Growing up, many of us learned the story of Samson and Delilah through one particular lens. In Sunday school, the lesson often sounded something like this: “Delilah deceived Samson. Delilah was a dangerous woman. Stay away from women like Delilah.”
The focus was almost always on Delilah and the danger she represented, painting her as the manipulative woman who brought down a man of God. But as I have grown older and read the story for myself, I have started asking a different question: What about Samson’s responsibility in all of this?
Asking that does not make Delilah innocent. She was not. It does not mean we should ignore what she did or pretend that her motives were good—they clearly were not. But there is a deeper lesson in the story when we stop making Delilah the only person responsible for Samson's downfall. Samson was a grown man. He had choices. He had instructions, warnings, and a clear understanding of who he was and what God had called him to be. Delilah did not force him into anything.
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Key Verse
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
Text —Isaiah 43:15-21
Message
God in His infinite mercy has brought us into another year. Praise the Lord! A new year brings us into a new realm of glory to experience more of God’s blessings. “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes,” says Richie Norton. A new year marks the beginning of another circle of our lives. We need to spend quality time praising and appreciating God for keeping us alive to see this day. We also need to reflect on our past life and plan for the days ahead of us in this year.
God has promised to do a new thing for youths and for you in particular this year. Begin the year with total devotion to His plan for your life to get the best from Him. Unfortunately, many youths will spend this day with immoral activities, all in the name of celebrating a New Year. As for you reading this piece, give your heart wholly to the Lord this year as only those devoted to Him can fully enjoy the new things He has promised. Happy New Year!
Key Verse
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you” (Zechariah 4:9).
Text —Zechariah 4:1-10
Message
The text gives us an account of Zerubbabel, a Babylonian Jew who returned to Jerusalem as the head of a band of Jews in exile and became governor of Judaea under the Persians. Influenced by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, he rebuilt the Temple. There were limitations and challenges that could have hindered his rising up and accomplishing this great and noble task, but he did not allow any of such to define him and affect his purpose for living.
Key Verse
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body’’ (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Text — 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Message
A temple means the house of God, where He dwells and meets with the worshippers. In the Old Testament covenant there is a designated place to meet with God – the Tabernacle, but not all were allowed into the Holiest of All, a place designated for the priest alone, thereby denying the people of constant unbroken fellowship with God. In the gospel dispensation, God took away the barrier and seeks to dwell in human hearts, ‘…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them…’’ (2 Corinthians 6:16).
Our bodies are the temple where God seeks to dwell. We must protect it against defilement. The sin of fornication defiles our temple, and the holy God cannot dwell in it. Also, pornography, masturbation, and watching immoral movies make our body, soul and spirit dirty and thereby cutting us off from fellowship with God. You can overcome. Ron Smith said, “One is neither a fornicator nor a homosexual constitutionally. One becomes a fornicator or a homosexual by letting the thought become an act.” Reject evil thoughts.
Quote
Protect it against defilement
Challenge
Flee fornication!
Prayer for today
Lord, please help me to flee fornication and all defilements.
Key Verse
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Text — Ephesians 5:19-21
Message
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but also the parent of all other virtues,” says Cicero. The servants that broke different bad news to Job, one after the other, must have expected him to break down in tears and become emotionally unstable. Surprisingly, Job fell to the ground and worshipped. He blessed the name of the Lord. He praised God even at a bad time. Give thanks always, not just when things are rosy, but also at the time of disappointments, difficulties, delays, deprivation, and death of loved ones. Our thankfulness should not be done only on special occasions, church or during morning devotions.
Give thanks—do not hold it back or keep it just within your heart. It is an activity God commands us to do, which we must do well—wholeheartedly and willingly. Set time apart to thank God in songs, worship, and praises. The list of things we should praise Him for is endless—His greatness, grace, goodness, gifts, guidance, etc. Do not take things for granted. The Lord wants to hear your voice of thanksgiving every time and everywhere.
Quote
Set time apart to thank God
Challenge
The Lord wants to hear your voice of thanksgiving
Prayer for today
I will praise you, O my Saviour, forevermore.
