6 Things that can Kill a Believer’s Fire

[Psalms 100:2 KJV] ‘Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing”.

Motivation

We began this year with a desire to serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing; but it is possible that as the days go by some may be losing fire.

Discussion

Many people begin things, ministry, marriage, and visions with joy, but with time and changing scenes and circumstances they lose their drive. We want to learn about how to maintain the fire and passion to serve the Lord, by learning about things that kill a believer’s fire, love, and passion.

These six things can kill your passion and love in marriage and ministry. You must strive to maintain the fire and passion.

1. Iniquity:

Nothing kills love and passion and fire than to suffer iniquity from the people you love and care about. When people stab you in the back, and betray you, it is difficult to love and care about them. The Bible teaches us that “in the last days because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold”. (Matthew 24:12 KJV)

Even prophets like Habakkuk, almost lost their love and passion because of the multitudes of inquiry and violence. His soul was vexed because of the extensive violence around him;

[Habakkuk 1:1-5 KJV] “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. [2] O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! [3] Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. [4] Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. [5] Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you”.

2. Offences:

The Bible tells us that it is impossible to totally avoid offences, but blessed is the man who is not offended in Christ. He is our peace, He has broken down every wall. Be careful not to be offended in Christ.

“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me”. (Luke 7:23 KJV)

3. Hope deferred:

Many have lost their love because their hope was deferred. We all get disappointed when people don’t keep their word. We all feel betrayed when our hopes are deferred.

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 KJV)

4. Lack of Fellowship:

The Bible teaches us that it is impossible to produce fire or heat without fellowship. Indeed it takes fellowship to keep the fire burning. It is always true that cold hearts have been treated with coldness for a long time.

“Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?”
(Ecclesiastes 4:11 KJV)

5. Love of the World and materialism:

The scriptures warn us to beware of the love of the world and materialism.

[1 John 2:15‭-‬17 KJV] “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”.

Many mighty men of faith have grown cold because they loved the world. Demas forsook the apostle Paul because, he loved the world.

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia”. (2 Timothy 4:10 KJV)

6. Persecution:

Many believers have lost their joy because of persecution and Affliction.

[Mark 4:16‭-‬17 KJV] “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; [17] 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”.

I pray that you will regain your lost passion and fire. You will not miss it. We shall serve the Lord with gladness and we shall be glad we did.

Stay blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Face Off with Life

[Philippians 3:12-19 KJV] “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. [16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. [17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. [18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”

The phrase “to face off” is to take up an attitude of confrontation, especially at the start of a fight or game. Face off is a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them.

In this teaching, I will be discussing four things that will empower you to face off with life. We shall be sharing on gaining control in life. Life is a battle, a battle against all the things you will not yield to. Life is a struggle unless you yield to the drift. You must be willing to battle the odd and to rise above the storms if you are ready to win.

The four things you need to face off with life are:

1. Faith:

All things are possible to him that believes. If only you can hear and receive what God has said as the truth and to live by it, you shall see possibility.

[Mark 9:23 KJV] “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth”.

One day I was watching a BBC documentary on how Masai men went hunting, to cut a portion of game a team of 15 lions and lioness had hunted down. One of the key things that the Masai men had was faith or confidence. They squat there gazing at the lions as they ate the game. They kept gazing until the lions spotted them, and they arose as one man and began to approach and confront the lion; the lion backed off from the game when they saw the Masai men coming.

When you believe the word of God and face life with confidence, you begin to win the battle of life. Believe!

2. Faithfulness:

This is the secret to stewardship; Faithful in little things, with unholy mammon, and to things that belong to another man. Faithfulness makes you a steward. Loyalty puts you in charge.

[Luke 16:10-13 KJV] “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. [11] If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches ? [12] And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? [13] No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”.

The secret to faithfulness is singleness of heart. You must have a single master if you want to be faithful. As long as you are considering other options, you cannot and will not be faith. Faithfulness comes through total yieldedness.

3. Maturity:

There is no difference between a child and a slave. Maturity puts you in charge to rule. Maturity comes through mentoring and learning to be subject to your tutors.

[Galatians 4:1-5 KJV] “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; [2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. [3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: [4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons”.

Maturity comes with time, it comes through sonship and connection with fathers. When you are submitted and loyal to your father, he pays the bills and takes you places.

