Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable . God freely distributes His gifts, and does not withdraw them. Romans 11:29 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
We have received the gifts of God to serve others with them, helping to establish the Kingdom of God. The gifts are not for sale. In the old testament, Aaron and his sons were given the gift to serve as Priests to God's children - Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary is to be put to death." It was a free sacred gift. God did not want it defiled in anyway so instructed that any other person who tries to imitate them be put to death. God regards disrespect to His gifts as sacrilege.
Under the New Covenant, which is based on faith through Jesus Christ, we who believe in Jesus are all priests. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Jesus has also set some apart for various offices - Ephesians 4:7-13.
We have freely received these gifts for service to God - to heal the sick, cleanse the impure, drive out demons and raise the death. We have freely received the ability to prophesy, to unravel the truth in God's Word, and to deliver the oppressed. Just as Jesus called out to mankind to come and drink from Him, so has He commissioned His Church to freely quench the thirst of the weary with the gifts He has deposited in her - Isaiah 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Beloved we must be careful not to sell what we have freely received from God for monetary gains. Do not prophesy for money or use any gift of God primarily for money. Do not let money be your driving force or your motivation to exercise the gift of God in you. This is an abomination before God. Just as Aaron and his sons, as you serve God at the altar, certain sacrifices and offerings will come as your designated portion , that is different. But don't make it a point to extort things from those you serve.
On the other hand, anyone receiving from a servant of God ought to know the gift is free. As a Christian it is equally wrong on your part to patronise the giftings of God on sale. Acts 8:9-24 tells us about Simon the sorcerer, who converted to Christianity and tried to offer Peter money so he could receive the authority to operate the gift of God. Peter rebuked him saying - “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
Whenever we offer money or ask for money in regards to what God has freely given, our hearts are not right before God, and are in the bondage of iniquity. Let us eschew this evil, and freely share in what God has freely given to us.
WHAT IS NEXT?
29.4.13
God the finisher!
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God chose Jesus to redeem mankind even before the foundations of the Earth. 1 Peter 1:20 says that God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Another translation reads - He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
God is omniscient, He is all knowing. He knew you and I before we were formed in our mother's womb - Psalm 139:15-16 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God knew those who will accept Him before this world was created. He knows all things and thereby knows the beginning and end of every man. He is aware of the start and finish of this world. He knew about the pending sin of Adam and Even even before He created them and made provision for their redemption. Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
1 Peter 1: 2 confirms this as well - who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Another translation reads -
God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.
God made provision for our redemption even before we became living beings. He is a God that thinks ahead of time, and is never taken by surprise by anything. He has your life all mapped out. Revelation 13: 8 teaches us that All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Another translation reads : Everyone living on earth will worship it, everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life. That book belongs to the lamb who was slaughtered before the creation of the world.
Satan is not Omniscient, so was not aware of God's plans for you and I who believe and trust in Jesus. In fact, Satan's greatest mistake was to supervise the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is his grand blunder. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
The exact point I am trying to make is that God loves you and will provide for you. Never be afraid of what the devil brings to your door, or can bring to your door. For Jesus has redeemed you from anything the devil can ever do to you. Jesus became your way of escape from the wiles of Satan even before you were created. God has put in place everything you'll ever need for a victorious life on earth , and even thereafter.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Never be afraid, God is in control of your life here on Earth, and the hereafter. Death has no power over you. Even in death, you are more than a conqueror through Christ. Never doubt God's provision. He cares for you, and knows even the hairs on your head. Simply trust Him through life's journey. Praise Him even when you do not understand. He has it all under control, and your end can only be good.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God chose Jesus to redeem mankind even before the foundations of the Earth. 1 Peter 1:20 says that God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Another translation reads - He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
God is omniscient, He is all knowing. He knew you and I before we were formed in our mother's womb - Psalm 139:15-16 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God knew those who will accept Him before this world was created. He knows all things and thereby knows the beginning and end of every man. He is aware of the start and finish of this world. He knew about the pending sin of Adam and Even even before He created them and made provision for their redemption. Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
1 Peter 1: 2 confirms this as well - who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Another translation reads -
God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.
God made provision for our redemption even before we became living beings. He is a God that thinks ahead of time, and is never taken by surprise by anything. He has your life all mapped out. Revelation 13: 8 teaches us that All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Another translation reads : Everyone living on earth will worship it, everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life. That book belongs to the lamb who was slaughtered before the creation of the world.
Satan is not Omniscient, so was not aware of God's plans for you and I who believe and trust in Jesus. In fact, Satan's greatest mistake was to supervise the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is his grand blunder. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
The exact point I am trying to make is that God loves you and will provide for you. Never be afraid of what the devil brings to your door, or can bring to your door. For Jesus has redeemed you from anything the devil can ever do to you. Jesus became your way of escape from the wiles of Satan even before you were created. God has put in place everything you'll ever need for a victorious life on earth , and even thereafter.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Never be afraid, God is in control of your life here on Earth, and the hereafter. Death has no power over you. Even in death, you are more than a conqueror through Christ. Never doubt God's provision. He cares for you, and knows even the hairs on your head. Simply trust Him through life's journey. Praise Him even when you do not understand. He has it all under control, and your end can only be good.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.4.13
Hard heartedness - Part 2
Jesus had miraculously multiplied bread in Mark 6:35-44. He fed over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. His disciples had witnessed this miracle and many other previous miracles.
Later that night, as the disciples battled strong winds, Jesus came to them walking on water. They went from being terrified to being completely amazed at this. I suppose I would have acted in a similar manner if I had been there. By the grace of God, I have witnessed blind eyes opening, the lame walking and the deaf hearing. Yet I reckon if I should see someone walking on water, I probably will be amazed. This is simply what happened to the disciples. The amplified Bible reads that upon recognising Jesus, and witnessing the sudden calming down of the winds, they were astonished exceedingly. The reason being :
For they failed to consider or understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had grown callous [had become dull and had lost the power of understanding]. Mark 6:52
The King James Version puts it this way - For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
When we are unable to understand the ways and things of God, we are hard hearted. We are not accustomed to the ways and acts of God because of our hard heartedness. Indifference and callousness to the things of God produces a hardened heart. This causes us to find far fetched, things that God does and says. In short we tend to speak a different language from God's, and perceive differently from Him.
Similarly in Mark 8:1-9, Jesus once again performed a miracle where he fed four thousand men with seven loaves of bread and a few fishes. His disciples had witnessed this sort of miracle more than once . One would have thought they were never going to give a thought about being without bread . But shortly after this , they happened to be talking about having no bread.
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’
‘Twelve,’ they replied.
‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’
They answered, ‘Seven.’
He said to them, ‘Do you still not understand?’ Mark 8:17-21
From the above words of Jesus, we can define hard heartedness as when we cannot see , perceive or understand the things and ways of God. When we are unable to hear God. When we forget what He has done in the past, and do not remember His greatness and goodness. By Jesus's definition, I am personally guilty of being hard hearted as I have stood in awe at things I somewhat know God can do, simply because I was not expecting Him to do them, or because I had forgotten He could do them. I have sometimes been caught up with my natural circumstances, that the supernatural had surprised me. I am very much guilty of sometimes allowing fear to take over instead of faith. I have at times fretted , not regarding the goodness and power of God. God considers such attitudes and behaviours as being hard hearted.
God wants us to fully believe in Him and depend on Him. We ought to trust Him as well. We must expect great things from Him - greater than we can conceive and fathom. We must also walk in the consciousness of God ,and dwell on Godly things. The more conscious we are of God, the more we will perceive and understand His ways. God reveals Himself to anyone who draws close to Him . Sin and pride can also cause us to be hard hearted. Pride made Pharaoh hard hearted against God. Suffering and persecution can also cause us to be hard hearted. As Christians who have known the goodness of God, we can tend to question God when going through great trials and tribulation, and thereby forget His goodness. Not remembering what God has done for us in the past constitutes hard heartedness. The disciples in both Mark 6:52 and Mark 8:17-21 were described as hard hearted because they seemed to have forgotten so soon about the miracles and provision of God.
May we find mercy against the state of being hard hearted, so that we can please God in all our ways, for without faith, it is impossible to please God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Later that night, as the disciples battled strong winds, Jesus came to them walking on water. They went from being terrified to being completely amazed at this. I suppose I would have acted in a similar manner if I had been there. By the grace of God, I have witnessed blind eyes opening, the lame walking and the deaf hearing. Yet I reckon if I should see someone walking on water, I probably will be amazed. This is simply what happened to the disciples. The amplified Bible reads that upon recognising Jesus, and witnessing the sudden calming down of the winds, they were astonished exceedingly. The reason being :
For they failed to consider or understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had grown callous [had become dull and had lost the power of understanding]. Mark 6:52
The King James Version puts it this way - For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
When we are unable to understand the ways and things of God, we are hard hearted. We are not accustomed to the ways and acts of God because of our hard heartedness. Indifference and callousness to the things of God produces a hardened heart. This causes us to find far fetched, things that God does and says. In short we tend to speak a different language from God's, and perceive differently from Him.
Similarly in Mark 8:1-9, Jesus once again performed a miracle where he fed four thousand men with seven loaves of bread and a few fishes. His disciples had witnessed this sort of miracle more than once . One would have thought they were never going to give a thought about being without bread . But shortly after this , they happened to be talking about having no bread.
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’
‘Twelve,’ they replied.
‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’
They answered, ‘Seven.’
He said to them, ‘Do you still not understand?’ Mark 8:17-21
From the above words of Jesus, we can define hard heartedness as when we cannot see , perceive or understand the things and ways of God. When we are unable to hear God. When we forget what He has done in the past, and do not remember His greatness and goodness. By Jesus's definition, I am personally guilty of being hard hearted as I have stood in awe at things I somewhat know God can do, simply because I was not expecting Him to do them, or because I had forgotten He could do them. I have sometimes been caught up with my natural circumstances, that the supernatural had surprised me. I am very much guilty of sometimes allowing fear to take over instead of faith. I have at times fretted , not regarding the goodness and power of God. God considers such attitudes and behaviours as being hard hearted.
God wants us to fully believe in Him and depend on Him. We ought to trust Him as well. We must expect great things from Him - greater than we can conceive and fathom. We must also walk in the consciousness of God ,and dwell on Godly things. The more conscious we are of God, the more we will perceive and understand His ways. God reveals Himself to anyone who draws close to Him . Sin and pride can also cause us to be hard hearted. Pride made Pharaoh hard hearted against God. Suffering and persecution can also cause us to be hard hearted. As Christians who have known the goodness of God, we can tend to question God when going through great trials and tribulation, and thereby forget His goodness. Not remembering what God has done for us in the past constitutes hard heartedness. The disciples in both Mark 6:52 and Mark 8:17-21 were described as hard hearted because they seemed to have forgotten so soon about the miracles and provision of God.
May we find mercy against the state of being hard hearted, so that we can please God in all our ways, for without faith, it is impossible to please God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.4.13
Hard heartedness - Part 1
I went through various dictionaries to check the meaning of hard hearted. I got words such as ' cold, unsympathetic, unfeeling, callous, evil minded, indifferent to the suffering of others, unforgiving and stony .'
