LITTLE FOXES III - ENVY By Daniel Yohanna

 Let's continue our teaching on LITTLE FOXES.

Song of Songs 2:15

Catch us the foxes,

The little foxes that spoil the vines,

For our vines have tender grapes.

You could scroll back to the last two weeks to refresh yourself on the past teachings.

We've dealt with the foxes of SINFUL INDULGENCE and UNFORGIVENESS.

Just like foxes ruined vineyards, these symbolic fixes also ruin our lives if we allow them access.

Going forward, let's see another "fox:" ENVY

Along with envy is jealousy. The dictionary often uses them interchangeably yet they are not the same.

God is a Jealous God, yet He is not envious, because, God is love, and love is not envious (1Cor 13:4)

According to W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary, ENVY is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others.

The Greek word translated envy is PHTHONOS.

Whereas JEALOUSY (Greek: Zêlos) is that fear of losing something you have or love, envy is the desire to have what they have (even if it means dispossessing them of it). 

Again, according to Vine, The distinction between envy and jealousy lies in this, that envy desires to deprive another of what he has, jealousy desires to have the same or the same sort of thing for itself.

Jealousy is not always completely evil.

The same word jealous is often used for zealous.

It's natural for a man/woman to have a feeling of jealousy if s/he feels threatened by another person, or suspects that someone else is stealing the spouse's affection and attention.

So, for the sake of this study, let's focus more on envy, which is a spiritual virus we need to deal with. Thank God this one is not caused by corruption (apologies to our EFCC Chair).

Proverbs 14:30

A sound heart is life to the body,

But envy is rottenness to the bones.

Envy will eat one up.

Envy will make you destroy things that are for your good.

Do you realize that Jesus was given up to be crucified by the Jews because of envy?

Mat 27:17 — Mat 27:18

Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Mark 15:8 — Mark 15:10

Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

Act 13:44 — Act 13:45

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

What is your reaction when you see your mates or colleagues seemingly progressing ahead of you?

They tried to instil envy in John the Baptist but they didn't succeed.

Jn 3:25 — Jn 3:30

Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”

John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ,’ but, I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.

Envy is never a fruit of the spirit.

Gal 5:19 — Gal 5:21

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Jam 3:14 — Jam 3:16

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

For you to grow spiritually, you must overcome envy. If it tries to rear its ugly head, you must intentionally kill it.

1Pe 2:1 — 1Pe 2:2

​ Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Any manifestation of envy reveals your spiritual state, that you are still carnal and are a baby in Christ.

1Cor 3:1 — 1Cor 3:4

​ And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

One of the ways to overcome envy is to celebrate the one you have a feeling of envy towards.

Another way is to have contentment - appreciating God for where you are right now, knowing that it is not the end of the road for you. 

Learn also to be secure in who God has made you (Imagine Usain Bolt envying Anthony Joshua, or Ronaldo envying Michael Phelps, or Djokovic envying 

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Do you know people have worked themselves to death all because of envy and unhealthy rivalry?

Ecclesiastes 4:4 (MSG)

Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind. 

Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NIV)

And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Don't you see it manifesting in some of our unions?

When ASUU gets a raise, SSANU/NASU will go on strike.

When NMA get a raise, JOHESU will embark on an industrial action.

Even in church, when one is appointed a leader or is recognized, you hear tongues wagging, "It's because of this or that..."

Even in the Choir. Let someone take the lead, another will grumble because she feels she has a finer voice.

Even in Ministry. You started the same year. He is running three services and has three branches and you are struggling with one, then you begin to look for all ways to denigrate the other person: "They are not preaching the hard Gospel."

Someone is promoted in your office and you go, "Why won't they promote her when she knows how to lick people's booths? Me I mind my business here." 

So why don't you keep on minding your business and allow the person you feel is a lobbyist or loyalist to eat the fruit of their labour?

Envy is a work of the flesh. It would eat you up and destroy you. Destroy it before it destroys you.

"For wrath kills a foolish man, And envy slays a simple one." 

(Job 5:2, NKJV) 

Envy will cause you to betray and destroy people. 