4. Fruits:

The branch that bears fruits is blessed and pruned and prepared by God to bring forth more fruits.

[John 15:1-5 KJV] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”.

When a branch bears fruits, it is empowered to bear more fruits; we must, however, be careful how we behave when we begin to bear fruits and get empowered. Many of us lost the face off with life and lose control because we tend to have a poor attitude when we start making some progress.

I pray that the Lord will help you to believe His word concerning you, to be faithful in all things, to mature with time, and to maintain the right attitude even when you begin to bear fruits and empowered. You will have dominion and win in this battle of life, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Why Wait Till It’s too Late?

We often spend time and resources on stuff that please us, rather than on things that matter.

The Bible tells about Lazarus and  the richman in Luke 16:19-31. The richman, like many of us, had everything going well for him, and he was too busy to have time for the things that really matters. Many of us dress well, eat sumptuously, and have influence, yet we have no time to prepare a place for our souls when we die. We walk in the streets and hear preachers preaching everyday, and yet we pay no attention to them.

Listen to me! You are young and alive now, but one day you will die and everything will be different. The richman died and went to hell because in his life time, he did nothing to help his soul after death. Recently, on one of my missionary trip to Nairobi, I met a wonderful waitress, and in our interaction, I asked whether she went to church. Then she responded “No!”. I tried to find out why. She was quick to tell me, “I am busy”. Wow! Busy? Yes busy. So busy at 22, it’s pathetic.

It is, however, needless to wait till it’s too late; Too late to make things right. You can make the right decisions now and save your life after death. Jesus Christ wants to save you. He sent me to share this message with you. I recommend that you;

1. Trust Jesus Christ with your life
2. Find time and go to church
3. Hear the word and
4. Try to apply the truth to your everyday life

Life gets better that way. We are all not perfect, but life can get better when we learn and apply biblical truth to everyday life. I pray that you will not wait till it’s too late. You will rise above the storm and make it into life eternal in peace, Amen!

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

The One Way to the Father

The Bible teaches us that there is only one way to the father, that is, the Way. That Way is none other but Jesus Christ. He has created for us in His body a new way.

[John 14:6 KJV] “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.

Many people are running around looking for a way to reach the Father, and many have missed the way. Some call on Buddha, others call on Mohammed, and some bow to dumb idols, all in search of a way to the Father. The Bible, however, teaches that there is only one way to the father and that is Jesus.

There is no other way and there cannot be another way. It is either Jesus or none. Don’t be deceived, nor believe in any other suggestion. Jesus Christ is the way to the Father, the father of all spirits and the Father of Light. Don’t be misled, allow the Lord to bring you to Himself by a new and living way.

Jesus Christ is not only the way; He is also the Truth to guide, and the Life to empower. I pray that this little truth will empower you to believe and walk with and in Him.

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

The Secret to Blessings from God

The simple secret to blessings is to bear fruits on the word you receive weekly, and from time to time. The Bible says the grounds that receives and drinks the water of heaven and bear fruits for those who dress it shall be blessed.

[Matthew 16:18 KJV] “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.

[Hebrews 6:7‭-‬8 KJV] “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: [8]  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned”.

Motivation

God desires nothing from us except fruits. God is looking for faithfulness, maturity, and fruits of the words you receive every time.

[John 15:16 KJV] “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you”.

Discussion

In order to bring forth much fruits we need  the following things;

1. Be planted in a fruitful mountain:

[Isaiah 5:1-2 KJV] “Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: [2] And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes”.

If you really want to be blessed, you must bear fruits, but to bear fruits, you must be planted in a fruitful field or mountain. I believe that God is planting us in a fruitful field. God will locate our church in a good place, Amen!

2. The work of the gardener among us:

In Luke 13:6‭-‬9, we learn that “He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. [7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down”.

The Master is desiring fruits, the Master is looking for your fruits. God wants you to bear fruits from the word you receive always. I pray that you will be able to walk in the word and bear more fruits. The simple secret to blessings is to bear fruits according to the word and things we receive from the throne of grace. You must bear the appropriate fruit for the gardeners who dress you. You will be blessed when you decide to bear fruit.

