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.
We happen to be at war, knowingly or unknowingly. A great battle is raging on all around us. The devil and his kingdom are fighting for the souls of men. Those in Christ Jesus have escaped from their snare, but must not relent, for the battle is still on.
Our weapons for this battle are not of this world, we fight with weapons such as the Word of God, prayer and praise. Just as obeying orders is imperative in a worldly army, it is the same in the Heavenly Army. We have to learn to be obedient in order to win each phase of the battle we are in.
We have God as our Lord of Hosts, leading this army. His Holy Spirit issues commands that must be obeyed pronto! A minute's disobedience can cost us a great deal and set us back. More so, when we walk in obedience, we weaken the enemy and win over him. Disobedience is the garment of the enemy. Clothing ourselves in disobedience takes us into the enemy's camp to be captured and maltreated.
Our thoughts and actions must be in obedience to God's Word. Then can we gain the full authority of God to walk in the fullness of His Power and truly punish every act of disobedience.
WHAT IS NEXT?
29.9.13
The good evil?
Everyday, our enemy the devil schemes against us. He uses different instruments or agents. He came as the serpent to steal the inheritance of Eve. He attempted to destroy Joseph through his brothers, and through Potiphar's wife. Judas was used to facilitate the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.
However, if our obedience and trust is complete in God, He will make the evil plans and schemes of the evil one to work for our good.
Joseph was a faithful follower of God. Therefore no evil plan against his life, prevailed against him. In the end, he told his brothers - "you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
Jesus trusted God and knew His purpose in life. His obedience to God made Him able to say to Judas - “What you are about to do, do quickly”John 13. Jesus knew that what the evil one had planned against Him will work for His good, and that of many.
There can be no evil against those who love God - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
When we are obedient, wise at what is good, and ignorant at evil, God will crush Satan under our feet. Every evil planned against us will work out for our good. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:19-20
WHAT IS NEXT?
However, if our obedience and trust is complete in God, He will make the evil plans and schemes of the evil one to work for our good.
Joseph was a faithful follower of God. Therefore no evil plan against his life, prevailed against him. In the end, he told his brothers - "you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
Jesus trusted God and knew His purpose in life. His obedience to God made Him able to say to Judas - “What you are about to do, do quickly”John 13. Jesus knew that what the evil one had planned against Him will work for His good, and that of many.
There can be no evil against those who love God - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
When we are obedient, wise at what is good, and ignorant at evil, God will crush Satan under our feet. Every evil planned against us will work out for our good. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:19-20
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.9.13
Pray with Expectation - Part 2
One would expect the praying Christians to eagerly await the answer to their prayer. I believe they prayed with expectation. However, when the answer to their prayer came, they least expected it, or so it seemed.
Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”
“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”
The Church was praying... praying for God to intervene and rescue Peter from Herod's wicked hands. Nevertheless, when God did, and they were told, they told Rhoda, the carrier of the good news that she was out of her mind. Were they really praying with expectation and faith?
This is a question we must ask, and a question we must answer about our own prayers. Do we believe God will do what we pray about? Are we in expectation of the answers to our prayers? Do we have faith when we pray?
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.9.13
Pray with expectation.
Acts 12:1-19
James had just been killed by King Herod, whilst Peter had been captured and imprisoned, awaiting trial. This had sent shocking waves down the Christian community. Out of distress, they gathered to pray for Peter, whose fate was apparently going to be decided sooner or later by King Herod.
God stepped in and intervened with a miraculous and angelic visitation which rescued Peter from prison. Peter thought he was dreaming, he thought it was all a vision that he would soon awaken from. This goes to confirm the scripture in Psalm 126:1 - When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream.
The church had been praying for Peter while he was in prison - they were earnestly in prayer : So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. I presume the church prayed for God to intervene. They wanted Peter to be released and not killed.
God answered their prayer. It was indeed a miraculous escape - The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
James had just been killed by King Herod, whilst Peter had been captured and imprisoned, awaiting trial. This had sent shocking waves down the Christian community. Out of distress, they gathered to pray for Peter, whose fate was apparently going to be decided sooner or later by King Herod.
God stepped in and intervened with a miraculous and angelic visitation which rescued Peter from prison. Peter thought he was dreaming, he thought it was all a vision that he would soon awaken from. This goes to confirm the scripture in Psalm 126:1 - When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream.
The church had been praying for Peter while he was in prison - they were earnestly in prayer : So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. I presume the church prayed for God to intervene. They wanted Peter to be released and not killed.
God answered their prayer. It was indeed a miraculous escape - The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.9.13
Don't stand in God's way! Part 2
Test every spirit though, and be sure it is God's Spirit leading you. God will never contravene His Word, and will not deny Jesus. We can stand in God's way with doubt and unbelief. Jesus could not do much in His hometown, for the people, because of familiarity did not open up to His ministry. They were filled with doubt and unbelief.
Mark 6:1-6 Jesus left there and went to his home town, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
‘Where did this man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him.
Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few people who were ill and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Open up to God, His ways are not our ways. We ought to go to Him (God) for understanding, not to men. Man's knowledge is limited, but God is Omniscient.
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.9.13
Don't stand in God's way!
Acts 11:17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
In the above scripture, Peter was trying to silence his critics by explaining to them how God had ordered his footsteps to the house of Cornelius. His critics were unhappy with him because he had fellowshipped with Gentiles, who are considered unclean.
Peter assured them it was God's will that had led him to do it, and put it to his critics - who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?There can be times when God would ask us to do something that men may ignorantly oppose - are we supposed to obey men or God? There are certain paths that God may lead you to, that ordinary men, not understanding the ways of God may discourage you.
Do not lose heart, it is better to obey God than man. The critics of Peter were allowing religion to stand in the way of God. Do not allow your own thinking to hinder God's way. God sees things from a higher altitude and from a deeper perspective than man. Follow God, not man!
WHAT IS NEXT?