By Higher everyday: Photo by Peggy Anke
Key Verse
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19,20).
Text — Galatians 6:1-3
I am genuinely happy to welcome everyone to the beautiful and fruitful month of September.
Key Verse: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).
Text — Ephesians 2:13-22
| Photo by Kaique Rocha |
Key Verse
“Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!” (Psalm 81:13)
Text — Psalms 81 :10-16
Message
God has a plan, a path, and a purpose for each of our lives. It all leads us to our destiny. He also has a process to get us ready for that destiny. However, there are many people who lived the whole of their lives on earth without entering into God’s plan or purpose before they die. This means that a person may be born, live and die, without entering into the plan of God for his or her life. There are many factors that can lead to unfulfilled and unrealized destiny.
Among all the factors that affect or determine our destinies are our choices or decisions. Life is full of choices. Every day, God gives us the freedom to make choices about what we think is going to be good, or even best for us. Christian are expected to prayerfully make choices that are godly because for every action there is a reaction, and for every choice there is a consequence. If you must realize your destiny, you must align with the will of God and receive Christ as your Saviour.
Quote
Decision determines destiny.
Challenge
For every choice there is a consequence
Prayer for today
Lord, guide me in the choices I make every day.
By Higher Everyday Daily devotional.
Sharing today's message on being a #SpiritLedSteward. It's all right here in the graphic. Hope it speaks to your heart.
| Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh |
When I was a teenager, there was a boy who liked me. He invited me to go swimming in a popular river in the community we lived in. Now, that river was a place my parents warned us never to go near. My mum was especially strict about it. She used to say the river didn’t like non-indigenes, and there had been quite a few deaths connected to it. I remember she even warned my brother seriously when he once mentioned going there. I think they even announced in church for parents to tell their children to stay away.
Interestingly, that same river was where I got baptized—though in a different area, the sand dredging site that’s more controlled. But still, this boy kept asking, and one day when my parents were out, I followed him—and a few others—to the river.
Now that I think of it, neither of us knew how to swim. We were young and just wanted to have fun, but looking back now, it was such a dangerous thing to do. The part of the river we went to was near an abandoned school. We just got in the water and stayed there for a while. I even went near a narrow part at one point, not knowing how risky it was. Thank God nothing happened.
Afterward, I rushed home, took my bath, applied some cream, and acted like nothing had happened—because my mum could always tell when someone had been in the water. She’s from Rivers State, so she just had that sensitivity. She used to look at my brother and say, “You went to that river,” and she’d be really upset.
As for me, I never dipped my head, so my face stayed dry, no red eye, and looked normal. I didn’t even have proper swimwear—just regular clothes and a change of clothes. But what’s interesting is that even though I didn’t dip my head, whenever my mum came back, she would still look at me like she sensed something was off. She was that perceptive.
We did that three times—completely unsupervised. Looking back now, I know I didn’t act wisely at all. It was careless and dangerous.
But just recently, God reminded me of that and told me, “I protected you.” That really touched me. Now that I understand better, I realize that could have easily been a trap. But God stepped in, even when I wasn’t thinking straight.
So I just want to thank Him for His mercy and protection. Even when I was unaware, He was watching over me.
So I just want to thank Him for His mercy and protection. Even when I was unaware, He was watching over me.
Psalm 16:8: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:2 and 6: He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 100:5 says, For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5 says, For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Sometimes, I have a lot on my mind to write about but can hardly figure out how to put them down in words. I stare at my laptop, changing topics, starting paragraphs that I never finish. This morning I woke up a bit worried about my face and how poor my facial care has been. I opened my laptop hoping to continue writing one of the previous articles which I already started but little or no idea was forthcoming. Tho mornings are pretty refreshing for me but I found myself writing words that didn't blend together. I have been stressed and needed some rest but at the same time, I also needed to update my website.
Thinking about one of the most controversial issues in Nigeria at the moment, about the founder and leader of the Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo who have been accused of sexual assault by Busola Dakolo, is a warning to every leader to recheck and restructure. There are things in which Ministers and Pastors both male and female should always consider and carefully follow these rules to avoid situations that can lead them into temptation or expose them to unpleasant situations.
