So, Saul took one of the servants and travelled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. Finally, they entered the region of Zuph, and Saul said to his servant, “Let’s go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!” But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honour by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” 1 Samuel 9:4-6
There are some journeys you need not travel alone. Many projects require a team in the same way certain business ventures involve partners. No man is an island, we all need somebody. We need family, spouses, friends, colleagues, associates, acquaintances, sponsors, mentors, partners, and supporters, to aid on those occasions we appear a little short, vice versa.
I’m grateful that Saul heeded his Dad’s advice to take someone with him otherwise he may have discontinued the search and returned without any results. Imagine all the opportunities he would have missed had the servant not been with him?
There are 2 great lessons here:
Leaders do get discouraged. They are human and need support and encouragement every now and then. Be nice and love on them.
Leaders don’t always have the answers. Followers often extend their strong networks and mastermind the strategies their leaders execute. Never underestimate your ability to make a valuable contribution regardless of your position or location. You have something to offer!
You need folk with the ‘let’s go’ attitude in your life. People who won’t dessert you in your moments of despair. Individuals with a growth mindset who won’t stop at anything until you become the best version of yourself. I mean those who understand purpose and will continue to prod you towards its fulfilment. Men and women who can advise you on the right way to go. Persons of good repute.
I believe people are one of the greatest assets in life. They can make or break you so be careful how you select and treat those in your circle. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #people #networking #growthmindset #motivation #teamworking #collaboration #forming #storming #norming #performing #adjourning #leadership #followership #strategy #project #letsgo
There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land. One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys. 1 Samuel 9:1-3
Just as rain falls on the just and unjust, life happens to all kinds of people: wealthy and poor, influential and inconspicuous, handsome and unattractive, tall and short, etc. There are seasons or ‘one days’ in which assets are lost, a pandemic strikes, a partner strays, a child leaves, a loved one falls sick or dies. Usually, these are unexpected or unprecedented times that require a great deal of strength and courage to navigate.
I have no idea what may have strayed from or slipped through you, but you are not alone. There is good news:
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For quite a while, there’s been ‘one thing’ I need to focus and deliver on to improve the quality of my life. Unintentionally, I’ve managed to run around it like Jericho without getting through it. While pondering it this morning, a passage of scripture came to mind:
1️⃣𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Focus is essential to successfully accomplishing projects/tasks. Don’t be a jack of all trades; if you struggle to multitask, prioritize and concentrate on one thing at a time. 2️⃣𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀/ 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: These are synonymous with the ‘definition of done’ and must be identified to clarify expectations, direction, and destination. For the Psalmist, it was “to dwell in the house, to behold God’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple”. 3️⃣𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲: Focus and goals need to be fuelled with passion to enable success. This passion often drives the plan of action which sets your goals in motion. 4️⃣𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: This is the process of actualizing your goals and the culmination of everything. ‘Seeking after’ implies that you are proactive and in pursuit – making things happen as opposed to waiting to respond to things after they happen.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲: 1) Focus on and prioritize your ‘one thing’. 2) Commit to completing it within a specific time period and get to work. 3) Find an accountability partner to help assess your progress on your commitment. 4) Celebrate your success once done. 5) Testify: glorify God and encourage others too #fulfilmentcomes#hollaapraise#theonething
This is a bit of a long one but let’s plow on, shall we?
Gen 25:29-34
29 One day Jacob was cooking stew when Esau arrived home exhausted from the hunt. 30 Esau: “Boy, am I starved! Give me a bite of that red stuff there!” (From this came his nickname “Edom,” which means “Red Stuff.”) 31 Jacob: “All right, trade me your birthright for it!” 32 Esau: “When a man is dying of starvation, what good is his birthright?” 33 Jacob: “Well then, vow to God that it is mine!” And Esau vowed, thereby selling all his eldest-son rights to his younger brother. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread, peas, and stew; so he ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the loss of the rights he had thrown away.
