Category: Akubueze Bible Devotions

Generosity fosters positive relationships and community impact

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Generosity fosters positive relationships and community impact

Generosity fosters positive relationships and community impactAccording to Proverbs 11:25, a generous person experiences several blessings both practically and spiritually. First, they prosper spiritually as they embody the character of God, who is generous and benevolent. This aligns with the biblical principle that giving leads to spiritual abundance and fulfillment.

 

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This verse emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in giving. When we give generously, God blesses us in return, often in ways that exceed our expectations.

 

Second, a generous person often experiences practical blessings, such as financial prosperity and material provision. Proverbs 22:9 states, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” This highlights the connection between generosity and material blessings. When we freely share what we have with others, God blesses us abundantly, meeting our needs and providing for us in unexpected ways.

 

Moreover, generosity fosters positive relationships and community impact. By sharing their resources and blessings with others, generous individuals build trust, goodwill, and unity within their communities. This contributes to a flourishing and harmonious society, reflecting God’s desire for His people to love and care for one another.

 

Overall, Proverbs 11:25 teaches that generosity is a pathway to both spiritual and practical blessings. It encourages believers to cultivate a generous heart, knowing that God honors and rewards those who give freely and sacrificially.

A timeless reminder of seeking guidance

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A timeless reminder of seeking guidance

 

Proverbs 20:18 talks about the wisdom of seeking advice and guidance when making plans or important decisions. It highlights the potential consequences of recklessness and the value of wise counsel. The act of “seeking advice” implies a deliberate effort to gather insights and perspectives beyond one’s own. It suggests humility and an acknowledgment of one’s limitations, recognizing that the input of others can lead to better-informed decisions.

One who takes advice has the ability to foresee danger and take precautions. While one who doesn’t make decisions blindly and bears the consequences (Proverbs 22:3). A biblical example that reflects this is in Exodus 18. Jethro’s advice for Moses to select men to help him handle disputes gave Moses the freedom to focus on leading the people. This example demonstrates the importance of seeking wise counsel.

The verse also draws an analogy between planning and warfare, indicating that both require careful strategy and consideration of potential outcomes. In a war, obtaining guidance is crucial for avoiding unnecessary casualties and achieving victory. Similarly, when making plans, seeking advice can prevent pitfalls and increase the likelihood of success.

This proverb serves as a timeless reminder to approach planning and decision-making with thoughtfulness and humility, recognizing that the collective wisdom of others can often lead to better outcomes than relying solely on one’s own understanding.

Therefore, it teaches us to plan appropriately by seeking advice and guidance from others especially when it comes to important decisions.  

Parents Are Truly The Pride Of Their Children

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According to Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.”     

 

My parents and grandparents modeled the truth of God’s word in me and my siblings (2 Timothy 2:15: Colossians 3:16) not only with the words they said but also in their actions and behaviours (Proverbs 22:6).  God Gave them to me  as a  gift, I must keep appreciating, celebrating and honouring them (1 Corinthians 1;4: Philippians 1:3)

 

The verse describes a mutual state of love between parents, grandparents, and children in a family. The children take pride in their parents, and grandparents view grandchildren as their crowning glory.

 

I remembered the labour and investment they made to ensure I had a quality education and became a figure in the society (Matthew 19:17, 19; Ephesians 6:1-3). Their chastisement and correction have shaped me although it was not easy to abide by all instructions given by them (Hebrew 12:11). I take pride in their commitment, resilience and spiritual upbringing in studying the word of God and prayers as a training to make us useful to God and our society.

 

In contrast, some children can not take pride in their parents because some parents pay more attention to material things, are careless, and have no time to settle down with their children to show them the way of God at an early stage. Such children will wish evil on their parents. 

 

In conclusion, parents should make their children the first priority in all, a home not in shape will be void and empty at the end. Let children take pride in us as a parents when we do all that is required for building them on a sure and good foundation that is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Parents are builders!

Of Course, God Wants Our Plans To Prosper

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The Bible teaches us the importance of seeking wise counsel when making plans. Proverbs 20:18 says, “Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance, wage war.” This means that we should not rely solely on our own ideas when making plans, but should seek the advice and input of others. This helps to strengthen our plans.

 

Proverbs 15:22 emphasizes the same idea, stating that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Seeking wise counsel is crucial to the success of our plans. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit whatever we do to the Lord, and He will establish our plans. Seeking God’s guidance through prayer is key.

 

Proverbs 16:9 states that while we can make plans, ultimately it is the Lord who establishes our steps. This means that our plans should be made with the understanding that God is sovereign over our lives. Proverbs 19:21 reinforces this idea, stating that “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” We must trust in God’s purposes, even when our plans don’t work out.

 

James 4:13-15 reminds us to make plans humbly and to submit them to God’s will. We should recognize the brevity and uncertainty of life and seek to align our plans with God’s purposes. Psalm 20:4 encourages us to pray for God’s help in making our plans succeed.

