Has the wine run out? Week 11, 2026

 

It need not come to physical or verbal abuse, but may just show in tactical avoidance of each other, repeated removal of the hand placed on the body of the spouse. Has “my hubby” now changed to “foolish man, you are a devil. I don’t know why I married you in the first place,” has the wine run out? When “my darling” becomes “this wicked woman, you are a burden on me” we need to ask ‘Has the wine run out? Jn 2:3 (ESV)  When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” At some point in time in the marriage journey, the wine of affectionate care, the wine of passionate love (if it was ever there) may run out. Have you experienced it? God is in the business of restoration as in John's account.

Jn 2:2(ESV)  Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. He is the One who can change the situation, not any formula, injection of funds, or even well-meaning intervention by concerned people. Jesus Christ alone does this miracle.  The first thing is to invite Jesus into the marriage relationship. You see, Jesus Christ never forces His way into any life. Rev 3:20 (ESV)  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  Have you consciously pleaded with Him to come in? His answer is “Yes”.  The second thing is to acknowledge there is a problem. Not saying we are going through a phase, this is always how it is at this stage in marriage of everybody. No, no, no. call it what it really is. Do not be in denial. Jn 2:3 (ESV)  When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” However, who you tell it to is very important. Here, Jesus Christ is the one told about it. Ahasuerus told his advisers about a marriage issue that had become elevated to a national matter. He sought the law on the matter. Law didn’t solve his marriage problems, but compounded it which he regretted. Est 2:1(GW)  Later, when King Xerxes got over his raging anger, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decided against her. You will, too, if the law and divorce become your arbiter. Go to Jesus Christ in the pain. You who see the wine has run out in someone’s marriage, take it to Jesus as Mary did. No gossiping. Prov 17:9(ISV)  Anyone who overlooks an offense promotes love, but someone who gossips separates close friends. 

We need the mindset to get this miracle. Jn 2:9. 10(ESV)  the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” I commend the couple in this matter: they made up their minds that the marriage feast would not be like everybody else’s. Some of us say. “Let it die. I am not the first, neither will I be the last.” 1Kg 19:4(ESV)  But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”  Stop that. Secondly, do not believe that Jesus will not intervene even when given reasons. Be strong in assurance as Mary was. Jn 2:4, 5(ESV)  And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Until and unless you decide this marriage must live and are committed to making the God-specified sacrifices, God will not force you.

Leaving it too late Week 10, 2026

 

She was lying on the bench, and a foul smell surrounded her. Her leg was wrapped in soiled cloth with festering sores visible on the exposed parts. Inside, I learned she had diabetes, and her foot ulcer was now rotting away. She had been on herbal treatments and now presented at the hospital when it was too late to save the foot. I ordered that the patient be referred to the orthopaedic surgeons for a life-saving amputation. I feel pity for those who come like that. Something could be done if they come early. But perhaps because of ignorance (but she is a lecturer) or fear of costs (but now the money is forced to come out for a far less acceptable outcome), or for some other cause the condition is left too late. After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man will be broken incurably, without any warning. Is 55:6, 7(ESV) “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Are you like this woman? No, I don’t mean “Do you have Diabetes and have left off the right treatment too late?” but, “Do you have sin which you are treating every other way other than by repenting and coming to God in humility?”. Sin and sickness have parallels.

Some things cannot be reversed after they have gone on for too long. Some relationships have been shattered because pride was nurtured for so long, forgiveness withheld by nursing wounded egos. Genuine repentance sacrificed on the altar of “How will I be seen as weak?” Some punishments have become inevitable because of delayed repentance 2Chr36:15, 16 (ESV)  The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place.But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD rose against his people, until there was no remedy. Oh, don’t think this is Old Testament, and that such doesn’t happen in the New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself cried out saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Lk 19:42-44(ESV) Be warned..If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover.

Earlier in the day, I had met a young albino man with lesions on his face. They had changed colour, and being a doctor, I knew he had a real risk of cancer. He had to act now. We were alone in the shop, and as I looked him in the eye, I urged him to get to the hospital this month. Not next. He thanked me. I hope and pray he takes action. Sadly, the woman with Diabetes strongly rejected the suggestion to go to the Orthopaedic Hospital. Urgent action is needed for her life’s sake. You also take action; deal with sin in repentance before it devastates you. Sin is a deceiver, and hardens all those it deceives. Prov 29:1(KJV) He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Eliashib Week 9, 2026

 

That’s the name of the High Priest in the days of Nehemiah. His first mention in scripture - his entrance in the public space - is very impressive: Neh 3:1(ESV)  Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. Priests are not trained to build, but he blazes the trail by building the sheep gate. This gate probably communicated with the temple. This was exemplary leadership, right? As a national figure and head of the priestly division, he bought into Nehemiah’s vision to rebuild the broken wall of Jerusalem. Neh 2:17 (ESV)Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” Some people might have been envious of Nehemiah and opposed the building. Eliashib did no such thing. Some people simply did not join in the work. They were aloof. Neh 3:5(ESV)  And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Not so Eliashib. He rightly took his place and got other priests to build with him. Other citizens followed this lead.

