VANITY OF WORLDLY PURSUIT

FORWARD

Most of the people Jesus healed went to hell. Seeing the actions of God is not

enough. What we need is to understand Gods Ways.

The only way to get the power and glory of this world is by bowing to the

devil to some extent. Matt 4:4-11

They do all types wrong things to get the right thing done. Jesus never uses

means which were wrong in order to get things which were right. The main

power in this kingdom of this world is money. There is nothing wrong in

earning money; but if money has the power to attract you then, you can be

what God want you to be. Money can attract certain people but cannot

attract the devoted life. Do you make decision on the basis of money then

you are a slave. What is God’s way in the area of money. After Jesus preach,

and heal did they collect money? Where are these practices come from?

from Europe and America. But it for the good course, thus exactly what the

devils says. You want to save soul in a wrong way; pulls a trigger and bully a

person to follow Christ that is not conversion.

God says done give me any thing, in the New Testament. He wants cheerful

givers not force. New Testament Good work, evil works and dead works

(good works done with a wrong motive) preaching is good but if your motive

is honour and money is a dead works. It wonderful playing of musical

instrument; what did you do and why did you do it. You do something under

pressure; come to prayer meeting, meeting, evangelism you may do it but

the whole thing is dead works. God want obedience to be done cheerfully. No

more children, we are sons. If you do something from someone manipulating

you, is dead works. Dear reader if you don’t study the bible you deserve to

be deceived by zac poonen.

When you are in kindergarten Christian level you don’t kneed to hear from

God to make a move. But once became a son you have to hear him before

you make any decision. If we don’t hear God our time would be delayed. If

we listen to God our life would not be tensed.

From our childhood we are taught to live by reasoning, but when born again,

filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit must guide our reasoning. Our reasoning

is a wife but should be guided by the Holy Spirit. John 5: 19

Pursuing God: a wise choice

Abraham, David, Moses, Paul, Jesus Daniel, it can change our world it brings

permanent solution to man’s problem

Sampson

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to the Kingdom Crusaders Network International for their

prayers support and encouragement.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Preface

Forward

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Introduction

CHAPTERS

1. Meaning of vanity

2. Worldly pursuit

3. The world

4. The pursuit of happiness

5. Vanity: Case study of bible heroes

6. Vanity; Case study of our contemporary times

7. The Godly pursuit; a wise choice.

They can do miracle in Babylon but what they don’t have is holiness.

Christian who are getting involved with political system. The first three

centuries it was political free, and powerful. The church has mingled with

the merchants of the world. When ever you mixed god and money you have

Babylon (false Christian system); the choice between the Holy Spirit power

and money Power. Some places music power has replaced the power of the

Holy Spirit. Three powers the church get involve with: political money, music

Jesus never got involve with this powers. My Kingdom is not in this world.

The apostle only spoke about money in relation to giving to the poor. Jesus

didn’t drive money changers out of the market he drove them out of the

temple. Exekeil 10:4,18 it was over the temple by the end of the chapter its

gone. Chapter 43:1-9, 48 is the picture of the new covanent. 47 rivers of

living water moves in every direction. In the old testament temple there was

a small place that was most holy. But in the NT 43:12, this is the law of the

new testament the whole part of the mountain will be called most holy. The

church of God would be called most holy. That s the veil in the temple torn. If

we want the glory of the lord to cover the church, we need prophet like

Ezekiel to tell the world his evil deeds.

INTRODUCTION

Let listen to the dialogue among these friends in their quest for a

thing in this life.

In our post modern world it is very hard to find writers and men of God

teaching things that seem opposite to human pursuits in life. So they

concentrate on these human philosophies …………. I am not Justifying

Laziness because God hate it. I am taking about been inflamed or so

passionate about a particular thing of this life that makes you make ungodly

decisions that brings dishonor to God.

CHAPTER 1

MEANING OF VANITY

In the modern sense vanity is considered as a form of self-idolatry, in which one rejects God for the sake of one’s own image. Here such individual is considered divorced from the grace of God. Philosophically speaking, vanity may refer to as a broader sense of egoism [self-interest is regarded as the principal motivating factor, or the practice of making personal welfare and interests a primary or sole concern, sometimes at the expense of others] and pride. In Christian teaching,

Vanity is considered as an example of pride, one of the seven deadly sins.

