Monthly Archives: March 2026

THREE GRAPES FOR WORSHIP

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

THREE GRAPES FOR WORSHIP

Read Mark 12:38-44. This scene takes place in the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically in the Court of Women, where the treasury was located. The treasury consisted of thirteen trumpet-shaped brass chests used for collecting offerings. Jesus was observing the actions and intentions of the people, highlighting His omniscience and ability to discern the heart. The Temple was central in Jewish worship. The act of giving was not only a religious duty but also a social expectation, as it supported the Temple’s functions and the needs of the poor. The mention of “rich people” highlights the socio-economic diversity present in the Temple. Their large contributions were likely visible and audible, drawing attention to their wealth. The contrast between the rich and the poor widow serves to illustrate the principle that God values the heart’s sincerity over the quantity of the gift. Jesus’ eyes measure hearts, not coins. He sees the story behind every offering.

Widows in the bible are mentioned as poor and socially isolated. They are without the support of a husband. God commands His people to help them. The amount this widow put in the offering box is extremely small. At that time, this amount could buy 3 grapes or 12 minutes of labour. This widow gave to those who were supposed to care for her. In today’s money is 1/8th of one cent. Today, her offering was about 1 Naira. The amount she gave was the smallest amount possible, but the cost to her was massive. She gave all her money to God. She has total faith in God to supply tomorrow’s needs after emptying today’s purse. True faith rests on God’s provision rather than retained reserves. Trust God’s promise: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philipp 4:19). Her motive was worship, not recognition; no one applauded her offering except Jesus. Sacrifice flows from love. “If I give all I possess to the poor but have not love, I gain nothing” (1Cor 13:3). Jesus called His disciples to show them the value of this widow’s sacrifice of worship.

LESSONS FOR US:

*No matter how poor you are on earth, when your gift to God is from your heart, your worship is accepted and valued in heaven.

*Giving Flows from Worship: Like devout Jews, she went to the Temple as part of her worship. Her offering was motivated by obedience to God’s Word: “Honor the LORD with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income)” (PV 3:9;AMP)

*Faith in God’s Provision: By giving her last coins, the widow demonstrated trust that God would care for her. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2Cor 9:8). Such faith stands as a practical example for anyone thinking whether to hold back out of fear or give generously in faith. She trusted God fully! 100%!

*Be consistent, not impulsive. Small, faithful sacrifices over time honour Him more than rare, showy gifts.

*Give to God first, before spending elsewhere, even if the figure is small. The Heart over the Bank principle!

*Giving is an act performed before God’s gaze, not for crowd’s admiration. Give quietly. Let God’s “watching” to be enough (Matt 6:3-4).

*Size impresses people; sacrifice impresses the Savior, who notices motives first, and amount second.

*Wealth can mask spiritual poverty when generosity flows only from surplus. No offering is too small!

*This Exposes hypocritical religiosity: The widow’s silent clang lessens the ostentatious noise of wealthy donors.

*True giving always costs something valuable: time, comfort, security, mental resources, forgiveness, hospitality, and money.

*Faith and worship always involve giving. Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Revivals in church always manifest as generosity!

*Paul calls sacrificial gifts “a fragrant offering” (Phil 4:18). Many gave great offerings, but it is this widow that captures Jesus’ attention.

*David said, “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Sam 24:24). God honours genuine worship!

*The widow’s act shows true agape love for God. In her lack, she chose to honour God. Love for Him supersedes the size of the gift itself.

*How to be a generous giver? Start where you are! Give small amounts first. God will bless you and will increase your money to give more. “For if the willingness is present, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have” (2Cor 8:12).

*The widow’s two mites made small sound on earth but a great sound in heaven. Jesus described the widow’s offering to redefine worth, expose hypocrisy, exemplify covenant faith, foreshadow His own sacrifice, and instruct disciples how to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. God measures generosity by the surrender of the heart rather than by the sound of the coins. Giving is to be measured not by its count, but by its cost! Not by the amount, but by its percentage. Not by what is given, but by what is kept. Not by money but by the Spirit! Selah!

HOW TO HATE THE LOVE OF MONEY

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1Tim 6:8-10).

Global studies show that once basic needs are met, additional income yields diminishing returns on life satisfaction. Food and clothing are the basics necessary to survive. We must find Contentment in Simplicity. In Greek, the word “content” means sufficiency and satisfaction with what one has now. We are encouraged to find joy and peace in the basics of life. We must guard our hearts against materialism. We must trust God to supply for all our needs. We must value the eternal treasures more than the temporary gains.

The Bible often warns against the love of money. Jesus states that one cannot serve both God and money (Mt 6:24). The desire for riches can lead to idolatry, placing wealth above God in our minds. In the cultural context of the early church, wealth was often associated with power and status. The love of money is still a common struggle for believers. Temptation means being “enticed by your own desires” (Jam1:14,15). Believers can become ensnared. This suggests a trap or a snare, indicating that these desires can capture and control a person. Foolish and harmful desires are those that lack wisdom and lead to negative consequences. “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (PV 28:20). It is dangerous to pursue money without regard for spiritual values and moral integrity. The consequences of succumbing to these desires are severe, leading to both spiritual and potentially physical ruin. The terms “ruin” and “destruction” shows the ultimate futility of placing hope in material wealth rather than in God. This is a sudden and overwhelming downfall. Paul warns against the initial motive by addressing the root before visible behaviours manifest.

