“By This Time He Stinketh”
Have you ever looked at a situation in your life and thought, “It’s too late… nothing can be done now”? Maybe it’s a long-standing illness, a broken relationship, a career that has flatlined, marital delay, childlessness, immigration issues, or a dream that feels long dead. All around you, voices echo what Martha said when Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb: “Lord, by this time he stinketh” - John 11:39. That phrase, “By this time he stinketh” has been ringing in my spirit all week. I kept hearing it over and over, even as I prayed. And I knew the Holy Spirit was preparing a message of hope for someone this weekend. If you’re reading this, this word is for you: It is not too late. God is never late and your case is never hopeless.
Hope for the Living
To understand how God moves, we must first lay a foundation of hope as captured in Ecclesiastes 9:4: “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” This verse assures us that as long as you are alive, there is hope and your story is far from being over. One of my strongest conviction in life is that for the child of God, no situation is ever truly hopeless, because Jesus Christ is alive, and He is our Living Hope: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3.
Even when everything seems cut off and finished, God reminds us that there is hope for a tree. “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.” - Job 14:7–9. This is a powerful image, even when what once stood tall is reduced to a stump, even when the roots seem buried in dryness and age, just a scent of water, the presence of the Spirit, can bring life again. If there’s hope for a tree, there’s certainly hope for you. As long as you are connected to the Living Water, you can rise again.
Lazarus: A Case That Seemed Too Far Gone
The Book of John is one of my favorite books in the Bible, and John the Beloved is, in fact, one of my favorite Bible heroes. In John 11, he records a powerful story that none of the other Gospel writers include, the account of three siblings: Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus, who became gravely ill and eventually died. Before Lazarus passed away, his sisters did everything they knew to do. They sent word to Jesus early, fully believing He could heal their brother. But Jesus did not arrive when they expected Him to. We later learn that Jesus deliberately delayed so that the situation could bring glory to God.
By the time Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha met Him with the kind of faith many of us have, faith that believes in healing, but not necessarily in resurrection. She said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died,” indirectly implying that Jesus was late. But Jesus is never late and His timing is not ours. Then came a pivotal moment, Jesus said, “Take ye away the stone.” But Martha, the ever-practical sister, responded with deep realism mixed with grief: “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” - John 11:39.
For the avoidance of doubt, this wasn’t just a case of sickness anymore, at this time, Lazarus was gone and long enough for decomposition to begin and his body stank. The situation was not only hopeless by human standards, but it was also offensive, decaying, final. And yet, Jesus called him forth. He wanted everyone to see that even when it looks too late, when death has taken over, when decay has set in, God still has the final word. One assurance to hold on to is that stenches don’t scare Jesus as He specializes in rolling away stones, calling forth the dead, and bringing glory out of impossible circumstances.
God Specializes in “Stinking” Situations
Some of you today are standing before your own symbolic "tomb": Perhaps, yours is a failed business, a broken marriage, a body the doctors say cannot conceive, a prayer you’ve given up on. You may even feel spiritually distant, like the person who once told me, “I’m not on speaking terms with God anymore,” after losing a loved one to cancer despite fervent prayers. But please hear this: God is still in the business of turning death into life. Many times, He allows certain things to happen for His glory. The worse it looks, the greater the glory He receives when He turns it around.
Jesus specializes in situations that stink, what seemed hopeless for Mary and Martha ended in rejoicing. These same women are later referenced in Hebrews among those who “received their dead raised to life again.” As long as you are breathing and joined to the Living God, there is hope for you, and by putting your full trust in Him, your story too can become one of those told to demonstrate the greatness of His power.“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John 11:40.
Your Faith Has a Role to Play
Jesus has the right, the power, and most importantly the willingness to turn your case around. But you must meet Him with obedient faith, not a passive faith that waits indefinitely, but katelambanō faith, the kind that reaches out and actively takes hold of what belongs to you in Christ. Your situation is not too far gone. What was declared “dead” in your life can live again. The same voice that called Lazarus out of the grave can call your destiny back to life.
Final Charge
Don’t let the voices of fear, doubt, or even logic tell you it’s over. If Jesus could raise Lazarus, He can raise your dream, He can regularize your immigration papers, cause you to conceive, restore your health, your marriage, your joy, your purpose. You may have heard, “By now, it stinketh,” but I join the voice of the Lord to declare to you: “I am the resurrection, and the life…” John 11:25. As long as He is involved, it is never too late and I look forward to your testimony.
