Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION
Isaiah 1:1–31 
The first chapter of Isaiah serves as a summary vision and presents the major themes of the book: judgment on Judah for rebelliousness and hope for the future restoration of Zion. 

Verse 1- The vision of Isaiah This opening heading identifies the book as prophetic revelation associated with Isaiah the prophet. 
Isaiah The prophet’s name means “Yahweh’s is salvation.” Or “The Lord shall save”.  
Isaiah’s ministry spans the reigns of four kings of Judah over a period of several years, but most of his prophetic activity relates to the crisis during the reign of Ahaz or the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s invasion and siege of Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah. His access and relationship to the royal court seems similar to that of Nathan, Elijah, or Elisha (2 Sam 7; 1 Kings 18–19; 2 Kings 6).

Judah and Jerusalem The northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria, during Isaiah’s lifetime. This and other traumatic events provide the dramatic backdrop for Isaiah’s warning of impending judgment against the southern kingdom of Judah.

Verses 2–20 God’s formally brings a legal suit against Judah for a breach of contract (breaking their covenant with Him). The accusation appears in Isa 1:2–3, followed by a direct address to the people outlining the charges detailed in Verses 4–20.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 1 - God’s Case Against Judah
Verses 1- 9
•    Jerusalem is called by more than 30 different names in the book Isaiah.
•    The chastening of the Lord (re: Deut. 28-29) has been visited upon the land and the time of expulsion is near. 
•    Total destruction: Deut. 29:22; Amos 9:11; Isa 13; Jer. 50.
God’s condemnation - of sheer outward religion and formalism: Hos. 6:6; Amos 4:4; 5:21-25; Micah 6:6-8; Jer. 7:4, 21; Ps 50:3-15.
•    10 Reference to Jerusalem as Sodom (Rev 11:18).
•    13 “Abomination due to use of images and idolatry (Rev 13).
•    18 - 31 Entreaty and warning. 
•    18 An invitation to “Reason together”
•    19 Grace for all which includes full amnesty.

Again another derailment 
•    20 - 22 Silver & Harlotry: Ex 34:15; Hos. 1:2; Isa 50:1; 54:1, Ex 30:11-16
•    24 The call of Trinity. 
•    25 Dross: Ezek. 22:18-22.
•    26 Judges are to be restored in the future kingdom (Mt 19:28).
•    29 Trees: 2 Kgs 16:4; Hos. 4:13; Jer. 2:20; 3:6-13; 17:2; Ezek. 6:13; Isa 57:5.
•    Gardens: Isa 65:3; 66:17.

A CLOSER LOOK
Rebellion:
Vs 2 - “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; 
God is emphasizing His role as caretaker or master over Israel’s well-being; He cared for them like a father.  Yet they rebelled against Him. The Hebrew word for “rebel” is used to describe political rebellion (see 2 Kgs 3:5–7). It indicates a breach of contract—when someone has not fulfilled his or her contractual obligation. 
In this case, the Israelites are accused of breaking their agreement to obey God. The metaphor of Israel as a rebellious child connects directly to the covenant law in Deut. 21:18–21, where the penalty for disobeying parents was death.

Are we conscious and committed?
1:3 An ox knows its owner God’s children have shown less sense and loyalty than stubborn farm animals, who at least recognize their master’s role in providing for them.
Israel here, refers to God’s people generally, not just the northern kingdom. The vision is addressed to Judah and Jerusalem, the southern kingdom.
1:4 children Indicates that those being addressed are connected to God’s rebellious children in Isa 1:2.
The Holy One of Israel This title for God is frequently used in Isaiah to emphasize the holiness of God. Isaiah’s experience may have profoundly impacted his vision of God, and led him to stress this aspect as central to God’s identity. 
Isaiah develops a portrait of God as all powerful and greater than other so-called gods. He also emphasizes God’s separateness and otherness compared to His creation (Hosea 11:9), and His demands for moral perfection and ritual cleanness (Lev 19:2). Isaiah’s dismay in Isa 6:5 is related to his awareness of his own uncleanness for standing before that which was most holy.

God’s Grace  
As God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness (Gen 19). The prophets frequently referenced the cities to illustrate what God’s judgment looks like (see Isa 13:19; Jer. 49:18; Amos 4:11; Zeph. 2:9). 
A small remnant was saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—only through God’s grace.  But Isaiah referenced it and also added a spiritual angle to it.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 2 Emphasises On A Vision Of The Coming Kingdom.
•    Verses 2-5 similar to Prophet Micah in Micah 4:1-3, 5.
•    Mountains an idiomatic expression for kingdom, authority, rule: Dan 2:35, 44-45; Rev 17:9-11; etc.
•    6 - 22 The necessity of humility
•    11 Compare with Isa 14: the fall of Lucifer through pride.
•    17 Only God should be exalted. 
•    19 Rev 6:16; Josh 10:16,17.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 3 - National And Regional Disintegration Of Israel Due To Sin And Transgression
•    Talks about the chaos that will befall those leaders who lead people away from God almighty.
•    Obscene nature of the society at large. 

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 4:1-6: We Will See A Vision Of The Coming Kingdom.
•    Seven women 
•    “The Branch of the Lord” to be fully manifested after His return in glory (Mt 25:31);
•    “The Branch” of David (Isa 11:1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15), the Messiah, “of the seed of David according to the flesh” (Rom 1:3), revealed in earthly glory as King of Kings.
•    The Lord’s “servant, the Branch” (Zech. 3:8), Messiah’s humiliation and obedience unto death (Isa 52:13-53:12; Phil 2:5-8);
•    Cloud covering for them that believe: Ex 13:21,22.

