Relationship - First things first

There are things that should be done before meeting "The One". 3 of those things are:

Prayer - start praying for your future partner especially when you are not ready to enter a relationship, you are sowing seeds to your future.

Secondly, have friends of opposite sex with all purity, it helps you to understand the differences in the genders.

Finally, read relationship books and ask questions from those in godly marriages, don't make your relationship a trial and error endeavour.

Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.[1 Timothy 5:2]

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.[Phillipians 4:6]

Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.[Proverbs 11:14]

Relationship - Dating, a no no

'We are just dating' is a popular statement, it supposes that they are checking each other out without any firm commitments to the future. After years of dating, both parties often move on disappointed. Why live your life as a specimen?

As a Christian, you go into relationship with marriage in view. Does it always work out? No, but the start matters a lot. A good wife is given by the Lord not by trial. If she is not good enough to be your wife then why ask her out in the first place?

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.[Proverbs 19:14]

But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.[1corinthians 14:40]

Relationship - Entering a godly relationship

While physical attributes are good, they are not sufficient for a lasting relationship. A solid relationship with God should be the foundation with godly characters. The fruits of the Spirit must be evidently seen.

Now, the perfect husband/wife is already married, so it is not about perfection but maturing. She/he must have a pastor and be actively serving God.

Finally and most importantly, there must be a deep conviction that he/she is the one. God will speak to you if you ask him.

The conviction will not eliminate challenges in the relationship, as all successful relationships have their own challenges; it will be your anchor during the turbulent times.

And the conviction should be confirmed by your pastor/mentor. Your pastors also have the Spirit of God.

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD.[Proverbs 31:30]

House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from GOD.[Proverbs 19:14]

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.[Proverbs 3:9]

Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.[Proverbs 3:6]

Relationship - Be friends

Either before entering the relationship or in the relationship, it is important to develop friendship. Acting as 2 people who were forced into the relationship (because God said so) will be detrimental. 

The period of courtship or relationship should be especially used to deepen the friendship. Common interests, likes and dislikes should be discovered and developed. Tease, excite and inspire each other.

Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren't going to the same place? [Amos 3:3]

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.[Proverbs 18:24]

Relationship - sexual purity

Sex was designed for marriage, 'a man leaves his parents and is joined to his wife and they both become one flesh'. Becoming one flesh only comes after leaving and joining (marriage).

Sex is not a proof of love or compatibility, that's a lie. Neither is 'engaged to be married' equal to married. Regardless of the prevailing culture and pressures, God will keep you if you choose to obey and follow him. Flee sexual immorality.

Honor the sanctity of marriage and keep your vows of purity to one another, for God will judge sexual immorality in any form, whether single or married.[Hebrews 13:4]

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.[Genesis 2:24]

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.[1 Corinthians 6:18]

Relationship - Oversight

Submit your relationship to the oversight of your pastors or mentors. It helps to keep you on track.

It also gives you the benefit of a third ear on thorny issues that might arise during the relationship.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."[1Peter 5:5]

Honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.

Relationship - Have a plan

Most miss it in relationships because there was never a plan for success in the first place. What plan are you following, what standards have you set for yourselves?

Design a plan for your relationship such that every meeting is purposeful and impactful. Prayer time, books to read, stuffs to learn together, people (places) to visit etc. Above all, reduce the times you spend together alone in a room planless, why tempt yourself?

"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish.[Luke 14:28-29]

 Everyone passing by will poke fun at you and Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem: Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe--and you're ready.[Solomon 2:7]

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind

 

Spiritual Leadership - Representing God

Of all forms of leadership, this is the most delicate. At whatever level, a spiritual leader represents God to the people and that carries enormous responsibility. Your lifestyle and conduct must reflect God. And you are God's mouthpiece, thus you cannot afford to speak anyhow. To help you, God has given you his spirit as guide and comforter.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.[1Timothy 4:16]

So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"[2 Corinthians 5:20]

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His[Romans 8:9]

*Spiritual Leadership: Representing people*

The other side of the coin in spiritual leadership is representing the people before God (intercession). Your leadership of a group is not complete if you are not constantly interceding for them.

