Apostle Joel Obuobisa

If you examined the details of Jesus birth, say, as recorded in Luke 2, many of the details appear as just circumstantial occurrences. But when taken into context with prophecies like that in Micah chapter 5, one begins to see the unfolding of a plan. 

Micah 5:2-3 KJV  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.  3  Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

It would have been hard to have a perspective of what was happening in the spirit for any observers at Jesus' birth, which was prophesied to take place in Jerusalem, but the parents lived in Nazareth. By being spiritual and taking what God is doing around us into account, we can be able to appreciate and take part in what God is doing around us, like Simeon, who had been expecting, and welcomed Jesus at His dedication in the temple:

Luke 2:25-33 KJV  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.  26  And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  27  And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,  28  Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,  29  Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:  30  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,  31  Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;  32  A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.  33  And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

Proverbs 1:5 KJV  A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Today's episode continues with How To Improve Your Wisdom through Listening and Hearing, among several other ways, including:

• acknowledging and honoring
• asking questions
• understanding
• copying

Our wisdom is shown plainly by the way we live out our lives. God invites us (James 1:5) to seek Him for an increase in wisdom in order to improve our lot in life.

In this episode, learn how considering, thinking and meditating allow one to improve their wisdom.

• listen to advice - even when it is your enemy speaking, listen to what they say
• tune in more... 

The `Books Are A Blessing` series continues this week with excerpts from the Art of Following - David, including:

• the art of following David is the art of knowing that not everyone will accept you
• the art of following David is the art of not accepting something that you have not tested

Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the WISE, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Wisdom shows up in the list of determinants as the winner of bread - that is, unless time and chance change the circumstances. Wisdom is the level of skill and judgment in applying the knowledge you have. You can't hide it - when it is lacking, it shows, when it is present it shows in your life!

• wisdom determines your position and rank in your nation
• wisdom determines your ability to stay in an elevated position
• wisdom determines your place in ministry
• wisdom determines your ability to work  in important places
• wisdom determines the mighty works that you can accomplish

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that DAVID TOOK AN HARP, AND PLAYED WITH HIS HAND: SO SAUL WAS REFRESHED, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:23

• decide to be a blessing to others
• the more others benefit from your help and services
  • the more useful and important you become in society
  • the more popular you become
  • the richer you become
• be like those who 'addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints' - 1 Cor 16:15-18
• minister to others by seeking them out diligently to know their welfare - 2 Tim 1:16-18

Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the STRONG, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

From Ecclesisates 9:11 we gather that the best outcomes are not always realized through speed, strength, wisdom, understanding and skill, but time and chance produces surprising outcomes. This is actually saying that barring the intervention of time and chance, the usual determinants are speed, strength, wisdom, understanding and skill - factors that we can influence.

In this episode, we look at some examples of strong men in the Bible we can learn to follow, and how to improve your strength.

• Make God your strength - trust in His mercy.
• Receive counsel from God
• Strengthen yourself by returning and resting in God