SAY HELLO

 

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Over the past few months, more than 6,000 readers have visited my blog, with visitors coming from countries including Brazil, the United States, Vietnam, Argentina, Mexico, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, France and Bangladesh.

It has been fascinating to see my writing reach people in so many different parts of the world.

I would love to know more about the people reading my work. Where are you reading from? Which topics brought you here? And what questions or issues would you like to see explored in future articles?

Whether you have been reading for a while or have only recently discovered my blog, you are welcome to join the conversation. Tell me which of these blogs you like and why:

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2026/10/oh-brazil-god-has-not-forgotten-you.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2026/10/what-are-you-wearing-part-vi-wings.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2026/08/eulogy-part-2-cultural-and-ethical.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2022/02/tithing-our-time-part-iii.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-lesson-of-love.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2026/05/foundations-of-worship-part-2.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-language-of-mystery.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2022/02/mystery-babylon.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2022/02/time-is-in-face-of-war.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2021/12/witchcraft-serpent-spirt-part-ii.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-medes-people-judgement-or-favour.html

https://witnessperspective.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-great-tribulation-new-order.html

OH BRAZIL! GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU

 

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Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. — Ephesians 6:10 (BSB)

A word of encouragement to Brazil

As I reflect on the election results and the events surrounding the previous election, my heart is burdened for Brazil. Yet, in the midst of my concern, a Scripture comes to mind:

Ephesians 6:10 (BSB)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

Brazil, God has not forgotten you!

There are times when events in a nation leave its people asking questions, searching for answers and wondering what the future holds. When circumstances appear confusing or unjust, we must remember that our confidence is not ultimately in political leaders, institutions or electoral systems. Our confidence is in God, who reigns over the nations.

1. When the numbers raise questions

The circumstances surrounding the election have raised questions about the reported extension of voting hours and the subsequent vote count. According to the account I have been examining, an extension of two hours was requested by left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and granted through a judicial decision. His rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, had also reportedly requested an extension.

The account further states that Bolsonaro was initially leading when approximately 50 per cent of the votes had been counted, but that Lula subsequently moved ahead by more than three million votes as the count passed 80 per cent.

For those observing these developments, the timing and figures raise questions that deserve clear, transparent and independently verifiable answers. Electoral integrity is essential to public confidence in a democracy. Where questions arise, they must be addressed through evidence, due process and the lawful institutions responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.


In a brave statement sourced by Behold Israel, Brazil's President of the Superior Electoral Court, Justice Kassio Nunes Marques, informed the public that there was NO RULE that allowed the voting to continue the extra 2 hours. He stated, "The preliminary decision given after the voting closing time generated DIFFICULTIES in the electoral process...there [were] no regulations authorising any extension." "Never, in the history of the The Superior Electoral Court (TSE), has there been ANY extension." "It would not be possible, in a few hours, to form a judgment with certainty that no side effects - especially in the technological aspect - arising from a court decision would significantly impact the vote count!" He also pointedly reminded the Supreme Court that the Electoral Justice system is "the institution to which our Constitution attributed the exclusive competence to manage the electoral process" Lula's friend ignored the TSE after 5PM and ordered it. The order must be annulled and the votes reverted to 5PM. No additional votes after the closing should be allowed.

But beyond the political questions lies a spiritual lesson: when truth, justice and accountability are threatened, the people of God must not become indifferent. We must pray for truth to be brought to light, for justice to prevail and for those in authority to act with integrity.

2. “How?” — The language of lament

As I ponder these matters, I am reminded of the Book of Lamentations, a book that expresses profound grief over the suffering of a nation.

The Hebrew word Eikhah (אֵיכָה), meaning “How?”, is the opening word of Lamentations. It captures the anguish of someone looking upon devastation and asking how such circumstances could have come to pass.

Lamentations was written in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon in 586 BC. The city had been devastated, the Temple destroyed, and many of its people taken into exile. The writer's grief was not merely personal; it reflected the suffering of an entire people.