The work of the gardener among us is digging and dunging. The gardener is Jesus Christ, and He is committed to deliver and bless us with all things that are necessary for life and godliness. Many of us are not bringing forth fruits because of the clutters and dryness. This is why the gardener said, “Let me dig and dung around it”. God will separate you from the things that suck your strength and will give you all things that pertain to life and godliness. We need the deliverance and anointing of God. The deliverance of God will make us free and the anointing of God will make us strong and protect us to excel.

3. Partnership:

The third thing we need in order to bear fruits and have many fruits is partnership. The Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 4:9 that, “Two are better than one, they have a better reward for their labours”. As we partner to labour in the kingdom, I am sure of better results. The Bible tells us that one shall chase a thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to flight (See Joshua 23:10; Deuteronomy 32:30). As we partner, we shall do more. You can do something, I can do something, but we together can do more.

4. Abundant labour in the grace of God:

Apostle Paul said, “I am what I am by the grace of God…”

[1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV] “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

What is this grace? It includes faith, utterances, knowledge, diligence, love for the missionaries, and giving. God wants us to abound in grace; the grace of faith, the grace of knowledge, the grace of love for the apostles, the grace of utterance, the grace of all diligence, and the grace of giving. God wants us to give not because we are rich, but because we want to learn from Jesus.

[2 Corinthians 8:6‭-‬8 KJV] “Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. [7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. [8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love”.

As we read, Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that, “by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”. God will give us grace but we must not take the grace of God for granted. Apostle Paul reveals that although we have the grace of God, we must labour more abundantly if we want to see much fruits. We must be ready to labour in the spirit (See Acts 2:40-47). If we want abundant fruits, then you must follow in the footsteps of the early church. We must form the following habits;

1. Read your Bible and Christian literature always
2. Attend church and fellowship meetings regularly
3. Pray without ceasing
4. Walk in the fear of the Lord
5. Give to charity and to missions
6. Join the outreach effort of the church
7. Make room for those God is adding to us and accommodate them.

I love you; Stay blessed!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Your Hair Shall Grow Again!

[Hebrews 11:32-34 KJV] “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens”.

Central Truth

When you ignore the red flags because you hope for the best in people, you might end up getting hurt very badly.

Discussion

The Bible tells the story of many people, but one man whose narrative touch my heart so much is Samson. I believe he is one of the most misunderstood characters of the Bible.

Many Bible scholars have discussed him as a moral failure, but the Bible never said so. If anything at all the judge Samson is a clear example of what happens when leaders love too much. Samson was not a moral failure, though he loved sophisticated women and played with strange women from Philistine, there is no single mention that Samson fornicated with any of them.

The problem with Samson has been the problem of HighCity, we love too much, that sometimes when it is obvious that people are turning out to be dangerous, we still keep them around hoping for the best.

I have walked with my husband, Rev. Simpe, and have seen how many of the things we do which hurt him so badly, yet he still keeps us around, hoping that things will get better. I have seen how things did not change, neither did the people, and he got so hurt, yet he stood strong and fought for the kingdom.

Samson had a problem with love; which is not bad, but the people around him took advantage of his good heart and manipulated him. Delilah took advantage of Samson’s good heart, manipulated and betrayed him to his enemies. I have been manipulated sometimes. I have seen my husband manipulated too. Maybe he has also manipulated other people; that I can’t tell, but I have seen this man hurt so badly by people he loves.

I pray that as he returns from his missions trip, you will all support me to love him. We need our bishop, we need our friend, we love him and we know we love him. There is no reason to hurt him any more.

Anyway, back to Samson. Samson was hurt and abused because he ignored all the red flags. He kept people around him, hoping they will change, yet they did not. I came to announce to you that if you ignore all the red flags because you are hoping for the best in people, you might soon get hurt so badly.

But the same God, who caused the strength of Samson to return, will restore our church, Amen!

Our ministry shall rise again! Our hair shall grow again! Our ministry shall thrive again! We shall soar on the wings of eagles!

Be reminded that although many portray Samson as a case of moral failure, the Bible never said such a thing. Samson is rather a case of misplaced judgment and discretion. He ignored the many red flags because he hoped to see the best in the people and women he dealt with. So, sometimes even when he should have dropped people, fired them, broken connection with them; he loved them and hoped to see the best in them. There was nothing wrong with Samson except that he kept holding on to people when he should have let them go. He loved and loved deeply.

May be you have also been hurt so bad and your confidence so broken, but you shall rise again, you hair shall grow again, Amen!

