The song writer wrote - "God will make a way where there seems to be no way, he works in ways we cannot see he will make a way for me."
How very true - God made a way in the Red Sea, at a time that the Israelites felt there was no way out. Miraculously, God caused the seas to roll sideways, and the creator of the universe created a pathway in the middle of the sea. I bet the Israelites were overwhelmed by this miracle. The God of the impossible was at it again - showing forth His wondrous works.
The Egyptians saw God's handiwork, but they did not know that God can make a way, and as He desires, He can as well block an open way. God can do and undo. The same God who created a path, caused the path to close. He swallowed up the Egyptians, but led the Israelites to safety.
As children of God , we must trust God to open closed doors for us. He has the keys and answers. Moreso, we can walk in faith like Moses did when he struck the Red Sea as instructed by God. If we walk in faith, God through us will accomplish the impossible , and halt the destructible.
Always remember that when Jesus opens a door, no one can shut it, and when He shuts a door, no one can open it. Revelation 3:7 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:
Trust in God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
31.5.13
30.5.13
The Ugly Green Monster
Jealousy is a monster that destroys families, friendships, churches, organisations and even nations. Out of jealousy grows envy, complaints and murmurings. Jealousy and envy can make us mean and evil, and as ungodly as possible.
According to Wikipedia, Jealousy is an emotion and typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection. Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust. It is a product of our Adamic nature, humans inherited this emotion from the original sin committed by Adam. Wikipedia tells that even some babies possess this trait - It has been observed in infants five months and older.
Jealousy makes you discontent because of something someone has. It produces resentment because of a fear of rivalry . Envy is the feeling of discontentment, resentment and jealousy because of what another owns, or has. As Christians, it is wrong for us to accept jealousy and envy as being a part of us. Just as it is wrong for us to accept telling lies, fornication and adultery, outbursts of wrath , etc. The Holy Spirit of God lives in us as Christians to overcome our Adamic nature , and walk in our new nature - the Godly nature. Personally, the Spirit of God nudges me when I succumb to carnality. I believe every Christian has these nudges as and when necessary. Jealousy and envy is a spirit of destruction that contradicts the nature of God, and ought not control a child of God.
Jealousy and envy is what led Lucifer to rebel against God. Lucifer was envious of God's status and power, and desired to be as God. Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Jealousy caused Cain to kill Abel. The brothers of Joseph were envious of the preferential treatment he was given by their father. They were so moved by jealousy that they lived dreading Joseph becoming their ruler. This caused them to even plot to murder Joseph. Out of envy and jealousy grow evil thoughts and actions. When jealousy takes over, you are unable to give honour or accept another's place of honour. You are likely to beat yourself up when you appear to lose recognition, and ask questions like - " Why him, and not me?" You tend to think every important or special thing should be associated with you and your name. Jealousy is spurred on by pride and a feeling of self importance.
We give in to jealousy and envy when we refuse to be content with what God has given to us, or made of us. When we learn to be content, we will eradicate evil feelings of jealousy and envy. I remember as I was growing up, my mum kept saying to us - "rejoice with others, and never compete. God has a special plan for everyone, and there is a different time for blessings in everybody's life. Today may be the turn of your sister, brother, or friend. But tomorrow will be your turn. So rejoice with others when they succeed." This piece of advice has guided me. When you rejoice with others for their achievements and successes, you will eschew jealous feelings and live without envy.
Jealousy and envy is destructive, so as Christians, let us get rid of this monster.
WHAT IS NEXT?
According to Wikipedia, Jealousy is an emotion and typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection. Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust. It is a product of our Adamic nature, humans inherited this emotion from the original sin committed by Adam. Wikipedia tells that even some babies possess this trait - It has been observed in infants five months and older.
Jealousy makes you discontent because of something someone has. It produces resentment because of a fear of rivalry . Envy is the feeling of discontentment, resentment and jealousy because of what another owns, or has. As Christians, it is wrong for us to accept jealousy and envy as being a part of us. Just as it is wrong for us to accept telling lies, fornication and adultery, outbursts of wrath , etc. The Holy Spirit of God lives in us as Christians to overcome our Adamic nature , and walk in our new nature - the Godly nature. Personally, the Spirit of God nudges me when I succumb to carnality. I believe every Christian has these nudges as and when necessary. Jealousy and envy is a spirit of destruction that contradicts the nature of God, and ought not control a child of God.
Jealousy and envy is what led Lucifer to rebel against God. Lucifer was envious of God's status and power, and desired to be as God. Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Jealousy caused Cain to kill Abel. The brothers of Joseph were envious of the preferential treatment he was given by their father. They were so moved by jealousy that they lived dreading Joseph becoming their ruler. This caused them to even plot to murder Joseph. Out of envy and jealousy grow evil thoughts and actions. When jealousy takes over, you are unable to give honour or accept another's place of honour. You are likely to beat yourself up when you appear to lose recognition, and ask questions like - " Why him, and not me?" You tend to think every important or special thing should be associated with you and your name. Jealousy is spurred on by pride and a feeling of self importance.
We give in to jealousy and envy when we refuse to be content with what God has given to us, or made of us. When we learn to be content, we will eradicate evil feelings of jealousy and envy. I remember as I was growing up, my mum kept saying to us - "rejoice with others, and never compete. God has a special plan for everyone, and there is a different time for blessings in everybody's life. Today may be the turn of your sister, brother, or friend. But tomorrow will be your turn. So rejoice with others when they succeed." This piece of advice has guided me. When you rejoice with others for their achievements and successes, you will eschew jealous feelings and live without envy.
Jealousy and envy is destructive, so as Christians, let us get rid of this monster.
WHAT IS NEXT?
29.5.13
Act on your faith.
The woman with the issue of blood had faith that Jesus could heal her. Jesus was surrounded by a great crowd. It appeared almost impossible that she would reach him.
Yet she did not give up. She persevered in her belief; in her faith that she could be made whole by Jesus. Lo and behold, she managed to manoeuvre through the crowd until she was able to touch the hem of His garment. Immediately she was made whole. Acting on her faith made her whole.
Mark 5:25-29 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.
Faith not acted upon is dead works. A statement I heard ministered to me so much - God does the impossible whilst we do the possible. The woman with the issue of blood had done all that was humanly possible to be healed - she had been to physicians for she knew that all good and perfect gifts come from the Father, thus physicians have their knowledge and wisdom from God. When that failed, she did not give up, she went after the Great Physician - Jesus.
Again, the crowds were a hindrance, but she was persistent, for she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” As she pursued the possible, jumping hurdles and all, God stepped in to heal her. It was the power of God that came upon her when she touched the hem of Jesus's garments. I presume Jesus who was surrounded by a great crowd had lots of people touching him consciously or unconsciously. However He identified this woman's touch. It was a special touch of faith. A true act of faith releases God's power.
Mark 5:30-34 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”
His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”
But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”
Your faith if acted upon will release the power of God and make a difference in your life, and in the lives of those around you. God is looking for men and women of faith to show His power through them. Stand up in faith and be counted!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Yet she did not give up. She persevered in her belief; in her faith that she could be made whole by Jesus. Lo and behold, she managed to manoeuvre through the crowd until she was able to touch the hem of His garment. Immediately she was made whole. Acting on her faith made her whole.
Mark 5:25-29 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.
Faith not acted upon is dead works. A statement I heard ministered to me so much - God does the impossible whilst we do the possible. The woman with the issue of blood had done all that was humanly possible to be healed - she had been to physicians for she knew that all good and perfect gifts come from the Father, thus physicians have their knowledge and wisdom from God. When that failed, she did not give up, she went after the Great Physician - Jesus.
Again, the crowds were a hindrance, but she was persistent, for she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” As she pursued the possible, jumping hurdles and all, God stepped in to heal her. It was the power of God that came upon her when she touched the hem of Jesus's garments. I presume Jesus who was surrounded by a great crowd had lots of people touching him consciously or unconsciously. However He identified this woman's touch. It was a special touch of faith. A true act of faith releases God's power.
Mark 5:30-34 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”
His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”
But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”
Your faith if acted upon will release the power of God and make a difference in your life, and in the lives of those around you. God is looking for men and women of faith to show His power through them. Stand up in faith and be counted!
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.5.13
Holding on and letting go
Ecclesiastes 3:6 (b) A time to keep and a time to throw away.
There is a time in life to hold on to something, as well as a time to throw away. There are certain times that you may hold on to a situation, or a relationship, and there is a time to let go.
Abraham had to let go his homeland and move out in accordance to the instruction of God - Genesis 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.
Lot had to let go the city of Sodom. When the angels of God came to destroy the city because of the insurgence of its inhabitants, Lot was initially hesitant to leave, and had to be virtually dragged out - Genesis 19:16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord is merciful.
Lot's wife was still not willing to give up on what she had left behind. She looked back in breach of the instruction of the angel, and became a pillar of salt. We must learn to let go!
The children of God had to learn to keep just the manna they needed daily. God taught them in a practical manner the lesson of holding on and letting go. Those that disobeyed had their manna stinking with maggots. There is a time to collect, and a time to throw away.
Again, the Israelites had not learnt to totally let go their past life in Egypt. They still craved for some part of their past life in Egypt. This angered God who punished them - Numbers 11:4-6 The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.”
God gave them meat but punished them duly - Numbers 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague. All of this happened because the Israelites did not let go off Egypt and all it stood for.
The father of the Prodigal son had to let go his son when he left home. As much as he loved him, he released him in love, and desired and waited for his return. We must learn to let go certain relationships, we have to let go people who no longer want us in their lives, and let go relationships that mar us, we may sometimes have to painfully let our spouse or children go, and hold them up in prayer and love. There is a time to keep, and a time to throw away. Do not hold on when you have to let go, nor let go when you have to keep.
May God help us discern when to hold on and when to let go.
WHAT IS NEXT?
There is a time in life to hold on to something, as well as a time to throw away. There are certain times that you may hold on to a situation, or a relationship, and there is a time to let go.
Abraham had to let go his homeland and move out in accordance to the instruction of God - Genesis 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.
