Success does not translate into righteousness
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 9:4-6
 
Countless people who are influential and wealthy are not righteous because they made their riches through dishonest ways. Most successful people around the world are not upright; because they made their riches through deceit and treachery. The majority of the powerful people are evil doers who lie and cheat to make themselves wealthy. Many of the leaders in the world today became great through fraud and exploitation. The houses of numerous influential people are full of loot realized from embezzlement and their bank accounts are fat due to bribery and corruption.
 
The homes of most of the successful people in positions of authority are stuffed with ill-gotten wealth/gain and many of them have no conscience; to the extent that right or wrong mean nothing to them. The Book of Jeremiah corroborated this fact by saying, "As a cage is full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore, they have become great and grown rich." Jeremiah 5:27. Hence, do not forget that it is not uprightness but evil plots that are making most people great and rich in the world today.
 
Many successful people in the world think that it is their righteousness or smartness that brought them prosperity; but they are wrong because the majority of them are stubborn. Moses warned the people of Israel about this notion when they got to the land of Canaan by saying; "Do not think in your heart, after the Lord your God has cast them out before you, saying 'Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land'; but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God drives them out from before you, and that He may fulfill the word which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people" Deuteronomy 9:4-6. 
 
For this reason, the distinguished people must quit this mindset that everything that they achieved is due to their righteousness or smartness; rather it is due to the wickedness of their predecessors and the covenants that God had with their forefathers. So, let it sink into their hearts that their exalted/prime positions and their financial stability together with their celebrity status are not due to their righteousness or smartness but the grace of God. Therefore, it is inevitable for them to make efforts, so that their righteousness will exceed that of the hypocrites, in order to be admitted into the kingdom of God.
 
Inasmuch as humans are sin-infected, and sin-contaminated; with all their best deeds together with all the right things they have done like a filthy rag in the presence of God; then it signifies success and prosperity is not due to uprightness. The Bible stated that "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" Isaiah 64:6. 
 
Since our righteousness is like a polluted garment before the Lord, then mankind must strive and make sure that our good deeds surpass that of the hypocrites, else they will end up in hell. Our leaders and the people in positions of authority must be cautious and seek the righteousness of God wholeheartedly because "…..to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" Luke 12:48. 
 
Furthermore, they must pay attention to the warning of Jesus Christ our Lord which says "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25. They need to change for the better, so that they will not end their journey in hell. They must be considerate, and just in all their dealings; because God will deal with humans according to their righteousness and He will reward them based on their uprightness. 
 
Inasmuch as success does not translate into righteousness; you must neither be jealous nor envy the braggers who prosper, or the wicked who are doing well. Don't be worried about those who prosper or succeed in their evil plans; instead, wait for the Lord to act. Even, when others get rich, and when someone else’s evil deeds plans succeed; don’t be ·upset, but be prayerful and trust the Lord to transform your life. 
 
Don't make the unrighteous people your role model, and don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things; instead, be patient for God to assist you to climb the spiritual ladder of success; according to the scripture which says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Psalm 37:7. 
 
Whatever your situation; if you keep yourself holy, God will bestir Himself for you and make you prosperous again. It must be noted that if you are upright; then, God will rouse himself for you and fulfill all your pressing needs. The only way for your Maker to be active on your behalf is to start living right; it is then that He will rescue you from your problems and restore your lost honor. 
 
Righteousness is a necessity for God to stand up for you, and assist you to succeed in all your endeavors; according to the Bible passage that says, "If you were pure and upright, surely now He would awake for you, and prosper your rightful dwelling place." Job 8:6. You must abstain from sin, before God can set everything right for you, and grant you enduring fortunes without tears. 

 
Be decent more than the impostors
Bible Reading: Matthew 5: 13-20
 
Today, indecency is flourishing throughout the nooks and corners of the world, and it is spreading at an alarming rate. Even the Believers are not exempted from this nefarious act. Many people in the world indulge in one form of hypocrisy or the other which displeases God. Decency is rare among mankind and people are straying from the righteous path. Most of the people who are confessing and professing to be righteous are nothing but hypocrites, and they are taking advantage of the gullible, who are easily persuaded to believe that they are virtuous.
 
Nowadays, impostors are everywhere in the world, including the churches, and they are among every rank in our society. So, it is difficult to distinguish between the real people of God, and the impostors who are pretending to be righteous and holier than holy; in order to deceive others for fraudulent gain. What the Christians need to realize is that unless their uprightness exceeds that of the pretenders, they will not be admitted into the kingdom of heaven. 
 