The Greek word for “desire” implies deliberate intention. Wealth can create a false sense of security. True riches are found in a life devoted to God. Cultivating contentment in Christ protects against the lure of wealth. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Tim6:6). Sin originates in lustful desire, not in created goods. Wealth-driven desire dethrones God, replacing Him with mammon. Christ teaches that worldly gain can forfeit one’s soul. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mk 8:36). We must give an account for our lives on earth. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb 9:27). Research proves the Bible. Materialistic goals show decreased happiness and increased anxiety. Covetousness fractures contentment and divides community.

The love of money is the root of many evils but not the sole cause of every sin. It is the love of money and not money itself that is sin. Love for money is often contrasted with the Love for God. These two loves compete in our hearts. The Greek word for “love of money” implies an excessive or never satisfied desire for wealth. In the Ten Commandments coveting is prohibited (Exo 20:17). The love of money leads to idolatry, as it may replace God as the primary focus of one’s life. The Love of money leads to destructive, sinful behaviours like stealing, lying, oppression, and exploitation of others. The craving for wealth can become an obsession, leading men away from faith, truth, godly testimony and the joy of Salvation. Backsliding is a gradual process, often unnoticed until is far from the safe path of truth. The parable of the Sower shows how deceitfulness of wealth chokes the word, making it unfruitful (Mk4:18,19). The backslider “pierces” himself with many sorrows, the inevitable result of prioritizing wealth over spiritual well-being. Examples are Achan and Judas Iscariot (Josh 7, Matt 26:14-16). The rich young ruler (Mk 10:17-22) exemplifies how attachment to wealth leads to sorrow and loss of eternal life. Faith is vital in a relationship with God. Abandoning faith is spiritual suicide. The verb “pierced” means impaled. It is a self-inflicted agony that money cannot soothe. Sorrows include anxiety, loneliness, and spiritual dryness. What promised happiness ends in disappointment and regret.

Let us move from Warning to Wisdom. We must Guard Our Hearts. Cultivate contentment, generosity and gratitude. Treasure heaven more than the earth. Be sure that Christ is central in your heart! “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21). Amen!

LIVE BY GENEROUS FAITH             

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6. “Cast your bread upon the waters” suggests an act of faith and generosity. “Bread” means everything valuable that God places in our hands: money, time, talents, possessions, or influence. “Waters” are places and people around us, mysterious and beyond our control. This is God’s promise: even when we cannot follow our gift or know where our seed travels, God guarantees than in His time, we shall receive a return. Casting it “upon the waters” means doing acts of kindness. It is like sowing seeds. Jesus said: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Lk 6:38). The phrase “after many days” indicates a period of waiting and patience, trusting God’s timing and faithfulness. The promise that “you will find it” suggests that acts of faith and generosity are not in vain. God is faithful and rewards those who trust and obey Him. This return may not always be material but can manifest in spiritual blessings and eternal rewards.

The idea here is one of openhanded generosity. Give freely, wisely, and generously to the needy around you. This may look like wasteful acts, like a drunkard carelessly giving his money away. The truth is that no one takes good bread and throw it in the river. But here we are commanded to do that very thing. God says that we should be willing to take a chance and help someone. When you see people in need, though you do not know how they are going to use your money, nevertheless, be generous. Cast your bread upon the waters, for in the wisdom and purpose of God it will return to you one day when you too need help. There are many stories of people who helped strangers; then, some later time, that person or that deed resurrected to help them in their own time of need. Selah!

These are some Practical Ways to “Cast Bread”: We consistently give from our finances, time, skills, words and influence we have with others. We give to the local church, to missions and to the needy. “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given” (PV 19:17). We visit the sick, to listen more than preach. We teach students to pass exams, build or repair homes, cars, or devices. We give professional advice, legal, medical, financial, as “pro-bono” service. We use social media to speak hope and pray!

“In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good” (Ecc11:6). Sow your seed in the morning! This shows initiative, the beginning of the effort. The hard work continues throughout the day. Perseverance is key. Working and not getting weary is a Biblical principle. This can be applied only when the work is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As human beings, we are limited in knowledge and control. Life is unpredictable. We don’t know which investment will grow. God is sovereign in choosing which seed prospers faster. It is good to have diverse sources of business because they yield different results. God can bless all our efforts resulting in hundredfold harvest. Our responsibility is to sow and work; God determines the success. We must not be idle or overly anxious about results. Why trusting God for harvest is so Hard? Because we can’t see the future. Effort doesn’t always equal predictable results and waiting stretches our faith and patience.

Why God Calls Us to Risk Generosity? Because God is generous. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… “ (Jn 3:16)

It Breaks the bondage of the love of money, pride and anxiety. It Opens doors for the gospel, for evangelism. It invites His supernatural provision thru open heavens and gives more Grace to the humble and faithful!