Lot had to let go the city of Sodom. When the angels of God came to destroy the city because of the insurgence of its inhabitants, Lot was initially hesitant to leave, and had to be virtually dragged out - Genesis 19:16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord is merciful.
Lot's wife was still not willing to give up on what she had left behind. She looked back in breach of the instruction of the angel, and became a pillar of salt. We must learn to let go!
The children of God had to learn to keep just the manna they needed daily. God taught them in a practical manner the lesson of holding on and letting go. Those that disobeyed had their manna stinking with maggots. There is a time to collect, and a time to throw away.
Again, the Israelites had not learnt to totally let go their past life in Egypt. They still craved for some part of their past life in Egypt. This angered God who punished them - Numbers 11:4-6 The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.”
God gave them meat but punished them duly - Numbers 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague. All of this happened because the Israelites did not let go off Egypt and all it stood for.
The father of the Prodigal son had to let go his son when he left home. As much as he loved him, he released him in love, and desired and waited for his return. We must learn to let go certain relationships, we have to let go people who no longer want us in their lives, and let go relationships that mar us, we may sometimes have to painfully let our spouse or children go, and hold them up in prayer and love. There is a time to keep, and a time to throw away. Do not hold on when you have to let go, nor let go when you have to keep.
May God help us discern when to hold on and when to let go.
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.5.13
Finding rest from war.
Ecclesiastes 3:8(b) - A time for war and a time for peace.
There is a time when God grants us rest from battles. Life is full of battles. As Christians, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
In the Old Testament, Israel who represented God's children on Earth fought physical battles with their enemies. Contrarily, as children of God under the New Covenant, we are fighting a spiritual and unseen battle, but with physical evidence of what is spiritually occurring. We fight to enforce what Christ Jesus has already won for us. For example, Jesus has already won for us divine healing, so when sickness attacks, we speak to it what is ours in Christ Jesus. We command sickness to leave in the name of Jesus, and remind it that by the stripes of Jesus, we are healed - 1 Peter 2:24.
However, both under the Old and New Testaments , there is a time for war, and a time for peace (rest).
God granted Solomon rest on every side, His father, David, had broken the fallow ground via war, and as a result, Solomon had fertile ground to simply plant and enjoy the harvest of rest. 1 Kings 5:3-4 You know how that David my father could not build a house to the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil result.
Solomon's rest did not just happen. God foretold it in 1 Chronicles 22:9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. God had seen the faithfulness of David, and how he had fought many battles to uphold the name of God. God knew David had relied on Him throughout these wars and even described him as a man after His own heart. God did not love David less than Solomon, but David fought wars, and Solomon rested. Both however glorified God.
There are battles that rage in Heavenly places against God's Kingdom, and there are times that God calls men like you and I to stand in the gap. Some men may stand in the gap and pray through for a revival of God. They will have to battle evil strongholds to free men and women that the devil has held bound. Those bound men are meant to be freed, for Christ has already issued their release. Spiritual wars are fought to enforce what is ours in Christ. Other men will be called to enjoy the revival - the fruit of the battles fought by Jesus and His called servants. Nevertheless, those that travailed in prayer for revival, and those that benefit from revival are both beneficiaries of the grace of God through Christ Jesus.
Another man that rested from wars was Asa - 2 Chronicles 14 :6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. The only battle he fought that was mentioned was one with the Ethiopians. It was said of Asa - And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa. 2 Chronicles 15:19.
God may choose to give us rest, we ought to embrace it and just bask in His Glory. Resting from war does not cause us to cease from being warriors. Remember , for as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." 1 Samuel 30:24 . In others words, whether you are actively battling, or resting and enjoying the plunder from war, you are a beneficiary of God's grace.
WHAT IS NEXT?
There is a time when God grants us rest from battles. Life is full of battles. As Christians, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
In the Old Testament, Israel who represented God's children on Earth fought physical battles with their enemies. Contrarily, as children of God under the New Covenant, we are fighting a spiritual and unseen battle, but with physical evidence of what is spiritually occurring. We fight to enforce what Christ Jesus has already won for us. For example, Jesus has already won for us divine healing, so when sickness attacks, we speak to it what is ours in Christ Jesus. We command sickness to leave in the name of Jesus, and remind it that by the stripes of Jesus, we are healed - 1 Peter 2:24.
However, both under the Old and New Testaments , there is a time for war, and a time for peace (rest).
God granted Solomon rest on every side, His father, David, had broken the fallow ground via war, and as a result, Solomon had fertile ground to simply plant and enjoy the harvest of rest. 1 Kings 5:3-4 You know how that David my father could not build a house to the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil result.
Solomon's rest did not just happen. God foretold it in 1 Chronicles 22:9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. God had seen the faithfulness of David, and how he had fought many battles to uphold the name of God. God knew David had relied on Him throughout these wars and even described him as a man after His own heart. God did not love David less than Solomon, but David fought wars, and Solomon rested. Both however glorified God.
There are battles that rage in Heavenly places against God's Kingdom, and there are times that God calls men like you and I to stand in the gap. Some men may stand in the gap and pray through for a revival of God. They will have to battle evil strongholds to free men and women that the devil has held bound. Those bound men are meant to be freed, for Christ has already issued their release. Spiritual wars are fought to enforce what is ours in Christ. Other men will be called to enjoy the revival - the fruit of the battles fought by Jesus and His called servants. Nevertheless, those that travailed in prayer for revival, and those that benefit from revival are both beneficiaries of the grace of God through Christ Jesus.
Another man that rested from wars was Asa - 2 Chronicles 14 :6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. The only battle he fought that was mentioned was one with the Ethiopians. It was said of Asa - And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa. 2 Chronicles 15:19.
God may choose to give us rest, we ought to embrace it and just bask in His Glory. Resting from war does not cause us to cease from being warriors. Remember , for as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." 1 Samuel 30:24 . In others words, whether you are actively battling, or resting and enjoying the plunder from war, you are a beneficiary of God's grace.
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.5.13
Singing to victory
Praising and worshipping God in battle is an affirmation of our victory. In 2 Chronicles 20:17-19 , Judah and Jerusalem were faced with war - their enemies were coming against them, and they were panicking. Jahaziel prophesied saying "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
Jehoshaphat and all his followers worshipped God as a sign of surrender. Then the Levites followed with praises to God. It was their way of telling God that the battle was His and not theirs. They were affirming God's power and might, and their faith in His ability to save them from their enemies. The next day, King Jehoshaphat assured his men to have faith in God, and then led them in praises to God . 2 Chronicles 20:20-21
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”
Judah's army was a singing army - absurd but true. This singing army praised God, and in their course of praising their God, they witnessed a spectacular sight - 2 Chronicles 20:22-24 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
The Lord whom Judah and Jerusalem were praising and worshipping, stepped in, and fought their battle for them. He caused their enemies to be defeated, they turned against themselves and killed each other. When Judah and Jerusalem got to where their enemies were, they found their dead bodies. Their victory was a walk in the park!
Our praise and worship of God sets confusion in the camp of our enemies. Praise and worship is a battle cry. Praise and worship sets the mood for victory , victory won through God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
Jehoshaphat and all his followers worshipped God as a sign of surrender. Then the Levites followed with praises to God. It was their way of telling God that the battle was His and not theirs. They were affirming God's power and might, and their faith in His ability to save them from their enemies. The next day, King Jehoshaphat assured his men to have faith in God, and then led them in praises to God . 2 Chronicles 20:20-21
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”
Judah's army was a singing army - absurd but true. This singing army praised God, and in their course of praising their God, they witnessed a spectacular sight - 2 Chronicles 20:22-24 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
The Lord whom Judah and Jerusalem were praising and worshipping, stepped in, and fought their battle for them. He caused their enemies to be defeated, they turned against themselves and killed each other. When Judah and Jerusalem got to where their enemies were, they found their dead bodies. Their victory was a walk in the park!
Our praise and worship of God sets confusion in the camp of our enemies. Praise and worship is a battle cry. Praise and worship sets the mood for victory , victory won through God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.5.13
Marking time
2 Chronicles 20:17 " You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; STAND firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. STAND firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again."
From a human point of view, battles are strenuous and exert energy. However, as Christians, we have battle strategies that require no strenuous effort from our side. There are certain battles that all God expects from us is for us to STAND FIRM and see the victory He has in store for us.
Ephesians 6:13-16 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. STAND FIRM then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
From the above scripture, we are told to STAND, STAND and STAND.
There is a time to stand in our walk with God. To simply stand and rely on God. To stand and wait on God . God sometimes wants us to be still and know that He is God. Grace has given to us what we do not deserve, and what we have not worked for.
Whilst we stand , we must have truth as our belt, righteousness as our breastplate, the gospel of peace as our shoes, and faith as our shield. This is because if we simply stand clothed in carnality and sin, we would be destroyed by the fiery darts of the wicked. We must be appropriately dressed, whilst we stand and wait for God to establish our victory.
Marking time in war is not wasted time. Standing firm on God's Word and waiting on God is a battle strategy in itself. Whilst standing we must eschew feelings of fear and embrace faith, for that is our shield against the false evidence the devil will show to us.
The battle is the Lord's, therefore take your FIRM STAND, and see His victory, which is our victory - in other words, your victory!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. STAND firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again."
From a human point of view, battles are strenuous and exert energy. However, as Christians, we have battle strategies that require no strenuous effort from our side. There are certain battles that all God expects from us is for us to STAND FIRM and see the victory He has in store for us.
Ephesians 6:13-16 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. STAND FIRM then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
From the above scripture, we are told to STAND, STAND and STAND.
There is a time to stand in our walk with God. To simply stand and rely on God. To stand and wait on God . God sometimes wants us to be still and know that He is God. Grace has given to us what we do not deserve, and what we have not worked for.
Whilst we stand , we must have truth as our belt, righteousness as our breastplate, the gospel of peace as our shoes, and faith as our shield. This is because if we simply stand clothed in carnality and sin, we would be destroyed by the fiery darts of the wicked. We must be appropriately dressed, whilst we stand and wait for God to establish our victory.
