KINGDOM TITBITS

"And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.” – Judges 11:2-6 . In our human experiences, rejection is a common thread that weaves through the lives of many. It is an inevitable part of our journey, often leaving us in a state of gloom. Yet, within the shadows of rejection lies the potential for a transformation so profound, that it can turn our darkest mom

During the time of Christ, the Temple had a unique currency that differed from the Roman coins. According to the Law, giving money to the Temple required the use of Temple coins. To exchange the common Roman coins for Temple money, moneychangers established their businesses within the outer court of the Temple. Unfortunately, these money changers took advantage of the people and made a profit from their transactions. We can learn important lessons from the actions of the Son of God, even though we may not have "moneychangers" in our modern churches. Here are five things we can learn from Jesus flipping over the tables in the Temple. Jesus is Zealous About His Father’s House When Jesus flipped over the tables of the moneychangers, the Scripture describes his anger. The Gospels connect his action with a phrase from Psalm 69:9,  “Zeal for your house consumes me.”  This psalm of David deals with anger and sorrow around people's sins, which connects to the Messiah as the Son o

In the heart of every individual lies a “lioness”, poised and ready to exhibit the fullness of her potential. You are a complete person, designed to thrive in your natural environment, which encompasses your home, school, and church. These are the arenas where you are called to live free, courageous, and bold. Yet, imagine for a moment that you are a “caged lioness”. This is the plight of those who do not harness their full potential. They find themselves restricted, controlled, and powerless, lacking the boldness that is their birthright. We squander the lioness within when we neglect our God-given potential. We forfeit our boldness when we overlook our abilities or attempt to mimic others. We lose sight of our true selves when we allow others to misuse us or when we fail to believe in our worth. The caged lioness is a symbol of powerlessness, stripped of her innate strength and boldness, rendering her a miserable shadow of her true self. But there is hope. We can choose to release th

In a world where the winds of indifference often erode the soil of empathy, the concept of compassion stands as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a more profound understanding of human connection. Compassion, a quality revered across cultures and religions, is the emotional lifeline that binds us in our shared humanity. The narrative of compassion is beautifully encapsulated in the biblical verse,  "And Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him." — Matt.20:34 This passage not only highlights the miraculous healing power attributed to Jesus but also underscores the transformative nature of compassion itself. In contemporary discourse, compassion is often misconstrued as pity—a condescending gaze upon those deemed less fortunate. However, true compassion is not about looking down from a pedestal of privilege; it's about stepping down to walk alongside those in pain. It's about suffering with—a willin

In the pages of history, certain individuals shine like beacons, standing out with their unwavering commitment and unyielding resolve. Daniel is one such figure – a man whose conviction and purpose set him apart from a world marked by temptation and compromise. Daniel’s decision to reject the king’s delicacies in favour of spiritual nourishment serves as a timeless lesson for believers even today. According to the biblical account in Daniel 1:16, Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank.” This deliberate choice was not driven by mere stubbornness or defiance but by a profound understanding of the eternal value of remaining separate from the allure of worldly offerings. In our present age, the ruler of this world, Satan, sets before us an array of enticing “king’s buffets.” These are the counterfeit delicacies designed to distract and divert believers from their divine calling. Like Daniel,

The Christian doctrine asserts that salvation is granted through faith in Jesus Christ alone, deeply rooted in biblical teachings. This concept emphasizes that God's grace is a gift freely given, and not something one can earn through deeds or rituals. The Bible, in Ephesians 2:8-9, makes it clear:  "For by grace, are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."  This passage emphasizes that salvation is not a reward for the righteous or the outcome of human efforts. Instead, it is a divine gift bestowed upon those who have faith in Jesus Christ. The belief that faith alone is the key to becoming a child of God is underscored in Galatians 3:26, which states,  "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."  Similarly, John 11:25 offers comfort in the promise of eternal life through belief in Christ:  "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that belie

In the pursuit of aligning divine assignments with earthly endeavours, one must navigate with discernment and intention. The journey of fulfilling God's assignments is a delicate one, where the allure of possessions, passions, relationships, and actions can subtly ensnare us. Our pursuits of success and achievements mustn't overshadow the presence of God in our lives, lest we compromise the very mission we are destined to accomplish. The trap of self-adulation, attributing our triumphs solely to our efforts while neglecting the divine guidance and empowerment bestowed upon us, is a pitfall that can lead us astray. Pride can create a chasm between us and God, obstructing the path to our divine calling. In our zeal to serve, we may fall into the misconception that God's success hinges on our endeavours. This belief can drive us to exert ourselves and others excessively. While dedication to God's work is commendable, we must acknowledge that the work and its fruits are ult

The eternal battle between light and darkness, good and evil, continues to rage on. Satan, the master of deception, uses cunning tactics to ensnare and deceive humanity, leading them astray with his intricate web of lies. However, there is one figure who resisted his wily ways—Jesus, the Saviour. When Satan tried to deceive Jesus, he failed. Jesus, the Creator and sovereign ruler of all things was armed with the sword of God’s Word and firmly proclaimed, “It is written,” forcing the Prince of Darkness to retreat in defeat. This encounter teaches us the importance of being familiar with the Scriptures, as ignorance of them can make us vulnerable to malevolent forces. Jesus was aware of Satan’s chief weapon—deception. He cautioned his disciples to be vigilant against falling prey to it, warning that false prophets would arise in the end times, seeking to mislead even the elect. Today, the call to remain vigilant against Satan’s deceptive tactics remains as relevant as ever. Satan employs