Remain blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Elder Brother Syndrome: When the Holy Spirit Redirects You
Whenever I read Luke 15, like most people, I naturally focus on the prodigal son, the one who walked away, wasted everything, and returned home to mercy. But the Holy Spirit has always had a way of pulling me back from the “obvious rhema”. Time and time again, He gently highlights what others might overlook, not to criticize, but to teach, correct, and strengthen me in truth and in my walk with Him. It is on that note that He didn’t allow me to stay focused on the prodigal son this time, instead, He opened my eyes to the elder brother, the one who stayed home, followed the rules, but nonetheless, completely missed the heart of the Father. What I’m about to share is not the usual angle on Luke 15, but it’s one of the most sobering lessons the Holy Spirit has taught me, and I believe it’s worth sharing, I call it the “Elder Brother Syndrome”.
Elder Brother Syndrome, what is that?
To understand this syndrome, we must first look at Luke 15:25–30, which describes the reaction of the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son: “Now his elder son was in the field… and he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said… Lo, these many years do I serve thee… but as soon as this thy son was come… thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”
From this passage, I’d describe the Elder Brother Syndrome as a self-righteous and resentful attitude, marked by outward obedience but inward bitterness. It reflects a heart that struggles with grace, lacks compassion, and resents mercy shown to the undeserving. The elder brother couldn't rejoice in his sibling’s return because he was too focused on fairness and reward, forgetting the heart of the Father, which is to save and restore all men.
Avoiding the Elder Brother Syndrome
From a human perspective, the elder brother did everything “right,” he never asked for his own share of the father’s inheritance, never engaged in riotous living, nor leave his father’s house off to a strange land, he was always in the house. However, although physically present, his heart posture was not in alignment with his father and the spirit of mercy. From his response, you could tell he was faithful, but proud. He was present, but simultaneously bitter. He wanted grace for himself but couldn’t stand to see it freely given to someone else.
The above, to me, is one of the quiet dangers of spiritual growth: when you’ve walked with God long enough, served long enough, or consecrated yourself long enough, it becomes easy to forget how far God has brought you. It’s easy to begin to compare yourself with others and in some cases, you start expecting explanations from God. You want to be kept in the loop when someone else is restored or elevated. But the mercy of God is not a group decision it’s His to give.
As God helps us grow in consecration and holiness, He also calls us to walk in deep humility. The grace to live by godly principles does not make you the gatekeeper of someone else’s journey. Instead, it positions you to pray, to love, and to stay focused on your own obedience. God does not always reveal to you what He’s doing in another person’s heart. He is sovereign in mercy, and He restores people in ways you may not expect. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Don’t Become a Modern-Day Pharisee
As church people, we don’t always realize when we start acting like Pharisees. You might think you’re simply upholding standards, but without love and humility, those “standards” can turn into stumbling blocks. We end up expecting people to be clean before they get into the shower. But the Church is not a place for the already perfect, it’s a spiritual laundry. It’s where people come to be washed, renewed, and transformed by the Spirit of God. And that process is messy. The scriptures commands us, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24 and “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b.
Be a Bridge and not a Barrier
God is seeking people who will serve as bridges, and as those who help others reconnect to Him, not as barriers that block the way. In a world where many are already burdened by shame, guilt, and brokenness, the Church should be a place of healing, not judgment. When someone walks into our church, perhaps not dressed the way we’d expect, maybe still carrying the scent of where they've been, allow the Holy Spirit to use you to show them kindness, not critique. Let them encounter the love of the Father, not the frown of the “elder brother” (Luke 15:25–32). We should take our cue from how God has treated us: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
God did not wait for us to become perfect before extending His love. He loved us at our worst, at our messiest. That same grace should shape how we treat others. Before rushing to criticize or condemn someone else’s journey, pause and remember: you’re not called to clean people, Jesus does that. You’re called to welcome them, love them, and walk with them as He transforms them. As the prophet Micah reminds us: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.
Let that be the measure: Are you walking in mercy? Are you making space for others to grow? Or have you slipped into the posture of the elder brother, resentful, outside the celebration, forgetting that grace was extended to you too?
Final Charge
We are called to be bridges, people who open doors for others to get into the fold and in doing this, represent Christ best when we extend love, patience, and truth in grace. So today, ask yourself:
- Am I leading others toward Christ or pushing them away?
- Am I a safe place for the broken to begin again?