Did Samson do anything for his hair to grow and for his strength to return? He did nothing special;

1. He admitted he has lost his strength
2. He Submitted himself under the mighty hand of God
3. He trusted that as his hair – which stands for his fellowship with God – grows, his strength shall return
4. He yielded to the little boy who lead him to the pillar
5. He prayed to God for mercy

You will not remain weak, small, wounded, broken, and captured forever. As you keep believing, fellowshipping, praying, I don’t know how, but one day you will fly again! You will soar again! You will win again!

Be blessed, I love you;

Pastor Sandra Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Pitfalls to Avoid on the Route of Life

A pitfall is a deep unsuspecting hole that usually traps traveler’s along a route. It can also be seen as a hidden danger or difficulty in something. When you answer the call of God and begin a journey to fulfillment, you are ushered into the path of life to travel. Along this route, however, there are traps that are set up by your enemy, the devil, to take you unawares.

It is important to enlighten you on these pitfalls so that you can avoid them. Five of these common pitfalls are;

1. Women, girls, sex, and females:

The Bible exhorts us to hide the word of God in our hearts because it shall deliver us from the strange woman who flatters with her lips.

[Proverbs 23:26‭-‬28 KJV] “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. [27] For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. [28] She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men”.

The Bible is emphatic that a whore is a deep ditch, and a strange woman is a narrow pit. The pathetic danger of this ditch is that those who fall into it get dirty and smeared, and those who fall into this narrow pit cannot come out by themselves, they must be helped out.

When you have a father like David or Solomon who may marry many women and have concubines, the only secret to be delivered from strange women and men is to heed to their counsel.

[Proverbs 7:1‭-‬5 KJV] “My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. [2] Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. [3] Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. [4] Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: [5] That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

The rest of Proverbs 7 describes the strange woman and her modus operandi (mode of operation). She is loud, she dresses like a harlot, she hardly stays home, at the least opportunity and any reason at all she would be out in the streets especially at night. She is always seen in the company of boys. She would isolate herself in a packed room to be noticed, and she is ready to offer sex to anyone else even if she is already dating or married. She is often subtle at heart and sounds very religious and unsuspecting. A typical sign of a strange woman is that she cheats when her lover travels out of town; beware! She goes out to look for love when the good man travels.

Women, may God give you the grace to be true and virtuous! May the Lord deliver you from a strange woman. May you not fall into this narrow pit. May you not fall for her flattery and smooth words. May the Lord give you the wisdom to avoid the temptation to be strange. When a man, young or old, approaches you for love, may you courageously tell him you are attached if you are.

Beware of illicit sex, it has killed many mighty men. The house of a strange woman is a graveyard for many mighty men.

[Proverbs 7:24‭-‬27 KJV] “Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. [25] Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. [26] For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. [27] Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death”.

Many mighty men fell because of women; David fell because of Bathsheba, Samson fell because of Delilah, Judah fell because of Tamar, the sons of Shechem perished because of Dinah.

2. Quest for pride and fame and success:

The Bible tells us that pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

[Proverbs 16:18 KJV] “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”.

We all know how Lucifer became Satan. He dreamt of exalting his throne above the Most High. Many young people have been destroyed because of pride and a haughty spirit.

Beware! Don’t fight for your rights and lose your birthright. Many wives have lost their birthright because they fought for their rights. Sometimes, it is better to keep your birthright at the expense of your rights. Pride is a killer, let us be careful. Listen when a person of authority in your life speaks to you; apologise when you are wrong, treat all men with respect, but don’t let anyone take you for granted. Let us beware of pride, it has destroyed many, and many have fallen from heights as a result.

The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. May you receive grace, Amen!

3. The love of money:

The Bible tells us in clear language that the love of money is the root of all evil. This is the biggest pitfall for all men. Beware of covetousness. Don’t be trapped. A woman who loves money is dangerous.

4. The words of your mouth:

The Apostle James explains this point very well;

[James 3:2 KJV] “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body”.

Indeed, by your words, you shall either be justified or ensnared. Your words are forerunners into your future, the words we speak affect our lives.

I pray that the Lord will give us the wisdom to escape the pitfalls on the route of life.

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Understanding the Christian Call

Anchor Text

[Genesis 12:1‭-‬3 KJV] “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed”.

