Break with Tradition 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Severally, Jesus Christ broke tradition. He healed a number of sick people such as the bent over woman (Luke Chapter 13 verses 10 to 16); the man with palsy (Luke Chapter 14 verses 1 to 6) on the Sabbath day. He also requested drink from a woman of Samaria; what was not acceptable to the Jews and the Samaritans. The fact that this request culminated in the salvation of the residents and indigenes of a whole city speaks to the benefits of sometimes breaking with tradition. Please see John Chapter 4 verses 1 to 42 for details.

The ten lepers cried to Jesus to ask for mercy. They expected to be healed immediately but Jesus did not pronounce the word of healing. Rather, Jesus asked them to go and present themselves to the priests. Fortunately, they were wise enough to obey Jesus. The Bible records that as they proceeded to the priests abode or temple; they were cleansed. Their obedience to the instruction of God through Jesus Christ gave them complete healing. They could have argued that there was no point going to the priests since they were not yet cleansed. They could have refused to obey. After all they asked to be cleansed, a prerequisite to showing themselves to the priests. And rather than heal them, Jesus sent them to the priests – to be humiliated or driven away from decent society? But as they obeyed, journeying to the priest, they received their healing and could confidently show themselves to the priests. In point of fact, one of them returned to give thanks to Jesus when he noticed that they were cleansed on their way to the priests.

Plan and Budget

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

To plan is to prepare for an event, a job interview, a career, a wedding, a business, an unborn child, a house; you just name it. The essence of a plan is that it gives you the overall or at least important details to guide you in decision making, in resource mobilization and actual implementation of whatever it is you are setting out to do. The Lord Jesus made this clear when He noted that whoever embarks on the building of a house must first investigate the cost of putting together the house just as whoever intends on going to battle must weigh the cost of going to battle before embarking on such a pursuit. To plan then also means to investigate, do feasibility studies that will enable you come with not only a budget but also means of raising the required resources. 

The building of the temple was planned.  King David received the temple pattern and gave it to his son, Solomon.  And even before Solomon commenced building, David made financial and material preparations for the building of the temple.  He gave money and materials for the building of the temple.  Thereafter, David asked the people to contribute.  Willingly, they did so and everything was handed over to King Solomon who succeeded his father David as King of Israel. Please see 1^st Chronicles Chapter 28: 10-21; 29: 1-9; 2nd Chronicles Chapters 2 to 5.

King Solomon built wisely according to plan.  He made the necessary contacts and did things one at a time.  He did not rush.  He patiently awaited God’s timing, contacts and resources. God did not fail him.  Everything he needed was provided for.  And where he had to trade certain resources for others, he willingly and gladly did so. Please see 2^nd Chronicles 2. 

All You Have is What You Need

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Everything you need to resolve whatever needs, crisis, is within your reach through Christ Jesus (Philippians Chapter 4 verse 19) because God is your Shepherd and He has made abundant provision for all you need. It may appear small or insignificant but it would be wise to follow the advice of Scriptures in Zechariah Chapter 4 verses 6 to 10, “Do not despise the small beginning for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin”. Please see also Psalm 44 verse 3, Haggai Chapters 1 and 2, Job Chapter 8 verse 7, 42 verse 12, Ezekiel Chapter 36 verse 11.

Beloved, what you need is inside of you, within easy reach. Ask God to open your eyes of understanding to see it and give you the relevant wisdom to use it as He would have you use it to achieve the desired results you seek in Jesus mighty name. Please see Genesis Chapter 21 verse 19, 22 verses 13 to 14.

The widow of the indebted son of the prophet had what she referred to as only a jar of oil in the house. That jar of oil was more than sufficient to pay off the debts that threatened debt bondage  as well as provide abundant resources for them to live on for the rest of their lives because she obeyed the divine instructions from Prophet Elisha to use what she had to get what she desired. Please see 2^nd Kings Chapter 4.