THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS

THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS 

Let me briefly talk about the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. As in, knowing the fellowship of Christ's suffering. 

Somebody once prayed that he would know the Lord. However, he didn't stop there. He raised another outcry which surprised me, and that was to know the fellowship of His sufferings. Let's see how the fellow rightly put it.

Philippians 3:10, KJV

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."

Have you seen that man's longing? That man is Apostle Paul or better still, Brother Paul. 

He prayed..."that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection..."

That would have been okay. Everyone would have wanted to stiff it there. "To know the Lord and the power of His resurrection" is a thing that makes any man to be regarded as a BIG man of God. 

It's a thing to 'boast' of if ever we were to count boasts. 

But then, Paul goes on to say, "and the fellowship of His sufferings."

I personally wondered if he was in his right senses when he said that. But I found out he was. Apart from having a revelation that made me knew he was, I've also grown to a place where the desire and surrenderness that made Paul prayed like that has been united in me. So, I know somebody can willingly surrender "to suffer" for Christ. 

It is this second part that says, "and the fellowship of Your sufferings" that made me affirm over and over that Bro. Paul is indeed spiritual.

Many wish to know Christ and taste one of the astounding privileges of knowing Him - "the power of his resurrection" but they don't want the second part - "sharing in His sufferings."

That one is a bitter leaf they don't want to eat or swallow. They can know Christ and the power of His resurrection - that will make them look like superman to those who touch or hear about them but what about 'the fellowship of His sufferings?"

Behold, "...and the fellowship of His sufferings...", is what I'm here to talk about. 

As you grow in faith and in surrenderness to Jesus, you'll get to a place where there's nothing precious you can't yield up. It may however be step by step before your eventual graduation to a place where you're lost in Christ and can't find yourself any longer. Yieldedness would have been beaten into your frame. Even before the Lord asks at times, you would have laid it at the altar. 

That's where Paul got to when he prayed this prayer. A carnal minded person cannot pray this kind of prayer. It's a bitter pill to swallow.

But as you grow and exercise yourself in/ towards godliness, certain strong head and the clinging to one's way will be peeled off you. You'll outgrow them. 

At that juncture, nothing will be too big to give to God. At that time, your desires would have taken a u-turn. If it's not for God and towards His will, "let it die", you'll say without regrets. Carnal mindedness would have been swallowed up by an affection set on things above. Like Stephen, when others are doing the "earthly", you'll gaze up, act and utter differently. 

Acts 7:55-56, KJV

"55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."

At that time, what will be enviable to you will be this prayer of Paul. You will look up to say, "that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto His death..."

Imagine such aspirations! Paul has left aspiring for money behind. What concerns him? What is wheat to chaff? His longing and deep call is, "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings...etc"

When Paul says, "that I may know Him...", he's talking of personal, intimate, progressive, daily, deeper relationship. That's an ever increasing knowing. At the time He said that, he sure knows the Lord. However, knowing the Lord doesn't terminate if you're still in the flesh. It's continuous. You'll keep intimating, knowing and gathering from God. That's why what God gives us is said to be daily. 

The Bible says, "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). 

This, "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" is or are the revelations or rhema words that God will communicate and speak to each of us per time as we come before Him. As we study the Bible, when it breaks loose and instructions leap at us, we're receiving words that we can live on, and of course that proceeds out of the mouth of God. That's the word that meets needs, fits your situation and helps you paddle through life. 

In another place, the Bible says, "give us today our daily bread" (Luke 11:3). 

Daily bread is suggestive of portion that we rely on God to gather daily and continuously. If you're this dependent on God, you can't but be driven to His chest. 

For that reason and from the multitude of the total consumption with love for God, Paul cried, "that I may know Him..."

He doesn't want to rely on the glory of yesterday. 

Paul is still yearning and probing for new growth and experiences in Christ. So, he could say, "that I may know Him..."

Then, what about "the power of his resurrection?" Do you remember Jesus was raised from the dead? (Eph. 1:19-20). That resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is what gives believers dominion over sin (Rom. 6:4-11). 

It is also the power (Spirit) by which we walk in newness of life - living holy and victorious life. It's also the same power that assures us of our own future resurrection (I Cor. 15:20-23). Again, it's the great power of the Holy Spirit in us, by which we meet needs and lift things in the Spirit (Rom. 8:11). What a power! Power effective! Power crescendo!

And then, "the fellowship of His sufferings..."

What does this mean since this is the crux for which I struck this teaching open?

When you know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, that's when you're beginning to be perfected like Him. Why did I say that? It's because Jesus Himself says, "a disciple is not greater than His master" (Matt. 10:24-25).

There, Jesus says, "if they have called the master all sorts of evil names and persecuted Him, will (should) the experience of his disciples or followers be different?"

Who are these His followers if not all of us? 

