate – this involves buying and selling of housing or landed properties. It has been discovered that the prices for housing and landed properties appreciate in every three months.

c) Business – businesses either building of rented houses, acquiring of vehicles for commercial purposes, cattle rearing, buying and selling of second hand vehicles, selling of electronics, etc. are all good businesses people can invest in.

“there is need for multiple streams of income at this present dispensation”. William J. O’neil.

Seek for professional advice and the testimonies of those who are already in the business you want to venture in; before going into it. Also, you should acquire information on how to manage the business and make success.

“The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” 1 Sam 2:7

True wealth is not merely money and properties; true wealth is your inward level of peace and true satisfaction. God’s success principles will work for you if you will work for them. If you do the sowing, God will do the growing. Commit yourself to God so that you can receive the true wealth of inner riches.

DIVINE HEALTH AND VITALITY IN THE WORD

2010-09-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

DIVINE HEALTH AND VITALITY IN THE WORD

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The word of God includes the whole of Divine revelation, the doctrine of the Gospel faithfully preached, the mind of God or the divine intellect and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews represent the revelation of God as an active being, living, all-powerful, illumined, executing vengeance, discerning and penetrating all things. Thus King Solomon in (Wisd. 16:26) said, `Thy children, O Lord, know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man, but that it is thy word that preserveth them that put their trust in thee.'

Also, in Deut 8:3. That is, the sacred Scriptures point out and appoint all the means of life, which it said does not depend on food alone. Again, speaking of the Hebrews who were bitten with the fiery serpents, King Solomon writes `For it was neither herb nor mollifying plaster that restored them to health, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things;' (Wisd. 16:12:)) this has describe and prescribe the means of healing, which is by the word of God.

The centurion, though a foreigner seems to understand this truth and require that Christ should only speak His Word and His servant will be healed Luke 7:7, Christ must not necessarily go to the house of the centurion, His Word have the same effect and power to effect healing and changes.

The word of God, which promises to the faithful an entrance into God's rest in time past, and now to us, is not a thing which died or was forgotten as soon as it was uttered, but it continues one and the same to all generations; it quick or living. So Isaiah says: The word of our God shall stand forever; Isa 40:8.

The eternal Word of God beholds all things, knows all things, penetrates all things, and can do all things. It is the ruler of the heart, and can turn it where it pleases. It enlightens the soul, and calls it gently and efficaciously, when and how God wills. Finally, The Word punishes in the most exemplary manner the insults offered to God and His Christ by infidels, unbelievers, and the wicked in general.

The word is sharper than any two-edged sword, more cutting than any that ever existed or any that will ever be. The word of God penetrates deeper into a man than any sword; it enters into the soul and spirit, into all our sensations, passions, appetites, nay, to our very thoughts; and sits as judge of the most secret intentions, contrivances, and sentiments of the heart. It is able to appeal to the soul of a sinner and administer healing and strength to our souls and spirits.

"Piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.-When the soul is thus distinguished from the spirit, by the former is meant that inferior faculty by which we think of and desire what concerns our present being and welfare. By spirit is meant a superior power by which we prefer future things to present, by which we are directed to pursue truth and right above all things, and even to despise what is agreeable to our present state, if it stand in competition with, or is prejudicial to, our future happiness.

But while this effect of the word or true doctrine of God is acknowledged, let it not be supposed that it, of itself, can produce such effects. The word of God is compared to a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, Jer 23:29; but will a hammer break a stone unless it is applied by the skill and strength of some powerful agent? It is here compared to a two-edged sword; but will a sword cut or pierce to the dividing of joints and marrow, or separation of soul and spirit, unless some hand push and direct it? Surely it cannot. Nor can even the words and doctrine of God produce any effect but as directed by the experienced believer, and applied by the Spirit of God. It is an instrument the most apt for the accomplishing of its work; but it will do nothing, can do nothing, but as properly used and apply by the believer.

It is powerful. When God sets it home by his Spirit, it convinces powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully. It is so powerful as to pull down strong holds (2 Cor 10:4-5), to raise the dead, to make the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. It is powerful to batter down Satan's kingdom, and to set up the kingdom of Christ upon the ruins thereof.

“He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee” Deut. 8:3, God never permits any tribulation to befall his followers, which he does not design to turn to their advantage. When he permits us to hunger, it is that his mercy may be the more observable in providing us with the necessaries of life. Privations, in the way of providence, are the forerunners of mercy and goodness abundant.

Psalms 119:25 – “My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word”

The Word makes alive and keeps one from going down into the dust. The dust is the place of the afflicted, the wounded and the dead. But the Word Quickens - gives live, peace and joy. It gives vigor and strength to break away from all bends and allows one to rise above every low propensity. In essence the Psalmist is saying: “Give me strength to meet this constant wearing away-this slow work of sorrow”. We need strength of the Word to bear great and sudden sorrow; we need it not less to bear that which constantly wears upon us; which makes our sleep uneasy; which preys upon our nerves, and slowly eats away our life. While enduring our harsh captivity, we anticipated our enlargement, and thy word of promise is the means of keeping our souls alive

Give me strength to meet this constant wearing away-this slow work of sorrow. We need strength to bear great and sudden sorrow; we need it not less to bear that which constantly wears upon us; which makes our sleep uneasy; which preys upon our nerves, and slowly eats away our life.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jer 15:16 KJV

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Ex 15:26 KJV

God promise to keep us in a state of health of body and peace of mind; and if at any time we are afflicted, on application to God, the evil will be removed, because He is our healer or physician. …. I am the Lord that healeth thee …

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Ps 119:50 KJV

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
Jer 30:17 KJV

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:32 KJV

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. John 5:21 KJV

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2 KJV

The prayer of John for Gaius includes three particulars:
1. Health of body;
2. Health of soul; and
3. Prosperity in secular affairs.

