Stepping aside.

It takes maturity to know when to step aside from the limelight while fulfilling God's perfect will.

Moses took centre stage in the life of the Israelites when they were delivered from Egypt. From dawn to dusk, he counselled them and tried to solve their problems and resolve conflicts.

As much as God had called Moses to lead, he was not indispensable.  God proved this when He refused him entry into the promised land - Numbers 20:8-12. This happened though God loved Moses dearly, so much so that He even punished Miriam for speaking against Moses,her brother. Numbers 12

And yet, if Moses had not applied the wisdom given to him by his father- in- law Jethro, to delegate some of his authority to able men, he would have worn himself out and shortened the days of his life. Exodus 18.

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

God has not called us to take centre stage. We are co-workers with Him, and He is in the business of recruiting many. So do not be over zealous.

Proverbs 29:2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; Nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.

If you are working for God, do not be afraid to teach others and make disciples that can stand in for you and also be used by God. Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and cast out demons. He delegated!

Listen to God and let Him lead you. He will never overwork you. When you are feeling overworked, you must seek wisdom to know where and when to step aside.


WHAT IS NEXT?

Follow God

God has a calling and purpose for everyone. Sometimes in order to walk in that purpose, you have to close your ears to the voice of men and their suggestions.

Acts 21:10-14   After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

When Jesus called Paul on the road to Damascus, he pre-warned him that he will suffer and face persecutions for His name sake. In answering the call of Jesus, Paul embraced all that came with it - suffering included.

We must stand firm when we are running with what God has told us. This is because human minds in trying to fathom the way things should be,  often  stray from God's will.

This is not to say, we must altogether avoid human counsel. The Book of Proverbs says in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety. However every given counsel must be weighed against the Word of God.

Look to God for the map of your life's journey. His is the best edition to follow.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Who is on the Lord's side?

Exodus 32:26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.

The above happened after Moses had been to the mountain to seek God, and whilst he was gone, the Israelites grew weary of waiting, and upon the direction of Aaron used their earrings to form a golden calf which they worshipped.

In our walk of life, even though we may profess to know God, there may arise times and situations when an answer from God may take longer than expected and cause us to be weary in spirit. At that juncture, do we give up and look for our own solutions, or do we hold on and wait for God to show up?

It is often when we are closest to a breakthrough that we happen to become weary. This is because the battle is fiercest when the foe is losing. As soon as the Israelites gave up on waiting, and served an idol, Moses came with a Word from the Lord. In other words, God showed up.

Being on the Lord's side means trusting in Him even when He feels afar off. Turning to Him, even though it feels as though He may not be listening. We must not serve God because of what we can get from Him.We must serve Him because we love Him.

And even when we stray, may we choose the Lord's side when we hear Him call to us. Just like the Levites did when Moses called out. All the other Israelites had an equal opportunity to rally to the Lord's side, but only the Levites did.

Hebrews 3:15 Remember what it says: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled."




WHAT IS NEXT?

God our Restorer

When Samson fell, his enemies mocked him. They had gauged out his eyes and had set him up on stage to perform and entertain them whilst they laughed at him.

Judges 16:25-30
So it happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may perform for us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he performed for them. And they stationed him between the pillars.

 Then Samson said to the lad who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars which support the temple, so that I can lean on them.” Now the temple was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there—about three thousand men and women on the roof watching while Samson performed.

Then Samson called to theLord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”  

And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. 

Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life.

God restored the strength Samson had lost. He was enabled to fight back when his enemies least expected. God can restore what the enemy has taken from us and grant a greater victory than we have ever witnessed.

Samson desired to die so God granted his wish as well. We must be careful what we wish for. God grants the desires of the righteous.

God avenges for the ills and wrongs done to His children, and at times least expected. He says touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm. Whatever you take away from such is restored to them to your detriment.

The Philistines took away the strength of Samson and his eyes. They thought they had finished him totally. Yet God's foolishness is greater than man's wisdom. So although Samson had no eyes and no locks of hair, God restored the strength the enemies thought they had stolen from him, and killed them as a result.

As a child of God, God's restoration comes unexpectedly to your enemies. This is because they are unable to fathom God's ways. Desire God's restoration and you shall have it.

Psalm 80:3 Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

WHAT IS NEXT?

