What is the meaning of life? pt 3

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Genesis 2: 7, 15 KJV

What am I doing here? What is my duty and what is my responsibility here on earth? There is a reason God created you; you are not a mistake. The bible tells us in Genesis 2:15, that God put man in the garden to dress and to keep it. The duty of man is to obey God and do that which He has told us to do. Everyone has a duty and responsibility here on earth. Most of us has been created to do something and to protect that thing.

We are not just here to look good and to accumulate, we are here to fulfill a purpose.  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5. This means before our conception God already knew you; He had imagined you in His thought and had an idea of what you would become. It is after He had finished the design and purpose that the baby is conceived.

God had known you before He formed you. He and pictured you and known what purpose you will fulfill. We have a specific duty to carry out as creations of God. A lot of us work below par and find it so hard to fulfill our potential of our life.

Exodus 3:1-10 tells us the story of a man called Moses. The bible said Moses at the age of 80 found himself in the back of life. He found himself not where he is supposed to be but where he was not supposed to be. He was a lonely shepherd man living off his father-in-law. Instead of him being the Shepherd of men, he was leading the sheep. Moses at the backside of the desert suddenly had an encounter with God. God told him that he is not a failure but his purpose was to lead the people of Israel.

It is important for us to know what we are meant to achieve in life. There is a difference between duty or responsibility and achievement. Some people know what they should do, they do it but even in their doing there is no achievement. It is one thing to labour, yet it is another thing to show fruit of the labour. You are working hard and struggling; trying one thing it doesn’t work and trying another one but there is no fruit to show for it.

As a creation of a universal and eternal God, we are created not to labour in vain. We are created to labour and to be fruitful. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28 KJV
Being fruitful is a portion of God's own inheritance saved by Christ.

Succeeding in the midst of adversity

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. Genesis 26: 12-14 KJV

Isaac sowed in that land. Today we will be looking at success. What is success to you? How do you define success? Success is obtaining or achieving the desired effort; accomplishment of a purpose; fulfilling your God given purpose.

I believe that success is the fulfillment of your potential in life, hopefully achieving all that one can achieve and getting to the ultimate peak of one’s purpose in life. Success should come with all benefits; good health, financial benefit, spiritual benefit, social benefit, economic benefit, marital benefit. In essence when we say we are successful as a child of God, it is all-round success that encompasses all areas of life.

Why is it that a lot of people are not successful?

1. Lack of information or knowledge
2. Laziness
3. Lack of discipline
4. Not following the principles of success
5. Not utilizing opportunities
6. Having the wrong focus

How do I succeed in this life?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you thought about success and how to achieve good success?
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 KJV
We need to have the determination to succeed. From the verse above we are given some guides to good success.

In 2018, let us be determined to be successful!

What is the meaning of life? Pt 2

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Gen. 1: 26-27

The first question to ask yourself is this; Who am I? The truth of the matter is that every single human being is useless without God. The bible says we are formed from the ground and we will return to the ground. Gen 3:19. Therefore, without the breath of God (spirit of God) in our life we cannot become a living being.

In practical terms we must define who we really are. We must know who we are, your background, what is your line, your lineage, your personality, your principle, the people who have gone before you. We need to know our character, passion, capabilities, level of faith, and capacity to do things. We must define who we are so that we can do those things God has given us to do. The simple answer to the question is – we are nothing without God. So, the most important thing for us is our relationship with God and the ability to give our life to Christ.  Jesus puts it simply- He is the vine and we are the branches; without him we can do nothing. John 15: 5.

A lot of us misunderstand who we are and we find ourselves in the wrong perspective of life, Therefore, we put God in the wrong place in our life, not knowing that we cannot survive without God.

Why was I created? This is the next question we should ask ourselves. In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are told that there is a reason for everything under the sun and a reason why each and every human being was created. We were created for the pleasure of God; Revelation 4:11. The most important thing is for us to please God. Enoch pleased God and was translated that he did not die. Noah excelled because God was with him. David was great because he was a man after God’s heart. Abraham was great because he please God. Anybody that had succeeded in the bible did so because they pleased God. So, whatever we are doing in life, we must ask ourselves if we are pleasing God with what we do in life.

What am I doing here? What is my purpose in life? And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Gen 2: 15 KJV. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jer 1: 5 KJV

The most important thing in life starting this year is to find the purpose of your life. Isaiah 6: 8 whom shall I send, who shall go for us? There is a purpose in life for everyone, without knowing what this purpose of creation, we would find it difficult to achieve all-round success.
If we can ask ourselves these 3 questions, then we are on our way to success.

What is the meaning of life? Pt 1

 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Gen. 1: 26-27

Very few people go to the grave saying; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 KJV. 

Can you beat your chest and say without a doubt in your heart that you are successful? As a matter of fact, most times when people want to die it is usually a death of regret. Some people leave this world smiling while a lot leave with tears in their eyes or with a heavy heart of sadness. Those who have the believe that they have lived a full and successful life, are very happy a lot of the times to leave this life. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Gen. 2: 7 KJV. 

