Emmanuel Okoro (aka MrLift)

The story of the widow and the unjust judge illustrates for us what it means to pray without ceasing. In opening that discussion Jesus says "men ought always to pray and not to faint" The key words being "always to pray"  "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;". (Luke.18.1) He contrasted always praying with fainting. In other words, if you are not always praying, you are fainting. Prayer, therefore, is the antidote to fainting. If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small. If you faint in the day of adversity your prayer is small "Pray without ceasing". (1Thess.5.17)  I like the Amplified translation better. It says "Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]". (1Thess.5.17)  The widow in our opening scripture (Luke 18) kept at it until her prayers were answered. She persevered in the place of prayer until the unjust judge answered her. How much more

I find it interesting that whenever God tells you something, the devil brings a counter to God's instructions. If God says by his stripes you are healed, the devil will bring sickness and disease your way to try that word that God has given to you.  A songwriter asked, "if I didn't have a problem how would I know God could solve them"? And the Bible tells us that the word of God is tried.  "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him". (Ps.18.30)  So every time God's word comes to you, the devil will come to try that word. To prove the word. Mark tells us that temptation arises for the word's sake  "And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." (Mark.4.17)  The word of God to you today is: "Rejoice evermore." (1Thess.5.16)  So, know

  The Bible is very real. It addresses our daily relational needs. If we adhere to these principles of godly living, we will not only become better Christians we will become better human beings.  "And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out". (1Thess.5.15)  Our text today acknowledges the fact that we will get on each other's nerves once in a while but went further to instruct us what to do when that happens.  It says "don't snap at each other". Woah! Don't snap? How does one deal with snapping? Self-control with the help of the Holy Spirit. Constantly yield yourself to the Holy Spirit.  "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger". (Prov.15.1)  Then it says, "look for the best in each other". This is the exact opposite of what happens when people quarrel. In a quarrel, people w

One lesson we must all learn again and again is to be patient with all men. I am a very patient person by nature but after a while, I feel people begin to take me for granted, and have given them enough rope. But our text says to be patient with all men after you have warmed, comforted, and supported them.  "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men". (1Thess.5.14)  Three categories of believers are spoken about in this text. I know they are believers because this letter was written to the church in Thessalonica.  The unruly: speak to someone who is disorderly, out of rank (often so of soldiers) irregular, inordinate immoderate pleasure, deviating from the prescribed order or rule. We are to warm, admonish or exhort them.  The next category of believers are: The feebleminded: comes from two words that connote little and breath. And from breath where we have spirit. When you put bot

Leaders are laden with responsibility on behalf of their followers. The Bible instructs us to honour such leaders. Not just anyone who calls himself or herself a leader but one who leads and works hard for the followers. You know they are working for you when they urge and guide you along in obedience. "And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part." (1Thess.5.12-13) When you find such a leader, the Bible says we should overwhelm them with appreciation and love. You must find someone who is that leader for you - one who guides and urges you. It is not the place of the mentor to discover the mentee but the place of the mentee to search out the mentor. And then follow the instructions given. How people show appreciation and love differs from person

Are you a leader? One of your primary assignments is not just to show the way but to make sure that no one is left behind.  Jesus told the story of the Good Shepherd and how he had a hundred sheep and one went astray. He did not rationalize how wonderful he had been as a Shepherd, he did not nod his head and pat his back to congratulate himself for a job well done. After all, ninety-nine over a hundred is a pass mark anywhere.  No, not everywhere. With this Shepherd, it wasn't good enough until he makes sure no one is left behind. Leave no one behind.  "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones shou

There is hope that truly does not make us ashamed. And that hope is found in Christ.  What is hope?  It is the manifest future reassurance of an intangible reality. It is in the future but it comforts the presence and gives you the courage to face the future with reassurance.  The Apostle Paul tells that that hope is in Christ Jesus. Put in a better way, it is Christ in you.   "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Col.1.27)  Do you have this hope?  It is not a feel-good, inspirational roller coastal. This is real for those who have it. You will know. That's why 1Cor.15.19 tell us that this hope is not only for the here and now alone but also for the future with Christ Jesus.  "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1Cor.15.19)  "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which a