Even our Lord Jesus Christ lives to intercede for us. We are a kingdom of priests unto our God. Take your brethren to God today.

Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins.

 

*And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.[1Peter 2:5]*

*He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.[Revelation 1:6]*

*Spiritual Leadership - develop capacity*

As a leader in the spiritual space, you are a prime target for attack by the devil. It is therefore your responsibility to develop spiritual weight. Consistent word-based prayers is what gives you a voice in the spirit.

Soak yourself in God's word that your profiting may appear to all. Prioritize capacity development today, you will be glad you did.

*"Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.[Zechariah 13:7]*

*If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.[Proverbs 24:10]*

*Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. [1Timothy 4:13-15]*

*Spiritual Leadership - You are not God*

As a representative of God to the people, you must realize that you are just that, representative. You are not the Almighty. Only God can meet the desires of every living thing.

Instead of over-burdening yourself with people's challenges, why not direct them to God and in the process help them to build their faith. Never be tempted to play God.

*Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'[Isaiah 46:10-11]*

 

*When Rachel saw that she wasn't having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, "Give me children, or I'll die!" Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. "Am I God?" he asked.You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.[Gen 30:1-2]*

*Spiritual Leadership - it's a call'*

You are called into ministry and spiritual leadership by God, it cannot be assumed or promoted into. This makes sense when you remember that you are representing God, nobody assumes representation.

Alongside the call is the message, what he has called you to do or say. Beloved, be clear of your call; God will only back what he commissions not your passions.

*But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.[Galatians 1:15]*

*Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [Eph 4:11]*

*No one elects himself to this honored position. He's called to it by God, as Aaron was.[Hebrews 5:4]*

*Spiritual Leadership - flee sexual sin*

Sexual sin is a present temptation for spiritual leaders and the Scriptural prescription is to flee. It is not sufficient to pray about it, put structures in place to keep you accountable and honorable.

Avoid compromising positions. Reduce the amount of emotional sexual stories that touch that you listen to, it is the gospel that has the power to change, focus on that. You are strengthened in Jesus name.

*God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.[1Thessalonians 4:3-5]*

*Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.[1corinthians 6:18]*

*Spiritual Leadership - leading by love*

Unlike other forms of leadership, the goal and tool of spiritual leadership is love. You are not there to show power or suppress your followers, rather you are there to serve and love them.

*Love is patient, love is kind. [1Corinthians 13:4]*

*Thus you must be patient towards them believing in their maturity and perfection.[James 1:4]*

 Never be too high to watch their feet, it is what you are called to.

*Jesus called them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.[Matthew 20:25-27]*

*Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work[Ephesians 4:15-16]*

*You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.[John13:13-15]*

 

LEADERSHIP-Taking Responsibility

The start of any leadership is taking responsibility. Blaming others for incidents directly under your control does not excuse you, it only denies you the privilege of growth and shows that you are not ready for leadership.Others had the same obstacles and they overcame, so you are responsible. Take responsibility for your life and your decisions, it is a prerequisite for leadership.

"Who told you that you were naked?" the Lord God asked. "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?" The man replied, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." [Gen 3:11-12]

And Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took...[1Sam 15:20]

Leadership - personal leadership

There is no point leading others if you can't lead yourself. How do you set goals and accomplish them. How disciplined are you with time, food, money and sex. At the end, your actions will always speak out.

Also, who are you submitted to? It will be illogical to ask people to submit to you if are not submitted as well. Beloved, take heed to yourself and develop the leader in you first.

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich. [Gen 14:22-23]

But I discipline my body and bring [it] into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.[1corinthians 9:27]

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.[1Corinthians 11:1]

 Leadership - Capacity development

Positional leadership is the least form of leadership, it is the starting point but you have to move on to inspirational leadership. Your character (virtue) and skills(abilities) are the things that inspire others.