In the above scripture, Peter was trying to silence his critics by explaining to them how God had ordered his footsteps to the house of Cornelius. His critics were unhappy with him because he had fellowshipped with Gentiles, who are considered unclean.
Peter assured them it was God's will that had led him to do it, and put it to his critics - who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?There can be times when God would ask us to do something that men may ignorantly oppose - are we supposed to obey men or God? There are certain paths that God may lead you to, that ordinary men, not understanding the ways of God may discourage you.
Do not lose heart, it is better to obey God than man. The critics of Peter were allowing religion to stand in the way of God. Do not allow your own thinking to hinder God's way. God sees things from a higher altitude and from a deeper perspective than man. Follow God, not man!
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.9.13
Listening to God, not man
Galatians 2:11-13 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
Peter had been told by God that he should not call unclean what He, God calls clean (Acts 10). He had then been sent by the Holy Spirit to the house of Cornelius, where he witnessed to Gentiles, and saw God pour His Spirit upon them. Therefore Peter was certain in his heart that God wanted to save Jews and Gentiles alike.
But there came a time, when Peter was moved by the fear of men, his fellow Jews precisely. These people had an air of righteousness around them, with a belief that they as Jews were the authentic children of God, and did not need to mingle with the Gentiles - Peter wanted to be in the good books of his fellow Jews, so though he had been mingling with the saved Gentiles, he isolated himself from them when he thought it will displease his Jewish friends.
God had warned - do not call what I call clean, unclean. Peter knew this but was acting as though the Gentile Christians were unclean. He had started to listen to the voice of man rather than the voice of God. He otherwise wanted to please man than God. We must learn to stand alone to please God. We must desire to obey God even if we need to disobey men in the process.
Obedience to God is better than sacrifice!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Peter had been told by God that he should not call unclean what He, God calls clean (Acts 10). He had then been sent by the Holy Spirit to the house of Cornelius, where he witnessed to Gentiles, and saw God pour His Spirit upon them. Therefore Peter was certain in his heart that God wanted to save Jews and Gentiles alike.
But there came a time, when Peter was moved by the fear of men, his fellow Jews precisely. These people had an air of righteousness around them, with a belief that they as Jews were the authentic children of God, and did not need to mingle with the Gentiles - Peter wanted to be in the good books of his fellow Jews, so though he had been mingling with the saved Gentiles, he isolated himself from them when he thought it will displease his Jewish friends.
God had warned - do not call what I call clean, unclean. Peter knew this but was acting as though the Gentile Christians were unclean. He had started to listen to the voice of man rather than the voice of God. He otherwise wanted to please man than God. We must learn to stand alone to please God. We must desire to obey God even if we need to disobey men in the process.
Obedience to God is better than sacrifice!
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.9.13
The God-factor versus man-factor
1 Samuel 3
When God called Samuel, three times he responded by going to Eli. Samuel was familiar with what he could see and hold. God was both real and superficial to him. He had all his life served God at the temple. He knew and believed in Him, was used to serving Him. To Samuel, God was both far and near.
It was therefore not surprising that Samuel run to Eli when God called out to Him. How many times do we run to men when God is calling and beckoning to us to come to Him? There are times that He wants us to linger in His presence, and yet we rather tarry with men. He seeks to direct us, but we go to men, sadly some who give us advice contrary to His will at that particular time, and in that specific circumstance.
Eli knew nothing of what God told Samuel, until he relayed it to him.. Sometimes we wrongly regard certain people as being God's mouthpiece when in actual fact, they are speaking contrary to God's will, or have no inkling of what God is saying at that material moment. The old prophet misled the man of God in 1 Kings 13. The man of God was certain of what God had told him to do, but because of his high regard for the Old Prophet, he believed his so called message from God for him.
This misjudgement and misconception of the man of God, cost him his very life. Under no circumstance should you believe any message contrary to God's Word. You can be robbed of godliness and life, and all that pertains to it. We must never let the man-factor overshadow the God-factor in our lives. God first, then man and ourselves second!
WHAT IS NEXT?
When God called Samuel, three times he responded by going to Eli. Samuel was familiar with what he could see and hold. God was both real and superficial to him. He had all his life served God at the temple. He knew and believed in Him, was used to serving Him. To Samuel, God was both far and near.
It was therefore not surprising that Samuel run to Eli when God called out to Him. How many times do we run to men when God is calling and beckoning to us to come to Him? There are times that He wants us to linger in His presence, and yet we rather tarry with men. He seeks to direct us, but we go to men, sadly some who give us advice contrary to His will at that particular time, and in that specific circumstance.
Eli knew nothing of what God told Samuel, until he relayed it to him.. Sometimes we wrongly regard certain people as being God's mouthpiece when in actual fact, they are speaking contrary to God's will, or have no inkling of what God is saying at that material moment. The old prophet misled the man of God in 1 Kings 13. The man of God was certain of what God had told him to do, but because of his high regard for the Old Prophet, he believed his so called message from God for him.
This misjudgement and misconception of the man of God, cost him his very life. Under no circumstance should you believe any message contrary to God's Word. You can be robbed of godliness and life, and all that pertains to it. We must never let the man-factor overshadow the God-factor in our lives. God first, then man and ourselves second!
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.9.13
Responding to God
2 Chronicles 15:2. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Whatever we do for God is not in vain. Our labour of love shall never be forgotten. Similarly, when we forsake God, we tend to get our just deserts. God leaves us to our mess. He never forces Himself on anyone. You may be having nudges from God to forsake your ways, to repent and draw closer to Him. Each day your clock is ticking. God shall never force you to serve Him. However, You may not always get the chance to repent. Tomorrow might be too late!
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts ...”
WHAT IS NEXT?
21.9.13
Removing the veil - Part 2
Luke 24:13-35
Oh how many times we walk with God with veiled eyes. Something appears to prevent us from seeing God as He is, and from understanding His Word and purpose for us. We worry and fret about needing deliverance, when our deliverer is right by us. We scream for God when He is walking right by us. We desire that He save us when we have already been saved. Oh how foolish we are sometimes - He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25.