But after completing the wall and the whole congregation enters into a covenant to live by the law of God as given to Moses [Neh 9:38(ESV) “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests], and the names of all who enter into the covenant are written in the next chapter, something is noticed: Eliashib is missing from the list! Other priests were there. Was he dead? His son, who should take over in such an event, was missing also. Neh 12:10 (ESV)  And Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada. None of the named descendants of Eliashib was in the list of those who entered into a covenant to live by the word! Are you like this? Exemplary in projects and giving to the church, but strangely missing in commitment to live by the word - which is the real business of the Christian life. You donate, and inspire brethren and others to donate and give to church projects, but do not line up to living by the word. Repent.

Further down the story, we see Eliashib’s evil. He was very much alive. Neh 13:7 (ESV)  I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. Tobiah was an Ammonite. God had very specifically said, “No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever Dt 23:3(ESV). Eliashib, who should champion the law, not only allowed Tobiah in but gave him a room. And displaced the rightful things in the process. Additionally, in matters of marriage, his grandson married from Sanballat’s family. Sanballat was not only a foreigner but the Jews’ arch enemy. Neh 13:28 (ESV)  And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me.  As an elder, Eliashib could have stopped it. O giver, how is your marriage relationship? Lev 22:29(ESV)  And when you sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted. First, live such a life that God will accept you.

Delivered from extortion Week 8, 2026

 

“You are preaching your gospel; I am preaching my own gospel,” the officer said to me. We were in his office in the presence of other clients when I came to request that he inspect the land we intended to build a bungalow on, and he publicly demanded money before doing his job.  “I am a Christian!” I protested, to which he responded in such a brazen, shocking manner. And that publicly. I approached my in-law, who was a senior staff of that Local Government headquarters, to intervene on my behalf. He knew our faith, our stand against corruption, but to my utter disappointment, he said, “There is no rectum you examine you won’t find faeces. I can’t help you.” We had signed an undertaking to vacate the flat, which had curiously been reallocated whilst we still occupied it.  By the sheer mercy and intervention of God, the police were stopped from throwing us out. What would I do now? It was the bid to avoid bribing an official of the State Housing Development Corporation to retain us in the Real Estate apartments that drove us to develop my parents’ property. My father had rented the apartment for three and a half decades, and we were occupying it and paying rent in his name. My stoic wife was pregnant with our second baby and lost weight with all the stress. With our own eyes, we had seen a neighbour’s property thrown out and another person pack in. The amount to give as a bribe was well known. Upon our refusal to give a bribe, a relation called me a fool. Did I not consider my pregnant wife, or did I have even fifty thousand naira to build? 1Cor 3:18-19(ESV)  Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” An uncle offered to give the bribe on our behalf, but was restrained when I told him, “If you do, the consequences will come on your own head.” It took help from the Lord to stand. Renting another place wasn’t palatable, so we sought to build. Just a 2-room bungalow to lay our heads in peace. A beloved brother drew the architectural plans, and we trusted God to build it. The pressure was enormous but my wife was resolute. Something had to give.

I went to the church that day and submitted the man’s name, not for him to fall down and die, but that God would intervene. We also called on God to intervene. Ps 112:4 (ESV)  Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. When God wants to act on one man’s behalf, he can affect a whole nation: the new military ruler, General Abdulsalammi Abubakar, sacked all local government chairmen across the nation, giving them a week to round up every activity. So I returned to the office and was offered a ride in the official car to inspect the land! I only had to fuel the vehicle (Nigeria was in the throes of fuel scarcity then). Following the inspection, the chairman’s signature was first, even though it should have been the last. As I passed through other desks, the officers signed without a fuss until the health officer demanded money. He then quickly signed, saying, “I have signed now, give me something.” No money was given to him either.

Following the permit, the builder went to work in July, and six weeks later, by September, we moved into our own place. 1Cor 1:25(ESV)  For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. We had been pressured into our own blessing, and were no longer tenants

Beware of thorns Week 7, 2026

 

It’s not that I don’t want to give God my best nnanyi, I’m juggling many things…

I also have many things to do. You have time for what is important to you.

Your words are very hard. The church is important to me also, but I am actually very busy. I work in three places. I do mornings in one place; in the evenings I put in a few hours elsewhere and cover another facility at nights. I get exhausted frequently.

Poor you. Why stress yourself that much? Is the pay so terrible?

Actually, I could manage with two, but I have a target amount to meet up within 6 months so I could pay deposit for a Tokunbo car. I cannot keep using public transport forever.

Listen to me carefully. Beware of thorns. Lk 8:7(ESV)  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. Anything choking your spiritual life must be avoided

What do you mean by that? Please be comprehensive in applying the scripture. Have you forgotten 2Th 3:10 (ESV) For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat? Do you want me to beg or be a burden to others in the name of Christian service? 2Th 3:7-8(ESV)  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. None of these jobs is shady or illegitimate. How else will I get the good things of life, or is yours a gospel of poverty?

Far from it. Far from it. The teachings about idleness are correct, but if that is truly what you are practicing why are you not as committed as Paul the apostle who wrote and practiced these things? Act 17:16-17(ESV)  Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

How do you know I am not as committed?