So, in suffering, we're not greater than our Master - Jesus. We'll have to share in His sufferings too. The disciples got here. They were persecuted and still went away rejoicing.

Acts 5:41, KJV

"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

What a strange act! What sort of abnormal creatures they are! Imagine that! That was not ordinary. They should have indulged in self pity but they did otherwise for having been counted worthy to participate in Christ's sufferings. They didn't sulk, looking for consolation. They went on being cheerful however!

What a shock!

Until we taste of the fellowship of His sufferings, we cannot be like He is. Until then, we're not perfected like He is. 

We should count it worthy when we face all sorts for Christ's sake. Rejoice for great is your reward says the Bible. So persecute they the prophets before you (Matt. 5:10-12). 

It is this that makes us as Christ is. That is what Paul desired. He wanted to be equal to Jesus and be as He is. Imagine that desire. 

"The fellowship of His sufferings" means partaking of His sufferings. If when you preach, you're stoned, assaulted or abused, that'll be "knowing or partaking of the fellowship of His sufferings." When we "fellowship", it literally means coming to relate or intimate with God. That's fellowshipping with God. So also, we can also 'koinonia' with Christ's suffering by being a partaker of sufferings and hardships that goes with Christian services or more specifically, bearing the name of Christ or preaching the gospel.

Paul aspired to this status as if without it, he wouldn't have been perfected (and that's truly needed).  

He desired that everything that befell Christ would befall him. He was praying that he would not be spared but be counted a worthy partaker of Christ's sufferings in order to be like Him. 

That is IDENTIFICATION! Some are ashamed of Christ, His demands, burdens, cross and reproaches but here's someone calling for it and seeking it.

He wanted a full touch of everything that touched Christ. He wanted to 'eat' all the 'course meals' that Christ also ate. 

He wanted to drink of the cup of sufferings of Christ (Matt. 20:22-23). Drinking it to the full!

And indeed, Paul knows the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. Listen to him recount it all. 

"23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 

24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 

25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea

26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 

27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 

28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches" (II Corinthians 11:22-28, NIV).

When Paul said he was shipwrecked three times, take that for being a plane crash victim three consecutive times and yet being spared. 

If you've experienced vivid plane turbulence before, let alone a crash, you'll understand and appreciate Paul for all his experiences. 

Kai! 

Lord, count me also worthy. I know I'm like a jeep made for rough terrains. I'm seeking expression of it all and manifestations of all that has been written. In all when it comes, may it be to the glory of Your name. We're not afraid if it's for the cause of the gospel and Christ. We'll humbly suffer for Him.

Then, our verse says, "being made conformable to His death."

What does this mean? What is Paul aspiring to here?

Having known the fellowship of Christ's sufferings by partaking in it, one will then be made conformable to His death. 

This is nothing but dying to self. When you're made conformable to His death, you share in the self denial attitude and disposition of Jesus.

When you're "conformed" to something, you lean towards and might eventually take a stance and a position. That's aspiration to arrive at total surrenderness where one can confess like Christ, "not my will but your will."

You will arrive where God's will/purpose will cross your own human will. If at that time, you want to conform unto His death, you'll act like Jesus who said in prayer, "Father, let this cup pass over me" but who immediately submits saying, "not my will but yours." This way, you share in the inevitable outcomes of Jesus' death.

When you're this way dead to sin, you'll live humbly and sacrificially. 

You will have nothing precious that you can't yield or give up for Christ's and the gospel's sake. 

Jesus yielded His own life up to fulfill His Father's will. Same way, you'll begin to live sacrificially, while hoping for resurrection and eternal life. And that's why I need to quickly introduce you to one couple whose pictures the Lord flashed before me to model an example of those who "have known the fellowship of Christ's sufferings" also. 

Benjamin and Gloria Kwashi (a couple) are those servants. They may not be beautiful to many people but they are to God. 

Benjamin was once the Archbishop of Jos Province in the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria. Though orthodox ministers and such that some may not reckon to live sacrificially for Jesus, yet they have 'given all' and probably are still paying. 

They have been beaten, bombed, threatened, robbed, raped and violated. Gloria, the wife of Benjamin Kwashi had been barbarically beaten and raped even by those sent to murder her husband! You heard that! But they're still trodding on.

Their church and their house have been bombed and burnt on occasions and they've survived many attempts and assassinations targeted against their lives in Nigeria's northern part. 

Because of their hearts for Jesus, they have adopted 54 kids (if not more) who live with them apart from their own 6 adult kids. These could have been displaced and orphaned children from terrorism and the many assaults against Christian communities in Jos. In addition, a good report says they have like another 450 adoptees in their school. 

What will you do if you get to a place where your spouse is raped for the cause of Christ? Indeed, they are on the front line while many only coast along!

These are people who have had their own shares and known the fellowship of Christ's sufferings.

They are partakers not only of the blessings but the 'marah water' that's bitter. 

