Ask for The Ancient Paths Week 29, 2026

Jer 6:16  Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ It is very important to put things in perspective from the very beginning. The things you have been called to hear, to listen to in this message are not good ideas. No. They are not fables, ideas, or opinions of experts and seasoned men. If they are the ideas of seasoned men we would appreciate the words and message but we dare not throw ourselves into them unreservedly like that. We would have a back up plan in case they fail. What is the first thing written here? Thus says the LORD. It is the speaking of the Lord Himself. Recognise that. If you do see what will happen: Jn 21:7  That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. Some of you may have hesitations but recognise it is the Lord speaking in the Bible and throw yourself into the sea. Throw yourself in without reservation. Someone needs to throw themselves into the water today in Jesus’ name. Give ourselves without restraint or care into this worship heading to the Master. The reason some fail to experience the power of the word is that they treat it as an opinion. When it is recognised for what it is and acted upon for what it is, it always is efficacious.1Th 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. The things you hear are the words of the owner of the work, the very designer and maker of the race and service itself. What more?

Thus says the LORD. “Says” is present continuous. He is still saying what is in Jer6:16 today - still saying it now. Let us read it again together. Jer6:16 Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ God's plan is to give us rest and we must not miss it.

If we will but do all He says rest will be our experience. As we understand and apply the word, the effect shall be rest for our souls,, not restlessness

What is the first thing the Lord Almighty is saying? Stand! In every translation I checked it is "stand". The first thing isn't "ask", not even "look". But "stand". We need to hear from God. It is crucial. We need an accurate word, but we must stand before we hear. Eze 2:1-2  And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

  Hab 2:1  "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on a tower. I will wait and see what the LORD will say about me and what I will answer when he reprimands me." Some are asking, asking desperately but are not standing at the cross roads of life. They are shaking. Are you ruled by fear rather than faith? Stand. Stand so that God will speak with you. Converse with you. Some of us are at the crossroads in life are already compromising. Giving money to the policemen who delay us on the way to our programmes. Giving money to process our papers so we can go out to do missions. Paying money so our children can get into university of our choice. Which of us is not guilty? Paul was standing when Felix wanted bribes from him even though Jesus had said next stop is Rome. He stood and gave no bribes. Finally He heard God say "Appeal to Caesar. You will get to Rome as a prisoner". Stand. Stand. No compromise at the cross roads of life. Stand so God will speak with us.

If we seem not to hear despite desperate cries, check if you are standing. The times may change, technology and laws of the land will differ, but the good way is the same ancient path, the way that leads to rest. There are many roads but only one good way. The physiology of man cannot change despite the improvements in science, technology and Artificial Intelligence. Look for the ancient paths, ask for them and hear the word from God. God's plan is to give us rest even in his service and we must not miss it.

Mercy in examinations Week 28, 2026

 

It was after I had submitted the examination paper that my mistake dawned on me: I had omitted answering the compulsory question for the Pharmacy essay question. Failure to answer compulsory questions carried an automatic failure for the candidate! 

It was my 3^rd and final attempt at the 3^rd MBBS examinations in College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. In fact the examination was being taken along with the resit candidates of the set below me. Due to my not meeting the required attendance at lectures, I had been debarred from writing the 3^rd MBBS examinations at the first instance with my contemporaries. Two consecutive failures at the resits meant I was at my last attempt to clear the preclinical exams, both Pathology and Pharmacology. Failure now meant leaving Medical school, whilst my colleagues were busy preparing for the 4^th MB, which was a step away from graduation. What would happen now? Ps 107:17-19(ESV)Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. When I told Obi Echedom he said, “Go and prepare that question; you will most likely be asked in the viva”. We prayed. Brethren had been praying for us who had resits, and especially as we were on the verge of dismissal.