The fight against it is a major task of every Heaven seeker. In Encarta

dictionary describes vanity [13th century. Via French < Latin vanitas < vanus

"empty"] as empty of significance, source of excessive pride. Vanity case in

U.S is a small cosmetic case. To those fashion designers Cosmetics is equal

to vanity.

All is vanity by Charles Allen Gilbert (1873-1929), carries on this theme. He

painted An Optical illusion. The painting depicts what appears to be a large

skull. Upon a closer examination, it shows a young woman gazing at her

reflection in the mirror.

Symbolism of vanity

In western part, vanity was often symbolizes by peacock. However, in the

Bible, it symbolizes the whore of Babylon. In secular allegory, vanity is

considered as one of the minor vices. Sometimes vanity is represented as a

naked woman in seated on a couch. She attends to her comb and mirror. The

mirror is sometimes held by a demon or a putto. Other symbols of vanity

include jewels, gold coins, a purse, and often by the figure of death

himself.

An Artist painted vanity and in the art: A woman admires herself in the glass

and while doing so, some men peep secretly to desires her. Bosch depicts a

woman admiring herself in a mirror held up by a devil; behind her is an open

jewelry box. A young woman holds a balance symbolizing justice. If she does

not look at the mirror or skull her table before her then she is justified.

Vermeer’s famous painting girl with a pearl earring is sometimes believed to

depict the sin of vanity as the young girl has adorned herself before a glass

without further positive allegorical attributes.

Allegory is symbolically expressing a deeper meaning, spiritually, morally or

politically. In the film the Devil’s advocate Satan claims that Vanity is his

favourate sin.

These artistic works server to warn viewers: the ephemeral nature of

youthful beauty, the brevity of human life and the inevitability of death.

(Ephemeral: short-lived: lasting for only a short period of time and leaving no

permanent trace. E.g. Mayflies, they are an insect that lives for only a short

period of time are ephemerals). Pursuit of it would be useless since it dies

soon.

Psalm 90: 8-10

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of

your countenance. For all our days are passes in your wrath; we

spend our years as a story that is told. The days of our years are

seventy and if by reason of strength they be eighty years, yet is

their strength, is labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly

away.

CHAPTER TWO

WORLDLY PURSUIT

Pursuit means

Act of chasing after something: the act of chasing after something in order to

catch or overtake the thing. Also means Act of striving for something: the

effort made to try to achieve or obtain something over a period of time.

It may be pursuit for ones own self, or family or a group of people or

organization.

A person may strive for good certificate, promotion, popularity, material

things, marriage, children, happiness, peace etc.

If it is a family; the husband and wife may strive for or chase after: good

image, good home, peace at home, property, good education for children,

respect in society, cars, houses, etc

A group of people or organization may strive or chase after; success,

excellence, public taste, national awards, etc.

Pursuit is not wrong but when pursuit for any thing of this life takes the

central part of you. It becomes an enemy to God. It is called worldliness.

To day worldly pursuit has been the order of the hour. This is because the

devil has painted it to be the most important thing in life without which an

individual is considered useless or waste. Every one seems to chase after a

thing or the other. Many strive for things they never enjoyed after acquiring

it. It is certificate, once a master degree or PhD is acquired, what next? Even

these things come to stay for a short time and when the individual dies it

become useless. What then is called vanity? Within a short time what people

cherished is no more use. It is visa? I know of people who taught travelling to

a developed country is all that one needs. After they got there, they says it

this all? What next is to strive to maintain the home financial need? And such

individual work all his life time for people and die only to realized that it vain

if He didn’t Meet Jesus in the land of the living. It is promotion; because of a

mere promotion you have forgotten God. You pay all forms of bribe to clear

your way to the top. Sometimes it is juju from a false prophet or malam.

