MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 29/05/2024

WEDNESDAY - 29TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

SOCIETAL REFORMATION THROUGH REPENTANCE

Luke 3:7-8, NLT

"7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God..."

The society can be reformed through repentance! How can we know good life on earth when our society is in disarray and our systems (all human institutions i.e. Commerce/Business, Art/Entertainment, Sports, Politics/Government, Education, Spiritual/Social and Media are in devastatingly corrupt state. 

John the Baptist came preaching the message of repentance and if it interests you to know, Jesus didn't set it at nought. Only that where John baptized with water unto repentance, Jesus has the promise of baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). 

I tell you brethren that repentance - a change of life can change our society and make it heaven for us to live in. What are John's recommendations to the many people who hears him? He admonishes them to live above mere confession of being children of Abraham (of being Christians by word of mouth) to proving being one by a Christlike life. Now, what are the suggestions and solutions he gave on how they should live when they felt sorry and asked what to do?

"If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry" (Lk.3:11, NLT).  What has John said here? Be human! Exercise your bowel of compassion. Spread mercy! Give humanitarian aids and do good to everybody, especially those of the household of faith (Gal.6:10). That someone isn't born again or is not of your faith (i.e the Christian faith) doesn't mean you shouldn't help him. Irrespective of faith, creed, race; we are first of all one big family of the human race. Irrespective of our colour and the continent we live in, we are made of one blood (Acts 17:26). Seeing we're first human before segmentation into other castes of life, there's a good we have to do and keep doing to the human race without discriminating. Even God taught us to be like Himself who shines His sun and gives His rain to both good and evil men alike (Matt.5:45). There's no where you go where the sun, the rain and other natural wonders don't go into play. Couldn't God discriminate against the evil for having not received His only begotten Son by withholding those natural blessings from them? No, He won't. Reason being that we are all His creatures and He is still obligated to us as our Creator. He calls us to exercise same duty to both good and evil men alike so that we'll be children of our Father who's in heaven. 

Two, John addresses corrupt tax collectors and government officials, telling them not to exaggerate taxes than the government requires. Even the soldiers (who are known for their oppression and violent actions) enquire of him and he tells them not to extort money or make false accusations but be contented with their wages (Lk.3:12-14). 

You can testify that the above are the cankerworms that have eaten deep into our society. Demanding more than you're authorized takes forefront. It ranges from both private to public institutions; the force to sport, education and other ministries. Much revenues are collected under the guise of government's orders but never remitted. This is simply corruption!

What about extortion which men and women of the force are known for? Police officers, army, navy etc are known to be hard men devoid of compassion (due to their trainings) but those who threaten and impose strict measures on people to steal from them. They not only extort, they often accuse people falsely to pervert justice and earn a reward of sin for themselves. They don't mind the tears of another and have all together neglected the law.

All these are evils stemming from one thing - "not being contented with one's wages." Despite the much pay of our politicians and many government officials, they are yet not contented with their pay. Both in government and private institutions, you had to tip to get things done. Tipping encourages corruption. That idea that you should still be rewarded financially or in kind after discharging your rightful duty as an employee is an underlying work of corruption. We should rather see ourselves as unworthy servants who have only done what is expected of him. Waiting for a hand to pass a note to you after executing tasks rather shows you're a cursed and lost soul. In some places now, it is seen as a right. Workers eagerly wait for it and pick offence or have your work delayed as revenge when you don't do the 'needful.' These are souls that'll wrath in hell except they repent - seeing it's not a right practice or what they should make a culture of. 

John the Baptist's message is that of a social reformer. Yet, a message given him to preach by God (Lk.3:2-3). He nails on the head practices in his day that made their society impure and ungodly. If men would repent from all these (beginning from being contented with their wages across board), ritual killing, armed robbery, embezzlement and many other vices would dwindle, come to a halt especially in many African nations. 

That'll be real revival. Revival isn't rolling on the floor, shedding of tears or hollering. While they could accompany revival, they aren't the vital signs. What we are looking for is a broken and a contrite heart. A heart that'll be grieved and so turns away from such activity that loots the society and brings no glory to God. Imagine having a society with little or none of those vices, sooner, we'll progress and spend resources where they should be spent. It's then our light will be heralded even far away and our righteousness shine forth like the sun. Only if men would repent of all their dead works where they are. If religious leaders would repent of hypocrisy, lecturers of failing students for not bribing or agreeing to sleep with them; politicians of looting, traders and business men of cheating and con activities, then we'll rise a colossus. Instead of sin which is a reproach to any people, we'll see righteousness exalt our nation (Prov.14:34). May men be gripped and cut deeply to their hearts in their offices, homes, at law court and even in the media houses, falling on their faces, confessing their sins and turning away from it. May our families and public centres be filled with the wave of this newness so that men could even kneel, praying in public without shame. May this wind of revival by repentance blows!