As I thought of hard heartedness, two Biblical characters came to mind : The rich man in Hades, and Thomas. The rich man knew Lazarus on Earth, but was cruel and unsympathetic towards him. They had both died. The rich man went to Hades where he was in much distress as he burned in fire. Contrarily, Lazarus went to Abraham's bosom, where he found peace and rest from all his earthly sorrows. The rich man sought relief from Lazarus, and when it was declined, he asked for a favour - that Abraham should send Lazarus to Earth to warn his brothers , so they do not suffer the same fate as he -
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:29-31
One definition of hard hearted that popped up was affectless or being indifferent to the suffering of others. Abraham in other words was saying that some people on Earth, including the brothers of the rich man can be callous, evil minded, unfeeling, cold hearted and affectless. They will simply not care about anyone's suffering, nor be bothered about any warnings about God's ways and judgement. In short, they are hard hearted.
Thomas was an apostle of Jesus, he had seen all the miracles Jesus had performed. He heard Jesus talk about His pending death and resurrection. However, days after the death of Jesus, he was told by the other disciples that Jesus was alive and had appeared to them. Thomas said to them - “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Jesus once again appeared to the disciples and Thomas got the opportunity to feel the palms of Jesus. He then believed, but Jesus said to him - “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:19-29
Thomas was hard hearted! You might disagree and say " no, he wasn't hard hearted. He was an apostle of Jesus and believed in Him. He simply could not fathom how a dead man could rise again." Do not forget that Thomas was with Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead. He had previously seen great acts of God performed through Jesus, and yet still his heart did not totally believe in God's supernatural ability.
Thomas leads us to hard heartedness that comes through lack of faith and unbelief. It is easier to point at Pharaoh and the way he treated the Israelites and exclaim - "such hard heartedness!" However , most of us, including me, are guilty of the same.
In Mark 8, Jesus had just performed a miracle where he multiplied bread. The next minute, his disciples were fretting over having no bread. Jesus asked them -
“Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Mark 8:17
Why did Jesus talk about hardened hearts in the above?
Stay tuned for more.....
WHAT IS NEXT?
As I thought of hard heartedness, two Biblical characters came to mind : The rich man in Hades, and Thomas. The rich man knew Lazarus on Earth, but was cruel and unsympathetic towards him. They had both died. The rich man went to Hades where he was in much distress as he burned in fire. Contrarily, Lazarus went to Abraham's bosom, where he found peace and rest from all his earthly sorrows. The rich man sought relief from Lazarus, and when it was declined, he asked for a favour - that Abraham should send Lazarus to Earth to warn his brothers , so they do not suffer the same fate as he -
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:29-31
One definition of hard hearted that popped up was affectless or being indifferent to the suffering of others. Abraham in other words was saying that some people on Earth, including the brothers of the rich man can be callous, evil minded, unfeeling, cold hearted and affectless. They will simply not care about anyone's suffering, nor be bothered about any warnings about God's ways and judgement. In short, they are hard hearted.
Thomas was an apostle of Jesus, he had seen all the miracles Jesus had performed. He heard Jesus talk about His pending death and resurrection. However, days after the death of Jesus, he was told by the other disciples that Jesus was alive and had appeared to them. Thomas said to them - “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Jesus once again appeared to the disciples and Thomas got the opportunity to feel the palms of Jesus. He then believed, but Jesus said to him - “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:19-29
Thomas was hard hearted! You might disagree and say " no, he wasn't hard hearted. He was an apostle of Jesus and believed in Him. He simply could not fathom how a dead man could rise again." Do not forget that Thomas was with Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead. He had previously seen great acts of God performed through Jesus, and yet still his heart did not totally believe in God's supernatural ability.
Thomas leads us to hard heartedness that comes through lack of faith and unbelief. It is easier to point at Pharaoh and the way he treated the Israelites and exclaim - "such hard heartedness!" However , most of us, including me, are guilty of the same.
In Mark 8, Jesus had just performed a miracle where he multiplied bread. The next minute, his disciples were fretting over having no bread. Jesus asked them -
“Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Mark 8:17
Why did Jesus talk about hardened hearts in the above?
Stay tuned for more.....
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.4.13
Laying on of hands
1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
I did not quite understand this scripture until I had a bizarre experience as a young Christian. I was suddenly beset with a wrong urge of attraction for my female friends , and was not sure where this was coming from and why I was having these feelings. My thoughts towards my own Christian female friends were terribly sinful, and being a born -again Christian, I knew this was wrong. I fought these thoughts for about a week, then in my weakness I confided in my closest Christian female friend. She did not condemn me for having such thoughts and feelings, but simply supported me in praying for deliverance from these.
Not long after this, another female friend of mine visited me. She had previously visited me, and had even prayed with me on that previous visit. Actually, she had laid her hands on me and had prayed for me. I remember vividly that on that day, I had a strong impression not to allow her to lay her hands on me. However, I refrained from telling her, as I thought it would sound rude. Out of politeness, I had allowed her to lay her hand on my head and prayed .
Well, this time around, her visit was to tell me about something troubling her. I listened carefully as she narrated how she was involved in a lesbian relationship, and was sinking deep into it. As a Christian, she knew it was against the Word of God, and had no peace about it. At that particular moment, a flood of understanding enveloped me! My friend had previously laid her hands on me and prayed. She was a practicising lesbian when she prayed on me. I had started to have feelings for females after that incident. I thought to myself - "Something must have been transferred to me through the laying on of her hands on me." I happened to share in her sins and became impure through that.
Let us revisit the above scripture - 1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
From the above scripture, we can deduce what exactly occurred in my experience. I partook or shared in the sin of my friend. This happened because I did not take seriously the first part of this verse of scripture. Paul warned - DO NOT BE HASTY IN THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
The above scripture was actually referring to us not laying hands on others and ushering them into places of leadership and authority. However , this scripture reveals that there is an amount of spiritual exchange and sharing done, through the laying on off hands. Let us look at some other scriptures where Holy Gifts were exchanged through the act of laying of hands.
In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy - For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
In other words, the laying on of hands may seem like just an act in the physical, but in the spiritual realm, it brings about exchanges and impartations, either of good gifts or evil gifts; of Godly abilities or devilish abilities. We must therefore be careful whom we allow to lay hands on us, or whom we choose to lay hands on. Either way, you can share in the sins of others and become impure as a result. In my case, thanks to God that I decided to confide in a Christian friend who stood with me in prayer until I was delivered.
We must be wise as serpents...
Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I did not quite understand this scripture until I had a bizarre experience as a young Christian. I was suddenly beset with a wrong urge of attraction for my female friends , and was not sure where this was coming from and why I was having these feelings. My thoughts towards my own Christian female friends were terribly sinful, and being a born -again Christian, I knew this was wrong. I fought these thoughts for about a week, then in my weakness I confided in my closest Christian female friend. She did not condemn me for having such thoughts and feelings, but simply supported me in praying for deliverance from these.
Not long after this, another female friend of mine visited me. She had previously visited me, and had even prayed with me on that previous visit. Actually, she had laid her hands on me and had prayed for me. I remember vividly that on that day, I had a strong impression not to allow her to lay her hands on me. However, I refrained from telling her, as I thought it would sound rude. Out of politeness, I had allowed her to lay her hand on my head and prayed .
Well, this time around, her visit was to tell me about something troubling her. I listened carefully as she narrated how she was involved in a lesbian relationship, and was sinking deep into it. As a Christian, she knew it was against the Word of God, and had no peace about it. At that particular moment, a flood of understanding enveloped me! My friend had previously laid her hands on me and prayed. She was a practicising lesbian when she prayed on me. I had started to have feelings for females after that incident. I thought to myself - "Something must have been transferred to me through the laying on of her hands on me." I happened to share in her sins and became impure through that.
Let us revisit the above scripture - 1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
From the above scripture, we can deduce what exactly occurred in my experience. I partook or shared in the sin of my friend. This happened because I did not take seriously the first part of this verse of scripture. Paul warned - DO NOT BE HASTY IN THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
The above scripture was actually referring to us not laying hands on others and ushering them into places of leadership and authority. However , this scripture reveals that there is an amount of spiritual exchange and sharing done, through the laying on off hands. Let us look at some other scriptures where Holy Gifts were exchanged through the act of laying of hands.
In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy - For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
In other words, the laying on of hands may seem like just an act in the physical, but in the spiritual realm, it brings about exchanges and impartations, either of good gifts or evil gifts; of Godly abilities or devilish abilities. We must therefore be careful whom we allow to lay hands on us, or whom we choose to lay hands on. Either way, you can share in the sins of others and become impure as a result. In my case, thanks to God that I decided to confide in a Christian friend who stood with me in prayer until I was delivered.
We must be wise as serpents...
Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.4.13
Wolves in sheep's clothing
Matthew 7:15
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
As Christians, we must not believe all spirits, the Word of God teaches us to test every spirit - 1John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Many people begin well in the Lord, and then go astray, prophesying falsehood. In 1 Kings13, a Man of God fell prey to the false prophesy given by an old prophet. This cost him his life. The old Prophet was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He had the title of a prophet but was full of falsehood, and actually coaxed the man of God to disobey God. We must test the Words we receive from people masquerading as men and women of God. We must ensure that their words are in line with the Word of God in the Bible. God has given us guidelines as to what to accept and what not to accept. We must adhere to this.
A wolf must appear as a wolf, but a wolf that appears in sheep's clothing is a wolf that is pretending to be what it's really not. The wolf in sheep's clothing comes in faking as a sheep, but has greedy and evil intentions. In Acts 16 :16-24, Paul and Silas were being followed by a slave girl who could prophesy about the future, and who testified that they were true men of God. As much as what she said was true, it was not by the Spirit of God. Beloved, we must be careful, because some of the messages from the wolves are camouflaged untruths, they appear not to be dangerous and may even be true words, however, because the spirit under operation is not of God, if we open up to their ministry, we will eventually be led astray. Paul discerned that the spirit under operation was not of God and rebuked it. The slave girl was hence delivered from the false spirit. But this angered her masters who used her evil gift for monetary purposes.
There are many false prophets in the church today who are operating under falsehood, working a lot of miracles, supposedly in Jesus's name, but in actual fact it is just for greedy reasons. We must be prayerful and discerning, lest we fall prey to these. Acts 20:29-30 , Paul warns that
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Remember also that Jesus warned us - Mark 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Therefore watch out for selfish and greedy people who claim to be sent from God. When we pray and study God's Word, and walk obediently with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to discern and expose every falsehood.
Kindly reflect on these scriptures:
2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Galatians 5:19-25 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
WHAT IS NEXT?
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
As Christians, we must not believe all spirits, the Word of God teaches us to test every spirit - 1John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Many people begin well in the Lord, and then go astray, prophesying falsehood. In 1 Kings13, a Man of God fell prey to the false prophesy given by an old prophet. This cost him his life. The old Prophet was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He had the title of a prophet but was full of falsehood, and actually coaxed the man of God to disobey God. We must test the Words we receive from people masquerading as men and women of God. We must ensure that their words are in line with the Word of God in the Bible. God has given us guidelines as to what to accept and what not to accept. We must adhere to this.
A wolf must appear as a wolf, but a wolf that appears in sheep's clothing is a wolf that is pretending to be what it's really not. The wolf in sheep's clothing comes in faking as a sheep, but has greedy and evil intentions. In Acts 16 :16-24, Paul and Silas were being followed by a slave girl who could prophesy about the future, and who testified that they were true men of God. As much as what she said was true, it was not by the Spirit of God. Beloved, we must be careful, because some of the messages from the wolves are camouflaged untruths, they appear not to be dangerous and may even be true words, however, because the spirit under operation is not of God, if we open up to their ministry, we will eventually be led astray. Paul discerned that the spirit under operation was not of God and rebuked it. The slave girl was hence delivered from the false spirit. But this angered her masters who used her evil gift for monetary purposes.