 

In conclusion, the biblical perspective on making plans is to seek wise counsel, trust in God’s sovereignty, and align our plans with scriptural principles. We should make plans prayerfully and with humility, recognizing that ultimately it is God who establishes our steps.

It is far better and profitable to plan with God

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What thing leads to profit or increase according to Proverbs 21:5?

 

The NIV version of this verse goes thus: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (NIV)

 

From this verse, we see that when we plan, we are on a step to increase or profit. But just a minute, what exactly do we mean by “plans” or better still, “planning?”

 

The word, “plan” means “a set of intended actions, usually mutually related, through which one expects to achieve a goal.” Planning is the process of making these ‘intended actions.’

 

We can therefore see that if we desire increase, profit, or success, we must be people who make goals. Paul had a goal in mind, and so did Esther and even Jesus (Phil. 3:14, Jn. 10:10, Esth. 4:16). To this end, they all made plans that would enable them to achieve all these goals. In the end, we know about their success stories 

Plan carefully 

It is far better and profitable to plan with GodAnother version modifies what kind of planning we should engage in. It calls it, “careful planning.” This is to imply that one does not just plan for the sake of it, but due thought and reason must be applied in the process of making plans. 

 

When we plan ahead, it shows our preparedness for the future. The Bible says we should learn from the ants who gather their food in summer so they can have enough for winter. Only people who are foolish and have no vision do not plan (Prov. 30:24).

Work with plans

Now, making plans sometimes sounds scary to most people; especially when they consider the amount of thought and long time involved in the planning process. But it can be made easy when we break down long-term plans into simpler, more achievable short-term plans. 

 

Say, for example, even though you have a rough idea of what the future years have in store for you, you can make daily, weekly, or monthly plans and work with them. As you work with these plans, you will discover that you are more effective and efficient in managing resources like time, energy, money, and even relationships, thus leading to profit and increase in the end.

Stay focused 

The King James Version emphasizes the word, “thoughts” which tells us that even as we plan towards increase and success, our mindset should also be geared towards that direction. As we think in our heart, so are we (Prov. 23:7). So, the better we think, the better we become. And the better we become, the more increase and profit we enjoy.

Be diligent 

These thoughts and plans only lead to an increase in those who are diligent. So, if we make plans but sleep on them, then we should not expect any form of increase. Just as faith without works is unprofitable, plans without diligence are also unprofitable.

Invite God to the plan

Above all, it’s important to plan with God. When we make plans, we should surrender to God. For, the bible says in Prov.16.1 that, “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.” Our surrender brings God to our calendar.

The importance of seeking and aligning with the will of God

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I do agree, by virtue of scripture, on the importance of seeking and aligning with the will of God.

 

In 1 Samuel chapter 1, the story of Hannah illustrates the importance of seeking and aligning with the will of God in the context of family. Hannah, despite facing personal challenges, sought the Lord’s will earnestly. This aligns with the biblical principle of prioritizing God’s will as the highest desire for the home/family.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

This passage emphasizes the importance of trusting God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life, including family matters.

 

Matthew 6:33 (NIV):

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

 

Jesus implored us His followers to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, assuring that God will provide for our needs.

 

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Seeking God’s will involves committing decisions to Him. This brings divine guidance and ensures that the family makes choices aligned with God’s purpose.

 

Psalm 133:1 (NIV) – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Seeking God’s will fosters unity within the family. Shared values and a common purpose based on God’s guidance contribute to harmony.

 

The example of Hannah and these biblical references underscore the idea that the will of God should be the highest desire for the home/family. Seeking and aligning with God’s will brings divine guidance, blessings, and a foundation of faith for the family.

Prioritizing the will of God leads to blessings

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Any family that prioritizes the will of God will enjoy the blessings of a happy home with godly children. The following are the benefits of doing God’s will as a family: 1 Samuel 1.

 

  1. God’s will leads to blessings and joy. Even though Hannah was barren, she persistently prayed for a child, believing that it was God’s will for her. When God finally answered her prayer and gave her Samuel, it brought great rejoicing (1 Samuel 1:10, 19-20). Seeking God’s will aligns us with his purposes and results in blessings.

 

  1. God’s will empowers us to honor our promises. When Hannah made a vow to dedicate any son she bore to the Lord’s service, she sought God’s will. By doing so, she fulfilled her promise when Samuel was born (1 Samuel 1:11, 24-28). If we follow God’s plan for our lives, we can fulfill the commitments we have made to Him.

 

  1. Putting God’s will first can lead us to greater things. In the Bible story of Hannah and Samuel, Hannah prayed for a child and dedicated him to God. As a result, God used Samuel in amazing ways as a prophet, priest, and judge to lead Israel (1 Samuel 3:19-21). When we prioritize God’s purposes over our own, we can find more meaningful ways to live our lives. 