So develop your character and your capacity, your leadership will be greatly enhanced. Leadership failures are basically due to leaders with undeveloped capacities or character defects.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.[2Peter 1:5-7]

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.[1 Timothy 4:12]

Leadership - clear vision

As a leader, your first and paramount responsibility is to set the vision for the group both in the short and long term. Why are you here? What and how do you do your assignment?

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus declared Isaiah 61:1-2 as his vision and when he called his disciples, he told them what they are to do: follow him and be made fishers of men. If Jesus did it, you can't but follow.

The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,.[Luke 4:18].

 vs 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Then the LORD answered me and said: " Write the vision And make [it] plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.[Habakuk 2:2]

Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him.[Matthew 4:19-20]

Leadership - Diversity

Having followers who think like you, have your kind of experience and rarely question your decisions might seem good initially but it is dangerous for your leadership. Never seek to build a monolithic group.

The diversity of opinions and thoughts helps you more than you can imagine. It keeps you from complacency and ensures your actions gets the most acceptance. There is safety in multitude of counsels.

As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.[Mark 2:14]

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.[Proverbs 11:14]

"Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." [Mark 9:38-40]

Leadership - Raising leaders

The most important duty of a leader is to produce other leaders. It is a duty that cannot be delayed. It involves identifying delegating and equipping your followers. It is myopic to hoard knowledge when by reproducing yourself; you free yourself to be able to go to the next level of leadership.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.[2 Timothy 2:2]

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [Acts 4:13]

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [John 4:12]

Leadership - Learn, unlearn and relearn

Nokia were the leaders in phone production and they stayed on what they knew and became obsolete. As a leader, you need to learn new things, unlearn some things you knew and relearn some things you thought you knew.

Stay inquisitive and always ready to learn, your leadership is as good as your knowledge. Above all, you have the Holy Spirit in you to teach you, rely on him.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.[John 15:13-13]

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—* *[2timothy 1:15 Amp]

Paul - Skilled and Educated

 

Bible character study - Paul

Paul - Skilled and educated

Saul as he was initially called, was an urbane, upwardly mobile guy, probably would have been a PhD holder in our contemporary world. He was different from majority of the disciples. Some might even call him over-qualified (lawyer, teacher, builder).

Beloved, your qualifications does not scare God, in fact he wants to use you with them as there are places only that qualification can help gain access to for the gospel.

Be the best you can be though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. [Phillipians 3:4-5]

When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. Then Paul said, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. [Acts 22:2-3]

Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. [Acts18:3]

 Paul - zeal and passion

Pre and post salvation, Paul was consistent in his zeal and passion for whatever he did. He was not given to half measures. Whether it was in persecuting the church or spreading the gospel, he gave his all and the result is there for all to see.

Beloved, give your whole heart to what you are doing, it is the least you can do to honour God.

Then Paul said, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you. [Acts 22:3]

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. [1corinthians 15:10]

Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself [His] own special people, zealous for good works. [Titus 2:14]

Paul - Conversion

Paul had a most dramatic conversion experience, it was the Lord Jesus himself appearing to him. He repented in a hurry. But God still used a man to complete the work.

Beloved, God loves even the most hardened of sinners and he needs you to reach out to them.

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied. "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."[Acts 9:3-6]

 

The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. [Acts 9:10-11]

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight.[Acts 9:17-18]

 Paul - His call and commissioning

Right from conversion, there had been a divine mandate on Paul's life but he still needed to submit himself to the learning of Christ. And at the set time, his commissioning came right in the place of service.

Beloved, that you saw a vision of yourself doing ministry does not mean it is time to launch out. Go and submit yourself to build character and capacity. When it is time to start, you, your pastor and the brethren will know it clearly.

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. [Acts 13:2-3]

But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."[Acts 9:15-16]

So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. [Acts 9:28]

Paul - submission to leadership

We learn from Paul the right perspective to Christian leadership. Jesus is the head and we are all his body thus every Christian must have someone that can call him/her to order. Even though he received his revelation directly from heaven, *Paul still submitted it to the apostles.

