Merriam Webster defines success as the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence; favorable or desired outcome; one that succeeds. Being successful is one of the things that everyone of us aims for. The desired success relates to various areas of life including career/business, family, finances etc. The great thing is that God is also committed to us being successful in life. For example, He empowers us with ideas and strategies, creates opportunities for us etc. For it is He who gives us the power to make wealth. Deut 8:18. 

My question today however is “What had success done to you?” In 1 Sam 8, the Israelites asked for a king. In chapter 9, God asked Samuel to anoint Saul king over Israel. When Samuel said this to Saul, Saul’s concern was “Me? How? I’m from the least of the tribe of Israel. In fact, my clan is the least even in Benjamin”. Interpretation, who am I? This is bigger than me. Now fast forward to chapters 13 –15 of the same book. After Saul had ruled for a number of years, his perception changed. Instead of waiting for the Priest Samuel, Samuel took the place of the priest (1 Sam 13: 8-9). He figured he had the process down already and could go ahead and operate in the office of both the king and the priest. And why? “…when I saw that the men were scattering… v:11”. It appeared he was losing his “success” and certainly couldn’t let that happen so he took matters into his hands forgetting how he got the success in the first place. By the time we get to chapter 15, when Samuel had given Saul God’s instructions, Saul and the army didn’t fully obey the word of God. When Samuel got to Saul after the battle, Saul said “… I have carried out the Lord’s instructions”. Samuel questioned the sound of the bleating sheep and Saul’s response was “… the soldiers spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to God”.   

Interesting how we can get successful to the point where we begin to change and redefine what obedience is. We begin to change the standard and justified our acts of disobedience (trusting in ourselves and the arm of flesh). How many times have you decided on what to do to “maintain” your success and then only gone to God to assent it or just share it with Him as an FYI? How many times has God given you an instruction and you tweaked it to soothe what was socially or politically acceptable to people?  

God’s plan was to have Saul’s descendants on the throne. However, because Saul stopped wholly following God, God changed His mind about him and none of his descendants reigned over Israel. Do not let your actions cause God to regret giving you power to prosper. Don’t let your success cause you to feel self-sufficient enough that you turn away from the one true source. You can’t tick the box with God after the facts. Your tithes and offerings in church will not cut it. To have true and lasting success, the type that is trans-generational, you need to wholly follow God and be completely obedient to Him. Truly successful people never forget how they became successful since they understand that what they are currently experiencing is only the beginning on the journey and the only one that can see them through to the end is God. May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened so you know that what you are currently celebrating is only an iota of what God has in store for you – for eyes has not seen and ear has not heard it yet. Don’t truncate God’s plans for your life and generation. 

Remain connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi 

Joseph was the 11^th son of Jacob and his father’s favorite child hence his coat of many colors that we all know about. As a teenager, Joseph had dreams about being a leader (his brothers and even his parents bowing down to him) and his revelation of these dreams as well as the love of his father caused his brothers to “get rid” of him. Joseph eventually made it to the palace and became the leader he dreamt about. His path to the palace however, was laden with service at very low levels – from Potiphar’s servant to being a prisoner.  To become a “leader”, Joseph first had to “serve”. 

For you to be great at whatever God designed you to be, there are some experiences you have to go through and character traits you have to develop. To be a great leader, you have to be a great servant; you have to be able to empathize with the people you’re leading. What better way than to experience it first hand? Little wonder Jesus said you have to be the least to be the greatest. How do you change lives if you don’t pause to listen and understand where those people are coming from, put yourself in their shoes and seek divine guidance on how to impact them for God?  How do you help mentally challenged people if you don’t spend time with them to understand their need?  

The process you go through is always a function of the extent and impact of your God given assignment and at certain times, it might seem like you are completely off course (ask Joseph what he thought about his dreams when he was being accused by Potiphar’s wife). In some cases, you have to walk the path of the people you are sent to by going through that same experience. In other cases, you have a heavy passion (you can really empathize) and you understand the gravity simply by observation and engagement. Whichever it is, there has to be a process to prepare you to achieve your purpose since God doesn’t raise failures or waste resources.  

So regardless of where you are in the process, stay open, remain a good steward and trust His grace to help you live the impactful life He created you for. He has promised He will never leave or forsake you. 