That thou mayest PROSPER and be in HEALTH, as thy soul PROSPERETH. These three things, so necessary to the comfort of life, every Christian may in a certain measure expect, and for them every Christian is authorized to pray; and we should have more of all three if we devoutly prayed for them.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Ps 42:11 KJV

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
Ps 67:2 KJV

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Prov 4:20-22 KJV

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Mal 4:2 KJV

As the sun, by the rays of light and heat, revives, cheers, and fructifies the whole creation, giving, through God, light and life everywhere; so Jesus Christ – the WORD, by the influences of his grace and Spirit, shall quicken, awaken, enlighten, warm, invigorate, heal, purify, and refine every soul that believes in him; and, by His Spirit, diffuse these blessings from one end of heaven to another; everywhere invigorating the seeds of righteousness, and withering and drying up the seeds of sin.

Peter M. I. Peters

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THE MAKING OF A GOOD PASTOR

2010-08-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

torsTHE MAKING OF A GOOD PASTOR

A Pastor is literally a helper, protector, feeder, guide or shepherd of a flock of God’s people. Besides the literal sense the word has now a figurative meaning and refers to the minister appointed over a congregation. This latter meaning is recognized in the translation of the King James Version. In speaking of spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers" (Eph 4:11). The term pastor by this time in church history had not yet become an official title. The term implied the nourishing of and caring for God's people. Since the ministry of the Pastor involves dealing with different classes of people and diver circumstances, he ought to conduct himself in the following ways:

a) Personal Conduct b) spiritual conduct c) family life
d) Social conduct e) Conduct in the world f) Conduct amidst pastors
g) Personal conduct and disposition

PERSONAL CONDUCT: - A wise theory describes conduct as what you are on the outside and character as what you are on the inside. It takes a lot of character to produce the right kind of conduct in today’s society. The boundaries of right and wrong are being extended almost daily in the world today, but the kingdom and word of God stand sure. A minister’s behavior in the public and in private should be seemingly the same. A minister must maintain a high level of integrity and uprightness in all facet of his endeavor.

SPIRITUAL CONDUCT: - The minister of the gospel need to be spiritually conscious, walking in the spirit and allow God to produce the fruit of the spirit in his life. Ministers are to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18), walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25), grieve not the …. Spirit (Eph. 4:30), Quench not the Spirit (2Cor. 3:18). Just as there is a conscious dependence on the Lord Jesus for salvation, there must also be a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit for leadership and administration of any kind and all the time.

The fullness of the spirit is essential to success in the ministry, you must take two steps to gain and maintain this control, this filling, this power of the Holy Spirit. One, you must always confess and forsake sin. Two, ask for the Holy Spirit to take over. Begin to live by faith and not by your feelings. Claim these great truths for yourself.

FAMILY LIFE: - You will never succeed in building a great church if you don’t build a great home. Love you wife even as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her. (Eph. 5:25). Ensure there is no conflict between your marriage and ministry. Magnify your wife’s good points, don’t belittle her and don’t habitually point out her weakness any more than you would have her do the same to you. Keep showing her the same love and care she enjoyed during your courtship. Let people know in little ways from the pulpit how much you love her. This will keep love-starved women away from you.

Play with your children; keep the lines of communication open. Children will open up to someone who cares, and to them, that is someone willing to spend time alone with them, doing what they enjoy. Teenagers appreciates individual attention, take them out to eat once in a while. Pray with you family, teach your family the Word of God and spiritual principles to live by. Take vacations; find common interests and hobbies the whole family can enjoy like picnics, boating etc.

SOCIAL CONDUCT:- Personal hygiene is essential, a minister is expected to take his baths daily, use deodorant whether you think he need it or not, brush your teeth, use breath mints especially after preaching. Keep your shoes polished, your clothes clean and pressed. Dress conservatively but be in style. Colors should blend, not clash. Buy good clothes which will last longer and look better. Learn about color combinations so your suits and ties go together. Don’t wear undue dressing and dress as tastefully as any executive.

Know proper etiquette, good table manners – chewing with your mouth close, avoid slurping food or drinks. Break bread then butter it, and never bite from a whole slice nor leave your spoon in the beverage while drinking it. Seat ladies before seating yourself. Watch your posture – don’t slouch. Cut and eat one piece of meat at a time. Watch the hostess and follow her example when in doubt about what to do. A pastor should feel at ease in the most elegant home.

Be prompt for appointments and don’t over stay a visit especially when it is a person’s place of employment, be brief. Pay attention when someone is talking to you, remember names, avoid criticism, arguments and interruptions at all times. Learn how to be relaxed wit people of importance. They will deeply appreciate it, don’t try to impress them because they can read it a mile away. Everyone likes someone who is real, so be youself always. Don’t avoid prominent, wealthy people. They need friends too.

CONDUCT IN THE WORLD:- We are in the world but we are not of the world. This does not imply that we should portray the attitude of holier than thou. Aloofness can be spotted and equated with snobbery. You should know your neighbors, whether they are Christians or not. Chat with them, be interested in them and help them when you can. Ministers need to be informed about politics and public education. The local PTA and school boards need to hear the voice of God through local preachers. The man of God should not hold back from using his influence in the public arena. Know the mayor, city council and schools board members. Let them know your interest, support and concern when decisions are being made.

