Post on 21-Apr-2015
VANITY OF WORLDLY PURSUIT
FORWARD
Most of the people Jesus healed went to hell. Seeing the actions of God is not
enough. What we need is to understand Gods Ways.
The only way to get the power and glory of this world is by bowing to the
devil to some extent. Matt 4:4-11
They do all types wrong things to get the right thing done. Jesus never uses
means which were wrong in order to get things which were right. The main
power in this kingdom of this world is money. There is nothing wrong in
earning money; but if money has the power to attract you then, you can be
what God want you to be. Money can attract certain people but cannot
attract the devoted life. Do you make decision on the basis of money then
you are a slave. What is God’s way in the area of money. After Jesus preach,
and heal did they collect money? Where are these practices come from?
from Europe and America. But it for the good course, thus exactly what the
devils says. You want to save soul in a wrong way; pulls a trigger and bully a
person to follow Christ that is not conversion.
God says done give me any thing, in the New Testament. He wants cheerful
givers not force. New Testament Good work, evil works and dead works
(good works done with a wrong motive) preaching is good but if your motive
is honour and money is a dead works. It wonderful playing of musical
instrument; what did you do and why did you do it. You do something under
pressure; come to prayer meeting, meeting, evangelism you may do it but
the whole thing is dead works. God want obedience to be done cheerfully. No
more children, we are sons. If you do something from someone manipulating
you, is dead works. Dear reader if you don’t study the bible you deserve to
be deceived by zac poonen.
When you are in kindergarten Christian level you don’t kneed to hear from
God to make a move. But once became a son you have to hear him before
you make any decision. If we don’t hear God our time would be delayed. If
we listen to God our life would not be tensed.
From our childhood we are taught to live by reasoning, but when born again,
filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit must guide our reasoning. Our reasoning
is a wife but should be guided by the Holy Spirit. John 5: 19
Pursuing God: a wise choice
Abraham, David, Moses, Paul, Jesus Daniel, it can change our world it brings
permanent solution to man’s problem
Sampson
PREFACE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
DEDICATION
I dedicate this book to the Kingdom Crusaders Network International for their
prayers support and encouragement.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Preface
Forward
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Introduction
CHAPTERS
1. Meaning of vanity
2. Worldly pursuit
3. The world
4. The pursuit of happiness
5. Vanity: Case study of bible heroes
6. Vanity; Case study of our contemporary times
7. The Godly pursuit; a wise choice.
They can do miracle in Babylon but what they don’t have is holiness.
Christian who are getting involved with political system. The first three
centuries it was political free, and powerful. The church has mingled with
the merchants of the world. When ever you mixed god and money you have
Babylon (false Christian system); the choice between the Holy Spirit power
and money Power. Some places music power has replaced the power of the
Holy Spirit. Three powers the church get involve with: political money, music
Jesus never got involve with this powers. My Kingdom is not in this world.
The apostle only spoke about money in relation to giving to the poor. Jesus
didn’t drive money changers out of the market he drove them out of the
temple. Exekeil 10:4,18 it was over the temple by the end of the chapter its
gone. Chapter 43:1-9, 48 is the picture of the new covanent. 47 rivers of
living water moves in every direction. In the old testament temple there was
a small place that was most holy. But in the NT 43:12, this is the law of the
new testament the whole part of the mountain will be called most holy. The
church of God would be called most holy. That s the veil in the temple torn. If
we want the glory of the lord to cover the church, we need prophet like
Ezekiel to tell the world his evil deeds.
INTRODUCTION
Let listen to the dialogue among these friends in their quest for a
thing in this life.
In our post modern world it is very hard to find writers and men of God
teaching things that seem opposite to human pursuits in life. So they
concentrate on these human philosophies …………. I am not Justifying
Laziness because God hate it. I am taking about been inflamed or so
passionate about a particular thing of this life that makes you make ungodly
decisions that brings dishonor to God.