PRAYER: Lord, send down revival and turn the sinning hearts.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 28/05/2024

TUESDAY - 28TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

RESTITUTION IS A SIGN OF REPENTANCE

Luke 19:8, KJV 

"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."

What is restitution? The act of making good or compensating for loss or injury. It is the straightening of what has been formerly rendered crooked by you. It is when you seek to give or pay back or give accounts and face what you've done wrong. 

If you had caused someone pain and heartache, this is where you humbly and in wisdom, amidst counsel and guidance of right people seek to show how sorry you are - asking for their forgiveness. Many run away from this and never made peace with those they had hurt. 

Don't forget that while you were in your former life, you acted someway that was detrimental to someone or some people. You ought prove you're all new to that person now. Doing so will be fruits worthy of repentance. This is what restitution helps you do. It makes people have a new perspective of you differently from what they've held before. Restitution isn't a show off but a step by a grieved or sorry heart who wants to make things right. 

In our past reading, we saw Zaccheaus restituting. The doing of such act portrays genuine repentance. No wonder Jesus could boldly say, "today, salvation has entered into this house." Why would he say that if he had not judged restitution to be a sign of true repentance and salvation. 

In the movie "Big George Foreman" which chronicles the astounding life of the former two times and future heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman is portrayed as having gone individually to seek forgiveness of those he had caused harm to while an unbeliever. This includes his former wife he cheated on and caused many heartaches. He even sought Muhammad Ali's forgiveness for constantly nurturing the thought of murdering him because of defeating him humiliatingly in a boxing match. Even Ali was shocked at such mile he went. This is putting things right and it shows a new life that has budded. Have you stolen something? Restore it! Did you harm someone? Call or see them (even if it'll be in the company and under administering of respectable people) and make things right. You'll be saving yourself and they too. Restitution makes grudges and thoughts of revenge from the other end to finally melt. If you've done harm and the other is filled with anger and wrath, he might likely nurture a comeback and I sure know you don't want to face the unexpected. 

Paul restituted in a manner you wouldn't suspect as restitution. He went in the company of Barnabas to be shown and testified of as having changed (Acts 9:26-28). Until then, he didn't win acceptance from the Christian community. The brethren were just fleeing from him thinking he was only putting on a form and and an act to find them out and haul them into prison. You have to make good what you have destroyed even if you won't be accepted or received. Do this to clear your conscience and have praise of your Father who's in heaven. Those you've hurt won't forget you sought to do good when you discovered it. 

Hear God's voice and act in accordance today. Meanwhile, don't restitute without carrying your local pastor along. He/she has wisdom and discernment on how best it should be done. Or else, you might incur avoidable damages in the process of restituting in zeal. Thank God you're touched and now feel sorry but do in the wisdom and counsel of your church leaders.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for the losses and harm I've brought to others. As I take a step to restitute, let me find favour. Melt the hardened heart.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 27/05/2024

MONDAY - 27TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE 

Luke 3:7-8, KJV

"7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."

Seek to live the blessed life. The blessed life is one with corresponding fruits to show for it. Repentance has been reduced to confession of faults or sins only.  Rather, it is weighty to acknowledge that it involves change of life or character. Asking for forgiveness with constant repeat of same issue doesn't typifies repentance. As such, be weaned from religion and come into the light of spirituality. 

John tells all those who turn out to hear his message to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. If you say you repented and the old has not passed away in your life, then you can't be deemed to have repented let alone prove same with fruits of christlikeness which justifies such repentance. II Cor. 5:17 would have been of no effect in your life also. God is calling for a life full of acts and not one full of mere confessions. Many put up much confessions yet aren't changing at all. Stop the form; pick up the practice. 

Zaccheaus is one who brings forth fruits worthy of repentance. Jesus is at dinning in his house. Here goes Zaccheaus.

Luke 19:8, KJV 

"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." 

He not only restored but as following fair justice system, he added a rental. If their money had been with them, wouldn't it have yielded an increase in one venture or the other? So, the need to pay rental with it.