Like the writer who mourned for Judah, I mourn for Brazil. I am concerned about the country's political direction, the treatment of political opponents, the preservation of democratic rights, for God's will for Brazil to be achieved and for the future generations of the people. 

Oh, Brazil, my heart hurts for you!

The Bible does not teach us to ignore the suffering of a nation. It gives us language for grief, a framework for repentance and a reason to seek God even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Psalm 13:1–2 (BSB)

“How long, O LORD? Will You forget (Brazil) me forever? How long will You hide Your face from (us) me? How long must (we) I wrestle in (our) my soul, with sorrow in (our) my heart each day? How long will (our) my enemy dominate (us) me?”

A lament is a cry of profound suffering. Yet lament is not the same as hopelessness. It brings our anguish before God and gives our pain a place in prayer.

In 2 Samuel 1:17, David lamented over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Lament is a legitimate expression of worship in which pain is brought before God rather than concealing it or denying it.

When a nation suffers, we can mourn, pray and seek God's intervention without surrendering our hope. The enemy wins when we stop hoping. 

3. The battle requires us to hold one another up

As believers, we are called to pray for nations beyond our own borders. Our concern must extend to the wider Body of Christ and to people who have limited opportunities to hear the Word of God, gather freely or worship without fear. We should also pray for ourselves that we do not lose our own rights.

Those who have a kingdom mindset understand that intercession is not confined by geography. We are called to stand in the gap for one another.

We must lift one another's hands, just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses while the battle against the Amalekites raged.

Exodus 17:11–13 (BSB)

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady until sunset.

So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”

Moses did not stand alone. The victory involved both spiritual dependence upon God and the faithful action of those who supported the work. Today Brazil is facing the Amalekites.

Today, we must be careful not to reduce spiritual warfare to hostility against people with whom we disagree. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. We must oppose injustice, deception and unrighteousness while remembering that our battle is spiritual and that our conduct must remain subject to the Word of God. But resist we must.

Ephesians 6:12 (BSB)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We must pray for those who govern, for those who administer justice, for those who oversee elections and for citizens who seek truth. We must ask God to expose wrongdoing wherever it exists and to give people courage to act righteously.

4. Sin brings disorder, but God calls us back to righteousness

Throughout Scripture, we see that sin has consequences. When people abandon righteousness, injustice and disorder will follow. When leaders misuse authority, when truth is suppressed or when justice is compromised, the consequences extend beyond individuals to families, institutions and nations.

But the answer is not simply to condemn others. The people of God must examine their own hearts, repent of their own sins and intercede for their nations.

The Church must not become so absorbed in political arguments that it neglects its spiritual responsibility. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God to position ourselves in order to ask Him to bring correction, healing and restoration.

Lamentations 5:21–22 (BSB)

“Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old, unless You have utterly rejected us and remain angry with us beyond measure.”

This is a prayer for restoration. It acknowledges the people's need to return to God and their dependence upon His mercy.

Our prayer for Brazil must be more than a request for political change. We must pray for hearts to turn towards God, for righteousness to be upheld and for the people to be strengthened in truth.

5. Watchmen, arise and stand on the wall

There are elections taking place around the world, and the closing weeks of 2026 call for continued prayerful vigilance. We must not wait until a crisis occurs before seeking God.

I am making a call to the watchmen: arise and stand on the wall of your nation, as Nehemiah did when Jerusalem lay in ruins.

Watch and pray. Examine the gaps in the wall. Strengthen what has been neglected. Be prepared to stand firm in the spiritual battle.

The watchman is not called to panic or spread unverified reports. The watchman is called to remain alert, to discern the times, to pray faithfully and to warn responsibly when danger is evident. The watchman is every believer who has a responsibility to seek God's wisdom for the times in which we live.

Matthew 26:41 (BSB)

“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

We must pray and fast, repent and consecrate ourselves to God. We must ask Him to expose deception, restrain evil, strengthen the righteous and guide those entrusted with public responsibility.