CONDUCT AMIDST FELLOW PASTOR: - God has no enemy but the devil and sin, these should be our enemy as well and not fellow ministers. We should never allow the poison of jealousy to pollute us, we should rather rejoice at the success of other. A pastor ought to be so busy winning the lost, helping Christians and building a church that he should not have time to tear down anyone else. Fighting preachers, people or churches will only produce a sour spirit; people are fed up with fighting and fussing.

PERSONAL CONDUCT AND DISPOSITION: - Be a good cheer. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance….” (Prov. 15:13). Let it show. Where is the joy of the Lord? Get excited about the important things in life. There are millions looking for what we have – love joy, peace etc. Love people, they are starving for it. People will flock to you if you genuinely love them.

Be hospitable, have a good sense of humor, learn to laugh at yourself and your mistakes, don’t take yourself too seriously, a good sense of humor will save you from a breakdown. Learn to live and enjoy life.

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PRINCIPLES OF EVANGELISM

2010-08-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

SALT IN THE EARTH

2010-08-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

SALT in the EARTH

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

Salt – small white tangy-tasting crystals used in food preparation and consisting largely of sodium chloride. Chemical compound - sodium chloride (NaCl); a vital constituent of the human body. Salt is used to enhance the flavor of foods and to preserve foods. It typically enters the diet from processed foods, or from adding salt to food during preparation, cooking, and at the table. Salt contains no calories, proteins, or carbohydrates, although unrefined salt does contain traces of other minerals.

Salt is necessary to human life. The sodium and chloride of salt, along with potassium, are electrolytes, which help the kidneys regulate the body's fluid levels and the balance of acids and bases.
Nutritionists recommend about 3 to 8 grams of salt a day in an adult diet. The typical human being, however, consumes 10 to 20 grams of salt a day. In recent years, medical researchers have linked the excessive consumption of sodium (which makes up approximately 40 percent of salt) to hypertension (high blood pressure) in humans. Hypertension can lead to death through heart and kidney diseases and stroke. The sources of salt are seawater, mineral deposits etc.

Salt was procured by the Jews from the Dead Sea, wither from the immense hill or ridge of pure rock salt at its southwest extremity, or from that deposited on the shore by the natural evaporation. The Arabs obtain it in large cakes, two or three inches thick, and sell it in considerable quantities throughout Syria. It well-known preservative qualities, and its importance as a seasoning for food, (Job 6:6), are implied in most of the passages where it is mentioned in Scripture: as in the miraculous healing of a fountain, 2Ki 2:21; in the sprinkling of salt over the sacrifices consumed on God's altar, Le 2:13; Eze 43:24; Mr 9:49; and its use in the sacred incense, Ex 30:35. So also good men are "the salt of the earth," Mt 5:13; and grace, or true wisdom, is the salt of language, Mr 9:50; Col 4:6. See also Eze 16:4. To sow a land with salt - signifies its utter barrenness and desolation; a condition often illustrated in the Bible by allusions to the region of Sodom and Gomorrah, with its soil impregnated with salt, or covered with acrid and slimy pools, |De 29.33; Job 39.9; Eze 47.11; Zep 2.9|.

Salt is also the symbol of perpetuity and incorruption. Thus they said of a covenant, "It is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord," Nu 18:19; 2Ch 13:5. It is also the symbol of hospitality; and of the fidelity due from servants, friends, guests, and officers, to those who maintain them or who receive them at their tables. The governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates, writing to the king Artaxerxes, tell him, "Because we have maintenance from the king's palace," Ezr 4:14. To eat salt with one is to partake of his hospitality, to derive subsistence from him; and hence he who did so was bound to look after his host's interests (Ezra 4:14, "We have maintenance from the king's palace;" "We are salted with the salt of the palace;" ("We eat the salt of the palace"). Not necessarily meaning that they had "maintenance from the palace," as Authorized Version has it, but that they were bound by sacred obligations fidelity to the king. So in the present day, "to eat bread and salt together" is an expression for a league of mutual amity. It was probably with a view to keep this idea prominently before the minds of the Jews that the use of salt was enjoined on the Israelites in their offerings to God.

VALLEY OF SALT. This place is memorable for the victories of David, 2Sa 8:13; 1Ch 18:12; Ps 60:1-12, and of Amaziah, 2Ki 14:7, over the Edomites. There can be little doubt that the name designates the broad deep valley El-Ghor, prolonged some eight miles south of the Dead Sea to the chalky cliffs called Akrabbim. Like this entire region, it bears the marks of volcanic action, and has an air of extreme desolation. It is occasionally overflowed by the bitter waters of that sea, which rise to the height of fifteen feet. The driftwood on the margin of the valley, which indicates this rise of the water, is so impregnated with salt that it will not burn; and on the northwest side of the valley lies a mountain of salt. Parts of this plain are white with salt; others are swampy, or marked by sluggish streams or standing pools of brackish water. The southern part is covered in part with tamarisks and coarse shrubbery. Some travelers have found here quicksand pits in which camels and horses have been swallowed up and lost, Ge 14:10; Zep 2:9.