People strive for what will not be on the morrow with whole heart and still

call themselves servants of God. It is marriage? Sister don’t loose your mind

because of this earthly comfort, it will soon pass away. Make sure God is

happy about your relationship not the devil. Follow Godly standard and

remember God is watching you. It is children you are striving for? They are

gifts from God and visitors. Don’t go wayward because of child bearing.

Some have ruin their life seeking for children in a wrong way. A woman who

consulted water spirit for a child she got some however, the child sucked her

money, peace, and destroyed her home. Initially when the child came, she

was happy and taught that was all, some times in the year she has to pacify

the God. And she would do that as long as the child lives. Such children

sometimes die early too.

No matter how good a worldly thing is, it is for a short time.

A song writer wrote a song and said

Men strive for the wealth of this wild wicked world

They seek after honour and fame

So lavishly spotting their diamonds and pearls

They put their dear savior to shame.

I rather have Jesus than to own all earth silver and gold.

Lets get in to the spirit behind worldly pursuit and motive behind the

pursuer.

Pursuit of person’s own interest is things that bring honor and recognition ( marriage, Child

bearing, Education, property making)

Period degree of material attachment of persons possession, compel to develop qualities

that are most lacking in one’s life.

If you are Christian in this generation, you should be very careful. People

uses all their time to pursue goal with passion, sense of energy and

excitement every one desire to better oneself, competition etc. e.g. buying

home.

Time when person seeks: worldly happiness, marriage, love, wealth,

prosperity, luxury, beauty, sexual pleasure has increased.

Worldly motive leads a person to ignorance, proverb 13:11

Wealth getting by vanity shall diminish: but he that gathered by labour shall

increase.

Psalm 144:4 the man is like to vanity; his days are as a shadow that passeth

away

Detachment of worldly concerns

A man was given a chance of possessing a very rich land in a country base

on a condition. He possess the land as far as His foot touch but make sure by

sunset He is to return to the starting point. The man started the journey and

run kilometers to far place. When he came to himself, he noticed that if care

is not taken he will run in vain. Because he had to put a particular rod at the

end of his race and return to the starting point before sunset. He quickly put

the rod on the ground and run back toward the starting point. On reaching

the starting point, he fell, went unconscious and died. What could trigger the

man to move more kilometers? Why was he willing to go miles and possess

more forgotten the condition?

Many today are still chasing after things and are not aware of the death

sentences that stress brings. Still we are not concentrating on Godly things.

Most expensive things in life can not be bought with money. Proverb

21;6,22;8, 30;8

The getting of treasures by a tying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of

them that seek death.

He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity, and the rod of his anger shall fail.

Pursuit of Happiness

(By pastor John Wallace Miller) written to everyone, reader, who seek to

however Almighty God. Lately I have been pondering the will. Known motto;

“we are endowed by our creator with certain unstrange rights, that among

these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. This idea of the God

given right to pursue happiness intriques me . George mason is the ! st one

to write that nature has given men the right to pursue happiness. The notion

that we ought to pursue happiness is opposite to biblical teaching.

We do not obtain happiness by pursuing it and it is not a right to which we

are entitled. It must never be on our goal. The pursuit of happiness will be

like getting in your car and trying to find that part of the rain bow that

touches the earth after the sun pecks out through the rain clouds. As soon as

you draw near to the place you think the colourful hues meet the ground, the

bow has moved beyond your grasp. This lack of fulfillment of actually

obtaining true happiness does not deter the hopeless romantic who keeps

believing that this time it will be different this time I will find my soul’s

contentment through the pursuit of pleasure it is a vicious cycle and there

are many casualties. You see them everywhere. 2 peter 2;9 promising them

freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man

is over come by this he is enslaved. All around us there are voices urging us

to fulfill our fleshly appetites and promising “happiness” if we will just cast

self-discipline to the wind. We have as been there, we have gone back too.

Many times even in the midst of watching others flounder! You would think

that if you got burnt enough times you would stay away from fire. But the

fact is hormones will triumph holy intentions unless they are checked by self-

discipline. Proverb 6:27 can a man put fire on his laps and his clothes not

burnt?

