Emmanuel Okoro (aka MrLift)

The kind of food one eats determines the growth one experiences. The same is true for the physical as well as the spiritual. If you eat a well-balanced diet, you will grow properly but if not, then growth is stunted. Living a life of faith stems first from the kind of spiritual instructions or food one gets.  Who is cooking your food? Who prepares what you eat? There are chefs and there are chefs. And every one a master at their game but no one compares to the greatest teacher of them all - the Holy Ghost. Jesus says when he is come he will teach you all things.  "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John.14.26)  The problem is some are hung on what this leader says and what that leader said but what is the Holy Ghost saying?  "Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pe...

One reason the Apostle Paul admonished us to renew our minds is to bring them to begin to think at the frequency of God's word. Not until that happens and continues to happen, we will not be able to walk in all of God's best for our lives. The word of God contains all the promises of God for our lives, it contains all of God's best for us. And if we do not know what the word says, we cannot think of it or in it. Our mind is one of God's greatest gifts to us. How we use it will either be a  gift to us or otherwise. It is with the mind that we serve God (see Rom:7:25) so we must learn to use our mind in such a way that it serves God's purpose for our lives. Some people have used their minds and think themselves into depression. They focus only on the negatives. Little wonder they are the way they are.  "I'm writing this to you, Timothy, my son in the faith. All the best from our God and Christ be yours!" (1Tim.1.2)  The Apostle Paul says all ...

Hope is a powerful thing. We don't credit it enough. Without hope, faith would not work and without hope, the future is bleak. The reason people commit suicide is that they cannot see a better tomorrow. Their hope is dried up. Hope is an important thing. And Jesus Christ is our living hope.  "I, Paul, am an apostle on special assignment for Christ, our living hope. Under God our Savior's command," (1Tim.1.1)  If there is a living hope, it implies that there is a dead hope or better put, a false hope. There is so much false hope in the world today. A false hope cannot deliver on its promises.  One way we know hope is important is that without it there is no better tomorrow. People are hanging on to a hope of a better tomorrow. Just by chance, something will give, and tomorrow will be better. You don't have to leave it to chance, I can show you a better way. The Bible calls it "our living hope." It is not a thing, virtue, or promise. He is a pe...

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all." (2Thess.3.16)  The first thing worth noting is that our God is the Lord of peace. There is no peace without him and there is no peace outside him. All peace resides with Him.  Peace is His to grant. And this peace is of His kingdom. That means where His kingdom prevails his peace pervades. And everyone under the reign of the King of this kingdom is entitled to the peace of His kingdom. But not everyone so entitled experiences this peace because some have not taken hold of this peace nor have received this peace.  The text says His peace can and should be experienced "at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes". It does not matter what you are going through - it says at all times, under all circumstances and conditions,...

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." (2Thess.3.13)  Doing good is good business. If we do good continuously, we will see the reward continuously. Though we do not do good because of the reward. The reward is an added benefit. We do good because it is the right thing to do. Therefore do not get tired of doing good, keep doing good.  The good we do while we are here on earth is what people remember us for. When a person dies, a few people will share a few tears and after that, it is over. But your good works continue to speak for you.  The Bible tells the story of Dorcas who was always helping the widows, when she died they called for Apostle Peter and she was raised. That she was raised back up is not what is important to me, but the testimony the people had of her.  "Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Do...

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we appeal to such people--no, we command them: Settle down and get to work. Earn your own living." (2Thess.3.12)  There is so much joy when you earn your own living. It puts you on a pedestal of its own. God has never left any man without a means of earning a living for himself. Problem is, we sometimes think it is not good enough. And as a result, do not develop it. Then we start running from pillar to post just to make ends meet.  Why should you earn your own living?  It helps you to meet your own needs. Unmet needs are some of the reasons for most of the vices of mankind.  Secondly, it helps you live a life of contribution. You have not known pain until you are unable to contribute just as your mates are doing.  And finally,  it restores your dignity. Hence, the dignity of labour. The story of the wise poor man comes to mind.  "There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great k...

"Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." (2Thess.3.10)  The Apostle Paul says, if you do not work, you do not eat. And that this was an agreed-upon rule when he was with them.  It did not say if you cannot work. It was not a matter of capacity but that of ability. That also makes us understand that everyone can work. And there is a difference between work and job. A lot of people have found jobs that have robbed them of their work. Work is God-given, job is man-made. Work fulfils God's purpose, a job man's purpose. Work will give you much more than money but an inner sense of fulfilment. Work is good.  Work was the first assignment God gave to man. Before God gave him a wife, He gave him work to do. He says to work the ground and keep it.  "GOD took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order." (Gen.2.15)  The wise King Solomon says ...