Remain connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi  

The ultimate goal of every believer is to be like Christ, the express image of God the Father. However, if you and I will be sincere with ourselves, we know that our actions, thoughts, emotions etc., do not always reflect Christ living in us and expressing himself through us. We all have things we say/do or have said/done that we know that is not reflective of Christ. When we fall short, one other thing that happens is that the enemy attempts to capitalize on those moments and pulls us into guilt, or even tries to use those shortcomings against us in the courts of heaven. We can then become plagued with guilt to the point where we withdraw from the Father – no longer spend time with Him in prayer, meditation, study of the word etc., because we have believed the lie of the devil that we are not worthy. 
The good news however is that: 
1. God’s love for us trumps any and every sin we have ever or will ever commit. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners as an expression of that love even though this doesn’t mean He condones sin.  
2. God is not surprised at our shortcomings. When you pulled that stunt, He didn’t exclaim ‘Oh my! I can’t believe he/she did that.’ On the contrary He knew you were capable of it and had made provision for you to overcome those shortcomings when He gave us the comforter. And this brings me to the last point. 
3. The Holy Spirit, the One that empowers us, lives on our inside. He is the one who gives us all wisdom and understanding that we may be filled with the knowledge of the Father’s will, and live a life worthy of the lord, pleasing Him in every way and bearing fruit in every good work. Col 1:9-10

So where does all these leave us? Our natural strength, wisdom, intelligence, power etc. are not capable of overcoming the sin nature – Rom 7:21-24. To live the kind of life that Christ bore the pain, shame and death on the cross for, we need to be totally dependent on the Holy Spirit. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. Phil 2:13“. It’s time to return to the waiting arms of the Father, take your rightful position of authority in Christ (as He is, so are we in this world 1 John 4:17b) and consciously cultivate and maintain an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. That is the only way we will be able to truly live like Christ. 
 
May the peace of God that passes all understanding, garrison your heart and mind. 
 
Remain connected, 
Bolaji Ajayi. 

When Jesus met the man who had been by the pool with an infirmity for 38 years, He asked him if he wanted to get well. The man’s response? “I have no one to put me in the water when it’s stirred up…”.  Then Jesus said to him, “rise up, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well. 2 observations in these few verses of scripture that I’ll like to share. 

First, sometimes we get so myopic in our thinking and set in our ways of how something ought to be done or an issue resolved, that we don’t see other options or opportunities even when they are staring us in the face. The same Jesus that others cried out to and followed for help and got their healing, approached the man at the pool and asked if he wanted to be healed. Yet the man didn’t recognize that this was an opportunity for his healing. Instead, he was focused on the pool as the only source of healing. So, how flexible is your mind? Are you able to recognize opportunities that God brings your way (sometimes even on a platter of gold)? What do you do with opportunities even when you recognize them? Question them? Over analyse them? Explain them away? The same way Jesus performed the same type of miracle in different ways is the same way the solution you need could come from diverse means. Be adaptable and sensitive to your environment – both physical and spiritual. That is the way to recognize and take advantage of opportunities and therein lies the success you desire.  

Second, it was apparent to Jesus that the man didn’t realize the opportunity that was right in front of him. So, Jesus by-passed his response and decided to heal him without the man even making a request. I pray that for every situation that has been a thorn in your flesh or lasted for so long that you can’t see past it, because we have a High priest (Jesus) that is touched by the feelings of our infirmity, the mercy of God will speak for you this year, give you a testimony that will cause ears to tingle, jaws to drop, and make you a blessing to others. 

Remain connected 

Bolaji Ajayi  

A few thoughts to ponder.  

A while back as I was preparing for bed and just running through my day, a couple of verses dropped in my spirit which led to a conversation all of which I’m about to share with you. “My” ask is that you sincerely look at this, see where it applies to you and act accordingly. As you do, may the power and presence of God find expression in your lives – body, soul, and spirit in Jesus name.  

“They that know their God, shall be strong and shall do exploits” Dan 11:32b 

‘Know’ – be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information; have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with; to recognize the nature of; to have experience of. 

‘Exploit’ – a bold or daring feat; a notable or heroic act 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6a 

‘Knowledge’ – the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association; awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation. 

For each of those two verses, please replace the defined words with any mix of definitions above to get a clearer picture. 