Marking time in war is not wasted time. Standing firm on God's Word and waiting on God is a battle strategy in itself. Whilst standing we must eschew feelings of fear and embrace faith, for that is our shield against the false evidence the devil will show to us.
The battle is the Lord's, therefore take your FIRM STAND, and see His victory, which is our victory - in other words, your victory!
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.5.13
When God's blessings become an obstacle and an idol - Part 2
When the Israelites were leaving Egypt, God made the Egyptians favour them, so much so that they freely blessed them with their gold -Exodus 12:35-36 Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
The Israelites got a lot of gold from the Egyptians, this was a blessing from God bestowed on them. However, the Israelites did not use the gold to honour God, but rather turned it into a gold calf that they worshipped - Exodus 32:2-6 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings.
Thus, the blessing of God - gold, became an obstacle to the Israelites worship of God. It was turned into an idol that they worshipped. In modern times we act in a similar fashion, and allow people and things that God has blessed us with, to replace God. We cry to God for a spouse or child, and then, when God blesses us with our heart's desire, instead of serving Him with our blessing, we tend to use them as excuses for our lack of devotion to the things of God. We show the Adam in us by crying out to God - " The woman whom You gave to be with me..."
Let us do a soul search, and eradicate anything in our lives that is taking God's place.
God bless you!
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.5.13
When God's blessings become an obstacle and an idol - Part 1
God takes delight in bestowing blessings on his children. He blessed Abraham with children ;and great wealth. God equally blessed Isaac, then Jacob. Joseph became a blessed ruler of Egypt. God blessed Job, David and Solomon. Solomon was told by God - 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
God kept His Promise to Solomon , and it was recorded of Solomon - The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. God is still in the business of blessing His children. There are several scriptures that confirm this - a few are as shown below:
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither –whatever they do prospers.
God is faithful, but we must ensure that His blessings, which come with no added sorrow, do not become obstacles in our worship of Him, or do not become idols(anything that replaces God). Abraham longed for a son, God gave him Isaac. However, God tested his heart by instructing him to sacrifice Isaac to Him. Abraham passed this test, for to him, nothing , not even his beloved son could take God's place. This is how God wants us to regard the good things He blesses us with. No blessing of God - a husband/wife, child, physical possessions should ever take the place of God. Nothing in our lives - televisions, computers and social networks should replace our relationship with God, or these would become idols in our lives.
Satan challenged God that basically Job served Him because He had placed a hedge around him and blessed him. So urged God to remove the hedge and allow him to attack Job to prove Job only served God because He had blessed him. Job proved Satan wrong as he exclaimed after losing all he owned - “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” We must be like Job, the presence or absence of God's blessings in our lives must not determine our worship of Him. We must serve and worship God because we love Him, not because of, but in spite of.
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.5.13
Re- positioning yourself in battle.
In battle, we ought to stay alert and flexible. Fighting tactics change all the time , and to ensure victory, we must be open minded and willing to make changes.
The Old Testament is wrought with many battles that Israel had to fight. Israel then was the only chosen nation of God. As God's children, they had a lot of enemies that fought against them. In 2 Samuel 5:17-21, the Philistines came against David and his men. They spread out in the Valley of Rephaim to attack them. David sought a war strategy from the Lord - so David enquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?’
The LORD answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.’
2 Samuel 5:22-25 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David enquired of the LORD, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle round behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’ So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
The Old Testament is wrought with many battles that Israel had to fight. Israel then was the only chosen nation of God. As God's children, they had a lot of enemies that fought against them. In 2 Samuel 5:17-21, the Philistines came against David and his men. They spread out in the Valley of Rephaim to attack them. David sought a war strategy from the Lord - so David enquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?’
The LORD answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.’
David followed the direction of God, and victory was his that day. However the Philistines would not relent, they came back another day in the same way, back to the same spot - the Valley of Rephaim. The Philistines did the same thing they had done earlier and yet expected to win. They had earlier on been defeated and yet did not change their strategy. Do not expect new results by resorting to the same old things that brought failure. David had earlier on gone straight against the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim and had defeated them. It was natural for David to do same again - to simply go down to attack them. However, David inquired of God what to do this time, and God gave Him a new direction to follow for victory. In other words, David had to re- position himself for victory .
2 Samuel 5:22-25 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David enquired of the LORD, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle round behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’ So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
In the Ministry of Jesus, we notice that He used different ways to heal the sick, sometimes different methods for the same illnesses. When His disciples attempted to deliver a man without success, Jesus said to them - This kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21 We must know what strategy or position needed to fight which battle of life. There are times that we need to pray and fast to overcome and be victors. There are times that we need to speak to the situation , and our words of authority will defeat the work of evil. Peter and John spoke to the man at the temple gate with the authority of God through Christ Jesus, and got him healed. Some battles need songs of praise and a shout, just like with Jericho, and with Paul and Silas in prison. In some battles, silence is deserved. Jesus fought the battle for our souls in silence. But in His silence and submission lay the power that defeated evil. He silently went through torture to fulfil the Father's Will.
God is the Commander in chief of the battle we are in. We must remain open minded and flexible in His hands, so that we can be positioned aright for victory. Do not have stereotyped fighting strategies in mind, they could change from time to time, all in line with God's Word and Will.
21.5.13
The unseen battle
There is an unseen battle going on in this world and beyond. We are on a battlefield, whether we are oblivious of it or not.
Occurrences around us are most often a result of this unseen battle. We do not need earthly war weapons to fight this battle.. It is a spiritual battle, fought with spiritual weapons, and only visible in the spirit realm.
Elisha was privileged to witness this battle - 2 Kings 6:15-17. Due to the spiritual nature of this battle, it was not visible to the ordinary eye. Elisha's servant therefore could not perceive what was happening spiritually. All the servant could see was what was in the physical realm, which was an army that had surrounded them. He was therefore filled with fear. Elisha, whom God had allowed a glimpse of the spiritual realm was unperturbed because He saw a Heavenly host on their side. Theirs outnumbered their enemies. Elisha knew they were safe.
We often limit ourselves to happenings on Earth, and thereby judge or perceive things in a myopic way. We ought to delve into the spirit and discern spiritually. We ought to walk in the spirit, and be conscious of God and His Kingdom, of which we are a part. For though we physically are on Earth, spiritually we are seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus The Word of God vividly describes where Jesus is seated in Ephesians 1:20-22 - Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.
In effect, we are seated far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Everything demonic is beneath us as we reign with Jesus. Therefore we must not be afraid. If we become conscious of who we are in Christ Jesus, everything that scares us, and puts fear in us will shrink and become a non entity. We shall perceive happenings around us from a higher altitude. In that way, huge problems will become small in our eyes. Just like tall buildings look tiny when you are very high up on a plane.
You have all it takes to finish this battle as the victor, if only you will see rightly. Adjust your spiritual lens and take possession of the victory that is already yours.
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.5.13
God's pruning.
My mum had a rose garden , and at certain times, she would have the hired gardener cut off some of the branches. I disliked how the rose plants looked after this, and would often complain about it, but my mum always assured me that this act was necessary if we wanted to see more beautiful rose blossoms in due season. True to her word, we always had a nice rose garden endowed with beautiful roses.
I also remember a family friend that had a grape vine, and often gave me lectures on the need for her to prune her vineyard - cutting off the tip of the main branch to strengthen the new shoots of branches. She said this was essential for her to have a fruitful vineyard. Pruning she said gets rid of unfruitful branches and strengthens fruitful ones.
Jesus attested to this concept in the Book of John chapter 15 verse 2 - He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Jesus figuratively describes us as branches of a vineyard that are expected to bear good fruits. He depicts God the Father as the hubandman - a free tenant farmer or a landowner. Jesus portrays Himself as the true vine. In otherwords, we are in Christ and are expected to bear fruits for God the Father.
Below are excerpts from John 15:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. …
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:1–2, 4–8).
As Christians, we are expected to bear good fruits - fruit 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 ( Galatians 5:22-23). We are also supposed to preach the gospel and save souls, as well as use the gift(s) of the Holy Spirit in us to bless others. If we are not doing any of this, we are being unfruitful, and may incur the displeasure of the hubandman and be cut off . Also if we are not in Jesus (the Vine), John 15:6 describes you as - If
you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned
Without Jesus, we have no life. No Jesus, no life! And are destined to be thrown in fire and burned, unless we connect to the true vine.
If we are in Jesus and bearing fruits, we are at the right place. God always wants the best for us, and like my mum's rose garden or my family friend's grapevine, though we bear fruits, we ought to be frequently pruned to remain fruitful. The Holy Spirit prunes us by bringing things into our lives to kill our carnal side( our pride, greed, envy, quarrelsome behaviour, etc.) God sometimes takes away people from our lives, so that our eyes and dependence will be on Him. God breaks us and moulds us; He bends us and corrects us. God loves us and loves to see us looking beautifully clad with good fruits. The act of pruning is a painful act and usually done with a sharp instrument that can hurt. However, this painful act is for our better good.
Allow the Lord's pruning, though painful, it is for your good.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I also remember a family friend that had a grape vine, and often gave me lectures on the need for her to prune her vineyard - cutting off the tip of the main branch to strengthen the new shoots of branches. She said this was essential for her to have a fruitful vineyard. Pruning she said gets rid of unfruitful branches and strengthens fruitful ones.
Jesus attested to this concept in the Book of John chapter 15 verse 2 - He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Jesus figuratively describes us as branches of a vineyard that are expected to bear good fruits. He depicts God the Father as the hubandman - a free tenant farmer or a landowner. Jesus portrays Himself as the true vine. In otherwords, we are in Christ and are expected to bear fruits for God the Father.
Below are excerpts from John 15:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. …
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:1–2, 4–8).
As Christians, we are expected to bear good fruits - fruit 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 ( Galatians 5:22-23). We are also supposed to preach the gospel and save souls, as well as use the gift(s) of the Holy Spirit in us to bless others. If we are not doing any of this, we are being unfruitful, and may incur the displeasure of the hubandman and be cut off . Also if we are not in Jesus (the Vine), John 15:6 describes you as - If
you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned
Without Jesus, we have no life. No Jesus, no life! And are destined to be thrown in fire and burned, unless we connect to the true vine.