CHAPTER 1
MEANING OF VANITY
In the modern sense vanity is considered as a form of self-idolatry, in which one rejects God for the sake of one’s own image. Here such individual is considered divorced from the grace of God. Philosophically speaking, vanity may refer to as a broader sense of egoism [self-interest is regarded as the principal motivating factor, or the practice of making personal welfare and interests a primary or sole concern, sometimes at the expense of others] and pride. In Christian teaching,
Vanity is considered as an example of pride, one of the seven deadly sins.
The fight against it is a major task of every Heaven seeker. In Encarta
dictionary describes vanity [13th century. Via French < Latin vanitas < vanus
"empty"] as empty of significance, source of excessive pride. Vanity case in
U.S is a small cosmetic case. To those fashion designers Cosmetics is equal
to vanity.
All is vanity by Charles Allen Gilbert (1873-1929), carries on this theme. He
painted An Optical illusion. The painting depicts what appears to be a large
skull. Upon a closer examination, it shows a young woman gazing at her
reflection in the mirror.
Symbolism of vanity
In western part, vanity was often symbolizes by peacock. However, in the
Bible, it symbolizes the whore of Babylon. In secular allegory, vanity is
considered as one of the minor vices. Sometimes vanity is represented as a
naked woman in seated on a couch. She attends to her comb and mirror. The
mirror is sometimes held by a demon or a putto. Other symbols of vanity
include jewels, gold coins, a purse, and often by the figure of death
himself.
An Artist painted vanity and in the art: A woman admires herself in the glass
and while doing so, some men peep secretly to desires her. Bosch depicts a
woman admiring herself in a mirror held up by a devil; behind her is an open
jewelry box. A young woman holds a balance symbolizing justice. If she does
not look at the mirror or skull her table before her then she is justified.
Vermeer’s famous painting girl with a pearl earring is sometimes believed to
depict the sin of vanity as the young girl has adorned herself before a glass
without further positive allegorical attributes.
Allegory is symbolically expressing a deeper meaning, spiritually, morally or
politically. In the film the Devil’s advocate Satan claims that Vanity is his
favourate sin.
These artistic works server to warn viewers: the ephemeral nature of
youthful beauty, the brevity of human life and the inevitability of death.
(Ephemeral: short-lived: lasting for only a short period of time and leaving no
permanent trace. E.g. Mayflies, they are an insect that lives for only a short
period of time are ephemerals). Pursuit of it would be useless since it dies
soon.
Psalm 90: 8-10
You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of
your countenance. For all our days are passes in your wrath; we
spend our years as a story that is told. The days of our years are
seventy and if by reason of strength they be eighty years, yet is
their strength, is labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly
away.
CHAPTER TWO
WORLDLY PURSUIT
Pursuit means
Act of chasing after something: the act of chasing after something in order to
catch or overtake the thing. Also means Act of striving for something: the
effort made to try to achieve or obtain something over a period of time.
It may be pursuit for ones own self, or family or a group of people or
organization.
A person may strive for good certificate, promotion, popularity, material
things, marriage, children, happiness, peace etc.
If it is a family; the husband and wife may strive for or chase after: good
image, good home, peace at home, property, good education for children,
respect in society, cars, houses, etc
A group of people or organization may strive or chase after; success,
excellence, public taste, national awards, etc.
Pursuit is not wrong but when pursuit for any thing of this life takes the
central part of you. It becomes an enemy to God. It is called worldliness.
To day worldly pursuit has been the order of the hour. This is because the
devil has painted it to be the most important thing in life without which an
individual is considered useless or waste. Every one seems to chase after a
thing or the other. Many strive for things they never enjoyed after acquiring
it. It is certificate, once a master degree or PhD is acquired, what next? Even
these things come to stay for a short time and when the individual dies it
become useless. What then is called vanity? Within a short time what people
cherished is no more use. It is visa? I know of people who taught travelling to
a developed country is all that one needs. After they got there, they says it
this all? What next is to strive to maintain the home financial need? And such
individual work all his life time for people and die only to realized that it vain
if He didn’t Meet Jesus in the land of the living. It is promotion; because of a
mere promotion you have forgotten God. You pay all forms of bribe to clear
your way to the top. Sometimes it is juju from a false prophet or malam.
