In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)

Let’s delve into some profound insights about the word translated as “sealed” in scripture. This term originates from the Greek word “shragizo,” which signifies a stamp marked with a signet or private emblem for security and preservation. It embodies the concepts of secrecy and attestation—much like a cherished secret kept safe.

A compelling example of this is found in Exodus 12:13, where God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to slay a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act served as a divine token: God promised that when He saw the blood, He would pass over those homes. Thus, anyone who followed this command was spared from the Lord’s judgment.

Now, let’s consider the Holy Spirit our heavenly seal. This seal serves two vital purposes: it protects us from God’s wrath and confirms that we possess God’s very life. The Holy Spirit acts as a guardian, preventing us from falling prey to the enemy.

When you carry God’s seal, you are under His divine protection. In 1 John 4:4, we read, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This beautifully conveys our status as God’s cherished property, implying that He is exceptionally committed to safeguarding us. As children of God, we possess His life within us, empowering us to rise above life’s challenges.

If you are in tough situations, remember that God’s Spirit is equipped to lead you through. Instead of dwelling on your troubles, maintain your confidence and secure your focus on the divine. Trust that the owner of your life will guide you out of those difficulties. God is faithful—He won’t let any challenge exceed your capacity to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). With His Spirit residing in you, He guides and protects you each day.

You represent God wherever you go! Think of His seal in your life like the prestigious stamp of a country’s president. Just as those who possess letters bearing this seal receive special treatment and utmost respect, you, too, are destined for greatness and favor in all that you do. From this day forward, expect to receive extraordinary treatment from those around you, while others may gravitate toward you to bask in the blessings you carry.

Remember, you also have the responsibility to uphold God’s integrity by living in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Embrace this journey, knowing you are cherished, protected, and destined for distinction!

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25)

The value of the Holy Spirit within our quest for a disciplined life cannot be overstated. In our scripture reading, He is shown to be the origin of our fruit-bearing capacity. His fruits are expressed to allow us to live a disciplined life, with self-control shining as a fundamental characteristic. This will enable us to govern our behavior and keep our desires in order.

As human beings, we are confronted with all manner of inordinate desires, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lustful desires, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, quarreling, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, factions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. We all battle with some of these desires. When we let them dominate our lives, discipline appears impossible to achieve.

Yet the Bible does offer hope, portraying a life where we can overcome such excesses. This victorious life is achievable through the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to bear the fruit of self-control, whereby we can overcome our fleshly appetites and live in a manner pleasing to Him.

Thus, our desire to live disciplined lives remains unrealised without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us cultivate a profound intimacy with Him and pray for the strength necessary to bear fruit and be an example of discipline.

Prayer/Confession

Holy Spirit, I come to You with a humble spirit, acknowledging my frailties and the weight of my problems. I bear my faults on myself, and I require Your infinite power to envelop me. In times of doubt and apprehension, I sincerely request Your help to elevate my spirit and enlighten me. I ask you to help me with my issues and give me the support and guidance I need so that I can finish this journey with courage and compassion.

Written by: Pst. Jerry Afari Koranteng

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” (Matthew 5:42)

One day, a man fell into a trance and found himself in the presence of an angel. The angel beckoned him to follow, promising to reveal something profound. As they moved forward, he encountered a grand banquet, adorned with a variety of food, where people sat, eagerly awaiting their master’s command to begin dining.

Curious, the man inquired about the scene before him. The angel replied, “This is hell, the abode of the devil. Those seated here wait for their master to instruct them to eat.” Suddenly, the devil appeared and ordered them to feast. In that moment, the man realized a distressing truth—the inhabitants of hell lacked elbows. Without the ability to bend their arms to reach their mouths, they helplessly pushed food to the ground, leaving the space in disarray.

All around him echoed cries of hunger and despair. The angel then guided him to another realm, proclaiming it to be the dwelling of the highest God. Here, a similar banquet unfolded, with people again devoid of elbows. Yet, in Heaven, when God commanded them to eat, they joyfully fed one another, sharing the bounty until all were satisfied, laughter ringing through the air. Giving is the very essence of the children of God. We are called to extend our hands in generosity to all, holding no malice in our hearts. Just as God bestows blessings generously upon everyone, we too should give liberally.

“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) Let our giving be without reluctance, reflecting the nature of our Father, who blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous.

We should even reach out to our enemies. In giving, we unlock doors and enhance our standing in His Kingdom. To understand the secret of prosperity, embrace the art of generous giving, and you shall become a great blessing to many.