The Story is told of the man who said he made sure that his children saw him reading his Bible and praying daily. When he was asked why. He said he wanted them to see how it was done. Not just to tell them but to show them.  "And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious." (2Thess.3.9)  The Apostle Paul says "we simply wanted to provide an example of diligence". Providing an example was very important for the Apostle and his team. In a previous verse, he told us how they had worked their fingers to the bone, up half the night...  "We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us." (2Thess.3.8)  Today, we have too many preachers and teachers with too few examples to go on. A l...

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you." (2Thess.3.6)  These are strong words coming from the Apostle Paul. He says to stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness.  Wait a minute, didn't the Bible say do not forsake the assembly of yourselves together?  Yet he says we give this command with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is not just me speaking, the Apostle Paul is saying - I got the backing of the Lord Jesus Christ.  People you hang around tend to influence your life and your choices without even trying. You just start slurring your words like Brother so and so and sister this and that. It is called the influence of association. If you want to do or be something, hang around those who are already that thing or are doing that thing. Hang with wise people and yo...

The previous verse had asked us to pray that we are delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. And then the next verse begins with the conjunction 'yet' to juxtapose the idea of unreasonable and wicked men on the one hand and the faithfulness of the Lord on the other.  We cannot exhaust the discussions on the faithfulness of our God. God is yet faithful despite unreasonable and wicked men. God is yet faithful despite your pain and trials. Our travails do not invalidate the faithfulness of our God.  "Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one]." (2Thess.3.3)  And because He is faithful, He will strengthen you and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil one. It is important to pray as the Apostle Paul had instructed but if the truth were to be told, there have been times when you did not pray, yet the Lord was faithful to deliver you from the evil one.  God made ...

"And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2Thess.3.2)  How do you explain a kidnapper who requested ransom and when the ransom was delivered, he kidnaps the person who came to deliver the ransom and requested more ransom only for the corpse of the first kidnapped person to be found? Unreasonable and wicked men.  But that is the world we found ourselves in and the more reason the Apostle Paul asked that we pray. It is interesting that before they are wicked men, they were first unreasonable men. There are no way one reasons rationally that he would be that wicked.  The Bible talks about sound judgement. If your reasoning is not sound, your sense of judgement will not be. And the fear of the Lord is at the root of sound judgement. When one is reasonable, one considers others and puts one's self in other people's shoes.  The Bible has a lot to say on this - be your brother's keeper, esteem others more hi...

In the parable of the sower, one thing was clear, and that we the fact that nothing was wrong with the word that is the seed that was sown. But the harvest or lack of it was determined by the soil type - the hearts of the hearers.  It is true however that the perfect word of God comes through imperfect vessels and this may impact the effectiveness or otherwise of the word of God. There is a place for competent delivery of the word. Paul told Timothy to commit the word to faithful men who were able to teach others also. (see  2Tim:2:2) "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you." (2Thess.3.1)  In our text we see the Apostle Paul requesting prayers be made for them that the message, the word of God may spread rapidly and be honoured. What may make the word of God receive the necessary honour may be a result of how it's been presented. Paul says knowing the terror of God we persuade men....

We've heard the story of the new colt ridden by Christ Jesus in His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many have said the glory wasn't for the colt but if we look long enough we will realize that it was the colt that walked on the palm front and the clothes that were spread before it. Christ rode on the donkey that walked on the clothes. As the people shouted hosanna and Jesus entered Jerusalem, the donkey entered Jerusalem too.  "And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. "(Mark.11.7-9) What's my point in all of these?  Simple.  If you glorify God, God will glorify you.  All the colt wanted was to bring Jesus to his destination and in doing that glorify God and in glorif...

We do because we are. Anything you do without first being is only temporary. For anything to be permanent, we must first be and then we can do. A fish will swim, a dog will bark and a Lion will roar. So we should focus on being and from being, doing will be taken care of.  Jesus told Nicodemus "You must be..." (see john:3:3). Except you are... You cannot do, and you cannot have. The calling of God on our lives is not primarily to do and have but to be. And as a function of who you are, you will do and have. You do the things you do because of who you are. (see Matt:4:19) "Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time--pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something." (2Thess.1.11 msg)  The Apostle Paul says they prayed for the Thessalonians that God will make them fit for what...

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." If we truly understand this text, most of the prayers we engaged in would have been taken care of. God is more interested in dealing with our supposed ppm enemies than we are.  The Bible says it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to those who trouble you. That means it is in the character of God to render tribulation to those who trouble you.  I am reminded of the fact that scripture is replete with instances where God says, vengeance is his. Let's mention a few: "And Joseph said to them, Fear not; for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.]" (Gen.50.19)  "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God 's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord." (Rom.12.19)  "This is no light matter. God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and m...