And as we pray, we must also act responsibly: seek the truth, uphold justice, encourage peaceful civic participation and refuse to let fear or hatred govern our decisions.

6. The Lord rules over the nations

Our hope is not limited to the outcome of a single election. God is sovereign over all the earth, and His purposes extend beyond the political circumstances of any one generation.

Psalm 22:27–31 (BSB)

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him—even those unable to preserve their lives.

Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation.

They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn—all that He has done.”

What a powerful reminder that the Lord's dominion extends over every nation. Political power is temporary, but God's sovereignty is not. Therefore, we must not surrender to despair. We must continue to proclaim His righteousness, teach the next generation and pray that people throughout the earth will turn to Him.

7. Let the King of Glory enter

The call to watchfulness must be accompanied by a call to holiness. We must not only ask God to change our nations; we must allow Him to examine and transform us.

We are called to repent, consecrate ourselves and stand for righteousness in our homes, churches, communities and places of responsibility.

Psalm 24:7 (BSB)

“Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!”

Let us invite the King of Glory into our cities, towns and villages. Let His truth govern our hearts, His wisdom guide our decisions and His righteousness shape our conduct.

Proverbs 14:34 (BSB)

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

If we desire righteousness in public life, we must also pursue righteousness in private life. The Church cannot call a nation to repentance while refusing to examine its own conduct.

8. How should believers approach the ballot box?

Our civic responsibilities should be guided by biblical principles, prayer and a careful examination of the policies and conduct of those seeking public office.

We should not vote merely because of party loyalty, personality, political slogans or promises. We must examine the issues, consider the evidence and ask whether a candidate's positions are consistent with the principles of righteousness, justice and the protection of human dignity as defined by the Bible. 

Here are some of the questions Christians should consider.

The protection of the unborn and the voiceless

Does a candidate recognise the value of human life and the responsibility to protect those who cannot speak for themselves? Jesus died for each of those unborn children.

Scriptures: Psalm 139:13–16; Proverbs 31:8–9.

Family and parental responsibility

What do candidates' policies and public positions communicate about marriage, family life, parental responsibility and the upbringing of children?

Scriptures: Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 6:1–4.

National borders and responsibility for the nation

How does a candidate approach national sovereignty, border management, public safety and the responsibility of a government to its citizens? These questions must be considered alongside the dignity and rights of migrants and the need for fair, lawful treatment.

Scripture: Acts 17:26.

Human identity and gender

How do candidates approach human identity, the dignity of men and women, and policies concerning sex and gender? Christians should assess these questions in light of their understanding of God's creation and treat every person with dignity.

Scripture: Genesis 1:27.

Israel and the Jewish people

What is a candidate's position on Israel, the Jewish people and the security and dignity of those living in the region? Christians should consider these questions in light of Scripture while also seeking truth, justice and the protection of innocent lives.

Scriptures: Genesis 12:3; Romans 11:28–29.

These are not the only considerations in choosing leaders. Honesty, justice, accountability, the responsible use of public funds, the protection of the vulnerable and respect for the rule of law also matter.

Our responsibility is to be informed, prayerful and discerning. We should seek God's wisdom rather than allow political loyalty to replace biblical conviction. Christians must therefore pray for wisdom for their governments, discernment concerning the times and courage to defend the freedoms and principles upon which their societies have been built. We must not confuse compassion with the abandonment of responsibility, nor allow the language of rights to become a cover for the infringement of the rights of others.

9. Redeem the time

The days in which we live demand spiritual alertness. We cannot afford to be careless about our calling or indifferent to what is happening around us.

Ephesians 5:15–16 (BSB)

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Jesus also reminds His followers that they are to be a visible witness in the world.

Matthew 5:14–16 (BSB)

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We must not hide our faith when our nations face difficult times. We must demonstrate it through prayer, truthfulness, courage, service and righteousness.

Let us be like the believer described in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 (BSB)

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

The believer who trusts in the Lord is not immune to difficult circumstances. Rather, that believer is rooted in God and sustained by Him even when the surrounding environment is uncertain.