These two disciples confessed - “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Likewise, the Holy Spirit convicts us of many things, we just do not pay attention. He teaches us, we simply are sometimes hard of hearing. God walks with us, but we often are too busy with our version of life and what is happening in it. Let us take some time to listen to God. Let us tarry in His Presence (pray), and eat with Him at His table (Study His Word). As we do this, the veil will fall and we shall behold God as He is, and understand the scriptures as we ought to.
Please spend more time with God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Oh how many times we walk with God with veiled eyes. Something appears to prevent us from seeing God as He is, and from understanding His Word and purpose for us. We worry and fret about needing deliverance, when our deliverer is right by us. We scream for God when He is walking right by us. We desire that He save us when we have already been saved. Oh how foolish we are sometimes - He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25.
These two disciples confessed - “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Likewise, the Holy Spirit convicts us of many things, we just do not pay attention. He teaches us, we simply are sometimes hard of hearing. God walks with us, but we often are too busy with our version of life and what is happening in it. Let us take some time to listen to God. Let us tarry in His Presence (pray), and eat with Him at His table (Study His Word). As we do this, the veil will fall and we shall behold God as He is, and understand the scriptures as we ought to.
Please spend more time with God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.9.13
Removing the veil - Part 1
Luke 24:13-35
The disciples of Jesus had walked with Him when He was alive on Earth. They were familiar with Him, and were saddened that He had been crucified. They had heard about His resurrection from the women who went to His tomb that day, and yet their hearts, partly filled with doubt and sorrrow, contemplated over all they had seen and heard.
A stranger joined them who inquired of what they were discussing. Thinking he might be new in the area, they told Him of what had happened to Jesus and went on to describe their disappointment at His death. They told of rumours of His resurrection. These disciples loved Jesus and wished He had been their saviour. Now to them He was dead - end of story.
Unknown to them, their Saviour was close by. The stranger then explained to them how all the things that happened to Jesus were predicted and in line with God's Will. Then He happened to stay with them. Luke 24:30-32 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Many times we act like Jacob because we allow a veil over our eyes - Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” Genesis 28:16
WHAT IS NEXT?
The disciples of Jesus had walked with Him when He was alive on Earth. They were familiar with Him, and were saddened that He had been crucified. They had heard about His resurrection from the women who went to His tomb that day, and yet their hearts, partly filled with doubt and sorrrow, contemplated over all they had seen and heard.
A stranger joined them who inquired of what they were discussing. Thinking he might be new in the area, they told Him of what had happened to Jesus and went on to describe their disappointment at His death. They told of rumours of His resurrection. These disciples loved Jesus and wished He had been their saviour. Now to them He was dead - end of story.
Unknown to them, their Saviour was close by. The stranger then explained to them how all the things that happened to Jesus were predicted and in line with God's Will. Then He happened to stay with them. Luke 24:30-32 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Many times we act like Jacob because we allow a veil over our eyes - Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” Genesis 28:16
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.9.13
When eyes that see, see
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Saul was an ardent believer in God through Judaism. His faith and beliefs then, blinded him to the truth in the Gospel of Jesus. He therefore persecuted the Christians and thought he was doing this for God(Acts 26). However, on the road to Damascus, on one of his journeys to persecute the church, God's light blinded him physically. God spoke to him, and this touched his heart and Saul converted to Christianity. He later became known as Paul.
Many people can see physically, but are spiritually blind. They have no inkling of the grace available to them through Jesus Christ. Some are unaware of the war going on against them, how Satan is fighting to win them to Hell. Saul did not know that in persecuting the Church, he was persecuting God. When God physically blinded Saul's eyes, simultaneously his spiritual eyes were opened, and he saw the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Eventually God healed his physical eyes, and instructed him to open those of others blinded by Satan - Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
God wishes to open the spiritual eyes of many people living today. They may have physical eyes that can see, but in truth, they cannot see the truth in God. Some hold a form or appearance of godliness, but deny the power(God) thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). The love of money has blinded certain people. To some, it's religion or science. Others are blinded by sex and power. Some are blinded by morals - they are content with their own righteousness and hence deny God's. Some even worship God, like Saul, but cannot see the truth in God because of their own limited perception of how God should be.
God desires to open the eyes of all men to see and know Him. If your eyes are open, then you are obliged to open the eyes of others like Paul(Saul). God is counting on you!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Saul was an ardent believer in God through Judaism. His faith and beliefs then, blinded him to the truth in the Gospel of Jesus. He therefore persecuted the Christians and thought he was doing this for God(Acts 26). However, on the road to Damascus, on one of his journeys to persecute the church, God's light blinded him physically. God spoke to him, and this touched his heart and Saul converted to Christianity. He later became known as Paul.
Many people can see physically, but are spiritually blind. They have no inkling of the grace available to them through Jesus Christ. Some are unaware of the war going on against them, how Satan is fighting to win them to Hell. Saul did not know that in persecuting the Church, he was persecuting God. When God physically blinded Saul's eyes, simultaneously his spiritual eyes were opened, and he saw the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Eventually God healed his physical eyes, and instructed him to open those of others blinded by Satan - Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
God wishes to open the spiritual eyes of many people living today. They may have physical eyes that can see, but in truth, they cannot see the truth in God. Some hold a form or appearance of godliness, but deny the power(God) thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). The love of money has blinded certain people. To some, it's religion or science. Others are blinded by sex and power. Some are blinded by morals - they are content with their own righteousness and hence deny God's. Some even worship God, like Saul, but cannot see the truth in God because of their own limited perception of how God should be.
God desires to open the eyes of all men to see and know Him. If your eyes are open, then you are obliged to open the eyes of others like Paul(Saul). God is counting on you!
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.9.13
Being eager!