We must ask certain questions

1. Who am I? This is a question I have asked myself on a regular basis even as a young child. It is a question we must always ask ourselves
2. Why was I made or created?
3. What am I doing here?
4. What am I meant to achieve?
5. Where am I going from here?
6. Am I in the right place? 
7. Am I where I am supposed to be? (in terms of trajectory or in terms of location)

All these questions are important if anyone is going to put a meaning to his or her life. And get life in the right perspective and get meaning out of life.  We have become too concerned about personal earthly desires and simple aspirations. We need to look deeper than the surface of our life.  A lot of us are going after the things that are of this world. We are too focused on earthly things forgetting that one day all of us will die. It is never a long search to find a coffin for the burial/death of each person. This is why Jesus advised us to not worry about the things of the world.  Matthew 6: 31-33 KJV.

These questions are important and very critical to giving our life meaning, but a lot of us are going after things that should be coming after us. We have become too consumed with earthly desires not realizing that one day all of us will die.

Have you reviewed your life in 2018?

So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. Philippians 3: 14

This is a new year, each year comes with its own blessings, open doors, opportunities; however, it is important for us to put our best foot forward. We need to do a review of our life and all that we want out of the life we live. To do that effectively, we need to ask ourselves a few questions.

1. Who am I as a person?
2. What is this life all about, why am I going through this processes in life? 
3. What really do I want in this life, more importantly what does God want me to take out of this life? 
4. What am I going to become in this life?

These questions will give you an insight into what you need to do on a daily basis to achieve. Answering those questions would help you answer another question. How am I going to live my life daily in 2018? It is important for us to do a daily review of our life as much as the occasional reviews.

In Philippians 3: 12-14, Apostle Paul gives a review of his life and the journey therein. He says briefly that in spite of everything there are certain things he has decided to do, things he wants out of life, things he wants to do. He forgets the challenges, difficulties, issues of the past and moves to the future with a singular focus and faithfulness.
How are we going to work out this year and ensure that the year works out for us? What are those things that we do daily that we need to correct?
We need to live our lives in the best way to we can to ensure that we do not have regrets and begin to look back. Whatever that has been committed to our hand it is important that we do it with all our might.

Pressing towards the mark?

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

The city of Phillipi was named after the father of Alexander the great, Philip. It was in this same place that Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Here Paul talks about the all sufficiency of Christ. Paul talks to the people of Phillipi about fulfillment of purpose through Christ.

When it is time to shut my eyes in death, what would I have become? What impact would I have made and what would people remember me for after I am gone? What are those things I need to do in my life to achieve purpose so that I leave a mark behind after I am gone?
There is a reason that we are all created the way we are. We all have a purpose for being, and it is important that we strive to attain and fulfill that reason. We must press toward the mark for the price that gives life meaning.

Our life must have meaning, it must have importance, it must that thing that when we leave this world it would be said of us that we came and had an impact.
Life is about living a life of significance, living a life that has added value. As we go through life we must consider and look back, reflect and look back, review and adjust. In 2018 we must consider how we are going to get some level of significance in this life.

What are the things to do in 2018 to live a life of significance;

1. Righteous discomfort with where we are
2. Have the power to see the future and live it
3. Have the right spirit; the spirit that attracts the value of life and right living to you
4. Know the strategy to achieving 
5. Have shameless persistence; pressing towards the mark to get what we want. We must keep at it until we get the response we want.
6. You must be bold to take life on
7. Willingness to forgive the past and to focus on the future. We spend so much time focusing on the hurts and pains of the past and fail to focus on the beauties and opportunities of today and the future.  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12: 18 KJV. 

We are going into a new place this year but we need to start it right and Press towards the mark. It is important that we do not stop or give up on our vision, goals and purpose; but to keep pushing with a singular focus until we achieve it. We are to do this with Christ as our guide through the word of God, the Bible.

How do you want to start the new year?

In Genesis 26, Isaac heard specifically from God not to go into the land of Egypt but to sow in the land where he was. In that land there was famine, water was scarce. But the word tells us that Isaac sowed in the land and sowed a hundredfold.

He prospered so much that the people of Philistine, the land in which he lived and sowed, became envious of him. The envy was filled with fear and the Ruler of that land, Abimelech, asked Isaac to leave the land because He had grown mightier than the owners of the land. So, Isaac moved.
The word tells us that as he sowed he dug a well, the people of the land strove with him; he dug another well and the same thing happen. He moved the first and second time, by the digging of the third well he had peace because the people did not fight him for that well.

Isaac moved on and kept moving without giving up after the first or second well was taken from him. He kept on until he got to the place where his work and profit was not in contention.
Until we get the truth that the bible uses failure to bring out the best in us we would always struggle

Why do we quit?

1. We quit because we rely on our power and effort. Jeremiah 17:5
2. We do not seek the consent of God. Proverb 3: 5
3. We take our cue from what happened to another person. Each and every one of us have our own cross to carry. 
4. We want things done in our own time, we do not want to wait for God’s time. 1 Peter 5: 10
5. We do not let God finish what he started. 