There are many false prophets in the church today who are operating under falsehood, working a lot of miracles, supposedly in Jesus's name, but in actual fact it is just for greedy reasons. We must be prayerful and discerning, lest we fall prey to these. Acts 20:29-30 , Paul warns that
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Remember also that Jesus warned us - Mark 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Therefore watch out for selfish and greedy people who claim to be sent from God. When we pray and study God's Word, and walk obediently with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to discern and expose every falsehood.
Kindly reflect on these scriptures:
2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Galatians 5:19-25 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.4.13
The Sin of Silence
It is wrong to be silent over sin - your own, or that which you are privy to.
Sin is a canker that eats at the soul and eventually destroys it eternally. As a child of God, when sin trickles into your life, do not conceal it or keep quiet over it. Keeping silent over your sin, and not confessing it to God , or to man, where help can be given, is a wrong against one's own soul.
When David sinned against man and God, he said of his silence over the whole matter - Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
In Psalm 31:10 ,the Psalmist said of his sin - Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my strength has failed because of my sinfulness, and my bones waste away.
As a child of God, if you happen to fall into sin, and are mute about it, you tend to suffer like the Psalmist has described above. David loved the Lord, but harboured one sinful thought after the other, until he had committed adultery and murder. Sinful thoughts and supposedly harmless minute sinful actions can go a long way to destroy us, and then afterwards eat at our conscience. Are you a Christian, falling prey to a sinful habit? Do not be silent! Seek assistance from God or from a trustworthy figure of authority. Sin just does not go away and thrives if covered up in silence. LET IT OUT!
Secondly, it is not right for us as Christians to condone sin. God has set us up as watchmen - Isaiah 62:6-7 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
God is a jealous God, Deuteronomy 4:24, and it is inappropriate to keep silent over the things that take away God's Glory. Sin takes away God's Glory, and as children of God, and His watchmen on Earth, we ought to speak against it. Jesus could not keep quiet when His father's house was turned into a den of robbers. He spoke up rather dramatically to silence the growing canker. The zeal of the Lord must consume us to speak against sin and evil. We will attract the anger of God like Eli did, when he did nothing dramatic to change the evil ways of his sons. God was counting on Eli to bring sanity into the temple. God has given us authority as watchmen, whatever happens around us must concern us. To look on unconcerned means we are not doing our job well, and shall one day be accountable for our silence.
In Numbers 25, sin crept subtly into Israel. Some of the Israelites were having sexual affairs with the Moabites, and as a result were worshipping their idol Baal. This angered God! God ordered the death of all the ring leaders. Whilst this was being discussed, a culprit was brought before Moses and the elders, Phinehas instantly killed the culprit and his Midianite accomplice. This act by Phinehas appeased God and he curtailed His punishment on Israel, and honoured Phinehas.
In our day and time where grace abounds, God is not calling for the physical death of sinners, but for us as Christians to speak up, and pray against sin in our community and world. The zeal of God must consume us to expose sin and evil. We are responsible as the ambassadors of Heaven on Earth to preach about the Righteousness and Holiness of God. We are a signpost to the World. Keeping quiet in this aspect is a sin in itself - Ezekiel 33:7-9 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Do not be quiet over sin - forgiveness comes from acknowledging and confessing sin. Sin thrives in silence and obscurity , and dies off in exposure and in the light of God's Word of truth.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Sin is a canker that eats at the soul and eventually destroys it eternally. As a child of God, when sin trickles into your life, do not conceal it or keep quiet over it. Keeping silent over your sin, and not confessing it to God , or to man, where help can be given, is a wrong against one's own soul.
When David sinned against man and God, he said of his silence over the whole matter - Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
In Psalm 31:10 ,the Psalmist said of his sin - Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my strength has failed because of my sinfulness, and my bones waste away.
As a child of God, if you happen to fall into sin, and are mute about it, you tend to suffer like the Psalmist has described above. David loved the Lord, but harboured one sinful thought after the other, until he had committed adultery and murder. Sinful thoughts and supposedly harmless minute sinful actions can go a long way to destroy us, and then afterwards eat at our conscience. Are you a Christian, falling prey to a sinful habit? Do not be silent! Seek assistance from God or from a trustworthy figure of authority. Sin just does not go away and thrives if covered up in silence. LET IT OUT!
Secondly, it is not right for us as Christians to condone sin. God has set us up as watchmen - Isaiah 62:6-7 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
God is a jealous God, Deuteronomy 4:24, and it is inappropriate to keep silent over the things that take away God's Glory. Sin takes away God's Glory, and as children of God, and His watchmen on Earth, we ought to speak against it. Jesus could not keep quiet when His father's house was turned into a den of robbers. He spoke up rather dramatically to silence the growing canker. The zeal of the Lord must consume us to speak against sin and evil. We will attract the anger of God like Eli did, when he did nothing dramatic to change the evil ways of his sons. God was counting on Eli to bring sanity into the temple. God has given us authority as watchmen, whatever happens around us must concern us. To look on unconcerned means we are not doing our job well, and shall one day be accountable for our silence.
In Numbers 25, sin crept subtly into Israel. Some of the Israelites were having sexual affairs with the Moabites, and as a result were worshipping their idol Baal. This angered God! God ordered the death of all the ring leaders. Whilst this was being discussed, a culprit was brought before Moses and the elders, Phinehas instantly killed the culprit and his Midianite accomplice. This act by Phinehas appeased God and he curtailed His punishment on Israel, and honoured Phinehas.
In our day and time where grace abounds, God is not calling for the physical death of sinners, but for us as Christians to speak up, and pray against sin in our community and world. The zeal of God must consume us to expose sin and evil. We are responsible as the ambassadors of Heaven on Earth to preach about the Righteousness and Holiness of God. We are a signpost to the World. Keeping quiet in this aspect is a sin in itself - Ezekiel 33:7-9 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Do not be quiet over sin - forgiveness comes from acknowledging and confessing sin. Sin thrives in silence and obscurity , and dies off in exposure and in the light of God's Word of truth.
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.4.13
The Power of silence
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
We ought to learn to be quiet and still before the Lord, and before the chaos that seeks to engulf us. There is salvation and rest in repentance, as well as strength in quietness and trust. The Lord expects us to withdraw and seek Him, to love Him and be still before Him so that we can feel His awesome presence, and hear His sweet voice that directs us.
God is speaking to us all the time. Can you identify with walking down a crowded noisy area, and having someone trying to have a chat with you? Try as you may, especially when the one is a long distance away, it is somewhat difficult to hear and understand what the one is saying. Our lives are sometimes just like this scene I have just described. Sometimes we have too many things going, and too much people standing between God and us, that we can barely hear Him.
God is beckoning to us to retreat into a quiet area - where our soul is still, and our spirit in tune with Him. Where we can love Him sweetly and privately. God wants that special time with us. For during such times, He can pour Himself into us, and speak directly into our ears. Remember, God may already be speaking to us through the chaos of our lives, but where we are standing and positioned is not ideal for us to hear and understand what He is saying. So, make a decision to still the chaos, exchange the numerous powerless and empty activities for real strength that comes from being quiet and still before God, trusting and seeking Him. Therein lies power and strength, and spiritual authority.
God was using Jesus powerfully to minister to many people. He became famous in His time, and the crowds followed him, but Jesus learnt that the source of His strength was in being quiet and trusting God in prayer - Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
In quietness and silence , do we possess strength from God and show our utmost trust in Him
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.4.13
Mastering the act of silence
Ecclesiastes 3:1,7
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.
As a child of God, we must grow to not only know the Acts of God, but to be conversant with His ways as well. God has an appointed time for everything. Watching my daughter grow up, I learnt that God is a perfect planner, who puts in place everything we need ahead of time. He fashioned my daughter to grow at a pace, and in stages. There was a time to crawl, and a time to walk. A time to suck, and a time to chew .When the time to chew had not arrived, there were no teeth in her mouth.
There is a time to talk, and a time to keep quiet. Jesus always spoke his mind in ministry. He challenged the religious leaders of His time, and exposed their hypocrisy, and at the same time taught expository truths. However, when He was led to the cross like a lamb to the slaughter, He was silent. He knew it was God's will for Him to suffer for the sins of men, so He silently endured His suffering.
1 Peter 2:22-23
‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Saul was prophesied to by Samuel that God had chosen him to be King, then afterwards he was anointed King. Saul knew he had the backing of God, so was silent when some rebels challenged his ability to save them - But some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. 1 Samuel 10:27
We do not always have to prove who we are in the Lord. Some like to flaunt who they are among their own Christian brothers and sisters. Instructing them to call them by titles and actually being angered when they are not addressed by certain titles. I remember as a young Christian, God once told me - "Do not prove yourself, and who you are will prove you." I was baffled by the grammar, but got the message. God indeed has a sense of humour. The message I got was that I did not need to remind everyone of who I was in Him, but if I walked in Him, and with Him, who I am in Him will become evident to all.
This is not to say that we must not share what God has made of us - once I was a sinner, but now I am a sinner saved by grace. Praise God! There is a place for sharing God's Word, and faithfulness. There is a time to share what Christ has done for us. However, we must discern times we ought to allow ridicule and contempt, and not to talk back. When we are sure, and sure, and sure that we are in God's will, and as we walk in God's will, He has a way of dealing with all that oppose us. God has a day of reckoning, and it is never out of date. The ego of man enjoys to win all the time, but sometimes God allows you to lose temporarily. Have you ever watched a game where those that appeared to be losing actually won? The first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first , as it's usually put.
Sometimes, it requires a lot of self control to be in God's will. You may need a lot of patience to swallow up tauntings of men. May the good Lord strengthen us to be discerning, that we may know when to speak, and when to be silent. Silence can be golden!
WHAT IS NEXT?
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.
As a child of God, we must grow to not only know the Acts of God, but to be conversant with His ways as well. God has an appointed time for everything. Watching my daughter grow up, I learnt that God is a perfect planner, who puts in place everything we need ahead of time. He fashioned my daughter to grow at a pace, and in stages. There was a time to crawl, and a time to walk. A time to suck, and a time to chew .When the time to chew had not arrived, there were no teeth in her mouth.
There is a time to talk, and a time to keep quiet. Jesus always spoke his mind in ministry. He challenged the religious leaders of His time, and exposed their hypocrisy, and at the same time taught expository truths. However, when He was led to the cross like a lamb to the slaughter, He was silent. He knew it was God's will for Him to suffer for the sins of men, so He silently endured His suffering.
1 Peter 2:22-23
‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Saul was prophesied to by Samuel that God had chosen him to be King, then afterwards he was anointed King. Saul knew he had the backing of God, so was silent when some rebels challenged his ability to save them - But some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. 1 Samuel 10:27
We do not always have to prove who we are in the Lord. Some like to flaunt who they are among their own Christian brothers and sisters. Instructing them to call them by titles and actually being angered when they are not addressed by certain titles. I remember as a young Christian, God once told me - "Do not prove yourself, and who you are will prove you." I was baffled by the grammar, but got the message. God indeed has a sense of humour. The message I got was that I did not need to remind everyone of who I was in Him, but if I walked in Him, and with Him, who I am in Him will become evident to all.
This is not to say that we must not share what God has made of us - once I was a sinner, but now I am a sinner saved by grace. Praise God! There is a place for sharing God's Word, and faithfulness. There is a time to share what Christ has done for us. However, we must discern times we ought to allow ridicule and contempt, and not to talk back. When we are sure, and sure, and sure that we are in God's will, and as we walk in God's will, He has a way of dealing with all that oppose us. God has a day of reckoning, and it is never out of date. The ego of man enjoys to win all the time, but sometimes God allows you to lose temporarily. Have you ever watched a game where those that appeared to be losing actually won? The first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first , as it's usually put.