“Hast, not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands and his substance is increased in the land.” (Job 1:10 )

On a warm summer night, as I struggled to find sleep, restlessness motivated me to take a stroll at 1:30 am. Just as I opened my gate, I noticed someone attempting to leap over my neighbour’s wall. Fear gripped me, yet I chose to hide and observe. Suddenly, there was a loud thud, followed by the familiar barks of dogs.

The security guard soon arrived and apprehended the intruder, who was then turned over to the sheriff. This incident reminds us of the truth in John 10:10—Satan, like a thief, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. If there’s no protective hedge around us, he can easily infiltrate our lives. Just as God protected Job with a divine hedge, we, as God’s children, are special and receive His preferential treatment.

When the Lord surrounds us with His protection, the enemy cannot prevail against us (Hosea 2:6; Ecclesiastes 10:8). As true children of God, we need His divine protection. With God as our protector, He establishes strong hedges around us—unbreakable barriers against the enemy’s advances. It is crucial to remember that the enemy lurks, seeking someone to devour. In the story of Job, even Satan acknowledged God’s impenetrable fortress.

Before the Children of Israel could conquer Jericho, they had to dismantle its walls, illustrating that without strong defenses, the enemy can easily infiltrate (Joshua 5:20). Through our deep fellowship with God, He fortifies our walls. The hedge of God is the blood of Jesus, which overcomes all fiery darts of the enemy. All who believe in Jesus are enveloped by His protective blood. I pray that your hedge remains unshakable in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelations 2:4)

Junior Blay, reflecting on his journey and his struggles, posed an important question: “Does God Forgive Broken Promises?” In his heartfelt story, he expressed his concerns about his soul. “I’m embarrassed to ask this question, but I’m worried. I lacked guidance on sex and sought answers online, leading me to pornography.

It didn’t bring me peace, so I sought God’s forgiveness and promised to change. Yet, I found myself back in that place, renewing my promise multiple times. I deleted the content from my computer, but I question my standing with God due to my broken promises.” Many of us can relate; we make commitments and, despite our intentions, find ourselves off track. Paul captured this struggle: “For that which I do, I allow not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” (Romans 7:15)

The challenge of keeping promises often weighs heavy on our hearts. In Hebrews 10:26, it states, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” This can feel stern, yet it reminds us of our journey in faith. Initially, our love for God shines bright, akin to angels in those early months of belief. God calls us to a higher standard, encouraging us not to return to old habits (Proverbs 26:11).

Peter warned against false prophets who lack true change. Repentance is essential, and many in faith, too, require this renewal, echoing the journey back to our first love. Even amidst wandering, there remains the opportunity for repentance; as long as we live, we can always turn back to our Father (Luke 15:11–32). Let us strive earnestly to honor our promises, for God has sworn never to leave us or forsake us.

“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” (Exodus 32:14 )

Shortly after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, Moses went to the mountain to commune with God for 40 days and nights (Exodus 31). While he was waiting upon the Lord, the people pressured Aaron to make a golden calf, and they began to worship this idol (Exodus 32:1). God became furious and contemplated destroying all the people. He said, “Let Me alone… that I may destroy them, and I will make of you a great nation” (Exodus 32:10). Although God promised to make Moses a great nation, Moses did not accept this offer. Rather than being self-centred, Moses was deeply concerned for the people.

Moses spoke to God in a way that changed His mind. Closely reading this scripture shows Moses moved God with his words, passion, and intentions. Many pray continually but do not receive responses because they have not truly moved God. Moses was focused on the people and God’s promises. He reminded God that He had made a covenant with Jacob, not Moses himself.
Furthermore, he explained that if any harm befell the Israelites, the Egyptians would question God’s power (Exodus 32:13). Many individuals are dishonest but still hope to move God. Some servants even consider undermining their masters. They often focus on their interests instead of what would benefit God and His children.

Moses interceded for people who had offended God. Similarly, in church, it is common for people to point fingers at others for their offences. Jesus is the ultimate example of an intercessor. We must develop deep compassion for one another. Instead of accusing others before God, we need to plead on their behalf. Some people take delight in their enemies’ misfortunes. To genuinely move God, we should learn from both Moses and Christ.

People frequently go astray due to a lack of direction. Remember, the Israelites had not seen their leader for 40 days and nights. Rather than accuse them, we should plead for them. The absence of a strong leader can lead to many problems for the children of God. Therefore, it is crucial to have leaders who can make decisions based on God’s will rather than their own selfish desires.