Salt was sometimes mixed with the fodder of cattle (Isa. 30:24). New-born children were rubbed with salt (Ezek. 16:4). Disciples are likened unto salt, with reference to its cleansing and preserving uses (Matt. 5:13). When Abimelech took the city of Shechem, he sowed the place with salt, that it might always remain a barren soil (Judg. 9:45). Sir Lyon Playfair argues, on scientific grounds, that under the generic name of "salt," in certain passages, we are to understand petroleum or its residue asphalt. Thus in Gen. 19:26 he would read "pillar of asphalt;" and in Matt. 5:13, instead of "salt," "petroleum," which loses its essence by exposure, as salt does not, and becomes asphalt, with which pavements were made.

Indispensable as salt is to us, it was even more so to the Hebrews, being to them not only an appetizing condiment in the food both of man and a valuable antidote to the effects of the heat of the climate on animal food.
They possessed an inexhaustible and ready supply of it on the southern shores of the Dead Sea. There is one mountain here called Jebel Usdum, seven miles long and several hundred feet high, which is composed almost entirely of salt. The Jews appear to have distinguished between rock-salt and that which was gained by evaporation as the Talmudists particularize one species (probably the latter) as the "salt of Sodom." The salt-pits formed an important source of revenue to the rulers of the country, and Antiochus conferred a valuable boon on Jerusalem by presenting the city with 375 bushels of salt for the temple service. As one of the most essential articles of diet, salt symbolized hospitality; as an antiseptic, durability, fidelity and purity. Hence the expression "covenant of salt,"
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matt. 5:13
“Ye are the salt of the earth” Our Lord shows here what the preachers of the Gospel (Clergy and laity), and what all who profess to follow him, should be; the salt of the earth, to preserve the world from putrefaction and destruction. ( Le 2:13). The ministers of the word especially (unless they will be the most cowardly of all) must lead others both by word and deed to this greatest joy and happiness. Your doctrine must be very sound and good, for if it is not so, it will not be regarded and cast away as a thing unsavoury and vain. What will you have to salt with? And so are fools in the Latin tongue called "saltless", as you would say, men that have no salt or savour and taste in them.

SALT was the opposite to leaven, for it preserved from putrefaction and corruption, and signified the purity and persevering fidelity that were necessary in the worship of God. Every thing was seasoned with it, to signify the purity and perfection that should be extended through every part of the Divine service, and through the hearts and lives of God's worshippers. It was called the salt of the covenant of God, because as salt is incorruptible, so was the covenant made with Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and the patriarchs, relative to the redemption of the world by the incarnation and death of Jesus Christ.

Among the heathens salt was a common ingredient in all their sacrificial offerings; and as it was considered essential to the comfort and preservation of life, and an emblem of the most perfect corporeal and mental endowments, so it was supposed to be one of the most acceptable presents they could make unto their gods, from whose sacrifices it was never absent
Salt renders food pleasant and palatable, - to preserve it from corruption, to season its insipidity, to freshen and sweeten it and preserves it from putrefaction. So Christians, by their lives and instructions, are to keep the world from entire moral corruption. By bringing down, by their prayers, the blessing of God, and by their influence and example, Holy Doctrine, prayers, etc, they save the world from universal vice and crime. This is not for the apostles and ministers only; but for all who are God’s holy people - the salt of the earth and season to others. Mr 9:50; Lu 14:34.

There was not salt (Christians) enough in the antediluvian world to save it from the flood during the time of Noah, in Sodom and Gomorrah to save it from fire, nor in Canaan to preserve its people from destruction. What Christians are to be in themselves--seasoned with the gospel, with the salt of grace; thoughts and affections, words and actions, all seasoned with grace, Col 4:6. Have salt in yourselves; else you cannot diffuse it among others, Mr 9:50. What great blessings they are to the world. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were a vast heap of unsavoury stuff, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines, to season it with knowledge and grace, and so to render it acceptable to God, to the angels, and to all that relish divine things.
“But if the salt have lost his savour” That this is possible in the land of Judea, we have proof from Mr. Maundrell, who, describing the Valley of Salt, speaks thus: "Along, on one side of the valley, toward Gibul, there is a small precipice about two men's lengths, occasioned by the continual taking away of the salt; and, in this, you may see how the veins of it lie. I broke a piece of it, of which that part that was exposed to the rain, sun, and air, though it had the sparks and particles of salt, YET IT HAD PERFECTLY LOST ITS SAVOUR: the inner part, which was connected to the rock, retained its savour, as I found by proof." A preacher, or private Christian, who has lost the life of Christ, and the witness of his Spirit, out of his soul, may be likened to this salt. He may have the sparks and glittering particles of true wisdom, but without its unction or comfort. Only that which is connected with the rock (Jesus Christ), the soul that is in union with Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, can preserve its savour, and be instrumental of good to others.
The salt used in this country is a chemical compound--muriate of soda-- and if the saltiness was lost, or it was to lose its savour, there would be nothing remaining. It is worthy of note that the salt of Palestine gathered from the marshes is not pure. Because of the foreign substances in it, it loses its savor and becomes insipid and useless, when exposed to the sun and air, or when permitted for any considerable time to come in contact with the ground; but pure salt does not lose its savor. It is common in Syria and Palestine to see salt scattered in piles on the ground because it has lost its flavor. The salt in these countries were mixed with earthy substances, which remained after it had lost its saltiness, and were thrown like gravel upon the walks, and trodden down. This kind of salt is common still in that country. It is found in the earth in veins or layers, and when exposed to the sun and rain, loses its saltiness entirely. Mr. Maundrell says,
"I broke a piece of it, of which that part that was exposed to the rain, sun, and air, though it had the sparks and particles of salt, yet it had perfectly lost its savour. The inner part, which was connected to the rock, retained its savour, as I found by proof."
Of salt Unsavory" or "insipid" this is to lose its saline or salting property. The meaning is: If that Christianity on which the health of the world depends, does in any age, region, or individual, exist only in name, or if it contain not those saving elements for want of which the world languishes.