Sure enough when my turn came for the viva and I faced Prof Onoaguluchi and the external examiner the opening statement was, “There was a compulsory question in your essay, you didn’t answer it, now answer the question.” Thank God for Obi Echedom. I had read the question on antiviral drugs, going through their classes, in preparation for the viva. Anti retro-viral drugs were new back then in 1989 and not surprisingly we were required to know about them. I answered as best as I could, with Prof Onoaguluchi taking over at a point in helping me complete it. Both of them were satisfied with the answer. I desperately prayed the viva would end there; my brain could take no more. The external examiner smiled in a way remniscient of someone confidently closing in on his prey and said, “Let us now go to other areas.” The living God intervened. Prof Onoaguluchi stepped in saying, “Er, no. I think we have got enough for now” and the viva was over! Had he read the dismay in my countenance? When I had 2^nd MB it was like that in Anatomy. I had not read osteology going in for the viva. How could you not read osteology? It was certain that bones would be set and questions would come from there. When the professor looked at me, he said, “Tell me about dural reflection”. That was the only thing I had prepared! To the glory of God, I scaled through but had a resit in Biochemistry.

The results of the resit exams were published later that day. Against my number for Pathology and Pharmacology was “Pass”, “Pass”. I looked again to be sure. I had just been delivered from leaving medical school in my final year. Obi Echedom met me when I got to Imoke hostels and asked how the exam went. “I passed” was my unemotional answer. "Is that how you are saying it?" he responded. Great was the deliverance, great the mercy. Ps 107:15-16(ESV)  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his gracious love, and for his awesome deeds to mankind. For he shattered bronze gates and cut through iron bars.   I sincerely implore everyone reading this to prepare very well for their examinations. Attend every lecture. Answer all questions you should. 

Attracting His hand Week 27, 2026

 I have seen more things that happen when God’s hand comes upon someone. See 2Kgs 3:15-16 (ESV)  And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools..” so when I sit under inspired worship, the hand of God will come upon me. That is why our singers and band must minister well o. It will attract God’s hand.

I am quite sure God’s hand came on Elisha as the harpist played, and that God moves in worship ministrations. They are glorious and uplifting, but does that mean the secret to getting God’s hand on someone is dependent on another person’s skill and unction?

What do you mean? The scripture is clear now. That is why God’s hand came upon Elisha.

My dear, in studying scripture, look closely. Look for where the Bible says “because” to conclude. Do not be like those who say it is because of Solomon’s 1,000 offerings that God asked him, “What shall I do for you?” whilst the scripture never said so. You know, at the temple dedication, they could not count the number of offerings made, yet God did not come back to him and ask, “What more do you need?” Nor did God make such an offer to David and his men when they offered lavishly for the temple. When Elisha was to prophesy another time, did he ask for a harpist? The secret to getting God’s good hand lies elsewhere.

How do I get to have God’s hand on me? 

The same way Ezra did. Ezr 7:9, 10(ESV) the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Notice that in this case there is a “because”. God’s hand specifically came on him because of specific things Ezra did: setting his heart to study, do, and teach the law. This is so for all persons, at all times: Ezr 8:22(ESV)“The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”

I see now; thank you very much. O may God turn my heart always to seek him always.

You have seen, but you need to see. Prayer is good. Seeking God is your responsibility; don’t blame God on this matter. Prov 16:1(RV)  The preparations of the heart belong to man: but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.  We must make the move - it is actually in our hands. Jas 4:8(ESV)  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Why are you saying this? What are you warning me about?

David told Solomon 1Chr 28:9(ESV)  “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Solomon made it a prayer point and did not play his own role. 1Kgs 8:57, 58(ESV)  The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. He has already given a command to this effect and wants all to seek him. You must use the energy prayer will attract. Col 3:2(KJV)  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Do it

The hand of God Week 26, 2026

 One of the most desirable elements in life and ministry is summed up in the phrase “The hand of God”. Ezr 8:22(ESV)“The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” It speaks of God’s power, God’s influence, and active involvement to bring about His divine purpose.