God our avenger

God loves His children, and like a caring Father, He comes to their rescue when they are unfairly treated.

In the past God used nations to punish Israel. And yet afterwards He punished those same nations for punishing Israel. He also punished nations for mocking Israel.

Ezekiel. 25-26 
Obadiah 1:10-14

The reasons for Edom's punishment

      You acted cruelly to your relatives who are descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother.

So now you you will be disgraced, and you will be destroyed forever.

       When foreigners entered the gates of Jerusalem and cast lots to decide what valuable things they would take away, you were as bad as the invaders;

you just stood there and did not help the Israelis.

      You should not have gloated about the disaster the Israelis were experiencing;

      You should not have been happy when their towns were ruined.

       You should not have made fun of them when they were suffering.

        They are my people, so you should not have entered their city gates when they were experiencing those disasters and you should not have laughed at them.

And you should not have taken away their valuable possessions.

        You should not have stood at crossroads to catch those who were trying to escape

        You should not have captured them and put them into the hands of their enemies

when they were experiencing those disasters.

Keep the above in mind. God is an avenger and jealously guards His own. Do not tamper with what is God's.


WHAT IS NEXT?

God our vindicator!

God is a master player. Job was falsely accused by his friends. Unknown to them, Job was suffering because of his righteousness and closeness to God. People try to read all sorts of meanings into the life occurrences of a child of God.

However when they misconstrue a test or trial being experienced by a child of God, and falsely accuse such a one, they can incur the wrath of God on their lives. And who can save a man from God's heavy and mighty arm?

In the case of Job's friends, Job interceeded on their behalf for God's wrath towards them to be subdued. God heard his cry:

 Job 42:7-9 And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite andZophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 

Pray for your enemies, pray for those that falsely accuse you. It is like heaping coals of fire on their head.

Are you going through a trial or test? In due time, God will vindicate you where need be. He shall deliver you. He is with you, even though you are going through the fire, He is with you. The fire will not burn you. You shall overcome!.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Who is behind betrayals- Part 2

Satan enjoys to cause God's children pain and hurt. He likes to spread falsehood about them. He managed to get Potiphar's wife to falsely accuse Joseph of attempted rape. The devil uses human agents. These people knowingly or unknowingly play to the devil's tune.

I have had my fair share of the devil spreading falsehood about me. I have experienced false accusations and painful misconceptions.  But God has used these experiences to teach me about the devil's tactics.

The devil can create a perfect scenario to spread falsehood about a true Christian. Just as happened to Joseph, he sets the stage so that you may not be able to prove your innocence. Joseph was wrongly convicted of attempted rape because of the devil's schemings to tarnish his image and mock his God given dreams.

When you are falsely accused, pray! It is God that vindicates. In Joseph's case, God vindicated him by making Potiphar and his wife his subjects. They had to call him lord.










WHAT IS NEXT?

Who is behind betrayals?

Luke 22:31-34  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Jesus knew Peter was going to deny before men that he did not know him, but being a man led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus knew it was an orchestration by the devil. He looked for the root cause of Peter's imminent behaviour, and therefore prayed for him.

Jesus knew how to wage war or do battle spiritually.  He knew he was in a spiritual battle and so perceived things spiritually. Peter was going to deny him in the physical, and yet Jesus knew Satan was behind it, so prayed. 

Satan still influences men. He can influence men professing to follow Jesus. Just as he influenced Peter, a keen follower of Jesus. 

We battle against demons, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The devil uses these agents to stir confusion. Know whom you are fighting, and direct your prayer weapon of warfare appropriately.












WHAT IS NEXT?

Betrayed with a kiss.

Luke 22:1-6 the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Jesus had walked faithfully with Judas, and had even put him in charge of His finances, yet Judas found it appropriate to betray Jesus with money and a kiss.

Luke 22:47-48  While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

The stabs of a friend hurt more than the kisses of an enemy. When we have dealt loyally with a person who betrays us, it is indeed painful. Jesus suffered pain, hurt and betrayal at the hands of those He loved.

However, Jesus saw all that happened through the eyes of God's will for His life. He knew it was God's will that He died for the world. He knew this will was going to be accompanied by betrayals and sufferings.

Therefore when God's will was done. He was able to say whilst dying on the cross - "Father forgive them,  for they know not what they do." We can also handle betrayals if we look at everything through God's eyes - His Word and Will.

