Updated Letter To Nigerians About Their Election

Strengthen Your Integrity

Recap! 

How Do I Develop Integrity? 

  • Wisdom
  • Fear of the Lord
  • Courage
  • Intent or Purpose 

Why Wisdom?

Matthew 7, Jesus said that anyone who hears his words and puts them into practice is like a man who built a house on solid rock. So integrity starts with listening to the words of Jesus and doing what he says? Thank You, Jesus! To know the right path to take is wisdom to accept it is Integrity.

Why the fear of the Lord?

To fear the Lord is to obey Him and to obey is the foundation of wisdom–Ps111:10.

In John 13:17; Jesus said if you know these things, happy are you if you do them.

The fear of the Lord is your readiness to act and make the required changes. It’s not when you decide but when you decide and do. So it is being a doer and not a talker only.

Why Courage?

Job 27:5 says; till I die, I will not remove my integrity from me. I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong in God’s word.

Today We will start by discussing the Intent or Purpose.

Why Intent?

Why Purpose?

Developing a lifestyle of Integrity is to adopt a lifestyle of making a godly stance purposely. You don’t live honestly and truthfully by chance or accident! You do so by intention. Intentionality precedes a routine. So self-examine, deal with yourself on the subject and conclude by deciding to live a life of integrity. It is purely by personal choice and nothing else. You can’t walk and maintain integrity without having proper deliberation first. 

From the Scripture, in the book of Daniel 1:8a– But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat.

Daniel and his companions are excellent biblical examples of men who adjusted their lives to make godly decisions.

With every decision comes responsibility, the responsibility that comes with living in integrity is a personal adjustment.

These include changes in your values, mindset, principles, and life structure to name a few.

  • Daniel 1:3-8: Integrity in the Kitchen
  • Daniel 3:13-19: Integrity in the Face of Fire
  • Daniel 6:1-13: Integrity in the Face of Lions

Questions for you to reflect on

Do you know that integrity is a matter of personal decision?

What adjustments have you made in your integrity walk lately?

I pray that as you begin to walk in the integrity of your heart, you will start to attract the blessings of God and the favors of men in Jesus’ Holy name.

What Must I Do To Strengthen My Integrity?

We have been called by God through Jesus Christ to increasingly, continually pursue truthfulness, righteousness, and honesty to develop and maintain a lifestyle of integrity.

How can I achieve this?

  • Understanding
  • Submit to Christ’s Lordship
  • Build, Value, and Maintain Godly Relationships
  • Acknowledge Your Errors

You need Understanding! What is understanding? Understanding is the knowledge of the Holy, the knowledge of God, Proverbs 9:10b. 

Understanding comes from reading and living by the word of God alone. We must align our thinking with God’s Word and not compromise.

Submit to Christ’s Lordship.

Jesus is the only one to do that which pleases God, the earlier we know and accept this truth the better for us.

Build, Value, and Maintain Godly Relationships.

When you build, value, and maintain godly relationships, it helps strengthen us in our dedication and obedience to God.

Acknowledge Your Errors

Everyone misses the mark at times, and as believers we are accountable, we should not blame others for our mishaps but rather accept, learn and amend our ways. Proverbs 22:28 says, Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

We live in an era that approves of ungodly values and behaviors, and because God knows our struggle, He sent His Holy Spirit to guide and teach us how to live with integrity. Ask Him to help you to become more like the person described in Psalm 15.

What Are The Benefits of Integrity?

Let’s be clear that since we are not of this world, neither are the reward or benefits which flow from walking in integrity.

The benefits are made clear to us in Psalm 24. Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who does not lift up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully He shall receive the blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:3-4 (KJV)

Let’s Examine The Answers!

1. He Who Has “Clean Hands”.

The phrase as used does not speak of the dirt on a person’s physical hands but speaks of the purity of their deeds. Speaks of what a person does!

Let’s Digress A Little!

In the court of law, especially in Western law today. When a plaintiff goes into a court of equity and asks the judge to do something on his behalf, the judge has the right to examine that plaintiff’s conduct in the matter.

The plaintiff must be free of any guilt or contributing acts if he is to win over the defendant. This is referred to as the “clean hands” doctrine.

In other words, the plaintiff must have clean hands to prevail. The clean hands’ approach is apparent in the Bible and secular law. Praise the Lord!

2. He Who Has … “A Pure Heart.”

The phrase “a pure heart” is used to describe what a person thinks. It is directed at inward thoughts. Whether our impure thoughts come from our fallen nature or a demon, they are in either case, not pleasing to God. 

As soon as we become aware of them, we must reject them and put them out of our minds by exercising mental discipline hundreds or thousands of times as we develop the integrity of a pure heart.