Once I got those scriptures running through my mind, I then began to ask the Holy Spirit what this was about and the response was rather simple. You (children of God) are victims in this age because you lack knowledge. You know I’m your father but you really don’t know me. Just like many children know who their father is by name, appearance, etc. but do not really know the person of their father, so it is with many of you. You call me Father, but don’t know me. When you don’t know me, you don’t know what I’m capable of, what gets me, what makes me happy, what moves me etc. consequently, you live like a victim, your life is ordinary and you are not making impact.  

Can you imagine the child of a billionaire over $100 or worried about a project that costs $10,000? If your father is worth like $10billion and you have a $1,000 issue, will you lose sleep over the issue? I guess the answer is likely “no” – assuming you know he’s your father, he knows you are his child, you know his heart etc. So, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him – Matt 7:11”. 

In the early days of Nigeria, missionaries travelled to locations unknown to spread the gospel including education (e.g., many schools were built by them). Those were the exploits they did because … they that know their God. Nowadays, we have men and women going on missionary journeys to nations where they could be killed for preaching Christianity or calling the name of Jesus…they that know their God; the same Peter that denied Jesus at the crucifixion, preached Him at Pentecost and over 3,000 were saved… they that know their God; Saul (the persecutor of the church) who later became Paul, met Jesus on his way to persecute some more Christian, and started to preach Christ. He was one of the most oppressed Christians the bible records yet he kept preaching the risen Lord – Jesus Christ regardless of what he experienced and through him, the gospel of Jesus spread to non-Jews…they that know their God… and the list goes on. 

Do you know your God? Are you craving for that knowledge of Him? Knowing and being like Him is how you get transformed into His image. 

Stay connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi 

Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice…. So, he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 1 Samuel 16: 5, 11. 

When Samuel consecrated (set apart or dedicated to service of a God) the sons of Jesse, David wasn’t among them. Invariably, from a human perspective he didn’t seem to fit the bill to appear before the Priest – Samuel. Consequently, he wasn’t “prepared” for the anointing. However, when God calls a man, it doesn’t matter what man thinks. God can and will bypass protocol to bring about His purposes and plans. The minute David arrived, God asked Samuel to anoint him. No consecration, nothing…. just pour the oil. Why? The heart of David was already consecrated before God. No wonder God had told Samuel earlier, ‘…. I the Lord look at the heart’. 

This brings me to the crux of the matter. What does God mean when He says I look at the heart? Why did He say David was a man after His heart? I caught a glimpse of the answer to this in the book of Psalm. David saw God not just as God but as a shepherd, companion, confidant, friend, guide, just to name a few. He discussed with God as though He could physically see Him beside him. Read through the Psalms and you’ll realize that no topic was excluded from his conversation with God. When someone was after David, he spoke with God. When he was happy, He spoke with God. When in need or in abundance, he spoke with God. David made God a total part of his life. God had to have a say in practically everything, and when he acted outside of God’s will, he was always quick to accept responsibility and seek forgiveness. Also, he never assumed He knew what God was going to say. For every situation no matter how similar, he sought God’s direction to ensure he was on track. 

So, what’s your relationship with God like. Is all you see God as is – your problem solver, your genie, your doctor, your provider etc.? What or who is God to you? Is your heart drawn to God such that you seek to spend time with Him at all times and not only when in need? When was the last time you spent time with God without asking Him for something but all you did was worship, give Him praise or really just love on Him? When was the last time you asked Him what you could ‘do for Him’ as His representative on earth? When was the last time you actually ‘gave’ to Him? It’s time to reassess your relationship with God and sincerely ask yourself the question ‘Am I a man or woman after God’s heart?’ 

Stay connected 

Bolaji Ajayi 

Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5: 8-9. 

Imagine yourself as Jesus, you know you are the Son of God, you know all things were made by you, in fact you made all things (Col 1:16, John 1:3) and then the following are happening – just to name a few: 

• Your parents are sending you on errands all around even though you gave them life. 
• Your siblings talk to you anyhow and make fun of you in public; do they know you can take that breath? 
• Your father’s customers are rude to you. 
• People treat you with contempt. 
• They say evil things about you – behind your back and right in your presence. 
• Humiliate you and beat you up in the presence of family and friends. 
• They plot to kill you and not just plot it, they carry out their plot. 