Love the friend that turns enemy. Love your enemies. They help you to become God's Will, even when they betray you with a kiss.


WHAT IS NEXT?

Binding relationships

Amos 3:3 Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?

In choosing companions, you must firstly consider each other's outlook on salient topics and areas of life. When the very areas that serve as holding poles of life, such as belief, differs  vigorously,  it is a 
danger sign.

God warns us through His Word - 2 Corinthians 6:14 Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

This is not to make us hostile. This is to caution us about being bound together when it will cause friction. We live in a world with people who we will need every now and then. We are told to love one another, even our enemies. And yet when it comes to certain unions, we are warned to walk with like minded people.

This is because certain unions and associations open us up to be influenced. Unions such as marriage and close friendships.  We ought to allow God's Word and voice to guide us with such relationships.










WHAT IS NEXT?

The Power of association

1 Corinthians 15:33
 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.

You become your friends, and your friends become you. The attitudes and behaviours of those we walk with rub on us, both consciously and unconsciously.

Solomon chose to associate with foreign women who served strange gods, and as a result,he was led astray - 1 Kings 11:1-4 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign womenbesides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites,Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites.

 They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.”

 Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to theLord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

God is very much interested in the friendships and associations of His children because they can make or mar them. Iron sharpens iron, and the reverse is also true. Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Choose your friends wisely for :
Proverbs 12:26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:6-7 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.







WHAT IS NEXT?

No challenger!

Exodus 7:10-12  So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the  Lord commanded.  Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

God cannot be challenged. His power is above all. He created all things, and all things are beneath Him.

Psalm 95:3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Elijah proved this when the Prophets of Baal entered into a contest with him to see whose god was God.
1 Kings 18:22-24 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”


The Prophets of Baal set off with the challenge, but unfortunately for them their god paid them no attention - 1 Kings 18:26-29 So they took the bull given them and prepared it.
Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.

 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”  So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.  Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.


After an unsuccessful attempt to get Baal to prove he was God, Elijah took his turn, even making a point by poring so much water on the wood for the offering.1 Kings 18:36-39  At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
The Lord our God is the God of all gods. No one can dispute that. Romans 14:11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"
 

WHAT IS NEXT?

Worthy in God's sight

Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Lord looks at the heart, but man looks at outward appearances. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
The Lord knows the secret thoughts of men and is able to read their hidden intentions. The Lord exposes lies and hypocrisy, and regards not those who trust in their own good works, counting all of the righteous works of men as filthy rags - Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

There is a place the Lord wants us to come to, where we regard not ourselves in high esteem, but we simply strive to know God and walk in His imputed righteousness. Only then, can we lose ourselves to gain Christ. And when we gain Christ, we shall gain back our lives. Matthew 16:25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. You cannot find God if you trust in your own self, and boast of yourself - your acts and ways. You will not see God if you trust in your possessions and wealth . You condemn yourself when you trust in your own righteousness and judge others.

1 Corinthians 1:28-31
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are,  so that no one may boast before him.  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Saviour.

Philippians 3:8-9 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.


















WHAT IS NEXT?

Caution to Christians !

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

Romans 8:17-18
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
2 Corinthian 1:5
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.

2 Corinthians 4:17
 For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Corinthians 2:9
But just as it is written, "Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him."

2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

1 Peter 1:7
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Acts 5:40-42
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they FLOGGED them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, REJOICING that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.























WHAT IS NEXT?

Troubled waters.

Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

The disappointments of life can often feel as though we may be drowning, going real under without any possible sign of being rescued. Sometimes, we may find ourselves on lonely paths where we seem to be standing alone, forsaken by men, and God seemingly far away. There are times that you may be persecuted for even the right thing, and all fingers may point at you as though you were the evil, wrong one.

Do not be disheartened, Daniel was accused of wrong, and punished for praying to God. Jesus died on a cross for speaking the truth. Job lost all he had because of his righteousness. The early Christians suffered lashings, imprisonments and death, because of their faith. There is therefore nothing wrong with you. Whatever, you may be facing now must encourage you to know you are a friend of God.

In this world, lovers and haters of God both face problems. Bad things can happen to anyone, but Matthew 5:10-12 comforts those who suffer in Christ - "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Stand firm, firm in faith, and on Christ your rock. Stand and waver not. When you have done all you know to do, simply stand! Ephesians 6:10-11;13-18  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your STAND against the devil’s schemes.  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, 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.