- Will I celebrate the lost when they return, or will I stand outside, arms crossed like the elder brother in Luke 15?
Receive the grace to allow God’s love to flow freely through you to others in the mighty name of Jesus!
Remain ever blessed.
Author Loveth
From Milk to Meat: Growing in Christian Maturity
I recently came across a finding that human beings are the only species in the kingdom Animalia that consume milk into adulthood. While all mammals feed milk to their young during infancy, most animals eventually transition to solid food and stop drinking milk altogether. Even more concerning is the claim and the ongoing debates about whether continued milk consumption in adulthood is associated with certain health issues. I could argue that this natural progression reflects God’s original design for spiritual growth as well.
As humans, however, we often cling to certain comforts, milk being a familiar one. I for one cannot survive without evaporated milk, hahahaha. But, While milk is vital for early nourishment and growth, both physically and spiritually, it is meant to be a starting point, not a lifelong sustenance. As we mature, we are called to move on to more substantial food. In the Christian faith, this serves as a powerful analogy for spiritual maturity: we are expected to grow beyond the basics, seeking deeper understanding and greater wisdom in our walk with God.
Milk: The Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Milk, as referenced in the Bible, is a metaphor for the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. It is something that is essential for spiritual babes, as it provides the nourishment needed for initial growth. In 1 Peter 2:2, the Apostle Peter writes, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
Just as infants need milk to develop their physical bodies, we need the foundational truths of God’s Word to grow spiritually. These basics include salvation through Christ, the promises of God, and the essential teachings of the Gospel. However, there is a danger in staying at the milk stage indefinitely. While milk is good for infants, it is meant to be a stepping stone, not a permanent diet. Just as a child is expected to wean from milk and begin eating solid food, we are called to move beyond the basics of the faith.
The Transition from Milk to Solid Food
Hebrews 5:12-14 speaks directly to this issue of spiritual immaturity: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
The above verse is a direct chastisement for believers who, though they have been in the faith long enough to mature, are still clinging to the “milk” of basic teachings rather than growing into the “strong meat” of deeper spiritual truths. This challenge is particularly relevant to believers who limit themselves to just Sunday and basic Christian issues. While these are valuable and necessary, they are only part of the journey.
Just as a child matures and moves to more substantial food to support their growing body, we must move beyond the elementary aspects of faith to deeper understanding and spiritual application. The “strong meat” of the Word comes when we begin to live out our faith, grow in our knowledge of God, and develop discernment in the areas of righteousness and sin.
Spiritual Maturity: Moving Beyond the Basics
Spiritual maturity is marked by a deeper understanding of God’s will and a commitment to obeying His commands. In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul writes, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Paul reflects on how spiritual growth involves not just an accumulation of knowledge, but a change in behavior, perspective, the willingness to obey God and responsibility.
For many of us, the early stages of faith are focused on personal blessings, prayers for health, prosperity, and success. These are important aspects of life, and there is nothing wrong with seeking God’s provision for these needs. However, these are often the foundational teachings that fall under “Christianity 101.”
We must realize that our lives are not limited to seeking personal benefits; but, about advancing God’s kingdom, serving others, and deepening our relationship with Him. The true mark of spiritual maturity comes when we begin to embrace our role in God’s larger plan, no longer focused solely on personal gain but on serving others and fulfilling the call of discipleship. Just as a child grows up and takes on more responsibilities, spiritual maturity involves taking on the responsibility of serving God and others with a mature faith.
The Signs of Maturity: Serving as Sons, Not Just Children
A clear sign of spiritual maturity is the willingness to serve others. This is illustrated in the relationship between a father and his children. As children grow, they become more aware of the needs of the family and the importance of contributing to the well-being of the household. Similarly, mature believers move from the position of receiving spiritual milk to taking on the responsibilities of adulthood, serving others and fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
In the family of God, spiritual maturity is reflected when we stop being “fed” and begin feeding others. In spiritual maturity, you no longer see yourself as a consumer of spiritual goods but as an active participant in the work of the Kingdom. This shift is not always easy, but it is necessary if you wish to grow and mature in faith.
Final Charge
Just as milk is essential for a newborn but not sufficient for a grown person, the basics of our faith are essential for new believers but must give way to deeper truths as we mature. Spiritual growth is a process, and just as babies are weaned off milk, we must move beyond the basics and embrace the “strong meat” of God’s Word. This maturity starts from gaining knowledge and then moving forward to becoming more like Christ, serving others, and fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
As you grow in your faith, ask yourself: Are you still relying on the basics of the faith, or are you moving into deeper, more solid spiritual truths that will allow you to serve God and others with greater wisdom and maturity? May we all move from milk to meat and become the mature sons and daughters God has called us to be in Jesus name!