But their knowing Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings only loud their being made conformable unto His death.

They and other heroes of faith that we can't count are the ones who indeed have known the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. 

The fellowship of Christ's sufferings is not interesting but your love for Him is what can give you love and endurance to bear it. 

More so, since your will is lost in Christ's, you will not care about the earthly again. Even if you lost all, you'll say Christ is enough for me. I believe that's the solace of this Kwashi family. May we also say, "Christ is enough for us."

What a privilege that's bestowed on us when we know Christ's sufferings. 

What an honor that what happened to Jesus is happening to us!

What a thing of joy to yield our life, wealth, status, importance, esteem up for Jesus and His cause. 

May God find me and you worthy of knowing the sufferings of Christ.

Will it be good if He only blesses us (with salvation and all spiritual blessings) but we never taste His sufferings. 

We won't be that kind of friend who only eats the goods of His house but can't endure with Him. We will rather stay and abide with Him in His 'moment of temptations'. 

Our song even in that deep anguish and troubling will be:

Thou my everlasting portion,

More than friend or life to me,

All along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

All along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure,

Nor for fame my prayer shall be;

Gladly will I toil and suffer,

Only let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

Gladly will I toil and suffer,

Only let me walk with thee.

Lead me through the vale of shadows,

Bear me o'er life's fitful sea:

Then the gate of life eternal,

May I enter, Lord, with thee

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

Then the gate of life eternal,

May I enter, Lord, with thee.

So shall it be brethren! (Amen)!

Olusola ADEJUMO,

M'Wings. 

Morning Wings Ministry,

Nigeria. 

morningwingsministryplus@gmail.com 

5/10/2025

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 7/10/2025

TUESDAY - 7TH OCTOBER, 2025

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

A MAN OF GOD HAS A MANNER OF LIFE: JOHN IN VIEW - My Manner of Life Series 004

Matthew 3:4, KJV

"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey."

We've been on the manner of life of a man of God and of course a Christian's. What brought this and popped it up for us to divide is the word of that Shunem woman about Elisha to her husband which says, "...Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passes by us continually."

She sees something in Elisha before holding the confession that she's an holy man of God. She could see his consecration and she could see that he lives it also. There are men who tells others to adhere to something but who don't themselves. For their sake, this scripture was written, "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?" (Romans 2:21). Many people need to answer that question and live up to its demands. We're not called to be like the hypocrite Pharisees who command men of hard things but don't make any effort towards same.

Matthew 23:4, KJV 

"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."

This is nothing but a show life. Such cannot go any distance. It'll soon fall down and die. Falsehood will always give way to truth and be eventually dismantled. 

If we focus a search light on your life, what will we see? A holy man of God or a rotten man of God? Speaking of which I'm hearing a verse in my spirit. 

Matthew 23:27, KJV

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."

You see, this is how many Christians, and unfortunately ministers are. They look decent on the outside but if they were to be spiritually discerned, you'll express shock in terror at who they are. 

What is the manner of life that befits a man of God? Let's consider through John's life in today's verse. The Bible describes John's clothing, appearance and food. The background information we have on him is that John stays in the wilderness. 

Matthew 3:1, KJV

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea."

If anybody wants to preach or start ministry, should he start in a difficult place? A place that's a naturally turn off to many people. That's exactly where John began his ministry from. You could have thought people wouldn't come but they rushed for God. 

 "5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."

Did you see the multitude who went, confessed their sins, repented and were baptized by him? Was John aided by any other thing that we need to discover? I'll say, nothing else except the Holy Spirit. Nothing else except a preacher's life that attests to his message. Don't forget that this John later told them to bring forth fruits that meet with repentance (Matt. 3:8). He was even calling some out of their dead works specifically. How could he do this?

It's because he has a clear conscience, and not only because God gave him a message, "repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."

If you recall, we read that John lived a simple life. His life was supported only by clothing made from camel's hair and a leather belt round his waist (I guess, to firmly hold the dress). Nothing extravagant about him. Even his meals are not ornamental or luxurious. It's not the type you find in kings' palaces and courts. It is locust and wild honey - yet a good balanced diet for his life. 

His life and diet shows a humble, consecrated and devoted preacher. One who has not been spoiled and looted by the world. You could see sobriety in his life. He didn't go hungry, go around begging for food or stealing to eat. God give him food convenient for him. Food enough to support his body and ministry. 

Jesus later speaking of him says this, "who have you gone to see?"

Luke 7:25-28, KJV

"25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Did you see Jesus' testimony about him? If you can draw this testimony of heaven, you need not worry about the luxurious clothing, food or appearance people are trying to cultivate. As long as you're given your own portion in this life, that's enough. Over do is excess. Once your voice becomes a Spirit's call like John so much more that you can cry and be called, "a voice" where you are, then let other things be as God has measured it unto you. Be the voice of one crying where you are situated! 

