YOU ARE ANOINTED TO BE DISTINGUISHED AND TO MAKE SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS

By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
Gen.22:2 "And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." The word 'Isaac' is the Hebrew word 'tsachaq' which means to 'laugh outright.' Abraham was ninety when he received the promise of the birth of Isaac he waited for about twenty-five years for this to come to fruition. Isaac was a source of joy ,a symbol of pride and a trophy of Abraham 's love and alloyed faith in God. 
       Abraham's loyalty was put to the test when God requested for the sacrifice of Isaac. His choice as the patriarch of those who shall be saved by grace through faith was informed by his understanding of the importance of sustainable development. The scriptures says in Gen 18:19 "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Sustainable development guarantees improvement of developmental policies and projects. It is a major policy behind major business brands and economies.It is built upon loyalty.  
           It is against this backdrop that Abraham was told to sacrifice what gave him joy; Isaac. He was left without options. God was after Abraham's center of affection , Isaac who was described as the one 'that thou loveth '.   
      Faith in the lord comes with demands, privileges and rights. The ability to keep a divine promise distinguishes us from others (Psalm 50:5). It determines the level of appropriation of grace a person enjoys, that’s what it means to grow in grace.
           The lord teaches us to keep our promises, Acts 13:32-33 says "And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children," and 2Corinthians 1:20 says God is committed to fulfill every promise made in His word towards us. He expects us to do likewise. Marriages, businesses and relationships tend to wax stronger when they are driven by the principle of integrity and it starts with our relationship with God. Failure to keep to promises results in chaos.
         God expects us to be true to our word with Him, the scriptures says in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 AMP "When you vow a vow or make a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God has no pleasure in fools (those who witlessly mock Him). Pay what you vow. [Ps. 50:14; 66:13, 14; 76:11.] "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. [Prov. 20:25; Acts 5:4.] Do not allow your mouth to cause your body to sin, and do not say before the messenger [the priest] that it was an error or mistake. Why should God be [made] angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? [Mal. 2:7.]. Words can either make or break a person, when we make vows, 'word- seeds' are sown with great expectations and when these expectations are not met ,'seeds of disappointment' are sown ( Prov.13:12). Whatever we sow, we reap ( Galatians.6:7) . This was the case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, also Jacob made a vow in Genesis 28:22 to give the tenth but never fulfilled it resulting in strife with an angel (Gen 32:24-25).Angels are meant to be our helpers and are indispensable in sustainable progress. 
          The keeping of promises is a demonstration of our love for the lord ( Romans 13:8-10) therefore, failure to keep an obligation is actually an act of unfaithfulness to the lord ( Ephesians 6:7, Matthew 25:45) with far reaching consequences and a dent on one’s  profile. The scriptures says in Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Men and women of strong character are celebrated and durable.
           Keeping to a promise isn't always convenient but the reward is worth the pain. Most persons have exposed themselves to evil traps as a result of broken promises, Proverbs 20:25 AMP says "It is a snare to a man to utter a vow [of consecration] rashly and [not until] afterward inquire [whether he can fulfill it]." Many of the so-called 'deliverance' cases are the consequences of unfulfilled vows. A simple repentance by approaching the aggrieved party is all that is needed for healing to take place ( James 5:16). This is why it is not advisable to make a rash vow (James 5:12), we should always weigh the consequences and be ready to make necessary changes if the lord says to do otherwise( John 13:8-9,7Genesis 22:2-18). As you receive Jesus Christ as lord and savior and read this now receive grace for uncommon integrity in Jesus name .
 Prayer /free counseling +2348098536911, +2348035536911 Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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