Remain ever blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
Kingdom Reward System: The Priority Profit Share
Understanding the Kingdom Economy Through Private Equity Funds and Finance
In the world of private equity and finance, investors and fund managers operate under a structured reward system known as the “distribution waterfall”. This model outlines how profits from an investment fund are allocated between the investors and the General Partner (GP), the entity responsible for managing the fund. For clarity, a private equity fund is an investment fund owned by a limited number of qualified investors. This type of fund typically collects money from these investors. It then uses it to purchase a business or assets from another portfolio company or in some cases, even invest the money into another mega fund.
A key principle of this system is the Priority Profit Share (PPS), which ensures that the GP receives compensation first before profits are distributed to the investors. This is done to incentivize the GP to maximize the overall returns of the fund. Even if the fund does not perform exceptionally well in terms of profits and returns to the investors, the GP still receives the first share of profits as a reward for managing and stewarding the investments.
The Kingdom Parallel: God’s Investment in You
In the Kingdom of God, we see a striking similarity between this financial model and the way God operates with His people, especially in how rewards and returns are allocated. As a Funds Lawyer, I’ve spent years immersed in the complexities of distribution waterfalls, meticulously crafting and negotiating terms that define how profits flow through a fund. It’s a critical part of the deal, get it wrong, and the entire economic structure collapses.
In much the same way, as children of God, we’re part of a spiritual economy with its own reward system. Understanding how this divine distribution works, how obedience, faith, and stewardship unlock heavenly returns is just as essential. In both cases, clarity on the terms matter. Whether in a term sheet or in God’s Word, what you don’t understand can cost you more than you think.
Key Terms
- God is the Ultimate Investor. He has entrusted His children with talents, resources, and opportunities to maximize for His glory (Matthew 25:14-30).
- We, as believers, are the General Partners. Our role is to steward God’s investment wisely, ensuring that we yield spiritual and material profit in the form of souls won, lives transformed, and kingdom advanced.
- The Reward System is Certain. Just as the financial world prioritizes rewarding the GP for their management, God ensures that those who labor in His kingdom are the first partakers of His blessings. “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.” 2 Timothy 2:6 (KJV). This way, God incentivizes us to maximize kingdom work.
God Does Not Call You to Diminish You
A common fear among believers is the misconception that serving God may result in loss, whether financially, professionally, or personally. However, God is not in the business of reducing His servants; He is in the business of glorifying them. The kingdom reward system is not designed to strip you of your resources, humiliate you, or lead you into poverty. Instead, it is a divine structure set up to bless, reward, and elevate those who commit themselves to God’s purposes. “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” —Romans 8:30 (KJV).
Kingdom Priority Sharing: Your Guaranteed Reward
God’s financial model operates on the principle that those who serve Him are prioritized for divine reward. The Bible clearly states: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” —Psalm 37:25 (KJV). This means that no true laborer in God’s vineyard will ever be abandoned or lack provision. When we put His kingdom first, He commands all other things, health, finances, success, peace to serve us.
If all things are commanded to follow us, then as believers, we must understand that we are not supposed to struggle like those without covenant privileges. “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” —Psalm 34:10 (KJV). This is the essence of kingdom economics, when you serve God, you do not beg; you reign!
The Call to Higher Realms of Kingdom Profits
There are higher depths in Christ beyond just seeking survival. God desires that we step into a realm where we function as kingdom financiers, ministers, and ambassadors who channel resources for His purpose. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” —Revelation 4:1 (KJV). To “come up hither” is to rise above financial struggles, uncertainties, and limitations. It is to operate at a supernatural level of divine economy, where we do not just survive but thrive. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
This high calling is not vague or mysterious, Jesus made it plain in Matthew 4:19 (KJV): “And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It is in following Christ, through obedience, faithfulness, and kingdom stewardship that we are made. Your reward is non-negotiable and if there are rewards in this kingdom, be assured that you are a priority recipient.
The kingdom reward system commands that everything must align in your favour when you serve the Lord wholeheartedly. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” —Matthew 6:24 (KJV). When you serve God alone, everything else must serve you.