LESSONS FOR US:

God created the universe. Everything belongs to Him. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts” (Hag 2:8). We are privileged to be servants and stewards in God’s Kingdom. This implies that we are entrusted with caring for God’s creation. We view resources, finances, material goods, gifts and abilities as on loan from God. We must be responsible as we use the things we have and to be generous to Gods work. As Stewards under God, we must be faithful and honest. We are accountable to God for our service. “It is required [as essential and demanded] of stewards that one be found faithful and trustworthy” (1Cor 4:2; AMP). We cannot deceive or cheat God! As God’s servants, we are sure that God provides for all our needs. God is not limited nor lacking in resources. Paying our tithes, giving offerings to ministry, to the poor, and to missions reveals that all wealth belongs to God. We are grateful to God for our lives, salvation and for giving us the privilege to serve Him. Selah!

Why must we trust God in the Middle of the Unknown? Because God is sovereign! Nothing happens outside His authority. God alone knows the end from the beginning. God works every detail for our good (Rom 8:28). God is faithful, has unlimited Power and His Promises are sure! Keep sowing: faithfulness in planting seeds today positions you for tomorrow’s harvest. Reject laziness, fear and doubt! Diligently Plan, then release your plan to God. Celebrate small growth, reminding you that God is working. Encourage others who feel tired. Anxiety for us is never anxiety for God. Faithfulness is our duty; fruitfulness is His. Keep eternity in view; some harvests ripen beyond this life! Worship the Lord!

MONEY IS NEVER ENOUGH BUT GOD’S GRACE IS!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

MONEY IS NEVER ENOUGH BUT GOD’S GRACE IS

“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless… How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness” (Ecc 5:10; NIV, NLT).  In Hebrew, the words “love money” describe not just possession of wealth, but an emotional devotion like to a friend. It is a love relationship. The words “never has enough” mean a continuous emptiness that has no end. “Income” means salary, farm produce, harvest or gold. Man’s desire for wealth is so great that it cannot be satisfied. Man is created in the image of God. He is a spiritual being. Material possessions cannot fulfill spiritual needs, cannot bring true contentment or happiness in life. In the cultural context of the Bible, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s blessing, yet the scriptures consistently warn against placing trust in riches. No matter how much income one accumulates, it will never be enough to satisfy the deeper longings of the heart. Happiness in life, when sought apart from God ends in vanity. In Hebrew, the word “meaningless” means vapor or breath. It doesn’t last. Earthly pursuits are temporary and can’t provide eternal satisfaction, pointing to the need for a deeper, spiritual focus. A love for money leads to endless cycles of desire and disappointment. Placing wealth above God is a form of idolatry, drawing us away from spiritual priorities. See wealth as a tool for stewardship rather than ownership. Shift perspective from accumulation to generosity and service. True satisfaction in life comes from a relationship with God thru Jesus Christ rather than accumulating wealth.

The Bible says that man’s labour is under God’s curse and ends like man in the dust (Gen 3:19). The rich men do not carry their wealth or fame with them in the grave (Ps 49:16,17). “He who leans on and trusts in and is confident in his riches will fall, But the righteous [who trust in God’s provision] will flourish like a green leaf” (PV 11:28; AMP). Those who worship money shall go down into spiritual loss, material poverty, frustration and regret. But those who trust in God shall prosper eternally! Selah!

Why loving money is useless? People over-work to provide the best for their family but it never feels “enough”. They take loans and go into debt to sustain an expensive lifestyle that still does not satisfy. They upgrade their gadgets, cars, and clothes but still do not find enduring joy. They are always anxious when the price of things go higher, and they do not have lasting peace. How can we live in contentment? “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Have faith in God! He will provide all you need, spiritually and materially. You should know that your identity and satisfaction is rooted in Christ. Be grateful for what God has provided for you. Give thanks to God daily! Do not be envious on others. Be generous with your resources: Energy, time, money. Tithe and give sacrificially to God’s work and the needy, breaking money’s grip. Honor the Sabbath Day! Every Sunday rest from making money. Attend your local church and rejoice with your family. Invest in eternal riches: in godly relationships, discipleship, and gospel ministry. Have a heavenly mindset. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:2). This points us to the only One who can truly satisfy: our faithful, unfailing Lord, Jesus Christ!

Why is the love of money so dangerous? Because it directly competes with the worship of God in the heart. Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24). Wealth can become an idol, a master, demanding our worship. Wealth deceives and chokes God’s Word (Matt 13:22). Jesus also said: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Lk 12:15). In Greek, “life” (zoe) refers to the fullness of life that God intends for us, which is not dependent on wealth, but on an intimate relationship with God, thru Jesus Christ, our Lord! Money is a good servant but a terrible master.

Global studies show that once basic needs are met, additional income yields diminishing returns on life satisfaction.  Then why are we so infatuated with money? Because Money buy food, shelter, power, influence, titles, positions, and pleasures. These things look like success in life. Money can be counted. Not everything can be counted. A king has authority over men, but he cannot “count” his authority. But he can count his money and his gold. That makes him feel happy. Also, money can be stored and used later. The king’s power cannot be stored. He can lose it today, but money can be kept in a bank to be used later. Money gives men peace about tomorrow. “Money answers everything” (Ecc 10:19,b). This sentence is descriptive, not prescriptive. Scripture records what people conclude; it does not commend this attitude as righteous. While money can solve many practical problems, it should not be the ultimate pursuit. We should use our resources wisely and for God’s glory. Understanding the role of money in life requires wisdom. We should seek God’s guidance in financial decisions.