How shall the salting qualities be restored it? (Compare Mr 9:50). Whether salt ever does lose its saline property--about which there is a difference of opinion--is a question of no moment here. The point of the case lies in the supposition--that if it should lose it, the consequence would be as here described – good for nothing but to be trampled under foot by men. So it is with Christians. The question is not: Can, or do, the saints ever totally lose that grace which makes them a blessing to their fellow men? But, what is to be the issue of that Christianity which is found wanting in those elements which can alone stay the corruption and season the tastelessness of an all--pervading carnality? The restoration or non-restoration of grace, or true living Christianity, to those who have lost it, has, in our judgment, nothing at all to do here. The question is not, If a man lose his grace, how shall that grace be restored to him? But, since living Christianity is the only "salt of the earth," if men lose that, what else can supply its place? What follows is the appalling answer to this question. “It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out--a figurative expression of indignant exclusion from the kingdom of God (compare Mt 8:12; 22:13; Joh 6:37; 9:34).

If they be not salty, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If you, who should season others, are yourselves unsavoury, void of spiritual life, relish, and vigour; if a Christian be so, especially if a minister be so, his condition is very sad; for He is irrecoverable - Wherewith shall it be salted? Salt is a remedy for unsavoury meat, but there is no remedy for unsavoury salt. Christianity will give a man a relish; but if a man can take up and continue the profession of it, and yet remain flat and foolish, and graceless and insipid, no other doctrine, no other means, can be applied, to make him savoury. If Christianity do not do it, nothing will.

“To be trodden underfoot” There was a species of salt in Judea, which was generated at the lake Asphaltites, and hence called bituminous salt, easily rendered vapid, and of no other use but to be spread in a part of the temple, to prevent slipping in wet weather. This is probably what our Lord alludes to in this place. The existence of such a salt, and its application to such a use… the most worthless thing imaginable.

Such a Christian who has lost his saltiness is unprofitable: It is thenceforth good for nothing; what use can it be put to, in which it will not do more hurt than good? As a man without reason, so is a Christian without grace. A wicked man is the worst of creatures; a wicked Christian is the worst of men; and a wicked minister is the worst of Christians. He is doomed to ruin and rejection; He shall be cast out--expelled the church and the communion of the faithful, to which he is a blot and a burden; and he shall be trodden under foot of men. Let God be glorified in the shame and rejection of those by whom he has been reproached, and who have made themselves fit for nothing but to be trampled upon. (Rev. 3:16)
Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. If they are not such as they should be, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If a man can take up the profession of Christ, and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine, no other means, can make him profitable. Our light must shine, by doing such good works as men may see. We must study to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.