Final Encouragement: Expect Your Kingdom Rewards
Paul, in his wisdom, leaves us with this profound charge: “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” —2 Timothy 2:7 (KJV). As you reflect on this, may the rewards of kingdom service distinguish you.
May favour locate you, and may your obedience cause you to stand out in your generation. You are not just labouring; you are investing in eternal rewards. Be assured that in God’s economy, your returns are guaranteed.
Remain ever blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
How to Be Rich Towards God: Lessons from the Rich Fool
A Sobering Parable
The story of the rich fool in Luke 12:16–21 is one of those parables that often leaves me emotionally wrecked. In my early days in the faith, I found the parable a little confusing as I kept wondering what the guy did wrong. Should he not have worked so hard, saved more just so he could relax and enjoy later, I always wondered? Even now, I find myself being somewhat sympathetic to the rich fool, perhaps because I can see myself in him. After years of hard work, I finally find myself in a season of relative comfort. It’s tempting to lean back, double down on investments, and buy things that make life even much easier. But then, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me: an “I, me, mine” mindset doesn’t make me any different from the rich fool.
From the world’s perspective, this man did nothing wrong. He was simply trying to secure his future and enjoy life. Is that wrong? Is God somehow against comfort or success? Absolutely not, after all, the Scripture assures us that “in His right hand are pleasures forevermore” - Psalm 16:11 and “God gives us richly all things to enjoy” - 1 Timothy 6:17. Jesus even says, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” - Luke 12:32.
So why was God displeased with the rich man you may ask? The answer is simple: he was simply not rich toward God.
What Does It Mean to Be Rich Towards God?
Being rich towards God means investing in what matters to Him. It’s about living with eternity in mind and building spiritual wealth. Jesus warned that “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” - Luke 12:15. Rather, our lives gain eternal value when we align with God’s heart. As I journey through life, I’ve come to better understand why God called this man the “rich fool”- Luke 12:20, and why he was not favored in God's eyes. The issue wasn’t that God disapproved of hard work or the accumulation of wealth. In fact, Scripture affirms the value of diligence: "The soul of the diligent is richly supplied" - Proverbs 13:4, ESV.
The true problem arises when all that defines you is tied solely to this earthly life. When your identity, hope, and security are rooted in material possessions, you become vulnerable. Earthly treasures are temporary, they can be destroyed by moths, consumed by fire, or lost in an instant. Matthew 6:19–20, cis very apt on this subject - “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Imagine spending a lifetime toiling, enslaving yourself for wealth, only to lose everything in a single moment. What then remains of your soul? Woe to the person who has no heavenly insurance, no "Divine Life Assurance Policy." For as Jesus said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” - Mark 8:36, ESV. This will not be your portion and I pray that we may all seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, storing our treasures in heaven, where they are eternally secure.
To all my ambitious and hardworking friends, family, and broader community: I sense strongly that the Holy Spirit wants to help guard you from falling into the same trap that ensnared the rich fool. In that spirit, I want to share ten simple but powerful ways on how you can be rich towards God. These are principles of financial and spiritual stewardship, that have kept me grounded and helped me remain rich toward God.
Ten Ways to Be Rich Towards God
1. Rich in Seeking God - When you put God first, everything else finds its place. Seek Him daily, not just when you're in need. “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33.
2. Rich in Faith and Obedience - Faith without action is empty. Obey even when it’s hard, God honors trust with reward. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” – Hebrews 10:35.
3. Rich Toward Your Parents - Honor isn’t just about respect, it’s also financial support, time, and love. God attaches a promise to it. “Honor your father and your mother…that it may go well with you and that you may live long…” – Ephesians 6:2–3.
4. Rich in Paying Your Tithes - Tithing is not just giving, it’s trusting God with your provision and putting Him first in your finances. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord…” – Malachi 3:10.
5. Rich in Offering - Giving isn’t about the amount, it’s about the heart. When we give sacrificially, God sees it as worship and honors it eternally. “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” – Mark 12:44. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9.
6. Rich in Soul Winning and Discipleship - Leading someone to Christ is one of the most valuable things you can do, it echoes into eternity. “He who wins souls is wise.” – Proverbs 11:30. “Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.” – Daniel 12:3.
7. Rich in Honoring and Supporting God’s Servants - Those who serve God need encouragement and support; it’s one way we honor God Himself. “He who receives a prophet…will receive a prophet’s reward.” – Matthew 10:40.