And Peter in his letter conferred legitimacy on Paul's epistle. Beloved, you need a pastor /father/mentor that can correct you, you are not the Lord Jesus.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. [Acts 15:4]

I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.[Galatians 2:2]

 Paul - knowledge in love

Knowledge puffs up and often, knowledgeable persons repel people. Paul used love to balance his knowledge to great effects. He was all things to all people so he could connect with them.

Beloved, your knowledge must be mixed with love to produce result, talking above people never works. Come down to their level.

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. [1Corinthians 9:20-23]

So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge... Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.[1Corinthians 8:13]

 Paul - Grace revelation

The majority of what the body of Christ knows about grace is as a result of Paul's revelation. He expounded on the difference between law and grace as revealed by the spirit. We are saved by grace devoid of works. He also showed what a life of grace is; continuously receiving grace to do more both in terms of work (job, career) and living right. We are saved by grace and we live by grace.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? [Romans 6:1-2]

 

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. [1corinthians 15:10]

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God [Titus 2:11]

John The Beloved

 

Bible character study - John

John the beloved

John like Peter was also a fisherman and he was called along with his brother James. He was also a member of the inner circle of Jesus.

He wrote 5 books in the new testament (4 of which bare his name).
His writings were not to meant to only narate the events that took place, but to show that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. In studying him we see the transforming power of Jesus and his words in a life yielded to him.

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written [John 21:24-25]'.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life.The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.[1John1:1-2]

John - desiring greatness

You know those childish desire to have your parents pronounce you as the best of their children, well John brought it to adulthood. He along with his brother enlisted their mother to help plead their case with Jesus.

Through this interaction we learnt a foundational Christian value, the way to greatness is through service. Serving is the way up. The greatest among you shall be the servant of all.

Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. "What is your request?" he asked. She replied, "In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left. [Matthew 20:20-21]

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave [Mark 10:41-44]

John - Fire and brimstone

Showing off power did not start today, John and James had it aplenty. They were willing to destroy a village with fire because they did not allow them to enter the village🤦‍♂️and a man using the name of Jesus who was not in their company must be stopped.

Beloved, the power God gives you is not for show off, it is to bless lives for you are inhabited by the spirit of love.

"Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." [Mark 9:38-40]

And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?"  But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save [them.]" And they went to another village.[Luke 9:52-56]

John - Apostle of love

From desiring to be seated at Jesus' right hand to the penchant for calling down fire, it is quite beautiful that he is the apostle that is known most with love. Through the instrumentality of the word and the spirit, a visible change occurred in his life.

Beloved, no matter where you are now or what challenges you are battling with, the word of God and his spirit are more than able to transform you, just submit yourself to them.

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. [1John 3:14]

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister[1john 4:21]

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.[1John 4:7-8]

John - revealing the Holy Spirit

Most of what we know of the ministry and the person of the Holy Spirit from the gospel were due to the revelation of John. He was not just interested in telling the story, he wanted to impart the life.

Beloved don't go after the letters and the drama, get the life in God's word by his spirit.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. [John 14:16-17]

Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[John 3:5-6]

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.[John 6:63]

John - Revelation

Of the 12 apostles of the Lamb, John was the only one to not be martyred. And it was not for lack of trying, he was thrown into hot oil without any effect on him before he was banished to the island of Patmos.

And the revelation of the end times (Revelation) was given to him on the island. Beloved, God is more than able to preserve and protect you for his purpose.

Jesus said, If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you? You--follow me.That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn't die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you [John 21:22-23]

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report [Revelation 1:1]

I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God's Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. [Revelation 1:9]

Peter - The fisherman

Bible character study - Peter

Peter - The fisherman

An unlearned fisherman releasing his boat for a teaching even though he had caught nothing all night. And after the message he was willing to try one more time at the word of Jesus. Notice how he forsook the enormous catch he just made to follow Christ.