Peter M. I. Peters

2010-08-31T06:38:00.001-07:00

SALT OF THE EARTH – CHRISTIANS
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16
Salt – small white tangy-tasting crystals used in food preparation and consisting largely of sodium chloride. Chemical compound - sodium chloride (NaCl); a vital constituent of the human body. Salt is used to enhance the flavor of foods and to preserve foods. It typically enters the diet from processed foods, or from adding salt to food during preparation, cooking, and at the table. Salt contains no calories, proteins, or carbohydrates, although unrefined salt does contain traces of other minerals.
Salt is necessary to human life. The sodium and chloride of salt, along with potassium, are electrolytes, which help the kidneys regulate the body's fluid levels and the balance of acids and bases.
Nutritionists recommend about 3 to 8 grams of salt a day in an adult diet. The typical human being, however, consumes 10 to 20 grams of salt a day. In recent years, medical researchers have linked the excessive consumption of sodium (which makes up approximately 40 percent of salt) to hypertension (high blood pressure) in humans. Hypertension can lead to death through heart and kidney diseases and stroke. The sources of salt are seawater, mineral deposits etc.
Salt was procured by the Jews from the Dead Sea, wither from the immense hill or ridge of pure rock salt at its southwest extremity, or from that deposited on the shore by the natural evaporation. The Arabs obtain it in large cakes, two or three inches thick, and sell it in considerable quantities throughout Syria. It well-known preservative qualities, and its importance as a seasoning for food, (Job 6:6), are implied in most of the passages where it is mentioned in Scripture: as in the miraculous healing of a fountain, 2Ki 2:21; in the sprinkling of salt over the sacrifices consumed on God's altar, Le 2:13; Eze 43:24; Mr 9:49; and its use in the sacred incense, Ex 30:35. So also good men are "the salt of the earth," Mt 5:13; and grace, or true wisdom, is the salt of language, Mr 9:50; Col 4:6. See also Eze 16:4. To sow a land with salt - signifies its utter barrenness and desolation; a condition often illustrated in the Bible by allusions to the region of Sodom and Gomorrah, with its soil impregnated with salt, or covered with acrid and slimy pools, |De 29.33; Job 39.9; Eze 47.11; Zep 2.9|.
Salt is also the symbol of perpetuity and incorruption. Thus they said of a covenant, "It is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord," Nu 18:19; 2Ch 13:5. It is also the symbol of hospitality; and of the fidelity due from servants, friends, guests, and officers, to those who maintain them or who receive them at their tables. The governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates, writing to the king Artaxerxes, tell him, "Because we have maintenance from the king's palace," Ezr 4:14. To eat salt with one is to partake of his hospitality, to derive subsistence from him; and hence he who did so was bound to look after his host's interests (Ezra 4:14, "We have maintenance from the king's palace;" "We are salted with the salt of the palace;" ("We eat the salt of the palace"). Not necessarily meaning that they had "maintenance from the palace," as Authorized Version has it, but that they were bound by sacred obligations fidelity to the king. So in the present day, "to eat bread and salt together" is an expression for a league of mutual amity. It was probably with a view to keep this idea prominently before the minds of the Jews that the use of salt was enjoined on the Israelites in their offerings to God.
VALLEY OF SALT. This place is memorable for the victories of David, 2Sa 8:13; 1Ch 18:12; Ps 60:1-12, and of Amaziah, 2Ki 14:7, over the Edomites. There can be little doubt that the name designates the broad deep valley El-Ghor, prolonged some eight miles south of the Dead Sea to the chalky cliffs called Akrabbim. Like this entire region, it bears the marks of volcanic action, and has an air of extreme desolation. It is occasionally overflowed by the bitter waters of that sea, which rise to the height of fifteen feet. The driftwood on the margin of the valley, which indicates this rise of the water, is so impregnated with salt that it will not burn; and on the northwest side of the valley lies a mountain of salt. Parts of this plain are white with salt; others are swampy, or marked by sluggish streams or standing pools of brackish water. The southern part is covered in part with tamarisks and coarse shrubbery. Some travelers have found here quicksand pits in which camels and horses have been swallowed up and lost, Ge 14:10; Zep 2:9.
Salt was sometimes mixed with the fodder of cattle (Isa. 30:24). New-born children were rubbed with salt (Ezek. 16:4). Disciples are likened unto salt, with reference to its cleansing and preserving uses (Matt. 5:13). When Abimelech took the city of Shechem, he sowed the place with salt, that it might always remain a barren soil (Judg. 9:45). Sir Lyon Playfair argues, on scientific grounds, that under the generic name of "salt," in certain passages, we are to understand petroleum or its residue asphalt. Thus in Gen. 19:26 he would read "pillar of asphalt;" and in Matt. 5:13, instead of "salt," "petroleum," which loses its essence by exposure, as salt does not, and becomes asphalt, with which pavements were made.
Indispensable as salt is to us, it was even more so to the Hebrews, being to them not only an appetizing condiment in the food both of man and a valuable antidote to the effects of the heat of the climate on animal food.
They possessed an inexhaustible and ready supply of it on the southern shores of the Dead Sea. There is one mountain here called Jebel Usdum, seven miles long and several hundred feet high, which is composed almost entirely of salt. The Jews appear to have distinguished between rock-salt and that which was gained by evaporation as the Talmudists particularize one species (probably the latter) as the "salt of Sodom." The salt-pits formed an important source of revenue to the rulers of the country, and Antiochus conferred a valuable boon on Jerusalem by presenting the city with 375 bushels of salt for the temple service. As one of the most essential articles of diet, salt symbolized hospitality; as an antiseptic, durability, fidelity and purity. Hence the expression "covenant of salt,"
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matt. 5:13
“Ye are the salt of the earth” Our Lord shows here what the preachers of the Gospel (Clergy and laity), and what all who profess to follow him, should be; the salt of the earth, to preserve the world from putrefaction and destruction. ( Le 2:13). The ministers of the word especially (unless they will be the most cowardly of all) must lead others both by word and deed to this greatest joy and happiness. Your doctrine must be very sound and good, for if it is not so, it will not be regarded and cast away as a thing unsavoury and vain. What will you have to salt with? And so are fools in the Latin tongue called "saltless", as you would say, men that have no salt or savour and taste in them.
SALT was the opposite to leaven, for it preserved from putrefaction and corruption, and signified the purity and persevering fidelity that were necessary in the worship of God. Every thing was seasoned with it, to signify the purity and perfection that should be extended through every part of the Divine service, and through the hearts and lives of God's worshippers. It was called the salt of the covenant of God, because as salt is incorruptible, so was the covenant made with Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and the patriarchs, relative to the redemption of the world by the incarnation and death of Jesus Christ.