Birthright is the right or privilege that one is entitled to at birth. In the bible, this is a favoured position belonging to the first born, and comprised a double share of all his father’s properties and assets.
After the death of the patriarch, the first born or heir would take over as head of the family and look after the family property, thus assuming responsibility of the siblings and widows. In essence, he had power and authority over the rest.
There are instances, however, where this right was diverted. The stories of Esau, Reuben, Ishmael, Shimri, and Solomon, are a few examples. Today, I want us to glean some lessons from the life of Esau.
Be careful what you do when tired Life happens and must go on, and so jobs must be done, and callings, fulfilled. This is not without the added complexity that change brings. I’m talking about changes attributable to health, finances, relationships, migration, work, business, global dilemmas, and of course, a pandemic. The challenges that come with any of these are tough enough to drain and exhaust even the strongest of people.
From the above account, we can deduct that Esau didn’t particularly have a good day. He was good at his craft, hardworking, and committed, and yet had nothing to show for it. No game! What do you do when you’ve toiled night and day, and yet there is no catch? What else can you, when it seems your best is not good enough?
Should he have slept it off, but what if he had such a belly-aching and unquenchable hunger that only a meal could satisfy? Should he have mustered up some strength to fix a meal? But then how could he, since he had caught nothing? And what about his mom’s kitchen? Well, considering that he wasn’t Rebecca’s favourite, his chances were slim. How about Dad? Isaac would mainly eat whatever Rebecca dished, so we’ve come full circle. Oh, but there might have been neighbours. True, however could Esau have made it there, considering the nearest might have been a long way away? What if he delayed his gratification and created a unique opportunity to feed, either by plucking fruits or harvesting vegetables? Long thing I suppose, but worth exploring. With just one option left, could he have negotiated the exchange of something more trivial than his birthright? I believe, yes! Perhaps doing laundry, tidying up, a whole deer roast, or even his favourite boxers. Anything but the birthright.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19
Friend, don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation. Choose right. Choose life. Choose blessings.
Know your identity and worth Friend, I’m not sure of you noticed that in the large scheme of things, the stew Esau had was only ‘a bite’. He may have deemed it insignificant but it was big enough a deal to alter his destiny. Hey Sampson, did you know that a hook up with Delilah will not only affect your dignity, integrity, or vision but your life also? Dear Judah, if you had been told your pledge to Tamar will diminish your God-given authority and influence, would you believe it? Oh Reuben, who would have thought that your romp with Bilhah would relegate you to sharing a piece of land near Moab, when you could have had the best and twice as much?
Some things are strictly off-limits, friend. As lawful as they may appear, they are just not needful. My Late Grandpa would often remind me, usually when I was about going out: Don’t forget whose Grand-daughter you are. And in case you have a momentary memory lapse, remember that anything you do out there points back to this family. In other words, others may but you can’t. You are an ambassador and not on a solo mission. Therefore, live up to our standards and reputation. Truth is I didn’t always get things right but an understanding of my identity and value considerably influenced and continues to influence my behaviour and actions. Do you know who and whose you are? Are you aware of the gifting and graces on your life? Are there any unfulfilled prophecies, promises, and purposes concerning you? Selah!
A good name is better than fine perfume. Ecclesiastes 7:1a
A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
I wish Esau knew that his one-time misjudgment would have him nicknamed for life. Friend, I wonder what you’ve been dubbed. What are you known for? Red stuff? White stuff? Liquid stuff? Are you exchanging your abundant life, health, and wealth for a meager bread, peas, and stew? May you perceive right to do better.
There are losses that happen by things slipping through unnoticed, and some are more obvious , but then there are those that are deliberate as in Esau’s situation. I believe in redemptive grace and I’d like to think that Esau possibly could have regained his birthright had he repented. Unfortunately, he didn’t sooner but rather he “went on about his business, indifferent to the loss of the rights he had thrown away”.