Though uprightness is acting in accord with divine law of God and moral law; which will result in freedom from guilt or sin; however, people prefer baseness to righteousness. Inasmuch as uprightness is acting according to the terms of the covenant which the Lord has established; together with doing what is right, by obeying His law and adhering to morals. So, you must be morally correct and justified before God can be delighted in you.
 
When people faithfully obey everything that God has commanded them; He will be pleased with them and it will be counted as righteousness. The Bible testified to this fact by saying "Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us" Deuteronomy 6:25. Are you doing the right things, so that your righteousness will exceed that of the hypocrites? Do you think that you will be considered righteous, in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven? Are you conforming to God's will in word, thought, and action? If not change today. If you want to be successful and preserved on earth; you must faithfully obey everything that God commanded you. The right thing for you to do, for things to go well with you, is to fear God and make your uprightness to surpass that of the hypocrites.
 
Abraham was loyal to God, and his uprightness transcends that of the pretenders; so, God considered him righteous during his lifetime. You too must believe in the Lord and remain steadfast to Him throughout your existence; so that it will be counted as righteousness for you: according to the Bible passage which says "And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness" Genesis 15:6. Emulate Abraham, our forefather by putting your faith in God alone, and abstain from every form of hypocrisy. If you want to please God and be acceptable in His presence, you must trust in Him and rely solely on Him without any pretension. Furthermore, let the heavens vouch for you, that you will inculcate the right conducts/habits in your descendants and teach them to be transparent. 

Strive not to become a prisoner of the mighty
Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-7.
 
The Bible warned that in the last days dangerous times of great stress and trouble will prevail on earth. Today, difficulties that are hard to bear are everywhere throughout the globe. Inasmuch as we are in the last days, you need to realize that it is a dangerous and terrible time; with the majority of the populace of the world including the Christians going through hard times. The Bible corroborated this fact by saying, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." 2 Timothy 3:1. 
 
Do not be naive; there are difficult and terrifying times ahead; and people throughout the world will witness great stress; however, you must not succumb to the wiles of Satan to become a prisoner of the mighty. Your difficulties, or liberty is not an excuse for you to fall into the trap of Lucifer. Therefore, strive not to be among the prisoners of the mighty. 
 
The mindset of people across the world is changing; lesser people are relying on God instead of their skills, intelligence and prowess. Mankind now believes solely in their capabilities and power, instead of trusting God and putting their hope in Him: this behavior makes it easy for Satan and the hosts of hell to put them in spiritual captivity and hopeless situations. Nowadays people focus on realizing their ambitions, while turning a blind eye to everything else; including the statutes of the Lord. Numerous people are walking the path of unrighteousness, regardless of the consequences; in order to realize their ambitions. Time has come for you to do what is right if you don't want to be penalized.

People want success at all costs
Bible Reading: Job 21:14-15.
 
The desire and determination to achieve success at all costs is making people disregard the instructions of the Lord. Today, many people in the world do not desire the knowledge of the ways of the Lord, or take pleasure in obeying His instructions. Many people don't want to know the will of the Lord for their lives; because what is paramount in their hearts is their aspirations. The concern of the majority of the people in the world is to make their dreams become a reality, immaterial of the repercussions.
 
People are losing interest in the ways of the Lord at an alarming rate, and they don't want to be bothered with His teachings; because of the vanities of this world. The Book of Job described this nefarious behavior by saying, "Yet they say to God, ‘Depart From us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.'" Job 21:14. Are you one of the people who are saying that you want no part of the Lord and His ways? change before it is too late.
 
The willingness to strive to attain distinction without consideration for righteousness is widespread throughout the world. It is a common occurrence for people to compromise their faith because of their aspirations. The rate at which people are being taken captive by Lucifer is alarming, due to their desire for wealth, fame and power. It is an open secret that even the Christians are trading their hope of inheriting the Kingdom of God for hope of achieving earthly things. 
 
At this end time, Satan is waging war against Believers by using their earthly aspirations to cause their downfall before the Lord, and putting them in bondage. Obsession and addiction are rampant among the Beloved, and they are the weapons of choice that Satan is using to lure people away from the righteous path. It is time to raise awareness among the Christendom so that Believers will not preoccupy or fill their minds continually with vanities of this world. They must show interest in the work of God, instead of the materialistic thoughts that continually preoccupies and intrudes on their minds.
 