CONCLUSION
What we have learnt in these first four chpaters on the book of Isaiah is a theme pointing towards, a call to righteousness and total reliance on God

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION:
We must remember to thank God for our past studies, acknowledge the help of the Holy  Spirit; the Spirit of truth and the hard work of our teachers.
We are studying the book of Isaiah until the end of 2023 and I believe that the lessons stored up for us by God will enrich our knowledge of the Bible and transform our lives.
The book of Isaiah was written between 739 and 681 B.C. during the time when Israel was a divided nation. After King Solomon’s death, the ten northern tribes formed Israel, with its capital city being Samaria. The two remaining tribes of Benjamin and Judah united to become the southern kingdom, Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. Isaiah spoke mainly to Judah (but sometimes also to Israel) “in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (Isa.1:1)
His message was to a nation that had turned a deaf ear to the Lord. Instead of serving Him with humility and offering love to their neighbours, the nation of Judah offered meaningless sacrifices in God’s temple at Jerusalem and committed injustices throughout the nation. Prophet spoke mainly to the people of Judah and the message was mostly to ‘repent’ and turn from their wicked ways that the Lord might bless them yet again (Isaiah 1:2; 2:11-20; 5:30; 34:1-2; 42:25).
At the same time, Isaiah understands that God is a God of mercy, grace, and compassion (Isaiah 5:25; 11:16; 14:1-2; 32:2; 40:3; 41:14-16). The nation of Israel (both Judah and Israel) is blind and deaf to God’s commands (Isaiah 6:9-10; 42:7). Judah is compared to a vineyard that should be, and will be, trampled on (Isaiah 5:1-7). Only because of His mercy and His promises to Israel, will God not allow Israel or Judah to be completely destroyed. He will bring restoration, forgiveness, and healing (43:2; 43:16-19; 52:10-12).
More than any other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah focuses on the salvation that will come
through the Messiah. The Messiah will one day rule in justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; 32:1).
The reign of the Messiah will bring peace and safety to Israel (Isaiah 11:6-9). Through the Messiah, Israel will be a light to all the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 55:4-5). The Messiah’s kingdom on earth (Isaiah chapters 65-66) is the goal toward which all of the book of Isaiah points. It is during the reign of the Messiah that God’s righteousness will be fully revealed to the world.

1. The Author (Isaiah 1:1)
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
As is the case with nearly all the books of “the prophets,” the book of Isaiah takes its name from its writer. Isaiah was married to a prophetess who bore him at least two sons (Isaiah 7:3; 8:3). He prophesied under the reign of four Judean kings; Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1).
The name “Isaiah” means “Jehovah saves” or “Salvation of Jehovah.” It is believed that Isaiah
was from a prominent family, or perhaps even related to the royal family of Judah, because of his apparent influence among the rulers of Judah. Isaiah is sometimes called the “prince of prophets” for this reason. He made the most prophecies regarding the Jewish people and Christ. And he is the prophet who is most often quoted in the New Testament.
Isaiah is considered a “major” prophet of the Bible (along with Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) as opposed to the “minor” prophets (Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Nahum,
Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi). These prophets are not divided based
on significance of the messages, however, but rather simply by the length of their books.
Some scholars debate whether or not one man, Isaiah son of Amoz, actually wrote all sixty-six chapters of this book, dividing the book into three sections: 1–39(Punishment of Jerusalem),
40–55(Captivity in Babylon), and 56–66(Persian Era). These scholars insist multiple authors must have added to the scrolls to account for the fulfilment of the words in the book of Isaiah; in other words, someone snuck in and added prophecies after foretold events had already occurred. However, if you believe in the Holy Spirit and in God’s ability to speak to and through His prophets, you can set aside this reasoning.

2. Historical Perspective (Isaiah 1:2-3)
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me; 3 The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.”
Isaiah lived in the eighth century BC, during the time when Israel was a divided nation. After King Solomon’s death, the ten northern tribes formed Israel, with its capital city being Samaria. The two remaining tribes of Benjamin and Judah united to become the southern kingdom, Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. Isaiah’s ministry as a prophet took place in the range of 740–680 BC, during some very turbulent times for the Jewish people. There were threats to their safety and culture on all sides, including between and among the tribes themselves.
The northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive by Assyria in 721 BC. Then, the southern kingdom of Judah was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in 586 BC. At this time, the capital, Jerusalem, major buildings, and the beautiful temple Solomon had built were all destroyed. Thousands of Jewish people were taken to Babylon for seventy years, a key event in the history of the Jewish people, known as the Babylonian captivity or exile.
Isaiah predicted these and other events long before they occurred. These and many other prophecies spoken by Isaiah can be traced through secular, non-Christian sources.

3. The Message or Purpose (Isaiah 42:6-7)
“I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles 7, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
More than any other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah focuses on the salvation that will come through the Messiah. The Messiah will one day rule in justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; 32:1). The reign of the Messiah will bring peace and safety to Israel (Isaiah 11:6-9). Through the Messiah, Israel will be a light to all the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 55:4-5). The Messiah’s kingdom on earth (Isaiah chapters 65-66) is the goal toward which all of the book of Isaiah points. It is during the reign of the Messiah that God’s righteousness will be fully revealed to the world.
Chapter 53 of Isaiah describes the coming Messiah and the suffering He would endure in order to pay for our sins. In His sovereignty, God orchestrated every detail of the crucifixion to fulfil every prophecy of this chapter. The imagery of chapter 53 is poignant and prophetic and contains a complete picture of the Gospel. Jesus was despised and rejected (v. 3; Luke 13:34; John 1:10-11), stricken by God (v.4; Matthew 27:46), and pierced for our transgressions (v. 5; John 19:34; 1 Peter 2:24). By His suffering, He paid the punishment we deserved and became for us the ultimate and perfect sacrifice (v. 5; Hebrews 10:10). Although He was sinless, God laid on Him our sin, and we became God’s righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Conclusion Isaiah (12:1-3)
Isaiah’s overall theme receives its clearest statement in chapter 12:1-3
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