8. Rich in Acts of Kindness to the Poor - God doesn’t overlook the little things, especially when done for the least among us. “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water…shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42.
9. Rich in Building God’s House - Give your time, skill, and resources to the Church, it reflects your heart for God’s mission. “He loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” – Luke 7:1–5. “With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God…” – 1 Chronicles 29:3–5.
10. Rich in Generosity and Secret Giving - True generosity doesn’t seek applause, it’s between you and God, and He always sees. “When you give…do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” – Matthew 6:1–4.
Closing Challenge: Have You Checked Your Heavenly Account?
Have you examined your heavenly bank account lately? Write down your personal versions of at least ten non-negotiable commitments, sign and date it. Make it a covenant between you and God, a reminder of your pursuit to be rich towards Him.
Please bear in mind, while you may not appear wealthy by earthly standards, in God’s eyes, you could be very rich. Your obedience is growing, your love for Him and His people is increasing, and your pursuit of His kingdom is a top priority. Remember, everything God’s instructions are designed to help us enjoy what Christ has provided both in this world and in the one to come.
Receive the grace to accumulate great wealth in this word and even much more in the world to come in Jesus name! Remain ever blessed.
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Divine Life Assurance Policy
A few years ago, while finalizing some property transactions with my broker, she posed a question that stopped me in my tracks: “What would you do if you were suddenly unable to work or earn a living due to one critical health issue or another?” The African blood in me almost stopped her right there and then to say God forbid and / or back to sender! I mean, it was triggering, at least to me, we don’t speak like that around here – hahaha!
As the primary breadwinner for several dependents, the weight of that question stirred a moment of deep anxiety. Sensing the impact, she moved seamlessly into offering a range of insurance packages. But something she said stood out: most life insurance policies only pay out upon the death of the policyholder. In other words, the policyholder never gets to benefit from what they spent years paying into. At best, it's designed for those left behind.
It was in that reflective moment that the Holy Spirit brought to my heart a far greater, eternal perspective: God offers a better plan, a Divine Life Assurance Policy. Unlike worldly systems, this one is available in the Kingdom of God for those who commit to service and obedience. It’s what I call The Divine Life Assurance Policy.
A Heavenly Policy with Unmatched Guarantees
Look at it this way, in the natural world, life assurance provides financial protection. In God’s Kingdom, divine assurance provides total life security, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and eternally. What a wholistic coverage. This spiritual policy is laid out powerfully in Exodus 23:25–26:
“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
Here, God outlines five remarkable benefits that accrue to you and here, the beautiful thing about God's policy is that you can enjoy the benefits yourself whilst alive as opposed to just paying out to your dependents when you are no longer here:
1. Provision Security
“He shall bless thy bread and thy water.” – This means, you won’t lack or live in insufficiency. Your daily needs are covered. We see also in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God... and all these things shall be added unto you.” As a matter of fact, this coverage ensures that you’d never be stranded as insinuated by my broker in the story I shared earlier. The Word assures us in Psalm 34:10 – “The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
2. Divine Health Coverage
“I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” - God offers immunity, healing, and supernatural health. Psalm 91:10 is also very clear on this: “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”
3. Coverage from Miscarriages
“Nothing shall cast their young” – In this instance, the Divine Life Assurance Coverage ensures that you do not miscarry (in this context, this could mean a real foetus, your dream, aspiration or even your destiny). No wasted effort, rather, you’d have the grace to carry a baby to full term, complete your ministry and calling, start and complete projects and most importantly fulfil your destiny. Philippians 1:6 assures us thusly: “being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.”
4. Reproductive and Spiritual Fruitfulness
“Nothing shall cast their young, nor be barren.” – The Divine Life Assurance Coverage also ensures that you are never barren in any area of your life (in this context, this could mean physical fruitfulness, career fruitfulness, relational fruitfulness, mental fruitfulness and what have you). You’d experience fruitfulness in all areas of life. Isaiah 54:1 corroborates this truth thusly: “More are the children of the desolate than of the married wife, saith the LORD.”
5. Longevity Guarantee
“The number of thy days I will fulfil.” – This means that your life won’t be cut short; you will fulfill your divine destiny and live to the fullness of your life here on earth. In Psalm 91:16, God further assures you: “With long life will I satisfy him...”