Why is God so concerned with our thoughts? Because He knows that thoughts proceed to action. So, to act with integrity, you must think with integrity. As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man in Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)

3. He Who Does Not “Lift Up His Soul to Vanity.”

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matt 6:20 (KJV) 

Here Jesus Christ our Savior, warns us to remain heaven-minded, heaven-bound. We should not take too seriously the world and the things therein because everything that can be seen shall be faded away but it is the unseen that can never fade. All is Vanity!

In addition Philippians 4:8 (KJV) states; Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  

4. He Who Does Not “Swear Deceitfully.”

The phrase “swear deceitfully” means to swear by what is false, to lie, a false witness. God is calling us not only to tell the truth under the oath of law but to tell the truth at all times!

A false witness speaks lies. Proverbs 6:19a (KJV) is one of the things the Lord hates. A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness lies” Proverbs 12:17 (NIV)

This is an area that which knowing the scriptures by heart, songs of truth, and worship are so important. Jesus said: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matt 12:34 (NIV) if we fill our minds, our hearts, and then our mouths with the Word, songs of praise & worship what comes out of our heart is nothing but purity and truth.

I pray that you and I will enjoy the reward of living a life of integrity toward man and God.

God Delights In Integrity

I trust that by now we understand why God so delights in integrity. God is concerned with the little things no less than with the big ones. It’s stunning to think that God views everything we do or think in life as either an abomination or a delight!

Let me ask you this: Do you regard minor misrepresentations in deeds and words as only part of the game everyone plays?  Or, do you regard them as an abomination to God?

Job must have understood this because he was so upset at the prospect of losing his. He protested, ”… till I die, I will not deny my integrity.” (Job 27:5 NIV)

I have observed that those who have attained a high degree of integrity like Job, carefully guard it because they know that they were not born with it.

It was gained by ongoing and continuous righteous living, it takes so long to acquire!

It takes years, decades, even a lifetime to reach that state in which a child of God walks in godly integrity.

There are no shortcuts!

Now let me ask you this question, “Can we lose our integrity?” The answer to this is obviously, “Yes.” We may lose our integrity through sin! What kind of sin?

Every kind of sin is a sin! But the enemy is much more subtle in its approach to Christians with true integrity. The sin the enemy uses most effectively is COMPROMISE.

I observed that both in the body of Christ (the Church) and in the Scripture compromise is Satan’s most effective weapon against Christians with true integrity.

Let’s examine the lives of King Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-10) & King Asa (1 Kings 15: 9-24)

King Solomon walked before the Lord with integrity until he began to compromise his worship of the Only True God with that of pagan gods. King Asa walked blameless before the Lord until, in his old age, he began to compromise his reliance on God.

Scripture Balance!

Will An Act of compromise Strip You of Your Integrity? A single act of compromise MAY not rob you of your integrity before God.

Let’s study Galatians 2:11-15

We see here that, Apostle Peter compromised his integrity when he refused to eat with Gentile Christians when other Jewish leaders from Jerusalem showed up in Antioch. This single act of compromise did not rob him of his integrity before God.  I don’t think that Peter’s behavior was enough to strip him of his integrity before God. However, a habitual compromise of integrity starts with that first decision to compromise!    

What Do I Mean?

When Peter compromised, Paul admonished him about his behavior. That is why we are directed to admonish one another according to Romans 15:14. When we are admonished, we avoid beginning that pattern of compromise. But when we aren’t corrected, the problem now arises as compromise becomes a habit and custom. It is then that the Christian is on the brink of losing his or her integrity.

Perhaps you read this and think, what about those with less-than-perfect integrity? I have good news for you, God desires to see every one of His children fully sanctified, walking in true integrity. So, if you find yourself measuring short and want to change, prayerfully study and meditate on Psalms 15:1-5 and Psalms 24:3-5 and begin to apply these scriptures.

Every Christian should strive to develop clean hands, and a pure heart, have no other idols before him, and never be a false witness. As you begin to diligently apply these truths to your life, the Holy Spirit will surely help you to make it a lifestyle.

Will Occasional Failure Occur?

Yes, it will! Don’t give up when it occurs, God honors perseverance. This must be a permanent change of lifestyle. Never revert back to the old ways. As the months turn into years, that priceless godly integrity will become obvious to all, including yourself!

Let’s Pray!

Lord, I know that you have called us to a life of godly integrity. And I know that there are areas in our lives that fall short. I ask you now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to begin to develop in us clean hands and a pure heart. May we forever turn from all idols in our lives and never again bear false witness.

I trust you, Lord to continue that sanctifying work you have begun in us so that one day we will be able to stand before you with the godly integrity you so treasure. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Remember, a habitual compromise of integrity starts with that first decision to compromise!          

Believers In Christ Must Cultivate An Attitude Of Asking From The “I AM” Always

Believers In Christ, Did God Genuinely Confirm What You Heard To You? Believers in Christ with the Holy Spirit’s mind must verify every piece of advice they receive from men or women of God with God before implementing it.