DAY 29 – CHAPTER 29 Verse 17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.” NLT

Revelation

Discipline a child early enough in life to avoid heartache in the future Application Severally in the book of Proverbs we are admonished to discipline our children Many restrain from discipline and indulge them indiscriminately because they think they love their children too much but Proverbs 13:24 says:

“If you withhold correction and punishment from your children, you demonstrate a lack of true love. So prove your love and be prompt to punish them.” TPT

Proverbs 19:18 TPT says “Don’t be afraid to discipline your children while they’re still young enough to learn. Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests.”

Indulgence is not a mark of love but a bait for destruction

DAY 30– CHAPTER 30 Verse 5
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”  NLT

Revelation

Every word of God is tried, tested and proven true

Application

Psalm 12:6 tells us that The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times
I will never doubt God’s Words; especially what it says about me

Prayer

Lord Jesus please grant me the grace and strength to continually trust in your unfailing Word

DAY 31–CHAPTER 31 Verses 4-5

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.”

For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.

Revelation

Respectable people should steer clear of all sorts of intoxicants If you have the ambition to become somebody in this life then you must refrain from certain actions Application There are consequences for all actions we take.

Verse 5 tells us of the consequences.

“they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.”
Although these verses refer to wines and strong drinks, the same applies to things that will impact your judgment, your resolve and your reputation.

Because as long as you remain a nobody no one cares. But as soon as you get out there, ready to, or already making an impact in the world there are those who will go searching for mud to sling at you. And if by your actions either as a youth or past adult life you have by the lack of self-control engaged in anything scandalous, it will come out in the open.

Contributor: Tobi Morakinyo

DAY 23 - CHAPTER 23

Verse: 1-3.

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Revelation

Not every opportunity should be taken! Some are like weapons specially fashioned to derail us from God’s will.

Application

Daniel and his friends knew by wisdom that the King’s meat was defiling and should not be consumed (Daniel 1:8), otherwise, God’s plans for their lives would be thwarted. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:24-28). However, because our God can as well prepare a table before us (Psalms 23:5), we must continually watch, and pray for the spirit of discernment to know whether it is a table set by God or distraction from the enemy of our soul.

DAY 24 - CHAPTER 24

Verse: 4 and 16

4If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief”.

Revelation:

• Adversity is not necessarily synonymous to mishap, other Bible translation used “under pressure” (Joseph in Gen. 39:7-12), “distress” (David and his army in 1 Sam 30)”, “temptation” (our Lord, Jesus Christ in Mathew 4:1-11), “persecution” (Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10), trial of faith (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3:8-25) etc.

• Everyone will experience that the day (period) of adversity as many times in his/her lifetime. One thing is guaranteed, our faith in God will be put to test. As often as that happens, God expects us to stand firm.

• However, the strength to stand on such day must be sufficiently garnered ahead of time. God’s expectation from us during such moments, days or periods of adversity is to draw on His strength for victory. He is not expecting us faint on such day(s) because His grace is sufficient for us, and his strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). However, if we faint, it is indication that we need to build strength (capacity) in that area or sub-area of life. We should not remain in our fainting mode, we should rise again – vs 16 says “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief”.

Application

We must continually build capacity to stand on the day of adversity. The day of adversity is not the day to build but to manifest strength. How then can we build strength ahead?:

• Through God’s word and by His spirit. He is the true source of strength. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1).

• By trusting and having faith in God because we know that “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Cor. 10:13), and “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19).
• By continually wait on him because “they that wait on the Lord, he shall renew their strength”(Isa. 40:31).
• By rejoicing always because the joy of the lord is my strength (Neh. 8:10); and • By not forsake the assembly of the brethren, and seeking godly counsel and prayers - Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Prov. 27:17).

Day 25 – Chapter 25
Verse: 4

Take away the dross [impurities] from the silver, and there comes out [the pure metal for] a vessel for the silversmith [to shape]. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.

Revelation

Dross can be likened to sin or any attitude, character and association that could deprive us from reaching our full possibilities in life and Godliness.

Application

The silversmith can make nothing valuable out a dross-filled silver. Remaining intertwined with impurities limits our full potential in God.
Who takes away the dross? God, through the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus and His word (Heb. 9:14, Eph.5:26); and individuals – through wisdom, discipline and self-control. This responsibility can be established from these scripture - “Mortify therefore your members …..”(Col. 3:5), “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure”(1 John 3:1-3), “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4-6), “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…(Heb 12:1-3)”. Therefore, we must identify, ask God to reveal and be willing disentangle myself from dross limiting us from reaching our fullness in life and Godliness.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

DAY 15 - CHAPTER 15
Verse: 1
“Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?” TPT

Revelation
Ungodly anger is not your friend. It can mess up everything

Application
Ungodly anger always prompts retaliation and seeks revenge
“I will respond with words that will hurt him/her too” it says
Wisdom teaches us here that if we respond gently when we are confronted, we defuse the rage and tension in the air and de-escalate the situation. To do otherwise is to risk ruining your testimony as it can ruin that of even the wisest of men

Prayer: Lord Jesus help me to develop a calm disposition; not to be hasty, harsh or rash

DAY 16 - CHAPTER 16
Verse: 20
“One skilled in business discovers prosperity, but the one who trusts in God is blessed beyond belief!” TPT

Revelation
Skill and Trust in God supersedes skill only!