Luke 19:1-10
How eager are we to be visited by God? A man named Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus that he climbed a sycamore tree. His heart was full of great expectation, the kind which God honours. Zacchaeus, was a tax collector, feared among his brethren. He did not need to stoop low in human terms by climbing a tree to see Jesus, but his heart was childlike. He simply wanted to know this much talked about Jesus.
Jesus discerned the heart of Zacchaeus and invited himself to his house. I bet Zacchaeus was besides himself with joy, he gladly accepted Jesus into his home. He also gave up all that he knew in his heart, was not right before God. Luke 19:8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.
Many times we sing songs that we are ready for God to visit us, but is our heart really ready to give up all that does not please Him? God is about to visit His Church in a profound manner, let us equally prepare our hearts for Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
How eager are we to be visited by God? A man named Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus that he climbed a sycamore tree. His heart was full of great expectation, the kind which God honours. Zacchaeus, was a tax collector, feared among his brethren. He did not need to stoop low in human terms by climbing a tree to see Jesus, but his heart was childlike. He simply wanted to know this much talked about Jesus.
Jesus discerned the heart of Zacchaeus and invited himself to his house. I bet Zacchaeus was besides himself with joy, he gladly accepted Jesus into his home. He also gave up all that he knew in his heart, was not right before God. Luke 19:8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.
Many times we sing songs that we are ready for God to visit us, but is our heart really ready to give up all that does not please Him? God is about to visit His Church in a profound manner, let us equally prepare our hearts for Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.9.13
Keep Simple, Simple (Part 2)
The Gospel of Jesus is very simple - Jesus died to save us from our sins, and from all things related to our sinful nature, including sicknesses. Jesus was the last sacrifice, a perfect sacrifice - Hebrews 10:14-22 It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.
The Holy Spirit confirms this: This new plan I'm making with Israel isn't going to be written on paper, isn't going to be chiseled in stone; This time "I'm writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts." He concludes, I'll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins. Once sins are taken care of for good, there's no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.
So, friends, we can now - without hesitation - walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. So let's do it - full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out.
The work of Jesus on Calvary was a full and perfect work. We have all curses broken by this perfect work. He became a curse, for us to be blessed through Him. He became poor that we might be rich. He left us with the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us into all truth, to teach us and comfort us. We have the liberty to come boldly before the throne of God, we ought not to come through any other individual or super being. We cannot buy this salvation, or any promise of this salvation with money. It is a free gift of God to all men.
Although Paul preached this simple Gospel, he was concerned that some might pollute the message, and thereby deceive others. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
It is note worthy that whenever the Gospel of Jesus is presented as not enough, where you are taught strange customs and traditions to somewhat top up this simple message, be warned, for you are entering into a corrupted zone. Are you made to feel unworthy to approach God's throne? Are you made to believe you are cursed? Do you feel you have to give offerings of money, et cetera to benefit from the free gifts, blessings and provisions of God? There is nothing wrong with blessing God with our substance, but we must not be made to feel we are buying our way out of bondage. Jesus redeemed us freely, we need not pay money for it.
Beloved, we must return to the simple Gospel of Jesus, and to the truths that are embedded in them. Just like Moses who got the required results though he disobeyed God, we may get good results even when we walk in error and in the corruption of the Gospel, but this may result in our inability to enter into the promised land of God. We cannot afford to miss Heaven. We must open our eyes and be watchful - for there are wolves in sheep clothing all around us. We must be alert in prayer, and in the study of God's Word. And above all, we must listen to the great teacher in our lives - the Holy Spirit!
Although Paul preached this simple Gospel, he was concerned that some might pollute the message, and thereby deceive others. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
It is note worthy that whenever the Gospel of Jesus is presented as not enough, where you are taught strange customs and traditions to somewhat top up this simple message, be warned, for you are entering into a corrupted zone. Are you made to feel unworthy to approach God's throne? Are you made to believe you are cursed? Do you feel you have to give offerings of money, et cetera to benefit from the free gifts, blessings and provisions of God? There is nothing wrong with blessing God with our substance, but we must not be made to feel we are buying our way out of bondage. Jesus redeemed us freely, we need not pay money for it.
Beloved, we must return to the simple Gospel of Jesus, and to the truths that are embedded in them. Just like Moses who got the required results though he disobeyed God, we may get good results even when we walk in error and in the corruption of the Gospel, but this may result in our inability to enter into the promised land of God. We cannot afford to miss Heaven. We must open our eyes and be watchful - for there are wolves in sheep clothing all around us. We must be alert in prayer, and in the study of God's Word. And above all, we must listen to the great teacher in our lives - the Holy Spirit!
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.9.13
Keep Simple, Simple (Part 1)
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
The song writer puts it simply - "trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." Moses learnt it the hard way when he refused to obey the simple instruction of God.
The Lord said to Moses, “Take your walking stick, and you and your brother Aaron should gather the people. Speak to that rock in front of them so that its water will flow from it. When you bring the water out from that rock, give it to the people and their animals.”
So Moses took the stick from in front of the Lord, as he had said. Moses and Aaron gathered the people in front of the rock, and Moses said, “Now listen to me, you who turn against God! Do you want us to bring water out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and hit the rock twice with his stick. Water began pouring out, and the people and their animals drank it.
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe me, and because you did not honor me as holy before the people, you will not lead them into the land I will give them.” Numbers 20:8-12
We must note that God gave Moses a clear and simple instruction to take his walking stick and speak to the rock to give water to His people. Moses took things into his own hands and decided to hit the rock, like he had done in the past (Exodus 17:1-7)- he therefore hit the rock twice with his stick, and water poured out for the Israelites. Though Moses disobeyed the simple instruction of God, he got the required result, but unfortunately, his disobedience cost him entry into the promised land.
Similarly, God has presented to us a Gospel that is meant to bring salvation to all and sundry. It is a simple Gospel - Paul described it this way: And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
Let us stick to this simple message of Christ crucified, buried and resurrected for us to become children of God, ambassadors of Heaven on Earth, and citizens of Heaven.