“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

President Barack Obama probably had one of the most inspiring campaigns in 2008, encapsulated by the motto “Yes, We Can.” His campaign was filled with hope and promises, conveying to all of America that they could achieve things they once thought impossible. Many people knew they had the potential, but most had lost self-confidence.

Sometimes, we need to recognize that we are in control of our journeys, and our direction will determine what we can and cannot accomplish. The apostle Paul said that he can do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. We can achieve whatever we aspire to with the strength that comes from Christ, our Lord. It’s essential to have complete confidence in ourselves. Often, we lose this confidence due to our circumstances, leading us to believe that certain things are unattainable.

When you read the account of David and Goliath, you’ll notice that Goliath was fierce and was described as a champion of the Philistines, while David was merely a young lad. The secret to David’s victory was his belief that he could accomplish everything through God, who provided him strength. As David declared, “You come to me with a sword, spear, and shield, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).

Peter began to sink when he became afraid after seeing the strong wind (Matthew 14:30). Life can present us with challenges that seem fierce and destructive, but with God by our side, we can overcome them. You can win all the battles in your life, regardless of how daunting they may appear. Keep believing that you can and will succeed. There are no limitations in life. With Christ beside you, you can never be restricted. So go ahead—strive for greatness; all things are possible. Don’t listen to that voice telling you that you can’t.

“And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.” (Genesis 37:19)

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is well known throughout history as the one who preserved the Union during the Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. Albert Einstein has been known for years for the theory of relativity, which laid the basis for releasing atomic energy.

The apostle Paul is known for his selfless missionary work. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THINGS THAT THEY DID AND WHO THEY ARE. The most significant question we must ask ourselves is, “What are we known for?” His brothers knew Joseph as a dreamer. It is very necessary to know that though Joseph’s brothers hated him based on his father’s relationship with him, they hated him most and planned to kill him based on his dreams. “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren, and they hated him yet the more.” (Genesis 37:5). Joseph had the gift of dreams and interpretation. This was known to his brothers and parents and Pharaoh’s chief bottler. When Pharaoh dreamt a dream and sought interpretation, he was remembered. Joseph was indeed a dreamer. (Gen 41:12). In Proverbs 18:16, the Bible clarifies that a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

Every true child of God should be identified with a gift. You need to be able to develop and use your gift so that people will know you for it. Jesus Christ is famous for many things. First, He performed miracles that could not be explained or dismissed in human terms. Jesus is also renowned for his words, which can be found in the Bible. Jesus is famous for His compassion.

Jesus is especially well-known for dying on the cross for mankind’s sins and then resurrecting. In Mark 1:37, after Jesus had performed some miracles, people came looking for him. Many people looked for Jesus because of what He could do.

Our gifts connect us to people and many great things. We should identify our gifts and use them so that people can remember us for what we can do even when we are no longer.

[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true”][fusion_text]

“And now I have sent a skilful man, endowed with understanding, Huram, my master craftsman… skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving…” (2Chronicles 2:13-14 (NKJV))

Solomon was building the temple of Israel when the King of Tyre learned about his effort to assemble a skilled team for this monumental task. This information led the King of Tyre, who recognized his allegiance to King David, to write a letter recommending a particularly talented individual to Solomon. The man was referred to as the King’s “master craftsman,” a term that carries a profound meaning.

The word “master” comes from Hebrew and means lord, ruler, and leader. By sending this master craftsman, the King was endorsing someone who stood at the pinnacle of his craft.

From this account, we can glean four important traits about this master craftsman:
1. He was exceptionally skilled in a specific area.
2. His capabilities were so noteworthy that they earned him a recommendation from the King.
3. He possessed the ability to teach others his craft.
4. He was a team player, capable of collaborating effectively with others.

Being a master in one’s field involves instructing others and working harmoniously in a team setting: “to accomplish any plan assigned to him, with your skilled men and the skilled men of my lord David, your father.” This highlights the importance of adaptability and cooperation, even when working with professionals from diverse backgrounds. For us, as individuals striving to fulfil God’s purpose, it’s essential to master any work assigned to us.

The scripture from Ecclesiastes 9:10 resonates deeply: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” When we embrace our identity as children of God, He equips us with unique gifts that we are to refine and master. Let us utilize those gifts to impact others positively, share our knowledge, and gain recognition for our work worldwide.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]