The success that we expect is right there at our finger tips. Proverbs 24: 10.
If need be go back to God, the potter, and let Him fix that which is not going well in your life.
Job said “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.” Job 14: 7 KJV.

What has not destroyed you will and can only make you stronger. Can God trust us to trust Him? Would He be able to trust you to let Him do His will in your life so that you can have the success that He has promised you?

As we enter into the new year, let us give God a chance to work in us and through us. We have tried it our own way till date. As today ends 2017, let us enter the new ship called 2018, doing it God’s way and see the changes that will take place in our lives.

Where is the evidence of Your Christianity?

As Christians we are to be a reflection of Christ, for he is our perfect example. He said in his word “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Matthew 25:40 KJV. Our going to church, praying and fasting is not a reflection of God. Reflecting God is seen in a selfless life of giving and doing that which pleases God.  The evidence of your Christianity is seen in your daily life.


The wise men’s purpose for seeking out the baby was to worship and to give. This is the full purpose of been a child of God. Worship and giving. The wise men gave a great evidence of their reflection of God by their worship and giving spirit. They were so focused on their mission that till date there is no mention of their names or linage save that they came from the east. “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6: 3-4

If Christ happens to appear today dressed in dirty and tattered attire, looking hungry and homeless, how would you receive him? Would you even say hello? Would you give him a front row seat? A lot of us would be offended with such a person in our church, homes or place of work. We need to begin to live our life reflecting Christ.

The reason why we do not experience extra ordinary greatness is because most of us lack the capacity to sacrifice for the greatness. We need to be able to sacrifice for Christ. As we remember the story in Luke 16: 19-31. The rich man could

Starting the journey right

Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2: 2-6

Be sensitive to things around you. The bible says that Jesus was being born and the people in the midst where he was born didn’t know anything about him. A lot of us miss opportunities because we are not sensitive to the things around us. As a new year starts, we need to be sensitive and wise as we position ourselves for the future. Those things we want to achieve in the next year we need to have the focus in our sights now. This is the time to talk to God and ask him what His plans are for the next year, so that His plan and our plans will be in line.

The people have the knowledge, the had the information but they were not sensitive to the time. The leaders of Israel knew where Jesus was to be born because all the prophesies pointed to the town of Bethlehem. A lot of us know many things but we didn’t pay those things we know any attention. We are to be sensitive to our name, to the place we live in, to the times we live in, we are to be sensitive to the people around us. We need to understand the name we are given by our parents.

You have potential, you might be the least like Bethlehem was but one thing is sure; every one of us has potential for greatness. We need to recognize our potential and make use of it that we may become that which we were ordained and created to be. There is a great person coming out of each of us. It is not what we look like that is important, but what is inside us and what will come out of us is the important thing to achieving greatness. The problem with a lot of people and nations is the lack of understanding regarding the potentials of the people and the greatness that the people in a place could achieve.

Only those who fix their eyes on Jesus will to the end. If you follow the star contentiously you will get to Him. The bible says “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set.” Hebrew 12: 2
The wise men not only saw the star but they knew what to do and where prepared to do it. They were ready to go all the way till the end. Most of us come to church or place of worship for the wrong reasons; of all the reasons we have not many go to the place of worship just for the purpose of worshiping Jesus. The wise men went to the baby for 2 reasons only – to worship and give gifts to Jesus.

For us to start right and end well in 2018 we are to remember to do the following; be sensitive at all times, understand and realize that YOU have potential, fix your eyes on Jesus and finally have that spirit of worship and giving.

Where are you going?

What is happening in front of us and around us will not pass us by; what God has ordained us for will not pass us by. The wise men observed the star and followed it.

How many people in Israel knew that Jesus was born? Why didn’t the whole of Israel not know when he was born? They were nor discerning; not looking and watching. They were foretold of an opportunity; that the Messiah was coming around that time.
They were not focused enough; on the things of God, on things happening around us, on things happening with and to the people around us.

We need to ask God questions, to study the word, meditate on the word, live on and by it. There is a need for spiritual sensitivity.

What kind of a day was it when Jesus Christ was born? It was a normal day, a simple day, and ordinary day. Great things happen in simple ways, ways we never expected, imagined or thought of. This is how and when God shows up. An ordinary day can end up in an extra ordinary way. A lot of the time opportunities pass us by when we least expect it.
When you enter somewhere let your anthennas be up. When you are a in a place we need to be spiritually sensitive to what God is saying and what He wants us to get from it.

“Wise men came from the east saying”. What was it that made it possible for the wise mean to arrive safely at their destination? The beginning of a journey is not as important as arriving safely at the destination.

1. They followed the star
2. They were focused on where they were not going
3. They were united
4. The took collective responsibility (they traveled as wise men and arrived as wise men. When they were going to speak they all spoke together as the wise men.)

For us to get to where we are going we must be focused on the destination, be spiritually discerning, be conscious of opportunities around us.




Picture coutesy: http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Three-wise-men_2769.jpg