Seeing this freewill prompted act, Jesus in awe, acknowledgement and commendation of Zaccheaus says, "this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9, KJV). Zaccheaus takes a turn and that act depicts repentance, change of heart and life. And that's what God focuses on. That's what He wants you to be filled with. That's a step towards salvation for any who carries it. Not one whose mouth is full of God but whose heart is far away. Repentance is first of all of the heart. It's a decision to change and then change lifestyle and live in the newness of another life as stipulated by God's Word and any upright law set in the society. When the audience of Peter were pricked in their heart, they asked, "what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). 

"38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Peter recommended repentance - turning a new leaf or the forsaking of one's sins. "Doing" is what brings in change. It is what you do and keep doing that proves and establishes your repentance. You once stole, steal no more but willingly work with your hands now (Eph.4:28). That'll be repentance. It's not saying, "I'm sorry Lord" without forsaking that evil way. You truly are sorry when your grieve or sorrow of heart leads to repentance and you turn a new leaf bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance. If you have truly repented, "you'll become a new man, old things will therefore pass away and all things will be new (as revealed in your new walks and works). 

Brethren, what do you need to repent of? Search yourself and let the godly sorrow coming from this message lead you to repentance. Do you feel sorry? You'll be doing something about it if you let that act you did be the last. Be known for a new life now and sooner you'll be called a new name and identified by a new identity. You shall no longer be called "scorpion", "poison", "slayer" etc again. 

PRAYER: Lord, forgive my misdeeds. Help my decision to follow the godly path.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 26/05/2024

SUNDAY - 26TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

STANDING UP AND SPEAKING UP

Darkness should be intimidated by light. Such order is what should follow. No time should a light carrier feel threatened by darkness. For this reason, we must all build a society where righteousness shines brightly like the sun, is embraced and lovingly cherished. Whether in our families, at work places or in the society at large, we must insist on having justice reign. As such, we need mouths to speak and insist on justice when it is being violated. Without mouths, darkness would overrun everywhere and men would slip into unrighteousness without a second thought or their consciences pricking them. 

God is calling you to stand up. Standing or speaking up is usually a rare act in a darkened and corruption dominated society especially ones with bullies and strong propagists of evils. As such, every one might have been beaten into silence. However, God is raising you to break such silence. He's sending you as a saviour to begin to deliver and speak for the oppressed and save many sheep from the teeth of the lions and bears that have them. That's the work of a spiritual leader who protects his sheep but it is your work in the civil society also. The plague of silence must not overhaul a Christian. We mustn't be afraid of darkness and so shut up from exposing or rebuking its deeds. When little little acts of injustice are ongoing and you refuse to talk, that foothold will lead to a stronghold and when it does, it becomes real difficult tackling it. What you don't want to see at all, don't accommodate it. 

One major trait of Moses is his speaking and standing up ability. He's an upstart in that. He rarely could stand injustice. On an occasion when he went to look at the burden of his people and sees an Egyptian maltreating a Hebrew, out of zeal and jealousy, he did something about it (Exo.2:11-12). He killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. While that's murder, yet we sure know that Moses seeks to balance things out by that action by calling for a society where liberty, equity and justice exist. When these are lost, oppression finds its place. 

In today's reading however, Moses stands up and speaks up for the seven daughters of Reul - the priest of Midian and his future father in-law. The shepherds who are bullies capitalize on their gender and its perceived weakness to take advantage of them and cheat them out of their rights. However, Moses rose up as a saviour and insisted on their right for them. He let them have their first place. He resisted those bully shepherds for them, fetched water and watered their flocks alike. Where they are weak, he becomes their strength. 

It is the mandate of a Christian to insist on what is right wherever he may be. It is his call to resist evil and spare what his right always. If we should let the plague of silence or inactivity rub itself on us, we'd close our eyes to injustice which will grow to the harvest of corruption that'll later reap. You're a freedom fighter, social and even a political activist. You must find your voice and calling which is to be mouth for the dumb. Job speaks thus of his lifestyle and social justice attitude. 

Job 29:15-17, KJV

"15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. 16 I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. 17 And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth."

This is your calling as a Christian. You shouldn't be the one cowering or shivering at the feet of unrighteousness. When you roar, it should flee. May you be strong. May you find a team of like-minded people where you are placed with which you could threaten evil and bring justice to the land. And when alone, may you always hear the strengthening voice of whose you are and who you serve. 

PRAYER: Lord, raise up for us activists in all endeavours of life. Put your jealousy, zeal and justice in such and let them call for equality, fairness and speak for the helpless

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 25/05/2024

SATURDAY - 25TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL  - Olusola ADEJUMO

TO THE MAN WHO HAS SOMETHING TO DO

Joshua 10:13-14, KJV

"13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel."