WHAT IS NEXT?
15.9.13
Look to Jesus!
Mark 5:21-43
All hope seemed lost, Jairus had just been told not to bother Jesus because his daughter whom he was hoping Jesus would heal had just died.
Sometimes people find themselves in such difficult situations. He looked desperately at Jesus, thinking that was it! It was over,' nothing can now be done,' he may have thought. But Jesus said to him not to be afraid - While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
We ought to take our eyes off the physical and believe in the supernatural. Most times the ways of God are foolishness to human reasoning. To man, death is the end, but to Jesus, there is still hope after death.When we are faced with hopeless situations, we must close our ears to what men may say that is contrary to God's Word, and only listen to things in line with God's Word.
Jesus realised that those around were filled with despair and hopelessness. It was not a condusive atmosphere for faith to blossom. So he sacked everybody and only went in with a few trusted disciples. He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Certain life situations call for us to separate ourselves from negativity so we can birth what God desires. Sometimes we have to curtail certain relationships in order to be able to walk in God's will. Sometimes we have to say no to some people, in order to say yes to God.
Look to Jesus! Hear His words! Have faith, just believe!
WHAT IS NEXT?
All hope seemed lost, Jairus had just been told not to bother Jesus because his daughter whom he was hoping Jesus would heal had just died.
Sometimes people find themselves in such difficult situations. He looked desperately at Jesus, thinking that was it! It was over,' nothing can now be done,' he may have thought. But Jesus said to him not to be afraid - While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
We ought to take our eyes off the physical and believe in the supernatural. Most times the ways of God are foolishness to human reasoning. To man, death is the end, but to Jesus, there is still hope after death.When we are faced with hopeless situations, we must close our ears to what men may say that is contrary to God's Word, and only listen to things in line with God's Word.
Jesus realised that those around were filled with despair and hopelessness. It was not a condusive atmosphere for faith to blossom. So he sacked everybody and only went in with a few trusted disciples. He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Certain life situations call for us to separate ourselves from negativity so we can birth what God desires. Sometimes we have to curtail certain relationships in order to be able to walk in God's will. Sometimes we have to say no to some people, in order to say yes to God.
Look to Jesus! Hear His words! Have faith, just believe!
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.9.13
Be specific!
When we come to God, we must be clear in our mind of who we believe He is, on what we know He can do, and finally on the specifics of our request - it must have clarity.
Jesus demonstrated this in the Lord's prayer - He identified God as His father in Heaven, great to be worshipped- Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Then Jesus went on to ask specific requests that also revealed what He believed God could accomplish.
In the same vein, we must come to God having faith in Him and in His ability and power. Hebrews 11:6 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.
In Matthew 9:27-35, some blind men called out to Jesus for help. He asked them - “Do you believe that I am able to do this?" When they answered in the affirmative, He healed them.
Also Jesus once asked a blind man - What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." God wants us to be clear on what we want from Him. Abraham's servant in search of a wife for Isaac, came to God with a precise request and got it granted.
Today, come boldly to God in faith, carrying specific requests.God rewards faith!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Jesus demonstrated this in the Lord's prayer - He identified God as His father in Heaven, great to be worshipped- Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Then Jesus went on to ask specific requests that also revealed what He believed God could accomplish.
In the same vein, we must come to God having faith in Him and in His ability and power. Hebrews 11:6 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.
In Matthew 9:27-35, some blind men called out to Jesus for help. He asked them - “Do you believe that I am able to do this?" When they answered in the affirmative, He healed them.
Also Jesus once asked a blind man - What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." God wants us to be clear on what we want from Him. Abraham's servant in search of a wife for Isaac, came to God with a precise request and got it granted.
Today, come boldly to God in faith, carrying specific requests.God rewards faith!
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.9.13
May God help your unbelief!
Mark 9:16-25
There are times we do not receive from God because we harbour unbelief beneath our acclaimed belief. The disciples of Jesus were faced with the task of delivering a mute boy who happened to be an epileptic as well. Try as they did, they were unsuccessful, so they sought the help of their master - And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus attributed the unsuccessful deliverance to faithlessness. The next few lines reveal how the father of the boy had a bundle of unbelief wrapped underneath his show of belief. Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
How can you believe and have unbelief at the same time? There are times that we act like this man - we believe in God and in His awesome power, and yet we seem to have this lingering doubt as to whether He can, and will truly change our situation. Maybe because in our limited vision, the problem appears insurmountable, or we have had it long enough that we are unable to picture ourselves without it. Whatever this man's reasons, the good thing is that he owned up to his unbelief, and asked Jesus for help, which he got - Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
Jesus after performing this miracle gave us a tip as to how to handle situations that fill us with grief and unbelief - And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Praying and fasting can silence our unbelief and help release our miracle. Be true to yourself about your level of faith. Do not be ashamed to admit to God in prayer any feelings of unbelief you may have. Then ask for His help. The Lord shall help you, and give you a testimony!
WHAT IS NEXT?
12.9.13
More than you expect!
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
God is well able to do more than we can ask or think of. Whatever you are expecting from Him can be doubled and tripled - there is no end to His infinite love and power! In Acts 3:1-10, we read about a lame man who sat by the beautiful gate begging for money. His expectation as Peter and John walked past, was to get some alms from them. However, God had more for this man. Whatever you are thinking in your heart today, and expecting God to do for you, He is well and able to give you more. Just reach out!
This lame man was expectant - seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. His expectation was not cut off. In the same way, your expectation will be met by the grace of God - Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is a future hope; and your expectation shall not be cut off. The expectation of the lame man gave him the key to tap into the more than expected miracle grace of God.