People strive for what will not be on the morrow with whole heart and still
call themselves servants of God. It is marriage? Sister don’t loose your mind
because of this earthly comfort, it will soon pass away. Make sure God is
happy about your relationship not the devil. Follow Godly standard and
remember God is watching you. It is children you are striving for? They are
gifts from God and visitors. Don’t go wayward because of child bearing.
Some have ruin their life seeking for children in a wrong way. A woman who
consulted water spirit for a child she got some however, the child sucked her
money, peace, and destroyed her home. Initially when the child came, she
was happy and taught that was all, some times in the year she has to pacify
the God. And she would do that as long as the child lives. Such children
sometimes die early too.
No matter how good a worldly thing is, it is for a short time.
A song writer wrote a song and said
Men strive for the wealth of this wild wicked world
They seek after honour and fame
So lavishly spotting their diamonds and pearls
They put their dear savior to shame.
I rather have Jesus than to own all earth silver and gold.
Lets get in to the spirit behind worldly pursuit and motive behind the
pursuer.
Pursuit of person’s own interest is things that bring honor and recognition ( marriage, Child
bearing, Education, property making)
Period degree of material attachment of persons possession, compel to develop qualities
that are most lacking in one’s life.
If you are Christian in this generation, you should be very careful. People
uses all their time to pursue goal with passion, sense of energy and
excitement every one desire to better oneself, competition etc. e.g. buying
home.
Time when person seeks: worldly happiness, marriage, love, wealth,
prosperity, luxury, beauty, sexual pleasure has increased.
Worldly motive leads a person to ignorance, proverb 13:11
Wealth getting by vanity shall diminish: but he that gathered by labour shall
increase.
Psalm 144:4 the man is like to vanity; his days are as a shadow that passeth
away
Detachment of worldly concerns
A man was given a chance of possessing a very rich land in a country base
on a condition. He possess the land as far as His foot touch but make sure by
sunset He is to return to the starting point. The man started the journey and
run kilometers to far place. When he came to himself, he noticed that if care
is not taken he will run in vain. Because he had to put a particular rod at the
end of his race and return to the starting point before sunset. He quickly put
the rod on the ground and run back toward the starting point. On reaching
the starting point, he fell, went unconscious and died. What could trigger the
man to move more kilometers? Why was he willing to go miles and possess
more forgotten the condition?
Many today are still chasing after things and are not aware of the death
sentences that stress brings. Still we are not concentrating on Godly things.
Most expensive things in life can not be bought with money. Proverb
21;6,22;8, 30;8
The getting of treasures by a tying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of
them that seek death.
He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity, and the rod of his anger shall fail.
Pursuit of Happiness
(By pastor John Wallace Miller) written to everyone, reader, who seek to
however Almighty God. Lately I have been pondering the will. Known motto;
“we are endowed by our creator with certain unstrange rights, that among
these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. This idea of the God
given right to pursue happiness intriques me . George mason is the ! st one
to write that nature has given men the right to pursue happiness. The notion
that we ought to pursue happiness is opposite to biblical teaching.
We do not obtain happiness by pursuing it and it is not a right to which we
are entitled. It must never be on our goal. The pursuit of happiness will be
like getting in your car and trying to find that part of the rain bow that
touches the earth after the sun pecks out through the rain clouds. As soon as
you draw near to the place you think the colourful hues meet the ground, the
bow has moved beyond your grasp. This lack of fulfillment of actually
obtaining true happiness does not deter the hopeless romantic who keeps
believing that this time it will be different this time I will find my soul’s
contentment through the pursuit of pleasure it is a vicious cycle and there
are many casualties. You see them everywhere. 2 peter 2;9 promising them
freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man
is over come by this he is enslaved. All around us there are voices urging us
to fulfill our fleshly appetites and promising “happiness” if we will just cast
self-discipline to the wind. We have as been there, we have gone back too.
Many times even in the midst of watching others flounder! You would think
that if you got burnt enough times you would stay away from fire. But the
fact is hormones will triumph holy intentions unless they are checked by self-
discipline. Proverb 6:27 can a man put fire on his laps and his clothes not
burnt?