See what happens when the hand of God is on a person: Ezr 7:28(BBE)  And has given mercy to me before the king and his government and before all the king's great captains. And I was made strong by the hand of the Lord my God which was on me, and I got together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. You are made strong. Another translation would say “I took courage”. What makes one strong and firm in the face of impossible situations? Courage and strength come from the hand of God on you. Do not go to alcohol or look at bank balances. The hand of God on Elijah made him run faster than Ahab's chariot: 1Kgs 18:46  And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel

Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way  Ezr 8:31(ESV). There is a cry because of insecurity in the land. Kidnapping is rife; even those asleep in their houses have been taken. The hand of God guarantees safety. 

Getting capable men, reliable people to work with you is crucial, as no man is an island. Many a venture has stalled and died for lack of capable men. When the hand of God is on you, that changes: Ezr 8:18(NIV) Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah's sons and brothers.

How about the matter of favour before men? Before Kings and men of influence and resources? Ezr 7:6(ESV) Ezra went up from Babylonia… and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Note that this happened not only with Ezra: Neh2:8 (ESV) And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. Did you notice that it was everything Ezra asked for that he received? Why twist your speech to extract money from men when the hand of God will bring everything you need, all you ask? Instead of running after men or positioning yourself to be seen by men to get favour or resources, get the hand of God upon you.

It is what makes people know He is God: Ex 7:5(ESV)  The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them. Is it only in the Old Testament that we see this? No: Acts 11:21 (ISV)  The hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Would to God we would cry out to God for His face, and His hand will be on us, rather than for money on evangelism. Surely this is the meaning of “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”!Mt28:20 (ESV)

Lest you think these are not for us today, remember Ezr 8:22(ESV)“The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” It is for all. For us. Now, please note that it is those who seek Him, not seek His hand. Those who seek Him. 2Chr16:9(ISV)  The LORD's eyes keep on roaming throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts completely belong to him, so that he may strongly support them.  

The father’s presence or presents Week 25, 2026

 I think the elder son had genuine cause for displeasure. How come the father gave him nothing to celebrate with after years of slaving for the man? Is that not the way to discourage loyalty? Celebrate the returnee lavishly whilst giving nothing to the faithful.

Are you very sure the father gave him nothing all those years?

Of course, yes. It is well documented; he would have appreciated even a goat but had nothing Lk 15:29(ISV)  But he answered his father, 'Listen! All these years I've worked like a slave for you. I've never disobeyed a command of yours. Yet you've never given me so much as a young goat for a feast so I could celebrate with my friends.

It’s a pity you can’t see what he had and was in danger of losing. Many people miss it also

What could that be? He was affirmed as the bona fide owner of the present estate. Lk 15:31 (ISV)  'My child, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

His father’s presence. Did you notice it was the first thing he reminded the son about? It took me many years to realise it. But what was at the father’s heart was not the estate. His presence meant more.  In anger, the son was risking the most important thing - the presence - because of a matter of presents to the younger son. Lk 15:28(ISV)  "Then the older son became angry and wouldn't go into the house. So his father came out and began to plead with him. What comes first is not “everything I have is yours” but, “My child, you are always with me”. In serving God that comes first also Mk 3:14-15(GNB)  and he chose twelve, whom he named apostles. "I have chosen you to be with me," he told them. "I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons." 

What’s the use of the presence without the presents?

Ah! Abomination. Heresy! You know this parable is about God the Father and us His children. The presence was what the younger son first lost before wasting the presents. Lk 15:13(ISV)  A few days later, the younger son gathered everything he owned and traveled to a distant country. There he wasted it all on wild living. Many people are seeking God simply to get presents from Him. Jn 6:24, 26-27(ISV)When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into these boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. Jesus replied to them, "Truly, I tell all of you with certainty, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were completely satisfied. Do not work for food that perishes but for food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him." They don’t often please God and regularly leave Jn 6:66(ISV)  As a result, many of his disciples turned back and no longer associated with him. The presence of God is the principal thing, not his presents or effects. Moses shows us that is what to look for. Then Moses told the LORD, "If your presence does not go with us, don't bring us up from here. Ex 33:15(ISV) 

I see. In all life’s situations or challenges that’s what I will always seek. Ps 17:15(ISV)  But as for me, justified, I will behold your face; when I awake, your presence will satisfy me.

