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Introduction

The word of God is a double-edged sword, for it cuts on both sides. It pronounces both curses and blessings. However, some teachers of the word of God are usually one-sided. They either focus on the curses or on the blessings. This thesis is intended to highlight those scriptures which have been misapplied or misinterpreted.

Curses and Blessings

Blessings may refer to the form of words used in invoking the bestowal of good (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). They may also be termed as a benediction or a wish of blissfulness pronounced; a prayer imploring happiness upon another. A solemn prophetic pronouncement in which happiness is desired, invoked or foretold (Webster). A curse, on the other hand, is a malediction or the expression of a wish of evil to another and a sentence of divine vengeance on sinners (Webster). Curses come upon people because of their disobedience. This is read from the below scriptures:

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” (Ex 20:5, Num 14:18, Deut 5:9).

The above scriptures which seem that all people are cursed because of the sins of their parents are often generalized. That should not be the case because it is clear from those scriptures that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon their disobedient children unto the third and fourth generations. This does not apply to those who have reverence for God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This paper does not mean that there are no curses but in the context of the above scriptures, it is only those generations who hate God who are cursed of Him. So then, if deliverance is preached based on these scriptures, then we get it wrong. No one can deliver one who has been cursed by God, but we could only plead for mercy for him or her.

A mistake which is usually made is that some preachers tend to forget that in the same passage where wicked children are cursed, obedient children are blessed. It is stated that “know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Ex 20:6, Deut 7:9-18); Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee” (Deut 7:12-13).

It needs to be understood that the curse was the penalty for disobedience, as the blessing was the reward for obedience. Righteousness is therefore, the fundamental principle to attract the blessings of the Lord God. Believers ought to fulfil their part of the covenant and God would take care of the rest. If one lives for God, He will surely fight all their battles for him/her (Ex 14:14).

The enemy cannot curse a believer who lives by the word of God unless he (the enemy) has a strong hold in their lives. Jesus told His disciples that the prince of this world comes but he has nothing in Him (Joh 14:30). The enemy could not make claim of anything in the life of Christ Jesus, so he could not own Him. The enemy has claims over some believers because they have compromised their faith and righteousness. This has given the enemy the opportunity to come and live in their lives. In this case, the oppressed would need deliverance to be freed as it is written, if the Son shall make a person free s/he shall be freed indeed (Joh 8:36).

The enemy cannot curse those God has blessed. This is supported by the statement of Balaam when it is said of him that “he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?” (Num 23:7-8). This means that if God has not taken His hands off a person because of their disobedience, s/he remains uncurseable. It is thus written: one who breaks the hedge shall be bitten by the snake or the devil (Eccl 10:8), otherwise, a curse without a cause will not alight (Pro 26:2).

People usually think that they are cursed because they are made to believe so. Yes, curses do exist but sometimes not all issues of life are as a result of a curse. Some are due to mere laziness and refusal to think or reason and our reluctance to act. Common sense, but not prayer, could be an antidote to some of the so-called curses. Our ignorance and lack of relevant information may put us into difficult situations. Sometimes our mindset could consistently defraud us of our blessings, therefore, we need to renew our minds (Rom 12:1-3, Eph 4:22-24).

Conclusions

Believers should not get it registered in their spirits that they are cursed if they are living right before God. People receive curses because of their disobedience. However, if one has a feeling of being cursed, s/he should consult the leadership of the church for counseling and advice.

Prayer: Father Lord, one thing we desire of you is to be merciful to us and grant us the grace to be obedient to your word, and deliver us from the snares of the fowler. In Jesus´ name. AMEN!

Introduction

It was highlighted in our previous Newsletter that life challenges form part of Christian faith, so therefore, believers were entreated to prepare their minds and condition themselves to embrace trials if they come their ways. It is important for all not to be excessively sorrowful and freeze in bed but to make use of the situation to better improve their lots. Some of the ways to benefit from the trying moments are the use of the available time.

The use of time

In times of troubles, for instance, divorce, loss of job or loved ones and the like, there is the possibility to remain inactive, frozen, self-pitiful and depressed while suicidal thoughts lurk through the minds, but all these do not make life conditions better but rather worsen them. What needs to be done is to seek opportunities to make life better for yourself and your family. Do remain calm and remember that all things happen to you to fulfil God´s perfect plan for your life.

Human life and its purpose are determined by the length of time available to man. This tells why life is time and vice versa. It could also be said that time wasted is life wasted. This informs us that time is a resource to be managed since our life on earth is determined by it. It is clearly written that “to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens (Eccl 3:1), “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psa 90:12). Paul also advices the church to redeem the time because the days are evil (Eph 5:16). Redeeming the times recalls effective time management. Time is God´s invention (Gen 1:1-31). It was created for man to guide them in their daily activities. God is not restricted by our time, but humans are to work within the given time. This means that humans are expected to do their activities within 24hr/day period. Effective time management/planning is, therefore, necessary.

Time depletes

Time appears to be a permanent utility but it wastes away with our lives each passing second. Our lives and our purposes diminish with time. This is evidenced in the scriptures below:
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted his hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created the heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there should no longer be time (Rev 10:5-6).

Again, the book of Revelation adds, “therefore rejoice, O heavens, and those tabernacling in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and in the sea! For the Devil came down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a little time (Rev 12:12).

The above scriptures should again inform us that we do not physically live in eternity so we should act once there is time in our disposal. Trials and challenges should not cripple you because time would not pity you, neither would it wait for you. After disaster or trials, you may seek pastoral or professional counseling to help you reorient yourself as soon as possible to get moving towards your purpose. As already mentioned above, time must be bought back or redeemed to replace every lost opportunity.

Filling the vacuum

You may consider further training or online studies to help you obtain a new career if you have lost your job instead of wasting away your life with sorrow and blame game. Walking idly and being on social media almost all the time are not good habits in overcoming issues of life. Challenge yourself to do something that takes you to the next level in life. You could equally do self-tuition and gain new experiences. Learning takes place always and through different channels. It is both life-long and life-wide phenomenon so seek to gain new competence and experiences to improve on your conditions.

You could also spend the time profitably to raise your family and spend precious time with them. It is not prudent to lock yourself up in a room and be weeping for a long time. Come out of your hideout and do what brings you joy and fulfilment as you remain focus on Christ and on your purpose. Jesus endured the pain and despised the shame by focusing on His purpose (Heb 12:1-3). Volunteering is another good option for you.

A more important exercise to do is to engage in prayer. Praying with trusted friends and the leaders
of your local church is worthwhile. James writes that “is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is
any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if they have committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jams 5:13-16). Prayer of the saints
shall surely bring you a big relief in difficult times.

Conclusion

In times of difficulties, do not shutter yourself into pieces but seek better ways to turn those challenges into opportunities to improve on your life. Time, on which life is depended on does not wait for anyone. Time would not favor you because you are down, so make use of every opportunity you may have to turn your life around. Remember that you are not alone so lean on the support that your trusted friends and family members could provide you. In such a time, do what you love doing but remain godly.

Prayer: May the Almighty Father be with you through the troubled waters and open your eyes to see other opportunities you could use to your advantage. In Jesus´s name. Amen and Amen!