To have more than you expect from God, you must ask for something and think on an expected result - is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. God multiplies what we ask for, or what we think on. Therefore, we must watch our words and thoughts, and be sure they are in line with our expectation. God through Peter, gave this lame man more than he expected - Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
You shall enjoy this same grace - ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God is well able to do more than we can ask or think of. Whatever you are expecting from Him can be doubled and tripled - there is no end to His infinite love and power! In Acts 3:1-10, we read about a lame man who sat by the beautiful gate begging for money. His expectation as Peter and John walked past, was to get some alms from them. However, God had more for this man. Whatever you are thinking in your heart today, and expecting God to do for you, He is well and able to give you more. Just reach out!
This lame man was expectant - seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. His expectation was not cut off. In the same way, your expectation will be met by the grace of God - Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is a future hope; and your expectation shall not be cut off. The expectation of the lame man gave him the key to tap into the more than expected miracle grace of God.
To have more than you expect from God, you must ask for something and think on an expected result - is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. God multiplies what we ask for, or what we think on. Therefore, we must watch our words and thoughts, and be sure they are in line with our expectation. God through Peter, gave this lame man more than he expected - Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
You shall enjoy this same grace - ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you.
WHAT IS NEXT?
11.9.13
Expect a miracle today!
Mark 10:46-52
Blind Bartimaeus sat by the roadside begging for money. As he sat there, he eavesdropped on pockets of gossip from passers by. He sat there wondering who at all this much talked about Jesus was. The more he heard of Him, the more faith arose in his heart - 'If this Jesus really does all that I'm hearing, then maybe He could heal me too,' he may have reflected.
Then, blind Bartimaeus smelt his chance of great opportunity - the passers by announced that Jesus was passing by. 'It's my day and chance', he may have reflected. So he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Whenever, faith rises up in us, there is always something to counteract it. To blind Bartimaeus, it was the voices of those around - Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
We must always persevere in faith. As blind Bartimaeus persisted in trying to get the attention of Jesus, he succeeded - Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” The blind man was really expectant and ready for a miracle for he immediately threw away the cloak that identified him as a blind man -Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
He knew exactly wanted he wanted from Jesus, and because he had faith, he got exactly what he wanted - “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, let your heart swell with faith, and expect a miracle today!
WHAT IS NEXT?
10.9.13
Break up your fallow ground
Jeremiah 4:3-4. ‘For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart.”’
Hosea 10:12. “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, ‘till He comes and rains righteousness on you.”
A fallow ground is soil that has once been tilled and useful, but which now lies idle and appears hard baked, dry and unfruitful. To become fertile, a fallow ground ought to be broken up, to get rid of the hard baked soil, in order to reveal the soft and fertile soil underneath. Unless this is done, seeds planted on them will either be washed away, or picked up by birds.
Similarly, our hearts are soils upon which God plants. Jesus used seeds in a parable to describe how we react to the Word of God as human beings. The Word of God planted on fertile ground reaps the greatest harvest. All other grounds are not conducive for a great harvest. Luke 8:4-15
As Christians we must till the soil upon which God plants - our hearts! Our hearts can become cluttered with the cares of life - care for work and money, family and children, social qualifications and status, for travel and fame, etc,etc. We become engrossed in social events and get soaked up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, often leaving little, or no room for God. Where we regard God, we do so hurriedly, in an attempt to save time, and to virtually get a somewhat boring encounter over and done with.
Our infertile hearts become uncircumcised, gathering up the filth of unrighteousness and carnality. We become like dogs returning to their vomit. Where there once was patience, we fill with impatience, anger and violence. Where we harboured truth, we now celebrate lies. Where we exercised self control and long suffering, we now display intolerance. We become like the Galatians whom Paul addressed - Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3:3
We ought to examine our hearts and rid it of any fore skin, any hardened soil. We have to acknowledge our sins and repent. We have to re-focus on God, and on spiritual things. We need to re-ignite our passion for the Holy Spirit, and listen for His voice. We must linger in the presence of God, and in His Word, which will cleanse us of all filth, and plough our hearts for a great harvest.
Ezekiel 36:25-27: “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you and you shall be clean: I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take away the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgements and do them.”
God is calling His own to return to Him! A great harvest awaits our obedience.
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.9.13
The Narrow Road
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Man, born of a woman is of the Adamic sinful nature. No one needs to teach a human being to sin, it is our second nature. Our sinfulness leads us to the wide road of destruction. However, there is an escape route - a narrow way that leads to salvation and eternal life. Jesus is that way!
We cannot bypass Jesus and reach our destination. He is the gate to this road. He enables us to use this route, and He strengthens us on this journey, for it is a rough road. We have prayer stops on this way, it is advised that you stop regularly at these to rejuvenate. The Word of God is our fuel, regular purchase of this makes our journey a smooth and enjoyable one. There are hurdles and obstacles on the way, yet we are assured of angelic guards. The Holy Spirit is our navigator, and the lives of those that have gone ahead of us, light the paths for us, lest we fall into traps that easily besets people on this road.
There are armed robbers on the detours from this way, but as long as we stay on the narrow path, we happen to be out of harm's way. The journey may not be an easy one,however, it is possible to embark on this journey and to safely reach your destination. Determination is essential, for with God all things are possible.
Safe journey!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Man, born of a woman is of the Adamic sinful nature. No one needs to teach a human being to sin, it is our second nature. Our sinfulness leads us to the wide road of destruction. However, there is an escape route - a narrow way that leads to salvation and eternal life. Jesus is that way!
We cannot bypass Jesus and reach our destination. He is the gate to this road. He enables us to use this route, and He strengthens us on this journey, for it is a rough road. We have prayer stops on this way, it is advised that you stop regularly at these to rejuvenate. The Word of God is our fuel, regular purchase of this makes our journey a smooth and enjoyable one. There are hurdles and obstacles on the way, yet we are assured of angelic guards. The Holy Spirit is our navigator, and the lives of those that have gone ahead of us, light the paths for us, lest we fall into traps that easily besets people on this road.
There are armed robbers on the detours from this way, but as long as we stay on the narrow path, we happen to be out of harm's way. The journey may not be an easy one,however, it is possible to embark on this journey and to safely reach your destination. Determination is essential, for with God all things are possible.