In this fast-paced world we live in today, it requires some level of consistent practice to stay quiet. The Apostle Paul admonished believers to study to be quiet. And the purpose of that quietness is so that you can find time to do your business. "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you". (1Thess.4.11) The word translated study suggests that because of your "love of honour, you will strive to bring something to pass, to be ambitious, to strive earnestly, make it one's aim. And to rest, cease from labour While to be quiet suggests "to lead a quiet life, a life said of those who are not running hither and thither, but stay at home and mind their business. To refrain  from labor, meddlesomeness, or speech: to rest. This is a whole lot but it makes the point even clearer as expressed in the opening paragraph that in the fast paced world, one has to study, that is, strive to bri

To live a pure life you have to have a pure thought, to have a pure thought, you have to think pure thought.  It was the Psalmist that opined that the person who will stand in the holy place will have clean hands and a pure heart and has not lifted his soul to vanity nor swore deceitfully.  "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully". (Ps.24.3-4)  Looking at that scripture there are a few things to note, the hands are involved, (what we do), the heart is involved, (who we are) the soul is involved, (what we think) and the mouth is involved, (what we say). If we get it right in these areas we will live a pure life.  "God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives". (1Thess.4.)  God has called us to be holy - that is who we are. That is what God has called us to be. It is important to note that what

"That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;" (1Thess.4.4)  This text above reminds me of another text in the book of Luke. Jesus was speaking and he said, "In your patience possess ye your souls". (Luke.21.19)  While Paul was talking about possessing your vessel, Jesus was talking about possessing your soul.  The soul is "the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul, etc.)" while to possess indicate "to acquire, get, or procure a thing for one's self, to possess" or "to marry a wife"  If we put both scriptures in context, Jesus was speaking to the disciples about the signs of the end of the age while Paul was speaking about keeping your soul ready for the same times that Jesus spoke about.  Your soul is the seat of your feelings and when you can possess it, make it your own. That is, it is not influenced by outside or external forces but by your

God has more and more in store for us His children. He is always overflowing to us in all of His dealings with us. His love for us is extravagant. His mercy is everlasting, His joy unspeakable, His power exceeding and abundantly.  "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more". (1Thess.4.1)  We have received instructions on how to please God, even that too is in excess. How we ought to walk and please God so that you would abound more and more.  There is a way we ought to walk to abound more and more. Pleasing God is key. He says how ye ought to walk. There is a how-to. The wise king Solomon says the labour of fools wearies them. Why? Because they do not know how to...  "The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city!" (Eccl.10.15)  There is a how not to play basketball, and there is a h

Indeed, one cannot give what one does not have. Otherwise, why is it so difficult to love others just the way Christ loves the church? Roman 5 indeed tells us that the love of God is shared abroad in our hearts. But why is that love not being expressed as Christ expects?  "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us". (Rom.5.5)  There is an Isoko adage that says when the bottle is full, the cover has the opportunity to taste. It is only when we grow in the love that we can truly love as Christ loves.  ”And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you". (1Thess.3.12) Not until we receive love so much that fills our lives, it cannot splash over to everyone around us. The best way to receive love is to learn to give it away. It is similar to what is said that we learn a language by speaking it. How do y

Don't let the tempter get the best of you, you get the best of the tempter. That you will be tempted is a matter of when not if. Jesus was tempted, the Apostles were tempted and you too will be tempted.  If the truth were to be told, the best of us have heeded temptation at one time or the other. The only one who hasn't is our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Remember that every time you are tempted, it is your faith that is on trial. Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for Peter's faith not to fail.  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren".(Luke.22.32)  Even though Peter himself fell into the temptation, his faith in God did not fail.  "That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the Tempter had gotten the best of you and that all our work had been useless". (1Thess.3.5)  Paul here says the same thing

"Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling". (1Thess.3.3)  The Apostle Paul says trouble should not come to us as a surprise.  Why are we surprised by trouble then?  Maybe because we have been promised a trouble-free life.  But who promised that?  God never promised you a trouble-free life but that He would be with you in trouble. If God promised to be with you in trouble means that trouble will come. God says he is a very present help in times of trouble.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea". (Ps.46.1-2) Therefore we will fear. How so? Because God is our very present help in trouble. Isaiah also told us that God will be with us in the fire and the troubled waters.  "When thou passest through t