Application
As Christians we have a huge advantage that we many times, fail to cash out on.
Here we see that being skillful in business leads to prosperity. So, we must be skillful in business. However, to be blessed beyond belief we must not trust in our skills but in God!
Prayer: Lord Jesus please help me not to trust in my abilities and wisdom but in you in all of my endeavours this year."

DAY 17 - CHAPTER 17
Verse 27
Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure? That’s how you show that you are wise. An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected, no matter what you’re facing. TPT

Revelation
Being able to control your tongue is the true test for wisdom.

Application
A heart of understanding keeps you unruffled; especially when provoked. Understanding that whenever we respond to provocation in the flesh that human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires will keep us cool, calm and collected
Verse 14 says: It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts, so don’t let it begin.

Prayer: Grant me the grace to know when indeed is the right time to speak and the right time to be silent

DAY 18 - CHAPTER 18
Verses: 14
“A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed? MSG

Revelation
Keep your spirit healthy and live an all-round healthy life!

Application
The ultimate aim of the enemy is to crush our spirits. He does this indirectly by targeting our bodies and minds. Just like he targeted Job, he drives through his attack from one adversity to the other, so that people lose their will to survive (at that point, their spirits are crushed)
TPT says: “The will to live sustains you when you're sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus grant me the grace to continually feed and strengthen my spirit by your Word and fellowship; so that my spirit will be able to withstand the pressures of life and attack of the enemy.

Contributor: Joy Okpebri

CHAPTER 9
Verses: 1-6
Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it’s supported by seven hewn timbers.
The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice: “Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I’ve prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines.
Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.”

Verses 11-12:
Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
It’s through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.
Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you.

Revelation

Wisdom offers value which is prepaid that we did not contribute to; yet; will put us ahead. This value takes its root from the fear and knowledge of God.

Application

Where there is no Fear of God and the wisdom he provides to us through the Holy spirit, life is shallow, sour and a mockery of what it should be. Vs 11-12.
Recommendations.
1. We must fear God. 2. We must know God. 3. Acquire wisdom
Lady wisdom is saying:
“Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I’ve prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.”
To go for dinner, you must intentionally dress up appropriately. In this case, purpose to study the word of God, dine with him so that you know him and what he has promised (a fresh spread for each day). By doing so, we will leave our impoverished confusion/Mentality/Hopelessness and Live a fulfilled life. Our lives will now have meaning, direction, purpose.

CHAPTER 10
Verses: 4-5 & 8:
4. Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth. 5. Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid. 8: A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued

Revelation

Slothfulness = Poverty; Diligence = Wealth; Right thing at the right time = Smartness
Taking orders/instruction is wise, the opposite is failure/undoing/ungluing progress, increase, promotion etc

Application

These verses tell us that Seeking wisdom requires deliberate actions; Here we see diligence at being important in wealth. Wealth is not riches. it is a total wellbeing of which riches is just a part.
It is already established that the book of proverbs is a book of instruction or manual for life. So, if we follow the instructions therein, then we are harnessing wisdom.
The specific instructions in the verses also give the resultant outcomes.
It is thus recommended that we are deliberate in following the given instructions.
1. Do not be slothful;
2. Be Diligent;
3. Do the right things at the right time - Be SMART
4. Take heed to instruction
These are nuggets for living a successful life.

CHAPTER 11
Verses: 2-7:
2 The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm; 3 The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin; 4 A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst; 5 Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life; 6 Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.

Revelation

Integrity and good character keep you going on the right part and can withstand anything,

Application

No matter the amount of wisdom you are exposed to, it is of no effect if integrity and good character is missing.
One of the core teachings of wisdom is integrity. Integrity is who you are when no one is watching. In these verses, we learn that if we allow our lives to be shaped by integrity, good character, and principles, then we will have a smooth life journey that can withstand anything.
This is the season of double portion, but we need wisdom to attain it fully. in the verses above, it is recommended that we:
1. Do away with pride and be down to earth
2. Let our lives be shaped by integrity in all our endeavours and keep away from deviousness
3. Live a principled life as money will not help when life falls apart
1. 4 Having good Morals makes for a smooth navigation through life
4. Good character is the best insurance to avoid the traps of sinful lust

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Verses: 1-7
“These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, David’s son: He wrote them to teach his people how to live—how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just, and fair in everything they did. “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. I want those already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.” How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! TLB

Revelation
The Purpose of the Book of Proverbs - A Manual for Living

Application
Where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable. Proverbs 1:1-7 spells out the purpose of the entire book of proverbs. So, in order to accomplish the purpose of this challenge, it is recommended that we
1. Pay close attention to the book of proverbs this year
2. Read each chapter of the book in different translations that bring the message closer to you. Recommendations (TLB, TPT and MSG)
3. Where possible, listen to the audio version of the book of proverbs when out on exercising, driving or when doing house chores.

