Ancient Words Ever True

Lord, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray; Keep my, my God, from stain of sin -  Just for To-day. Let me do faithfully Thy work, And duly pray; Let me be kind in word and deed, Just for To-day. Let me no wrong or idle word, Unthinking say; Set Thou a seal upon my lips - Just for To-day. So, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray; But keep me, guide me, hold me, Lord - Just for To-day. Amen. (SS&S 638)

Whereas the insights in this article are valuable to all, I write especially to those categories of students who combine their academics with other (non-academic) activities. If you are active as a leader or worker in fellowship, if you are a student-leader or an active participator in student associations (hostel, faculty, department, class, NGOs etc.), then you will agree with me that combining all of these with your studies is a great challenge. Depending on your level of involvement, it is not unlikely that you would have missed some lectures, written tests / exams inadequately prepared, or have even missed some tests. Most likely, you have been faced with the temptation of dubbing assignments and cheating in the exam hall (and you may have fallen for it at some point, even though you knew it was wrong). When you remember that you were sent to school to face your books, it gives you a lot of concern. You want to help your situation but fear the wrath of GOD will fall upon you if...

(Continuing from where we stopped. Read the earlier post here ) The Power of Women Scriptures leave us in no doubt as to the tremendous power of women. But even before further recourse to scripture, it should be obvious to the reader that a “helper” suggests someone who possesses the ability (that we lack) to make meaningful contribution toward the realization of our goal. That alone should underscore the power of women. But let us still search through scripture to add more weight to this fact. Proverbs 12:4 tells us that “a woman of virtue is a crown to her husband (MKJV).” Now, a crown (to the Jews) symbolises kingly power, joy and gladness. It also distinguishes and sets apart the head that wears it from other heads. So, in essence, a woman can make a man’s life full of joy and gladness. Further, a man in care of a woman (wife or mother) is easily noticed. Proverbs 14:1 tells us that “a wise woman makes her home what it should be, but the home of a foolish wo...

(Continuing from where we stopped. Read the previous post here ) Addressing the Scriptures Usually Quoted I: Peter's Sayings 1Pet 3:1-2 (MKJV) “Likewise, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, so that if any do not obey the Word, they may also be won without the Word by the conduct of the wives, having witnessed your chaste behaviour in the fear of God.” 1Pet 3:7a (MKJV) “Likewise, husbands, live together according to knowledge, giving honour to the wife as to the weaker vessel.” In understanding the first scripture, we need to observe certain things. First, notice the word “Likewise…” Likewise what? What was it that the apostle was making comparisons to? We will find the answer if we go back to 1Pet. 2:18 and read downward. Peter was essentially saying, “wives, be in subjection to your own husbands just like a servant is in subjection to his master.” This agrees with Genesis 3:16a – “To the woman He [God] said, ‘…your desire shall be toward your husband, and h...

Several times, Christian wives and would-be wives are instructed to be submissive (be in subjection) to their own husbands. As a result, many unmarried ladies, go as far as putting themselves at the receiving end, and relinquishing power/control unnecessarily when working with their male counterparts – all in a bid to “learn” or to “practice” submission. Many “brothers” in the church or fellowship even go to the extent of demanding submission (subjection, servitude) from sisters with no legal or moral backing whatsoever. They make the women receive “crumbs” from the pie when it should have been shared equally. In this series we seek to conclusively address this issue in the hope that by the further illumination by the Holy Spirit, the dignity, esteem and rightful place of women will be re-established, at least in the life of the reader and whomsoever s/he decides to share this message with. We are well aware that this piece goes against common conceptions, so we urge you to be “Be...

(Continuing from where we stopped. Read the previous post here ) Edifying Yourself Spiritually as a Worker Looking at the life of Jesus and learning from Him, we have these few recommendations: 1: Find Time to Study the Scriptures.  We have considered earlier the study life of Jesus. Moreover, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to do so. Remember: every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things (2Timothy 3:16-17 (GW)). As you learn, determine to put it to practice. If you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice---you will be blessed by God in what you do (James 1:25 (GNB)). 2: Find Time to Pray. Jesus always made out time to pra...

(Continuing from where we stopped. See previous post here ) Serving Effectively It is generally true that whatever can be done can be done better; therefore everyone rendering whatever service in the Church must seek for ways to do his/her job more efficiently and effectively. Many a times, workers are encumbered by their work. They spend too much time on a simple task, or are seen fixing problems they could have prevented by proper planning. Some very optimistic workers do not make contingency plans should anything go wrong. Some are yet to learn the art of delegation. Scripture teaches that there are differences of administrations (Gk: diakonia, meaning Service; 1Cor. 12:5 (KJV)). In other words, there are different ways of serving. Bringing it home, whatever service you render in the house of GOD, there is a right way to do it; and you must learn it to be effective in ministry. It is our Lord Jesus Christ who shows us the way to do our work effectively. “Looking unto Jesus t...