We stand when we exercise our faith by trusting in God's Word, praying and staying put in His righteousness. Even when contrary winds and results stare at us, we are encouraged to stand. God is with you in whatever you are going through, and therefore you shall not drown. Stay encouraged!




















WHAT IS NEXT?

Engaging the Supernatural

God is a God of wonder. He is a miracle working God. The Bible is laced with miraculous and supernatural happenings.

When we walk with Jesus, and are filled with the Spirit of God, signs and miracles shall follow us - Acts 26:16-17
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.
They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

When Peter walked with Jesus,  he miraculously walked on water. Paul was bitten by a poisonous viber and miraculously lived. Philip was spiritually transported from one destination to another. He was at one place and suddenly found himself somewhere else.

Acts 8:39-40 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.  But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

God is looking for willing vessels to show forth his miracles. Would you be one?




WHAT IS NEXT?

The Promptings of the Holy Spirit

Though Philip lived in the flesh, he walked in the Spirit. Philip was led by the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:14 
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Philip was very sensitive to the leadings of God. He was conscious of the guidance of God. No wonder an angel of God appeared to him - Acts 8:26-27  Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.  And he rose and went.

Afterwards, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and he obliged - Acts 8:29-30  And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?

Philip's obedience led to the baptism of a soul into the family of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit -  And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-38

God is looking for obedient children that He can use to His glory. God was very real to Philip, and this made Philip listen out for His voice. Upon hearing it, he stepped out in simple faith, and acted upon what he had heard. He became efficient in the hands of God as a result.

Can God depend on you as a vessel He can use?



WHAT IS NEXT?

Being wise

When Jesus was born, three wise men sought after Him, bringing Him gifts.


The book of Proverbs teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Also we learn from the book of Psalms that the fool says in his heart that there is no God. Psalm 14:1


God is the source of all true wisdom. All other sources are fleeting and superficial.  We may think we are wise because we appear streetwise and know how to make money and fame. However, in all our wisdom if we do not seek God, we may die, leave all our riches on Earth, and end up at a destitute place, very foolish looking.


Every investment you make on Earth in possessions and name will pass away, except those you make in God. God's Kingdom is eternal. Your savings in there are eternal and can be drawn from even when death beckons.


Search your heart for the investments you are making. Are you wise or foolish?Matthew 15:1-13. Are you building on a rock (Jesus), or on sand? Matthew 7:24-27. What kind of heart do you have?Are you a replica of Lazarus, or of the rich man - Luke 16:19-31







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All you need

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?

God has whatever we need or will ever need on Earth. When He created the Earth, He put in place everything we will ever want. Some of the things He disguised for the searching heart, the wise hearts find these and enjoy them.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we seek God, we seek a great treasure that transcends the Earthly. We uncover a perpetual treasure that can meet all our physical needs as well as grant us eternal bliss.

Matthew 6:31-33 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


All you need is in God through Jesus Christ. He feeds our spirits as well as our flesh. When a large crowd followed Jesus, he demonstrated this by feeding them all after preaching to their souls. God is able to use what is available to meet your every need. Focus on Him, His Word and ways. Rest assured, He shall take care of you.

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A way in through closed doors ( part 2)

Peter had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod, with the intention of killing him. But the church did not relent in praying for him. They had already lost a brother through Herod's execution, and were determined to avoid the same affliction.

Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

When the church rose up in prayer, they rose up in power. They took their rightful place besides Christ Jesus in Heavenly places. The night before Peter was to face Herod, an angel of the Lord stood before him. His chains came off.

Acts 12:10 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.

Prayer can supernaturally open closed doors . Doors that humanly speaking must remain closed. Are you faced with great iron gates? Pray!

Pray, pray, pray and pray!




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A way in through closed doors.(part 1)

Jesus died and resurrected from death. When he rose up, he was able to walk through walls and closed doors.

John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and  among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

We have died and been raised with Christ. Jesus said his followers will do greater things than he did. Therefore spiritually speaking, when we stay in Christ, who is in God, nothing shall be impossible for us.

Colossians 3:1-3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 
 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Peter walked on the sea just like Jesus. And after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter's life was not limited by the laws of men. He defied the locked prison doors and was able to walk out a free man.