You know how he later wanted it back. But there was nothing he could do to change things, even though he begged his father and cried. Hebrews 12:17
Friend, I have no idea what you have despised or lost; the word assures us that they will be restored. But you must not carry on business as usual. Don’t be apathetic. Repent. Identify what needs to change, assess the effort, engage relevant resources, plan, and execute accordingly.
One of the benefits of being New Testament believers is we have far more great and precious promises; therefore, more than a double share. We’ll look at this in subsequent series, God-willing. In the meantime, know your value and choose right.
Is there any word from the LORD? Yes, Jeremiah replied. Jeremiah 37:17b
To provide some context to the above text, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans was imminent but neither King Zedekiah nor the people of Judah cared or prepared for the transition. Perhaps this was due to his character following his takeover from Coniah who was also known as Jeconiah.
Scripture says he, his officials, and everyone else in Judah ignored everything the Lord spoke through Jeremiah. Interestingly, he was simultaneously soliciting prayers. Exactly what many of us do – not keen on living right but desiring the good things of God. Grace! As New Testament Kings and Priests, here are a few lessons from this narrative:
TRAIN TO REIGN ELSE YOU’LL DERAIL Had the king reflected on the leadership of Coniah, determined the reason God appointed him, carved or captured the vision, put some execution strategies in place, or even mobilized the right people to work with him, I imagine he would have had a successful reign. Evidently, he had no mentors, neither did he have advisors nor real friends and associates, which put him in a precarious situation. Are you hearing a word from the Lord? Selah!
Unfortunately, he faced captivity just as his predecessor. Oh, that we may learn from life lessons so that affliction doesn’t rise a second or nth time.
[Put first things first] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward, build your house and establish a home.Proverbs 24:27
ASK QUESTIONS AND GET THE FACTS The King was smart enough to inquire of the Lord via Jeremiah. The ability to tactfully express a need or desire is a key skill. Great communicators know and make the most of this to conduct research, build customer bases, create proposals, get buy-in, close sales, win contracts, and finalize deals. It pays to seek input or clarify things whenever you are uninformed or unsure. God expects and invites us to consult with or pray to him.
Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). Jeremiah 33:3
Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
God is always speaking and in Zedekiah’s situation had already spoken, but it was his asking that unlocked the answers. When you ask, you set the stage for a response. You may not like the answer, in any case, there’ll certainly be a word from the Lord. I learned a song long ago while in Sunday school:
God has something to say (2x) Listen, listen, and pay great attention For the Lord has something to say
Do you know that the popular idiom ‘the devil is in the details’ originated from the maxim ‘God is in the detail’? Is it possible you are missing him? Selah. Pay attention! Distinguish!! Recognize!!!
ANALYZE THE RESULTS AND ACT WISELY Most inquiries are followed by responses although some may be delayed. Zedekiah got a reply albeit not to his liking. Life will not always go your way but what you do at those difficult crossroads will impact the outcome either positively or negatively. Rather than challenge and contend the verdict, Zedekiah could have conceded or at least cried for mercy.
For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18
I will tell them, “Come back, and I will cure you of your unfaithfulness.” They will answer, “We will come back because you are the LORD our God. Jeremiah 3:22
ADMIT YOUR SHORTCOMINGS AND MAKE AMENDSZedekiah is not the first man or king to get things wrong. There’d been wickeder and ungodlier kings such as Manasseh, Ahab, Nebuchadnezzar, and David who obtained mercy and changed their ways. Instead of repenting, he and his subjects had no regard or restraints to the point they assaulted and insulted the prophet without remorse. Thus not heeding the word:
Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm! Psalm 105:15
For he who is coming against you is coming against the pupil of His eye. Zechariah 2:8b
I’m thrilled that in the midst of all this, God spoke to Jeremiah before Zedekiah sent the messenger to ask for a word. This highlights the truth that God knows your thoughts and needs, and he already has the answers before you ask.