10. Brazil, do not lose heart

Brazil, this is my word of encouragement to you: do not lose heart. Do not allow fear, confusion or disappointment to take away your hope in God.

The writer of Lamentations cried out for restoration, and Scripture records God's faithfulness to His covenant people. If God can restore Israel He can restore Brazil. We can pray with confidence that God is able to bring repentance, healing and restoration to Brazil, without presuming to dictate how or when He must act.

My prayer is that Brazil will turn towards the Lord, that truth will prevail, that justice will be upheld and that the people will have the courage to stand for what is right.

What an adversary seeks to accomplish through deception or injustice need not have the final word. Our responsibility is to remain steadfast in faith, to pursue truth and to stand together in prayer.

Lamentations 5:21 (BSB)

“Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old.”

Let this be our prayer for Brazil.

Fight the good fight of faith, but do not fight alone. Stand united as the Body of Christ in Brazil and across the world. Hold one another up. Pray for your leaders, your institutions, your communities and your fellow believers.

It is time for the watchmen to arise.

Watch and pray. Repent and consecrate. Stand firm in the Word of God. Be a light in the darkness.

Brazil, God has not forgotten you.

May the Lord grant you wisdom, strengthen His people, expose what is false, uphold what is righteous and lead your nation in the way of truth.

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? PART VI - WINGS

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 Dear Reader, are we clinging to the garments of our former lives? Are we allowing grief, jealousy or the loss of recognition to determine our identity? Or are we learning to trust God, receive His grace and walk faithfully in the calling He has given us? God has made provision for us through Jesus Christ, the Master Designer. Under His Sovereignty, God always makes provision for the vision. 

But there is much more in how we understand our spiritual garments. Ever heard the saying "earn your wings"? It's a question associated with pilots and flight attendants. But there is a Biblical connotation for me as well. In this blog I flip the focus a bit not on our garments but that of our Master's.

Healing Garments

According to Torah law (Numbers 15:37–41), 

Israelite men wore tassels on the corners of their garments as a physical reminder to obey God's commandments

These tassels traditionally included a thread of tekhelet (a blue or violet dye), which symbolized heaven and divine authority

In Matthew 9:20-22, A woman suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years approached Jesus from behind in a crowd and touched the fringe of his garment, believing she would be healed. Her bleeding stopped immediately, and Jesus felt power leave Him.

In Levitucus 15:19-30 we understand that a woman menstruating is considered unclean. Can you imagine living with that flow for twelve years and being shunned from social events, not being hugged by those close to you? How about the toll on your physical body? If it were me I would be sick of the smell of blood. Consider not being able to dream of marriage and children.  

For twelve years wow. I think we can agree that this was a chronic situation and therefore it was a status. Here is.Luke 8:42-48;

"As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians,e but no one was able to heal her. She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter,f “the people are crowding and pressing against You.”

But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed. “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (BSB)

She actually touched His "tzitzit". She was strategic because she taught she could sneak a touch and get healed and sneak away. She must have been so afraid that the people or Jesus would be mad and at her. But she was desperate.

Are you desperate to touch Him? To get healed and delivered? Are you desperate to get close to Him. But how could she think that there would be healing in the hem or tassels or corner of His garment?

She would have heard that He healed people. But knowing the scripture and having faith, she would also know what the prophet Malachi wrote. “And for you⁺ who fear My name the sun of righteousness will arise, with healing in its wings." (Malachi 4:2)

Here "wings" (kanafot) metaphorically referred to the corners or fringes of a prayer shawl or tallit, where the tzitzit would be attached.The tzittzit was a constant reminder to the Jews of the God's commandments. It would be symbolic of God's presence and protection over those who kept His commandments. The Messiah (Jesus) is then like a tallit with the tzitzit who had healing in His wings for those who believed in Him.

So, Dear Reader, the Master Designer wore His spiritual garments. But even here we can see that prayer is a covering, we can see that there is a spiritual fashion line for us to wear and that it has significant and usable power. We see God's protection and presence with it. We see that Jesus is our covering through prayer.