The pursuit of pleasure is an evil trap. The devil uses it to blind mankind
from their true path. It always spring evil, sorrows , etc. 1 timothy 6:10-12…
after some has coveted after has purse themselves with many sorrows.
Money is neutral it’s effects depend on who handles it. We are not to pursue
money. Proverbs 23:4-5. Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Do not trust
your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone for they
will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Pursuing pleasure is vain because it will soon flitter away as well as leaving
you standing there with dashed hopes and wasted years. (song by jimmy
swaggard wasted years) Worldly pursuit, though temporally satisfying always
has a built fizzle to that.
Do you want pleasure that satisfies? I do . we would not have been given the
capacity to feel deep satisfaction if God did not inted for us to experience it .
this treasure is beyond our grasp! Psalm 16:11 David said, you will make
known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right
hand(JESUS) there are pleasures forever more.
This is the key to the quest box true happiness is in the Pursuit of God not
Pleasure.
In him and through him only is the deep longing of your heart fulfilled.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know.. Fills my every longing keeps me
singing as I go.
You have to trust or believe that God care and plan is better than the world’s
To pursue holiness rather than happiness is to obtain a most rewarding
outcome. But if we entertain the sweet talk of the white witch of Narnia
whispering in our ears. If we talk even a bite, her delight will mesmerize
enchant and entice us right back tow pleasure Island; and like pinochiok, we
make jackasses of our selves once again.
Now, again if you sincerely want God’s will for your life, and the peace,
happiness and joy that come with it. You must decide to walk with him
wherever He may choose to lead you. You must trust that His path is the
Best one for you. You must believe that He alone has your best interest at
heart.
I share these things because
1.each of us live in a world where mine fields have been placed by
devil at every turn.
2. even the mighty fall if they are not alert to the powerful temptation
of the evil one.
3. I desperately want you to know the contentment (Bible talks about)
and joy that comes from a serious walk with the Lord Jesus.
Our pursuit of happiness originate deep in our innermost being. We all
seek for it, but only get part of it every time and all the time. We have
witnessed many rich and famous fall like stars falling form the sky. The
worldly version of life’s happiness has never been able to lead a man to his
ultimate source of true happiness. Therefore we should store our treasure up
for ourselves and be rich in what matters to him.
One of the most important messages for Christians in this generation is in 1
tim 6:6-12. Isa 56:10-12
Bible verse: Now godliness with contentment is a great gain
At this moment, many false teachers are teaching that gain is godliness just
as Paul was addressing timothy. They are driven by underlying motivation is
greed and taught that their wealth was a sign of God’s approval of their
teaching. That is why almost all prayer centres’s in the country like Ghana is
filled with prayers to be rich, greedy and those people sometimes does not
have any relationship with God. Believers should therefore be satisfied with
food, clothing and living place. Whiles, you work and plan for future. Help the
needy, give towards the work of God in and outside your church. We are not
to be driven by a desire to get rich as the love of it springs out evil. We
should rather follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness and Get rich toward it.
Temptation for love of pleasure
Luke 18:24-25
It is possible to go to church, practice prayer, quiet time, bible studies,
revival service, and other religious practices and still be hook to this world.
In the above verses, the jews at those time taught that to be wealthy was a
sign of God’s special favour and that to be poor was a sign of God’s
displeasure (prov 10:15) . this was rejected by Christ luke 6:20, 16:13) God
identifies greed and pursuit of wealth with idotary which is demonic (col 3:5,
1 cor 10:19-20) demonic power is associated with possessions, therefore the
love to be wealthy person and pursuit of it. Often brings enslavement matt
6:24. Why because it
1. Is an obstacle to salvation and discipleship matt 19:24
2. Give false sense of security Luke 12: 15
3. Demand total devotion of ones heart matt 6:21, the rich (not all times)
often live as if they don’t need God. In the search for this treasures,
their spiritual life are choke Luke 8 : 14 and they are led into
temptations and harmful desires.