Though their advice may sound good, the question you must ask yourself is, is it from God or the adviser’s compassion, religious myth, strategy, or manipulation? The verification process remains the prerogative of every believer in Christ to discern from the Holy Spirit living within them. Why? Whatever any believer in Christ may be going through is not enough reason to neglect the Holy Spirit’s counsel.  

God said to Moses, “Come; I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:10-11.

Moses thought he was not eloquent, but the Lord provided him with the assistance he needed. “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Exodus 4:14.

Everyone in Jesus Christ’s kingdom assignment must always verify every “Father-in-law’s or Spiritual father‘s” compassionate advice from the Lord before they start implementing; otherwise, they may put their generation and the next one in more trouble by implementing what God has not commanded nor authorized.

BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, ARE YOU HEARING AND FOLLOWING GOD’S VOICE OR COMPASSIONATE ADVICE OF FATHER-IN-LAW AND SPIRITUAL FATHER?

The following scripture says, “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Exodus 18:19-21.

Moses did what his father-in-law said without confirmation from God. However, he reminded God of what God says about the priest: “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it. Exodus 19:23.

AGAIN, ARE YOU HEARING AND FOLLOWING GOD’S VOICE OR COMPASSIONATE ADVICE OF FATHER-IN-LAW AND SPIRITUAL FATHERS?

On my recent mission trip, somebody said to me, “You don’t have to be eating in all these types of places.” Who told him that? No one! He has compassion for someone considered an “American.” If an “American” had listened to that voice, he would have missed the reward of the souls God has prepared, where he was told not to eat, and they would eventually receive salvation in Christ.

God Knows Who He Appointed

“And the Lord said to him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest he break out against them.”25 So Moses went down to the people and told them. Exodus 19:24-25.

Where Were The “Able Men” When Aron Needed Help?

“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2 So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” Exodus 32:1-2

Believers in Christ Must Always Comply With God’s Given Instructions and Wait Patiently for an Update If Necessary, rather than expecting a Special Anointed Man Or Woman of God’s Experience, Compassionate Advice, Or Strategies. “Go Yee” Instructions And Real Estate Business Strategies Are Not The Same. Beware!

What Is Repentance?

What Is Repentance?

Repentance means to turn from sin (s) with a heartfelt desire to change, never to do it again, and turn to the ALMIGHTY GOD and ask CHRIST for forgiveness of your sin(s).

The Bible tells us in Acts 3:19 (KJV), “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Psalm 32:5 (KJV) “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgression unto the LORD, and He forgave the iniquity of my sin”.

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)” He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsake them shall have mercy.”

Let’s take note of the Keyword from the Bible passages:

  • Turn to God for forgiveness
  • Acknowledge and confess your sin(s) to Him.
  • Forsake your sin(s)

This shows that repentance is the option to receive forgiveness. But, to repent, we must first acknowledge, confess, and forsake an offense or sin(s), then ask for forgiveness of all our offense or sin(s).

What Do I Repent From?

The Bible also makes it clear that we must live a sinless life by rejecting every kind of evil (sin), abstaining, staying away, fleeing, and resisting all kinds of sin. No matter how big or small.

What is Sin?                                                                                                                                                          S.I.N denotes Satan in Nature! 1 John 3:4 tells us the definition of sin is, “whosoever sins also transgresses the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

Sin is the transgression of the law… In other words, sin is disobedience to God’s commands.

So when God says you shall or shall not do a thing, and you act contrary to His instruction(s). You have disobeyed and sinned against Him.

How Do I Repent?

Boldly take the following steps by faith:

  • Acknowledge and accept that you are a sinner; you need God, who saves
  • Believe and receive the Gospel of the Kingdom of God through His Dear Son, Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Confess and forsake your sins to Him.
  • Get Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by (Water Immersion and in the Holy Spirit)

Remember: Repentance is not a one-time event. All of us need to make this our daily lifestyle. Daily, ask the Lord to reveal anything in your life that is offensive to Him, and then lay it down at the foot of the cross.

Isaiah 55:7 (KJV) “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What If I Don’t Know My Offence or Sin?

Well, if God appears to you today with a scorecard in His hands and a pen ready to score you on righteousness according to His standards, what will be your score?…

Must I Acknowledge My Sin(s)?

If you don’t acknowledge an offense or identify your sin, how can you accept that you have committed a crime or sin?

What If I Acknowledge But I Have Not Confessed My Sin(s)?

If you don’t confess, how can you assume responsibility for your actions?

But I Knowingly or Unknowingly Commit The Same Sin?

If you don’t forsake your sin, how can you be free from sin?

John 8:34 (KJV)” Jesus answered them, verily, verily I say unto you, whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.”