PRAYER: Lord, I regain consciousness and reorder my priorities wherever they've been set wrong. I will not cloud the message by my extravagant and unrepentant life.

BIBLE IN A YEAR

II Tim. 4; Isaiah 56-58

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 @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 6/10/2025

MONDAY - 6TH OCTOBER, 2025

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

ESTEEM MANNER OF LIFE - My Manner of Life Series 003

II Kings 4:9, KJV

"And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually."

When you distract attention to the ephemeral, you lose the substance. This will raise the question of what a chaff is to wheat. It'll raise the question of which is really needful. 

This teaching should also warn us to stop seeing what we should let go in people while totally killing the desire to affirm the unimportant. Often, what people praise in their men of God is his style, his car collection, wardrobe and taste. That shouldn't concern you. Paul speaking to Timothy says. 

II Timothy 3:10, KJV 

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience..."

Mark the usage of the expression, "manner of life" or what we can also call "conduct", it means how one's life is being carried and lived - by what standards and values it's lived. That's what he told Timothy to open his eyes to absorb. That's what he's telling us to fixate on. The Bible admonishes us further when it says. 

Hebrews 13:7, KJV "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

Over time, the Bible tells us to follow men as they follow Christ (I Corinthians 11:1) but in all these following, we have a thing we're to watch or get. We're to follow their faith as we observe what becomes of their lives. We're not to follow their wardrobe or fashion sense. Not even their diction? They are least of what the Bible wants our attention to be on. 

What have your own eyes been on as you follow that Christian before you? What have you coveted most from him/her? Why do you want to be seen with him? Is it to pull rank that you're in a relationship with him or that the anointing may fall on you and service be called out of you?

Why?

What that woman perceived was Elisha's manner of life - his purity, devotion, humility. She didn't see a flowing garment. Like Jesus commented somewhere, "those who wear soft raiments are in the kings' court" (Lk. 7:25-27). They are the ones given to wanton living. 

What you see in people tells us who you are and what you really cherish? It tells us what you hold dear and what you would ask if offered the chance. When Elijah asked Elisha, what shall I do for you? His response was straight, "that I might inherit double of your portion" (II Kings 2:9). It shows where his values are and what he longs to have. He was not looking for 30 pieces of silver or 40 pieces of clothing, donkeys and oxen. He went for value. 

If you esteem material things more than a person's manner of life, you can marry a crook with money or a beautiful wife with no character (fruits of the Spirit). 

Therefore, we should seek not to know people after the flesh but who God really calls them. Elisha is just a traveller like any other but this woman sees him beyond what appears ordinarily. He decodes he's a holy man of God by the manner of his life. He doesn't laden himself with much as he passed on in his journey. He's just like shepherds who only carry little for the journey and trust their needs to be met as they go. This produces contentment and an awesomeness around him. Also, it's high time we began to "perceive" or sense by discerning who people really are. Let's see beyond the facade of deception and what they project. Let's see into their manner of life. Judge people by their manner of life and not by materials they have gathered. 

PRAYER: Lord, make me a man of good intent, a man of depth who judges by the critical matters. I shall not be deceived nor regard people in the flesh.

BIBLE IN A YEAR

II Tim. 3; Isaiah 54-55

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A LIFE OF ESSENTIALS!

 A LIFE OF ESSENTIALS!

People, there's "A Life of Essentials" and that's what we're here to talk on. 

I know you're already wondering what sort of life that is. 

You're also curious - on your tiptoes, wanting to see it all. Some are already asking, "can you just go into the heart of the matter?"

Alright!

Let's dive!

Whenever God wants to bless a man, He would command the light to come suddenly on him. It'll look "suddenly" because it'll grow out at once and all will be left to wonder at how quick the manifestation was. 

Meanwhile, this act is not like a plant raised in the night whose destiny in turn is to die in the night very soon (Jonah 4:10). There's an order it follows!

Consider the great woman of Shunem who nudged her husband to build a place for Elisha. Guess what she said. 

II Kings 4:9, KJV

"And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually."

Until this time, we never saw God's workings being acknowledged for what it is. Do you know why? It has not yet sprouted out. 

The Bible says in Isaiah 43:19, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?..."

Mark the usage, "now it shall spring forth..."

It means, "to grow out, to make come out, to be wrought, to be done, to be manifested (caused) for eyes to see and for all men to acknowledge."

It's not the day a seed sprouts out we know it exists. However, we evidently acknowledge its existence solidly because of its physical manifestation above the ebb.

That's why we only sum the total workings of God into the thanksgiving we send at manifestation. Only if we'll reckon that much behind scene works had gone into that manifestation. Then, we'll stop celebrating the tip of the iceberg. 

Consider Elisha's! He had passed by that road many times. That's why that woman could say, "...I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by us continually."

