Posts

THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS

Image
THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS   2 Samuel 23:20–23 (NKJV) "Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day."   Some people become known for their positions, while others become recognised for their exploits. In the Bible, Benaiah was one man whose courage and extraordinary deeds distinguished him among David's mighty warriors. His story is fascinating, but before we examine the lion, the pit, and his eventual promotion, let's first understand the man behind these remarkable achievements. 1. A MAN WITH A BACKGROUND Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel. He was not an ordinary warrior. Scripture records several extraordinary victories that distinguished him among David's mighty men. His background introduces us to a family ass...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 13

Image
  THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 13 Revelation 3:4-5 4. “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine Welcome to Part 13 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this chapter, we focus on Fleeing from Sin—recognizing that spiritual strength includes knowing when to escape temptation . By following God’s Word and staying alert , we can avoid sinful traps and protect our spiritual purity. 4. Fleeing from Sin No one can build enough “ spiritual muscles” to negotiate with sin or resist temptation through sheer willpower alone. True wisdom is recognizing when to flee. Joseph is a perfect example of this. When faced with temptation from Potiphar’s wife, he ...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 12

Image
THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 12 Revelation 3:4-5 4. “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. Welcome to Part 12 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this chapter, we focus on Drawing Strength from God—acknowledging that true spiritual purity comes from His power working within us. Through prayer , studying His Word , and surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we can overcome life’s challenges and remain spiritually unstained . 3. Drawing Strength from God: Just as plants draw their nutrients from the soil to grow and thrive, we must draw our strength from God through the Holy Spirit to sustain our spiritual purity on life’s journey . The apostles ...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 11

Image
THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 11 Revelation 3:4-5 4. “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine Welcome to Part 11 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this chapter, we focus on Guarding the White Garment—protecting our spiritual purity through intentional actions and reliance on God’s Word. By staying vigilant and rooted in Christ, we can resist temptation and remain spiritually unstained. 2. Guarding the White Garment The Ghanaian proverb, “ A man can never be careful unless he buys a new car and a white shirt,” attributed to Bukom Banku (a Ghanaian boxer), has resonated with me for years. Just as one guards a new car or carefully protects a w...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 10

Image
THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 10 Revelation 3:4-5 4. “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine Welcome to Part 10 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In the last chapter, we identified the “ little foxes ” that sneak into our lives and threaten our spiritual integrity . This chapter focuses on practical steps and biblical wisdom to overcome these challenges and walk victoriously in God’s purity. How to Overcome Practical Challenges 1. Recognizing the Enemy’s Traps The hunters and mud symbolize how the enemy uses subtle strategies to lure believers into sin. Identifying these traps early helps prevent defilement and strengthens our spiritual defe...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 9

Image
  THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 9 Song of Solomon 2:15 "Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes." Welcome to Part 9 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this final lap on the “ little foxes ,” we continue identifying subtle but destructive habits that threaten our spiritual purity . By addressing these challenges , we equip ourselves to stand firm and walk in holiness before God. 5. Unforgiveness and Bitterness: Holding onto grudges blocks spiritual growth , much like mud blocking the ermine’s entranc e. These emotions poison the soul, creating a barrier that hinders a relationship with God. Practical Example: A believer refuses to forgive a friend’s betrayal, allowing bitterness to take root and disrupt their prayer life. Scripture Reference: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you d...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 8

Image
  THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 8 Song of Solomon 2:15 "Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes." Welcome to Part 8 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this chapter, we continue examining the “ little foxes”—the small but harmful challenges that quietly undermine our spiritual growth . Through practical examples, we’ll uncover how to overcome these hidden dangers and remain steadfast in Christ. 3. Fornication and Adultery These sins, though sometimes justified by emotions or circumstances, directly defile the believer’s spiritual “white garment” and dishonor God’s design for purity. Practical Example: An unmarried couple rationalizes premarital sex as love, or a married individual justifies an affair as an escape from marital struggles. Both compromise their commitment to God’s standard of purity. Scripture Reference: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that...

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 7

Image
THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 7 Song of Solomon 2:15 "Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes." Welcome to Part 7  of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise. In this chapter, we focus on the " little foxes "— the small but dangerous challenges in life that quietly threaten our spiritual purity . By addressing these subtle compromises, we can better guard our hearts and stay faithful to Christ. Practical Life Challenges: The Little Foxes In the story, t he mud represents sin, and the "little foxes" of life often sneak in unnoticed to destroy the believer’s “vine .” As Scripture warns, “Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” — Song of Solomon 2:15 (NKJV) These seemingly small but dangerous compromises can defile spiritual purity if left unchecked. 1. Gossip : Like mud smeared around the ermine...

Popular posts from this blog

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 7: WHAT IS YOUR “ONE THING”?

JUMPSTARTING YOUR LIFE—THE POWER OF DIVINE CONNECTIONS PART 2: YOU CAN'T MOVE WITHOUT POWER

THE GREAT WALL: WHEN WALLS FAIL PART 2 — THE ENEMY AT THE GATE: STRONG WALLS, WEAK WATCHMEN