The Problem With Martha's Service Jesus only visited this family three times in His earthly life (recorded in Luke 10:38ff, John 11:20ff, and John 12:1ff). The visit of Luke 10:38ff was the first; and it was Martha that brought Him to her house. It is really a great thing for one to receive Jesus Christ into one’s life, and that calls for celebration. However, one will be wise not to make the mistake of jumping into services to Christ immediately after this first experience of Christ. That is why Paul advised that church officials must not be new converts (see 1Tim. 3:6 (CEV)). The one thing needful especially to new converts is to sit at the feet of Christ and learn from Him, just like Mary did. Jesus ordained the twelve, that they should be with Him [first of all], and that He might [later on, if He wills] send them out (Mark 3:14 (KJV)). As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word; that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious (1Pe...

(Continuing from where we stopped. Read the previous post here ) At this point, let us offer five useful tips. 1: Beware of Metaphorical Interpretation. True, in some places certain words are used metaphorically, but don’t be quick to give metaphorical interpretations. The danger is that you can almost always give a passage of the Bible any meaning you wish; you will always find the right metaphor. 2: Beware of Translation Issues. Generally speaking, the meaning of some words in Greek (NT) or Hebrew (OT) cannot be captured by any single English word; so it may be helpful at times to look up the original words. Computer Bible software like e-Sword and PC Study Bible 5 come with Hebrew and Greek translations, and dictionaries, and they are readily available. Better still, you may find in them King James Version with Strong’s Numbers (KJV+); so, you can easily access these things. Coming to English translations, you will do well to know the kind of translation you are usi...

Recognising that the Bible is the ONLY textbook recommended by the Holy One for use in this “school,” it is pertinent to learn certain things about Bible Interpretation (Hermeneutics) – a very important but often neglected aspect of Bible-Study – so that we do not give the written Word a meaning other than the meaning intended by the Author. If you consider the multiplicity of contrasts in interpretations and applications of the Bible in several quarters of Christendom, and the heretical teachings and practices going on in the name of GOD, with ‘Bible backings’, you will appreciate the need better. But before that, we need to establish some points. ONE: what is the Bible for? That the Bible claims divine inspiration is evident; but what is its intention? What is GOD's purpose for it? It is TO MAKE US WISE FOR SALVATION, AND FOR TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 Tim 3:15-16). The Biblical writings were written "to teach us, so that through endur...

Joseph was the most beloved son of Jacob who was popular for his “weird” dreams. His dreams eventually landed him into trouble as his elder brothers conspired to kill him (Gen. 37:20), thereby putting a definite end to the hope of realizing his dream. Well, the story is quite familiar: he was moved from slavery to prison, and then to the palace. The lesson for us as we study Joseph is this: that GOD is faithful and able to brin g His words and thoughts concerning us to pass. It is normal for GOD to give those that fear Him an idea of how their future will be, the level they will get to in life if they willingly cooperate with Him. After all, “the secret of Jehovah is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant (Psa. 25:14 MKJV).” BUT there is a catch. Whereas the LORD usually shows us the end-point, He does not normally communicate to us in great details the PATH to our destinies (see Gen. 12:1-3, Acts 9:6,16). This is to ensure we continue to abide in Him as we p...

Not much was said about Timothy explicitly in Scripture; but we can attempt to make some inferences from Paul’s instructions to him and from what the Bible said concerning him. His mother was a Jew (Acts 16:1) while his father was a Greek (Gentile) – a case of unequal yoking in marriage. He was brought up by his mother, Eunice and his grandmother, Lois; hence one would not be surprised to see Timothy tend towards being effeminate and highly emot ional (see 2Tim. 1:4). That little was said of his father suggests to us that his father either died or disappeared (through divorce or something else) in his infancy; or that he was born out of wedlock. He was a sickly youth (1Tim 5:23); and from Paul’s charges to him (1Tim 4:12-16; 5:20-21; 6:12-14; 2Tim 1:8; 2:1-7) it seemed he had a tendency to shy away from responsibilities and difficult challenges. Timothy had a good Christian upbringing, but was in danger of losing his faith (2Tim 3:14-15). As a youth, he faced the usual challeng...

As knowledge increases by the day, men keep finding ways to neutralize the effect(s) of known natural laws, thus wielding more control over nature. However, there is one law that, in the wisdom of GOD, will never be overridden. That is the Law of the Farm. “While the earth remains, seed-time and harvest… shall not cease.” (Gen. 8:23) Seeing that there is a law which cannot be overridden by man, James by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote: “…look at the farmers…” (5:7 ERV) In this treatise, we will do just that – we will look at the farmers, what they do, how they do it, and even the whole business of farming. Hopefully, we will draw some timeless lessons from what we will see as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes. 1. Farmers Understand That Life Is A Process Which Cannot Be Cut Short Farmers are not students. Students can afford to delay studying till a few days to the examinations when they will “cram and pour;” but cramming only works in the school, not in the farm! Tillin...