Mark the word, "continually." It shows repeated action. However, on each occasion Elisha passes, this woman watches until she became convinced that Elisha is different from other travellers. Something assured her heart that this one is a holy man of God. Let me summarily tell you what she saw. It's what the Bible calls, "your manner of life" in II Tim.3:10 and "your chaste behaviour" in I Pet. 3:2.

That woman saw in Elisha even as he continually passes a life void of greed but carrying the deep mark of humility, contentment (one who doesn't own all but have all), awe and the power of God that could be felt. Unlike other travellers that have passed that same road whose gazes only clung to the money bags and the material things of this world, Elisha begged to differ. He never admired the world around him in his pilgrimage. Rather, he only passes through it to his destination as often as he passed that road. He was never distracted to the flashy wares being sold or have his attention diverted by the voices of money doublers or those dazzling people with magic or better still, mirages. The woman saw this and gasped, "this is a holy man of God!" She saw reverence - the one that only gods could possess. Even as Elisha passes, all the noise at the market place seems to quieten down, the children seem to give attention and stop their play as if a whale was passing. 

Something about him grips everyone and distinguishes him from the world around him. So, she came to confession time having verified by observations the truth that, "this is a holy man of God which passes by us continually."

The idea of, "which passes by us continually" means he is God sent and God will have us house him. It means he is an opportunity we dare not to miss any longer; a blessing that we need to make room for urgently. We've trivialized him until now by not acknowledging him for who he is but the time of ignorance God has winked at. Now, let's do well to bring him in. Don't let us miss out on what God is planning to do. What happened after Elisha's accommodation is a history that you know very well. The perception of this woman eventually pays her off. 

So, it was at this point of recognition that what God had been doing sprouted out! We never knew it until that woman calls her husband's attention to the passing of Elisha and that she has done her due diligence by verifying the information she's giving. Elisha is, "a holy man of God" who is worthy of being housed; not a rascal, robber or someone who'll bring them imminent harm. 

But until then, imagine the limitedness the human senses are fretted with. It just lacked enough sense to travel back and trace the roots of events that led to the acceptance of Elisha. And when it does, it doesn't know all that meets for it. Why? There are background scenes! That's what we take for granted. You should come out of it and show gratitude for every inch God takes you. 

Anyway, the man of God was perceived and his matter was brought up for consideration before the family head. After the bill was passed and accepted, men were moved to site and swift work began. What resulted after that?

They indeed made a place for Elisha like this woman suggested when she sought her husband's permission. 

II Kings 4:10, KJV

"Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."

Now, did you ever wonder why it was only a 'bed - for resting/sleeping, table - for eating/reading, stool (chair) - for sitting and candlestick - for reading/light' that were set in Elisha's newly prepared room?

Why not any other additional thing?

Or, do you think it was for the want of things they didn't deck his room with Arabian rugs? 

No! Those are just unimportant. You must have learnt that, "man shall not live by bread alone but only by the essence or the essential which the Bible calls the Word that proceeds out of God's mouth" (Matt. 4:4).

As it concerns Elisha, he also only needed the essentials. He doesn't need the complications of this world that never satisfies. He is a man of contentment and the things provided him are just enough for use. This is who a man of God should be - contented, void of jangling and greedy for which some sin [or kill] when they cannot have. What eventually become sin is lust that has mature (James 1:14-15). Beware!

Now that we know that Elisha was provided with the essentials because he only needed the essentials settles out hearts to continue. 

Do you know the Bible passage that's occurring to my mind now? It's I Timothy 6:8 that says, "But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."

That's a life of essentials - that makes you free of many worries and escape many temptations and hurtful things others who desire to be rich or amass wealth fall into. That life should be the life of every Christian and man of God. Even if you're wealthy, that mind of "a life of essentials" should still be at the back of your mind. 

When the Bible says, "but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content", it means, "those will suffice", "those will make us to stop searching restlessly and frantically", "that being in place will make us restful - filling us with gratitude over what we have while jettisoning or despising what doesn't matter." As such, we'll be free and light like a bird that's at any time ready for flight. 

Not everything is important. One mark of maturity is to identify what is and what is not in this life. It'll free you from working overdue and stretching/straining to live. 

If anyone refuses to operate by that mindset and practice, he'll get into trouble and begin to be visited by what will entangle him. 

Read expressly what the Bible says will entangle such life that doesn't operate with the principle of "a life of essentials."

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."

What does this mean?

Is this a discouraging label on wealth?

No! What Paul is contrasting is contentment with God's provision and the restless pursuit of riches. It doesn't mean don't work or work hard. You can give services that'll bring wealth but don't make wealth a must goal. Those who do are usually blinded by that target. All you'll hear them cry over will be wealth, riches, money, possessions to the neglect of 'weightier matters' in their lives. As such, some sacrificed family, rest and peace of mind for riches and even God's kingdom for a morsel of bread i.e a contract.