Sometimes, it requires a lot of self control to be in God's will. You may need a lot of patience to swallow up tauntings of men. May the good Lord strengthen us to be discerning, that we may know when to speak, and when to be silent. Silence can be golden!
WHAT IS NEXT?
21.4.13
Having eyes that see
Sarah's servant Hagar, bore Abraham a son called Ishmael. However, Sarah was able to instigate Abraham to throw Hagar and her son, Ishmael, out of their home.
Hagar wandered in the desert aimlessly , not knowing what to do next, or where to go. Sometimes, life rocks us the wrong way, and we tend not to know which way to go, or what step to take. We may be sandwiched by problems, or feel as though our journey through life is a maze in which we are at a dead end.
Hagar was desperate, as the little life she had grasped slipped through her hand. Her main source of life was the water in her hand. Water gives life and cleanses, just like the Word of God; just like Jesus and His Blood. In life, even though we may proclaim to serve the Lord, there could be instances where we may feel as though we have run out of direction, where we have no hope of where our path will lead to.
God heard the cry of Ishmael. They had run out of water and were faint. Hagar saw death and doom in her mind's eye. There are circumstances we find ourselves in that may spell death and doom. We may feel condemned to die, condemned to hopelessness, imprisoned by trouble and lack. We may be deserted by people we thought loved us - our very hope and faith for the future may dwindle before us; our very world collapsing right in front of us. But beloved, God sees and knows whatever we are facing.
Hagar saw no future for Ishmael. She could only see that the end of his life was near. She walked away from him so that she could spare herself more sorrow by not seeing him take his last breadth. Sometimes, what man considers as the end is really just the beginning in the eyes of God. To God, Ishmael's life as a great nation was only just beginning. God knew He had to shift Hagar's thoughts and change what she perceived and believed in.
Hagar was seeing the absence of water, and held on to the belief of death being near by. But God knew that in order to make Ishmael into a great nation, Hagar had to see differently. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:19
When gloom and faithlessness surrounds us, it is difficult to see what God has for us. We tend to be blind to His provision. But God always gives us a way of escape and a word of hope . Until our ears and heart hear His voice, and our eyes get opened to what He has already provided for us, we cannot step into His promises. Hagar found water at the same place where she believed had no water .
May God open your eyes today, to see possibilities where once you saw impossibilities. You will need to see differently so that you can align yourself with God''s will. May the eyes of your mind, heart and spirit be opened to see what God has for you - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18
WHAT IS NEXT?
Hagar wandered in the desert aimlessly , not knowing what to do next, or where to go. Sometimes, life rocks us the wrong way, and we tend not to know which way to go, or what step to take. We may be sandwiched by problems, or feel as though our journey through life is a maze in which we are at a dead end.
Hagar was desperate, as the little life she had grasped slipped through her hand. Her main source of life was the water in her hand. Water gives life and cleanses, just like the Word of God; just like Jesus and His Blood. In life, even though we may proclaim to serve the Lord, there could be instances where we may feel as though we have run out of direction, where we have no hope of where our path will lead to.
God heard the cry of Ishmael. They had run out of water and were faint. Hagar saw death and doom in her mind's eye. There are circumstances we find ourselves in that may spell death and doom. We may feel condemned to die, condemned to hopelessness, imprisoned by trouble and lack. We may be deserted by people we thought loved us - our very hope and faith for the future may dwindle before us; our very world collapsing right in front of us. But beloved, God sees and knows whatever we are facing.
Hagar saw no future for Ishmael. She could only see that the end of his life was near. She walked away from him so that she could spare herself more sorrow by not seeing him take his last breadth. Sometimes, what man considers as the end is really just the beginning in the eyes of God. To God, Ishmael's life as a great nation was only just beginning. God knew He had to shift Hagar's thoughts and change what she perceived and believed in.
Hagar was seeing the absence of water, and held on to the belief of death being near by. But God knew that in order to make Ishmael into a great nation, Hagar had to see differently. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:19
When gloom and faithlessness surrounds us, it is difficult to see what God has for us. We tend to be blind to His provision. But God always gives us a way of escape and a word of hope . Until our ears and heart hear His voice, and our eyes get opened to what He has already provided for us, we cannot step into His promises. Hagar found water at the same place where she believed had no water .
May God open your eyes today, to see possibilities where once you saw impossibilities. You will need to see differently so that you can align yourself with God''s will. May the eyes of your mind, heart and spirit be opened to see what God has for you - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.4.13
God's approval
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
It is easier for us to glory in our abilities and accomplishments. However God frowns on one that takes the glory that belongs to Him. For He is the God that gives us life. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. More so, He is so Holy that what we deem as goodworks often stink in His sight - our righteousness are as filthy rags before Him.
Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices, but God was pleased with Abel's not Cain's. We ought to know that there are things we do that we may think may please God, but because it is not exactly what He requires, it rather incurs His wrath. Uzzah thought he was doing a good thing to save the ark of God from falling, but this rather angered God , and He struck him dead - 2 Samuel 6:1-7.
Numbers 4:15 teaches us the instructions God had earlier given about how the tent of meeting and the ark of the covenant ought to move. Uzzah violated this by touching the ark. What Uzzah did looked right in the human sense, but before God it was an abomination. Moses incurred the wrath of God when he did not follow exactly what God had requested him to do, and hence he was refused entry into the promised land. Numbers 20:7-12
Are we walking with the Lord, and trying to please Him 'our way?' Or are we following after the Guidance of His Spirit to please Him? You may be working in the name of the Lord, but is it what God has asked you to do? You may be speaking in God's name , but is it what God wants you to say at that time? Until we do exactly what God requires from us, our works are as filthy rags before Him.
We ought to reverence God, and walk perfectly with Him. We must not become familiar with Him, or regard Him lightly. We must also seek His Will, and follow it to the letter. Do note though, it is not by your might or by your power that you can ever please God. It is by His Spirit when we surrender everything to Jesus.
Do what God requires of you, and give Him all the Glory. Approval is the Lord's duty. Remember, He was the one that approved Abel over Cain. He approved Jacob over Esau, and approved the tax collector's prayer over the Pharisee's (Luke 18:9-14). Also, do not forget the widow that gave her last mite. Her offering was approved over those of others that happened to give much more. God looks at our hearts, whether we are seeking to please Him genuinely, or we are simply seeking His endorsement over our choices. Are we giving God our all, or just a tiny bit of our time and all?
God wants our utmost obedience and heart. He wants to be Lord over us. There can be no compromise between. Think on this!
WHAT IS NEXT?
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
It is easier for us to glory in our abilities and accomplishments. However God frowns on one that takes the glory that belongs to Him. For He is the God that gives us life. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. More so, He is so Holy that what we deem as goodworks often stink in His sight - our righteousness are as filthy rags before Him.
Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices, but God was pleased with Abel's not Cain's. We ought to know that there are things we do that we may think may please God, but because it is not exactly what He requires, it rather incurs His wrath. Uzzah thought he was doing a good thing to save the ark of God from falling, but this rather angered God , and He struck him dead - 2 Samuel 6:1-7.
Numbers 4:15 teaches us the instructions God had earlier given about how the tent of meeting and the ark of the covenant ought to move. Uzzah violated this by touching the ark. What Uzzah did looked right in the human sense, but before God it was an abomination. Moses incurred the wrath of God when he did not follow exactly what God had requested him to do, and hence he was refused entry into the promised land. Numbers 20:7-12
Are we walking with the Lord, and trying to please Him 'our way?' Or are we following after the Guidance of His Spirit to please Him? You may be working in the name of the Lord, but is it what God has asked you to do? You may be speaking in God's name , but is it what God wants you to say at that time? Until we do exactly what God requires from us, our works are as filthy rags before Him.
We ought to reverence God, and walk perfectly with Him. We must not become familiar with Him, or regard Him lightly. We must also seek His Will, and follow it to the letter. Do note though, it is not by your might or by your power that you can ever please God. It is by His Spirit when we surrender everything to Jesus.
Do what God requires of you, and give Him all the Glory. Approval is the Lord's duty. Remember, He was the one that approved Abel over Cain. He approved Jacob over Esau, and approved the tax collector's prayer over the Pharisee's (Luke 18:9-14). Also, do not forget the widow that gave her last mite. Her offering was approved over those of others that happened to give much more. God looks at our hearts, whether we are seeking to please Him genuinely, or we are simply seeking His endorsement over our choices. Are we giving God our all, or just a tiny bit of our time and all?
God wants our utmost obedience and heart. He wants to be Lord over us. There can be no compromise between. Think on this!
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.4.13
Verbal expectations!
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
In 2 Kings 4:8-37, we learn of a Shunammite woman who hosted Elisha. Elisha was touched by her kindness and prophesied that she will have a son. This was the woman's greatest need. She was wealthy and married but without a son. God honoured Elisha's words and she conceived a son.
When the son grew up, he fell ill and died in the arms of his mother. This Shunammite woman was a woman of great faith who understood the principles of faith:
1. SPEAK WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE:
When her son died, her husband was unaware of it. In 2 Kings 4:22-23, though her son was dead, her words revealed what she expected to happen : She called her husband and said, "Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return."
He said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor sabbath." And she said, "It will be well."
The Shunammite woman knew that humanly speaking, it was not well because her only son was dead. But she chose to look at things through the eyes of faith, and this made her to see the impossible becoming possible. She verbalised her expectations and so instead of narrating the sad incident to her husband, she declared - "It will be well."
Also, when she got to Elisha, he sent his servant to ask her: 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well." 2 Kings 4:26
The Shunammite woman once again verbalised her expectations. She used the language of faith - calling those things which are not as though they are. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. It was not well with her, for her son was dead, but by faith she expected a change, and chose to verbalise her expectations. The man of God sensed that something was wrong, so sent his servant ahead to the woman's house. The woman then exercised another principle of faith:
2. PERSISTENCE:
The man of God sent his servant to the woman's house with specific instructions as to what to do, and yet the lady insisted she would not leave the man of God. Her persistence forced Elisha to abandon whatever he was doing and followed her home. The first instruction given by the man of God to his servant bore no good result , for the boy still lay dead.
Elisha, the Prophet of God also exercised faith. He did not give up when the first attempt made by his servant to bring the boy back to life failed. In 2 Kings 4:32-35, we read - When Elisha came into the house, behold the lad was dead and laid on his bed. So he entered and shut the door behind them both and prayed to the LORD. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth and his eyes on his eyes and his hands on his hands, and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh of the child became warm. Then he returned and walked in the house once back and forth, and went up and stretched himself on him; and the lad sneezed seven times and the lad opened his eyes.
The man of God did not stop when the boy's cold dead body became warm, he persisted in faith until he sneezed seven times. The number seven means completion. Hence the man of God persisted in faith until what he wanted or perceived to see was accomplished and his task completed.
Whatever you desire to see must be verbalised, see it with the eyes of your spirit, hold it in your minds eye, then confess it and act it . Pray it into being, and do not stop until you see it come to pass.
WHAT IS NEXT?
In 2 Kings 4:8-37, we learn of a Shunammite woman who hosted Elisha. Elisha was touched by her kindness and prophesied that she will have a son. This was the woman's greatest need. She was wealthy and married but without a son. God honoured Elisha's words and she conceived a son.
When the son grew up, he fell ill and died in the arms of his mother. This Shunammite woman was a woman of great faith who understood the principles of faith:
1. SPEAK WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE:
When her son died, her husband was unaware of it. In 2 Kings 4:22-23, though her son was dead, her words revealed what she expected to happen : She called her husband and said, "Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return."