4. They take advantage of the poor ( Jam 2:5-6)
5. Selfish amassing of material possession is an indication that life is not
view from “God sight” eternity point. Such people their goal and
fulfillment is not centered in god. Striving often with is separation from
God
If as a Christian you fing yourself in the gift called riches then, use loose
hands to hold earthly possession. Wealth must be dedicated to God and for
furtherance of the Gospel. Buying gadgets for crusades, busses for missions,
building churches, helping the poor in the church, feed missionaries, building
orphanage sponsor the Christ cause beyong your denomination. In this you
will be rich toward God. The question every are who want to please God
should ask is; Am l greedy person? Am I a selfish person? Do I Crave for
plenty? Is prestige, honour power your pursuit.
God see his people in poverty and declare that they are “rich” Revelation 2:9
I think if God say you are rich then you are rich. Because it’s eternal
CHAPTER THREE
THE WORLD
The meaning and attitude
The World is the vast system of this age that Satan uses to promote the
spirit of rebellion against God and His revelation. It also comprises all human
enterprises that exist and are not under the control of Christ. Satan uses the
world (world ideas, morality, philosophies, psychology, desire
government, culture, education, science art, economic system,
entertainment, fashion, mass media, religious groups, sports,
agriculture etc). to oppose: God’s work, His people, His word and His
righteousness. For instance Satan uses:
Medical profession to promote the killing of unborn babies
Agriculture to produce life destroying drugs as alcohol, narcotics,
Education system to promote ungodly and humanistic philosophies,
Fashion industry to breakdown modesty in dressing, promote seduction
and advertise his kingdom,
Entertainment media to undermine biblical moral standards, valves, teach
Satanism and promote satanic worship,
Government to bring or permit the signing of laws than opposes Jesus,
Religion to imprison mankind and give them a form of godliness without
righteous, knowledge, good doctrine, information, teaching without fire of
the spirit, devotion, love, fervency of spirit. It is possible for people to be
good in bible but have no passion in their worship. Right doctrine without
devotion to Christ is religion)
Economic system: to make people focus their mind on money and forget
God.
Science: to tell us that man emanate from apes defile creation of God to
other philosophies,
Arts: to promote nudity through paintings;
Sports: to complete church activities and make Christian relax
Morality: to deceive moralist to think that they you don’t need God,
Engineering: to design missiles and bombs to destroy the creation of God,
Beware, because behind all human enterprises there is a spirit or power
that moves against God. So all human made religious system and unbiblical,
lukewarm Christian organization (churches) are part of this Dragon Called
the World
To love the world means to be in intimate fellowship with and devoted to
its valves, interest, ways and pleasure. Taking pleasure in or enjoying what is
offensive to God.
Our attitude towards the world
If you love your soul, every word in the scripture should be obeyed not just
reading the word but living your life after it deeds.
In Fashion the Christian woman or man should go in for Simplicity not very
impressiveness, don’t dress to impress. Trying to impress people about your
appearance will land you into the devil snares. Let your moderation be made
to all men the coming of the lord is at hand.
Righteousness of Saints; revel 17:
There are no good works in the foundations (polished works) no works in our
foundations of our relationship in Christ. But we are created on to good
works. No one can through good works clean 1/10000000th of sins committed
in the past. But after salvation we are saved unto good works. We are bride
of Christ not wife, we have to be careful about associations. Jesus is jealous
for us. Jealousy of the Holy Spirit is to present us as pure virgins on the
wedding of the marriage supper. So He guides us with Spiritual jealousy.
What the devil does is to deceive the bride that this attitude is a little thing,
not all that serious. He is crafty so he works on the mind. Are you a bride,
and then keep your mind for Christ.
After reading and hearing powerful messages the devil would prevent us
from being devoted to Christ. That’s his agenda. My question is why is it that
after power crusades, conventions, retreats, conferences, revivals and
waiting’s we soon gets back to our normal level. The problem is that we are
still in relationship with the world. Our relationship to this worldly system
sucks our spiritual strength and robs us of the power, grace and favour
received from God. James4;4, My brother, my brothers ye adulteresses. Only
a bride can be adulteresses. An unbeliever can never be came part of the
religious system. If you became a friend of this world system, you
automatically become an enemy of God. One reason that Jesus died for us is
in. Gal 1:4 He gave himself for us so that he might deliver us from
this worldly system. Gal 6:14 He was crucified to this world system.