If we are in Jesus and bearing fruits, we are at the right place. God always wants the best for us, and like my mum's rose garden or my family friend's grapevine, though we bear fruits, we ought to be frequently pruned to remain fruitful. The Holy Spirit prunes us by bringing things into our lives to kill our carnal side( our pride, greed, envy, quarrelsome behaviour, etc.) God sometimes takes away people from our lives, so that our eyes and dependence will be on Him. God breaks us and moulds us; He bends us and corrects us. God loves us and loves to see us looking beautifully clad with good fruits. The act of pruning is a painful act and usually done with a sharp instrument that can hurt. However, this painful act is for our better good.
Allow the Lord's pruning, though painful, it is for your good.
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.5.13
God will take care of today
Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
I have often wondered why Jesus limited this part of the Lord's prayer to just that very day. Why did He not say, "Give us today and tomorrow our daily bread?" Why did God instruct the Israelites to collect manna for each day ?
God wants us to trust and rely on Him each and everyday. He forbids us to fret and worry - Matthew 6:25- 27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Worry is an act that distrusts God and His provision. Worry is a way of saying to God, I am responsible for myself, I am in charge ; you are not! God holds us precious in His sight, and does care about us. He seeks our trust in Him, and wants us to yield to Him in total obedience and submission. He has prepared bountiful banquets for us, and wants us to feast on His goodness. That is why Jesus urges us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When we focus on God, He takes care of us and meets our needs. God asked the Israelites to collect manna they needed for each day, as a sign of their total dependence and reliance on Him - each day He gave them what they needed. Each day God had the Israelites on His mind. He even knew their schedules and considered their day off - the Sabbath! God provided double the manna they needed the day before the Sabbath so they could rest on the Sabbath. God believes in wise preparations. He accepts that men ought to plan for the future. Remember He was the one that gave Joseph the wisdom to prepare Egypt for famine. To God, we need to be in right standing with Him, relying on Him daily as He guides us into the future. God led Joseph into the future. It was His wisdom that brought relief in famine. Joseph totally relied on God.
Jesus added - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Let us rest in God and in His daily provision. Let us focus on serving Him and His Kingdom, and commit our ways to Him. He shall then guide us into tomorrow, and give us wisdom for tomorrow. But more importantly, let us eschew worrying and fretting as they are an affront to God's faithfulness.
Join the songwriter to sing - “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“ Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
WHAT IS NEXT?
I have often wondered why Jesus limited this part of the Lord's prayer to just that very day. Why did He not say, "Give us today and tomorrow our daily bread?" Why did God instruct the Israelites to collect manna for each day ?
God wants us to trust and rely on Him each and everyday. He forbids us to fret and worry - Matthew 6:25- 27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Worry is an act that distrusts God and His provision. Worry is a way of saying to God, I am responsible for myself, I am in charge ; you are not! God holds us precious in His sight, and does care about us. He seeks our trust in Him, and wants us to yield to Him in total obedience and submission. He has prepared bountiful banquets for us, and wants us to feast on His goodness. That is why Jesus urges us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When we focus on God, He takes care of us and meets our needs. God asked the Israelites to collect manna they needed for each day, as a sign of their total dependence and reliance on Him - each day He gave them what they needed. Each day God had the Israelites on His mind. He even knew their schedules and considered their day off - the Sabbath! God provided double the manna they needed the day before the Sabbath so they could rest on the Sabbath. God believes in wise preparations. He accepts that men ought to plan for the future. Remember He was the one that gave Joseph the wisdom to prepare Egypt for famine. To God, we need to be in right standing with Him, relying on Him daily as He guides us into the future. God led Joseph into the future. It was His wisdom that brought relief in famine. Joseph totally relied on God.
Jesus added - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Let us rest in God and in His daily provision. Let us focus on serving Him and His Kingdom, and commit our ways to Him. He shall then guide us into tomorrow, and give us wisdom for tomorrow. But more importantly, let us eschew worrying and fretting as they are an affront to God's faithfulness.
Join the songwriter to sing - “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“ Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.5.13
Turned tables.
Psalm 105:13-15 When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”
1 Chronicles 16:22 "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."
God jealously guards those that love Him, and those who obey Him . He protects His chosen and anointed ones from the evil devices of men.Sometimes, it may appear as if God has closed His ears to the cries of the righteous for help, but God is faithful, as well as patient. He can allow evil to seemingly have a field day , in order for His purpose to come of age and be fulfilled.
Evil appeared to win at Calvary when Jesus was crucified. However , God allowed this evil for His greater plan to be birthed. At the appointed time, the tables turned, Jesus retrieved the keys of death and hades, and led captives of Hell free. Now, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall one day confess that Jesus is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Saul pursued David, and caused him many miserable years of wandering about in the forests and sleeping in caves. When the tables turned, Saul who was seeking David's death, died a shameful death - the tables turned!
Joseph reigned over all who had ruled over him, and had previously maltreated him - the tables turned on his behalf. The men that carried Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into a hot furnace all died. However Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the furnace, and even came out unscathed. The tables turned, and the death meant for the three Hebrew boys came on those that were carrying them to their purported sad fate. Haman planned to execute all the Jews, however he was rather executed on one of his built gallows, intended for the Jews. The tables turned just as God's word teaches in Proverbs 28:10 - Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
The Lord rescues the righteous from the evil intentions of men against their lives. The Psalmist reiterates this in Psalm 57:6 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 7:15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made.
Psalm 9:15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
Jesus taught us to pray saying - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. The evil one roams around like a roaring lion looking for whom to devour. He plans evil against men and instigates men to plan evil against one another. Before Jesus faced Calvary , he sought God in prayer. David prayed faithfully to God throughout the ordeal Saul put him through. The Jews fasted and prayed for God to deliver them from Haman. When Satan desired to sift Peter as wheat, Jesus assured Peter that He would pray for him to be strengthened - Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.
As Christians, prayer is essential for the turning of tables. We are in a battle against unseen forces - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In this battle, we do not use carnal weapons - For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Prayer is a weapon we can use against the plans of evil against us. It wards off evil and strengthens us in God. Pray, believe, and stand firm, and see the salvation of God . Likewise, Moses told the Israelites when they faced the Egyptians at the Red Sea - Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, Fear you not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more. The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
The tables shall turn for you, the Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace.
WHAT IS NEXT?
1 Chronicles 16:22 "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."
God jealously guards those that love Him, and those who obey Him . He protects His chosen and anointed ones from the evil devices of men.Sometimes, it may appear as if God has closed His ears to the cries of the righteous for help, but God is faithful, as well as patient. He can allow evil to seemingly have a field day , in order for His purpose to come of age and be fulfilled.
Evil appeared to win at Calvary when Jesus was crucified. However , God allowed this evil for His greater plan to be birthed. At the appointed time, the tables turned, Jesus retrieved the keys of death and hades, and led captives of Hell free. Now, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall one day confess that Jesus is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Saul pursued David, and caused him many miserable years of wandering about in the forests and sleeping in caves. When the tables turned, Saul who was seeking David's death, died a shameful death - the tables turned!
Joseph reigned over all who had ruled over him, and had previously maltreated him - the tables turned on his behalf. The men that carried Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into a hot furnace all died. However Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the furnace, and even came out unscathed. The tables turned, and the death meant for the three Hebrew boys came on those that were carrying them to their purported sad fate. Haman planned to execute all the Jews, however he was rather executed on one of his built gallows, intended for the Jews. The tables turned just as God's word teaches in Proverbs 28:10 - Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
The Lord rescues the righteous from the evil intentions of men against their lives. The Psalmist reiterates this in Psalm 57:6 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 7:15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made.
Psalm 9:15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
Jesus taught us to pray saying - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. The evil one roams around like a roaring lion looking for whom to devour. He plans evil against men and instigates men to plan evil against one another. Before Jesus faced Calvary , he sought God in prayer. David prayed faithfully to God throughout the ordeal Saul put him through. The Jews fasted and prayed for God to deliver them from Haman. When Satan desired to sift Peter as wheat, Jesus assured Peter that He would pray for him to be strengthened - Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.
As Christians, prayer is essential for the turning of tables. We are in a battle against unseen forces - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In this battle, we do not use carnal weapons - For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Prayer is a weapon we can use against the plans of evil against us. It wards off evil and strengthens us in God. Pray, believe, and stand firm, and see the salvation of God . Likewise, Moses told the Israelites when they faced the Egyptians at the Red Sea - Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, Fear you not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more. The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
The tables shall turn for you, the Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace.
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.5.13
Heaven on Earth
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
God desires for Earth to reflect His heavenly kingdom. God created a perfect Earth until Adam and Eve sinned , and changed events on Earth. Sin entered Earth, and into the hearts of men. The first murder took place , man became cruel. Wars broke out, sickness gripped men, and the Earth became a place where men experienced much sorrow.
God's heart bled for Earth and sought to redeem man, first through choosing a people to call His own, and then sending His Son to die and redeem man and offer once again to man, the right to be restored to his original state before Adam and Eve sinned. The Son of God came as man , but without sin, because He was the seed of the Holy Spirit - Luke 1:34-35 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
The Son of God without sin became the second Adam through whom mankind can have a rebirth and be without sin. 1 Corinthians 15:45 So also it is written, “The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. We ought to accept all that Jesus has given to us through His death and resurrection. Accepting Jesus should not end with our sins being forgiven. Beyond that, there is a victorious life that we can lead. He became poor that we through Him may be rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Jesus took stripes that we may be healed - 1 Peter 2 :24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
Jesus has come to give us life more abundantly. He came that our heavy burden can be put down. The death and resurrection of Jesus has given us power over death, even in death we are more than conquerors. Jesus came so that love will be shared abroad in our hearts. There is a victorious life available to all in Christ Jesus - behold He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Let Him give you the fullness of God - victory over poverty, victory over fear and hatred, victory over sickness and affliction. In Jesus we have victory over all things evil.