Now in closing I have a question for you to consider. If your nation was represented by this woman, what state would she be in? Stay tuned for Part VII.

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? - PART V

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 The Bible uses clothing in a number of ways to communicate our identity and walk in Christ. When we read about the garments in the Bible, it is a sneek peek at our spiritual garments not a fashion line. It starts from the fig leaves that Adam and Eve put on to cover their nakedness left by sin. In some way I think that skin is like a new wine skin. 

Our spiritual garments represent the grace of God through atonement and Jesus crucifixion. With every good outfit we should have an attitude and appearance of transformation to match our fashion. Are you rocking that outfit?

Putting on Christ is not simply a declaration we make while continuing to live as though nothing has changed. It involves a new direction, a growing commitment to obedience and a willingness to allow God's Word to fill us. The garments of salvation and righteousness therefore remind us of both God's provision and the life to which He calls us.

God provides our clothing for us just as He did for Adam and Eve. His covering over us is one of mercy and love. I hope you see this. He did not have to cover them but He did.

Sackcloth and Torn Garments: When the Heart Is Heavy

Throughout Scripture, people tore their garments to express deep sorrow, distress or outrage. Sackcloth was also associated with mourning and repentance. These actions made inward anguish visible through outward expression.

For example, Jacob tore his garments and mourned when he believed Joseph had been killed (Genesis 37:34). In other biblical accounts, sackcloth appears in times of grief, humility and repentance.

These examples remind us that Scripture does not ignore the reality of human sorrow. Faith does not mean pretending that we are never hurt, disappointed or overwhelmed. We are human, and the Bible gives us examples of people who expressed their grief honestly.

We can bring our sorrow to God without surrendering our hope in Him. Your grief may describe the season you are experiencing, but it does not have to define your entire life. After David mourned for his son, he continued to trust God.

White Garments: Purity, faithfulness and Victory

The book of Revelation also uses the imagery of garments to communicate spiritual truths.

Revelation 19:8 describes the fine linen given to the bride of the Lamb, explaining that the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. Elsewhere, white garments are associated with purity, faithfulness and the promise of sharing in Christ's victory. In these garments we walk in victory over a life of battles won in righteousness.

These passages remind us that the Christian life is about being blood washed and made pure and whole.

So, What Are You Wearing?

Throughout this series, we have considered our spiritual garments. What does the devil see us wearing? Is he afraid when he sees us? Who are we identifying with when he sees us?

We have seen filthy garments removed and clean robes provided. We have explored the armour of God and the garment of praise. We have considered Joseph's distinctive coat, garments of mourning, robes of righteousness and the white garments associated with victory.

The biblical language of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, as found in Colossians 3:9–10, connects God's transforming work with our responsibility to walk in newness of life.

Are you living in a way that reflects the work God is doing in us.

Have you put on Christ today?

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? PART IV - GARMENTS OF FAVOUR, IDENTITY AND VICTORY

 There is a question we must answer as we continue our journey through the spiritual garments described in Scripture: Who provides our spiritual garments?

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The answer requires us to hold two biblical truths together.

First, God is the source of our salvation and spiritual restoration. In Zechariah's vision, Joshua the high priest does not remove his own filthy garments or make himself clean. God commands that the garments be removed and promises to clothe him anew. Isaiah likewise portrays God as the One who provides salvation, righteousness and comfort.

We cannot earn our salvation or make ourselves righteous before God through our own efforts. Our hope rests in His grace and the finished work of the cross.

Second, we are called to respond to God's grace through faith and obedience. Paul commands believers to put on the armour of God, put on Christ and put away the old self. These are not instructions to earn God's acceptance; they are calls to live actively in the new life He provides.

God provides the garments, but we must be willing to put them on.

