Fruitful Living
Applying God’s promises to your life
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has granted us His very great and precious promises, so that by them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. — 2 Peter 1:3-4
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. – 2 Corinthians 1:20
INTRODUCTION
God’s promises are precious, magnificent, and have extreme value. The author of Hebrews admonishes us with these words:
Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. — Hebrews 10:35-36
Notice that he says: “When you have done the will of God.” Promises are not given without a plan that involves faith and responsibility, though many times we have to wait for them to be revealed. A biblical promise is a declaration of God’s intention to graciously bestow a gift upon an individual or a group of people. For example, Jesus said,
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. — John 14:2-3
He knows that at times we may feel tempted to wonder if He is really coming back for us, and so He gives us the promise of His sure return and also of His personal care to reassure us and calm our fears.
GRATITUDE
In 1 Kings, we read about Solomon’s progress especially his effusive blessings of the Lord for His faithfulness. Then he makes this statement:
Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. — 1 Kings 8:56
God did exactly what He had promised to do, and Solomon honoured the Lord by acknowledging it. He had a grateful heart, and he wanted the people to respond in gratitude also.
How many times have you prayed for something, asking God to meet a need that you have and to speak to you through His Word, and as you read the Bible, He provided assurance that He heard your prayers and will answer?
This is a tremendous gift. But instead of turning to Him with a grateful heart, did you pick up the telephone and call three or four people to tell them the news?
So often we forget to thank the One person who provides the resources we need. I believe God’s heart must hurt over our self-centered actions.
We pray and trust Him and then forget to say, “Lord, thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You for being faithful to the promise You gave me in Your Word. Thank You for meeting my needs perfectly and on time.”
Even those who encountered Jesus during His time here on earth neglected to thank Him:
While [Jesus] was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.
Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine — where are they? — Luke 17:11-17
Nine of these men met the Saviour-Healer (Psalm 103:3), but they never thought to thank God or worship Him for His healing.
PROMISE KEEPING GOD
Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” God is not going to give you a promise and then say, “You know, maybe I didn’t mean that.” And when He does answer, He wants us to give Him glory and praise because He truly has worked on our behalf.
By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Rev. Stephen Arthur launches ‘The Journey From Under the Table
Founder and Head Pastor of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has launched a new book titled: ‘The Journey From Under the Table.’
The launch was held last Sunday at the Potter’s Place Temple of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra.
The 143-page book, according to Rev. Arthur, was about one’s journey from his first breath and the rest of a journey towards a particular destination.
He noted that, “the destination often curated by the paths we choose and the decisions we make along the way. ‘The Journey From Under the Table’ is an incredible material that provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of God’s will for believers in the journey we have to take. Using Lazarus and the rich man as its case study (Luke 16:19-31).”
The book brings to life robust biblical lessons and practical principles that would serve as a repository of hope for the believer through every step of their journey.
Using the story of Lazarus as a backdrop, the author provides a clear transition from under the table to the top of it.
He delivers relevant scriptures, life lessons and juxtapositions that promise to hold the reader’s attention from chapter to chapter, while equipping the reader with essential knowledge and skills necessary to journey from obscurity to greatness.
For decades, Rev. Arthur has dedicated himself to the service of God. He is also a pastor, an accountant by training, a prolific author, a relationship and marriage counsellor, and a seasoned preacher who ministers under the apostolic and prophetic grace.
His ministry and publications over the years have been a tremendous blessing to people.
Some of these include The Fountain of Wisdom, Hope on Trial, The Fundamentals of Deep Worship and Prayer, Strategies and Dynamics for Warfare Prayers, The Unlimited and Unquenchable Anointing.
He has about 27 years of experience and insight in the aviation sector.
Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is an aviation economist and policy expert, and currently, the acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme’
Fruitful Living
Call to Public Institutions in Ghana (Part 3)
Despite these legal protections, Muslim women in Ghana often face challenges when attempting to observe Hijab as modesty and as an act of worship in public institutions such as Universities, Banks, Ministries, public health institutions and government agencies.
This is a violation of their constitutional rights and an infringement on their freedom of worship.
We call upon public institutions in Ghana to:
Respect the constitutional provisions and allow Muslim women to wear the Hijab without fear of discrimination.
Promote inclusivity by ensuring that dress codes accommodate religious attire, including the Hijab.
Educate staff and the public about the importance of religious tolerance and diversity.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, nor of a black person over a white person, except by piety.”
(Musnad Ahmad, 22391).
Rewards of Observing Hijab in Dunya and Akhirah
Observing the Hijab brings immense rewards in both this world and the Hereafter. The Hijab protects women from harm, preserves their dignity, and earns the pleasure of Allah.
In the Hereafter, those who obey Allah’s commands will be rewarded with eternal bliss: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 85:11).
Summary and Conclusion
Servants of Allah, the Hijab is a divine command, a mark of faith, and a human right protected by Ghana’s Constitution and international law. It is a shield of modesty that protects individuals and society from immorality.
The Quran says: “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Quran 65:2-3).
Servants of Allah, with these cogent submissions on the hijab, the evidence of its benefits cuts across humanity in general. Remember, the religious injunctions emanate from Allah, your Lord.
Therefore, let us work collectively to ensure that the congenial environment is created for Muslim and non-Muslim women alike to cultivate voluntary love for the hijab as part of modesty and are not denied their right to wear hijab in any public institution such as the universities, banks, ministries, public health institutions and government agencies as well as other public and private institutions.
May Allah guide us to uphold His commands and strengthen our faith. Ameen thuma Ameen.
References
• The Noble Quran
• Sahih Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir
• Works by contemporary scholars like Sheikh Ibn Baz and Dr Zakir Naik
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