He said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor sabbath." And she said, "It will be well."
The Shunammite woman knew that humanly speaking, it was not well because her only son was dead. But she chose to look at things through the eyes of faith, and this made her to see the impossible becoming possible. She verbalised her expectations and so instead of narrating the sad incident to her husband, she declared - "It will be well."
Also, when she got to Elisha, he sent his servant to ask her: 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well." 2 Kings 4:26
The Shunammite woman once again verbalised her expectations. She used the language of faith - calling those things which are not as though they are. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. It was not well with her, for her son was dead, but by faith she expected a change, and chose to verbalise her expectations. The man of God sensed that something was wrong, so sent his servant ahead to the woman's house. The woman then exercised another principle of faith:
2. PERSISTENCE:
The man of God sent his servant to the woman's house with specific instructions as to what to do, and yet the lady insisted she would not leave the man of God. Her persistence forced Elisha to abandon whatever he was doing and followed her home. The first instruction given by the man of God to his servant bore no good result , for the boy still lay dead.
Elisha, the Prophet of God also exercised faith. He did not give up when the first attempt made by his servant to bring the boy back to life failed. In 2 Kings 4:32-35, we read - When Elisha came into the house, behold the lad was dead and laid on his bed. So he entered and shut the door behind them both and prayed to the LORD. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth and his eyes on his eyes and his hands on his hands, and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh of the child became warm. Then he returned and walked in the house once back and forth, and went up and stretched himself on him; and the lad sneezed seven times and the lad opened his eyes.
The man of God did not stop when the boy's cold dead body became warm, he persisted in faith until he sneezed seven times. The number seven means completion. Hence the man of God persisted in faith until what he wanted or perceived to see was accomplished and his task completed.
Whatever you desire to see must be verbalised, see it with the eyes of your spirit, hold it in your minds eye, then confess it and act it . Pray it into being, and do not stop until you see it come to pass.
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.4.13
When delays are not delays
I have heard and read about people who had missed coaches, trains and air planes only to learn moments later that they had actually missed a terrible accident or crash.
Some delays are deliverances in disguise. God sees what the human eye cannot see, and does for human beings what we do not always see. When Elisha's servant was afraid of the army that had surrounded them, little did he know that God had sent an unseen spiritual army to save them 2 Kings 6:15-17. The battle we are engaged in is spiritual, but manifests in the physical. There are many things that happen to us, that happen for a purpose unknown to us. Sometimes we face delays in the physical which are in actual sense deliverances from things God has foreseen and curtailed.
When you have done all that you know to do, and there appears to be delays beyond your control - hold on and trust in God. One child of God was declined a job offer at the World Trade Centre on one of the upper floors. Who knows what his end would have been after 9/11, if he had got that job.
We will understand the story of our lives by and by.... some part of will become clearer when we see the Lord face to face. Simply trust God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Some delays are deliverances in disguise. God sees what the human eye cannot see, and does for human beings what we do not always see. When Elisha's servant was afraid of the army that had surrounded them, little did he know that God had sent an unseen spiritual army to save them 2 Kings 6:15-17. The battle we are engaged in is spiritual, but manifests in the physical. There are many things that happen to us, that happen for a purpose unknown to us. Sometimes we face delays in the physical which are in actual sense deliverances from things God has foreseen and curtailed.
When you have done all that you know to do, and there appears to be delays beyond your control - hold on and trust in God. One child of God was declined a job offer at the World Trade Centre on one of the upper floors. Who knows what his end would have been after 9/11, if he had got that job.
We will understand the story of our lives by and by.... some part of will become clearer when we see the Lord face to face. Simply trust God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.4.13
God, our deliverer!
Proverbs 26:27 If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead.
During Queen Esther's reign, Haman was planning to kill all the Jews. He had intentions to annihilate them. However, as the Jews turned to God in fasting and prayer, God caused Haman to suffer the fate he was planning for the Jews. He died in their stead on the gallows he had prepared for a Jew. Esther 7:10 So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided.
In this life, we must be careful what we wish or plan for others. God is a just God who comes to the rescue of the helpless, especially those who cry to Him for help. When someone plans evil against another for no good reason, God is well able to deliver the one and punish the evil person.
As a child of God, do not be afraid of the evil intentions of men against you. Have faith in God, and trust in Him to deliver you. Stay in obedience to His Word, and leave the rest to Him. The Psalmist testifies that :
They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves. Psalm 57:6
The next verse shows the psalmist's trust in God - My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Another translation puts it this way - My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!
We must have faith in God's ability to deliver us, for he who doubts cannot receive from the Lord - But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:6-7
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.
WHAT IS NEXT?
During Queen Esther's reign, Haman was planning to kill all the Jews. He had intentions to annihilate them. However, as the Jews turned to God in fasting and prayer, God caused Haman to suffer the fate he was planning for the Jews. He died in their stead on the gallows he had prepared for a Jew. Esther 7:10 So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided.
In this life, we must be careful what we wish or plan for others. God is a just God who comes to the rescue of the helpless, especially those who cry to Him for help. When someone plans evil against another for no good reason, God is well able to deliver the one and punish the evil person.
As a child of God, do not be afraid of the evil intentions of men against you. Have faith in God, and trust in Him to deliver you. Stay in obedience to His Word, and leave the rest to Him. The Psalmist testifies that :
They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves. Psalm 57:6
The next verse shows the psalmist's trust in God - My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Another translation puts it this way - My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!
We must have faith in God's ability to deliver us, for he who doubts cannot receive from the Lord - But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:6-7
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.4.13
Before the appointed time
Psalm 105:17-21
He sent a man before them,Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free. He made him lord of his house. And ruler over all his possessions.
The promise of God on our lives can bring to us tests and trials. Before God's appointed time for our lives, we may face ridicule and humiliation. Abram became Abraham, the father of many nations, at a time when he was very old and fatherless. I can imagine people laughing at his name change and thinking he was in denial, and could be getting depressed about his fatherless state. Joseph had his dream appear as a pie in the sky.
He was no where near the dream he had - from slavery to imprisonment. God tries us to know our level of faithfulness and commitment to Him. Joseph showed allegiance to God even as a slave. He would not succumb to fornication or be the cause of adultery. As a prisoner, Joseph ministered to others under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - he interpreted dreams! In essence, Joseph still had faith in God , even though he was tried through painful trials that cut at his soul.
Before God's appointed time, people may humiliate us and treat us like servants. The Psalmist put it this way - Psalm 66:10-12
For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. People may lie about us, our own friends and family may betray us. Like Joseph, the Word of the Lord; the promise of God over us will try us, and expose what we are made of, as well as to mould us into Godly characters. Before the appointed time of God , people may abandon you and forget about you, just like the cup bearer did to Joseph. When your appointed time has not yet come, your name will not matter in people's ears. You will not be 'a big deal.' But just like Joseph, when your appointed time comes, the Lord will bless your name, just like He blessed Abraham's, Joseph's and Job's.
Job was confident he would pass his test, so he said - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10.
Can you confidently say same?
WHAT IS NEXT?
He sent a man before them,Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free. He made him lord of his house. And ruler over all his possessions.
The promise of God on our lives can bring to us tests and trials. Before God's appointed time for our lives, we may face ridicule and humiliation. Abram became Abraham, the father of many nations, at a time when he was very old and fatherless. I can imagine people laughing at his name change and thinking he was in denial, and could be getting depressed about his fatherless state. Joseph had his dream appear as a pie in the sky.
He was no where near the dream he had - from slavery to imprisonment. God tries us to know our level of faithfulness and commitment to Him. Joseph showed allegiance to God even as a slave. He would not succumb to fornication or be the cause of adultery. As a prisoner, Joseph ministered to others under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - he interpreted dreams! In essence, Joseph still had faith in God , even though he was tried through painful trials that cut at his soul.
Before God's appointed time, people may humiliate us and treat us like servants. The Psalmist put it this way - Psalm 66:10-12
For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. People may lie about us, our own friends and family may betray us. Like Joseph, the Word of the Lord; the promise of God over us will try us, and expose what we are made of, as well as to mould us into Godly characters. Before the appointed time of God , people may abandon you and forget about you, just like the cup bearer did to Joseph. When your appointed time has not yet come, your name will not matter in people's ears. You will not be 'a big deal.' But just like Joseph, when your appointed time comes, the Lord will bless your name, just like He blessed Abraham's, Joseph's and Job's.
Job was confident he would pass his test, so he said - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10.
Can you confidently say same?
WHAT IS NEXT?
15.4.13
The appointed time.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Have you ever experienced a mirage whilst travelling? It appears there is water ahead on the road, but you never seem to reach it. You seem to be chasing the wind. Beloved, that is how we sometimes feel when we are waiting on God. Joseph felt same when he languished in prison, falsely accused and forsaken. That is how David felt when he roamed the forests, having earlier experienced the joy of being anointed King by Samuel. It all looked like a sham.
Moses felt same when after God had promised deliverance to the Israelites, Pharaoh's heart was so hardened up that he refused to let them go. I can imagine how Moses felt when the chariots of Egypt were chasing after them, and they were caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. At that specific moment, all of God's promises given through Moses appeared false. The Israelites felt betrayed , and blamed Moses for taking them out of Egypt.
There are periods in our lives when we have held on to Words and Promises of God that seem to look like lies and false promises. "If indeed my family were to bow to me, then how come I am now a poor, miserable prisoner?" Joseph may have lamented. " Which King roams the forests and sleeps in caves?" David might have questioned himself over and over. God has a vision for each child of His, more correctly, He has plans for every individual if they will seek Him. However, when God reveals His plans to us, there may be periods and seasons we may face that will bring about just the opposite of what has been promised. We learn of the end of the matter, but the road to the end is sometimes rocky with many seemingly end points. But take heart, and hold on , for God's promises never fail, they will come to pass.
Just like the seasons of this world, it is very difficult to imagine beautiful blossoms when you are faced with a harsh wintry weather. But gradually , the harsh weather tames down, and warmth sets in. Little by little, spring reveals beautiful blossoms, until we are surrounded by nice gardens in sunny weather. This is how the journey of life sometimes appear. There are times that change is no where in sight, when a positive difference in our circumstances may seem next to impossible. However, suddenly there shall be a change! Suddenly God will come through and bring a tremendous change. Other times, it is little by little that you may not even deem the changes significant, then suddenly you wake up , and like Joseph, you have been elevated.
Just be patient and wait for the Lord's appointed time - Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
WHAT IS NEXT?
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Have you ever experienced a mirage whilst travelling? It appears there is water ahead on the road, but you never seem to reach it. You seem to be chasing the wind. Beloved, that is how we sometimes feel when we are waiting on God. Joseph felt same when he languished in prison, falsely accused and forsaken. That is how David felt when he roamed the forests, having earlier experienced the joy of being anointed King by Samuel. It all looked like a sham.
Moses felt same when after God had promised deliverance to the Israelites, Pharaoh's heart was so hardened up that he refused to let them go. I can imagine how Moses felt when the chariots of Egypt were chasing after them, and they were caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. At that specific moment, all of God's promises given through Moses appeared false. The Israelites felt betrayed , and blamed Moses for taking them out of Egypt.
There are periods in our lives when we have held on to Words and Promises of God that seem to look like lies and false promises. "If indeed my family were to bow to me, then how come I am now a poor, miserable prisoner?" Joseph may have lamented. " Which King roams the forests and sleeps in caves?" David might have questioned himself over and over. God has a vision for each child of His, more correctly, He has plans for every individual if they will seek Him. However, when God reveals His plans to us, there may be periods and seasons we may face that will bring about just the opposite of what has been promised. We learn of the end of the matter, but the road to the end is sometimes rocky with many seemingly end points. But take heart, and hold on , for God's promises never fail, they will come to pass.