God offers comfort, in The Holy Spirit our comforter. Just like Adam and Eve who wore Christ's covering before they sinned, after redemption we wear The Holy Spirit. We must learn to trust Him in our sorrow. He gives us a new identity, and we must choose to walk in accordance with it. Let us explore some other garments in Scripture and what they can teach us.

Joseph's Coat: A Garment of Favour and Identity

Let us turn to Joseph, whose story introduces another dimension to the significance of garments. Genesis 37:3 tells us that Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was the son of his old age. He made him a distinctive robe, traditionally described as a coat of many colours.

That garment became a visible sign of his father's special affection for him. It also became a source of resentment among his brothers, who hated Joseph and could not speak peaceably to him (Genesis 37:4).

Joseph's coat reminds us that garments can carry meaning beyond their practical use. They can communicate identity, status, favour, covernant and belonging. The many colours are like the rainbow; a sign to us of His covenant of protection.

However, the story also reveals the danger of jealousy. Joseph's brothers resented the favour he received, and the coat became entangled in the conflict that followed. They stripped him of it and used the garment to deceive their father into believing that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:23–33).

What began as a sign of favour became an instrument of deception in the hands of those who hated him. Yet Joseph's story did not end with the loss of his coat.

He experienced betrayal, slavery and imprisonment, but he continued to serve faithfully. While in prison, he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's officials. Although the cupbearer initially forgot him, Joseph was eventually remembered when Pharaoh needed someone to interpret his dreams (Genesis 40–41).

Joseph's journey reminds us that a delay is not necessarily a denial. His circumstances changed dramatically, but enabled him as long as he was willing.

We should be careful not to claim that every hardship occurs for the same reason or that we know precisely why God permits a particular delay. Nevertheless, Joseph's experience demonstrates that adverse circumstances do not have to prevent us from serving faithfully or using the gifts we have been given.

His elevation in Egypt did not come because he possessed a special coat. His story instead reveals how in making a stance for God, God did not forget Him. The cupbearer forgot him but God did not. God sent a dream that only Joseph could interpret.

The coat was significant, but God's providence was greater than the coat. Joseph's identity was not lost with the coat. He continued to serve and in service, a way was made for Him to fulfil purpose. 

Dear reader, what happens when the favour you once enjoyed seems to disappear? What happens when you lose a position, an opportunity, recognition or the approval of people you thought would always support you?

Will you allow the loss of an outward sign of favour to determine your worth? Sometimes God gives us favour or performs a miracle in our lives and we get caught up fixating on it. God has so much more for us. 

Our identity and future should not rest solely on outward signs of recognition, status or approval. People may take away what they once gave us, and circumstances may strip us of positions we once held. We must learn to trust God through every season.

Joseph's story also warns us against allowing jealousy to govern our treatment of others. We should not despise someone because they receive favour, nor assume that another person's blessings diminish what God can do in our own lives. As Apostle Tomi Arayomi says, "if your neighbour is getting a blessing, God is in your neighbourhood. Your miracle is not tomorrow it is today."

Dear Reader, what are you wearing? Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? PART III - TAKE OFF THOSE FILTHY CLOTHES!

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Dear reader,

 We have travelled from filthy garments to clean robes, from the weight of despair to the garment of praise, and from the vulnerability of spiritual conflict to the armour God provides.

One truth continues to emerge: we cannot cleanse ourselves of sin by our own strength, earn righteousness through good works, or overcome spiritual opposition by relying solely on our abilities. We must depend on God and the provision He has made for us.

But what happens when God is ready to restore us, yet people keep reminding us of who we used to be?

The Garment of Restoration


Have you ever had someone constantly remind you of your past? No matter how much you have changed, there always seems to be someone willing to bring up your former mistakes, reopen old wounds and remind you of the person you used to be. If we allow it, we allow others to imprison us.

 
But what does God say about restoration? In Zechariah 3:1–5, the prophet receives a remarkable vision. Joshua the high priest stands before the angel of the LORD, while Satan stands at his right hand to accuse him. Joshua is wearing filthy garments.