The rich man and Lazarus Week 24, 2026

 This parable is a bit confusing. Is Jesus trying to teach us that rich men go to hell and poor men go to heaven? Is it a law that if you enjoy here on earth you suffer for eternity?

For one thing that story is no parable. Jesus never mentioned names in parables. He specifically mentioned father Abraham (who we know) and Lazarus in this story. A lot of the times the parables  begin with “And He told them a parable saying…” as in Mt13:24, 31 Whether a parable or not, what does this mean? Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish Lk 16:25(ESV) .  Will all who are rich go to hell? Is poverty the key to paradise? Is paradise a reversal of this life’s conditions?

The life after death is indeed a reversal for those who have been suffering for the faith, 2Tm 2:11-12(ESV)  The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; however it is not poverty that took Lazarus to paradise or wealth that landed the rich man in hellfire. That much was clear to the rich man.

Now you have me confused. Where is all this stated in the story?

Look at Lk 16:30(ESV)  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ This clearly shows he knew what brought him there: his failure to heed the warnings given while he was alive on earth and repent. That is what he wanted by making the request in Lk 16:27, 28(ESV): And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—  for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’  It was not riches. Have you forgotten Abraham was a very rich man? Gen 24:34, 35(ESV) I am Abraham's servant. The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys. If it was wealth that took the rich man to hell then Abraham too should have been in hell.

Oh, I see. A second matter: salvation is by grace through faith, right? Why is it written in Lk 16:29(ESV) But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’?

Moses and the prophets all prophesied about the coming Messiah and bear witness to salvation by grace through faith. Lk 24:25, 27(ESV)  And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Remember Rom 3:21(ESV) says But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: Whosoever has the heart for God and listens to Moses and the prophets repents at the preaching of Christ. Those who refused to hear Moses and the prophets refused to believe even when Jesus rose from the dead. That’s what Abraham foretells in Lk16:31(ESV). He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ Don’t be like them.

Avoid aborted success Week 23, 2026

 The church is doing very well now, sir. Our numbers are up..

Why do you say we are doing very well, is it just because our number has increased?

How many churches are experiencing any increase in number? We are definitely doing well.

Hmm. Be careful. 2Cor 10:12(ESV)  Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. You may say we are doing well but there is a danger, we must double down.

Welfare needs? Doctrinal soundness? We were taught growing churches must be careful about those. In the first century they caused problems, but the Lord is there to help us.

Can you not see what I am seeing? We are growing, but is this where God programmed us to be at this time? Have you heard of the Joash phenomenom? That is what bothers me more.

I’ve never heard of it. What has it to do with us?

There is a heaven ordained victory per time for everyone, every church, as was for King Joash: 2Kgs 13:17(ESV)  And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” The tragedy is that he fell short of it. 2Kgs 13:18, 19(ESV)  And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped.  Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.” his true success in making an end of the Syrians was aborted

I still don’t get it. What has that to do with us? Where is the threat?

Three victories look like success, but the prophecy, the capacity and mandate was victory until he made an end of Syria. He stopped too soon. Yes there are clear signs of progress in this congregation, but we are far from the capacity, not yet within the mandate. The greatest tragedy now would be to relax in prayers and evangelism, saying “Yes we have made a mark, others are not moving so well”. If we stop now the prophesied mark for us may be lost.

Prophesied? I didn’t know there is a specific mandate for us in terms of targets.

Have you never read Eph 2:10(KJV)? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. For each person, each congregation, in each season God has targets and divine expectations. That is what to focus on and compare with to know if we are doing well. We need more labour.

Why did Joash lose it? When  rebuked  he could have simply collected more arrows and shot!

In spiritual matters there are such things as times and seasons, certain opportunities are season bound. God made it clear to David in the Rephaim Valley battle. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines 1Chr 14:15(ESV).                                        Are you in personal danger of aborted success in life and walk?