Just like the seasons of this world, it is very difficult to imagine beautiful blossoms when you are faced with a harsh wintry weather. But gradually , the harsh weather tames down, and warmth sets in. Little by little, spring reveals beautiful blossoms, until we are surrounded by nice gardens in sunny weather. This is how the journey of life sometimes appear. There are times that change is no where in sight, when a positive difference in our circumstances may seem next to impossible. However, suddenly there shall be a change! Suddenly God will come through and bring a tremendous change. Other times, it is little by little that you may not even deem the changes significant, then suddenly you wake up , and like Joseph, you have been elevated.
Just be patient and wait for the Lord's appointed time - Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.4.13
Pray the desires of your heart into reality
The man who loves the Lord has a promise from the Lord to grant his heart desires.
Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.
When our desires are in line with the Word and will of God, He shall grant them. Desires that are good, or that intend to do good to others shall be granted. Desires to expand God's Kingdom, dreams and aspirations as well as longing for a long and successful life shall also be granted in accordance to the promises of God.
Psalm 37:4 tells us to :Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
When you love the Lord and delight yourself in Him, all you need and want is taken care of by Him. Matthew 6:33 teaches us to Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. God knows your need even before you ask Him. If you love Him and seek Him first, there is nothing you really need that He is not willing to give to you.
You only need to ask, and believe you have it, and you shall have it - Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you shall have them.
For instance, if you desire for good health, pray this way - "Lord God, I thank you that by your stripes I am healed. I desire for good health and believe I have good health. Therefore, I thank you for good health. In Jesus's name I pray with thanksgiving, Amen."
The Lord loves you and will satisfy your heart desires - Psalm 103:5 confirms this - who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Dear one, do continue to trust in God, believe in His Word, for His promises are yea and Amen. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.4.13
Right attitudes for times of adversity
Right attitudes produce right results. An attitude can make or mar you. A sour attitude can close major doors. And a sweet attitude can open closed doors. There is a right and wrong attitude for going through times of adversity. We will focus today on right attitudes for difficult and trying times.
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with a burning furnace, they showed their total trust in God by declaring -
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve he is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”Daniel 3:16-18
David roamed in forests, and slept in caves because King Saul sought to kill him, and yet when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, he decided against it. In the end, King Saul got his comeuppance and died a shameful death. Also when David roamed in the forests, running away from King Saul, he wanted a favour from Nabal, but got a mouthful of condescending remarks from Nabal. David was angry, however when Nabal's wife Abigail calmed him down, he forgave Nabal. Nabal got his just deserts, and died soon afterwards. When people abuse you, leave them in the hands of God, He is the greatest avenger. 1 Samuel 25
An attitude of joy, praise and thanksgiving - There is a common saying among Christian folks that when praises go up, blessings come down. We must learn to be thankful to God in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for us - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Paul and Silas learnt to do this. They sang hymns to God even though they were in chains and imprisoned. Whilst they praised God, there was an act of God - Acts 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. This eventually led to their release.
As we master these right attitudes: total trust in God, forgiveness and the act of being joyful, thankful and full of praise for God, we learn to surf the most dangerous waves of life.
- An attiude of total trust in God: We must totally put our trust in God - whether we are faced with high mountains or whether our paths are laden with roses. Job showed his total trust in God when he said in Job 13:15 - Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with a burning furnace, they showed their total trust in God by declaring -
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve he is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”Daniel 3:16-18
- A forgiving attitude: It is surprising how during times of affliction and adversity, people have ways of demeaning you, and saying all sorts of ill and untrue things about you. Joseph went through a difficult time when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He had Potipher's wife tell grave lies about him. And yet he forgave his brothers, who caused the commencement of his years of pain.
David roamed in forests, and slept in caves because King Saul sought to kill him, and yet when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, he decided against it. In the end, King Saul got his comeuppance and died a shameful death. Also when David roamed in the forests, running away from King Saul, he wanted a favour from Nabal, but got a mouthful of condescending remarks from Nabal. David was angry, however when Nabal's wife Abigail calmed him down, he forgave Nabal. Nabal got his just deserts, and died soon afterwards. When people abuse you, leave them in the hands of God, He is the greatest avenger. 1 Samuel 25
As we master these right attitudes: total trust in God, forgiveness and the act of being joyful, thankful and full of praise for God, we learn to surf the most dangerous waves of life.
- WHAT IS NEXT?
12.4.13
Trials in the centre of God's Will
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
It is easier to think you may be in God's Will when everything is calm and peaceful, and when you are enjoying physical and financial blessings. In modern Christianity , many people equate enjoying material blessings, peace and a trouble-free life to being in God's Will, and in His good books.
This is not necessarily true. God blessed Job. He gave him all he owned, remember every animal of the forest is God's, and the cattle on a thousand hills ( Psalm 50:10). However, when God wanted to test Job's faithfulness to Him, He allowed the devil to spew adversity and pain on Job. Job was in the Will of God when and during his time of adversity and pain. David was found by God and anointed King. Even though it was God's Will for him to become King, this brought him a lot of trouble. He faced many years of living in caves and running away from Saul who wanted to kill him. All of the time that David faced great trouble, he was in God's Will - chosen and anointed as King.
When Moses was sent by God to ask Pharaoh to excuse the Israelites for sometime, so they could go and offer sacrifices to God, Moses was simply obeying God's command. Hence, Moses was in the Will of God. Yet, his request made Pharaoh to instil even a greater pain on the Israelites.God's Will can bring us pain. Daniel was in the Will of God when he prayed many times a day, however, this incurred the wrath of the King, and he was thrown into the Lion's den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a burning furnace for obeying God.
Jesus was in God's will when He was tortured and crucified. Many martyrs of faith died painful deaths, still standing strong in the Will of God. Paul was beaten and stoned for being in God's Will. Dear one, everyone who desires a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. That is the caution from God's Holy Word.
In 1 Peter 4:12-14; 4:16,19 we are told by Peter that :
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
If you are walking right with God, and yet great trials, persecutions and pain has beset you, do not think that means you are out of God's will. Stand firm on His promises and pray, being thankful and joyful in Him, for He is your deliverer. You can face adversity in God's Will, but through it all, you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, Amen!
WHAT IS NEXT?
It is easier to think you may be in God's Will when everything is calm and peaceful, and when you are enjoying physical and financial blessings. In modern Christianity , many people equate enjoying material blessings, peace and a trouble-free life to being in God's Will, and in His good books.
This is not necessarily true. God blessed Job. He gave him all he owned, remember every animal of the forest is God's, and the cattle on a thousand hills ( Psalm 50:10). However, when God wanted to test Job's faithfulness to Him, He allowed the devil to spew adversity and pain on Job. Job was in the Will of God when and during his time of adversity and pain. David was found by God and anointed King. Even though it was God's Will for him to become King, this brought him a lot of trouble. He faced many years of living in caves and running away from Saul who wanted to kill him. All of the time that David faced great trouble, he was in God's Will - chosen and anointed as King.
When Moses was sent by God to ask Pharaoh to excuse the Israelites for sometime, so they could go and offer sacrifices to God, Moses was simply obeying God's command. Hence, Moses was in the Will of God. Yet, his request made Pharaoh to instil even a greater pain on the Israelites.God's Will can bring us pain. Daniel was in the Will of God when he prayed many times a day, however, this incurred the wrath of the King, and he was thrown into the Lion's den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a burning furnace for obeying God.
Jesus was in God's will when He was tortured and crucified. Many martyrs of faith died painful deaths, still standing strong in the Will of God. Paul was beaten and stoned for being in God's Will. Dear one, everyone who desires a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. That is the caution from God's Holy Word.
In 1 Peter 4:12-14; 4:16,19 we are told by Peter that :
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
If you are walking right with God, and yet great trials, persecutions and pain has beset you, do not think that means you are out of God's will. Stand firm on His promises and pray, being thankful and joyful in Him, for He is your deliverer. You can face adversity in God's Will, but through it all, you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, Amen!
WHAT IS NEXT?
11.4.13
Look to God in adversity
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Well, I have personally faced times in my life when the trials and temptations were too much for me to handle. Before you accuse me of giving the impression that God's Word is untrue, let us clarify a few issues:
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
And in Job 23:10 , he declared - "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job, at a point in time realised that it was necessary to continue trusting God ,though he humanly did not understand why God will allow such things to befall him. It was his simple trust in God amidst honest questionings that helped him to survive his ordeal. God shall always bring a way of escape when we trust Him, and look up to Him. He gave Jesus the strength and courage to bear the cross, and will give you same to bear what you are faced with.
Just like Paul acknowledged in 2 Corinthians 1, his troubles were too much to bear so that he would not rely on himself, but on God, who eventually delivered him. God gives us strength when we look to Him. He enables us to find a way of escape. Look to God!
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Well, I have personally faced times in my life when the trials and temptations were too much for me to handle. Before you accuse me of giving the impression that God's Word is untrue, let us clarify a few issues:
- Paul identified with the way I have felt - about being faced with more than he could bear.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
- God has promised not to allow the devil to put more on us than we can bear. But all throughout Scriptures, we read about men and women who were faced with huge trials that caused them to despair. Many, saying things that indirectly meant it was too much to bear- Job cursed the day he was born. His pain was too much that he wished he had not been born altogether. The truth is that in this life , we will know trouble and pain . Jesus assured us - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
- We will face many trials and temptations in this world. On our own they will seem too much to bear just like Apostle Paul described. It is when we rely on God to take us through these trials and tempations that we can survive them, or die as martyrs through them. When Job learnt this lesson, he stopped cursing his birth and declared -
And in Job 23:10 , he declared - "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job, at a point in time realised that it was necessary to continue trusting God ,though he humanly did not understand why God will allow such things to befall him. It was his simple trust in God amidst honest questionings that helped him to survive his ordeal. God shall always bring a way of escape when we trust Him, and look up to Him. He gave Jesus the strength and courage to bear the cross, and will give you same to bear what you are faced with.
Just like Paul acknowledged in 2 Corinthians 1, his troubles were too much to bear so that he would not rely on himself, but on God, who eventually delivered him. God gives us strength when we look to Him. He enables us to find a way of escape. Look to God!
- WHAT IS NEXT?
10.4.13
Surviving the night.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17 describes a night time experience in life. A time in one's life that everything could seem to be unfruitful. When losses are
visible to the eye, and can be counted one after the other. Job experienced a similar fate, he had lost all his children, oxen, his servants , the list went on and on. Sometimes we are buffeted by problems , and consumed by trouble. Job was in such a situation, it was a very depressing one . His wife who did not have the heart for it urged him to curse God and die. Job 1-2
During such dark hours of our lives, God may seem so far away. Jesus , during such a time in His life , shouted - "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?"
Don't we sometimes feel that way as well? The night has a way of making us feel numb with pain, and very lonely. Sometimes , one can feel all alone , even with people close by. But in the night time, we catch glimpses of the light from the moon and stars. The night time will not be totally dark if we learn to count our little blessings. If we would remember the goodness of the Lord, and thank Him in these times, we would keep awake the ray of hope we need to survive the night.
