Word of wisdom: But You O Lord are a shield for me my glory and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3
Life point: Although there are “downers” in this life, there are also “lifters”.
The psalmist says that despite his distressing situation, he is not despairing or becoming depressed because his confidence is in the Lord, the lifter of his head.
When we are depressed, it seems everything around us is failing apart. We lose strength, our heads and hands and hearts all begin to hang down. Even our eyes and our voices are lowered.
We become downcast because we are looking at our problems rather than at the great God Jehovah!
Child of God ! No matter what is causing you to be downcast, the Lord encourages you throughout His Word to lift your head and your hands and look to Him.
We find one of these many examples in Genesis 13:14 when God told Abraham, who had been shortchanged by his nephew Lot , to “ lift up” his eyes and look around him in all his directions, for He was giving him all the land as far as he could see for his inheritance. In psalm 24:7 the psalmist says “Lift up your heads , O you gates , and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in “ In 1 Timothy 2:8 , the apostle Paul encouraged people to pray, lifting up holy hands.
These instructions are good for us to remember today. When people disappoint us, God wants us, instead of becoming discouraged and depressed, to decide to lift up our heads and eyes and look at the possibilities, not the problems, around us, trusting Him to lead us into an even better situation.. because He has one for us! Glory to the Lamb of God !
Prayer: Lord Jesus I lay down every situation troubling my heart at Your feet and I receive Your peace in Jesus Mighty name!
Pastor Dickson Meso Ibekwe is a dedicated Christian minister known for his profound words of wisdom, blending spiritual guidance with practical life advice. Here are some key points from his teachings:
- Righteousness and Self-Worth: Pastor Ibekwe emphasizes that true righteousness comes from Christ, not from human approval. He encourages believers to understand that their value is found in their relationship with God. He asserts that self-worth should be rooted in the righteousness given through Jesus, as this divine righteousness is greater than any human assessment or accomplishment. This understanding helps believers to maintain a healthy self-image, free from the need for constant validation from others.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Pastor Ibekwe teaches that life is fraught with challenges, but these can be overcome through faith and resilience. Drawing on scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 4:17, he reassures believers that difficult times are temporary and that enduring them with faith can lead to personal and spiritual growth. He encourages his followers to view trials as opportunities to deepen their faith and reliance on God.
- The Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God is a central theme in Pastor Ibekwe’s teachings. He uses the example of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness to illustrate the consequences of stubbornness and rebellion. He stresses that victorious living requires prompt and precise obedience to God’s will. By surrendering personal desires and being pliable in God’s hands, believers can experience true spiritual growth and fulfillment.
- Stripping Away Hindrances: To run the Christian race effectively, Pastor Ibekwe advises believers to remove any distractions or encumbrances that hinder their spiritual progress. He likens this to athletes who strip down to the essentials to run more efficiently. This metaphor is used to encourage believers to stay focused on their spiritual goals and not get entangled in unnecessary commitments or distractions.
- The Power of Prayer and Faith: Pastor Ibekwe highlights the transformative power of prayer and faith in the life of a believer. He encourages his followers to maintain a positive confession of faith, even in challenging circumstances. Prayer, he teaches, is a vital tool for seeking divine intervention and strength. His prayers often seek renewal of faith, inner strength, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance to finish the Christian race strong.
- Philanthropy and Global Outreach: Beyond his spiritual teachings, Pastor Ibekwe is committed to philanthropy and global outreach. His efforts include community development projects and acts of kindness, which reflect his dedication to making a positive impact in society. His approach demonstrates that true ministry extends beyond preaching to include tangible acts of service and love.
Pastor Dickson Meso Ibekwe’s teachings offer a comprehensive approach to Christian living, emphasizing righteousness, obedience, resilience, and the power of faith and prayer. His life and work serve as an inspiration, encouraging believers to lead lives that reflect their faith and positively impact the world around them.