The pursuit of pleasure is an evil trap. The devil uses it to blind mankind

from their true path. It always spring evil, sorrows , etc. 1 timothy 6:10-12…

after some has coveted after has purse themselves with many sorrows.

Money is neutral it’s effects depend on who handles it. We are not to pursue

money. Proverbs 23:4-5. Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Do not trust

your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone for they

will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Pursuing pleasure is vain because it will soon flitter away as well as leaving

you standing there with dashed hopes and wasted years. (song by jimmy

swaggard wasted years) Worldly pursuit, though temporally satisfying always

has a built fizzle to that.

Do you want pleasure that satisfies? I do . we would not have been given the

capacity to feel deep satisfaction if God did not inted for us to experience it .

this treasure is beyond our grasp! Psalm 16:11 David said, you will make

known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right

hand(JESUS) there are pleasures forever more.

This is the key to the quest box true happiness is in the Pursuit of God not

Pleasure.

In him and through him only is the deep longing of your heart fulfilled.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know.. Fills my every longing keeps me

singing as I go.

You have to trust or believe that God care and plan is better than the world’s

To pursue holiness rather than happiness is to obtain a most rewarding

outcome. But if we entertain the sweet talk of the white witch of Narnia

whispering in our ears. If we talk even a bite, her delight will mesmerize

enchant and entice us right back tow pleasure Island; and like pinochiok, we

make jackasses of our selves once again.

Now, again if you sincerely want God’s will for your life, and the peace,

happiness and joy that come with it. You must decide to walk with him

wherever He may choose to lead you. You must trust that His path is the

Best one for you. You must believe that He alone has your best interest at

heart.

I share these things because

1.each of us live in a world where mine fields have been placed by

devil at every turn.

2. even the mighty fall if they are not alert to the powerful temptation

of the evil one.

3. I desperately want you to know the contentment (Bible talks about)

and joy that comes from a serious walk with the Lord Jesus.

Our pursuit of happiness originate deep in our innermost being. We all

seek for it, but only get part of it every time and all the time. We have

witnessed many rich and famous fall like stars falling form the sky. The

worldly version of life’s happiness has never been able to lead a man to his

ultimate source of true happiness. Therefore we should store our treasure up

for ourselves and be rich in what matters to him.

One of the most important messages for Christians in this generation is in 1

tim 6:6-12. Isa 56:10-12

Bible verse: Now godliness with contentment is a great gain

At this moment, many false teachers are teaching that gain is godliness just

as Paul was addressing timothy. They are driven by underlying motivation is

greed and taught that their wealth was a sign of God’s approval of their

teaching. That is why almost all prayer centres’s in the country like Ghana is

filled with prayers to be rich, greedy and those people sometimes does not

have any relationship with God. Believers should therefore be satisfied with

food, clothing and living place. Whiles, you work and plan for future. Help the

needy, give towards the work of God in and outside your church. We are not

to be driven by a desire to get rich as the love of it springs out evil. We

should rather follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,

meekness and Get rich toward it.

Temptation for love of pleasure

Luke 18:24-25

It is possible to go to church, practice prayer, quiet time, bible studies,

revival service, and other religious practices and still be hook to this world.

In the above verses, the jews at those time taught that to be wealthy was a

sign of God’s special favour and that to be poor was a sign of God’s

displeasure (prov 10:15) . this was rejected by Christ luke 6:20, 16:13) God

identifies greed and pursuit of wealth with idotary which is demonic (col 3:5,

1 cor 10:19-20) demonic power is associated with possessions, therefore the

love to be wealthy person and pursuit of it. Often brings enslavement matt

6:24. Why because it

1. Is an obstacle to salvation and discipleship matt 19:24

2. Give false sense of security Luke 12: 15

3. Demand total devotion of ones heart matt 6:21, the rich (not all times)

often live as if they don’t need God. In the search for this treasures,

their spiritual life are choke Luke 8 : 14 and they are led into

temptations and harmful desires.