Central Truth

It is important for us to understand that every call has a purpose. We call our friends and family and even strangers for a reason. Sometimes, we call people just for their attention, or to check on them, or to ask a question, or get them to do something. The Christian call has a purpose and we are seeking to understand this purpose in the study of Abraham’s life.

Discussion:

The Bible tells us in the book of Galatians that God forseeing that He will justify the Gentiles through faith, first preached the gospel to Abraham. This clearly shows that our calling is quiet comparable to the call of Abraham. The gospel was first preached to Abraham for our sake.

[Galatians 3:8‭-‬9 KJV] “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham”.

What then is this Christian calling? What is the call all about? I believe that God is calling us, and He is calling us to the following;

1. Separation:

He called Abraham to come out. He is calling us to come out; out of our familiar places, out from under the curse, from under sickness, from the old company, etc. Until we step out of the old places, the new things cannot begin. We must step out of the old places, then the new thing will begin. The Christian calling is a calling to holiness, separation, and change. He said, “come out from among them and I will be your God and you be my people”.

2. Greatness:

Our call is a call to greatness and not shame. He has called us from shame and disgrace to a place of grace and honour. When we come out to follow the call, we walk into greatness. Before God met David, he was a shepherd; after meeting him, he became the king. God is calling us to greatness and we will never regret answering the call.

3. Blessedness:

God is calling us to come from under a curse to blessedness. God is calling us to restore to us the blessing that was from the beginning. He is calling us to step into the blessing. God does not want any man to operate under a curse. He is calling us to step out of sickness, curses, poverty, and hardship. God wants us to walk in the blessing.

4. Great name:

When God called Abraham, He promised him a great name. He said, “I will make your name great”. God is calling us to influence and impact. He will. Make your name great. Even demons will acknowledge your name. The demons said “Jesus I know, Paul I Know, but who are you”. From today, no demon can ask you that question. You will have a great name as you answer the call.

5. Fruitfulness:

God wants us to be Fruitful. He is calling us from scarcity to abundance. Jesus came that we might have and abound with life. This is our calling to be fruitful. He called us that we shall go and bear fruits that our fruits should remain.

6. Being a  blessing to the world around us:

Finally, your calling is a calling to be a blessing to the world around you. It is more blessed to give than to recieve. We are called to give. We are called to contribute to the health and prosperity of the world around us.

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

Don’t Learn the Hard Way that Dreams Don’t Always Fulfill

Sometimes when you are here, you think things may be nicer out there, and when you are out there, you think it may be better here.
Many of the times we learn too late and the hard way that dreams don’t always fulfill. This is because for many of us the grass always seems greener on the other side. So while we are here, we are looking there; only to shift there and realize that dreams don’t always fulfill.

Discussions

The prodigal son is a typical example of this truth. While he lived in his father’s house, he felt that life could be more adventurous and exciting on the other side of town. He left home and not many days afterwards, he realized that a story is always nicer when it is being told than when you are actually living it out. He came to his father and asked for the things that falls to him. While in his father’s house, he lived as a prince, when he left, he lived a riotous life and soon became a labourer.

I pray for you that as you are planted in a good church like the HighCity Church, you shall stay and be loyal to the cause of God that is being championed here. Inasmuch as I believe there is no harm in trying, I believe that there is no need to step out of your father’s house in search of any greener pastures. I pray that you will stay and focus on staying.

The rich young ruler with a bumper harvest is another classic example. He had a dream to pull down his barns and build a bigger one and take life easy; it was that very night that God demanded his life. Godliness with contentment is great gain, I pray that each of us will live a fruitful and fulfilling life with contentment.

There is an English adage that says, a bird in hand is worth a two in the bush. Be content with working in your father’s house, and in His vineyard. Don’t allow the prospects and promise of a better life to decieve you to seek a better life elsewhere. So, if you really want to be faithful with your father’s business, then you must do the following;

1. Make the Lord Your shepherd:

Psalm 23 teaches that if we make the Lord our shepherd, then none of us will lack or want. He will make us to lie down in green pastures, restore our souls, lead us beside stilled waters, lead us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He will set a table before us in the presence of our enemies; comfort us with His presence, rod and staff even through the valley of the shadow death; He will anoint us with His oil, and our cups shall run over. He will not suffer our feet to be moved. He that watches over us will neither sleep nor slumber.