How do you know you are growing up in the faith? Praying more does not guarantee that you are growing - it could just be a response to too many problems. Quoting the Bible and preaching it eloquently is not a sign that you growing spiritually, tempting Jesus the devil quoted scriptures. One sure sign that one is growing up spiritually is how much love one shows to those one come in contact with.  Jesus told his disciples that it is by love that all men will know that they are disciples of the Lord.  "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another". (John.13.34)  The Apostle corroborated this truth in our text: "You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks". (2Thess.1.3)  Paul says to them, your faith is growi...

Growing up, one thing my younger son would do when he wants something you had promised him was to say to you: "you said that, but you said that". Holding you to what you have said. I wondered where he got the notion that when one says something, that one has to make it good.  "The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!" (1Thess.5.24 MSG)  The Apostle Paul says that the One who called you is completely dependable. Another translation says "the One who called you is faithful". Time will fail us to hint at the faithfulness of God.  He says even when we are not faithful, God will not deny himself, He remains faithful. One of the reasons God is God is His consistent faithfulness.  This is the reason why we can completely depend on Him because He is completely dependable and because He is completely dependable we know if He says a thing we know He will do it.  Like my son, you are a child of Father God, and all y...

"May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together--spirit, soul, and body--and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ". (1Thess.5.23)  This verse proves the triune nature of man. Man is a spirit, he has a soul and lives in a body. The Apostle Paul prays for the believers to be holy and whole.  It is good to be holy but it is not enough. He wants them to be whole as well. This is important as shown in the story of Jesus and the ten lepers that he healed.  Luke:17:11-19 gives an account of ten lepers that sought the help of Jesus. Verses 14 and 15 records that as they went, they saw that they were healed and cleansed.  "And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God". (Luke.17.14-15) One of them saw...

From the very first book of the Bible, God warned Cain and by extension us that sin lies in wait for us. It paints a picture of a Lion on a hunt, lying in wait, ready to pounce on its prey.  "If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it." (Gen.4.7)  And in the very next verse, we see Cain killing Abel his brother. He must have ignored the warning of the Lord in the previous verse. This is the more reason we must abstain from every appearance of evil. Because sin is lying in wait ready to trick or trip us.  "Abstain from all appearance of evil". (1Thess.5.22)  Does that then mean we should walk around like a scared Antelope in the forest of life? Or like a dog with its tail between its leg?  No!  Right in the verse where God warned Cain, he also gave him the solution. The first one is to do well - and this goes beyond just action...

Prophecy is one of the ways God speaks to His people. In the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets to His people. It is still a way through which God speaks to His people today. So the Apostle Paul admonished the believers to not stifle prophecy.  "And don't stifle those who have a word from the Master". (1Thess.5.20)  In another scripture, the Apostle Paul says to be eager to prophesy (see 1 Cor:14:39) While it is one way God speaks to us, God being a God of balance says we should not be gullible.  "On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good". (1Thess.5.20)  Check out everything.  How do you check prophecies? It must line up with what the word of God says and must confirm what you already know or sense in your spirit.  The Holy Ghost through the word of God is our primary guide. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God". (Rom.8.14)  When a prophecy comes i...

So many people just bear the title Christian today without feeling it. I know we do not walk by our feelings. What I mean is that we do not experience what it means to be a Christian.  Jesus told us that "except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God".  "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". (John.3.3)  The word see here connotes an experience. To experience the kingdom of God but that is not the case for most Christians. And the simple reason is that they have quenched the Holy Spirit  "Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit". (1Thess.5.19)  To quench means to put off, suppress or subdue. Anything we do that does not serve as sticks - the study of the word of God, prayers, evangelism, loving others - to keep the fire burning.  And this plays out on a regular for many Christians. For example, the Spirit prompts us to do someth...

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". (1Thess.5.18)  There is a sharp contrast in the use of two prepositions that makes all the difference in understanding this passage. And a simple flip from one to the other could make all the difference.  The Bible did not say to give thanks to God for everything but it says to give thanks in everything. In everything give thanks.  The reason is simple. It says it is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  It is God's will in Christ - so in everything, you give thanks in Christ Jesus. Whatever situation you are in, you are in it in Christ. In other words, you're in Christ in that situation. So give thanks because we know that all things work together for good to those who are in Christ Jesus.  The key in all of these is to be in Christ. When you are in  Christ it does not matter what situation you are in, in that situation you can give thanks knowi...