The imagery is striking. Joshua is the high priest, a man who represents the priesthood before God, yet he stands in filthy clothing. His garments illustrate an unclean condition, while Satan's presence highlights the accusation against him. Then something extraordinary happens. God rebukes Satan, and the command is given:“Take away the filthy garments from him.” (Zechariah 3:4, KJV)

The Lord then declares:“Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (Zechariah 3:4, KJV)

Notice what happens here. God initiates the change. The filthy garments are removed, his iniquity is taken away, and clean garments are provided.

What a powerful picture of God's grace!

This vision takes place in the context of the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. Joshua's role as high priest gives the vision significance beyond his personal condition. His cleansing is connected to the restoration of the priesthood and God's purposes for His people.

The message is clear: restoration comes through God's intervention, not through our ability to make ourselves righteous.

Dear reader, we cannot erase our past through our own efforts, but neither must we remain defined by it. We must repent, receive God's forgiveness and walk in the new life He provides. People may continue to accuse you, but their accusations do not have the final word when God has forgiven and restored you. Romans 8:1 reminds us: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (BSB)

The Clean Turban: A Consecrated Mind

The vision continues in Zechariah 3:5:“And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” (KJV)

The turban, or priestly headpiece, was part of the sacred clothing worn by Israel's priests. Exodus 28 describes the priestly garments, including the gold plate on the high priest's turban inscribed with the words: “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” (Exodus 28:36, KJV)

These garments signified the sacred responsibilities of the priesthood and its consecration to God. The turban is then representing a consecrated mind, that is a renewed mind in Christ.

Restoration should affect more than how we see ourselves; it should influence how we think, what we believe and how we live before God. God does not restore us and calls us to holiness and obedience.

If you believe God as a forgiving God who sent His Son to die for our sins, then we have to believe in the power of the blood of Christ to wash us from sin. 

A Revelation About the Priesthood

But, dear reader, I want to share a particular revelation I have of this passage. Joshua represents the body of Christ today. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (KJV).

We are doing church so well. What do we look like as a body of priests? Are we living in a manner that reflects the priestly calling we have received? Are we wearing our priestly garments?

I believe there is more to explore here about the priesthood of believers, what it means to be consecrated to God, and how we maintain our commitment to Him. That is a subject I intend to explore in another blog.

For now, let us remember that God does not merely expose what is filthy; He provides the means for restoration. Our responsibility is to receive His grace and walk faithfully in the calling He has given us.

But First, Let Me Ask You, Dear Reader …

What are you wearing?

Are you still wearing the garments of shame, guilt and your former life? Or have you received God's restoration and begun to live according to the new identity He offers through Christ? God's invitation is not to pretend that our past never happened. It is to allow Him to deal with it, receive His forgiveness, and move forward in obedience.

The filthy garments do not have to be the end of your story.

Let God clothe you anew.

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? PART II

 

Image by ChatGPT

In Part I of this blog, I introduced a fashion line unlike any other: spiritual garments for the believer. Would you like to try it? We explored how our spiritual clothing reflects our relationship with God. In hindsight, the story unfolds like a love story, perhaps even a rags-to-riches narrative. Only this time, the riches are found in Christ! Hello! Can you believe there is even a climax to this story?

The Apostle Paul reminds us that righteousness is not something we can achieve through our own efforts. In Romans 13:14, he writes:“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (KJV)

Christ is at the centre of our transformation. Through Him, we receive the righteousness we could never establish by our own merit. Yet the story of our spiritual garments does not end there. Scripture reveals garments that speak of praise, identity and victory and more (see Part III) Let's explore them!

Garments of War: Put On the Whole Armour of God!

Ephesians 6:11 commands:“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (KJV)

We are living in difficult times, and I encourage every believer to take this instruction seriously. Paul does not tell us to face spiritual opposition in our own strength. He directs us to the armour that God provides.