You'd see that the extent of the Divine Life Assurance package is unmatchable. I mean, as competitive as most insurance packages claim to be these days, non can offer guarantee on stable health, coverage from miscarriage, assurance of fruitfulness and most of all, assurance / guarantee on longevity. Only the Divine Life Assurance Policy can give you coverage for these inevitable life issues.
The Premium: Active Kingdom Service
Like every policy, this one also requires a premium, not of money, but of commitment and continuous kingdom service. As clearly seen in the introductory text of Exodus 23:25 “And ye shall serve the Lord your God”, the prerequisite to enjoy the Divine Life Assurance Policy is that you serve the Lord your God. The benefits of God’s Divine Life Assurance are not randomly distributed; they are reserved for those who have truly enlisted in kingdom service.
Many believers hope for divine rewards while remaining spiritually inactive, but this is a misunderstanding of how the Kingdom operates. You cannot enjoy benefits (salary, health benefits, or retirement plan) from an organization you don’t work for. The same principle applies in your walk with God. One thing I know from personal experience is that God keeps an account, and those who invest consistently in His kingdom are the ones who can draw from it in times of need. This divine accounting is echoed powerfully in Malachi 3:17–18:
“And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”
God Himself draws a clear line between those who serve Him and those who do not. He calls His faithful ones His jewels, precious, protected, and personally valued. He promises divine exemption, saying He will spare them as a father spares a devoted son. This reveals the deeply personal nature of God’s Divine Life Assurance system.
Kingdom service is the premium that keeps the Divine Assurance Policy active. Without this daily engagement, the benefits remain theoretical. But for those who serve, God’s favor is not only guaranteed, it is distinguishing. Whilst the world offers its own reward system, glamorous but ultimately hollow, God’s policy offers something even more solid and eternal. If you want the full benefits of God’s divine life policy, you must fully align with Him. Half-hearted service yields no heavenly dividends.
Final Charge: Commit to the Policy, Reap the Rewards
God’s divine assurance plan is real, and it’s available to every believer who signs up through service, obedience, and devotion. The benefits are eternal and comprehensive. As seen in 2 Timothy 2:6-7: “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits... and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”
So, ask yourself today: Have you secured your divine life assurance policy? Are your premiums up to date through active service and faithful stewardship?
May your commitment be steadfast and may the rewards of kingdom service locate and distinguish you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Blood of Jesus Christ: God's Last Card - It was enough then, it is enough now!!!!
As we reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter, we are reminded: the Blood is not just a historical symbol, it is Heaven’s last card. God’s final and most potent move in the redemption story of mankind.
The Final Move
As a child, I remember playing card games with friends, each of us carefully guarding that one card we believed could turn the tide. There was always a dramatic moment when someone, confident of victory, slammed their final card on the table, their ultimate play, their unbeatable hand. In many ways, the blood of Jesus is God’s final card. When all else fails, when darkness seems to win, when hope feels lost God plays His most powerful move: the Blood of His Son. It’s not just a symbol or a doctrine. It is the declaration that the victory is already won.
Heaven’s Vengeance and Exemption
In Exodus 11:1, God speaks to Moses: “Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence…” We see from this scripture that the Blood was not just another plague, neither was it just another sign. This was divine vengeance, the judgment that would force Pharaoh's hand. When all else failed, frogs, lice, and darkness, God played His last card: the Blood.
In Exodus 12:13, God declared: “…When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you…” That night, while the Egyptians wept and mourned from the impact of loosing all their first born-offsprings, the children of God, those under the Blood rejoiced. The Blood marked the line between judgment and mercy, death and life. It still does today and we must take all diligence to learn how to apply the Blood.
What the Blood Does
The Blood of Jesus is not just sacred, it is strategic. It speaks. It avenges. It heals. It redeems. It justifies. It empowers.
- The Blood is God’s vengeance – Exodus 11:1
- The Blood is our exemption – Exodus 12:13
- The Blood is our redemption – Ephesians 1:7
- “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…”
- The Blood speaks better things – Hebrews 12:24
- “…the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
- The Blood heals – Isaiah 53:5 - “…with His stripes we are healed.”
- The Blood justifies – Romans 5:9 - “Being now justified by His blood…”
- The Blood gives life – John 6:53 - “…Except ye eat the flesh… and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.”
- The Blood empowers victory – Revelation 12:11 - “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb…”
- The Blood gives boldness – Hebrews 10:19 - “…boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”
Once and For All
Hebrews 9:12 tells us: “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Jesus entered once for all through His own Blood. He didn’t just make a way; He became the way. Because of His sacrifice, we have access not just to forgiveness, but to fellowship with God Himself. The veil is torn. The door is open.