Men tend to depend on wealth. Why? Wealth offers quick fixes. For example, paying a bill removes immediate stress. Paying for a party produces temporary joy. Bribing gets influence and access to power. Because money often “works,” we assume it will always work, building a misplaced confidence. “The rich think of their wealth as a strong defence; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety” (PV 18:11; NLT). This sense of protection is only in his imagination. It is not real. “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath” (PV 11:4). Why is trust in money so deceptive? Because of Visibility: Bank accounts and assets are visible; God’s protection is “a strong tower” but it is spiritual, unseen.  Riches promise self-reliance, tempting us to become proud and independent from God. “then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut 8:17,18). We imagine that Money gives us control over life because Money seems to buy options, leading us to believe we can manage any life crisis ourselves and boast about things we want to do tomorrow. The Bible says that tomorrow is not our property. It belongs to God (Jam 4:13-16). Gives thanks to God!

LOVE CANNOT BE BOUGHT OR SOLD

Read Acts 8:9-24. Simon the magician had already “believed and been baptized” yet his heart was still captivated by the spectacular. He became part of the visible church. Everyone could say that he became saved. “When Simon saw…” What did he see? He “saw” with his own eyes the clear evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work, like the crowd witnessed at Pentecost. Peter said: “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Ac 2:32,33). What drew Simon was not the Gospel’s transforming power but the visible signs that followed it. He was like King Herod who was attracted by the miracles of Jesus but did not repent of his sins (Lk 23:8). Simon wanted the harvest but did not want to plant seeds! Selah!

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift given in the name of Jesus. It is not an entitlement. Peter declares, “Repent…and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Ac 2:38). Simon focuses on the gift but ignores the command to repent. The Spirit’s coming to a sinner who repents marks genuine conversion. “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Rom 8:9). Simon offers money to Peter, thinking that divine power is a product sold in the market. This reveals a heart still bound by sin, like Gehazi’s greed for Naaman’s silver (2 Kg 5:20-27). Simon’s offer exposes a transactional mindset: power for payment, grace for gold. It is utterly opposed to salvation, which is not cheap, but free, because Christ paid for it with His blood. Eternal Life is “without money and without cost” (Is 55:1). To give all the glory to God, Peter refused to use money for the healing of the crippled beggar (Ac 3:6). Scripture warns that the love of money corrupts faith and brings sorrow. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1Tim 6:10). Jesus said that you cannot serve both God and wealth (Matt 6:24).

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, not a commodity to be bought or sold. Spiritual gifts and blessings are given according to God’s will and cannot be obtained through human means. It is the same with True Love. It cannot be bought or sold. Simon’s attempt to buy the Holy Spirit’s power serves as a warning against the influence of materialism in our lives. We must guard our hearts against valuing money or power over genuine love, faith and obedience. Our motives in seeking spiritual gifts or positions should be pure. The desire for promotion should not be rooted in pride or selfish ambition, but in a desire to serve God and others. The apostles’ role in imparting the Holy Spirit shows the importance of spiritual authority and leadership in the church. We must respect and submit to God-ordained leadership. 

“Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” (Ac 8:20). Peter’s words expose the impossibility of bargaining with God. God’s gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, are given freely and cannot be purchased. Salvation is by Grace alone! We cannot earn or buy God’s favour! Real repentance abandons all attempts to earn favour. Peter’s rebuking Simon shows the importance of repentance and correction in the Christian community. When we go astray, we must be open to correction and willing to repent. Simon’s eyes were on the spectacular revealing superficial faith that had not yet surrendered selfishness. Peter demanded more than regret over consequences; he demanded a changed heart. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and to salvation. Simon told Peter: “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me” (Ac 8:24). It shows his fear of loss rather than love for God: He wanted to avoid judgment, yet we never read of a changed life. King Saul said: “I have sinned” but still lusted after honour before the people (1Sam 15:24-30). Judas returned the silver yet never turned his heart (Matt 27:3–5). The Holy Spirit remains sovereign, bestowed by God alone. The episode warns that external amazement can hide an unconverted heart. Search your heart! We must value the Giver above the gifts, guarding against treating God’s work as a market. The Holy Spirit is central to our lives, empowering and guiding us. We must seek to be filled with the Spirit through prayer and obedience, not through worldly means. Selah!

LOVE IS AS STRONG AS DEATH

“Put me like a seal on your heart, Like a seal on your arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe and cruel as Sheol (the place of the dead). Its flashes are flashes of fire, [A most vehement flame] the very flame of the Lord! Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can rivers drown it. If a man would offer all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly scorned and despised” (SS 8:6,7;AMP). “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer31:3). “Love never fails” (1Cor 13:8).