Mark 15:9-10

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him

Genesis 26:12-16

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

May the Lord deliver us from this little fox, in Jesus name. 

LITTLE FOXES (I)

 Song of Songs 2:15

Catch us the foxes,

The little foxes that spoil the vines,

For our vines have tender grapes.

We will be examining little (sometime almost unnoticeable) things that can steal from or ruin or derail our destinies.

Our vineyards here represent our lives and what God is nurturing in us that must not be allowed to be destroyed by foxes (anything that has the ability to ruin your life).

Why do we labour a lot sometimes without seeing commiserate result?

Why would you work like an elephant and eat like an ant?

Why do you pray and pray and pray and it seems God isn’t listening?

You make all the right confessions and nothing is happening.

There could be some “little foxes” lurking somewhere, eating away your fruit.

What are these little foxes?

*PEOPLE

Luke 13:31-33

On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”

And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

*FALSE (foolish) PROPHETS

Ezekiel 13:1-7

1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 

2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the LORD!’ ”

3 Thus says the Lord GOD: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 

4 O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. 

5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the LORD. 

6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD!’ But the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. 

7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The LORD says,’ but I have not spoken.”

#1. Sin

Jeremiah 5:23-29

But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart;

They have revolted and departed.

They do not say in their heart,

“Let us now fear the Lord our God,

Who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season.

He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.”

Your iniquities have turned these things away,

And your sins have withheld good from you.

‘For among My people are found wicked men;

They lie in wait as one who sets snares;

They set a trap;

They catch men.

As a cage is full of birds,

So their houses are full of deceit.

Therefore they have become great and grown rich.

They have grown fat, they are sleek;

Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;

They do not plead the cause,

The cause of the fatherless;

Yet they prosper,

And the right of the needy they do not defend.

Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord.

‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’

Isaiah 59:1-13

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

That it cannot save;

Nor His ear heavy,

That it cannot hear.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God;

And your sins have hidden His face from you,

So that He will not hear.

For your hands are defiled with blood,

And your fingers with iniquity;

Your lips have spoken lies,

Your tongue has muttered perversity.

No one calls for justice,

Nor does any plead for truth.

They trust in empty words and speak lies;

They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.

They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web;

He who eats of their eggs dies,

And from that which is crushed a viper breaks out.

Their webs will not become garments,

Nor will they cover themselves with their works;

Their works are works of iniquity,

And the act of violence is in their hands.

Their feet run to evil,

And they make haste to shed innocent blood;

Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;

Wasting and destruction are in their paths.

The way of peace they have not known,

And there is no justice in their ways;

They have made themselves crooked paths;

Whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

Therefore justice is far from us,

Nor does righteousness overtake us;

We look for light, but there is darkness!

For brightness, but we walk in blackness!

We grope for the wall like the blind,

And we grope as if we had no eyes;

We stumble at noonday as at twilight;

We are as dead men in desolate places.

We all growl like bears,

And moan sadly like doves;

We look for justice, but there is none;

For salvation, but it is far from us.

For our transgressions are multiplied before You,

And our sins testify against us;

For our transgressions are with us,

And as for our iniquities, we know them:

In transgressing and lying against the Lord,

And departing from our God,

Speaking oppression and revolt,

Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Psalms 66:18-20

If I regard iniquity in my heart,

The Lord will not hear.

But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,

Who has not turned away my prayer,

Nor His mercy from me!

Before you conclude that these are Old Testament scriptures that do not apply to us, let’s go over to the New Testament.

Because of the long read (John 5:1-14), I’ll summarize the story.

A man was paralyzed for 38 years and was lying at the pool of Bethesda, waiting for the moving of the water so he could have a chance to be the first to jump in and get healed.

Jesus came by and healed the man.

John 5:8-9

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath.

See the admonition of Jesus to him afterwards.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

It clearly shows sin can bring evil upon us.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning a man who had taken his father’s wife.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Paul said such a man would be delivered to satan for the destruction of his flesh.

However, this man repented as we can see from his 2nd letter to them, urging them to forgive him.