DAY 2 - CHAPTER 2
Verses: 7-11
“For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly ones. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. Then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny. When wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in, true pleasure enters your soul. If you choose to follow good counsel, divine design will watch over you and understanding will protect you from making poor choices.” TPT

Revelation
Benefits of Wisdom: Success, Divine Protection and Direction

Application
Seeking wisdom requires deliberate actions; even more is the application of it. These verses tell us that godly/righteous people will be given access to the hidden storehouse of God’s wisdom. They also reveal that God becomes our personal bodyguard when we choose what is right and that we will be empowered to make the right decisions as we walk into our destiny. So to avail of these benefits, it is recommended that we
1. Are deliberate is choosing and doing what is right when we are faced with life’s choices even though they may not be popular
2. Lean onto and tap on the grace of God to live a godly life daily

DAY 3 - CHAPTER 3
Verses: 1-4
“My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I’ve taught you. Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life. Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go, and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. That’s how you will find favor and understanding with both God and men—you will gain the reputation of living life well. TPT

Revelation
Integrity and Truth, Keys to Divine Favour and understanding with both God and men

Application
No matter the amount of wisdom you are exposed to, it is of no effect if it is not applied for daily living. We must be hearers and doers of the Word and Wisdom of God. One of the core teachings of wisdom is integrity. Integrity is who you are when no one is watching. In these verses, we learn that if we allow our lives to be shaped by integrity, with truth written on our hearts then, we will favor and understanding with both God and men. We were anointed on the first day of the year to obtain “favour for double portion.” To be assured this promise, it is recommended that we
1. Let our lives be shaped by integrity in all of our endeavours
2. Let our speech be guided by truth and put away all falsehood
3. Be hearers and doers; who are faithful to all that we have been taught

DAY 4 - CHAPTER 4
Verses: 20-23
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. NKJV

Revelation
Your Life Is at Stake: Wisdom will Preserve You!

Application
The core of these verses is verse 23, that admonishes us to keep our heart with all diligence because from it springs the issues of life. Our hearts and minds are priceless possessions the Lord has blessed us with; and they are worth giving everything we have to protect. They are very important to us because the things our hearts and minds focus on, whether positive or negative are the things we tend to attract to our lives. To guard our hearts and minds, it is recommended that we
1. Prevent evil thoughts from dwelling in our hearts
2. Renew Your Mind Daily with the Word of God
3. Align Your Thoughts with God’s Words

Contributor: Alex Kokobili

INTRODUCTION
The study of God’s righteousness is inexhaustible as its exposures us to numerous dimensions of His essence and its associated benefits. The emphasis on fruitfulness in the previous lesson gives us clarity on enjoying the blessings of God’s righteousness by living a fruitful life. Fruitfulness brings transgenerational benefits because each fruit contains multiple seeds with the potential to give life to others (John 15: 5-8). Righteousness is a race that comes with both earthly and spiritual great rewards “Psalm 5:12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield”.
Today’s study expands the previous discussion on fruitfulness dwelling on the concept of progress as part of the blessing of righteousness. Both fruitfulness and progress are synonymous with each other based on contextual application.

Psalm 92: 12 “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon”.

Righteousness is aligning rightly with God’s way of life. This is the direction of holiness, purity, and obedience. You cannot attain holiness, purity, and obedience without God’s righteousness in you. i.e., It is God’s own way of doing things and not how we feel things should be done. The focus on PROGRESS in relation to the life of a righteous person insinuates advancement in diverse spheres of life without stagnation. Most often we hear people saying “As poor as a church rat” which is idiomatically used to link poverty with followers of the Christian faith due to some emphasis on pious living by certain groups. However, the scriptures tell us about the great gain of Godliness (1 Tim 6: 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain) and we further see that righteousness also comes with the gain of life and honour (Proverbs 21: 21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honour).

THE BLESSINGS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PROGRESS
PART A. Psalm 92: 12a (The Righteous Shall Flourish Like A Palm Tree)

• God recognizes the righteous: The first benefit of living in God’s righteousness is being recognized by the Lord Himself (Psalm 1: 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish). The blessing of God’s recognition is weightier than any material gratification. Based on these promises God is able to commit unto the righteous all other forms of blessings that pertain to our comfort and sustainability because He knows it will bring Him glory (Mathew 6: 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you).

• The righteous shall flourish (Psalm 92: 12a). Flourish refers to a wholesome development void of deadness or corrupt cells. It means a righteous man experiences
an unusual pace and pattern of life likened to the PALM TREE (The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree).

The symbolism of the Blessedness of the Righteous and the PALM TREE
• The palm tree was symbolic in its inscription in the sanctuary that housed the Ark of Covenant in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6: 29-31).

• The palm tree was symbolic as a way of honour in Jewish culture. John 12: 12- 13 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!”

• The palm tree is an embodiment of fresh life, productivity, prosperity, fertility, etc.
o Psalm 1: 2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Part B. Psalm 92: 12b The Righteous Shall Grow Like A Cedar In Lebanon (Progression)
• The cedar tree has a strong ability to resist moisture, and decay and it is extremely durable for construction and furniture. Though the cedar tree might not grow as fast as so many others it will outlive most trees without losing its integrity and glory.

• The cedar was also used by the priest for burning incense to God in the Old Testament (Leviticus 14) due to its aromatic fragrance and also the rebuilding of Jerusalem the temple (Ezra 3:7) by those who were in captivity from Lebanon under Cyrus.

• The blessings of the righteous will be distinct and visible as the gigantic cedar. The cedar tree is always very visible and it gives coverage and comfort to other trees in the woods. No wonder when cedars are cut down in the forest smaller trees will be exposed to crosswind and the aggressive side of nature. In the same manner, the blessings of the righteous stand out in grace, comfort, mercy, favour, health, finances, etc.

• The fall of Egypt was like the cutting down of a giant cedar! What a Shame.

Ezekiel 31: 3 – 8
Indeed Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon, With fine branches that shaded the forest, And of high stature; And its top was among the thick boughs. 4 The waters made it grow; Underground waters gave it height, With their rivers running around the place where it was planted, And sent out rivulets to all the trees of the field. 5 ‘Therefore its height was exalted above all the trees of the field; Its boughs were multiplied, And its branches became long because of the abundance of water, As it sent them out. 6 All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; Under its branches all the beasts of the field brought forth their young; And in its shadow all great nations made their home. 7 ‘Thus it was beautiful in greatness and in the length of its branches, Because its roots reached to abundant waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide it; The fir trees were not like its boughs,
and the chestnut trees were not like its branches; No tree in the garden of God was like it in beauty.

