Obwoya Samuel’s Post

THE POWER AND PRESERVATION OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH, PART 2 PERSECUTION OF CHRIST FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life;" Revelation 2:9-10 (NKJV). You can know something by observation and information; but Jesus Christ is saying that He knew what the church of Smyrna was going through by participation. He knows what we are going through. There's nothing we are going through that He is not going through with us. There's no pain, suffering, persecution that He is not participating with you. That was why Jesus asked Saul, "Why are you persecuting me?" Acts 9:4-5 When Jesus said that He knew their persecution, He meant that He knew their pressure. In Roman Empire, when they want to kill someone, they will lay a large rock on his chest. The rock will slowly, gradually, systematically pressure the person to death. Jesus was talking about the pressure of a heavy load, heavy suffering. "I know your blasphemy" means reproach, piercing painful insult, the abuse that they were heaping upon the people. When people insult, abuse you, don't think that Jesus does not know. Jesus Christ was saying I know your intense pressure, poverty and persecution but you are rich. You are rich that Jesus said is a revelation of what the church in Smyrna were. "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5 (NKJV). Maybe you don't have money, material things, health, people are looking at you that you are in abject poverty but you have faith. You are rich in faith. Once you have faith, you can have every other thing. Rich in faith: the possibilities and greatness of faith. When you join your faith with prayer, you will come out of that situation and come into the sunshine of all the provision of the Lord. “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan," Revelation 2:9 (NKJV). In the Roman world at that time, in all the cities that were controlled by Caesar, the Roman Emperor, there was the worship of Caesar. In the worship of Caesar, they will say "Caesar is Lord." They go to the shrine, the temple dedicated to Caesar and they will worship and burn incense to him. The Jews did this because they want all the vast empires of the Roman emperor to be totally united. They want it to be united under a single figure 'Caesar.' The only way they thought they could do that is to exalt Caesar to the point of deity. PLEASE CONTINUE IN THE COMMENT.

ROCK CHURCH DEVOTION Friday, 16th August 2024 Ap. Samuel Obwoyojok Proverbs 6:10-11 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.[KJV] WEALTH OF SINNER BEING LAID UP FOR THE JUST VII I am still battling to explain to the body of Christ why many Christians are battling with poverty, and can not gather wealth. We learned in the previous devotion that some Christians are poor not because they are struggling with any generational curse. But they are poor because they don't have any work they are doing. When the Lord comes down to bless them, He finds them with nothing to bless. Let me build on the previous devotion by using our today's theme scripture "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man." This scripture reveals that there is always something wrong with folding hands. Folding hands leads you to poverty. God created Adam and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it. Genesis 2:15. This means that man should always work. Unfortunately, there are some people who doesn't want to work. While other people goes to work, they are busy sleeping and wasting time on things that doesn't count. Any little minute you waste without working and doing something productive for your life, you invites poverty to come and consume your life. Work child of God. Don't waste time doing nothing. Avoid people who makes you spend many minutes without doing anything. FURTHER STUDY: Genesis 2:15, Proverbs 26:15. GOLDEN NUGGET: Any little minute you waste without working and doing something productive for your life, you invites poverty to come and consume your life. PRAYER: Loving Father in the name of Jesus, thank you for this truth. I understand that I am a child of the kingdom with much responsibilities. I am so conscious of my life and I don't waste time, in Jesus name, Amen.

Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.” — Proverbs 19:4 Proverbs has much to say about practical living, including the advantages of wealth and the disadvantages of poverty. Saint Francis indeed might have taken poverty for his bride, but the wisdom of the book of Proverbs does not recommend it. For example, it says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty” (Proverbs 10:15). Like Francis, there have been those of a more mystical bent who have glorified poverty, and yet this is not what wisdom would have us see. As far as this book of the Bible is concerned, the destruction of the poor is their poverty. Indeed, poverty can be a devastating thing, and there are those in our cities today who know full well the truthfulness of this ancient wisdom. Proverbs tells us that the rich man gains many advantages through his power of giving gifts. It brings him before great men. It procures for him universal friendship, such as that friendship may be, and it enables him to pacify the anger of an adversary—for a gift given to an angry man pacifies anger, we are told. Not only does his wealth make for him many friends, but it also secures positions of influence and authority over those who are not wealthy. It enables him to rise to positions of prominence, to hold places in parliaments or obtain governorships or other such offices as this. Above all, the Bible says to trust in God and not in uncertain riches. Lord, You give us what we have. Help us to be content and at the same time improve our income when we are able. Your kingdom goes forth through funding, including that from the affluent. Help us to use what we have for Your honor and glory…

LIVING WATER EPISODE 141|| 20TH AUGUST, 2024 By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah RICH IN SPIRIT, STRONG IN FAITH Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:9 (NIV) “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s message comes from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, spoken to the church in Smyrna, as recorded in the book of Revelation. These words are as powerful today as they were then, reminding us that true wealth is not measured by worldly possessions or social status but by our faithfulness, perseverance, and the richness of our spirit in Christ. 1. Understanding Our Afflictions and Poverty Jesus begins by acknowledging the afflictions and poverty of the believers in Smyrna. This was a church that faced severe persecution, suffering not only from physical and economic hardship but also from social rejection. Yet, in the eyes of Christ, they were rich. Afflictions and Suffering: Afflictions in our lives come in many forms—physical illness, emotional pain, financial difficulties, and societal oppression. The church in Smyrna was no stranger to these trials. They were marginalized, living in poverty, and facing intense persecution because of their faith. Poverty of the World vs. Richness in Spirit: The world measures wealth in material terms—money, possessions, status. But Jesus sees beyond the surface. He reminds us that even in our poverty, we can be rich in the things that truly matter: faith, love, and righteousness. These are the treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy, and no thief can steal. God’s Recognition: It is comforting to know that Jesus sees our struggles. He knows our afflictions, our poverty, and every hardship we endure. And in His eyes, these trials are not signs of failure or abandonment but opportunities to demonstrate our faith and reliance on Him. https://lnkd.in/eTD-hciM

