“Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” – Genesis 50:19 REFERENCE: GENESIS 50:18-21 Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test a man’s character, give him power.” Joseph was a gifted man, loved by God, but underwent a long journey that tested his character. He was trained by trials and bettered by betrayal. Through his travails, he learned to live a life of purpose, discipline, godliness, character, and boundaries. He passed the test of character and eventually rose to the throne. Let us examine the character traits that...
“…Nabal is his name, and folly is with him! But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.” – 1 Samuel 25:23b REFERENCE: 1 Samuel 25:2-11 & 1 Samuel 25:21-27 & 32-38 Nabal was a wealthy entrepreneur in animal farming and textiles. He had a large factory, numerous staff, and a wise and beautiful wife. However, as his name meant folly, so was he foolish. There are several things we observe about him: No Abiding Relationship with God: Nabal's story did not mention God or his service to Him. He was the kind...
“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” – Genesis 22:18 REFERENCE: GENESIS 22:15-19 Abraham’s life speaks to men today. He lived by faith and followed God in uncertain seasons of life. He also had moments of weakness and struggled with delayed desires. He was a rich man, perhaps, one of the richest in his days, but he kept a good conscience before God and man. Certain traits have immortalized the person and name of Abraham: a. A God-Lover: Abraham’s wealth did not affect his devotion to God. He built...
“…what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…” – 2 Peter 3:11b REFERENCE: 2 PETER 3:11-12 Men's empowerment has not received enough attention. Who helps him fight his fears? To who does he cry? Who teaches him how to be a man of honor or how to treat a woman? Who helps him navigate his culture’s definition of sexuality and manhood? The world paused to celebrate fathers yesterday; in the next week, inspired2Go will focus on men to empower them. These will be invaluable lessons for women and younger men too. Manner is the...
“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” ~ Romans 4:20 REFERENCE: Romans 4:16-22 Have you ever been in a place where your reality looks nothing like your promise, where what you see looks nothing like what God said? It can be unsettling and discouraging. Abraham had a promise from God, and after 24 years, it looked like God had forgotten. Imagine a married couple who tried to have children for over 45 years of their married lives. When the man was 75 years old and the...
“For it shall come to pass in that day; says the Lord of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from your neck, and will burst your bonds; foreigners shall no more enslave them.” – Jeremiah 30:8 REFERENCE: Jeremiah 30:1-10 The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon; according to records, their situation was so bad that men walked around in anguish, holding their stomachs like pregnant women. It had been many years, yet their freedom seemed delayed. Jeremiah had earlier written to them to plan to stay longer than expected in captivity but ensure they thrived in spite of...
“Now the man Moses was very humble (modest, meek & self-effacing), more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” – Numbers 12:3 (AMP). REFERENCE: Numbers 12:1-8 We live in a world where people like to brag and reel out their credentials to oppress others or avoid others looking down on them. The entertainment industry thrives on vanity, showing off wealth, followership, and accomplishments. Musicians sing about making money and getting girls; wrestlers and boxers call themselves by names that make them appear larger-than-life, and politicians speak derogatorily and rudely to their opponents. However, humility is...
“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to set him over the whole realm’. – Daniel 6:3 REFERENCE: Daniel 6:1-3 Daniel was an outstanding and extraordinary man; he led a successful life and found favor with God and man. The scripture captures why this is so: an excellent spirit was in him. As believers, the indwelling Holy Spirit makes us uncomfortable with mediocrity and to strive for distinction in all we do. He is the Spirit of wisdom that causes you to excel in all...
“And he blessed him and said: Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.” – Genesis 14:19 REFERENCE: GENESIS 14:18-23 Those who know their God shall be strong and do great exploits. God desires that as His children, we know Him intimately; He has therefore revealed Himself through different names in the scripture. We will look at these names of God to enrich our worship of Him. The name, El-Elyon, emphasizes the divine supremacy of God. It is the most majestic name of God in the scriptures. It reveals God as the Highest Authority of...
“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” ~ Luke 12:20 REFERENCE: Luke 12:13-21 How much is really enough? This is the big question we often never stop to ask ourselves in our quest for material wealth. Covetousness rules today; the quest for money is stronger now than ever in human history. Money exerts a controlling influence on many people; they would do anything to get money – kill, defraud, do rituals, and steal. Many in their quest for wealth, have unknowingly substituted God with money....