There is saying in the world: “Every man has a price” (Sir Robert Walpoe, 1734). It means that every man is weak and has a breaking point in temptation. Every man can be bribed, or corrupted to act against his conscience to betray his friend, for a certain price. This price can be money, positions or power. This worldly saying does not know God’s Grace and His Agape Love! We see the power and nature of true Love. Nothing destroys it. Water is a form of destruction. The flood destroyed humanity except for Noah and his family. The Red Sea drowned the Egyptians. These waters and rivers are symbols of chaos and trials in life. All these attacks cannot quench Love. Love endures formidable forces. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God (Rom 8:38,39). Overwhelming crises, accumulated pressures, and floods of adversity cannot drown Love. Love is a fire that cannot be quenched. In Hebrew, the verb “quench” shows a man trying to put out a blazing fire with buckets of water. This is impossible when the flame is God-kindled. God’s Love is like a Fire that quenches all other lesser fires. Glory!

Love is priceless. It can’t be bribed. Love cannot be found in a market or in the Bank. Where Love stands, money hides. Love rejects any offer to be sold or bought. True love is selfless and sacrificial, not transactional. Attempting to purchase love diminishes its true value and essence. The scorn for attempting to buy love can be paralleled with the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:18-20, who tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit and was rebuked by Peter. Spiritual and relational truths cannot be acquired through material means. True love is a powerful force that cannot be extinguished by external challenges or circumstances. It endures forever and it is steadfast to the end. The agape love reflects God’s love for humanity, which is unwavering and cannot be diminished by any force. The Floods of judgment against sin on the cross could not extinguish Christ’s love and commitment to His Bride. Jesus, “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1). In Aramaic, the words Jesus spoke on the Cross: “It is finished” (Kalah) also mean “Bride”. When Jesus died on the Cross, and paid with His Blood for our sins, He said: “This is for You, My Bride!” What a Love! Worship the Lord!

HUNDREDFOLD PROSPERITY ONCE AGAIN

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

HUNDREDFOLD PROSPERITY ONCE AGAIN

“The Sovereign LORD says, “I will once again let the Israelites ask me for help, and I will let them increase in numbers like a flock of sheep” (Eze 36:37; GNT). Israel had experienced periods of exile and judgment due to disobedience. This promise is a return to favour and a willingness on God’s part to respond to their prayers. It is a promise of restoration, a picture of multiplication. It’s not only numerical growth but also care, provision, and protection, as a shepherd cares for his flock. God is willing and ready to answer prayers “once again!”. Lessons: God can restore hope even in hopeless situations. Why do we need to pray? We must pray for harvest, for breakthrough and for increase! God welcomes, even expects prayerful asking. He promises to answer with multiplication of blessings. By praying, we become participants in God’s blessings and not just spectators. God desires fellowship and not just transactions. Praying and waiting for God’s answer builds our faith! Prayer leads to praise. Testimonies display God’s glory to others. Pray always! Pray specifically! Be persistent in Prayer. Expect great blessings, miracles, testimonies that surpass human effort! Persistence in prayer results in open doors. Amen!

FORGET THE WIND AND THE CLOUDS! PLANT YOUR SEEDS!

“He who watches the wind [waiting for all conditions to be perfect] will not sow [seed], and he who looks at the clouds will not reap [a harvest]” (Ecc 11:4; AMP). To watch the wind describes a person who is over-concerned with outside conditions before taking action. This Farmer is waiting for perfect conditions before planting, but this perfect weather rarely occurs. It means that he will never plant seeds and will not have a harvest. Looking at the clouds means to be hesitant because of potential obstacles on the road ahead. This fear of future danger paralyses action. The farmer needs to trust, not the weather, but God. Wind or no wind, Jesus said that God provides for the birds (Matt 6:26). God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Ac 14:17). Therefore, we need to trust God that no matter the circumstances, He provides for us! Amen!

Sowing is a metaphor for taking initiative or making an investment. It means spreading God’s Word, serving God and doing good deeds. It also means to start a business or a project. Failing to sow due to fear of failure or procrastination leads to unfulfilled potential, frustration, poverty, missed opportunities to be blessed. By faith in God, and led by His Spirit, we must reject fear and laziness and start to plant good seeds. Reaping is always the reward for disciplined effort. We overcome by focussing on our responsibilities rather than potential obstacles or enemies. Just as the farmer trusts that the seeds will grow, we must trust that God will provide and bless our efforts when we step out in faith. As believers, we must live by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).

THE SIN OF PROCRASTINATION

To procrastinate means to intentionally delay to a future time. You know you are supposed to do something, but you don’t do it. You say: I will do that tomorrow. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam 4:17). This is the sin of omission or procrastination, by making false promises to yourself, to others and to God. The Lord holds you responsible for that. We are accountable to God for our actions and inactions. Knowing the right thing to do imposes a responsibility to act accordingly. Ignorance is not an excuse.