  "and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ". (1Thess.3.2)  One person you need in your corner every step of the way is a cheerleader. A cheerleader believes in you despite you. A cheerleader sees your possibilities and not your inadequacies. He sees your intentions, and your strengths and encourages you.  Paul the Apostle did this for most of the churches he planted. He would go again and again as much as he could. He could not do this for the church in Thessaloniki so he sent Timothy to do this on his behalf.  Timothy's assignment was simple: to get them up and about, cheer them on, and encourage them during these hard times. Choosing the right person to be in your corner during difficult times is one of life's gracious blessings.  In choosing a successful cheerleader look out for

We must learn to major in the major and minor in the minor. I was somewhat troubled when I saw this verse, where the Apostle Paul says he was stopped by Satan.  What?  The first thing that came to mind was that this is the Apostle Paul we are talking about. But I was reminded that he was yet a man.  "For we wanted to come to you--certainly I, Paul, did, again and again--but Satan stopped us".(1Thess.2.18 NIV)  But much more, and most important is that he never said that Satan stopped him when it came to his primary assignment.  Satan means an adversary - one who opposes another in purpose or act. Satan's assignment is to try to stop you from purpose. But that will not be your story.  How does he do this? Most times he does not come confrontationally but subtly. The word translated stopped has this meaning in Greek: "to cut into, to impede one's course by cutting off his way" What that means is that he tries to distract you,  - in Warri - we say,

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe". (1Thess.2.13)  How the word of God is received, we can see from this verse is very important. If you receive it as the words of men, it will not work effectually for you. But if you receive it as it is in truth the word of God it will work effectually for you.  Jesus taught us in the parable of the sower how the word should be received.  "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred". (Mark.4.20) He says they heard the word.  The proof that you received the word is that you bring fruit. The Apostle Paul says it works effectively in those who believe. The way to show that you believe is that you act

It is very easy to identify genuine messengers of the good news. Jesus speaking of the hireling says the hireling sees the wolf coming and runs away but the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. "But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep". (John.10.12)  Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He has entrusted His message to under-shepherds who are to represent His interests. They speak for him and care for the sheep as he would.  "For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts". (1Thess.2.4 NLT)  How do you know a messenger is approved and entrusted by God? He has one singular purpose and that is to please God. The Master is the one who examines the motives of our heart

I was in a discussion with a young lady the other day and she berated her former boss who she said was a pastor but could not believe what sort of a pastor lies and owes people their salary but spends lavishly on his son's birthday while he is at it. She does not think that the boss should be a pastor. "I am more honest than he is," she says. So why aren't you then pastor I asked?  It is stories like this that validate a verse like our text today: "God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message." (1Thess.2.3 msg)  God does not trust this message just to anyone. He thoroughly tests those he entrusts the message to and makes sure that they are qualified to be trusted.  God tested us thoroughly. If that is the case why do we still have pastors/ministers that are not trustworthy? Some of them are not called. Simple. We are in the last days and these days scriptures say we will have a lot of fake pastors and pr

  The reason why some people are still where they are is that they back down too easily. You must learn to find the courage to stand, having done all your stand, and be defiant to the opposition.  "We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition." (1Thess.2.2 msg)  Rough Treatment  The Apostle Paul says they had just been given rough treatment. A lot of Christians live with this deluded mindset that because they are Christians everything will be easy for them. That is not the case. Do not pray that the road be easy but that God grant you the strength to travel it come what may. The examination will not become one plus one when others are doing calculus because you are a Christian. God did not promise you a trouble-free life but that He will be with you in trouble.  Did not Slow

Many have made jest of the saying, "Jesus is coming soon". How soon can this soon be, two thousand years and counting, and this soon hasn't materialized yet. I hope you aren't one of those. Be expectant of the arrival of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  Jesus told the parable of the unfaithful servant who will say in his heart that his master delayed his coming and therefore joined himself with the hypocrite.  "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming". (see Matt.24.48 - 51) This was not the case for the believers in Thessalonians. In fact, because they were so expectant, they became examples of believers in the whole province of Macedonia and Achaia (see 1 Thess:1:7)   "They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom". (1Thess.1.10 Msg) How expectant are you of the arrival of the son? I always kept my house a litt