Mark the word, "restless" in my explanation. In the long run, such people might stain their consciences. The Bible here was not hammering wealth but the will to be rich - a posture of covetousness. 

I hope you've met people like the passage described here before. They'll say, "at all costs, I must be rich and I will be rich. I'll do whatsoever it'll take. Anything!" They are the desperate ones! Those are the people who'll cut corners somewhere, engage in illicit affairs for promotion and not spare seeking the occult for success. The Bible seriously warns against the idolatry of wealth (Prov. 28:20; Matt. 19:23-24).

Rather, it preaches contentment and godliness, a posture that says life is not measured by material possession (Lk.12:15). 

Rather, it is a life of essentials which if we have [and we are normal on the inside], we should be content!

A life that's not getting bugged by what is ruining others. How blessed is the life that can say, "but if we have food and clothing (basic necessities), with these we shall be content."

That life can make do with just one shade of bag for every occasion. It doesn't need to have different colours for different occasions. She's therefore free of fretting and showbiz. 

You see, Elisha won't be the first to live this kind of life. Even Elijah lived it. Once in an ongoing famine, God sets a table before Elijah but not to indulge him. He drinks from Brook Cherith and the ravens bring him meat (bread). However, they only did it twice a day. No elaborateness in his feeding. No excesses! God only fed him with the food due him. As a matter of fact, Proverbs 30:8-9 says, "feed me with food convenient for me."

I Kings 17:6, KJV

"And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook."

Did you see? "In the morning and in the evening?"

Even John lived that life? Jesus testifying of John says, "who have you gone to see?"

Luke 7:25, KJV

"But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts."

It means those who live in luxury are in kings' courts! Those are wanton eaters, not John!

Down the line, God never approves of materialism. Even for his servants, He clothed and fed them like grass that'll be thrown into the fire (oven) tomorrow (Matt. 6:30). 

What God promotes is a life of essentials! Many things that people are dying for are not worth it. The last shoe I bought was in 2023. I've changed its soles twice because I considered I didn't need to buy a new one. I just don't bother on the many things killing people. I didn't own a suit (as an adult) until I needed to officiate at someone's wedding as one of the groomsmen. I was already working before I owned my first set yet I'd gone to preach in different places without a suit. Yet some would say, "you must essentially suit up." You don't need it if you can make do with what you have as a minister and not lose respect. The few suits I have now were not gotten or motivated by frivolities but needs/purposes in their times.  

Believers should ask and test themselves against some practical applications of I Timothy 6:8-9.

First is consumerism. Our world's culture equates success with possessions - better gadgets, cars, houses, clothes etc. This verse challenges us to ask: Do I really need more or am I driven by discontent? Practicing gratitude for “food and raiment” helps break the endless cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction.

Another is the damage of prosperity gospel. Some teachings present wealth as the chief evidence of God’s favour. Many there be in town now. It looks subtle and self gratifying which is why it has been very cozy for many to accept undetected. Paul warns that the desire for riches is spiritually perilous. True godliness isn’t measured by bank accounts but by contentment, generosity and trust in God. Stop quoting III John 1:2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" in support of this claim. 

We may also need to speak on leadership and integrity. The many scandals - political, business, even ecclesiastical stem from greed. The many hauled to court for financial misappropriation are practical evidences. Leaders who “will be rich” often compromise truth for profit. For Christian leaders, these verses are a safeguard: the focus must remain on service, not self-enrichment. Why I am preaching is not to become a millionaire but to "lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:11). 

When you know the truth, you have freedom. Even, freedom from anxiety and certain worries. Contentment is liberating. If God provides our daily bread and clothing, we can rest in His care. This frees us from destructive worry about keeping up with others or securing endless material gain.

Lastly, this truth attunes us to cultivate an eternal perspective. Wealth can drown a person “in destruction and perdition.” This reminds us that material pursuits, if unchecked, end in loss - not just financial but spiritual. Therefore, you must constantly weigh earthly desires against eternal values. We're called to embrace simplicity, gratitude, integrity and eternity in view. 

The will or craving for riches becomes spiritually dangerous because it re-orients a person's desires away from God towards materialism. 

What does that woman say about Elisha to her husband, "and let us set for him there a bed and a table and a stool, and a candlestick..." That's another way to say, "but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

All the things here are undebatably necessities. They clearly have their reasons for being set there. They are basic amenities to make Elisha's life easy and fulfill the purpose of his stopping to rest and then having time for God - even through study of God's law. None of those care was without a purpose. Elisha can't come in and query, "why did they put this here? I have no need for it!"

Having a television is a luxury. Thanks we all have one. If you don't have one or watch it or sit before it, will it show you didn't have or watch television today?

It's just a piece of technology we acquire that may stay useless most of the time. You can entertain your guests by giving them your presence and striking live and meaningful conversations with them. I prefer such a heart to heart talk when people visit me, except I want them to listen to a sermon or something for their education. 