Safe journey!
WHAT IS NEXT?
8.9.13
Enemies of the Cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:18-20 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many in this age and time, walk as enemies of the Cross of Christ - some overtly, whilst others do so covertly. An enemy of the Cross of Christ loves the World, and may openly or indirectly deny Jesus and whatever He stands for - 1 John 2:22-23 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist-denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
An enemy of the Cross of Christ has his or her whole attention on Earth - they breathe and live everything Earthly/ Worldly. Such people focus on the desires of the flesh : lustful relationships and things that gratify their flesh. They abhor anything that feeds the spirit - prayer or the Word of God. Their eyes search for things that please their physical senses. Whatever pleases their eyes must be pursued, even if it contravenes the laws of God. They like to do things that will please other human eyes, and can go to any extent to get human approval.
The enemies of the Cross of Christ boast in themselves. They love to list their achievements , possessions and qualifications. They regard or disregard others based on what they have been able to physically acquire or attain. To them, if you are wealthy, and well educated, then you can be loved and accepted. If you do not measure up in these areas, you ought to be looked upon condescendingly. Just as the rich man that looked down on Lazarus, these boast in their wealth (Luke 16:19-31) - their end is destruction, their god is their belly, they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are citizens of Heaven acting as ambassadors on Earth. Our allegiance is to Heaven. We represent Jesus and His Kingdom, and advertise Him on Earth. Our focus is Heaven, that is where our hearts and treasure lie. But because we are seeking first the Kingdom of God, do not be surprised to see us blessed with all other things, including wealth. But our hearts are not in these things, we do not set our hearts on physical possessions and things .
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.9.13
The forgiven forgiver
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our sins,as we have forgiven those who sin against us
As long as we remain in our human body, we are prone and susceptible to sin. We may sin with our thoughts, words and actions. The onset of this nature is our traceable lineage to Adam. Through him, every human being inherited the original sin, and therefore is a sinner. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
1 John 1:8-9 tells us that If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We have to be honest and admit our own shortcomings , be penitent, before we face those of others. And because we can be certain of God's forgiveness, for when we truly come to Him repentant and asking for forgiveness, He truly forgives us , and expects us to do same to our offenders.
In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus told a story of an unforgiving servant who owed his master ten thousand bags of gold. He pleaded with his master who listened and even cancelled his debts. And yet when this same servant got away, he had the impudence to throw another servant who owed him just a hundred silver coins into prison. When his master heard about his unmerciful ways, he was angry, and in anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
In conclusion, Jesus warned us - “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Because of our sinful nature, eternal damnation awaits us. Yet God in His loving mercy sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for us , that whoever believes in Him should have eternal life , in place of eternal damnation. Our sins (past and present) are forgiven through the Blood Jesus shed for us -In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Ephesians 1:7
We cannot however partake in God's forgiveness, if we refuse to forgive others who sin against us. Remember that the servant who owed his master had his debts cancelled by his master at one point in time. But as soon as his master got wind of his unforgiveness and unmerciful ways, his master was angered and threw him in jail. In the same vein, our unforgiving nature will cancel out God's forgiveness that we have attained. If we become unforgiving, we indirectly stand condemned to eternal damnation.
We are forgiven by God, and have been delivered from a great eternal punishment. In God's eyes, no sin committed against us exceeds that of ours,the inherited original sin! We ought to forgive in order to enjoy God's forgiveness.
FWHAT IS NEXT?
6.9.13
The Heir's portion
Romans 8:17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
We who have believed in Jesus have been translated from the Kingdom of darkness into His marvellous light and Kingdom. We have been given the power to become children of God. When Jesus was being baptised, God declared Him as His son. We have been adopted into the family of God through Jesus Christ. The minute we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the exact minute where our surname changes. Our adoption process is then completed. Jesus becomes our eldest brother, and as He is the chief heir of God, He welcomes us as siblings to share in His inheritance.
So now, we can freely enter God's presence and house, and be comfortable. We now have to feel at home with God. We are not bastards, we have a loving father who owns everything and is willing to share with us. As co-heirs with Christ, we have been placed on Earth as ambassadors of God's Kingdom. We represent Heaven on Earth, and are to seek the welfare of Heaven on Earth.
We share in Heaven's riches and glory. We have inherited God's power and might, as we are seen as off springs of a mighty and powerful Kingdom. Our father's enemy, Satan is determined to make our stay on Earth miserable. Jesus suffered the same fate. When Jesus left for Heaven, we stepped in His shoes. That is why persecutions and trials beset us on every side. But we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:29
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4:7
So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
As heirs, we must not act like Lucifer who went into competition with God. God is our Father. Whatever He has, He has given freely unto us. We must not be deceived by the many Earthly things that the devil dangles before us. For the Lord owns the Earth and all that is in it. He has in turn given unto us dominion over everything on Earth. We are rulers on Earth - let's take our rightful place!
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5.9.13
Go for sifted knowledge!
Daniel 12:4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
In the Book of Daniel, God showed Daniel what was to come in the latter days. He said many will go (run) here and there to increase knowledge. We are seeing this in the times that we live in. Each day, men learn something new and come up with an exciting invention. I once heard an old preacher say - " How times have changed, and knowledge increased. When I was born, it was horses and carriages that were in vogue."
Indeed , knowledge abounds in our time. There is the internet where all sorts of knowledge is stored, where men go to increase their knowledge more or less. Talk of Google, and Wikipedia. Knowledge is all around us! Directly or indirectly, we are being influenced by the knowledge around us. However , we must be careful as a rolling stone gathers no moss. We must not simply gather or accumulate which and whatever knowledge we come across. But we must endeavour to become like the Bereans who sifted whatever knowledge they gathered - Acts 17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We ought to be careful about what we allow into us in the form of knowledge for it can defile us. The devil has infiltrated even the message of the Cross. Isaiah 11 :9 tells us of the times when the knowledge of God will increase - They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Today, what do we see? We have a lot of Christian Television and radio channels, we have lots of Christian websites and many, many Christian churches.