4. They take advantage of the poor ( Jam 2:5-6)

5. Selfish amassing of material possession is an indication that life is not

view from “God sight” eternity point. Such people their goal and

fulfillment is not centered in god. Striving often with is separation from

God

If as a Christian you fing yourself in the gift called riches then, use loose

hands to hold earthly possession. Wealth must be dedicated to God and for

furtherance of the Gospel. Buying gadgets for crusades, busses for missions,

building churches, helping the poor in the church, feed missionaries, building

orphanage sponsor the Christ cause beyong your denomination. In this you

will be rich toward God. The question every are who want to please God

should ask is; Am l greedy person? Am I a selfish person? Do I Crave for

plenty? Is prestige, honour power your pursuit.

God see his people in poverty and declare that they are “rich” Revelation 2:9

I think if God say you are rich then you are rich. Because it’s eternal

CHAPTER THREE

THE WORLD

The meaning and attitude

The World is the vast system of this age that Satan uses to promote the

spirit of rebellion against God and His revelation. It also comprises all human

enterprises that exist and are not under the control of Christ. Satan uses the

world (world ideas, morality, philosophies, psychology, desire

government, culture, education, science art, economic system,

entertainment, fashion, mass media, religious groups, sports,

agriculture etc). to oppose: God’s work, His people, His word and His

righteousness. For instance Satan uses:

Medical profession to promote the killing of unborn babies

Agriculture to produce life destroying drugs as alcohol, narcotics,

Education system to promote ungodly and humanistic philosophies,

Fashion industry to breakdown modesty in dressing, promote seduction

and advertise his kingdom,

Entertainment media to undermine biblical moral standards, valves, teach

Satanism and promote satanic worship,

Government to bring or permit the signing of laws than opposes Jesus,

Religion to imprison mankind and give them a form of godliness without

righteous, knowledge, good doctrine, information, teaching without fire of

the spirit, devotion, love, fervency of spirit. It is possible for people to be

good in bible but have no passion in their worship. Right doctrine without

devotion to Christ is religion)

Economic system: to make people focus their mind on money and forget

God.

Science: to tell us that man emanate from apes defile creation of God to

other philosophies,

Arts: to promote nudity through paintings;

Sports: to complete church activities and make Christian relax

Morality: to deceive moralist to think that they you don’t need God,

Engineering: to design missiles and bombs to destroy the creation of God,

Beware, because behind all human enterprises there is a spirit or power

that moves against God. So all human made religious system and unbiblical,

lukewarm Christian organization (churches) are part of this Dragon Called

the World

To love the world means to be in intimate fellowship with and devoted to

its valves, interest, ways and pleasure. Taking pleasure in or enjoying what is

offensive to God.

Our attitude towards the world

If you love your soul, every word in the scripture should be obeyed not just

reading the word but living your life after it deeds.

In Fashion the Christian woman or man should go in for Simplicity not very

impressiveness, don’t dress to impress. Trying to impress people about your

appearance will land you into the devil snares. Let your moderation be made

to all men the coming of the lord is at hand.

Righteousness of Saints; revel 17:

There are no good works in the foundations (polished works) no works in our

foundations of our relationship in Christ. But we are created on to good

works. No one can through good works clean 1/10000000th of sins committed

in the past. But after salvation we are saved unto good works. We are bride

of Christ not wife, we have to be careful about associations. Jesus is jealous

for us. Jealousy of the Holy Spirit is to present us as pure virgins on the

wedding of the marriage supper. So He guides us with Spiritual jealousy.

What the devil does is to deceive the bride that this attitude is a little thing,

not all that serious. He is crafty so he works on the mind. Are you a bride,

and then keep your mind for Christ.

After reading and hearing powerful messages the devil would prevent us

from being devoted to Christ. That’s his agenda. My question is why is it that

after power crusades, conventions, retreats, conferences, revivals and

waiting’s we soon gets back to our normal level. The problem is that we are

still in relationship with the world. Our relationship to this worldly system

sucks our spiritual strength and robs us of the power, grace and favour

received from God. James4;4, My brother, my brothers ye adulteresses. Only

a bride can be adulteresses. An unbeliever can never be came part of the

religious system. If you became a friend of this world system, you

automatically become an enemy of God. One reason that Jesus died for us is

in. Gal 1:4 He gave himself for us so that he might deliver us from

this worldly system. Gal 6:14 He was crucified to this world system.