He has no interest in the system as a dead man has. There’s difference
between the world and the earth. There is a lot of sin in buying and selling,
cheating, lies, etc. the world system is did you sign with witnesses, Jesus
says let your yes be yes and no be no. money a major factor in the system
luke 16:13 no one can serve two masters, God and Money. No one would
love God and the devil at the same time. But for money we fool ourselves
trying to love God and Money. If you don’t have the right attitude to money
you would be in Babylon. In ancient days they sold in the temple and Jesus
drove them because they did it for a profit. It is not wrong to make a profit
but profit should not be made in the church of God. The devil is crafty he
won’t show you the whole future.
The alliance between religious Christianity and political system. Every person
who want to be president enter the religious settings to ask for their hand .
This is the Harlotry sitting on the beast. We should be careful about politics. I
have seen so call Christian who leads political groups in their towns and
advertise their party but feel shy to talk to them about Christ in the public.
Economy financial. The merchant of the earth are weeping and mourning
because no one is buying their materials. What would happen if there is no
Christmas or Easter? They look as if they are celebrating the festivals, no. its
all business. Why didn’t he make peter rich because in the new covenant
that could have been hindrance to their ministry?
rev. 19:1-4, corrupt system has led believers to the world. The spirit of the
world is near you keep off her rev 18; 4. My people in the verse 18 prove that
you are his but His demand you come out.
Grace is the power in God s Kingdom. Get out off corrupt Christianity that
does not lead you to holiness and devotion Christ but rather concentrates on
things that has no eternal values.
Case study about Absalom Demas, Saul, Ackan, Solomon master of
pursuits,
Chapter 4
Solomon
He began as a man who cherish God, walk in his ways and even build his temple.
His favour with God began with total devotion and sacrifices so he experienced
God’s love, grace and because he had a good relationship with Him. He was also
given special spiritual understanding; a breadth of understanding and discernment
concerning general life and his duties as a leader. He wrote 3000 proverbs . He
contributed to the greatest book on earth-the Bible, under the influence of the Holy
Spirit.
God-given wisdom and understanding of mysteries of life are nothing as long as it is
not submitted to Christ . when the devil get hold of the God-given talent in your life,
he uses it to dishonor God. Deut 17:14-20.
With all the gifts that Solomon has in wisdom , he didn’t use it in all aspect of his
life. The question use will ask is why? It is because of the quest for more. He sought
for everything pleasurable, (money, wealth, success, education, power etc.) for
power he sought alliance with heathen nations, sensuality many foreign wives and
concubines to seal alliance and more wealth and glory.
This pursuit brought him down. No your wisdom and gifts , if you bargain or
compromise your devotion for worldly things you will crush. It may be certificate of
honorary degree, riches, pleasure, and marriage. If your heart is inflamed by it
passion, the devil will blindfold you and you will walk in darkness. Many Christians
today has become cold, lukewarm because they have bow to the devil.
Many ladies on campus because of the quest for excellence has compromise their
faith many times. May be you are victim because of a little difficulty in life you gave
your pride to a godless man. To day you have the excellence and the freedom but
under serious bondage of sin. Turn around God is calling you. Many people careless
about what God says, every one does what seems Good in his own sight like judges
20:21 you don’t need a contract with Satan before you be in his web; all you have to
do is to compromise and you are already his prey.
They devil is committed in given you everything in exchange to your devotion to
God’s ways, His works in and beyond your denominations.
In Eccle. 2. He sought for every thing he desired. The pursuit ended him in loose life.
Not everything you desire lead to accepted life. The Rhetoric question is will you be
satisfy if you get everything you desired? Asked Solomon, he will be in best position
to help you. These the pursuit for worldly amusements has increase and if care is
not taking your devotion to god is almost at stake. You need to understand the
ways of God. And follow it that all that we ever need and in his own time he will add.