In this introduction to Peter, we see a man with a large heart that is open to God's instructions. He had a thirst for something bigger than what he was doing. HE WANTED MORE.

 

[Luke 5:2-6,10,11]

*2* ```He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets``` . 

*3* ```He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat``` 

*4* ```When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 

*5* Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."``` 

*6* ```When they had done so, they..

caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.``` 

*10* ```Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."``` 

*11* ```So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.```

*Peter - Walking on waters*

In a dark night in the midst of a storm, suddenly you see Jesus walking on waters, asking for permission to join on the waters will probably not be my request. But Peter was confident the storm was no longer an issue, he needed to experience the miracle. And he did experience it as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Beloved, have an appetite for the supernatural while keeping your eyes on Jesus all the way.

*[Matthew 14:24-32]*

*24* ```the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.``` 

*25* ```Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.``` 

*26* ```When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said```

 

*27* ```But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."``` 

*28* ```"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."``` 

*29* ```"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.``` 

*30* ```But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"``` 

*31* ```Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"``` 

*32* ```And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.``` 

*Peter - Di-vision*

Everybody has an agenda and a vision for you. Peter had been following Jesus closely yet he had a different vision for Christ. And the moment he heard Jesus deviating from his vision, he felt the need to rebuke him. The people wanted to make him king, Peter wanted to prevent him from dying.

Beloved, be sure of your vision because having 2 opposing visions is called division. And a lot of people have ideas for you. 

*[Matthew 16:21-23]*

*21* ```From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.``` 

*22*  ```But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. "Heaven forbid, Lord," he said. "This will never happen to you!``` 

*23* ```Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."``` 

*Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. [John 6:15]*

*Peter - denying Jesus*

For some this is the first thing to remember about Peter and perhaps it is better that way. The denial clearly shows the limitations of man (despite Peter's boast) and the grace of God (Jesus already prayed for his restoration before the event happened).

Beloved, by yourself you can do nothing, it is your continual dependence on God that produces results. And yes God's grace covers your errors.

*"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."*

*Peter said, Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you." But Jesus said.."Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."[Luke 22:31-34]*

*But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.[Luke 22:60-62]*

*Peter - Leadership*

The responsibility of leading the newly formed church after the resurrection of Christ was given to Peter. He was specifically chosen by Jesus for the role. All others deferred to him. And his first act was to take them fishing 🤦‍♂️. Beloved, as a leader your actions matter. Let it draw men to God and the fulfilling of purpose. You need to have clarity of vision.

*[John 21:3-4,15,16]*

*3* ```I'm going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.``` 

*4* ```Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.``` 

*15* ```When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."``` 

*16* ```Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep"``` 

*Peter - Schooled by the spirit*

What difference does the Holy Spirit make in our lives? Peter and the other believers were the first to receive the Holy Spirit and the difference we see in Peter is enormous; his boldness and utterance (intelligent speak) was apparent to all.Beloved, you can rely on the spirit of God for your academics, career, business and yes, ministry. He will school you with a difference.

*After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. [Acts 4:31]*

*When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [Acts 4:13]*

*Peter - Jew-centric*

Perhaps Peter did not remember Jesus' saying that the gospel will go throughout the world *(Acts 1:8)* or he was limited, either ways it took persecution, daylight vision and Paul for the gospel to go outside Israel.

Peter thus became the apostle to the Jews.

It is important to note here that even when God was going to reach gentiles, he went through Peter first. God is a God of order, he will normally not bypass your recognized leader for a major message to your group.

*Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. [Acts 8:1]*

 

*So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"When they heard this, they had no further objections[Acts11:17-18*

*For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles[Galatians 2:8]*

David - Shepherd Boy, Musician, Worshipper

 

Bible Character Study  [David]

Shepherd boy, musician, worshipper

Ever met a man who thrives in adversities, well meet David. An abandoned out-of-town duty of tending sheep became military, music and theology schools. A lion or bear comes after his sheep, he goes for the animal.