Life presents us with difficult challenges that may seem impossible to overcome. The way we react to these challenges is a reflection of our mindset. Do we respond with a cry of faith or a cry of fear? Perhaps you find yourself in a dark abyss of misery, disappointment, and agony, unsure of what to do next. You may have sought help from those around you, only to feel alone and dejected because the situation is beyond your control. In times like these, it's crucial not to lose hope. Consider the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52). He, too, faced adversity as a blind beggar, but he recognized the right voice—the voice of Jesus. Amid the crowd and disciples, Bartimaeus saw an opportunity to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite efforts to silence him, he persisted with his cry of faith. He refused to listen to the cynical voices around him. Jesus, hearing Bartimaeus's cry of faith, granted him sight.  Dear reader, this story is shared because i

Dear reader, I want to make it clear that true freedom comes from knowing and believing in the truth. As Jesus said,  “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–33). Knowledge is power, and it allows us to unlock doors to either freedom or slavery in various aspects of life. By embracing and living by the truth, often found in God’s word, we can experience genuine freedom. This journey of discovering the truth and using it as our guide can be transformative.  It’s crucial to remember that true well-wishers will honestly share the truth, even if it may hurt. On the other hand, those who don’t have our best interests at heart may deceive us with false information to keep us enslaved to their will. Satan’s deception comes in two forms: believing his lies and refusing to believe the truth of Christ. Unfortunately, many people are living in denial of the truth, finding themselves trapped in Satan’s slav

  In the journey of faith, the concept of dependence often transforms. Unlike earthly relationships where independence is celebrated, our spiritual walk with our heavenly Father invites a different approach—one of perpetual reliance and trust.  Abiding in Divine Love The scripture from John 15:7–8 illuminates the essence of this divine relationship. It speaks of abiding in Christ and His words, a process that nurtures our desires and aligns them with God's will. As we remain in Him, we not only fulfil our purpose but also bring glory to the Father, bearing fruit that signifies true discipleship. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. – John 5:7–8. The Contrast with Earthly Expectations Our earthly fathers, with the best intentions, guide us towards self-reliance. Yet, in the kingdom of heaven, the paradigm shifts. We are encourag

K yrzayda Rodriguez who died on September 9, 2018, after fighting with stomach cancer told her final touching message. “I have a brand new car parked outside that can’t do anything for me,   I have all kinds of designer clothes, shoes and bags that can’t do anything for me, I have money in my account that can’t do anything for me, I have a big well-furnished house that can’t do anything for me. Look I’m lying here in a twin size hospital bed; I can take a plane any day of the week if I like but that can’t do anything for me… So do not let anyone make you feel bad for the things you don’t have—but the things you have, be happy with those; if you have a roof over your head who cares what kind of furniture is in it… the most important thing in life is love.” I n a society where people often prioritize material possessions, accomplishments, and relationships, it’s important to keep in mind that true completeness cannot be found in these fleeting aspects of life.   The allure of possessions

In life, we face many challenges, but the wisdom of God gives us hope. It guides us through the unknown with a promise of something greater than we can imagine. The scriptures offer us a glimpse into God's boundless power as stated in Ephesians 3:20–21, which says,  "Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." This verse shows that God's wisdom surpasses our expectations and desires. It works on a higher plane, operating according to the divine power within us, orchestrating outcomes that surpass our wildest dreams. The story of Daniel and his friends is a testament to this truth. They faced the threat of annihilation for their inability to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, but they did not lose hope. They sought the mercies of the God of heaven, believing in the supremacy of His wisdom over earth

Human behaviour is a complex subject that can be broken down into habits and needs. Habits are actions that we perform regularly and easily, and they can result from repeated actions or routines. These habits can be either positive or negative but are not essential to our survival. On the other hand, needs are the essential requirements for our well-being and survival. These include physiological needs like food and water, safety needs such as shelter and security, and emotional needs like love and belonging. Sometimes, we confuse habits with needs and justify indulging in bad habits as a necessity. This is a common defence mechanism that allows us to avoid responsibility and claim powerlessness in the face of change. However, we can distinguish between habits and needs by observing others who thrive without the habits we consider indispensable. This realization can be both freeing and challenging, as it invites us to reassess our behaviours and the control we believe they have over us

Ruth's loyalty and unwavering faith continue to inspire people across time. Her resolute words "Wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16–17), hold a special place. Her story teaches us the importance of resilience, courage, and making bold choices. Ruth lost her husband and her homeland and faced a difficult decision. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, also widowed and grieving, advised Ruth and her sister-in-law, Orpah, to return to their families. But Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, declaring, "Where you go, I will go." Her decision was not based on logic or convenience but on love and trust. Their journey led them to Bethlehem, where Ruth was an outsider. However, her unwavering faith led her to step forward. God orchestrated extraordinary events in her life, from her gleaning in the fields to her encounter with Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who showed her kindness, protection, and pr