He has no interest in the system as a dead man has. There’s difference

between the world and the earth. There is a lot of sin in buying and selling,

cheating, lies, etc. the world system is did you sign with witnesses, Jesus

says let your yes be yes and no be no. money a major factor in the system

luke 16:13 no one can serve two masters, God and Money. No one would

love God and the devil at the same time. But for money we fool ourselves

trying to love God and Money. If you don’t have the right attitude to money

you would be in Babylon. In ancient days they sold in the temple and Jesus

drove them because they did it for a profit. It is not wrong to make a profit

but profit should not be made in the church of God. The devil is crafty he

won’t show you the whole future.

The alliance between religious Christianity and political system. Every person

who want to be president enter the religious settings to ask for their hand .

This is the Harlotry sitting on the beast. We should be careful about politics. I

have seen so call Christian who leads political groups in their towns and

advertise their party but feel shy to talk to them about Christ in the public.

Economy financial. The merchant of the earth are weeping and mourning

because no one is buying their materials. What would happen if there is no

Christmas or Easter? They look as if they are celebrating the festivals, no. its

all business. Why didn’t he make peter rich because in the new covenant

that could have been hindrance to their ministry?

rev. 19:1-4, corrupt system has led believers to the world. The spirit of the

world is near you keep off her rev 18; 4. My people in the verse 18 prove that

you are his but His demand you come out.

Grace is the power in God s Kingdom. Get out off corrupt Christianity that

does not lead you to holiness and devotion Christ but rather concentrates on

things that has no eternal values.

Case study about Absalom Demas, Saul, Ackan, Solomon master of

pursuits,

Chapter 4

Solomon

He began as a man who cherish God, walk in his ways and even build his temple.

His favour with God began with total devotion and sacrifices so he experienced

God’s love, grace and because he had a good relationship with Him. He was also

given special spiritual understanding; a breadth of understanding and discernment

concerning general life and his duties as a leader. He wrote 3000 proverbs . He

contributed to the greatest book on earth-the Bible, under the influence of the Holy

Spirit.

God-given wisdom and understanding of mysteries of life are nothing as long as it is

not submitted to Christ . when the devil get hold of the God-given talent in your life,

he uses it to dishonor God. Deut 17:14-20.

With all the gifts that Solomon has in wisdom , he didn’t use it in all aspect of his

life. The question use will ask is why? It is because of the quest for more. He sought

for everything pleasurable, (money, wealth, success, education, power etc.) for

power he sought alliance with heathen nations, sensuality many foreign wives and

concubines to seal alliance and more wealth and glory.

This pursuit brought him down. No your wisdom and gifts , if you bargain or

compromise your devotion for worldly things you will crush. It may be certificate of

honorary degree, riches, pleasure, and marriage. If your heart is inflamed by it

passion, the devil will blindfold you and you will walk in darkness. Many Christians

today has become cold, lukewarm because they have bow to the devil.

Many ladies on campus because of the quest for excellence has compromise their

faith many times. May be you are victim because of a little difficulty in life you gave

your pride to a godless man. To day you have the excellence and the freedom but

under serious bondage of sin. Turn around God is calling you. Many people careless

about what God says, every one does what seems Good in his own sight like judges

20:21 you don’t need a contract with Satan before you be in his web; all you have to

do is to compromise and you are already his prey.

They devil is committed in given you everything in exchange to your devotion to

God’s ways, His works in and beyond your denominations.

In Eccle. 2. He sought for every thing he desired. The pursuit ended him in loose life.

Not everything you desire lead to accepted life. The Rhetoric question is will you be

satisfy if you get everything you desired? Asked Solomon, he will be in best position

to help you. These the pursuit for worldly amusements has increase and if care is

not taking your devotion to god is almost at stake. You need to understand the

ways of God. And follow it that all that we ever need and in his own time he will add.