Many are the resources of the man whose hands have found purpose to discharge. When you have found something to do, before you call, you'll have answers. When you have found something to do - offcourse according to God's will and ordainment for you, eternity and earth would conspire together in mutuality unfathomable to make it come true. 

I have come to love reading biographies. That ain't because I studied Literature but because of the purposeful pursuits of great men and women in our world. You'd read and not only be informed but inspired to the doings of great things. "If it were possible for them, it is possible for me too." You'd encourage yourself that way. Over the years, I found out it works.

When you have found what your hands should be busy with, hear me, all heaven's arsenal would be in your disposal to seeing to its fulfilment. Such is the case of Joshua. Though the fight is not his fight but the Gibeonites'; being their covenant partner, he avails them Israel's help. For the defeat of the Amorites to be completed however, he requested that the sun would not set. That's a wondrous ask. A risky ask but he did submit that tender to God and guess what, God answered it. The sun stood still and hasted not to go down about a whole day. Such a shocking experience that no one would have expected. So shocking that the Bible acknowledged Joshua as a record breaker and the only one to ever hold that title. Verse 14 says, "and there was no day like that before or after it ..." 

If the sun stood still for Joshua until he accomplished the task at hand, it could sure stand still for you. How? It means, the element(s) of nature would be summoned to team up with you - work for your good and accomplishment of the purpose at hand. When God is working for you and He's right by your side, even the wind, the cold, the rain, the sun, the heat can all work for your definite good at a particular time. A team of players used to playing under a certain condition(s) could lose if the field of things changed. Weather, seasons, times and men are all ingredients that could work in the favour of the man whose hands have found purpose to discharge. God can make time, season and weather to be right for you!

When Barak/Deborah went out against Sisera, even elements of nature had to help them out (Judges 5:20-21). Even in this Joshua's narrative with those five kings, God rained down hailstones to help him eliminate his enemies. All these show that God is in the business of helping the man who's dedicated to purpose and the venture of destiny assigned by God. The sun can stand for you too. Even the course of things and the order of things could be compromised or changed just to accommodate you. After you might have been accommodated like Joshua, then the rule would continue to play on. Who has the Lord blessed today? Who has He favoured? It's you. Believe it! The sun will stand for you. Things will play in your favour that have not been reputed for such afore time. Now is that time. 

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for a new day and new order of things. The sun is standing still for me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 19/05/2024

SUNDAY- 19TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

REFUSE TO BE DISSUADED 

Acts 21:13, KJV

"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Nothing in the world should be able to dissuade you from your purpose and the fulfilment of it. It is not all assignments that are sweet or honeyed biscuits to our mouths. If it's the cup meant for us to drink, we should be persevering and obedient to take it. Jesus' cup is a cup of suffering and early death. Determined to do God's will, He refused any dissuasion on not dying. When He said He must suffer, die and resurrect on the third day, Peter would have none of it but Jesus rebuked Satan in him (Matt.16:21-23). Meaning, though His assignment is a hard one, yet He seeks to fulfill it because it is designated to Him by His Father. 

John 4:34 says, "my meat is to do the will of He that sent me and to finish His work." Finishing His work is very critical. Many there be who began eating the will of God but who stopped from finishing it when they came upon the hard rocks in their assignments. However, not Jesus and not Paul as we'll soon see. 

Here's Agabus bringing a prophecy to Paul that he'll be bound hands and feet in Jerusalem. Being in reputation for his honest prophecies, concern brethren would have Paul not go to Jerusalem where all these things are designated to happen. What is Paul's reply to this concern of theirs? Do you mean to weep and to break my heart. For I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Like Paul, what is in our calling should be wholly embraced and lived out. Even when the content of the cup is bitter and we waver, let our response be, "grace me and let your will be done." Paul displays the characteristic of a soldier here who endures hardness by the many things he suffers. He doesn't shy away from his divine mandate as clearly revealed by God at the beginning of his ministry. 

God testifying to Ananias said, "15 ...Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:15, KJV).  In Acts 20:22-24, Paul himself testifies that the spirit witnesses that suffering and imprisonment awaits him wherever he gets to. He however confesses that none of these things move him neither count his life dear to me that he might finish his course with joy and the ministry which he received from the Lord Jesus.