Ephesians 6:14–18 describes the different pieces:

• The belt of truth: We must stand firmly in God's truth rather than be deceived by lies. This applies to every aspect of our lives; how we treat money and business, our political stance and relationship with others included.
• The breastplate of righteousness: We are called to live in righteousness, relying on Christ and seeking to conduct ourselves in a way that honours God.
• The shoes of the gospel of peace: We must be prepared to stand firm in the gospel and carry its message of peace. These shoes are important for our feet to fall in pleasant places.
• The shield of faith: We trust God and His promises, even when doubt, fear and temptation come against us. Just expect to see it all work out as He promises for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
• The helmet of salvation: We stand in the assurance of God's saving work and remain mindful of the salvation we have received in Christ. Having a renewed mind in Christ.
• The sword of the Spirit: God's Word is our weapon, equipping us to recognise and resist deception through His word.
• Prayer and watchfulness: Paul concludes by instructing believers to pray at all times, remain alert and persevere in prayer for all the saints. Remember Job, as soon as the hedge is lifted Satan attacked him.

This is the armour of spiritual warfare.

Notice that Paul tells us to put on the armour. God supplies it, but we must respond to His instructions. We cannot expect to stand firm while neglecting His truth, disregarding His Word or abandoning prayer.

The armour is not a magical formula or a physical garment. It describes the spiritual resources and disciplines through which believers stand firm in the strength of the Lord.

Dear reader, do not enter the battlefield spiritually unprepared. Put on the whole armour of God. Stand in His truth, live in righteousness, hold fast to your faith, know His Word and remain steadfast in prayer..

The Garment of Praise: Exchange Despair for Praise!

What happens when grief weighs heavily upon us? What do we wear when our hearts are broken, our strength is depleted and our circumstances seem overwhelming?

Isaiah 61:3 contains a beautiful promise from God:“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (KJV)

What a wonderful exchange! Beauty for ashes. Joy for mourning. Praise for a spirit of heaviness.

In biblical times, ashes and sackcloth were associated with mourning, grief and repentance. These outward expressions communicated the sorrow a person was experiencing. Against this background, the garment of praise presents a powerful picture of God bringing comfort, hope and renewed joy to those who mourn.

God does not ignore human suffering. He promises comfort and restoration to His people.

Isaiah 61 is widely understood by Christians as a messianic passage. At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1–2 in the synagogue at Nazareth and declared that the Scripture was fulfilled in their hearing (Luke 4:16–21). Jesus identified Himself with the mission of bringing good news, liberty and restoration. Although His quotation does not include Isaiah 61:3, the verse belongs to the wider passage describing the restoration associated with that mission.

The garment of praise reminds us that our response to God need not be dictated entirely by our circumstances. Praise is not reserved for the days when everything is going well. We can praise God while we wait, while we grieve and while we trust Him through difficult seasons.

This does not mean that genuine grief must be suppressed or that a person who experiences depression simply needs to praise more. Rather, praise can become an expression of faith amid suffering, directing our attention to God's character and promises even when our circumstances have not yet changed.

And what about the enemy? When we refuse to let despair have the final word and continue to trust God, we demonstrate that our hope rests in Him rather than in our circumstances. Our praise becomes an expression of our allegiance to God.

Robes of righteousness and garments of salvation

Isaiah 61:10 declares: "He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." (KJV) Here, clothing communicates the joy of God's salvation and righteousness. He provides everything. The imagery reinforces a central truth running through this blog: our hope is not founded on our ability to make ourselves acceptable to God, but on His grace. 

Dear reader, put on the garment of praise. Not because you must pretend that everything is fine, but because God remains worthy of praise even when life is difficult.

The Climax: Clothed in Christ!

Are you still carrying the shame of a past from which God has called you to turn? Are you neglecting the armour He has provided? Are you allowing despair to overshadow your hope? Or are you learning to live in the identity, grace and righteousness found in Christ?

Remember Paul's instruction in Romans 13:14: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

The real transformation is not about dressing up the old self. It is about putting off the old life, receiving God's grace and learning to walk in the new life we have in Christ.
Now that is a fashion line worth wearing! So, dear reader, what are you wearing?