Among the heathens salt was a common ingredient in all their sacrificial offerings; and as it was considered essential to the comfort and preservation of life, and an emblem of the most perfect corporeal and mental endowments, so it was supposed to be one of the most acceptable presents they could make unto their gods, from whose sacrifices it was never absent
Salt renders food pleasant and palatable, - to preserve it from corruption, to season its insipidity, to freshen and sweeten it and preserves it from putrefaction. So Christians, by their lives and instructions, are to keep the world from entire moral corruption. By bringing down, by their prayers, the blessing of God, and by their influence and example, Holy Doctrine, prayers, etc, they save the world from universal vice and crime. This is not for the apostles and ministers only; but for all who are God’s holy people - the salt of the earth and season to others. Mr 9:50; Lu 14:34.
There was not salt (Christians) enough in the antediluvian world to save it from the flood during the time of Noah, in Sodom and Gomorrah to save it from fire, nor in Canaan to preserve its people from destruction. What Christians are to be in themselves--seasoned with the gospel, with the salt of grace; thoughts and affections, words and actions, all seasoned with grace, Col 4:6. Have salt in yourselves; else you cannot diffuse it among others, Mr 9:50. What great blessings they are to the world. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were a vast heap of unsavoury stuff, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines, to season it with knowledge and grace, and so to render it acceptable to God, to the angels, and to all that relish divine things.
“But if the salt have lost his savour” That this is possible in the land of Judea, we have proof from Mr. Maundrell, who, describing the Valley of Salt, speaks thus: "Along, on one side of the valley, toward Gibul, there is a small precipice about two men's lengths, occasioned by the continual taking away of the salt; and, in this, you may see how the veins of it lie. I broke a piece of it, of which that part that was exposed to the rain, sun, and air, though it had the sparks and particles of salt, YET IT HAD PERFECTLY LOST ITS SAVOUR: the inner part, which was connected to the rock, retained its savour, as I found by proof." A preacher, or private Christian, who has lost the life of Christ, and the witness of his Spirit, out of his soul, may be likened to this salt. He may have the sparks and glittering particles of true wisdom, but without its unction or comfort. Only that which is connected with the rock (Jesus Christ), the soul that is in union with Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, can preserve its savour, and be instrumental of good to others.
The salt used in this country is a chemical compound--muriate of soda-- and if the saltiness was lost, or it was to lose its savour, there would be nothing remaining. It is worthy of note that the salt of Palestine gathered from the marshes is not pure. Because of the foreign substances in it, it loses its savor and becomes insipid and useless, when exposed to the sun and air, or when permitted for any considerable time to come in contact with the ground; but pure salt does not lose its savor. It is common in Syria and Palestine to see salt scattered in piles on the ground because it has lost its flavor. The salt in these countries were mixed with earthy substances, which remained after it had lost its saltiness, and were thrown like gravel upon the walks, and trodden down. This kind of salt is common still in that country. It is found in the earth in veins or layers, and when exposed to the sun and rain, loses its saltiness entirely. Mr. Maundrell says,
"I broke a piece of it, of which that part that was exposed to the rain, sun, and air, though it had the sparks and particles of salt, yet it had perfectly lost its savour. The inner part, which was connected to the rock, retained its savour, as I found by proof."
Of salt Unsavory" or "insipid" this is to lose its saline or salting property. The meaning is: If that Christianity on which the health of the world depends, does in any age, region, or individual, exist only in name, or if it contain not those saving elements for want of which the world languishes,
How shall the salting qualities be restored it? (Compare Mr 9:50). Whether salt ever does lose its saline property--about which there is a difference of opinion--is a question of no moment here. The point of the case lies in the supposition--that if it should lose it, the consequence would be as here described – good for nothing but to be trampled under foot by men. So it is with Christians. The question is not: Can, or do, the saints ever totally lose that grace which makes them a blessing to their fellow men? But, what is to be the issue of that Christianity which is found wanting in those elements which can alone stay the corruption and season the tastelessness of an all--pervading carnality? The restoration or non-restoration of grace, or true living Christianity, to those who have lost it, has, in our judgment, nothing at all to do here. The question is not, If a man lose his grace, how shall that grace be restored to him? But, since living Christianity is the only "salt of the earth," if men lose that, what else can supply its place? What follows is the appalling answer to this question. “It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out--a figurative expression of indignant exclusion from the kingdom of God (compare Mt 8:12; 22:13; Joh 6:37; 9:34).
If they be not salty, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If you, who should season others, are yourselves unsavoury, void of spiritual life, relish, and vigour; if a Christian be so, especially if a minister be so, his condition is very sad; for He is irrecoverable - Wherewith shall it be salted? Salt is a remedy for unsavoury meat, but there is no remedy for unsavoury salt. Christianity will give a man a relish; but if a man can take up and continue the profession of it, and yet remain flat and foolish, and graceless and insipid, no other doctrine, no other means, can be applied, to make him savoury. If Christianity do not do it, nothing will.
“To be trodden underfoot” There was a species of salt in Judea, which was generated at the lake Asphaltites, and hence called bituminous salt, easily rendered vapid, and of no other use but to be spread in a part of the temple, to prevent slipping in wet weather. This is probably what our Lord alludes to in this place. The existence of such a salt, and its application to such a use… the most worthless thing imaginable
Such a Christian who has lost his saltiness is unprofitable: It is thenceforth good for nothing; what use can it be put to, in which it will not do more hurt than good? As a man without reason, so is a Christian without grace. A wicked man is the worst of creatures; a wicked Christian is the worst of men; and a wicked minister is the worst of Christians. He is doomed to ruin and rejection; He shall be cast out--expelled the church and the communion of the faithful, to which he is a blot and a burden; and he shall be trodden under foot of men. Let God be glorified in the shame and rejection of those by whom he has been reproached, and who have made themselves fit for nothing but to be trampled upon. (Rev. 3:16)
Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. If they are not such as they should be, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If a man can take up the profession of Christ, and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine, no other means, can make him profitable. Our light must shine, by doing such good works as men may see. We must study to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.