Because if you follow this preachers, you will die before your time. Many preachers
are already caught in the devil snares. And the works are dead work. Because most
do the right things with wrong motive.
Theseare some of the things that Solomon sought for; happiness, wine, women,
money, education;
Solomon was in better position than anyone to pursue happiness to the greatest
extent. He left ono stone unturned in his indulgence of the pursuit of wine money
and song. The book of eccles, prov, 1kings and 2 chron. Reveals thing about his
pursuit; he summed all pursuit in life in six letter word VANITY. Striving for the wind.
Things you cant get happiness in lessons from Solomon.
Wine. I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine. But , he wrote in
prov 20;1 23;29-35 that alcohol does not deliver the happiness it seems to promise.
In the end the Alcoholic reaches the point where he hate the whole thing, how every
it has already taken control and he has become it slave.
Women Solomon had a 1000 , but they didn’t bring him the happiness and
contenment. Instead they lead him astray 1 kings 11:1-8,10-14
It seems that wherever Solomon saw a beautiful woman, he said, “ I want her” and
he took her to be his wife. I taught He was the wisest man in the then world but
turned to be the greatest fool. Can you imargine 1000 women scheming to have
the first place with Solomon? Will it bring happiness or misery. Solomon couldn’t
find one good woman among a thousand because of his kind of women he dealt
with
His dealings were with the beautiful women not with God fearing women, He wrote
latter after his experiences that beauty is vain. Prov31:25
Song ; Solomon didn’t need a stereo, radio or a television, mp3 or mp4 to listen to
music. Because he had the real thing. Choose between the two if you have life
musicians who plays on world stage to play music for you every time you want to
hear and having a machine that plays CD. Solomon have constant musicians around
him.
Money; 2chronicle 9: 13-14
The gold that came to Solomon each year sum up to $200 million dollars not to
mention other wealth he had. He was so wealthy that Bill gate look pauper. Many
people think, “if I only had money all my problem are solved”. The abundance of
riches will not permit eccl 5: 10-13 . It s better to have only a little than much with
sorrows and troubles eccl 4:6
EDUCATION
He started out by becoming a great engineer and architect but apparently he tried
to square the circle and got into “mathematics of the infinity”.
He wanted to know everything there was to know so he enrolled in “Madness and
Folly 101” However, all this later prove to be worthless endeavours. He said; “of
making many books there is no end; and much study is worrisome.
There are advantages to higher education but when academic education becomes a
substitute for God it becomes worldly. People these days can pay any amount for
higher education costs (Time, money, commitment, zeal, and all) without sweat,
but, when it comes to the Kingdom affair we give God a lot of excuses. These
excuses given to God shows that we are worshipping another god called education
(One of the hired servants of Lucifer). Dear reader, don’t you think if your
commitment to God dims because of education you are worshipping another spirit?
You cannot serve two masters remember Jesus word. What then should be the
Christian attitude towards education? To me these are the following steps you may
follow. 1. Know your strength and pray to God on which way to go. 2. When you
receive the answer, set your spiritual goals. Ask the following questions, what do I
want in life? What can I do for God while doing this course? How can I make God the
number every day of the course time? Is my commitment for godliness and spiritual
activities dimming down? How can I manage the time to favour God? What media
can I use to reach out to my course mates? Lastly, ask yourself the joy, focuses,
commitment and time I am given to this course can I give the same to God when He
need them? Selfishness will not help us advance the kingdom business. You think
about what will not last when only 200years is added to time, and then think about
committing yourself in what is eternal. Lets be wise people of God.