Step into Jesus! Step into His Provision to all who are born again of His Spirit. Step into victorious living. It is your right under Jesus. It is your restored status and bonafide inheritance.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God desires for Earth to reflect His heavenly kingdom. God created a perfect Earth until Adam and Eve sinned , and changed events on Earth. Sin entered Earth, and into the hearts of men. The first murder took place , man became cruel. Wars broke out, sickness gripped men, and the Earth became a place where men experienced much sorrow.
God's heart bled for Earth and sought to redeem man, first through choosing a people to call His own, and then sending His Son to die and redeem man and offer once again to man, the right to be restored to his original state before Adam and Eve sinned. The Son of God came as man , but without sin, because He was the seed of the Holy Spirit - Luke 1:34-35 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
The Son of God without sin became the second Adam through whom mankind can have a rebirth and be without sin. 1 Corinthians 15:45 So also it is written, “The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. We ought to accept all that Jesus has given to us through His death and resurrection. Accepting Jesus should not end with our sins being forgiven. Beyond that, there is a victorious life that we can lead. He became poor that we through Him may be rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Jesus took stripes that we may be healed - 1 Peter 2 :24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
Jesus has come to give us life more abundantly. He came that our heavy burden can be put down. The death and resurrection of Jesus has given us power over death, even in death we are more than conquerors. Jesus came so that love will be shared abroad in our hearts. There is a victorious life available to all in Christ Jesus - behold He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Let Him give you the fullness of God - victory over poverty, victory over fear and hatred, victory over sickness and affliction. In Jesus we have victory over all things evil.
Step into Jesus! Step into His Provision to all who are born again of His Spirit. Step into victorious living. It is your right under Jesus. It is your restored status and bonafide inheritance.
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.5.13
The Heavenly touch!
Greek mythology tells us about King Midas who had a special touch that turned everything to gold. God has an even greater touch - the Heavenly touch!
Peter and his fisher folks had been at sea all night fishing, and had caught nothing, but at the direction of Jesus, they tried once more, and dear me, the Heavenly touch was at work! They caught so much that their nets broke - Luke 5:1-7.
The servants at the wedding at Cana knew that disgrace and humiliation were imminent, as they had run out of wine to serve. Little did they know that the Heavenly touch could make all the difference and curtail any disgrace and humiliation. Lo and behold, the touch of Jesus turned water into wine in the nick of time.
In Matthew 9:18-25, a synagogue leader who believed in the Heavenly touch told Jesus - “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Such great faith! And true to the faith of the synagogue leader, we read that - When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.
Before Jesus touched the little daughter of the synagogue leader, to raise her up from death, a woman with the issue of blood exercised her faith as well. She believed in the Heavenly touch of God, and pursued it. She was hindered by a large crowd but decided she would touch the cloak of Jesus and connect with the Heavenly touch - Matthew 9:20-22 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
The touch of God is a Heavenly touch that heals, delivers, protects,works miracles, provides supernaturally, cleanses our hearts from sin and iniquity and creates newness. You must live daily connecting to this supernatural touch. The Earth and physical things may fail us, but God and Heaven are a sure reward.
Are you relying on yourself and on things that are Earthly and fleeting? Take a break! Turn to God and enjoy the Heavenly touch. Peter could do what he had tried in vain to do all night in just a few minutes with the Heavenly touch. The Heavenly touch will crown all your efforts and give you exceedingly abundantly above what you think or ask for.
Ask God for His touch. Stand in faith and connect to the touch of God by confessing His Word and walking in His Promises. God has given every believer of Christ power to trample over serpents and scorpions (all things evil) and nothing shall by any means harm them. Use God's delegated Power to experience the Heavenly touch - to heal, raise the dead, deliver, protect, work miracles, provide supernaturally, save souls, and to create newness all around you through the Gospel of Christ.
Enjoy the love of God. Reach for the Heavenly Touch!
WHAT IS NEXT?
15.5.13
How to endure shame as a child of God
A good name is better than riches- Proverbs 22:1
As human beings, we tend to be conscious of our name, and this makes facing shame and disgrace a difficult thing. There have been cases of people who have committed suicide when faced with shame and disgrace. It is easy to condemn such people , but it takes walking a day in their shoes to know how they felt when faced with shame, disappointment, ridicule and humiliation.
As a child of God, there can be times when we may face situations that could bring us shame, ridicule, persecution, and humiliation. These could be the result of our own mistakes, or as a result of our faith in God. Whatever the cause of this shame, we must learn to look beyond the now, and encourage ourselves in the Lord.
Jesus looked at what was ahead of Him, and this helped Him to endure shame and disgrace in the now. Also, He believed in His Father's promise to never leave Him nor forsake Him. Even though He felt forsaken on the cross, His faith in God's promise led Him to tell the thief by Him - "Today , you shall be with me in paradise."
Joseph faced shame and ridicule when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and most especially when he was accused of attempted rape even though he was innocent. Joseph did not give up on God. It is quite obvious Joseph still trusted in God as he even used the gift of dream interpretation from God whilst in prison. Joseph, I presume had a heart that loved God and was willing to wait patiently for Him . In the end, God came through for him. When we are faced with shame and disgrace, we must look to God and remind ourselves that though we walk through the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for God is with us.
There is a better promise for us, it is a promise of a good end, for all things will work out for the good of them that love the Lord. The in-betweens may be full of somethings good, and other things bad. However the good and bad will in the end bring only good. Look on the brighter end. Keep your eyes on the reward and the better life at the end. Keep your eyes on God, no matter what comes your way. No matter the shame and disgrace, don't give up on your life, and don't commit suicide. God is able to forgive you, for though your sins may be as scarlet , they shall be made as white as snow. Don't give up when men accuse you falsely, they did the same to Joseph, to Jesus and to Stephen. Stephen died a painful and shameful death by being stoned, and yet he still trusted in God to the end, even asked God to forgive those stoning him. On earth, Stephen faced shame, but God opened his eyes to see that whilst facing shame on earth for the sake of the Gospel, Heaven was giving him a standing ovation, WOW! Acts 7:54-60.
Shame must not drag you to end your life. There are good things in store for you if you love God - simply trust Him and His promises. I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord. Plans of good and not of evil. To give you hope and bring you to an expected end . Jeremiah 29:11
WHAT IS NEXT?
As human beings, we tend to be conscious of our name, and this makes facing shame and disgrace a difficult thing. There have been cases of people who have committed suicide when faced with shame and disgrace. It is easy to condemn such people , but it takes walking a day in their shoes to know how they felt when faced with shame, disappointment, ridicule and humiliation.
As a child of God, there can be times when we may face situations that could bring us shame, ridicule, persecution, and humiliation. These could be the result of our own mistakes, or as a result of our faith in God. Whatever the cause of this shame, we must learn to look beyond the now, and encourage ourselves in the Lord.
Jesus looked at what was ahead of Him, and this helped Him to endure shame and disgrace in the now. Also, He believed in His Father's promise to never leave Him nor forsake Him. Even though He felt forsaken on the cross, His faith in God's promise led Him to tell the thief by Him - "Today , you shall be with me in paradise."
Joseph faced shame and ridicule when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and most especially when he was accused of attempted rape even though he was innocent. Joseph did not give up on God. It is quite obvious Joseph still trusted in God as he even used the gift of dream interpretation from God whilst in prison. Joseph, I presume had a heart that loved God and was willing to wait patiently for Him . In the end, God came through for him. When we are faced with shame and disgrace, we must look to God and remind ourselves that though we walk through the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for God is with us.
There is a better promise for us, it is a promise of a good end, for all things will work out for the good of them that love the Lord. The in-betweens may be full of somethings good, and other things bad. However the good and bad will in the end bring only good. Look on the brighter end. Keep your eyes on the reward and the better life at the end. Keep your eyes on God, no matter what comes your way. No matter the shame and disgrace, don't give up on your life, and don't commit suicide. God is able to forgive you, for though your sins may be as scarlet , they shall be made as white as snow. Don't give up when men accuse you falsely, they did the same to Joseph, to Jesus and to Stephen. Stephen died a painful and shameful death by being stoned, and yet he still trusted in God to the end, even asked God to forgive those stoning him. On earth, Stephen faced shame, but God opened his eyes to see that whilst facing shame on earth for the sake of the Gospel, Heaven was giving him a standing ovation, WOW! Acts 7:54-60.
Shame must not drag you to end your life. There are good things in store for you if you love God - simply trust Him and His promises. I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord. Plans of good and not of evil. To give you hope and bring you to an expected end . Jeremiah 29:11
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.5.13
Enduring shame
Hebrews 12:2-3
Looking to 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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
Jesus, God made man ; The creator of Heaven and Earth; Who called forth angels as His servants, had to endure shame because a rebellious angel had caused another creation, man, to rebel against Him. Satan , who is God's creation - Colossians 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” - instigated man, another of God's creation to sin (Genesis 3). The God of all creation, who is greater than Satan, and greater than man, out of love for man , became a man in order to save man from sin. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jesus Christ faced a lot of humiliation for our sake - his birth was not in a palace but in a manger to begin with. His actual birth was controversial - a virgin claimed the Holy Spirit had impregnated her - I can almost hear people of that age and time describing Mary's story as 'hogwash.' Then Jesus had to face His own creation as they sentenced Him to death by crucifixion. They stripped Him naked, beat Him until His body was tattered, pierced His side, and ironically put a crown of thorns on His head, and an inscription on his cross that read - "This is Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews."
God was mocked through and through as Jesus hang on the cross. Jesus, who is of the same league as God accepted shame and persecution which led to an embarrassing death - Philippians 2:6-8 Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Hebrews 12:3 urges us to consider the shame Jesus endured, lest we become weary and faint as we run our race. Prior to this, in Hebrews 12:1, we were admonished to set aside weights and sins that easily beset us in order to run our race well. Then we are told to consider Jesus who set His eyes on things above , so was able to endure the shame on Earth. In other words, when we become grounded in who we are, and what glories lies ahead of us, then we can be like Jesus, and put aside weights and sins, and by humility and patience, run to finish our earthly race, despising shame and disgrace as they come against us. In Philippians 2:5, we are encouraged to have the same humble attitude of Christ that enabled Him to empty himself to endure shame and ridicule . Jesus's ability to endure shame has led to His elevation. We are to do same.