2. Be planted in the House of the Lord:

The Bible tells us that, “they that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of the almighty” (Psalm 92:11-14). We must not run after wealth and riches and fame. As we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, anything the world is looking for shall be added to us.

3. Delight yourself in the law of the Lord:

Psalm 1 exhorts us not to sit, stand or walk with people of divergent views. They will influence you adversely. Don’t sit in the seat of the scornful, the wicked or the ungodly. The Bible says blessed is the man that doesn’t sit in the seat of the scornful, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor walk in the counsel of the ungodly, but his delight is in the law of the Lord. That man is like a tree planted by the sides of the river, he shall bring forth his fruits in due season.

4. Dont consent to the enticement of sinners:

Proverbs 1:10-16 teaches that, “if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” Be smart, the grass may look greener on the other side but don’t be enticed.

5. Finally, seek first the kingdom of God:

Matthew 6:33 teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto us. All that the younger son needed to seek was the kingdom and righteousness of God. As we pursue kingdom interest, all other things shall be added to us.

Benediction

I pray that you shall escape the trap of seeking for a better and wild life outside where God has planted you; whether it is marriage, relationship, career, ministry, family, etc. Wherever the Lord has planted you is the place for you. The Lord will keep and protect you. You will not be enticed by evil men. You will dwell where the Lord has planted you. You are a child of God and you will not miss the way. Many of those trying to entice you today would not have accepted you yesterday. They like you today because, someone has prepared you.

Be blessed; I love you!

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org

6 Things that are Better than Riches

[Revelation 14:13 KJV] “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”.

The scriptures teaches that blessed are those who die in the Lord: the Bible assures that they may rest from their labours; and their works shall follow them, Praise the Lord! When we all fall asleep, we may rest from our labours and our works shall follow us; the Bible tells us that God shall bring every man’s works into judgment, whether it is good or bad, both what we did in secret and in the open. Our works shall follow us to either testify against or for us.

We must, therefore, endeavour to maintain good works after we come to the faith of Christ. We can, however, maintain good works by grace and also by being godly and living content. We know that the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is good, but the love of money is the roots of all evil.

[1 Timothy 6:6-12 KJV] “But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”.

Remember the nursery rhyme; “Good, better, best; may I never rest, until my good is better and my better best”. Riches are good but there is more to life than money. Some things are better than riches. Riches is good, but some other things are better.

Six of such better things are:

1. Your Soul:

One of the things that are far better than riches and wealth is your soul. The Lord said, “what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” [Mark 8:36 KJV].

The most valuable thing a man possesses is his own soul. Do every thing to keep your soul intact, saved and safe. There is nothing of value that can be compared to your soul.

2. Life and Health:

The second thing that is better than riches and wealth is your life and health. It is better to be alive and healthy than to be rich. We must pray for life and not riches. Indeed, the blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow.

3. A Good Name:

Obviously, a good name is far better than riches. A good name is good will. Your name can take you places money may not be able to. A good name brings loving favour. We must desire to maintain a good name rather than riches.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold”. [Proverbs 22:1 KJV]

4. A Virtuous Woman for a Wife:

The Bible tells us that her value is more than rubies. A virtuous woman is a gift from God. Almost all men are virtuous but only a few are faithful, but there are just few virtuous women among the many. If you have one for a wife, you have something that is to be valued than riches.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies”. [Proverbs 31:10 KJV]

5. Wisdom:

Money is good, wisdom is also good, but wisdom excels money, because wisdom gives life to them that have it. Wisdom is excellent, far better than riches.

“For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it”. [Ecclesiastes 7:12 KJV]

6. PEACE:

Peace is better than riches. The Bible says, “better the little with peace, than the dainty of royalty with strife”. I rather have peace of mind with little, than the fat of rams with strife. May the Lord give us peace on every side. I pray for you that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding shall keep you, Amen!

“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith”. [Proverbs 15:16 KJV]

Indeed, godliness with contentment is great gain because blessed are those who die in the Lord, they shall rest from their labours and their works shall follow them. We brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we shall take nothing out; therefore though our piety and godliness may not produce wealth; it is better to serve and worship God with piety than to pursue money and success.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”. [Revelation 14:13 KJV]

These are six things to be desired and pursued, rather than riches.

Stay blesse; I love you;

Noah Simpe Bediako

Originally published at highcity.org