 

  1. Her recognition of God’s will. Hannah, from the book of 1 Samuel, recognized that children are gifts from God and should be stewarded for His glory. When parents prioritize God’s will in their lives, it teaches their children to do the same and live for God’s glory instead of their self-interest.

 

  1. God’s will gives a sense of meaning and mission. Elkanah supported Hannah’s vow and Samuel’s dedication, unifying the family in a shared vision to serve God (1 Samuel 1:21-23). Prioritizing God’s will gives families a primary sense of meaning and mission.

How can one biblically make money grow? 

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How can one biblically make money grow? 

 

 Prov 13:11 says “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathereth by labour shall increase ” 

 

This implies that ill-gotten wealth shall surely decrease, cease to grow, or even multiply but that which we work for will increase.

 

By this, we are encouraged to work to make wealth and not get wealthy through dubious means as it has no positive result. It is only the wealth obtained through a rightful means that God can breathe on and cause to multiply or increase.

 

 To justify this, Prov  10: 22 says, the blessings of the Lord maketh rich …

 It is when God blesses us that we can become rich or wealthy. Our God is not a God that supports iniquity, therefore, He will only support and bless those whose means of livelihood is genuine.

 

 On the other hand, wealth gotten through the wrong means or source will add sorrow and certainly diminish with time because God is not in it.

 

In conclusion, we can make money grow by working for it and not amassing wealth through dubious means.

Yes, the will of God should be the highest desire for the family

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Yes, the will of God should be the highest desire for the family.

 

Yes, the will of God should be the highest desire for the family.In 1 Samuel 1, we see a woman called Hannah who had never borne a child before. God’s will for her was that she should be a mother to many. Even though this promise tarried, we see Hannah set her heart like flint until God’s will was realized in her life. We also see her husband, Elkanah stick with her without flinching until God’s will was actualized in their lives as a family. As they waited on God for the fulfillment of His promise and actualization of His will, He answered this, right on time.

 

After God’s will was actualized in their own lives as spouses, Hannah, with her husband’s full approval, also aided in fulfilling God’s will in the life of their son, Samuel, whom we all now know as one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He never let any of God’s Words fall to the ground (1 Sam. 1:22-28, 3:19).

 

Now. take a moment to imagine if they did not earnestly desire God’s will for them? Or worse, that they got tired of waiting for God’s will to be accomplished?

 

The will of God is what He wants for us. His Word tells us that it is a good, pleasing, and perfect will (Rom. 12:2). If indeed it is good, which it is, actualizing this will should be the highest desire of any family. This is because we can only find true fulfillment, hope, joy, and the enjoyment of God’s unlimited blessings in His will as individuals and as a family. 

 

Also, it is only in God’s will that we can find direction when we know not what to do as a family; instruction for the betterment of the home; hope for the future; comfort when every member is down and feels like giving up; light in the dark; and the strength to keep the family bond together.

 

How then do we know this will?

 

God’s will for us is found in His Word. That is His plan for us and what He desires for us to do. Hence, a family that earnestly desires the will of God as the highest authority should be ready to submit to the Word of God as their greatest authority.

 

God can also speak His will to us as we commune with Him. And the better we know Him, the more He reveals Himself and His will for us, to us (John 14:21).

 

Sometimes, it is true that it is not easy for us to wait on God for the actualization of His will for us as individuals, not to mention as a family. However, it is important for us to encourage one another and keep on trusting God, because He has never failed and will never fail.

 

To end this, a family that will enjoy all-round success, favor, blessings, and grace is one that will earnestly seek the will of God as their highest desire.

 

How Often Should Husbands Serve The Lord ?

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It is good for husbands to regularly worship God. 

In 1 Samuel 1, we see a man named Elkanah who was a reverent man of God and also devout. Elkanah was a man who truly worshipped and loved God. We can see this from how he spoke to his wife, Hannah (1 Sam. 1:5,8). Elkanah showed true worship which is beyond only going to the temple on certain days.

As a husband, it is good that you regularly worship God. Now, this worship transcends beyond just praying every day or going to church on Sundays. It is the giving of your entire heart, soul and life to God (Rom. 12:1-2). This is not to say that the above are not good or are ruled out, but true worship starts from the heart and then permeates through to our actions.

When a husband regularly (this could mean daily, hourly, minutely or even at all times) worships God, his home will flourish and God will answer his prayers and that of his home, just like he did to Elkanah (1 Sam. 1:19-20). 

A husband that truly worships the Lord regularly will have respect for his wife because His Master enjoins him to love his wife as He loved the church and gave himself for her (1 Sam. 1:23). This kind of husband will join hands with his wife and home to worship the Lord. This brings God honor and of course, God will bless such a home.

But this can only work when the husband sets His mind to truly love the Lord and worship Him regularly from the heart.