No over indulgence in this example set for us. No feeding until the stomach bursts!

You don't need to buy what you'll later look back in retrospect and ask, "why did I even buy this?"

If you keep finding yourself in that shoe, watch who you are competing with. It means you have a problem at your gate. 

And if I'll tell you a simple truth, the interior decoration and home furnishing they did for Elisha here is being praised nowadays. That's what experts will call "the minimalist approach" in home furnishing/setting. 

The furniture or sets in that room didn't drown it - making Elijah cry for want of space. This woman of Shunem though was practicing, "but if we have food and clothing, we shall be content" was rather knocking on what modernists would later call an approach or a way of life in art and design. The core of the minimalist approach in home decoration can be summed up in one phrase: “Less but better.” Let's go into the core of home decoration and furnishing. 

The Simplicity of Space

Rooms are kept open, uncluttered and airy. Empty space is treated as part of the design and not as something to be filled. Every sitting room must have this allowance. It allows for proper maneuvering and gives enough creative spaces that'll paint a psychological picture of freedom instead of bondage when decked and choked by heavy furniture and adornments - on the wall and in space. 

Functional Essentials

Every piece of furniture or décor must serve a clear purpose - either functional (a chair, a lamp) or deeply meaningful (a single artwork, a family photo). No excess.

Neutral Color Palette

Whites, grays, blacks, and earthy tones dominate. Colors are subtle, often used as accents rather than the main theme, creating calmness and cohesion. Avoid colour riots and confusion. It'll consequently affect your mood and can sip into your thinking. 

Quality over Quantity

A minimalist home values a few high-quality, durable and timeless items rather than many trendy or disposable ones. This way, they cut spending by the years and in the future, only living on their evergreen sets. 

Clean Lines and Forms

Furniture and décor emphasize simple, straight or smooth lines. Ornamentation is minimal. Shapes are sleek and understated. This gives room to the minds of onlookers to roam as they seek to interpret the shapes and grasp what each piece communicates. Don't overcrowd their thinking. That's when they can be appreciative of the visuals around them.  

Natural Light & Materials

Large windows, open spaces and natural materials (wood, stone, metal etc) create a sense of warmth and connection with nature. Having light sip in gives you ample opportunity to raise indoor plants and enables an environment of relaxation instead of irritation. 

Decluttered Living

Minimalism is not just an aesthetic; it’s a lifestyle choice that reduces unnecessary possessions, focusing on what adds value and joy only. 

So, ask yourself? Does my home even reflect the minimalist decoration that our verses for the day have been all about? Does it create peace, order and clarity by removing excess and highlighting what truly matters: function, beauty and meaning or I'm discontented wanting to cover 'nothing with everything.'

Life is not in the abundance of what a man owns! Every Man only needs a ration to survive in this life no matter how covetous he is. He can't just make do adequately and comfortably with the goods and loads of many people. It can't but vex and endanger him! That's why having too much confuses people of what choices to make. That's why some have a high rated opinion of themselves - having come to trust fleeting riches. Some have even gotten to a place where they do not know what they want again. So, they keep chasing new fleeting pleasures thinking in them is satiation. 

What do you need? Just the essentials. It's Jeff and Sheri Easter that sings, "Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings On Me." Have a taste:

"There's a roof up above me

I've a good place to sleep

There's food on my table

And shoes on my feet

You gave me Your love, Lord

And a fine family 

Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings on me."

Believe this, be content and see how different your life will take turn. 

Olusola ADEJUMO,

M'Wings. 

Morning Wings Ministry, Nigeria. 

+234 81 3704 6812

morningwingsministryplus@gmail.com 

3/10/25

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 5/10/2025

SUNDAY - 5TH OCTOBER, 2025

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

A MAN OF GOD HAS A MANNER OF LIFE - My Manner of Life Series 002

II Kings 4:9, KJV

"And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually."

A man of God has a manner of life. One time, I told our brethren to include in their library A.P. Gibb's The Preacher and His Preaching. 

Imagine that title. It's solely based on the verse that says, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16). 

That book actually emphasizes some things about the minister. That's what I've begun to do and deal with in this series as inspired by the Lord. When you see a minister, you should know he is a minister. God's hand should be on him. It's not the knowing that basically comes by wearing a suit or having certain hair cuts. Any one can take that appearance on themselves also. 

It rather is God's possession of the man. When a man is in the grip of the divine, when he is a Nazarite, when he has been consecrated and he embraces that consecration, there's a way he will begin to appear to the world. 

He will no longer look beautiful to those who are lost though he'll carry weight that presses them. He'll carry conviction that makes them see their wretchedness - run for salvation or avoid him all together. That's what it means to have lived holily before people. In no time, you'll begin to convict them. People will see you and they will be smothered at heart. Some will see you and hide or flee. It's not because you're a terror but they are guilty at heart for their unrepentant lives and will avoid being brought to light by coming in contact with you. 