Have you always been presenting the gospel message everyday in your workplace? Don’t open your mouth that’s what Paul was doing whilst he was alone at Athens. Act 17:15(ESV)  Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

So how do I meet up with my targets? I will soon get married and need to raise money for the ceremony and reception.

That is where faith comes in. Lk 8:14(ESV)  And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. Thorns are not necessarily the result of doing illegitimate work, nor has God called us to poverty. Like Paul see the gospel work as your daily assignment. Work hard, and have good targets for life Mat 6:32-33(ESV)  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. God gives His best to those who in faith serve Him unconditionally.

Serve the Lord with gladness Week 6, 2026

 

What kind of work is this? It has so many mistakes! My friend, you can do better than this.

Sorry nnayi for the hassles, no offence intended. I was in a hurry and failed to notice them.

Now we have to do this work all over again. We cannot use it.

Why? There are mistakes, alright, but it is manageable. Let’s use it

Manageable! Is that fitting for your private practice or a governor, and you offer it to the king of kings? Is that how you serve God? Mal 1:8(GNB)  When you bring a blind or sick or lame animal to sacrifice to me, do you think there's nothing wrong with that? Try giving an animal like that to the governor! Would he be pleased with you or grant you any favors?" The other day, you were so late, I wondered if the work would be done at all.

Look, I am not being paid for this job; it is entirely voluntary, and I expect your thanks and appreciation, not this kind of harsh rebuke.

I see. Mal 1:13(GNB)  You say, 'How tired we are of all this!' and you turn up your nose at me....Because you are not being paid with naira and kobo, you treat it anyhow. No skin pain, no sacrifice, you must be begged and cajoled to fulfill the role God Himself endowed you to do in His church. Let me tell you: It is for your own good that you serve the Lord. If you think you are doing me a favour by doing this work (let me not say doing God a favour), please stop. Ps 100:2(ESV)  Serve the LORD with gladness!

You mean you don’t want me to do the work? There is no one here who will do it well. You need to encourage people and not discourage them.

I laugh. Listen, and listen well. No one is indispensable. Not I. And certainly not you. Mat 3:9(ESV)  And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. There are still stones ready to be made into sons of Abraham. In fact, the cry of Hosanna will be deafening should you keep quiet! Lk 19:40(ESV)  He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” God can never, hear me, can never ever be overcome in His purpose for anyone who holds steadfastly to Him. Est 4:14(ESV)  For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place... And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Not every offering will God accept, and I hope you know this is an offering to God. Stop doing God a favour and start giving Him the very best with all joy. Perhaps you should simply stop.

Nnanyi, you are too hard, too harsh. I thought you were meant to bless me, not curse me.

But I am blessing you. Blessing is not all about sweet words. If you don’t hear these words and progress in error, I would have failed in my duty to you. You need to wake up and move properly. I am sure you have the capacity to do so much better and so gain a full reward from the Lord. Even though I speak like this, I have faith you will do much better from now. Heb 6:9, 11-12(ISV)  Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case, things that point to salvation. But we want each of you to continue to be diligent to the very end, in order to give full assurance to your hope. Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience. 

Homosexuality Week 5, 2026

 

It is called alternate sexuality. Gays are human beings like you who do a whole lot of good and help lots of people. They just love men like you love women

My friend that is very wrong. It is a practice which attracts God’s wrath and judgement Rom 1:27(ESV)  and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 

See this your bible is outdated and outmoded. What harm are they doing? They are merely vulnerable people who need protecting

They need protection alright. Protection from themselves. The practice breeds illness. Were they not the ones who bequeathed the world with AIDS? That pandemic is still on.

Watch your words, these are unproven allegations. Your oath is not to discriminate. Life has risks, simply work to reduce the risk, and not force people to change who they are.

Aren’t you being hypocritical? My oath is that my patient’s welfare should be my first concern. What is the threshold of banning a substance for health reasons?

Well, it depends on several factors like clear evidence of harm to humans, the risk-benefit ratio, and availability of alternatives. Those causing cancer have greater restrictions.

Correct. Ano-receptive sex greatly increases the risk of so many diseases. Such persons have 50 times more likelihood of disease entities, including cancers, in that region than those who do not practice it. Of course, HIV transmission is far more common with such behaviour. Monkey pox occurs much more readily in such behaviour.  Gay and lesbian couples report 6 times greater intimate person violence than hetero sexual couples. All these are science proven and reported facts that are in public domain!

Is that so? We need to cut the risks for these vulnerable people…

Listen to yourself.  You called the behaviour alternate sexuality, so clearly the way out is the alternative. You said when a substance is dangerous you go for an alternative…

We are not dealing with a substance here, but the very persona my friend. This is who they are. Just like being black puts you at risk of keloids. Will you stop being black now?

For someone who calls the bible outmoded you have quoted it. Jer 13:23(ESV)  Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. I completely agree it takes a personality change to stop homosexual behaviour. The power to do so cannot come from the homosexual. Repeated attempts result in frustration and sometimes self harm. But we have records of successful change

O wow. Let’s have the records. How?

1Cor 6:9, 11(ESV)   Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality...And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Come to Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit will free you