So then, how can we endure shame in this age and time....more to follow!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Looking to 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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
Jesus, God made man ; The creator of Heaven and Earth; Who called forth angels as His servants, had to endure shame because a rebellious angel had caused another creation, man, to rebel against Him. Satan , who is God's creation - Colossians 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” - instigated man, another of God's creation to sin (Genesis 3). The God of all creation, who is greater than Satan, and greater than man, out of love for man , became a man in order to save man from sin. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jesus Christ faced a lot of humiliation for our sake - his birth was not in a palace but in a manger to begin with. His actual birth was controversial - a virgin claimed the Holy Spirit had impregnated her - I can almost hear people of that age and time describing Mary's story as 'hogwash.' Then Jesus had to face His own creation as they sentenced Him to death by crucifixion. They stripped Him naked, beat Him until His body was tattered, pierced His side, and ironically put a crown of thorns on His head, and an inscription on his cross that read - "This is Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews."
God was mocked through and through as Jesus hang on the cross. Jesus, who is of the same league as God accepted shame and persecution which led to an embarrassing death - Philippians 2:6-8 Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Hebrews 12:3 urges us to consider the shame Jesus endured, lest we become weary and faint as we run our race. Prior to this, in Hebrews 12:1, we were admonished to set aside weights and sins that easily beset us in order to run our race well. Then we are told to consider Jesus who set His eyes on things above , so was able to endure the shame on Earth. In other words, when we become grounded in who we are, and what glories lies ahead of us, then we can be like Jesus, and put aside weights and sins, and by humility and patience, run to finish our earthly race, despising shame and disgrace as they come against us. In Philippians 2:5, we are encouraged to have the same humble attitude of Christ that enabled Him to empty himself to endure shame and ridicule . Jesus's ability to endure shame has led to His elevation. We are to do same.
So then, how can we endure shame in this age and time....more to follow!
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.5.13
Occupy till I come
In Luke 19:11-13, the parable of money usage, Jesus tells of a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Jesus told this parable to emphasise how we ought to live whilst we await the second coming of Christ and his Kingdom . We have heard from long ago that Jesus will soon come. In the earthly parlance, we might think it has taken long to come. However, Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Whilst we wait for the Lord, we ought to take care of what He has made us stewards of, and to add to the fortunes of His Kingdom. We must concentrate on doing the Work of God wherever we find ourselves, with whatever we have been given. In the above parable, the nobleman gave an amount of money to his servants, and asked them to occupy until he comes, that is, to do business with it until he returns. In the same vein, God wants us to use our talents and gifts to expand his Kingdom and work. He expects us to put what He has given to us to work.
Sometimes we wallow in self pity, and ignorantly compare our gifts with those of others, we compare our resources and situation with those of others, and then, tend to think we do not have much or enough to make a great impact. God uses this parable to warn us of this mistake - in this parable, one servant gained ten pounds with the money he received from the nobleman. Another gained five pounds , but one servant safely kept his pound in a napkin. He did not put his gift to use, and made no investments for the nobleman.
This upset the nobleman. When we sit idle in God's house, doing nothing with what He has endowed us with, we upset the Master. Every gift in you has been placed there for the betterment of God's Kingdom. You must put your gift and talents to use, as you shall give an account of how you've used them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
12.5.13
Speak forth!
Psalm 119:105 reminds us of a truth about God's Word - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
A lamp throws light on our immediate surroundings, whereas a light on a path shows the distant way. Similarly, God's Word serves to show us what is and is to come; what is near us and what is ahead of us. It can also point to us what is behind, by us , or before us. God has a lot of promises in His Word that are 'yes and amen.' Therefore we can solidly rely on these promises.
There is a Word of God concerning every situation we face in life. Ephesians 1:18 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... We have an inheritance in Christ Jesus. We must search the Bible to learn about what our inheritance entails. We must take our inheritance by force.
Just as God directed Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 to speak life, and thereafter doom, so can we in every situation speak life to it, or destroy the evil in it. Jeremiah 1:9-10 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Just as Ezekiel spoke and it was. Just as he declared the Word of God and brought life to dry bones, so can you build, create and plant what is in line with God's Word over your finances (3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.) Plant what is the will of God concerning your health - Isaiah 53:5 ; Exodus 23:25. Are you faced with barrenness , speak God's promise in Exodus 23:26. There is a Word of truth concerning what you are going through, or faced with. Stand on God's Word and
like Jeremiah, declare it to uproot and tear down what the devil has sown , destroy and overthrow evil, and finally, build, create and plant the Word and Promises of God.
Life is in your mouth, but so is death. You can give life to blessings or bring doom with simply what you say. Take heed, life and death lies in the power of the tongue. Speak forth and enjoy what you proclaim. It is your boat to steer! Do not misfire!
WHAT IS NEXT?
11.5.13
Cries and groans - Part 2
The human soul when burdened, is like a woman preganant and about to deliver. When you become burdened about something, you are in labour for delivery. That is why it matters very much what you do at this time. Isaiah 66:8 says Who has heard such a thing? who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. We tend to give birth to whatever we carry in our souls (the soul is the seat of our personality - our words , thoughts and feelings come from our soul). This is why Amnon raped his sister. He was impregnated by lustful thoughts and desires, so gave birth to rape - 2 Samuel 13
When our soul has a cry or burden, it is essential to turn to the right person or go to the right place for help. Amnon's soul had a burden but he turned to the wrong person for help - he sought and took counsel from Jonadab which led him to ruin. When humanly, a woman is in labour , and about to deliver, she could come to destruction and die if she does not seek expert help in delivering her baby.
This is why it is consequential to come to God with our burdens, cries and groans. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. When Hannah had a burden on her heart, she came to God and uttered words from her heart. Her soul was pregnant with a wish and desire, so much that her uttered words could not be physically heard and understood. Nevertheless, God who hears and understands our hearts and thoughts heard her, and answered her. The answer was the birth of Samuel. 1Samuel 1
In Luke 22:39-45, we read about Jesus in anguish and praying before his death. Jesus was so much in anguish that His sweat were like drops of blood falling to the ground. Jesus went to God when His soul was burdened. He urged his disciples to pray lest they fall into temptation. Our souls have burdens day in and day out. That is why we ought to pray daily. Everyday we give birth to the burdens of our souls, Jesus urged his disciples in Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We ought to turn to God daily. Our souls carry burdens. These could simply be our wishes and desires, our plans and dreams, or some sort of anguish or trouble. We give birth to these burdens - we produce our thoughts and feelings. As human beings, we are limited, and do not always know the path to take, or the decision to make. Our choices are sometimes simply guesses. But God who knows it all can guide us if we will turn to Him in prayer - Romans 8:26-27 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Turn to God and deliver safely the burdens of your soul - avoid a tragedy!
WHAT IS NEXT?
10.5.13
Cries and groans - Part 1
When our hearts are burdened, and we call to God, He hears the language of our hearts . We could be faced with some difficulty, or have our souls in anguish. We may have a vision, dream or purpose that has taken over us, and may be eating at us. Sometimes, our burden are desires for change - change of policies, situation, or better still, for the salvation of lost souls.
When a soul that is truly burdened cries out , they are silent cries from our spirit to God's spirit. At such times our words may be quite difficult to decipher in the natural, because our hearts may speak, but our lips probably are not able to utter the burden of our hearts. Our words could appear mumbled, and may even sound gibberish. However, God perfectly understands the language of hearts.
Ephesians 3:20 reads - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. God hears our words as well as our thoughts. Feelings that are not expressed in words do have their meanings. God understands what our hearts and minds speak. There is power at work in us as human beings to bring our words and thoughts into reality. This is why we must be careful with what we say or think about.
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.5.13
The win-win situation.
Serving God is a win -win situation. The end verdict has already been slated for us to be victors. We are the over comers in this battle. The conquerors, and in modern parlance, the super men.
In this battle, our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Our armour is not of human nature - Ephesians 6:13-18 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
After you are positioned right by wearing your described armour as shown above, speak the required language of love , and know that you are in a win win situation. No matter what our opponents throw at/against us, the end is victory on our side - Romans 8:35-37 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Stay in God's army, and if you are not a part of it , then pleasure is mine to invite you to join the winning team. The members of God's army are victors both in this world and hereafter -
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
New Living Translation - For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
WHAT IS NEXT?
In this battle, our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Our armour is not of human nature - Ephesians 6:13-18 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
After you are positioned right by wearing your described armour as shown above, speak the required language of love , and know that you are in a win win situation. No matter what our opponents throw at/against us, the end is victory on our side - Romans 8:35-37 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Stay in God's army, and if you are not a part of it , then pleasure is mine to invite you to join the winning team. The members of God's army are victors both in this world and hereafter -
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
New Living Translation - For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
WHAT IS NEXT?
8.5.13
Exercising Faith
James 2:17,26 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
If we claim to have faith in God, then our actions must reflect our faith. David had faith in God's ability to save him from Goliath, therefore he took giant steps of faith to face him. Abraham knowing God was his provider was willing to sacrifice Isaac, because by faith he knew God would not let him down. By faith, Joseph shaved and changed his prison clothes in anticipation of his breakthrough. Blind Bartimaeus did a similar thing, in expectation of his healing, he threw away his coat that identified him as a blind man.
Faith without works renders us unwise and foolish. James 2:18-20 reads :
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Satan and his entourage also believe that there is God, so you merely believing in God's existence is not enough. You ought to express your belief in Him by trusting Him in honest service and obedience to Him. We have to depend on God and believe He is truthful and is what He says He is. Our actions must reflect our belief that God will do that which He has promised to do.
Our faith or disbelief in God does not change who God is. Our faith in Him always makes us wise, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Let us embrace faith with actions, let us emulate Abraham - Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:21-24
Let us make it a point to back our words with actions; our faith with works; and our trust and love for God with physical traits.
WHAT IS NEXT?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
If we claim to have faith in God, then our actions must reflect our faith. David had faith in God's ability to save him from Goliath, therefore he took giant steps of faith to face him. Abraham knowing God was his provider was willing to sacrifice Isaac, because by faith he knew God would not let him down. By faith, Joseph shaved and changed his prison clothes in anticipation of his breakthrough. Blind Bartimaeus did a similar thing, in expectation of his healing, he threw away his coat that identified him as a blind man.