If you commit a particular sin, you may acknowledged and confessed the sin, but if you fail to forsake such, you are bound by that sin, that is, a slave of that sin.

Why Repentance?

If a person had a serious bleeding wound and poison ivy, if the doctor treats the poison ivy first, that doctor is certainly engaging in malpractice. Why? Because he left the most life-threatening unattended. So also it is equally important to recognize the desperate condition of an unrepentant heart and sound the alarm for all those to hear who are clinging on to their sin instead of holding on to Jesus.

Moreover, too often, we hear accurate and even helpful words of Scripture, but the need to repent and return back to God is often ignored! So when we hear “repent or perish”, for the first time it seems harsh. But as we turn, we see that it is an incredible gift to have something to turn to. If not for God’s love, our only option would be to perish. But the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has appeared. Therefore, to have the option to turn to God is sweet indeed!

John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Forgiveness and eternal salvation were made possible through the life, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ; therefore, a call to repentance should not be looked upon as works but as an invitation to get right with God.

Need For Repentance?

There is an urgent need for repentance; we are in the last hour of the end times, and Jesus Is Soon to Return. Now is the time to seek God; today is the day of salvation. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Repent for that kingdom is near, repent and return to God, do not delay! Eternity begins now, not when you die. Your choices and how you live now determine where you end up eternally. God loves you but hates sin! Repent and Return!!!

Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)”Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  Therefore, now is the time to seek Him in truth; stop playing games with your eternal life. There’s coming a time when you will desperately seek God and His Christ, but you will no longer find him; you will call on him, and there will be no answer.

Revelation 22:12 (KJV) “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”.  Jesus Is Soon To Return! Repentant, be saved and prepare to meet Him.

Disengage from the cares of this world, of what profit is it If you gain the world but at the expense of your soul? This world will come to an end, but you will live on. Where will you spend eternity? Pay attention to your own heart and put repentance at the top of your “To Do” list. Accept this truth today; accept God and His Christ so that eternal life will be your reward.

Jesus Is Calling You Today….

When you disobey God, there is hefty price to pay.  The price of Sin is eternal death & destruction, which no man can afford.

This is the reason why God sent Jesus Christ to pay the price on our behalf, deliver us from sin, and reconcile us back to Himself. Those who have faith in Him and in Jesus Christ might receive forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.

The bible tells us in; John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This is God’s provision for all, and to be a part of God’s wonderful provision, you must know & accept that you are God and Jesus Christ his son by Faith, then renounce every other conspiracy or doctrine contrary to the message of the Kingdom of God and His Christ Jesus.

Sin & Its Wages

The Bible tells us in; Romans 6:23 (KJV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

Why die eternal death when you can receive the grace to be forgiven and to forgive others? Think about it! God loves you so much! He loves you more than you can ever imagine but he hates sin.

Sin has nothing profitable to offer, sin consumes, sin keeps you in the dark, and sin brings condemnation and eternal destruction- John 3:16-18

Price Paid In Full

Jesus Christ paid the price in full, He conquered sin & its wages so that you & I can have eternal life.

Romans 5:19 (KJV) “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous”.

Embrace and accept this truth, and unwrap eternal gift of God by having Faith in God and in Christ Jesus. God the Father of our Lord, Saviour & the Messiah Jesus Christ.

Be Free From Sin & Its Wages

The only way to be saved, freed or delivered from sin & its wages is by acknowledging your wrong doings and by asking for FORGIVENESS of your sins through faith in God and in Jesus Christ.  

Romans 3:23 (KJV)” For the ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD”. And it is only through the obedience of Jesus Christ, that we are made righteous- Romans 5:19. Therefore, if we confess our sins with a repentant heart, God is just and faithful to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”- 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

No matter the nature of your sin(s) God is ready to pardon you if you will come to Him. He is not intimidate by them. He will save and deliver you from ALL of them. Come Now!

Ask Him with a sincere heart, ask him for forgiveness of ALL your sin(s), once you have asked for forgiveness with a sincere heart, have faith, let these scriptures settle it in your heart;

Isaiah 1:18 (KJV) “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Ephesian 1:7 (KJV)” In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

Jesus is the Saviour, he loves you, and he can’t do without you. Jesus Christ is waiting outside the door of your life. He will not force his way in, He wants to be asked in. The handle is on the inside, and only you can open the door. Let him come in and live in your heart and your life will not remain the same again.

It is important to ensure that once you have received the knowledge of the truth, you have come to know Him, do not turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world.

I pray that these scriptures minister to you in Jesus’ Name:

Romans 6:1-2 (KJV) ”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

2 Peter 2:20-21(KJV)”For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them”.

Hebrews 10:26-29 (KJV)” For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Luke 9:62 (KJV)”And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”.

Galatians 4:9 (KJV)” But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage?

               God bless you, Jesus loves, repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.