You see, finishing and with joy is all that matters! So, since it's part of his destiny and mandate to suffer for Christ, why accept to be persuaded out of it? Beware of those who want to persuade you through love and concern out of God's will for you. Their acts would not be doing you any good. Every man has a meat prepared for him from God that he must eat and finish. You must see to that even if it's content is bitter. Finishing the will of God should be your concern. Show firmness and deep conviction in your mandate when it involves suffering. If we suffer with Christ, we'll sure be gloried with Him. Know in whom you believe and what He has spoken to you. God through Agabus didn't make that disclosure so that Paul would be dissuaded from pursuing further God's will but so that He might be prepared. Many times, we miss the essence of God's communication by misinterpretation. However, Paul's discernment and resolution secured him. May nothing be able to buy you out of God's programme for you. 

PRAYER: I am unflinching in the pursuit of my purpose. Even when I come upon rocks, I shall not be afraid.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 18/05/2024

SATURDAY- 18TH MAY, 2024

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

RESPECT ISSUES OF THE HEART

Acts 1:23-24, KJV

"23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen."

God wants you to respect issues of the heart. Your estimation should not be on the appearances of men firstly but the heart and its state. In today's reading, the Apostles are seen doing same. When it comes to choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot, they specifically prayed that God who knows best the hearts of men would choose for them out of their provided two candidates. Yet, those two candidates are disciples. Christians, good Christians we might call them nowadays but still needed to be discerned. 

Whenever you're faced with the choice of who to go with in marriage, business or any sort of relationship; let the issues of the heart choose for you such that'll be on your team. I'll rather have a fellow who can't injure me next to me than have someone who appears charismatic and beautiful by my side. The Apostles have come to know one thing - a man is basically defined by his heart or what comes from there. As such, a man is his heart! That's why the Bible says, "as a man thinks, so is he" (Prov.23:7). What makes a tree good is the sort of fruit it produces: good or bad. And what sort of fruit produced comes from the inside of any man. That's why it is what comes from the inside of a man that as well defiles him (Matt.15:11). That's why Jesus was very much against hypocrisy, rebuking the Pharisees and other elders. He'd told them they loved to wash the outside of the cup and not keep the inside clean. He also compares their hypocrisy to a white painted grave which appears beautifully outside but which is full of rottenness inside. As such, Jesus esteems matters or issues of the heart over appearance. Appearance is easily forged and pushed! Anyone can fake appearance like the Gibeonites do but their motivation for doing such is what could be traced and rightly discerned to mark their genuinety or falsity (Joshua 9:3-14). 

The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 "the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it." You may not regard this verse as very truthful until you're injured by someone you regard as your neighbour. Some have been duped and jilted and so know that the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked. They are so much conscious now that they're reluctant making choices of who to marry again. In business and other life's ventures, others have been betrayed also. Such disappointments have concretized this truth of man's heart being deceitful above all things. As such, it calls us to the need to weigh hearts before choosing one. Man may pretend to be B but in reality is A. If you have no discernment, you might fall for the front he is selling and eventually suffer for it. 

It is this knowledge of the heart being right that made the Apostles pray that God should choose for them a candidate whose heart is right. They might have also learnt from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Heart is everything even in choosing leaders politically. If you vote selfish individuals, you'll reap the brunt of their selfishness. However, let me quickly say "heart" as referred to here isn't that blood pumping organ. No! It rather refers to the motivation, thoughts, outlook or perspective, objective, desire, believe, attitude of individuals. Those are the things that would influence and dictate the actions and reactions of anyone. Someone may be very handsome but if he believes saying sorry diminishes him when he offends another, I'll say that's a bad heart you're seeing right there. His believe is wrong and so his heart would act wrongly. It is God's desire that our hearts would be right always. When Simon the sorcerer got converted but offered money to Peter in order to have the Holy Ghost, what Peter rebuked is his heart not being right because he thought of buying the gift of God with money.

Acts 8:21, KJV

"Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."

As such, you know the heart in question is not the physical organ doctor deals with. Ensure that your heart is right always and ensure you make choices of people based on their hearts. Stop falling for people because of their fine appearances and how they solely paint themselves, you'd die by tomorrow doing so. How would you know people's hearts? A man is identified by his fruit. Do we gather grapes from thistles (Matt. 7:16)? However, let discernment be at work at all times to help you unravel man's deception. 

PRAYER: Lord, search me and see if there be any wicked way in me. Show me those around me who could hurt me.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Click TRANSLATE on the blog & read in your own language. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ http://morningwingsministry.blogspot.com