Part C. The Blessings Of Righteousness And The Nationhood Of Abraham
The righteous are considered God’s representative on earth. The righteous shall glow as long we remain in God’s concentration exponentially, numerically, geometrically, spiritually, unto quantum Infinitum until eternity to the fullness of likeness and image of God.
Proverbs 14: 34 - tells us that righteousness elevates a nation and brings a nation into prosperity, but sin is a reproach to any people. God considers the ability of the righteous as having the ability and capacity of a NATION. Also in 1 Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.

This metaphoric usage of a nation represents unique people with its cultural institution, an embodiment of prosperity, etc. The nations become the coordination of our civilization. This is the magnitude of value that God sees in those who live in righteousness.

• God’s promise to bless Abram by making him a great nation provided he (Abraham) followed His righteousness and guidance.
Genesis 12: 1- 3 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

• Abram’s faith in God was a testimony of righteousness.
Genesis 15: 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Like Abraham, the first hunger for righteousness is for us to please God without putting ourselves in the equation or trying to seek profit from God.

Righteousness is the testimony of Jesus Christ!
Hebrews 1: 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Psalm 45: 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions). Philippians 3:9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
We have to acknowledge the testimony of Christ in relation to how He prospered in His assignment of redemption of humanity due to righteousness.

• The righteous man like Abraham is able to access God’s agenda due to intimacy.
Gen 18: 17 The LORD said, “Shall I keep secret from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do). The testimony of righteousness is greater than any material substance because it is only.

• God helps the righteous man to overcome defeat for the purpose of reigning in God’s righteousness (Proverbs 24: 16 For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again). We see things we Abraham erred (Genesis 16: 4) by having an affair with Hagar his wife’s maid. However, we will later discover God’s mercy and help showed forth urging Abraham back to righteousness – (Genesis 17: 1 “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect”).

• The blessings of the righteous are generational, transferable, and quantum Infinitum. This is the Abrahamic blessing that we enjoy today because God willed this type of blessing to Abraham and his seed forever.
Galatians 3: 6-9 Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

CONCLUSION
As believers, the reward of righteousness may seem unpopular but it is worth living for (Mathew 6: 33). As we serve God, He will also and always make His blessings available to God at each journey of our life. Let us be reminded in accordance with Proverbs 34: 4 that righteousness exalts and elevates a nation and as long as we keep in such part, we become a city with blessings that cannot be hidden shining forth His glory (Mathew 5:14-16).

Contributor: Ngozi Roberts

INTRODUCTION
For the past few weeks, we have been studying the benefits of being in God’s Plan for our lives and come to understand that it brings fulfilment to us. We learnt that we are able to live an ordered life when we are living in accordance to God’s plan and last week we considered divine intervention as one of the benefits that we will enjoy when we work and live in harmony with Gods plan. We understood why we needed divine intervention, its characteristics and also had a peep into the lives of those in the bible that experienced divine intervention.
Today we are going to continue in our study of the benefits of being in Gods plan for our lives and we will be discussing

Fruitfulness. In general when one is successful it can be said that person is fruitful. In Christendom, the way we place value on success is different from the way it is done in the world. Usually, people tend to place a lot of value on every success we achieve as if it were to be by their own strength that they achieved that success. However, Paul said in 1Corinthians 15:10 that

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

So we see Pauls fruitfulness being attributed to Gods’ Grace. This is why it is very important for us to understand Gods idea of success or fruitfulness. We are all destined to be great, fruitful and succeed in life as Christians. We are made aware of this fact early in the scriptures in Genesis 12: 1-2 when he called Abraham:

12 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

So being the descendants of Abraham, we are all destined to be great, fruitful, and successful in life as children of God. As we go through this study, I pray that the Lord will open our eyes of understanding to find the missing link to our fruitfulness in Jesus’ name.

Text: John 15:5-8
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

One of the benefits of Gods plan for our lives is Fruitfulness. In other words, when we are working in accordance with the Plan of God, we will be fruitful. Let us break it down a bit.

Fruit - fulness
Fruit meaning – In God’s kingdom fruit has been used to describe an effect, or outcome or result of somethings. For example in Psalms 128 it says that “You will eat the fruit of your labour; blessings and prosperity will be yours. It means the outcome of our labour is the fruit which we will eat. This is likened to the regular meaning of fruits that come from trees like oranges or apples. So, if a farmer labours to plant an orange tree for example, he will eventually harvest the fruit to eat which is oranges.

Fullness - Simply put, the online dictionary says it is the state of being filled to capacity. This is simple enough.

Therefore, when we put them together, we can say that Fruitfulness is the state of being filled to capacity with fruit. It now depends on the type of fruit you are labouring for. So you will be filled to the brim or capacity with whatever kind of fruit that resulted from your planting or sowing.

John 15:5 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing

Remember we are talking about being in Gods plan. As children of God who are working in according to Gods plan, God is saying in this scripture that we ought to attach ourselves to Him. He brings an analogy of the plant called the Vine. There are actually different types but generally A vine is a plant that its stems requires support. It either climbs up a tree or sprawls over the ground. The most common plants that come to mind are grapes and tomatoes.