FAME AND POWER eccl 2:9a, 2 chr.9:22-26
All this notoriety and power did not bring lasting peace. Because he had to protect
his kingdom at all time. In the wisdom of protecting his kingdom, he married
princess from many kingdoms that stood as treat to him. He became the most
famous king of all times and powerful because of his wisdom. Yet despise Gods
instruction, that if foolishness. The one who put you on the leadership position has
been despised, be careful you are sitting on time bomb. People make false
statement in their application for a visa, because they are so eager, to get
the glories of this world. They compromise their Christian faith. Did you
cheat in examination and got a good certificate? You are already caught in
the glories of this world. The devil says to Jesus I will give all of this
( certificate, visa, fame, power, glory) if you will bow down to me. A lot of the
world system doesn’t look sinful but those things are part of the world and it
glories. If you want to become a leader you are disqualify. You are seeking
the world and its glory in position and power. If a leader behaves as if he
have power over others he is not fit. You will soon be cut off. But like Saul
you will be spare some time for God to train another David who will succeed
you. You betrayed Jesus for just a little earthly gains. The devil has the power
to give it to you. There is a world system that is consequently seeking to get
into your life.
Possession
He said “ whatever my eyes desire I did not keep from them” he had animals of all
kinds
He had possess of all kinds Ecc 2:4-8 still this did not bring him lasting happiness.
Happiness is found in only the source of life. Jesus not certificate ,position or
possession.
Solomon’s Conclusions
In all worldly pursuit , Solomon concludes that “ All is vanity” He used the word
Vanity about 30 times in the book of eccl. Beginning and conclude the book with
vanity
Fear God and Keep his commandment
ACHAN – pursuit of material possession
God said Israel has sinned and they have also transgressed my covenant which I
commanded them. For they have even taken off the accursed thing and have stolen
and dissembled also because of this Israel could not stand before their enemies ,
but turned their backs before their enemies because were accursed, neither, will I
be with you anymore, except you destroy the accursed from among you. Other
verse God said. Unless they are sanctified from their accursed things from among
you so they can’t stand before their enemies. Verse 20 and achan answered Joshua,
and said , indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus have I done;
when I saw among the spoils a goodly babylonish garment, and 200 skelels of silver
and a wedge of gold of 50 shekels weight then I coveted them, and took them.. vrs
What achan fight for was exchange for his souls and his dependence.
The fact is God is against coveteousness; the bible say labour not to be rich. You will
peered yourself with many sorrows if you whole hartedly covet after the affairs of
this life. It leads to exchange of ones souls for Death in the quest for worldly pursuit.
Riches – compromises, backslidering etc. spiritual dryness
For achan he forgot that what he was doing was uncovered by the omniscience
God. He taught he was very smart. Do you think you are smart when it come to
worldly wisdom. Every evil contract you are a champion in it. Even though it
dishonours God because you have compromise your faith; you normaly think you
can out run God. Be careful, you cannot hide it from God; you may cover it in the
darkness .
ABSALOM
THE PURSUIT OF POWER
Absalom sought for his father’s throne. He was the third son of David, the son of a foreign woman, a princess of Geshur,. He was perfect in body, handsome, charming, eloquent and dignified but traitorous, murderous, merciless, godless, and self conceited. He murdered his brother, betrayed his father and died in vanity. What does God want to teach us from his example?
Seeking a kingdom he was in no way qualified to rule. His story can be found in the following scriptures: 2 samuel 3;3, 13. 1-19, I kings 6, 2:7, 28:1 chronicles 3:2, 11:20-21, psalm 3
He harbored hatred against his brother for 2years and killed him 2samuel 13,22,23,29 before he murdered him.
After the murder he fled to Talmai for 3years : proverbs 28:1 He returned to Jerusalem with a plan of dethroning his father David by conspiracy and it was
written that the conspiracy was strong. David the giant,lion,and bear killer escape the sword of his son even though his mighty men
decided to fight. Arise and let us flee for we shall not escape Absalom. Lets make haste to depart, lest he owver take us suddenly and bring ecil upon us and smite the city with the edge of sword. Here David did not enjuire from the Lord. Week in prayers
The devil deceived him into false ambition and he met the untimely death. If you pursue power in order to dethrone a fellow be very careful. Is it a deacon, eldership , counsel, president of an association or any position at all. What is the motive behind the leadership search.?
Overcoming the world the Christian responsibility
Know your enemies strength
Enjoying your bridegroom
Dangers of becoming friend of the world
Becoming an enemy of the world : the greaters challenge for the believer
Benefits of overcoming