The Garden Before the Cross
Even before the Cross, the Blood began to speak. Luke 22:44 says: “…His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” In Gethsemane, drenched in sorrow, Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. The Blood began to flow there, not from wounds, but from obedience. It began to fight for our peace even before the first nail.
Action Steps- This Easter, Plead the Blood
- When Pharaoh won’t let go, show him the Blood.
- When the adversary won’t budge, apply the Blood.
- When affliction persists, plead the Blood.
God’s last card is still in play. It still avails. It still speaks. The Blood of Jesus is the final word over every matter. It was enough then. It is enough now.
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for the Blood of Jesus, Your final and flawless move in the redemption of mankind. We acknowledge its power, its voice, its eternal victory. Thank You that through the Blood we are healed, forgiven, justified, and made bold. Thank You that when all else fails, the Blood does not. Teach us to honor it, to trust in it, to walk boldly in the access it has granted. And this Easter, let the Blood speak over every dead thing in our lives let it declare resurrection, freedom, and victory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Author: Loveth Okocha
Stepping into Your Inheritance in Christ
Obadiah 1:17 (NIV) – “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.”
As children of God, we have a divine inheritance—blessings, breakthroughs, and spiritual authority that Christ has purchased for us. However, many believers live beneath their God-given privileges because they have yet to step fully into what the Lord has prepared for them. Obadiah 1:17 outlines a threefold process for stepping into our inheritance: Deliverance, Holiness, and Possession.
1. There Shall Be Deliverance
Before we can walk in our inheritance, we must first experience deliverance. Many of us have faced struggles—be it financial hardship, sin, health issues, family crises, barrenness, or immigration challenges—that have held us back from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. But the Word of God assures us that “on Mount Zion will be deliverance.”
Deliverance is God’s way of setting His people free from the chains of the enemy. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
If you are battling with sin, addiction, or cycles of failure, the power of Jesus is available to break every chain. Call upon the Lord and receive your deliverance today:
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Practical Example:
A young woman who struggled with repeated job rejections prayed earnestly for God’s intervention. One day, she fasted and claimed Obadiah 1:17 in faith. Within weeks, she received a job offer that exceeded her expectations. Her deliverance had come!
Prayer: In the name of Jesus, I receive deliverance from everything that has held me captive. Every chain of oppression, financial struggle, sin, or delay in my life is broken today!
2. There Shall Be Holiness
Deliverance is only the beginning. To retain the blessings of God, we must walk in holiness. The Bible makes it clear that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
In Romans 1:4, Jesus was declared the Son of God in power “according to the Spirit of holiness.” This same Spirit of holiness empowers us to live righteously and honor God in our daily lives.
Holiness is not about legalism or striving in our own strength—it is about surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to transform us from within. The more we walk in holiness, the more we align ourselves with God’s will, making us vessels for His glory.
Practical Example:
A businessman who had struggled for years with dishonest dealings repented and chose to honor God in his transactions. Though it seemed difficult at first, God opened doors for him in ways he never imagined. By walking in holiness, he positioned himself to receive his full inheritance.
Prayer: Lord, I receive the Spirit of holiness. Give me the grace to live a life that pleases You. Let my life reflect Your righteousness and purity.
3. Possess Your Inheritance
Once you have been delivered and walk in holiness, it is time to possess your inheritance. Many believers have unclaimed blessings because they have not taken steps of faith to receive what God has already provided.
Joshua 1:3 says:
“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”
God has already prepared your inheritance, but you must rise and take possession of it. Whether it is a breakthrough in your career, family, health, or ministry, it is time to step forward boldly and claim what is rightfully yours in Christ.
Practical Example:
A couple struggling with infertility stood on the promises of God and declared their inheritance of fruitfulness. Despite medical reports, they continued to pray and trust in God’s Word. In due time, God blessed them with a child. They had possessed their possession!
Declaration: This week, I walk into my inheritance! God will make my life meaningful, and no one will say “no” to me again!
Final Encouragement
Your time to step into your inheritance has come. Deliverance has been granted, holiness has been imparted, and now it is time to take possession of what God has for you. Do not let fear, doubt, or the enemy’s lies stop you. Stand on the promises of Obadiah 1:17 and walk boldly into your destiny.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
Go forth and possess your possessions!
Author: Loveth Okocha
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