Believers must not exhibit any dependency on any contrary thing or activity, but rely solely on God. They must discard any craving that is against the commandments of God. They must not be addicted to anything, or allow anything in this world to enslave them: according to the scripture which says "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" 1 Corinthians 6:12. Do not be addicted to anything, may it be your phone, or your computer, or your work, or food, or medications. You must flee from everything that is neither spiritually helpful nor beneficial. Never allow anything to gain control or have power over you. So, refrain from anything that can permit Satan to put you in perpetual prison/bondage. 

Your hope will not be dashed
Bible Reading: Proverbs 23:15-18
 
You must change and turn to God if you don't want your hope to be dashed. Many people in the world are trying to find rest and satisfaction in alliances apart from the true God. Countless people never get tired of seeking assistance from herbalists, palm readers and stargazers. Several people are not ready to sever their association with the idols and contrary spirits. Numerous Christians are pursuing the vanities of this world instead of seeking God. 
 
These people need to realize that without Jesus Christ there is nothing tangible they can achieve. The book of John corroborated this fact by saying "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" John 15:5. Do not forget that whatever you achieved without Jesus Christ during your lifetime is temporal, and it will not last.
 
Unless you remain with Christ, you can neither be delivered from your spiritual bondage nor your hopeless situation. It is time for people to consider their journeys and admit that looking for other gods is hopeless, because the obscene idols cannot give them strength: according to the scripture that says "You are wearied in the length of your way; yet you did not say, 'There is no hope'. You have found the life of your hand; therefore, you were not grieved" Isaiah 57:10. 
 
For this reason, abstain from idolatry and immorality seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Lord, so that your hope will be kept alive. If you want your future to be bright and your hope not to fade, then seek the wisdom of the Lord: according to the Book of Proverbs which says "So shall the knowledge of wisdom be soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect. And your hope will not be cut off" Proverbs 24:14. You must apply the wisdom of God to your journey, for your expectations to become a reality. The only way to keep your hope alive and have a secured future is to seek knowledge of heavenly wisdom.

Wisdom of God will keep your hope alive
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

​Wisdom of God alone can keep your hope alive; so, it is inevitable for you to find and obtain the heavenly wisdom that can sustain you in this world, and make you inherit the kingdom of heaven. It should be noted that without the wisdom of God, you cannot realize your good expectations, or please your Creator. Hence, seek the wisdom of God if you don't want your hope to be cut short; because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
 
Time has come for people to realize that the wisdom of this world is absurd and stupidity before God. As it is written, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their own craftiness'" 1 Corinthians 3:19. Do not forget that whatever the earthlings consider to be wisdom is nonsense in the sight of God. Smartness will disappoint you; because it is foolishness in the presence of God; therefore, always utilize the wisdom of God for you to be successful on earth and admitted into the kingdom of heaven. 
 
The conditionality for your hope to be alive is to fear the Lord and do not emulate those who live godless lives. Do not make the unbelievers your role model, or imitate the celebrities who are on the destructive path. You must not follow the steps of the famous and distinguished people who refused to acknowledge the Lord, or obey His commandments. For you to have a bright future, so that your hope will not be cut off; it is inevitable for you to return to God. 
 
If you are obedient to the Lord, then you will have hope for the future and your expectation will not be ruined. As it is written "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter and your hope will not be cut off" Proverbs 23:17-18. Whatever your situation, you need to seek God; so that your hope will not fail, and you will be disappointed. By returning to God alone will make your hope to be restored, even if your condition seems humanly hopeless.

The captives of the mighty
Bible Reading: Isaiah 49:24-26
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Uncountable people in the world including the priests/pastors had been enslaved spiritually, though many of them do not realize that they are in spiritual captivity because of their celebrity status and financial independence. The mere fact that you are comfortable does not mean that you are not a prisoner of hope, most importantly the hope of inheriting the eternal kingdom of God. Though it may seem like an impossible task to humans to rescue victims from the throne of the darkness and the contrary spirits, but with God nothing is impossible. If you return to God you will have the assurance that you will be delivered: according to the words of the Lord which says "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of the righteous be delivered? But thus says the Lord: 'Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children'" Isaiah 49:24-25.
 
The only condition that will make God to rescue you from the unseen spirits is to return to Him. God will fight for you and save your household from your physical and spiritual enemies, if you fear Him and humble yourself before Him. If you want God to restore your captivity and hope you must be obedient. It is then that the promise of God which will make you to prosper and restore your fortunes will come to pass in your life: according to the Bible passage which says "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name'" Ezekiel 39:25. The choice is yours; it is either you return to God and have liberty, or continue in perpetual captivity. If you want God to restore your physical and spiritual captivity, reconcile and return to Him today.
 