Procrastination means postponing something despite knowing that there could be negative consequences for doing so. Procrastination is one of the main barriers blocking you from getting up, making the right decisions and living your dream life. Studies have shown that people regret more the things they haven’t done than the things they have done. Procrastination brings feelings of regret and guilt resulting from missed opportunities. The modern world offers too many options. Trying to choose what is best, we become emotionally confused and paralysed. Because we all must die one day, time is the most valuable commodity we have. It’s not money; unlike time, you can borrow money, save, or earn more. But you can’t do that with time. Every single second you waste is gone forever. To avoid procrastination, you need motivation. External goals, punishments and rewards, do not work. Even if you have worked hard and achieved your dream, after that, discouragement comes back again.  Internal spiritual motivation is the only one that works. God gives you a vision to accomplish on earth. That helps you to go on, enjoying not only the end but the journey to arrive there.

Procrastination is not laziness. Procrastinators put off doing things, leave them to the very last moment. Lazy people, simply don’t do anything and are fine with it. Procrastinators, have the desire to do something but can’t force themselves to start. Procrastination is more than the thief of time. It is the grave of opportunity, and it may be the road to Hell. Delayed obedience, saying to yourself, “one day I will do that…” is called Procrastination. “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed” (Ecc 5:4). Jesus said that “the Goats” are people who did not do the good they were supposed to do. They did not actively punish the believers, but they did not help them. This is the sin of omission or procrastination. The goats ended in hell (Matt 25:31-46). Selah! The Roman governor Felix is an example of someone who procrastinated to his own ruin. “Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you’” [Ac 24:25]. That more convenient time never came for Felix. His careless life came crashing to an end when due to his corruption he was recalled to Rome by Nero. Wise words: “Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today” (T. Jefferson). Selah!

HUNDREDFOLD PROSPERITY

“Then Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So, the Philistines envied him” (Gen 26:12-14). Isaac’s act of sowing seed in Gerar signifies his faith and obedience to God’s promise despite the famine in the land and the opposition of his neighbours. The land referred to is Gerar, in the region of the Philistines. Abraham was here and possibly. Isaac was born there. The word “Gerar” means to carry a weight in circles, to strive or to fear. God told Isaac to go and inhabit in Gerar during the time of drought that led to famine. “That same year Isaac reaped 100-fold”. This harvest is extraordinary, immediate and supernatural, especially during famine. It is a sign of God’s touch upon the labour of Isaac’s hands and proof of Isaac’s obedience to God. “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you” (Deut 28:8). In the Parable of the Sower, a 100-fold harvest is a sign that God’s Word has been accepted by people with obedient hearts (Matt 13:8). The Lord blessed Isaac! This is God’s Grace manifested upon Isaac. This Grace is more than money. It is peace, joy, wisdom, divine health, protection, guidance, favour with men, and fulfilment of God’s promises. This shows that obedience to God is more important than labouring hard by yourself. These blessings point to the amazing Grace found in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, a descendant of Isaac, who brings spiritual blessings to all nations. Isaac’s action of sowing seed shows the importance of taking initiative and being Responsible Stewards of what God has given us. Isaac’s prosperity served as a Witness to the surrounding nations of God’s power and favour. Our lives should similarly reflect God’s blessings and draw others to Him.

This is God’s law: whatever is sown, under God’s blessing, will be reaped in multiplied measure. Isaac’s 100-fold harvest reveals that faithful obedience in sowing (natural or spiritual) positions God’s people to experience His abundant, sorrow-free provision. Isaac’s overflowing harvest in a drought-stricken land says that God is loyal to His word. God’s faithfulness is unchanging. Anchor your expectations to His character, obey His specific leading, and watch Him prove—again and again—that He is the same God who prospered Isaac. Isaac became richer and richer. The blessing continued to multiply. He became “exceedingly wealthy”. Isaac’s wealth included large herds of livestock, numerous servants, and extensive land. These were the primary indicators of wealth in the ancient world. This level of prosperity also set Isaac apart from others in the region, highlighting the unique relationship between God and the patriarchs. For example, Joseph prospered equally in prison and in the palace. This wealth is not just material but is a proof of God’s favour and the fulfillment of His promises.

LESSONS FROM ISAAC:

*Isaac’s prosperity was because “God blessed him” (Gen 26:12). Human effort (sowing) + Divine favour (blessing) = Exponential increase!!!

*Isaac obeyed God. God said, “Stay in this land” (Gen 26:3), and Isaac stayed! Work where God has planted you. Resist the urge to go to greener pastures (“Jakpa”) unless God tells you to go! Isaac planted seeds by faith and not in fear, during famine when others were packing

*He was diligent and hard-working. He “sowed seed,” not just prayed for rain. Work hard even if the conditions are not perfect. Show up early, finish well, pursue excellence; sowing comes before reaping. The 100-fold harvest shows God’s power and generosity.

*He waited expectantly for God to multiply the seed. He believed that God would grant him a harvest. Reject anxiety about the future.

*Expect both favour and friction. Blessings don’t cancel spiritual warfare.

*Measure prosperity by God’s presence first, possessions second. Measure progress by building character, influence, and wisdom. 

*Persist through setbacks: Isaac dug again and again. Humble yourself, learn lessons and start again after failure.

*Bless others on the way to your prosperity. Isaac’s wells served many people and their cattle. Bless people and communities.