Night time was for music training all the while loving God and writing poetry for him.

Beloved, perspective matters; you are only disadvantaged, if you think so. Turn your adversities to testimonies.

*But David persisted. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! [1sam 17:34-36]*

*In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives."[1Sam 16:10-11]*

*But when David's oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. "What are you doing around here anyway?" he demanded.."What about those few sheep you're supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!" "What have I done now?" David replied. "I was only asking a question! [1Sam 28-29]*

*You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.[Amos 6:5]*

*skill and anointing*

Some portray skills and anointing as being mutually exclusive, but that is not true. God does not need you to be skill-less for him to use you.

David was anointed, he had a relationship with God, yet he possesses well honed skills in warfare, shepherding (management) and music. *Beloved, never undervalue personal and professional development, God values it.*

*Saul said to his attendants, Find someone who plays well and bring him to me. One of the servants answered, I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him [1Sam 16:17-18]*

*It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  [Psalms 18:32-34]*

*Facing Goliath*

David and Goliath is one of the best known stories in the Bible, a most unlikely outcome. While we consider it a David-Goliath fight, David saw it differently.

It was a God-Goliath fight to him and the outcome was as clear as day in his mind.

He only saw the greatness of God and not the size of Goliath. *If only we can consistently learn to put God in view, we will be saved of the so many worries we carry*.

*David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"[1Sam 17:26]*

*Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine[1Sam 17:36-37]*

*David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."[1Sam 17:45-47]*

*Understanding God*

A major reason for David's success was his understanding and knowledge of God beyond the letters of the law. He ate the showbread and gave his men to eat because he knew God is a good God who sees the heart.

It was the same understanding of God that prevented him from hurting Saul because no man will go unpunished by shedding (anointed) blood to achieve selfish aims. Beloved, take time to know God, it has great benefits.

*And the priest answered David and said, "There is no common bread on hand; but there is holy bread, if the young men have at least kept themselves from women." Then David answered the priest, and said to him, "Truly, women have been kept from us about three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in effect common, even though it was sanctified in the vessel this day." So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD [1Sam 21:4-6]*

*And he said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD."  So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. [1Sam 24:6-7]*

*Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice." 

But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? [1sam 26:8-9]*

*As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed...  let's go." [1Sam 26:10-11]*

*Costly mistake*

One moment of indiscretion and David brought untold problems to himself and his family. If only he had gone to war like he was supposed to. Truth is God forgave him and still loved him, but his adultery and murder reaped for him death disgrace and loss of children.

The devil is looking for inroads beloved, don't give him an opening. A little sin can bring a tsunami harvest. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

*Vs1-In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army*

*Vs2- But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing*.

*VS 3- The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."*

*Vs4- In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, "Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die." [2Sam 11:1-4]*

*Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.'" [2 Sam 12:10-11]*

*Giant Killers*

I believe the most important duty of a leader is to raise other leaders and David exemplified this perfectly. Several of the valiant men of David were giant killers like him, unlike Saul who could not produce one giant killer.

More impressive, is the caliber of men who were raised by David: the debtors, disgruntled etc and they became mighty men, that is leadership. *Develop those under you beloved*. 

*During another battle at Gob, Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed the brother of Goliath of Gath. The handle of his spear was as thick as a weaver's beam! [2Sam 21:19]*

*So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. [1Sam 22:1-2]*

*These are the names of David's mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. [2Sam 23:8]*

*A lasting covenant*

A covenant of mercy, permanent king on throne and forbear of Christ. David caught something. Even though he was not perfect, he was always in good standing before God because of his heart.

He did not become big in his eyes, nothing was too big to give to God and when he did miss it, once it was pointed to him, he genuinely repented. *Beloved, guard your heart, keep it simple*.

*The Lord said, "I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: 'I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.'" [Psalms 89:3-4]*

*Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David. Indeed I have given him [as] a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people. [Isaiah 55:3]*

*In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. [Isaiah 11:10]*