That's why the story of this woman and Elisha interests me. We ought to ask and ask again what this woman saw in Elisha that made her gasp and say, "this is a holy man of God."

She not only called him a man of God; she qualified it by calling him a "holy" man of God. You see, she was describing what she had both noticed about his life and learnt because of divine disclosure. She could see into the character of Elisha. She could see that he's not dubious. She has analysed how he travelled all by himself or with just one aide. Nothing about him made noise as he travelled. So, she learnt this is a quiet man - a peaceful one who loves quietness rather than fame. He neither carried a money bag nor was dressed in extravagance as if he wanted to prove something. She was reading his meekness that way and indeed she was true. She had seen right into who Elisha is. A man who's only contented by what God offers. He doesn't dupe church members or fleece people because he wanted to put hand to mouth. 

She saw how grave he is and how tenacious he is with his calling. He could read his seriousness, learning how established he is through his constant passage without fanfare or entourage. He doesn't indulge in the lifestyles of kings. He's rather committed to that of the prophets. She therefore opened up to her master and lord - her husband, "this is a holy man of God who passes by us continually."

It won't be good to keep missing him. As such, he suggests, let's bring him in. 

Let me ask you, what do you see in people - material wealth or their calling and grace; fruits of the Spirit or mere charisma only? And then, how should men of God be marked? By their suits, large following, luxury or by the fruits they bear?

Matthew 7:16, KJV

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

Answer that question and probe your life in its light. 

PRAYER: Lord, I fully submit to grow in the fruits of the Spirit.

BIBLE IN A YEAR

II Tim. 2; Isaiah 51-53

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 @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - 4/10/2025

SATURDAY - 4TH OCTOBER, 2025

MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO

A HOLY MAN OF GOD! - My Manner of Life Series 001

II Kings 4:9, KJV

"And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually."

Brethren, we're here to study why an alien who didn't know Elisha from Adam called him, "a holy man of God."

What did she see? Who gossiped to her? What appeared for her conviction? These and many are what we want to look into. 

Let me quickly say something. No matter how hypocritical you are in speech or your lifestyle, you cannot hide your true self. I've grown to a place also where mere sitting or interacting with people would make me decipher who they are and what their cherished values are also. Without joking, if someone won't form before me but live his life, I can draw recommendations by having observed his or her living whether he/she is someone to court - as in to draw near, be friend with or hope to marry. 

This great woman of Shunem saw "a holy man of God" in Elisha. Do you know that if you're prayerful, certain people can know. Being prayerful can reflect on you. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Spiritual devotion always leaves marks on their devotees! There are always smells that are given off which are only repercussions of having been with God or having been following Him (Acts 4:13). When you don't repay evil for evil but rather make payment for evil with good, your light will shine before men and they themselves (despite being vile) will be able to give glory and praise to your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). The Bible even acknowledges that this is when you can be the children of your Father who's in heaven. 

Matthew 5:43-45, KJV

"43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:..."

Brethren, this woman of Shunem saw something. Summarily, what she saw is what the Bible calls, "your manner of life" in II Timothy 3:10 and "your chaste behaviour" in I Peter 3:2. She could distinguish Elisha from other men and women who had passed that road. As Elisha trode through on his way occasionally (not mindful that someone may be observing his life and may get convicted by it), this woman sees a life marked by devotion, sacredness and consecration. While others had their gazes fixed on what the market and life had to offer, Elisha would just slip through the crowd and pass on. He was never moved by the many tricks stick jogglers, money doublers and many professional charlatans were doing to con people of their hard earned resources. 

What this woman sees is focus and concentration. She observed a man on his journey and one bent on journeying until arrival. She observed a man with no interest in tale bearing and old wives fables. 

I Timothy 4:7, KJV

"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness."

Rather, she sees a man given towards the exercising (training) of himself towards godliness in the midst of a corrupt and perverted generation who want to feed their mouths than their bellies can take. Elisha for short begged to differ. 

Elisha lived in a way. He has a manner of life. It is this manner of life that he couldn't do much to hide. Rather, it sips out like an aroma. It not only does, it evangelizes and wins hearts though he never made a proclamation himself.

How you live your life may look subtle and immaterial but it is graspable even if it is not grabable. Something graspable can be understood though it cannot be touched or physically related with. That woman couldn't hold the manner of life of Elisha as a physical tangibility in her hands but she "perceived" or sensed it. Perception denotes a spiritual knowing. It shows seeing, knowing or having knowledge beyond what appears to the physical senses. It takes a witness or conviction of one's heart towards being persuaded. 

You're being watched! You too, you're being seen. Will your life convict men or confuse them?

PRAYER/CONFESSION: No! I am the aroma of Christ. My life will convict men and not confuse them.

BIBLE IN A YEAR

II Tim. 1; Isaiah 48-50

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 @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com