*Let God vindicate you. He led Isaac to Rehoboth, “The Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land” (Gen 26:22)

*Trust in God’s Promises. God tells Isaac, “Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and bless you” (Gen 26:3) God’s promises are steadfast and reliable. When we trust in His word, He will guide and bless us, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

*Obedience Brings Blessings. Isaac’s decision to stay in Gerar was in obedience to God’s command. “So, Isaac stayed in Gerar” (Gen 26:6). His obedience led to prosperity and protection, showing us that following God’s commands leads to abundant blessings in our lives.

*Fear Can Lead to Deception. Fearing for his life, Isaac lies. He tells the men of Gerar that Rebekah is his sister (Gen 26:7). This deception shows how fear can lead us astray. We reject fear and lies! We speak the truth is love trusting God to protect us always!

*God is always Faithful even when we are unfaithful. Despite Isaac lying, God remained faithful to him and blessed him with supernatural prosperity. God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His unchanging nature.

*We must be Peace makers. When Isaac’s servants dug wells and faced opposition, he chose to move on rather than fight. “He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarrelled over it” (Gen 26:22) We avoid unnecessary conflict, reflecting the Prince of Peace.

*Worship God! Isaac built an altar and called on the name of the Lord (Gen26:25). Worship is the natural response recognizing God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives and it strengthens our relationship with Him.

*The Power of Reconciliation. Isaac’s peaceful approach led to reconciliation with Abimelech who acknowledges, “We can clearly see that the LORD has been with you…you are now the blessed of the Lord” (Gen 26:28,29). Living a life of integrity and peace leads others to Jesus.

*God’s Blessings Extend to Future Generations. As His covenant with Abraham. God says to Isaac: “I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen26:4).

*God’s Covenant with Isaac points to His covenant with us thru Jesus Christ. Just as God was faithful to Isaac, He is faithful to us, offering salvation and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Christ. This is the foundation of our hope and faith. God blesses us spiritually and materially. “And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19; AMP). We must trust God’s promises, live obediently, and seek peace, knowing that His faithfulness endures through all generations. Worship the Lord!

BE STRONG AND WORK

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

BE STRONG AND WORK

“Be strong . . . and work, for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:4). Despite opposition and discouragement, the call to “work” demands perseverance, strength and unity of the Spirit! We must remain faithful in serving God, trusting in His provision and timing. God’s presence is with us. He never changes. His nearness is sure! In every season—success or failure, plenty or want—His presence remains the same! Ministry is never self-powered. The presence of the Holy Spirit supplies authority, wisdom, endurance favour and endurance. The words “I am with you” is not poetic exaggeration; it is a literal, binding pledge from the God who cannot lie. Embracing that reality transforms every moment of our lives.  Suffering is real, but so is His presence. God walks through the fire beside His children. Jesus is the 4th Man in the Fire. We are never alone! We can never lose! In Christ, we move on from victory to victory! Worship God!

TO UPROOT AND TO PLANT

“But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant” (Jer 1:7-10)

To uproot the weeds and to plant seeds for the harvest is a prophetic command, not just daily work. We must answer: Yes, Sir! Yes, Lord! When God personally called Jeremiah to the office of a prophet, he was a young man, about 20 years old. He had no religious experience. God commands him to go and speak His Word. Preaching God’s Word is like planting seeds in the hearts of people. The prophet is not to alter or omit any part of the Word given to him. Jeremiah will be as God’s mouthpiece. He was to speak every Word God gives to him, regardless of personal fear or opposition. God is sovereign in His calling. He chooses whom He wills, regardless of age, gender, educational or social level or self-perceived inadequacies, to fulfill His purposes. Our human weaknesses never hinder God’s plans. When God calls, He empowers and equips for the task. God commands Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid of their faces for I am with you to deliver you!” God tells Jeremiah that he needs courage in face of opposition. As a nation, Judah was backsliding. Jeremiah must stand and speak against kings, priests and people. God promises to “deliver” Jeremiah. This deliverance is both spiritual and physical. Amen!

“Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth”. God takes the initiative in calling Jeremiah and empowering Him to be a prophet. This is God’s hand, God’s touch, God’s words. False prophets call themselves, but Jeremiah is called by God. His ministry is divinely ordained. God’s hand touches Jeremiah’s mouth and gives him God’s Words. From now, Jeremiah’s words are not his own, but God’s. Jesus is the Living Word. He speaks God’s Words with ultimate authority. God’s words in Jeremiah’s mouth gives him the necessary confidence to confront the people with their sins and tell them to repent.

“See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant”. God commissions Jeremiah “This day”. It is an immediate ordination. Jeremiah’s words will affect not only Judah but other nations. His words combine God’s judgment and mercy. To root out weeds represent longstanding strongholds of sin. To pull down means to destroy structures and attitudes that oppose God’s will, especially pride. To destroy means total defeat. Nothing is left standing and there are no survivors. During Jeremiah’s time Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and all God’s people were taken into exile. This destruction of sinful strongholds is a picture of the victory of Christ on the Cross, and complete destruction of evil when He comes again.

To Build and to plant show God’s mercy in Judgment. To plant seeds is a picture of God as a Sower, establishing His Kingdom on earth.