Habakkuk in verse 18 of chapter 3 announced - yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
We ought to keep an attitude of gratitude, praise and thanksgiving during the night. I know this is easier said than done. The songwriter puts this feeling so explicitly in words :
I will sing
I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing
I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing
The song writer has said it all. We have a God that saves and delivers - the God of our Salvation. His Joy is our strength. Nehemiaah 8:10. Nehemiah urged his people - Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God has joy when we praise and worship Him. And this joy is our strength. We must praise and worship God in order to muster strength to survive the night, for in due time, we shall behold the morning.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17 describes a night time experience in life. A time in one's life that everything could seem to be unfruitful. When losses are
visible to the eye, and can be counted one after the other. Job experienced a similar fate, he had lost all his children, oxen, his servants , the list went on and on. Sometimes we are buffeted by problems , and consumed by trouble. Job was in such a situation, it was a very depressing one . His wife who did not have the heart for it urged him to curse God and die. Job 1-2
During such dark hours of our lives, God may seem so far away. Jesus , during such a time in His life , shouted - "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?"
Don't we sometimes feel that way as well? The night has a way of making us feel numb with pain, and very lonely. Sometimes , one can feel all alone , even with people close by. But in the night time, we catch glimpses of the light from the moon and stars. The night time will not be totally dark if we learn to count our little blessings. If we would remember the goodness of the Lord, and thank Him in these times, we would keep awake the ray of hope we need to survive the night.
Habakkuk in verse 18 of chapter 3 announced - yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
We ought to keep an attitude of gratitude, praise and thanksgiving during the night. I know this is easier said than done. The songwriter puts this feeling so explicitly in words :
I will sing
I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing
I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing
The song writer has said it all. We have a God that saves and delivers - the God of our Salvation. His Joy is our strength. Nehemiaah 8:10. Nehemiah urged his people - Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God has joy when we praise and worship Him. And this joy is our strength. We must praise and worship God in order to muster strength to survive the night, for in due time, we shall behold the morning.
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.4.13
Peace in the midst of the storm
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
God's love as I have experienced it, is so peaceful. I can clearly remember past times of turmoil in my life, when I have cried out to God, and a peace so sweet and still had enveloped me. It is a peace that cannot be described. A peace that blows a sweet breeze all over you in the midst of a storm and gale. It is a peace that rocks you to sleep peacefully and eradicates worry and stress, assuaging pain and granting hope.
This is the peace that made Jesus sleep when faced with a storm. Mark 4:35-41
There is a certain level of faith and trust in God that we must reach as Christians. It is a stage in life where though our five senses may be in operation, we look beyond them, and embrace rather what God says about every situation. We must learn to walk by faith, for faith stills fear. This is not a call to disregard common sense. This is not to say when in imminent danger, make no effort to escape danger. That could fall under folly.
When we have faith in God, we place Him higher than our troubles and problems. We regard His guiding and protective Hand over our lives.Therefore, we rest in His love, knowing that no good thing will He withhold from us. We know that though sorrow may last for a night, rejoicing comes in the morning. Trust in God causes us to say - "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou are with me."
Jesus was able to calm the storm. In the same vein God is able to take care of the storms of our lives, if we will only believe, have faith and trust Him. The Psalmist in Psalm 46 made certain declarations to this effect -
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
We must be still and know that God who watches over us will win at the end of the day. We are in safe Hands! Let us rest in the loving and strong arms of God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
God's love as I have experienced it, is so peaceful. I can clearly remember past times of turmoil in my life, when I have cried out to God, and a peace so sweet and still had enveloped me. It is a peace that cannot be described. A peace that blows a sweet breeze all over you in the midst of a storm and gale. It is a peace that rocks you to sleep peacefully and eradicates worry and stress, assuaging pain and granting hope.
This is the peace that made Jesus sleep when faced with a storm. Mark 4:35-41
There is a certain level of faith and trust in God that we must reach as Christians. It is a stage in life where though our five senses may be in operation, we look beyond them, and embrace rather what God says about every situation. We must learn to walk by faith, for faith stills fear. This is not a call to disregard common sense. This is not to say when in imminent danger, make no effort to escape danger. That could fall under folly.
When we have faith in God, we place Him higher than our troubles and problems. We regard His guiding and protective Hand over our lives.Therefore, we rest in His love, knowing that no good thing will He withhold from us. We know that though sorrow may last for a night, rejoicing comes in the morning. Trust in God causes us to say - "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou are with me."
Jesus was able to calm the storm. In the same vein God is able to take care of the storms of our lives, if we will only believe, have faith and trust Him. The Psalmist in Psalm 46 made certain declarations to this effect -
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
We must be still and know that God who watches over us will win at the end of the day. We are in safe Hands! Let us rest in the loving and strong arms of God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
8.4.13
In the morning
Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment,but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Like the widow and Elijah, are you left with your last meal, wondering if you will last the night and see the morning? Your joy is in the morning, for sure. This is because God will send you help to cause your flour and oil never to run out. God through Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed five thousand. He can surely take care of your needs, if only you will hand them over to Him.
Are you battling with illness, call on Jesus, He'll look upon you with compassion. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He heals in this day, just as He did when He walked the grounds of Earth. Are you bereaved? God can gladden your heart, just as He did for Isaac by bringing Rebecca while he was grieving, assuaging his pain and making him glad.
I may not have mentioned what exactly you could be going through, but God knows your need. Tomorrow by this time, your situation shall change. Do not doubt, only believe!
Further reading : 2 Kings 6:6-33
2 Kings 7:1-20
WHAT IS NEXT?
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
Weeping indeed may last through the night. If you are going through a dark stage in life that feels like night time, if you happen to face one trouble after the other , just like it happened to Job, I want you to be encouraged. Have your children gone wayward? Just like the prodigal son, as you wait on God for their return, as you look through the window of prayer, you shall behold their return.
Like the widow and Elijah, are you left with your last meal, wondering if you will last the night and see the morning? Your joy is in the morning, for sure. This is because God will send you help to cause your flour and oil never to run out. God through Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed five thousand. He can surely take care of your needs, if only you will hand them over to Him.
Are you battling with illness, call on Jesus, He'll look upon you with compassion. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He heals in this day, just as He did when He walked the grounds of Earth. Are you bereaved? God can gladden your heart, just as He did for Isaac by bringing Rebecca while he was grieving, assuaging his pain and making him glad.
I may not have mentioned what exactly you could be going through, but God knows your need. Tomorrow by this time, your situation shall change. Do not doubt, only believe!
Further reading : 2 Kings 6:6-33
2 Kings 7:1-20
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.4.13
Saving for the best
Matthew 13:45-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
Fine pearls are rare and invaluable, hidden away in the shells of oysters, sometimes found in clams and mussels, and infrequently found naturally in the wild. They are uncommon and costly. These days, there are imitations of pearls sold cheaply. They are replicas of original pearls. However, original pearls are expensive, and not cheap at all.
Heaven is not a common Kingdom, its streets are paved with gold and its gate made with Pearls - Revelation 21:21 . Many people are obsessed with Earth. We can become so earthly focused because we live here. Being Earthly focused is to live in the flesh, fulfilling lustful desires such as
sexual immorality, impurity and lustful pleasures; idolatry, sorcery and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
We may also have idols in our lives like regarding money as more important than God. We could harbour unforgiveness and thus hinder God from forgiving us. Jesus warned that many will resort to the wide road that leads to eternal damnation. This is the road without Jesus, where the Holy Spirit is not the tour guide. Where fleshy desires as mentioned above are dominant.
Nevertheless, the wise and discerning will seek God's Kingdom with all that they have. It will be priority in their lives, for they know its worth and are willing to take the narrow road. The narrow road is costly. It is like saving all your money for one costly holiday. But it is worth it, for you pay nothing for starters - salvation is free through Jesus Christ. The cost you may incur is the cost of probably losing family and friends because of your faith; being mocked and persecuted.
It is not costly to walk in the Spirit when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit enables us to bear His fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. At times, when our human side wars with our new faith, we may struggle to bear this fruit, but if we have the right heart and attitude towards God, and seek His help, He will help us to be like Him.
So now, ask yourself this question - Am I on the narrow or wide road? Am I bearing the cost for the best holiday of my life - eternal life on a land with golden streets and pearly gates?
Would you be like the merchant that sold all he had for the pearl of good value? Or would you rather buy lots of cheap replica pearls and lose the pearl of good value?
THINK ON THIS!
WHAT IS NEXT?
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
Fine pearls are rare and invaluable, hidden away in the shells of oysters, sometimes found in clams and mussels, and infrequently found naturally in the wild. They are uncommon and costly. These days, there are imitations of pearls sold cheaply. They are replicas of original pearls. However, original pearls are expensive, and not cheap at all.
Heaven is not a common Kingdom, its streets are paved with gold and its gate made with Pearls - Revelation 21:21 . Many people are obsessed with Earth. We can become so earthly focused because we live here. Being Earthly focused is to live in the flesh, fulfilling lustful desires such as
sexual immorality, impurity and lustful pleasures; idolatry, sorcery and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
We may also have idols in our lives like regarding money as more important than God. We could harbour unforgiveness and thus hinder God from forgiving us. Jesus warned that many will resort to the wide road that leads to eternal damnation. This is the road without Jesus, where the Holy Spirit is not the tour guide. Where fleshy desires as mentioned above are dominant.
Nevertheless, the wise and discerning will seek God's Kingdom with all that they have. It will be priority in their lives, for they know its worth and are willing to take the narrow road. The narrow road is costly. It is like saving all your money for one costly holiday. But it is worth it, for you pay nothing for starters - salvation is free through Jesus Christ. The cost you may incur is the cost of probably losing family and friends because of your faith; being mocked and persecuted.
It is not costly to walk in the Spirit when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit enables us to bear His fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. At times, when our human side wars with our new faith, we may struggle to bear this fruit, but if we have the right heart and attitude towards God, and seek His help, He will help us to be like Him.
So now, ask yourself this question - Am I on the narrow or wide road? Am I bearing the cost for the best holiday of my life - eternal life on a land with golden streets and pearly gates?
Would you be like the merchant that sold all he had for the pearl of good value? Or would you rather buy lots of cheap replica pearls and lose the pearl of good value?
THINK ON THIS!
WHAT IS NEXT?
6.4.13
Persistence
Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told us about the power of persistence. When we persist at something, we are able to surmount the insurmountable. There are situations we shall face in life that will appear unconquerable. However, when we develop an inner tenacity to persist at our endeavours, we shall attain our desired results.
From the above scripture, the widow got an answer to her request because she persisted. Blind Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus for help. Mark 10:46-52. Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” (Vs 48) Finally, Jesus heard and healed him.
How often do we stop when we are closest to our miracle. We quit when we have dug for so long and are almost close to discovering gold. The darkest hour comes just before the dawn. We may miss out when we behold the darkness and assume morning can never come. Sometimes things may appear so unfavourable and we may want to quit. Naaman was battling with leprosy, and suddenly saw a ray of hope. 2 Kings 5:1-14. His bubble appeared to burst when he was told to go and have a wash in the Jordan. At that point, Naaman was angry and was about to give up, but then he had a change of mind, and decided to give it a try. His last try brought him healing. Sometimes , the next try may look unpleasant, but it is what will bring you the desired results. Don't quit - give it another try!
On the contrary, there are times that we may be out of God's will, and so try as we will, we may lose out. Though Pharaoh persisted in preventing the Israelites from leaving Egypt, he lost out because God was not on his side. When we have God on our side, our persistence is a sign of our faith in Him and shows we believe we have a hope and a future. Jesus related the widow's persistence to faith - But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith? Luke 18:8
Let us look up, for we have a hope and a future . We must not give up!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Jesus told us about the power of persistence. When we persist at something, we are able to surmount the insurmountable. There are situations we shall face in life that will appear unconquerable. However, when we develop an inner tenacity to persist at our endeavours, we shall attain our desired results.