I will answer their prayers before they finish praying. Isaiah 65:24
Did you know that negotiation is a discussion or communication intended to produce an agreement? You may not have your way but you can certainly compromise or settle for a win-win situation. Tamar, Abraham, Rachel, Jacob, Leah, Boaz, and Jesus knew this too well, so what will you do the next time life has you in a tight corner? I suggest you get a word and war a good warfare with it! #fulfilmentcomes#hollaapraise
If you are unfamiliar with this passage of scripture, I’ve previously shared about it in my journal It’ll Never Happen Again. In summary, there’s a commotion because an unhappy father was venting about the disciples’ inability to cure his son.
Human expectations and disappointments How often we take our needs to folk who can do nothing about them. We place undue expectations on parents, siblings, mentors, pastors, prophets, friends, and consultants. I am a strong proponent of doing the needful, so if you must, consult a specialist but place your hope in God. Edward Mote is noted to have penned this profound revelation in song:
“On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand”
A Neurologist could have easily and rightly diagnosed the boy’s condition as epilepsy; however, scripture reveals there was an underlying demonic cause. I’m glad the disciples’ attempts were unsuccessful so the man would connect with Jesus for a permanent fix.
Herein is hope for someone who’s recently had disappointing news – perhaps you’ve contracted COVID, or the fertility treatment failed, or it might be that you’ve miscarried yet again. Maybe you were refused credit or the re-mortgage application fell through, and your house’s about to be foreclosed. It could be that your job interview was unsuccessful, on top of that, you’re facing eviction, and to make matters worse, a special someone has walked out on you.
Help us if you can! I suspect it was such compounding issues that drove the man to plead “please have pity and help us if you can!” What do you mean if I can, Jesus retorted! I have a feeling He was wroth, and this is observable by the tone of his response. In other words, how dare you place a ‘cap’ on my ability by asking for pity and mere help? Do you recognize you are right before The Almighty who makes something out of nothing and calls those things that be not as though they are? You may not know this but I’m about to show you that I AM the ultimate healer and the Son of God who has come mainly to undo the works of the devil. Bring the boy to me!
Fill in the blank Jesus meant it when he said “Anything is possible”. Anything is a blank cheque. Everything is inclusive. Nothing is out of scope. This means God is able to heal you, connect you with the perfect spouse, align the right job or business opportunity, restore your finances, make you a joyful parent, sort out your accommodation problems, and enable you to buy a home debt-free. Anything is possible! Would you release those words into the atmosphere – Anything is possible! Anything is possible!! Anything is possible!!!
Don’t limit God Sometime later, having traveled everywhere doing good, healing the oppressed, and setting the captives free; Jesus decided to hold a revival in a synagogue at his hometown, Nazareth. Whatever the issues or the magnitude, He could and would have sorted them, but Matthew recorded:
And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58
The degree to which you believe determines what and how much you receive. Could it be your lack of faith is the reason you’ve experienced little or no miracles? Selah! God wants to show himself strong and mighty on your behalf, quit limiting him. Stop preventing him!!
A long while in history, the Israelites cried out for meat and Moses was trying to analyze how God would come through.
The Lord asked Moses, “Is there a limit to the Lord’s power? Now you will see whether or not my words come true.” Numbers 11:23
Now you will see! And they saw! God showed up and showed off in his capacity as Elshaddai piling up Quails about three feet high for miles, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. He went over and above the call of duty! He knocked their socks off!! He blew their minds!!! Why? Because anything is possible!
So having established the diagnosis and cause, Jesus enquired about the history before eventually providing the cure. He wants to do the same and more for you. I hear Him say “Take the limits off me, Child! Others may have failed you but I will never fail you! What do you mean if I can? I am willing, be clean, be healed, and be restored!
Instrument of Praise is a Music Ministry which operates on a national and international scale ministering physical, emotional and spiritual healing to the afflicted....
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