Peter M. I. Peters

DEFINING COURAGE

2010-08-30T08:14:00.003-07:00

DEFINING COURAGE

BY

PETER M. I. PETERS

Courage is one of the most essential components needed to succeed in life. Before there can be any moving forward, development or increase a courageous step most be taken. Courage can be described as facing danger with confidence and determination, frequently with disregard for one’s own personal safety. Courage is most notably displayed in difficult moments and other times of adversity.

It can also be referred to as a mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing what you are afraid to do. This piece is intended to draw emphasis on the importance of courage in order to succeed. You need courage to take decisions and actions that would move you forward in life.
- It takes courage to stand up for your rights
- You need courage to support unpopular causes.
- There has to be mental or moral strength (courage) to resist opposition, danger, or hardship. Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty
- Courage suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.
- It also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened – with courage, one cannot be broken by failure or opposition.
- Courage stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. Don’t worry, when you are doing your best; just stay focus.
- Courage is implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

When you try to avoid failure at all costs, you never learn, and you end up repeating the same mistakes over and over. Those who are willing to learn from their failures don’t have to keep repeating them. Author William Saroyan observed, “We get very little wisdom from success. Learn from science. In science, mistakes always precede the discovery of truth”.

Whatever it is, if you can think it or imagine it you can do it. There is nothing that is impossible or too difficult. Don’t give or get discourage because someone told you that what you are about to do can’t be done. Be ware of the so called ‘Experts’. Sometimes what they present as wisdom is just short-sightedness. In 1895, Lord Kelvin, president of England’s Royal Society, said, “Heavier-than-air flying machines are not possible”. In 1923 Nobel Prize winner in physics Robert Millikan said, “There’s no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom. When you become passionate about anything, you can get it done. Winston Churchill rallied blitzed, beleaguered Britain from the edge of defeat with these memorable words: “Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never, give up!

DEFINING

2010-08-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

BEE'S EXPRESSION (WAGGLE DANCE

2010-08-30T08:13:00.001-07:00

BEES’ EXPRESSION (WAGGLE DANCE)
BY
PETER M. I. PETERS

Group of individuals of bee-keepers were convinced that bees could communicate with one another, and pass on information about rich sources of nectar. This belief has now been confirmed beyond doubt as a result of patient observation, the marking of bees with minute spots of paint, and the use of glass-fronted hives.

The work of the Austrian, Karl Von Frisch, and his colleagues has revealed some fascinating information. It is known, for example, that a worker-bee which has discovered some fresh flowers rich in nectar close to the hive, will immediately return to it and perform a circular dance known as waggle dance, either on the honeycomb or on the landing-platform outside the hive. While she dances, she exudes drops of nectar. This seems to excite her fellow-workers, and they set out eagerly to help bring in the treasure. The circular dance tells only that nectar is to be found near to home, and gives no clue to its direction.

When the newly-discovered flowers are a greater distance away, an even more remarkable dance is performed. This follows a figure-of-eight pattern, and is accompanied by much wriggling of the abdomen. The manner in which this dance is performed not only gives the direction of the flowers in relation to the position of the sun, but also the distance from the hive at which they are to be found. If they are fairly close to the hive, the dance is performed very rapidly. If they are some kilometers away, it is performed very slowly.

It does not matter whether the dance is performed inside the hive or out, or even whether the sun is obscured by clouds. The bees seem able to estimate its position exactly, to allow for its movement across the sky, and to fly unerringly to the flowers concerned.

EXPRESSION - a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.

THE MENACE OF COMPARISON

2010-08-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

THE MENACE OF COMPARISON

BY

PETER M. I. PETERS

Nobody is better than you. You are as important as anyone else. God loves all of us equally. Learn to appreciate yourself. One of my pastors, Rev. Praise Tete, will always say: “I like my size, I like my complexion, I like the way I do my things, etc”. Always tell yourself these words. Each of us has a different calling in life, you don’t need to be like another person or copy anyone else’s success. You can look at their success and encourage yourself, only then will you be able to fulfil your vision and purpose in life. Believe in yourself and in God’s help and not on what others do, neither on what they are nor on what they have.

Consider this illustration of four individuals with different callings or purpose in life: Mr. A. was called into buying and selling of electronics in Kaduna State, through this business, he will bless his generation richly, Mr. B. is to be a writer and a teacher, he is called to be a preacher and to reach out to sinners in Jos – Plateau State with the word of God through his books and teachings, Mr. C. is to sell food items in large quantities, he will become rich enough to sponsor some orphans in his area to school and his location is Abuja FCT, while Mr. D. is a talented singer, and should reside in Lagos State.

Now Mr. A. and Mr. D. discover their calling and their locations earlier in life and are walking in line with it, in less than two years they made huge progress. When Mr. C. came across Mr. A. around July 1991 in a seminar held in Kaduna, at the Women Multi – Purpose hall. Seeing the kind of success the man is making, he became envious and went into electronic business also, ignoring his own calling and purpose in life. He stayed in the business for ten years and yet could not make the kind of success Mr. A. had made in less than two years. With the help of a book he red titled: Understanding your Potential by Myles Monroe; Mr. C. discovered that for the past ten years he had been on the wrong business and on the wrong location. Wow! Those were wasted years, and now he has to go back to his original calling, purpose and location and start all over again.

Mr. B. on the other hand Considered Mr. D. to be his role model, he likes the guy’s music and the progress the guy is making in the music industry; Mr. D. is all over the TV, Magazines, etc. and so Mr. B. wanting to be famous as Mr. D. went into music production, ignoring his purpose, his ability and calling, which is to be a writer and a teacher in Jos – Plateau State. He made no progress, but wasted many years trying to be like Mr. D.

The bottom line - don’t try to be like anyone else, be who you are meant to be! Never walk in anyone’s shadow; it is better to fall at doing something than to excel at doing nothing. So get up and try something, if you fail, try it again.

COMPARISON - the representing of one person as similar to or like another. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)