How will you have reacted? Remember you are the Son of God; you have power and authority? I can guess for some of us, angels would have been slapping people all around on our behalf at the minimum (lol). We would have said things like ‘How dare you?’ ‘Do you know who I am?’, ‘If you say one more word, I will ….’ etc. 

So, when the bible talks about the sufferings of Jesus, it’s not only talking about the cross – that was the “grand suffering”. He experienced suffering every day of His life on earth in one form or the other but stayed humble. And because He endured, He was able to fulfil His purpose and give us all direct access to the Father. Imagine if He has called down angels when the devil was testing him in John 4? He would have disobeyed God and obeyed the devil. Little wonder He is the only one worthy to be our great High priest. He understands how we feel since He’s experienced it too hence can empathize and help in times of need. Heb. 2:17-18. 

As Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered and so was able to fulfil His purpose, may we learn obedience by the things we are called to suffer and having held on to our confidence and rejoicing of hope to the end, we will also fulfil our purpose. 

Remain connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi  

When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear…  “What have you done?” asked Samuel when he arrived. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord ’s favor.’ So, I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:6‭-‬7, 11-12 

The facts available to Saul based on what his eyes could see, was that there was no way out since they were becoming hard pressed on every side. In addition to this, he was losing followers which could make it more difficult to face his enemies. So, Saul did what any “sane” person would do – “take action”. 

How many times have you found yourself in a similar situation – where the information available to you through your 5 senses (especially what you see, hear and feel) tell you of your need to act? This is a valid stance and part of our decision-making process – information, assumptions, decision.  

The only question I ask is “have you validated your information, assumptions or conclusions against God’s word either spoken or written?” Let Saul be an example to us that when we rely on our senses, we more often than not end up disobeying God. Disobedience has consequences – some more grave than others. Saul’s disobedience had a generational impact. Yours could too so be careful about the decisions and actions you take based on what your 5 senses tell you when you haven’t aligned that to the word of God and what God will have you do. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Allow God direct your paths. 

Stay connected  

Bolaji Ajayi 

The story of David, Nabal and Abigail is about David asking Nabal for some “reward” (anything Nabal saw fit to give), for his men protecting Nabal’s men and sheep in the wilderness. Nabal was however described as harsh and evil in his dealings hence true to form, he gave a harsh response to David’s servants.  This prompted David and 400 armed men to head out to destroy Nabal and his family.  

Abigail, Nabal’s wife, got wind of the matter, acted and saved her household without the knowledge of her husband. There is however one character that we usually don’t talk about in this story; the servant. This servant heard what transpired between Nabal and David’s servants and went to report the matter to Abigail. Same way the information that led to Naaman’s healing came from a slave girl in his house. So, here’s my question? What drives your interactions with people? Is it their status, clout, wealth, a perceived alignment? How do you relate with people of a “lower status or different affiliation” etc.? 

How do people also perceive you? Are you accessible? For a moment, imagine if Abigail was like her husband Nabal. It is almost guaranteed that the whole household would have perished. Never underestimate the people that are around you because you have no idea where they fit in the story of your life. That next step that you seek desperately, might just be in the “hands” of a person of “seemingly low status” or “someone you look down on” that is around you.  

May you receive the grace to treat everyone as the beloved of God and as you do, your faith, working through love, will produce unprecedented results in your life in Jesus name. Needs you didn’t even realize you had yet, will be automatically met. 

Stay connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi 

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before…” This was the word of the Lord to Joshua in Joshua 3 after Moses died and the Israelites were to go and take possession of their inheritance. 

The ark of the Lord represents the presence of the Lord; God’s being. So invariably God is saying – “Let me be your guide”. You have not gone through this day, week, month or year before so really you don’t know which way to go. I have, for I declare the end from the beginning. So, let me lead you.”  

One thing that was, and is required though is consecration. Just as the Israelites had to set themselves apart for God, we also have to be committed to aligning with God in all ways. Our lives, dedicated to His will and purpose. It is when we are at this point that following wherever He leads becomes easier. So, if you want God’s direction and guidance to help you achieve all that He has in store for you, it starts with you. Live your life for God then you will really live your life. For except a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it abides alone. May our walks always be in step with that of God. 

Remain connected, 

Bolaji Ajayi