Do not return to bondage, instead return to God; in as much as Jesus Christ our Lord due to His generosity had captured the terrestrial powers and principalities of our enemies who are taking us captives. As it is written "Therefore He says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.'" Ephesians 4:8. Do not allow the ascension of Christ to be in vain but meaningful in your life. What gift of the Holy Spirit did you receive from Jesus Christ? How are you using your gifts? Are you using your gifts to work for God or you bury them? Do you know that if you return to God, your gifts are potent enough to liberate you from your spiritual bondage and clutches of Satan?
 
The Christendom must realize that there will be a harvest of divine judgment when the Lord restores the captivity and fortunes of the believers: then He will judge the enemies who enslaved them, and the Christians who conspired, or participated in selling their brothers and sisters in the Lord to the throne of the darkness. God will severely judge those who obstructed or delayed His work in their lives by putting them in a hopeless situation: according to the scripture which says "Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed to you, when I return the captives of My people" Hosea 6:11. You must never encourage, participate or conspire to put anyone in spiritual bondage. Do not be a wicked tool of Satan, but be a good weapon in the hand of the Lord.

Stop blaming God for your situation
Bible Reading: Hosea 4:4-6.
 
​Many people find themselves in a hopeless situation because they do not acknowledge God in their ways and they have rejected His teachings. Several people including the Christians like to utilize their own wisdom, and do things their own way, instead of following the instructions of the Lord and rely on the wisdom of God. They have forgotten that anyone who ignores the law of God lacks knowledge, and such a person will certainly perish. Anyone who forgets the statutes of the Lord is on the path of destruction, and the heavens will reject such a person. 
 
You must not refuse to obey the Lord your God, if you want your situation to change positively; because obedience is the key that will transform your life. If you don't want to be doomed, but survive in this perilous world; do not refuse to acknowledge God in all your ways. The book of Hosea testified to this fact by saying "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" Hosea 4:6. Do not accuse God of wrongdoing: instead check yourself and make sure that you do not turn your back on the knowledge of God; if you want the heavens to recognize you and resolve your situation.
 
Do not blame God for your hopeless situation, because it is your lack of knowledge and disobedience that put you in that precarious state. No finger pointing; because your condition is due to your desire for material things of this world. The craving of numerous people for worldliness has put them in spiritual bondage. Countless people are experiencing instability and disappointment due to their selfish desires.
 
Greediness and evil desires have given the devil the opportunity to imprison them spiritually: according to the Book of James which says "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?" James 4:1. Therefore, be sure that your desires are not against God, or make you ruin your relationship with your Creator. Think deeply and identify the things that Satan is using to wage war against you, and abstain from them, so that God will restore your hope and change your situation. 
 

Prisoners of hope, return to God 
 Bible Reading: Zechariah 9:12-17
 
 Prisoner is a person deprived of liberty, and kept under involuntary restraint, or confinement, or custody; while hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation: hope is to want something to happen or to be true. This means the prisoners of hope must return to God for their desires to be realized or become a reality. In the world today numerous people are deprived of freedom and held against their will in spiritual prisons, in a manner that makes their situation seem hopeless. Many Christians are in spiritual bondage thereby making them disappointed. Nowadays, the situation is so dire to the extent that it is eroding the faith of countless Christians. 
 
Satan and the forces of darkness are making the lives of many Beloved unbearable to the extent that they do not foresee productive results concerning the circumstances in their lives. Many people, who have an optimistic state of mind based on expectations, did not have positive outcomes: instead, they are disappointed because of the difficult situation that is prevalent in the world. What is rampant in the world today is disappointment instead of hope. 
 
 The only way to counter these spiritual forces and the hosts of hell is to return to God. Therefore, return to God, your stronghold who will set you free from any form of spiritual captivity and restore your hope. Inasmuch as God has power over all His creations and none of His creation has power over Him, then He is abundantly able to give you liberty from the spiritual bondage that is destabilizing your journey. Do not succumb but resist Satan and his agents, because the determination of Lucifer is to make you deny God and betray His eternal covenant.
 
Hence, it is time for you to return to Almighty God your Creator; so that He can rectify your destiny and restore your hope without any further delay. The bible confirmed this fact by saying, "Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you." Zechariah 9:12. It is time to return to God, your fortress and place of safety; so that He can give you back double what you lost. If you want double your former prosperity to be restored to you; return to your Maker, who is your stronghold of security and prosperity. God alone can offer you hope and reward you with twice what you had. Your Creator will be prompted to repay you two mercies for each of your woes; if you return to Him in humility. Do not hesitate to return to God; so that He can repay you twice over with blessing for all you have suffered during your lifetime.