Because if you follow this preachers, you will die before your time. Many preachers

are already caught in the devil snares. And the works are dead work. Because most

do the right things with wrong motive.

Theseare some of the things that Solomon sought for; happiness, wine, women,

money, education;

Solomon was in better position than anyone to pursue happiness to the greatest

extent. He left ono stone unturned in his indulgence of the pursuit of wine money

and song. The book of eccles, prov, 1kings and 2 chron. Reveals thing about his

pursuit; he summed all pursuit in life in six letter word VANITY. Striving for the wind.

Things you cant get happiness in lessons from Solomon.

Wine. I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine. But , he wrote in

prov 20;1 23;29-35 that alcohol does not deliver the happiness it seems to promise.

In the end the Alcoholic reaches the point where he hate the whole thing, how every

it has already taken control and he has become it slave.

Women Solomon had a 1000 , but they didn’t bring him the happiness and

contenment. Instead they lead him astray 1 kings 11:1-8,10-14

It seems that wherever Solomon saw a beautiful woman, he said, “ I want her” and

he took her to be his wife. I taught He was the wisest man in the then world but

turned to be the greatest fool. Can you imargine 1000 women scheming to have

the first place with Solomon? Will it bring happiness or misery. Solomon couldn’t

find one good woman among a thousand because of his kind of women he dealt

with

His dealings were with the beautiful women not with God fearing women, He wrote

latter after his experiences that beauty is vain. Prov31:25

Song ; Solomon didn’t need a stereo, radio or a television, mp3 or mp4 to listen to

music. Because he had the real thing. Choose between the two if you have life

musicians who plays on world stage to play music for you every time you want to

hear and having a machine that plays CD. Solomon have constant musicians around

him.

Money; 2chronicle 9: 13-14

The gold that came to Solomon each year sum up to $200 million dollars not to

mention other wealth he had. He was so wealthy that Bill gate look pauper. Many

people think, “if I only had money all my problem are solved”. The abundance of

riches will not permit eccl 5: 10-13 . It s better to have only a little than much with

sorrows and troubles eccl 4:6

EDUCATION

He started out by becoming a great engineer and architect but apparently he tried

to square the circle and got into “mathematics of the infinity”.

He wanted to know everything there was to know so he enrolled in “Madness and

Folly 101” However, all this later prove to be worthless endeavours. He said; “of

making many books there is no end; and much study is worrisome.

There are advantages to higher education but when academic education becomes a

substitute for God it becomes worldly. People these days can pay any amount for

higher education costs (Time, money, commitment, zeal, and all) without sweat,

but, when it comes to the Kingdom affair we give God a lot of excuses. These

excuses given to God shows that we are worshipping another god called education

(One of the hired servants of Lucifer). Dear reader, don’t you think if your

commitment to God dims because of education you are worshipping another spirit?

You cannot serve two masters remember Jesus word. What then should be the

Christian attitude towards education? To me these are the following steps you may

follow. 1. Know your strength and pray to God on which way to go. 2. When you

receive the answer, set your spiritual goals. Ask the following questions, what do I

want in life? What can I do for God while doing this course? How can I make God the

number every day of the course time? Is my commitment for godliness and spiritual

activities dimming down? How can I manage the time to favour God? What media

can I use to reach out to my course mates? Lastly, ask yourself the joy, focuses,

commitment and time I am given to this course can I give the same to God when He

need them? Selfishness will not help us advance the kingdom business. You think

about what will not last when only 200years is added to time, and then think about

committing yourself in what is eternal. Lets be wise people of God.