Yet, Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. We must therefore go back to basics and like the Bereans, search the Holy Scriptures ( The Bible) for ourselves. We must weigh doctrines and preachings against the Word of God. We also have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit whom Jesus said will be our teacher. Reach for knowledge, but sifted knowledge!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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4.9.13
The double consolation
Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
There is a place of rest where God grants His children peace and restoration for all their troubles and woes. God ensures a double recovery of all they have lost from the enemy. Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. In 1 Samuel 30, David recovered all that he had lost from the Amalekites and even more. He got their flocks and herds in addition. With Samson, even though he had disobeyed the Lord, and had ended up in his enemy's camp, the Lord ensured that he died a victor, because he repented. God enabled him to kill double the number he had killed before he was captured - Judges 16:30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
Where you have faced shame, you shall received double honour, and where you have been cheated of your inheritance, you will retrieve a double portion, Amen! Joel 2:25-27 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust. My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
WHAT IS NEXT?
There is a place of rest where God grants His children peace and restoration for all their troubles and woes. God ensures a double recovery of all they have lost from the enemy. Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. In 1 Samuel 30, David recovered all that he had lost from the Amalekites and even more. He got their flocks and herds in addition. With Samson, even though he had disobeyed the Lord, and had ended up in his enemy's camp, the Lord ensured that he died a victor, because he repented. God enabled him to kill double the number he had killed before he was captured - Judges 16:30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
Where you have faced shame, you shall received double honour, and where you have been cheated of your inheritance, you will retrieve a double portion, Amen! Joel 2:25-27 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust. My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.9.13
When God allows pain.
God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. We ought to bear this in mind as we journey with God on this earthly pilgrimage.
Job revered God. God said of him - Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8 Job's righteousness was acknowledged by God and presented to the devil who threw a challenge to God to remove His hedge around Job. He believed Job served God because he was protected by Him. God accepted the challenge and said to the devil - The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Job 1:12
This statement from God ushered in great suffering for Job. Satan destroyed and killed almost all he had, and owned. In other words, God condoned Job's pain and loss. 'For what reason?' we may ask. God was bragging about Job, and to prove Job's faithfulness to Him, He allowed Satan's challenge. God subsequently accepted another challenge that caused Job further pain and boils on his entire body. Job said about his suffering - Then Job replied: “If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been impetuous. The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors are marshaled against me. Job 6:1-4
God allowed Job's suffering for His glory . Job in all his suffering did not sin against God, and in the end, God was glorified. God allowed His own Son, Jesus to suffer on the cross, in order to save man from eternal damnation. Isaiah 53:10-11 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
God may still allow suffering and pain for His glory to be seen through His children. We are called to be partakers in the suffering of Christ. Let us walk cautiously with the Spirit of God , only then can we discern paths that are paved by God but laid with suffering.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.9.13
RESTORATION
Zechariah 9:11-12 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
Whatever battles you have gone through has come to an end. Please say Amen! Do not consider your physical condition, and doubt your rescue and restoration. God speaks what is not , to make it what it is. God spoke light to see light. You must see your restoration to live your restoration.
The Blood that Jesus shed on Calvary marks a New Covenant. Whoever believes that Jesus died for him or her, and accepts Jesus's sacrifice freely walks into forgiveness of sins, health, and restoration of all relationships and all areas of one's life. God has promised a double restoration, just like Job's - And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10.
Whatever you think you have lost in life is going to be restored. For grief and bereavement, you shall be consoled, and doubly consoled and blessed with new relations. For poverty, you shall have riches. For barrenness, many shall become your children. The examples are innumerable. God is going to give you double for every loss and defeat -only believe!
Joel 2:25-26 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm —my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.
Those who have ears will hear what the Spirit of God is saying.
Shalom!
WHAT IS NEXT?
1.9.13
Sweet Laughter in Heaven - Part 2
In Psalm 2, we learn that when the evil one plots against God and His anointed , God sits on His throne in Heaven and laughs, and scoffs at them. Verse 5 tells us that He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath. When the enemies of Joseph plotted his slavery and imprisonment, God laughed for He knew Joseph would one day reign over them. When Saul planned David's death, God knew that David would rather write Saul's tribute, so He laughed in the Heavens.
When Pharaoh plotted to pursue and destroy the Israelites, God laughed for He knew He owned the seas and would ask the seas to make way for His children, the Israelites, but to swallow His enemies, the Egyptians. When Haman plotted the assassination of all Jews and built gallows for them to hang on, the tallest for Mordecai, God laughed and scoffed at the threat of eliminating His beloved children. God ensured that Haman was subdued and hang on the tallest gallow -Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.
When Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion, the Lord laughed. He knew He would have to endure the pain of seeing His Beloved Son suffer, but it pleased Him to allow it, for He saw many more children being born to Him through His Son Jesus. The Lord laughed, for the devil thought death would destroy and end the story of Jesus. Little did he know that God intended Jesus's death to commence the beginning of His Saving Power from Sin. God knew He would resurrect Jesus to overcome the power of Sin , death and hades. Through Jesus, God was going to reconcile many to Himself, and depopulate Hell, the home of Satan.
Today, God still laughs when proud men and women plot against innocent children of His who have placed their trust in Him. God laughs when nations speak against Him and plot against His works. God knows the end from the beginning, He knows the enemy can do nothing except that which He allows. He knows He has the power to over turn the enemies plans, and to save His own. God laughs at how little power His enemies have, and yet how they strut and brag of things they don't know and understand. God's sweet laughter is tinged with pity, pity for the ignorance of His enemies.
Child of God, do not fear your enemies. Your enemies are the enemies of God. Leave them to God, who is laughing because He is about to deal beautifully with them. God is still laughing, for He has not yet finished dealing with His enemies.
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