All over the world, this act happens every day. A serious allegation and should be looked into carefully. When a pastor is accused of such, it affects him and his ministry as a whole. It takes the grace of God for the church to stand. There are wicked people in the world hiding under the umbrella of religion and doing evil, we should not also forget that there are also people in the world looking for great people who uphold religion to bring them down. Nobody is perfect which brings us to the reason why Pastors, Ministers, Leaders, or anyone holding a delicate office in the Christiandom should follow these rules and put things in place right now if they haven't done so.
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Do not have a secretary of the opposite Gender. Man and Woman of God, even the Bible says in the book of Romans 13:14, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Making provision for the flesh is the opposite of fleeing temptation. We make provision for our flesh when we accommodate things that lead to sin, by so doing we are actually making preparations for sinning. Employing a female secretary as a man is making provision for sin (Vice versa). Having a male travel assistant as a woman of God is making provision for sin. Do not open doors for tempting situations and expect the devil not to use it against you or make you fall into temptation. Do not visit Church members alone, whether it is a family or a single brother or sister. When you are going for a visit inform a worker in the Church to go with you. Be careful because the devil is working tirelessly to bring down the Church and usher more people into hell.
Tithing has been one of the most trending issues patterning giving in the Church and people have different ideas about tithing but the answer is in the Bible. As a Minister of God, it is advisable that you are not in charge of Church funds. Always remember that a clean heart and hand are very important not only before God but also before man. Money has power and can make one lose focus if we don't watch it. There are trusted members in the church that can follow up with the Church fund organization. As a Pastor or a Minister of God, money can be tempting and can also bring conflicts in your Ministry or Church. This is very delicate as even the Bible made us know in the book 1 Timothy 6:10 King James Version (KJV), For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Counselling hours. I am very sure a lot of people have heard stories of counselling sessions going wrong. Ministers and Pastors should have security cameras in their offices, one trusted Church leader should always be inside the counselling room or Pastors office during counselling sessions. Stop every form of counselling that falls during late hours.
Prayer and counselling pattern. It is very clear that different people have different ministries in Christendom and we pray to the same God but in different ways. As a Pastor please be careful where you lay your hands on. If you are a male Pastor and issues that focus on sensitive parts of the female body are brought to you, it is wise to speak the word instead of laying hands (Vice versa with female leaders). A clear example of faith manifested in the Bible can be found in the book of Matthew 14: 22-33, which shows that our words are powerful and backed up by God. God can never be put to shame. Believe in his word and do his will and he will confirm his word. Miracles are done by God not man. Don't send the wrong information while trying to do the right thing. This can be seen as sexual harassment by the lady. He is Jehovah Rapha (The Lord your healer). The name of Jesus is above anything you can name and it means it has authority over all situations. 2 Corinthians 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Mattew 8:8.
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT says, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 30:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 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.
John 14:13 Read more.
Acts 3. Read more.
Perhaps you have heard the impatient man’s prayer. It goes something like this: “Lord, I need patience, and I need it RIGHT NOW!”
In a world filled with discourteous drivers, selfish or thoughtless customers, personality conflicts with coworkers and the constant demands of children and family, we often need patience just to keep it together!
There is an old Dutch proverb that says, “A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.” Experience often shows that a patient person will make better decisions and see more favourable outcomes in life than a very intelligent person who doesn’t have the patience to wait for the right time and opportunity.
Leonardo da Vinci is credited with saying, “Patience serves as protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner, you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.”
In Galatians 5:22 the apostle Paul recorded a list of characteristics that are borne of God’s Spirit. The fourth one on the list is “long-suffering,” better understood today as patience. It is an attribute of the Creator God and something that is very important for a Christian to possess as well.
Patience can protect our minds and emotions, but it can also guide us to think and view the struggle of life in a proper manner. Let’s look at two primary ways patience applies to us.
1. Patience with God
How do you react when God does not respond to your prayers with the answer or the timing you want?
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