From the above scripture, the widow got an answer to her request because she persisted. Blind Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus for help. Mark 10:46-52. Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” (Vs 48) Finally, Jesus heard and healed him.
How often do we stop when we are closest to our miracle. We quit when we have dug for so long and are almost close to discovering gold. The darkest hour comes just before the dawn. We may miss out when we behold the darkness and assume morning can never come. Sometimes things may appear so unfavourable and we may want to quit. Naaman was battling with leprosy, and suddenly saw a ray of hope. 2 Kings 5:1-14. His bubble appeared to burst when he was told to go and have a wash in the Jordan. At that point, Naaman was angry and was about to give up, but then he had a change of mind, and decided to give it a try. His last try brought him healing. Sometimes , the next try may look unpleasant, but it is what will bring you the desired results. Don't quit - give it another try!
On the contrary, there are times that we may be out of God's will, and so try as we will, we may lose out. Though Pharaoh persisted in preventing the Israelites from leaving Egypt, he lost out because God was not on his side. When we have God on our side, our persistence is a sign of our faith in Him and shows we believe we have a hope and a future. Jesus related the widow's persistence to faith - But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith? Luke 18:8
Let us look up, for we have a hope and a future . We must not give up!
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.4.13
The humble cry
Key Scripture : Luke 18:9-14
Jesus tells us about two people who went to the temple to pray, each one approaching God differently. The Pharisee trusted in his good works and lauded himself. On the contrary, the tax collector was full of conviction for his sins and asked for mercy. According to Jesus, the tax collector was justified before God other than the Pharisee, for all who humble themselves will be exalted, and all who exalt themselves will be humbled.
God is aware of all our hidden intentions and empty good works. The very heart of a man is wicked, and God knows that He cannot strive with us forever. For the flesh does what it wishes not to do, and is unable to do what it would like to do. God in His mercy has His ear open to the cry of the humble.
Psalm 138:6
God quickly hears the cry of the lowly, but discerns the proud from afar. Pride is what caused satan to fall. Pride is what caused angels to become demons. Pride led Eve to disobey God. Pride made Adam to blame Eve for his mistake. Pride caused sinful man to crucify holy Jesus. Pride is holding some men from accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Pride says I am okay. I do the right things by myself. I do not need God. I have a greater understanding of the scriptures than all those who try to teach me. When pride sets in, God takes the back seat, in actual fact, we leave the backseat to Him. We have to understand that God abhors pride and is pleased with the one that acknowledges his need for Him, and his continuous need of God's mercy and grace.
Next time, when we are tempted to glory in our own abilities, let us remember that God delights in us doing the right things but with His help and by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. For without our total trust in Him, and our total dependence on His grace and mercy, all our right works are tainted.
Let us therefore come boldly before God in all humility, and we shall receive mercy and grace.
WHAT IS NEXT?
4.4.13
Total Obedience
Matthew 21:28-32 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
How often do we hear Christians proclaim - " I have been in the faith longer than him/her. What does he/she know?'' Many people accept Jesus, show a willingness to walk in obedience, and then gradually start to drift off God's instructions. Many have a form of Godliness, but deny the power there of. Some people strut about with a sense of over importance, and believe they have known God the longest. Just like Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses in Numbers12 :2 - "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this., sometimes as believers, we are quick to show off who we believe we are in God. Often times revealing hidden pride in our lives.
The Word of God says unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. It is not about how long we have been Christians, but rather about whether or not we are walking in obedience . In the parable above, the second son was not obedient, he feigned obedience , but his action spelt disobedience. Our actions shall betray our relationship with God. Aaron was accusing Moses, but he was not totally sold out to obeying God either. Aaron led the Israelites to worship a golden calf. Our obedience must be in toto. We should not begin in righteousness and obedience, and end in unrighteousness and disobedience. We have to carry on in obedience for it is he who endures to the end, that shall be saved.
Let us bear in mind Ezekiel 18:26-28 When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.4.13
Called to serve
Matthew 20:25-28 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
From the above scripture, we realise that the way of God's Kingdom differs from the way of the world. In the world, when people occupy seats of command, they are adored and are virtually kowtowed and served. Contrarily, the Kingdom of God seeks for her citizenry to serve one another. Love serves and bears each others burdens.
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
God has given to us different gifts and talents to serve others with. If we have the gift of healing, we must serve others with it as God's Holy Spirit enables us. If we have the gift of prophesy and know all mysteries , it is to build others up. We must not think ourselves more important than others. We must ensure to put others first and serve them in love.
And when we have served others willingly, maybe amidst persecution and insults being hurled at us, Jesus urges us not to think too highly of what we have done, as it is simply what is required of us - So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Luke 17:10
You and I are called to serve. Jesus set the example for us when He washed the feet of His disciples - “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:13-17
Take note of verse 17 of the above scripture and ponder over it - Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
From the above scripture, we realise that the way of God's Kingdom differs from the way of the world. In the world, when people occupy seats of command, they are adored and are virtually kowtowed and served. Contrarily, the Kingdom of God seeks for her citizenry to serve one another. Love serves and bears each others burdens.
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
God has given to us different gifts and talents to serve others with. If we have the gift of healing, we must serve others with it as God's Holy Spirit enables us. If we have the gift of prophesy and know all mysteries , it is to build others up. We must not think ourselves more important than others. We must ensure to put others first and serve them in love.
And when we have served others willingly, maybe amidst persecution and insults being hurled at us, Jesus urges us not to think too highly of what we have done, as it is simply what is required of us - So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Luke 17:10
You and I are called to serve. Jesus set the example for us when He washed the feet of His disciples - “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:13-17
Take note of verse 17 of the above scripture and ponder over it - Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.4.13
The God who cannot be mocked
Galatians 6 :7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
The common saying what goes around comes around is a true saying, and this is confirmed by scripture as seen above. God cannot be held in disdain. This Scripture virtually says. We cannot by our words and deeds sneer at God and think there are no consequences. We cannot alter figures and steal money, and secretly rejoice thinking we got away with it. Though this may escape the auditors, God who sees all things will ensure you get your just deserts, unless you truly repent. We can mock God by saying there is no God, or by worshipping other gods. We mock God by holding other things in our lives more important than God.
We mock God when we live contrary to His Laws and commands. When we engage in deeds of the flesh - Galatians 5 :19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
We ought to know that when we live as shown above. We may often times reap our punishment on Earth, but even if this is not so, and we happen to freely enjoy our sinful life styles with seemingly no comeuppance in sight, then be rest assured that there is a day of reckoning after we die. When that time comes there shall be no escape. Solomon re - iterates this.
Ecclesiastes 7:15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. Solomon carries on to explain the truth that God is not mocked - that we shall eventually reap what we sow - Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
2 Peter 3:8-10 reminds us that : But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Knowing that we shall be judged, that for every evil done, we shall be rightly served our just deserts, we must live bearing the fruits of the Spirit -
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24
We can inherit the Kingdom of God if we are faithful followers of Jesus who are filled and led by His Spirit, and who bear the fruit of the Spirit. Let us therefore not grow weary in doing good for we shall soon reap our eternal glory. These are simple truths that should not be treated with disdain as they carry the potential to cause us to choose eternal life, and eschew eternal condemnation - God bless u!
WHAT IS NEXT?
The common saying what goes around comes around is a true saying, and this is confirmed by scripture as seen above. God cannot be held in disdain. This Scripture virtually says. We cannot by our words and deeds sneer at God and think there are no consequences. We cannot alter figures and steal money, and secretly rejoice thinking we got away with it. Though this may escape the auditors, God who sees all things will ensure you get your just deserts, unless you truly repent. We can mock God by saying there is no God, or by worshipping other gods. We mock God by holding other things in our lives more important than God.
We mock God when we live contrary to His Laws and commands. When we engage in deeds of the flesh - Galatians 5 :19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
We ought to know that when we live as shown above. We may often times reap our punishment on Earth, but even if this is not so, and we happen to freely enjoy our sinful life styles with seemingly no comeuppance in sight, then be rest assured that there is a day of reckoning after we die. When that time comes there shall be no escape. Solomon re - iterates this.
Ecclesiastes 7:15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. Solomon carries on to explain the truth that God is not mocked - that we shall eventually reap what we sow - Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
2 Peter 3:8-10 reminds us that : But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Knowing that we shall be judged, that for every evil done, we shall be rightly served our just deserts, we must live bearing the fruits of the Spirit -
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24
We can inherit the Kingdom of God if we are faithful followers of Jesus who are filled and led by His Spirit, and who bear the fruit of the Spirit. Let us therefore not grow weary in doing good for we shall soon reap our eternal glory. These are simple truths that should not be treated with disdain as they carry the potential to cause us to choose eternal life, and eschew eternal condemnation - God bless u!
WHAT IS NEXT?
1.4.13
Draw near to God
It is ignorance and pride that keeps us away from seeking God. When we are ignorant of who God is, we seem to have no need of Him. We walk through life as though we own ourselves. Grabbing all sorts of theories about how we came into being. And often times, living like we are not accountable to anyone. The Word of God describes such a person as a fool - Psalm 14 :1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
When we embrace the truth that there is a God in Heaven that created us, and to whom we are accountable, we may either seek Him with all our hearts, or we might take Him for granted and allow our pride to cause us to act as though we do not need Him. We could allow sin and the love of the world to get in our way.
James 4:8 admonishes us - Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
We have to make a conscious effort to seek God. We must make time for the things of God. God has given man his will power, so would not force Himself on any man. The extent to which you draw near to God is the extent to which He'll come closer to you. God looks at the intents of your heart, and knows how you feel about Him. If your heart really pants for Him as the deer pants for the waters, then He will hear your heart cry and draw near to you.
2 Chronicles 15 :1-4 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.
If we humble ourselves and call on God, He shall draw closer to us and be evident in our lives. Please note that being wealthy and comfortable in life does not necessarily mean the Lord is on your side. The world and all that is in it is passing away, everything you hold dear on earth is fleeting. Kindly seek the Lord, for eternity cannot in any way be compared to the length of our days on Earth. You cannot afford to spend eternity in doom, away from God. Whether you believe it or not, we shall one day give account to God of all that we have done on Earth, then we shall be judged, either to eternal condemnation, or eternal bliss if we made Jesus our Lord and Saviour, and if we walked faithfully with God.
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55 :6
WHAT IS NEXT?
When we embrace the truth that there is a God in Heaven that created us, and to whom we are accountable, we may either seek Him with all our hearts, or we might take Him for granted and allow our pride to cause us to act as though we do not need Him. We could allow sin and the love of the world to get in our way.
James 4:8 admonishes us - Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
We have to make a conscious effort to seek God. We must make time for the things of God. God has given man his will power, so would not force Himself on any man. The extent to which you draw near to God is the extent to which He'll come closer to you. God looks at the intents of your heart, and knows how you feel about Him. If your heart really pants for Him as the deer pants for the waters, then He will hear your heart cry and draw near to you.
2 Chronicles 15 :1-4 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.
If we humble ourselves and call on God, He shall draw closer to us and be evident in our lives. Please note that being wealthy and comfortable in life does not necessarily mean the Lord is on your side. The world and all that is in it is passing away, everything you hold dear on earth is fleeting. Kindly seek the Lord, for eternity cannot in any way be compared to the length of our days on Earth. You cannot afford to spend eternity in doom, away from God. Whether you believe it or not, we shall one day give account to God of all that we have done on Earth, then we shall be judged, either to eternal condemnation, or eternal bliss if we made Jesus our Lord and Saviour, and if we walked faithfully with God.
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55 :6
WHAT IS NEXT?
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