Jesus said: “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matt 15:13). Plants that God uproots are the tares planted by the devil among the wheat (Matt 13:24-43), false doctrines, false brethren, works of the flesh, bitterness, envy, anxiety, pride. Lessons: Trust in God’s sovereignty to uproot what is not from Him. He is in control and will purify His church. Be vigilant in discerning teachings and doctrines. Not everything that appears religious is rooted in God’s truth. Ensure your faith and life are deeply rooted in Christ, as He is the source of spiritual life and growth. God never exposes a weed without offering power to uproot it. As we submit to His Word and Spirit, every foreign plant must give way to the fruitful garden He intends our lives to be. Amen!

Lessons for us:

*We are called to speak God’s truth faithfully, regardless of our personal feelings of inadequacy. Obedience is key! God blesses obedience!

*God is always with the people He calls. Christ promises to always be with us to deliver us from all troubles.

*We are encouraged to be bold in our faith, knowing God is with always with us!

*Divine calling creates its own competence. Divine sending guarantees sufficient power. Divine speech supplies never ending content. Therefore, we can advance without fear, certain that the One who commands also equips. Evaluate leaders by fidelity to God’s Word, not charisma or credentials. Submit to rightful authority while recognizing God as the ultimate source.

*Fear is a choice we can resist, not an emotion that can’t be avoided. Fear shrinks when we remember who stands beside us.

*God knows everything, even our hearts. He knows that we are afraid and He speaks to us even before challenges come.

*The command “fear not” is in the present tense: continuous, moment-by-moment refusal to let fear decide our actions.

*What is The Basis for Courage? God’s Presence with us. The Lord’s presence is Personal (“I”), constant (“am”) and intimate (“with you”)

*“I am with you, to deliver you!”. God’s deliverance is active and not passive. God anticipates opposition but guarantees ultimate safety.

*Deliverance may mean removal from danger or strength in danger, but it always means God’s plan overcomes human threats.

*God’s pattern—first uprooting and after that planting—reveals God’s method with both people and nations. God removes only to plant!

*We must uproot hidden sinful roots that God has not blessed because they draw life from the soil. False doctrines that dilute the Gospel, secret sins that grow bellow the surface, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, addictive patterns of bondage, idols, legalism and empty religion.

*What seeds do we plant: preach and teach God’s Word; pray for others; do good deeds to help others, in the name of Jesus!

*Identify your local “soil.” Walk your streets, listen, and learn what breaks God’s heart in your city. Bind and reject territorial spirits!

*Plant seeds having the harvest in mind. Building and planting imply patience; fruit often appears slowly.

*There is hope ahead: God plants righteousness where once wickedness thrived. What God plants and builds, endures forever!

DO NOT BE LAZY!

“The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap]” (PV20:4; AMP). “The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” (PV 26:13).

In the Bible, spiritual and physical Laziness is sin. It is always condemned by God. A lazy man, also called sluggard or slacker, does not plow the ground or plant seeds during the season of planting. He ignores and rejects God’s appointed seasons. A lazy man is one unwilling to work or take initiative. He avoids responsibilities, mental or physical effort, is passive, delays or does minimum work, he is full of excuses. He imagined lions on the streets. Lions do not go where there are may people. The lazy person has a victim mentality and is full of self-pity. He complains that work is hard and the boss is harsh. He likes to stay idle. He fails to finish his projects. In relationships he is irresponsible, shifts blame on others and spreads discouragement around. A sluggard is a lazy, sleepy, slow-moving person; he oversleeps and is late to work or to his class. This is why he fails his exams, losses his job, and cannot make progress in life. If you’re looking for the sluggard in your family, you’ll probably find him sitting on the couch looking at his phone. No coach wants a lazy man in his football team! Selah!

Lessons for us:

*The result of laziness is poverty, bareness and frustration. Opportunity relates to seasons. Procrastination makes labour to be useless.

*Work with the future (eternity) in view. The lazy man has no vision for the future. He looks for food only when he is hungry but at that time, it is too late to find food. The lazy man’s hope for harvest will be disappointed. Lazy people end up being beggars! Selah!

*Be responsible, diligent and wise. Provision for family (1 Tim 5:8) and generosity to others means diligent labour.

*Jesus Christ is our Model of Diligence. He said: “My Father is always at His work and I too am working” (Jn 5:17). His earthly ministry—healing, teaching, cross, and resurrection—shows tireless obedience. We are called to “follow in His steps” (1 Pet 2:21).

*Paul said: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (2 Thess 3:10). “Let us not grow weary… for in due time we will reap” (Gal 6:9). *Eternal reward stands behind temporal effort! Plant seeds now, and you will surely have a great harvest, in heaven and on earth! Selah!

Laziness in marriage is a serious source of loneliness and frustration that can lead to divorce. A lazy husband or wife avoids house chores, taking responsibility, withdraws from emotional encouragement, neglects personal growth and prefers being idle and relaxation. The source may be depression and fear of failure. What can the other spouse do in this situation? Pray! Communicate and not nag! Encourage when you see some effort of improvement. Build up the Team called Marriage. And finally, do not lower your standards. Do not say, “if she does not care, I will also not care”. Be loving, patient and prayerful! With God, all things are possible! Amen! Worship the Lord!