Faith without works renders us unwise and foolish. James 2:18-20 reads :
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Satan and his entourage also believe that there is God, so you merely believing in God's existence is not enough. You ought to express your belief in Him by trusting Him in honest service and obedience to Him. We have to depend on God and believe He is truthful and is what He says He is. Our actions must reflect our belief that God will do that which He has promised to do.
Our faith or disbelief in God does not change who God is. Our faith in Him always makes us wise, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Let us embrace faith with actions, let us emulate Abraham - Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:21-24
Let us make it a point to back our words with actions; our faith with works; and our trust and love for God with physical traits.
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.5.13
Faith vs Fear - Part 2
God has through the death and resurrection of Jesus, restored to man all that he lost to the devil.
Key Scripture : Hebrews 11
Having Faith is having the mindset of God and using His power in you. Faith is exercising the God factor in man. Even when man in his fallen state, creates a picture mentally or in drawing , of something he would like to create - he is moving in the arena of faith. Faith calls those things which are not as though they are, and they become. Architectural drawings for instance are works of faith - they picture and imagine, create, and then they become a reality. Faith creates and conquers unproductivity. One meaning of subdue is to bring under cultivation. Faith tills idle lands and places, into productivity. That is why where the concept of faith is dead, men live in deprivation.
Fear counteracts faith. Fear fights the God-ability in man and renders man subdued. Remember, man was intended to subdue, and not to be subdued. Fear creates false evidence, and undermines man's ability. Fear causes man to stay under the influence of the serpent (Satan), and urges man to think he is yet to become like God. Fear deceptively leads man in contrary ways intended for him to become great like God. Swiftly following all sorts of sins. When in actual fact, man is already in the image of God. We are created in the image of God, and have been redeemed from the power of sin by the blood of Jesus. Through Jesus, we are restored to what God intended us to be.
The Generals of faith in Hebrews 11 simply resorted to the DNA of God in them, and chose to subdue. They made a choice to be like God and see impossibilities as possibilities. Remember, nothing is impossible with God. But do note, that faith does not rebel against God. The Generals of Faith trusted in God and actually depended on Him. Whereas fear distrusts God, and relies upon oneself, and is quick to disobey God. Adam and Eve distrusted God when they ate the fruit. They disobeyed God in the process. This is the influence of the serpent (Satan) on man.
When we tap into the power of God, we tap into faith and walk in the nature of God. Fear eliminates God and His power, and causes us to rely on ourselves, like Satan and the fallen angels did whilst in Heaven. We must render our full trust in God and obey Him. By so doing we will subdue the power of fear which is the spirit of the serpent (Satan), thereby activate faith which ignites God's power and causes us to reflect His nature.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Key Scripture : Hebrews 11
Having Faith is having the mindset of God and using His power in you. Faith is exercising the God factor in man. Even when man in his fallen state, creates a picture mentally or in drawing , of something he would like to create - he is moving in the arena of faith. Faith calls those things which are not as though they are, and they become. Architectural drawings for instance are works of faith - they picture and imagine, create, and then they become a reality. Faith creates and conquers unproductivity. One meaning of subdue is to bring under cultivation. Faith tills idle lands and places, into productivity. That is why where the concept of faith is dead, men live in deprivation.
Fear counteracts faith. Fear fights the God-ability in man and renders man subdued. Remember, man was intended to subdue, and not to be subdued. Fear creates false evidence, and undermines man's ability. Fear causes man to stay under the influence of the serpent (Satan), and urges man to think he is yet to become like God. Fear deceptively leads man in contrary ways intended for him to become great like God. Swiftly following all sorts of sins. When in actual fact, man is already in the image of God. We are created in the image of God, and have been redeemed from the power of sin by the blood of Jesus. Through Jesus, we are restored to what God intended us to be.
The Generals of faith in Hebrews 11 simply resorted to the DNA of God in them, and chose to subdue. They made a choice to be like God and see impossibilities as possibilities. Remember, nothing is impossible with God. But do note, that faith does not rebel against God. The Generals of Faith trusted in God and actually depended on Him. Whereas fear distrusts God, and relies upon oneself, and is quick to disobey God. Adam and Eve distrusted God when they ate the fruit. They disobeyed God in the process. This is the influence of the serpent (Satan) on man.
When we tap into the power of God, we tap into faith and walk in the nature of God. Fear eliminates God and His power, and causes us to rely on ourselves, like Satan and the fallen angels did whilst in Heaven. We must render our full trust in God and obey Him. By so doing we will subdue the power of fear which is the spirit of the serpent (Satan), thereby activate faith which ignites God's power and causes us to reflect His nature.
WHAT IS NEXT?
6.5.13
Faith vs Fear - Part 1
Faith vs Fear vidence Appearing Real
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Fear is a characteristic of man's fallen nature, not of God's nature. Faith is a part of God's DNA. Faith causes mortal man to walk in what God purported for him - Genesis 1 :27-30
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
The devil and his angels because they know their time is short, are working tediously to give man a lot of False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR). They are working to kill the God factor in man (Faith) and deposit fear and rebellion in man.
However, there is hope for man through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, there is hope for man to walk in the fullness of God and in the power of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
When God created Adam and Eve, there was no fear in them. They lived in harmony with lions and snakes, and were not afraid of anything or any harm befalling them. It was not until they disobeyed God and sinned that they had begun to fear - Genesis 3:8-10 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Fear is a characteristic of man's fallen nature, not of God's nature. Faith is a part of God's DNA. Faith causes mortal man to walk in what God purported for him - Genesis 1 :27-30
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Man was created to subdue and rule the Earth. Searching up the word subdue in the dictionary brings up meanings such as 'to conquer and bring into subjection,' 'to bring under control,' 'to overpower by superior force.'
This presupposes that God foreknew that man would be faced with battles that he will have to fight and conquer or overcome. Note that this was before the fall of man. Even in man's godly state before he sinned, there were anticipated battles. No wonder, our re-birth as born again Christians does not put an end to battles and trials. When we become born again , we are restored supernaturally to man's state before the fall of Adam and Eve.
The Earth is a battle field , and unfortunately that is where we reside -
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."This presupposes that God foreknew that man would be faced with battles that he will have to fight and conquer or overcome. Note that this was before the fall of man. Even in man's godly state before he sinned, there were anticipated battles. No wonder, our re-birth as born again Christians does not put an end to battles and trials. When we become born again , we are restored supernaturally to man's state before the fall of Adam and Eve.
The Earth is a battle field , and unfortunately that is where we reside -
The devil and his angels because they know their time is short, are working tediously to give man a lot of False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR). They are working to kill the God factor in man (Faith) and deposit fear and rebellion in man.
However, there is hope for man through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, there is hope for man to walk in the fullness of God and in the power of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.5.13
God of the present!
God was, He is and is yet to come. He is everlasting and never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. An ever present help in our time of need.
I love to read the Books of old, about how God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. I enjoy reading about Daniel in the Lion's den and about the three Hebrew boys who just cooled off in a hot and burning furnace. I get amazed at how the walls of Jericho fell, and about how the sun stood still. I wish I had the privilege to taste the Heavenly manna that fell. Whenever I read about these testimonies and more, they bring home how great God is.
It is easier to know of the power of God from afar, but when you come face to face with lions in the natural, it is up to you to exercise your faith and experience God and His reality. Often times we shout and sing loudly about how we believe and trust in God. Just then, we receive one bad news after the other, and our faith comes tumbling down.
Have we ever wondered how Daniel faced the lions? His heart might have been pounding. He may have said his last prayers , knowing it was his end. Or he may have been singing praises in the midst of persecution. Have you considered how ridiculous Abraham had looked as he kept believing a promise seemingly not feasible. Have you ever imagined David as he faced Goliath? He was not in an armour and bore no weapon - ridiculous!
All of these Generals of old accomplished these feats because of their simple faith in God. To them, God was real in their time and lives. God is still alive, and is the same, His wonders to perform if only we shall believe. Jesus was not able to work many miracles in His hometown because they did not believe - Matthew 13:53-58.
God wants us to experience more of His Power and miracles. The only obstacle is unbelief. If we walk in faith, we shall daily see His miraculous power at work in our lives. He is God of today, He is the same, He never changes. He still heals, delivers, works wonders, provides miraculously, heals the dead and saves!
Will you allow God to continue to write the story of His Generals of faith with your life?
Key Scripture : Hebrews 11
WHAT IS NEXT?
I love to read the Books of old, about how God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. I enjoy reading about Daniel in the Lion's den and about the three Hebrew boys who just cooled off in a hot and burning furnace. I get amazed at how the walls of Jericho fell, and about how the sun stood still. I wish I had the privilege to taste the Heavenly manna that fell. Whenever I read about these testimonies and more, they bring home how great God is.
It is easier to know of the power of God from afar, but when you come face to face with lions in the natural, it is up to you to exercise your faith and experience God and His reality. Often times we shout and sing loudly about how we believe and trust in God. Just then, we receive one bad news after the other, and our faith comes tumbling down.
Have we ever wondered how Daniel faced the lions? His heart might have been pounding. He may have said his last prayers , knowing it was his end. Or he may have been singing praises in the midst of persecution. Have you considered how ridiculous Abraham had looked as he kept believing a promise seemingly not feasible. Have you ever imagined David as he faced Goliath? He was not in an armour and bore no weapon - ridiculous!
All of these Generals of old accomplished these feats because of their simple faith in God. To them, God was real in their time and lives. God is still alive, and is the same, His wonders to perform if only we shall believe. Jesus was not able to work many miracles in His hometown because they did not believe - Matthew 13:53-58.
God wants us to experience more of His Power and miracles. The only obstacle is unbelief. If we walk in faith, we shall daily see His miraculous power at work in our lives. He is God of today, He is the same, He never changes. He still heals, delivers, works wonders, provides miraculously, heals the dead and saves!
Will you allow God to continue to write the story of His Generals of faith with your life?