2 Corinthians 2:6-8

This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

When a believer sins, there is provision for forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There is provision for every believer to deal with sin.

1 John 2:1-2

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Now, the intent of this study is not to make you sin-conscious, but rather to give no room for the enemy to gain an advantage or have access into your life.

Jesus once said the devil had nothing in Him.

John 14:30

I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

We are exhorted not to give any room to the devil (Eph. 4:27)

Sin is a little fox that can eat away your blessing.

Job 31:7-12

If my step has turned from the way,

Or my heart walked after my eyes,

Or if any spot adheres to my hands,

Then let me sow, and another eat;

Yes, let my harvest be rooted out.

“If my heart has been enticed by a woman,

Or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door,

Then let my wife grind for another,

And let others bow down over her.

For that would be wickedness;

Yes, it would be iniquity deserving of judgment.

For that would be a fire that consumes to destruction,

And would root out all my increase.

Let me reiterate the fact that this is not meant to make you conscious of your faults. No.

1 John 3:20-21

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

As long as your heart does not condemn you or convict you of sin, just live with confidence and approach the Lord will all boldness.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:12-13

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

As long as you walk in the light you have, and maintain fellowship with the brethren, the blood of Jesus will continuously cleanse you from all sin (1John 1:7)

And when your heart convicts you of a wrong, confess it immediately to God (1John 1:9)

Proverbs 28:13

He who covers his sins will not prosper,

But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Unconfessed sin and continual indulgence in sin will attract the judgement of God - here on earth - and not when we get to heaven.

1 Timothy 5:24

Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.

If you are born again, you don’t need anyone to start reeling out condemnation on you. 

Your own heart will condemn you when you are wrong. 

Conscience is the voice of your spirit. 

It convicts you so you can judge yourself and repent, and there would be no further judgement.

1 Corinthians 11:28-32

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Your conscience will judge your actions, accusing you or else excusing you.

Romans 2:15

who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

If there is anything bringing condemnation to you, pls deal with it before you go to bed.

Take out this one fox.

EVANGELISM, updated!

 Evangelism, updated!

By Daniel Yohanna

After I got saved & Spirit-filled in 1985 while on Campus, we went on evangelism from hostel to hostel, and later, on the streets of the city of Minna (often from house to house). 

The dynamics of urbanization have restricted access to people on the streets, making house-to-house evangelism less effective in that people are not often that welcoming to strangers, and many houses are fenced. 

But the Commission to witness to all people is still very much in force. (Matt.28:19; Mk.16:15,16; Lk.24:48; Jn.20:21; Act.1:8)

"We have only one business on earth - to save souls." - John Wesley.

We simply need to adopt new strategies. 

1) School or Office: You meet people in School or at work. People spend more time at work than at home. The work-place may be your best bet to meet people. 

Be a shining example of the life of Christ through your conduct, your spirit of excellence and then your words. 

"Preach the Gospel at all times and in all places, and if necessary, use words." - St Francis of Assisi.

“I reckon him a Christian indeed that is neither ashamed of the Gospel or a shame to it." - Matthew Henry.

2) Social Media: You can reach more people in one hour online than you may one-on-one in one year, through the Internet. Are you maximizing this veritable platform for the Gospel, or are you ashamed of the Gospel?

Do you post, like, forward and share everything except the Gospel? Stand up and be a witness. 

3) Ceremonies: People will troop in for naming ceremonies, house warming, freedom or graduation parties, birthdays, weddings and funeral services. Can you take advantage of this to share the Gospel to the audience? Can you deliberately take that special occasion to church so your friends can accompany you to the house of God?

“Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfil the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist." - Oswald J. Smith

4) Travels: I've had the opportunity to share the Gospel with passengers sitting by me in the bus, taxi, plane, et al. You must just make up your mind to be a blessing to anyone that you come in contact with. 

5) What other avenue can you think of? 

My final word is that you must just reach someone today. 

God bless you as you begin, right away. 

Rewards of Soul-winning

NOW, as much as God created us to worship Him, nothing gives Him more joy than soul-winning. There's no account of any other endeavour that throws heaven into celebration like soul-winning (Luke 15:7,10). 