How can you differentiate the Vine from the branch?
From research I found out that the vine is the source of life for the branches. It provides the water and nutrients by which the grapes are produced. Without the vine, no fruit could ever result. So the vine and branches contain the same substance, the same life. There is one plant. The function of the vine is to pump life to the branches and the function of the branch is to produce the fruit of the vine.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Therefore, Jesus is letting us to know that we are the branches. As long as we are attached in him, we will receive all that is need of us to be able to fulfil our purpose in this kingdom. So there is a condition to this promise just like almost all the promises of God in the scriptures. Now there is a flip side in the next verse

6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

But this is not our mission. We all want to fulfil purpose or be fruitful. Therefore, must fulfil all the conditions required of us which is to Remain in Christ. So what then can we do to remain as a branch?

To remain in Christ
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
The scriptures made us to understand that God should be the beginning of everything in life in this kingdom. Without God being at the beginning of our purpose in life, there is no way we can succeed. Note that everyone of us is destined for greatness /fruitfulness. The fact that some of us have not attained our desired greatness is because we have not understood the steps to greatness.

These steps are highlighted in Deuteronomy 28:1-2
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

So from the above scripture, I understand that to remain in Christ and be fruitful and obtain these promises:
• to be set thee on high above all nations of the earth
• to be blessed and overtaken by blessings

That if I want to remain in Christ, I must fulfil these conditions:
• hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD
• to observe all his commandments
• do all his commandments

A typical example is Abraham our father. – Genesis 12:1-4
12 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee :2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran

Promise: (fruitfulness)
And I will make of thee a great nation, and

• I will bless thee,
• and make thy name great;
• and thou shalt be a blessing:
• And I will bless them that bless thee,
• and curse him that curseth thee: and
• in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed

Condition: (action)

• Get thee out of thy country, and
• from thy kindred, and
• from thy father's house,
• unto a land that I will shew thee

Now did Abraham fulfil these conditions? Yes. Did God fulfil his promise? Yes!
Genesis 17:6 "And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee."

Interesting! So after twenty four good years, God still reiterated and elaborated the same promise and Galatians 3:29 confirms this –
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

So the moment we said ‘Yes’ to Christ. The moment we accepted Christ as our Lord an personal saviour, at that point, we are surely testifying to the fulfilment of this promise.
It’s comforting to know that it does not matter how long it takes, Gods promises will surely come to pass!
Therefore, the first foundation to being a branch of Christ is to be born again. If you want to succeed in the kingdom of God, your first step is to encounter the God of the Bible. The day you encounter Christ is the day the clock of your destiny begins. John 3:3 says
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

And verse 15 says:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life

That is the life of God, a life of purpose, fulfilled vision, why, because we have to be relevant even after this life as the testimony God has given us is eternal life.
So you have to receive and encounter God in Christ to be a branch

Secondly, you have to encounter the Holy Spirit. It is in building a relationship with the Holy Spirit that the guidance to your purpose will be found. That empowerment you need to remain as a branch will be released unto you. Jesus introduce the ministry of the Holy Spirit in
John14: 16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
As branches we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth as He is dwelling in us!

Thirdly, to remain as a branch we must encounter the Word of God. The logos of God. The principles and mysteries embedded in the word of God. Matthew 13:11 says

11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

The Word of God is the instrument of transformation. We will be transformed through enlightenment. Our minds will have the opportunity to change towards the mind of Christ. Romans 12:2 tells us that 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Therefore, to become a branch, we must strive to get the knowledge and the ways of God.
Another case in point is Moses. In Exodus 33:13, Moses first asked for the ways of God to be shown to Him -

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Then after God had answered him, Moses asked for the God’s Glory in verse 18 -18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
So first strive to know God’s ways before His Glory. It is when we act upon the ways of God that you have learnt from his word that you will start experiencing the manifestation of His Glory and not the other way round.
In the process of encountering the word of God, you strive to get knowledge which is the access to information but it is not enough. When you get the information, ensure that you have a godly understanding of the underlying principles that comes with the information and then finally act on it by applying wisdom. This is the experiential application of the knowledge you have received. In doing this diligently, you are gradually rooting yourself as a branch ready to bear fruit.

Fruitfulness
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8

In Matthew 21:18- 20 Jesus was hungry and went to a fig tree to pluck a fruit to eat but found nothing! Jesus was unhappy and therefore caused it and the fig tree withered.
18Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

This is exactly how God feels when we do not bear fruit. It is the desire of God that we bear fruit. When we engage in the mysteries of the kingdom that we understand; the mysteries apportioned to bring result that we desire, we see ourselves exhibiting some peculiar ways and experiencing some results that are of higher dimension that is far from the norm. Then we know that we are bearing fruit.
Jesus told us another story, a parable of the talent in Matthew 25:20-30 the Master was not happy with the servant that did not yield any fruit, what did the Master do? In verse 30 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
What then are the criteria for fruitfulness

1. Humility – Psalm 51:17 - 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
When we put on humility, meekness, broken and contrite heart, God will embrace us. The fact that we are humble enough to receive his food, learn at his feet, we will surely be filled up and bear fruit. Remember, in the beginning we established that the work of the Vine is to feed an nourish the branch. Note that even if we get the knowledge, wisdom or understanding that we talked about, they will be useless in a proud heart. The proud heart is like the heart of stone, there is no way it can yield any fruit. When there is pride and arrogance, the word of God cannot pass through the life of that person. He said to Abram, get thee out…” and he obeyed.