2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”” 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ‭‭ Here are some other Bible verses about gifts: Romans 12:6-8: Discusses how to use gifts based on the grace given to us. James 1:17: States that every good thing in our lives comes from God. Matthew 6:1-4: States that God will reward those who give in secret. 2 Corinthians 9:7: States that God loves a cheerful giver. Deuteronomy 16:17: States that each person should bring a gift in proportion to how the Lord has blessed them. Luke 11:13: States that if people know how to give good gifts to their children, then God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: States that if someone has gifts but no love, they are nothing

Doing Good to All 6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restorethat person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are somethingwhen they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:15 Greek five talents … two talents … one talent; also throughout this parable; a talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer’s wage. In the Bible, talents are a unit of currency and a metaphor for the gifts God gives to people: Unit of currency A talent was worth about 6,000 denarii, which was the usual payment for a day's work. This means that a talent was worth 20 years of labor. Metaphor for giftsTalents can also refer to the gifts God gives to people, which can include skills, abilities, and passions. Some examples of talents include being hospitable, being a good teacher, or being a talented musician. The Parable of the Talents in the Bible illustrates the responsibility of stewards to care for God's kingdom. The parable appears in Matthew 25:14-30 and tells the story of a man who entrusts his wealth to three men, giving each an amount based on his ability. The parable teaches that those who serve well in their stewardship will be given more responsibilities, while those who do not serve well will lose their stewardship. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Kingdom Finance Principles Series: Wealth Or Poverty? A Choice Mark 14:7 (NLT): You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. Jesus said that we will always have the poor among us. What He did not say, however, is that you, in particular, should be the poor one among us. You may choose to be the poor one in the midst of the rich, but it is not God's will for you to be so. His perfect will for you is revealed in 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV): "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” There are Christians who, due to wrong teaching or negative experiences, have chosen to fall on the wrong side of this equation. Some even attempt to disqualify God's will for believers to succeed and prosper, allowing their mindsets to place them among the poor instead of the prosperous. Does this alter God's desire for your prosperity? Absolutely not. He has outlined principles in the scriptures for building wealth. Whether you become the helper of the needy and poor or the one in need of help depends on your adherence to these principles. Ultimately, it is a matter of choice. I urge you, as a child of God, to choose wealth, for it is your inheritance in Him. Hallelujah! FURTHER STUDY: Deuteronomy 8:18; Romans 8:32 GOLDEN NUGGET: Jesus said that we will always have the poor among us. What He did not say, however, is that you, in particular, should be the poor one among us. I urge you, as a child of God, to choose wealth, because it is your inheritance in God. PRAYER: Loving Father, I thank You for this Word. Thank You for the multitudes of blessings that are my portion in You. You have shown me that there is no glory in poverty. I choose to live as an heir to the promises, divinely blessed with great access to the wealth that only You can give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 14:23 (NASB) “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Observation: The meeting seemed to last forever. There was a problem, and it needed to be fixed. As we sat at the meeting and talked and talked, nothing was getting accomplished. Sure we all shared this idea and that; discussed different ways of going about it, but when the meeting ended, the problem still existed. Today's verse states that in all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. The meeting could have been about anything that faces us in life. A problem existed, but there was no final solution only to agree to meet again and talk some more. The original problem was still there with no solution taking place. Sometimes in life, we need to make a decision and begin to act on it. Whether it's trying to save financially, dealing with a wayward child, neighborhood poverty, or even ways to share the Gospel, if we continue to merely talk about it, the problem will still exist. Not until we begin to act, to labor, to move in a forward direction, we will find ourselves being speakers and not actors. So let's be men of action, men who are not afraid to put our shoulder to the mill stone and labor for Christ. There is an eternal profit. Application: 1) Think about what you just read. 2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight. 3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it. 4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24 NIV The basic biblical principle behind giving is to give generously and cheerfully as encouraged in this verse. The next verse says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." The person who gives freely receives even more. This is the principle of sowing and reaping. The person who sows a lot will reap a lot. The person who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. It's a simple principle drawn from agriculture. God loves a cheerful giver and often blesses people proportionately to what they give. Note that this refers to the percentage of what a person gives and not necessarily to the amount given. In Jesus's time, He observed that the rich gave a lot, but they gave out of the abundance of what they had. However, the woman with the two coins didn't have much, but she gave all that she had. That is the principle of generosity. Also as we give to others, others are inclined to pray and thank God for us, which leads to further blessing. They will also share with us as they remember our goodness to them. One of the best ways not to be dominated by the spirit of greed is to give generously. The second part of our verse shows that persons who fail to give will come to poverty. People who are perpetually selfish, who tend to hoard what they have are likely not to prosper. A believer should be a person with an open hand, which allows them to both give and receive, unlike the selfish person who has a clenched fist. Edison Bynoe