As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it's essential to reflect on the importance of birthdays and death . Life is a journey filled with moments of celebration that hold deep significance. One such occasion is a birthday, but did you know that there are two types of birthdays? Each carries profound importance, representing a pivotal choice that can shape the course of our existence. The first birthday marks our physical entry into the world and is often celebrated with jubilant fanfare. However, the second birthday is equally important and marks a rebirth of the spirit, an awakening that promises an entirely new spiritual life. Furthermore, death has two aspects. The first death, the cessation of our physical existence, is inevitable, but there is a second death, a spiritual death, that hinges on the choices we make in this lifetime. It is essential to recognize that salvation is the sole means of escaping its clutches.  Those who neglect the opportunity for

As born-again believers, let us not place our hope in this world, which is continuously deteriorating or in our circumstances, which can change in an instant. Instead, let us put our complete hope in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. He is the only unwavering source of our hope. According to 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” we can confidently have the assurance of eternal life and peace with God because of Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension.  Moreover, He is preparing a place for us in heaven where we will dwell with Him forever. In John 14:3, Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” This is our blessed hope, and it's about to be fulfilled. Because of Jesus’s dea

Life is a journey that often shows us the stark contrast between the past and the present. It can leave us feeling perplexed, especially when we compare and contrast. But there is a profound truth embedded in the transformative power of time. Just as an architect turns an oddly constructed structure into a luxurious facility, our lives, too, can receive a revitalizing touch.  No matter how broken or neglected we may feel, there is always hope for transformation. The feeble skeleton of a neglected and abandoned building need not stay in disarray forever. Change is imminent, and it's coming soon, provided you invite Jesus in.  Amid our brokenness, Jesus sees unlimited potential and works tirelessly to bring that potential into the world. He is the master refurbisher capable of transforming our lives into abundance. With Him, we are recreated into new creatures, free to soar and explore all the beauty and potential that this life has to offer.  So, if you're feeling lost or broken

In a world often overshadowed by darkness due to human cruelty, some individuals radiate with an undeniable light, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those they touch. Kindness, whether grand or subtle, has a profound way of reverberating in our lives, often coming from unexpected sources, sometimes even strangers. Have you ever experienced the warmth of a simple "hello" wrapped in a golden smile, brightening your entire day? Or perhaps, a stranger offering a lift on their bicycle when you were trekking along the way? These are the unsung heroes who, despite being unfamiliar faces, choose to share their kindness without expecting anything in return. These benevolent souls extend beyond mere gestures. Picture the person who sits beside you in the hospital, offering solace and encouragement during moments of misery. Reflect on the individual who selflessly provides directions when you're lost in the labyrinth of the city. Recall the compassionate soul who helps carr

A Reflection During difficult times, it's crucial to remember that we're not alone in our struggles. Isaiah 53:3-4 reminds us that there is One who understands our pain intimately, having borne the weight of sorrow and rejection Himself. Life often presents us with challenges that stir up a whirlwind of difficult emotions. We may feel enveloped in darkness and unable to see a way out. However, in these moments, it's vital to understand that we're not forsaken, and our cries for help are not unheard. The truth is far from the perception of being abandoned. The earth continues its faithful orbit around the sun, indifferent to our declarations of defeat. The sun graces the horizon with its presence, regardless of our despondency. Life persists, and so does the work of the Christ. God's ceaseless activity is a testament to the enduring nature of hope and the promise of renewal. We're called not to succumb to despair but to live our lives fully, even amidst the tempe

In the shadow of giants, the world can seem overwhelming. The story of the spies in Numbers 13:33 illustrates this point profoundly. The spies saw themselves as "grasshoppers" in the presence of the Canaanite giants, and so they believed their adversaries perceived them the same way. The Perception of a Victim The victim mentality is encapsulated in the outlook of the spies. This perspective magnifies obstacles and minimizes one's ability to overcome them. Those who view life through this lens feel small and insignificant, like the spies. They see the giants - whether they are challenges, competitors, or critics - as insurmountable forces. This perception can paralyze, leaving one feeling defeated before the battle even begins. The Vision of a Victor Conversely, the victor's perspective is vastly different. A victor acknowledges the size and strength of the giants but refuses to see them as unbeatable. Instead of feeling like a grasshopper, the victor sees themselves

  Experience and faith are both essential components of life. Experience is considered the best teacher as it shapes our understanding through tangible, seen, and felt things. It is the architect of wisdom, building upon the foundations of trial and error. However, in the presence of faith, experience bows as a humble student, eager to learn from the intangible force that moves mountains and fells walls. The biblical account of Jericho is a testament to the power of faith. The walls of this ancient city did not crumble under the assault of siege engines or the strategies of seasoned warriors. Instead, they fell after seven days of faithful marching, a divine orchestration that defied conventional warfare. This narrative from Hebrews 11:30 serves as a powerful reminder that faith operates beyond the realm of human expertise and experience. In our lives, we encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable – challenges that defy our accumulated knowledge. It is in these moments that fai