2. Total Trust and Confidence – Gen 12:1 - Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
In the economy of God, He does not give you details of the instruction of where you are going. The mission is “Follow me”. When he was selecting his disciples, He would simple say “follow me” and they did. The time he told Peter to follow him and went further to tell him, he will make him fisher of men. To a Fisherman, what does that even mean! It does not make sense! Yet Peter followed him. Same way the other disciples followed in trust without asking questions and followed Him.
What about Abraham, he trusted God and obey in confidence. He was 75 years when he was promised this greatness, yet here he was 99 years still being promised, am sure if it were to be some of us, we would have compromised but Abraham was still faithful and still trusted God till the end and you and I are the end product of his obedience and trust.

3. Encounter with the Spirit of revelation - At this stage you do not stop at the gaining of knowledge but become an expression of the knowledge. As a result of your brokenness, you are able to do as He guides with ease. Because you trust Him, He uses you to manifest His will. It is like having Intercourse with Him. You see yourself experiencing the word e.g.

Psalm 23: 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me

You are experiencing a life changing tribulation in your place of work or family but you are not bothered because you have the scriptures reassurance.

CONCLUSION
I will leave us with the mantle scripture
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

Shalom!

Contributor: Esther Alajiki

INTRODUCTION
Through the last weeks we have considered the benefits of living within God’s will; we have considered - Perfect Peace, Fulfilment, An Ordered Life, and this week we shall be considering Divine intervention. Divine intervention is the interference of a deity in human life, popularly extended to any miraculous-seeming turn of events, an event that occurs when God becomes actively involved in changing some situation in human affairs. For you to attract divine intervention, you need divine attention which attracts divine visitation.

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (Read Psalm 34:15, 1 Peter 3:12, Job 36:7)

Isaiah 41:18 – "I will open Rivers in high places fountains in the midst of the valleys I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and dry land springs of water."

Exodus 23:25 "So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you."
There is a part for both parties to play. All of God’s best blessings are conditional

Exodus 15:26 "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."
(Read Deut. 28 – 1, 14, Psalms 91, Ps 23)

As children of God we must be aware of not only the promises and provisions but also the conditions attached.
Deuteronomy 7:15 "And the LORD will remove from you all sickness. He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you."

WHY DO WE NEED DIVINE INTERVENTION?
1. Every great and outstanding achievement is by God’s intervention.
2. Many wonderful dreams can only be fulfilled by God’s intervention.
3. By strength shall no man prevail
4. Divine intervention and removes barriers puts an end to prolonged delay.
5. Divine intervention brings you out of the pit of reproaches, confusion and sudden death.
6. Divine intervention makes your heaven to open and release her dews upon you.
7. Divine intervention makes your cloud that is full of rain to pour it down.
8. Divine intervention sponsors sudden miracles and elevation in your life like Joseph.
9. Divine intervention brings victory
10.Divine intervention will make helpers to remember you - Mordechai and King Ahasuerus.
11.Divine intervention prevents untimely death and resurrects dead good thing - Lazarus.
12. Divine intervention delivers answers to payers.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE INTERVENTION
1. It is promised – Psalm 91:14-15. Answered prayer is promised – Matthew 7: 7, Mark 11:24, John 15: 16, Jeremiah 33: 3. If God did not promise to intervene when we face difficulties, we will have no grounds to ask for it.
2. It is for a purpose. Every miracle is done to bring glory to God’s name and to advance the cause of the kingdom.
3. It is pure. God will never use unholy means to solve your problem. Trading hard drugs, ungodly relationship, fraud
4. It is powerful, nothing can stop it. When God stretches forth his hand to deliver, nothing can turn it backwards. (Psalm 66:3).
5. It is peculiar. if your problem is peculiar, but God will give you a peculiar solution.
6. It is sometimes progressive divine intervention may be instantaneous sometimes but can occur in phases.
7. It is recipient-participatory. Your faith is absolutely essential. God is not moved by need but by faith.
8. It takes place at God’s own time, not necessarily at the time you expect. Lazarus John 11.
9. It is perfect. It is complete. Lazarus raised back to life, healed of the sickness that killed him. • (Psalm 138: 8).
10.It is permanent. The Red Sea ended the Egyptian army.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF DIVINE INTERVENTION
1. Heavenly intervention: Joshua 10:11-14.
11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.” 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

Judges 5:2 “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.”

Judges 5:20 “They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera”.

2. Financial Intervention: Matt. 17:24 – 27 Tribute money from the mouth of a fish

3. Debt Settlement Intervention: 2 Kings 4:1-7 (Go, sell the oil and pay your debt”).

4. Angelic Intervention: Angel opened the prison doors. Acts 5:17 – 20

5. Healing Intervention: Man at the pool of Bethesda John 5:1 – 4 Acts 3:6 – 9 (Man at the Beautiful Gate)

6. Security Intervention (Daniel in the Lion’s Den), Daniel 6:13–22

7. Protection/Rescue Intervention- (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) Daniel 3:22 – 25

8. Turn around Intervention (Obed-Edom) Psalm 126:1 – 6

9. Restoration Intervention 2 Kings 8:1 – 6 Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

WHAT HINDERS DIVINE INTERVENTION?
1. Lack of Salvation – John 10:9
2. Sin – Destiny Killer – Secret Sin – Prov. 9:17-18 and Besetting Sin – Heb. 12:1; Col. 3:5-16.
3. Association – 1 Cor. 15:33
4. Compromise – Prov. 1:10
5. Unsanctified Life – 2 Tim. 2:19-21
6. Prayerlessness – Luke 18:1
7. Disobedience – 1 Sam. 13:1-14.

CONCLUSION
Ask God for divine intervention by His mercy
A cry for mercy is a key to access divine attention, Mercy opens doors can bring you into remembrance and qualify you for uncommon favour. Mark 10 – Blind Bartimaeus first asked for MERCY before asking for His eyes to be opened.