Key Scripture : Hebrews 11
WHAT IS NEXT?
4.5.13
Training up children
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
God gives us children as gifts that we ought to treasure and look after. Just like the parable of the talent, we will give an account on how we used this gift and what we made out of it - Matthew 25:13-30 and Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
We ought to bring up our children in the way of the Lord - to teach them good morals that shapes lives, and the truth that gives life.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
God disciplines whom He loves and considers a son - Hebrews 12:6 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Likewise , as parents we ought to train and discipline our children. In this age and time, society is afraid to chastise children. We allow them to have their way, and in the end, we have produced disobedient and greedy teenagers, some shooting and killing each other with knives. This did not just happen.... it germinated a long time ago when we put an end to child discipline, and got children thinking for themselves like adults, but without the prerequisite knowledge and wisdom to go with it.
Would you allow your child of age three for instance to play with fire? I guess certainly not. Likewise we cannot allow children to grow up without instilling in them the necessary discipline to make them good people and good citizens, and as Christians, faithful followers of Jesus. If we teach them what we ought to teach them in accordance to God's Word, it shall be like a ball and chain that leads them back to the path of righteousness should they stray.
Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
In the secular world, there is a saying that we become what we repeatedly hear, see and do. Children are formed by what they hear, see and do. It is up to parents and guardians to ensure they hear the right things, see the right things and do the right things. We have to lead exemplary lives for them to follow.
Children soak up everything they are taught on a sponge, if we teach them truth, they shall live the truth. The onus is on us to play our part well!
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.5.13
The good Father
I remember as I was growing up, I held in mind a stern picture of God the Father - the one where He bore a whip ready to lash at me at every opportunity of failure. This was before I became born again. I was brought up in a Christian home, so knew about God at an early age. I remember at that early age, my favourite book was Proverbs. It rebuked me at every turn of the page. I always stood accused and condemned. Little did I know that Satan was the one accusing me. I had been acquitted by God the Father when His Son died on the cross for me.
God the Father is a loving Father who so loved the world that He gave His best to save it. God the Father is a Father that loves to spend time with His Creation. He created us for His pleasure not displeasure. Matthew 7:11 reads If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! God has a lot of good things in store for us. We ought to trust in His love. If your earthly Father sends you a birthday package for instance, you will not benefit from it if you refuse to accept it, open it and use it. Similarly the good gifts in store for us from God can only be available and beneficial for us if we accept them through faith and prayer, and put them to use.
God wants us to find rest in His provision. He encourages us to ask freely from Him the supply of our needs and desires. Matthew 7:7-10“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
God loves you and is not a wicked God and King who seeks to punish and torture His subjects. The devil gives many people this picture of God as being a stern and cruel Father , in order to keep the souls of men from finding rest in His love and provision. Let us abandon all fears of standing accused and deserving of punishment. That was the spirit that worked through Job's three friends - Eliphaz the Temanite , Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite.
Satan uses fear to accuse us and make us feel accused. However God has provided us with a weapon to combat fear, which is Faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Choose God and choose faith, and you will partake in all that the good Father has in store for His children.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God the Father is a loving Father who so loved the world that He gave His best to save it. God the Father is a Father that loves to spend time with His Creation. He created us for His pleasure not displeasure. Matthew 7:11 reads If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! God has a lot of good things in store for us. We ought to trust in His love. If your earthly Father sends you a birthday package for instance, you will not benefit from it if you refuse to accept it, open it and use it. Similarly the good gifts in store for us from God can only be available and beneficial for us if we accept them through faith and prayer, and put them to use.
God wants us to find rest in His provision. He encourages us to ask freely from Him the supply of our needs and desires. Matthew 7:7-10“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
God loves you and is not a wicked God and King who seeks to punish and torture His subjects. The devil gives many people this picture of God as being a stern and cruel Father , in order to keep the souls of men from finding rest in His love and provision. Let us abandon all fears of standing accused and deserving of punishment. That was the spirit that worked through Job's three friends - Eliphaz the Temanite , Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite.
Satan uses fear to accuse us and make us feel accused. However God has provided us with a weapon to combat fear, which is Faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Choose God and choose faith, and you will partake in all that the good Father has in store for His children.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.5.13
The two-way conversation
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who talks and talks, and leaves no room for you to respond? And even when you attempt to speak, talks over your voice, drowning your words. Having a conversation with such a one is next to impossible.
We often times drown God's words and responses to us, when we come to Him talking all the time, and yet not listening to His replies. In Psalm 85, the Psalmist begins by praying to God for help,salvation and deliverance. Then in verse 8 of the same chapter, he tends to pause in His request, somehow, it is as if he remembers the etiquette of conversation, and so declares - I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants- but let them not turn to folly.
When we talk to God, we must make room to also listen to Him speak to us, sometimes audibly, other times quietly in our hearts and spirits. He may choose to inspire us with a Word of scripture, or a song, through the words and actions of another, or through an event or experience. In fact, God is speaking to us a lot of the times, but because we are not consciously listening, we do not hear Him half of the time.
In Isaiah 50:4-5, the Prophet of God makes a declaration about how he goes about his work for God -
The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.
The secret in being effective as a child of God is in learning to listen to God after we have prayed to Him. Spend time today to listen for Him.
In Isaiah 30:9, God says about His rebellious children - For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the LORD;
Then in verse 15 of Isaiah 30, God gives His rebellious children a clue of how they can listen to Him - For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing,
From the above, we can hear God when we approach Him with a repentant heart, and with a heart that fully trusts in Him and has faith in Him. Also we ought to learn to be quiet before Him to listen to what He says. We cannot always be the ones talking. We have to give God the chance to speak, and we need to do the listening.
God, in the same chapter illustrates how He shall direct His children . Isaiah 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
God is speaking .......LET US LISTEN!
WHAT IS NEXT?
We often times drown God's words and responses to us, when we come to Him talking all the time, and yet not listening to His replies. In Psalm 85, the Psalmist begins by praying to God for help,salvation and deliverance. Then in verse 8 of the same chapter, he tends to pause in His request, somehow, it is as if he remembers the etiquette of conversation, and so declares - I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants- but let them not turn to folly.
When we talk to God, we must make room to also listen to Him speak to us, sometimes audibly, other times quietly in our hearts and spirits. He may choose to inspire us with a Word of scripture, or a song, through the words and actions of another, or through an event or experience. In fact, God is speaking to us a lot of the times, but because we are not consciously listening, we do not hear Him half of the time.
In Isaiah 50:4-5, the Prophet of God makes a declaration about how he goes about his work for God -
The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.
The secret in being effective as a child of God is in learning to listen to God after we have prayed to Him. Spend time today to listen for Him.
In Isaiah 30:9, God says about His rebellious children - For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the LORD;
Then in verse 15 of Isaiah 30, God gives His rebellious children a clue of how they can listen to Him - For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing,
From the above, we can hear God when we approach Him with a repentant heart, and with a heart that fully trusts in Him and has faith in Him. Also we ought to learn to be quiet before Him to listen to what He says. We cannot always be the ones talking. We have to give God the chance to speak, and we need to do the listening.
God, in the same chapter illustrates how He shall direct His children . Isaiah 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
God is speaking .......LET US LISTEN!
WHAT IS NEXT?
1.5.13
Honouring the Man of God
1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
“Now we ask you brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in Love because of their work” 1 Thess 5:12-13.
The lord Jesus gave gifts unto men . He set men in offices of the Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist and Pastor. Just as the King and/President appoints people in high positions to serve his subjects, so has the Lord placed some of His children in positions of service to man.
Jesus explained the rule of governance in His Church - The greatest must serve! Those that Jesus has placed in high offices ought to serve, and not Lord it over their surbodinates. However, those they are serving also owe them honour and love, according to the Word of God.
In ancient Israel, it was common practice to send gifts of offerings to Prophets. A good example of this practice can be found in 1 Samuel 9:6-8 when Saul and one of his father's servant were looking for their missing donkeys -
But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
“But we don’t have anything to offer him,” Saul replied. “Even our food is gone, and we don’t have a thing to give him.”
“Well,” the servant said, “I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!”
This was a free will offering that they planned to give to Samuel. Samuel was not demanding for it, as Samuel did not charge for serving God's children with a gift God had given to him. Similarly, Naaman offered Elisha gifts as a token of appreciation, but Elisha on that occassion declined the gift 2 Kings 5. In those days , the prophet of God was freely offered gifts by the people he served. He could accept or refuse them.
God has placed overseers over His church under the new covenant. We are to honour these men. We can honour them by obeying them, praying for them , and also by sharing the good things we own with them.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
2 Thess 3:1-2 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.
Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people –for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
WHAT IS NEXT?
“Now we ask you brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in Love because of their work” 1 Thess 5:12-13.
The lord Jesus gave gifts unto men . He set men in offices of the Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist and Pastor. Just as the King and/President appoints people in high positions to serve his subjects, so has the Lord placed some of His children in positions of service to man.
Jesus explained the rule of governance in His Church - The greatest must serve! Those that Jesus has placed in high offices ought to serve, and not Lord it over their surbodinates. However, those they are serving also owe them honour and love, according to the Word of God.
In ancient Israel, it was common practice to send gifts of offerings to Prophets. A good example of this practice can be found in 1 Samuel 9:6-8 when Saul and one of his father's servant were looking for their missing donkeys -
But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
“But we don’t have anything to offer him,” Saul replied. “Even our food is gone, and we don’t have a thing to give him.”
“Well,” the servant said, “I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!”
This was a free will offering that they planned to give to Samuel. Samuel was not demanding for it, as Samuel did not charge for serving God's children with a gift God had given to him. Similarly, Naaman offered Elisha gifts as a token of appreciation, but Elisha on that occassion declined the gift 2 Kings 5. In those days , the prophet of God was freely offered gifts by the people he served. He could accept or refuse them.
God has placed overseers over His church under the new covenant. We are to honour these men. We can honour them by obeying them, praying for them , and also by sharing the good things we own with them.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
2 Thess 3:1-2 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.
Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people –for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
WHAT IS NEXT?
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