Winning souls shows you are wise (Prov.11:30). Is it any wonder there are not too many wise believers today?

Soul-winning will cause you to shine as a star (Dan.12:3). Do you want to excel and be a star? Start winning souls. 

“There is no greater honour than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the Kingdom of satan into the glorious light of heaven." - D.L. Moody 

There's a crown awaiting you on that Day (1Thess.2:19)

Soul-winning is a great key to provision (Matt.17:27)

"Any saint who does not love and seek sinners is without excuse. He is untrue to his Saviour, ungrateful for his own salvation, and disobedient to the Great Commission." - John Rice

PRAYING EFFECTIVELY by Daniel Yohanna

PRAYING EFFECTIVELY

God always answers prayers - always. Matt. 7:8 assures us of that. 1John 5:14,15 gives us grounds for praying confidently. 

You ask and receive not because you ask amiss (Jam 4:2). 

So, how do you ask properly?

Understand first of all that prayer is a DIALOGUE with God. It is a conversation with your Father. It is joining forces with heaven. 

If it is a dialogue, it means your Father is also talking, as much as you are talking (praying). 

The most important part of your prayer life is what God is saying about the situation. 

Lots of time, we just rattle words and leave without waiting to hear God’s instruction on the subject matter. You often need to hear God tell you what you need to do. 

Many times, prayers go unanswered not because God did not hear us but because we did not hear Him telling us what we need to do. 

What you did the last time may not be what you need to do next time to obtain victory (Case-in-Point, 2Sam. 5:17-21,22-25)

Isaac prayed for his wife, because she was barren. She took in. When she began to have issues with the pregnancy, she asked God, “Why is this happening to me?” (Gen. 25:21-23). God responded with a message. 

Paul went to God concerning the “thorn in his flesh.” God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you...” (2Cor. 12:8-9). 

Instead of just barging on God, “Do it Lord, Answer me Lord, Do it,” you need to engage Him in a conversation, especially for things you have prayed for over and over again and for a while. 

While the children of Israel were crying before the Red Sea, God responded by saying, 

“Quit praying and get the people moving! Forward, march!” (Exo.14:15, TLB)

He then instructed Moses to stretch forth the Rod over the waters and the waters were parted. Supposed they just kept on praying for God to make a way where there seems to be no way?

Jesus assured us that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will do it (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24)

Yet, remember that God exalts His Word above His name (Psa.138:2). He does all things according to the Counsel of His Will (Eph.1:11). 

Start by finding what He has said in His Word about the situation. 

That’s exactly what Jacob did in Gen. 32:9-12;

“Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’:”

Deliver me...

For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well...”

What has God said in His Word? Start from there. 

The written Word is referred to as LOGOS in the Greek. 

Stand upon the LOGOS as you wait for a RHEMA (a specific word or scripture given you at the moment). 

God said to “Call to Him and He will answer you and SHOW YOU great and mighty things which you do not know (Jer.33:3). 

“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” (Jer. 33:3, MSG)

When Israel cried for thirst, they found water at Marah but the waters were bitter. When Moses cries to the Lord, God showed him a tree, which was cart into the waters to make them sweet (Exo.15:22-25)

In the midst of the storm, Paul had a RHEMA from the angel (Acts 27:22-25) and it turned the entire situation around. 

The Word of God says “None shall be barren among us,” (Deut.7:14), so if you are experiencing a delay in childbirth, take that Word to God in prayer and meditation until you receive a specific Word on what you need to do, or stop doing. 

The Word says “None shall want her mate” (Isa.34:16) and “He sets the solitary in families,” (Psa.68:6) and you are trusting God for a life partner. Stand on those words until you receive a specific word. 

Why is this necessary? Since what is written in the Word is not manifesting in your life, you must find the missing link. 

His Will must be done in your life as it is in heaven. 

There must be an alignment of your life until it is in conformity with His Will. 

When you receive a RHEMA from God, you can go to sleep, your case is settled. You can take that Word to the bank. It shall be done. It shall come to pass. 

It is a new day for you in Jesus name.