FAME AND POWER eccl 2:9a, 2 chr.9:22-26

All this notoriety and power did not bring lasting peace. Because he had to protect

his kingdom at all time. In the wisdom of protecting his kingdom, he married

princess from many kingdoms that stood as treat to him. He became the most

famous king of all times and powerful because of his wisdom. Yet despise Gods

instruction, that if foolishness. The one who put you on the leadership position has

been despised, be careful you are sitting on time bomb. People make false

statement in their application for a visa, because they are so eager, to get

the glories of this world. They compromise their Christian faith. Did you

cheat in examination and got a good certificate? You are already caught in

the glories of this world. The devil says to Jesus I will give all of this

( certificate, visa, fame, power, glory) if you will bow down to me. A lot of the

world system doesn’t look sinful but those things are part of the world and it

glories. If you want to become a leader you are disqualify. You are seeking

the world and its glory in position and power. If a leader behaves as if he

have power over others he is not fit. You will soon be cut off. But like Saul

you will be spare some time for God to train another David who will succeed

you. You betrayed Jesus for just a little earthly gains. The devil has the power

to give it to you. There is a world system that is consequently seeking to get

into your life.

Possession

He said “ whatever my eyes desire I did not keep from them” he had animals of all

kinds

He had possess of all kinds Ecc 2:4-8 still this did not bring him lasting happiness.

Happiness is found in only the source of life. Jesus not certificate ,position or

possession.

Solomon’s Conclusions

In all worldly pursuit , Solomon concludes that “ All is vanity” He used the word

Vanity about 30 times in the book of eccl. Beginning and conclude the book with

vanity

Fear God and Keep his commandment

ACHAN – pursuit of material possession

God said Israel has sinned and they have also transgressed my covenant which I

commanded them. For they have even taken off the accursed thing and have stolen

and dissembled also because of this Israel could not stand before their enemies ,

but turned their backs before their enemies because were accursed, neither, will I

be with you anymore, except you destroy the accursed from among you. Other

verse God said. Unless they are sanctified from their accursed things from among

you so they can’t stand before their enemies. Verse 20 and achan answered Joshua,

and said , indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus have I done;

when I saw among the spoils a goodly babylonish garment, and 200 skelels of silver

and a wedge of gold of 50 shekels weight then I coveted them, and took them.. vrs

What achan fight for was exchange for his souls and his dependence.

The fact is God is against coveteousness; the bible say labour not to be rich. You will

peered yourself with many sorrows if you whole hartedly covet after the affairs of

this life. It leads to exchange of ones souls for Death in the quest for worldly pursuit.

Riches – compromises, backslidering etc. spiritual dryness

For achan he forgot that what he was doing was uncovered by the omniscience

God. He taught he was very smart. Do you think you are smart when it come to

worldly wisdom. Every evil contract you are a champion in it. Even though it

dishonours God because you have compromise your faith; you normaly think you

can out run God. Be careful, you cannot hide it from God; you may cover it in the

darkness .

ABSALOM

THE PURSUIT OF POWER

Absalom sought for his father’s throne. He was the third son of David, the son of a foreign woman, a princess of Geshur,. He was perfect in body, handsome, charming, eloquent and dignified but traitorous, murderous, merciless, godless, and self conceited. He murdered his brother, betrayed his father and died in vanity. What does God want to teach us from his example?

Seeking a kingdom he was in no way qualified to rule. His story can be found in the following scriptures: 2 samuel 3;3, 13. 1-19, I kings 6, 2:7, 28:1 chronicles 3:2, 11:20-21, psalm 3

He harbored hatred against his brother for 2years and killed him 2samuel 13,22,23,29 before he murdered him.

After the murder he fled to Talmai for 3years : proverbs 28:1 He returned to Jerusalem with a plan of dethroning his father David by conspiracy and it was

written that the conspiracy was strong. David the giant,lion,and bear killer escape the sword of his son even though his mighty men

decided to fight. Arise and let us flee for we shall not escape Absalom. Lets make haste to depart, lest he owver take us suddenly and bring ecil upon us and smite the city with the edge of sword. Here David did not enjuire from the Lord. Week in prayers

The devil deceived him into false ambition and he met the untimely death. If you pursue power in order to dethrone a fellow be very careful. Is it a deacon, eldership , counsel, president of an association or any position at all. What is the motive behind the leadership search.?

Overcoming the world the Christian responsibility

Know your enemies strength

Enjoying your bridegroom

Dangers of becoming friend of the world

Becoming an enemy of the world : the greaters challenge for the believer

Benefits of overcoming