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Rest is on its way!

Seven is symbolic of completion and rest. For six days, the Israelites walked around the walls of Jericho without any positive results. Then on the seventh day, they went again around the walls for six times without any results.


The seventh walk on the seventh day amidst a shout brought down the walls of Jericho. Weeping may last for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. There is a time for rest.


God created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh. He therefore understands the concept of rest.  He grants rest to the weary. Jesus gives rest to anyone who desires to be relieved of weariness.


Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


If you are in Christ Jesus and going through trials, the Lord shall bring you rest. Trust in Him!





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Keep on keeping on.

Jericho and its inhabitants were afraid of the Israelites.  They therefore hid behind their fortified high walls - Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. Joshua 6:1


God assured Joshua and the Israelites that He had given them the land of Jericho. It looked almost impossible to possess the land . There are times that the Lord's promises to us looks an impossible task. Sometimes they appear unattainable.


After God's assurance, the Israelites started working in accordance with the Word of God - His uttered directions! There are times that we follow the Word of God, trusting and believing in His promises, yet we happen not to physically see any change.


It may seem daunting but behind the scenes, God works on our behalf. The Israelites walked around the walls of Jericho for six days without any physical result of their attainment of the Promise of God.


Do not give up when faced with adversity and trials. When the promises of God for your life seems afar off. Keep believing, keep trusting in God's Word, keep doing what God has instructed. For your day of rest is coming.















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Breaking down walls-part 2

Sometimes we may seem to be going round in circles, just like the Israelites around the walls of Jericho. However , each step we take in faith, is a step to weaken the walls before us. Step out in faith saying a prayer after prayer. Step out in faith, singing one song of praise after another. Step out in faith declaring the promises of God for your life.



Are you trying to reach a soul that looks unreachable. Do step out in faith sharing God's Word and praying. The march around Jericho for the first six days looked totally useless a task. On the seventh day, the sixth march had still not yielded any good results, then after the seventh march and the subsequent shout, God caused the walls of Jericho to come down.


Be faithful at whatever you are doing in God, and for God. For your desired results are at hand. Don't give up. You have overcome! You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.


Step out in faith and break down the walls of your enemies - those walls of oppression and stagnation. March forth to possess what is lawfully yours in Christ Jesus!



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Breaking down walls- part 1

Surrounded by the walls of Jericho, the Israelites felt dwarfed.  The walls appeared insurmountable. There are times we are faced with issues, reports or problems that appear huge and difficult to overcome. However, if at such times we look up to God and listen for His Voice and Word, we are sure to find the way out of the maze.



Joshua 6:1-5 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.  You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days.  
Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.



On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns.  When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”



When God gives you something or declares to have given you a thing, though the physical evidence before you may spell the opposite, whatever God has said will come to pass.  You simply have to believe and press on.






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Pure love.

1 John 3:17-18  If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister[a] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).


Love is a word commonly used. People talk about falling in love. Sometimes the same people that look so loved up, in a few years time are at each other's throat. Where did all the love go?


Our actions expose the existence or non-existence of love in our hearts. Love has kind and gentle characteristics. Love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way.


It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.


We must weigh our actions against the litmus test of love. Where there is love there is sharing and kindness. There is forgiveness and hope. Jealousy flees from where love resides. Pride and revenge do not exist in love.


Where there is love there is no unhealthy competition. It is not about who wins or who loses. Love simply rejoices when truth triumphs. It is not vindictive.


















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Safe in His Presence!

Psalm 31:20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.


Daniel was strict with his worship of God. When men rose up against him, they conspired to get him trapped via his religious practices - Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.  So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” Daniel 6:4-5


As planned, they succeeded with their conspiracy, and Daniel was thrown into a lion's den. God was with Daniel in the lion's den, and shut the mouths of the lions thereby rendering them harmless. God hid Daniel in the shelter of His presence, safe from his conspirators and far from accusing tongues.


Daniel lived to see the death of his accusers. They were thrown into the lion's den and torn apart by the lions - The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Daniel 6:23-24


Daniel was fond of God and spent ample time with Him in the secret place, therefore he dwelt in the shadow of the Almighty, and was protected from all harm and evil.


There is protection from evil in the presence of God. Spend time with God, He will deliver you from evil, and cause your enemies to fall into the traps they have laid for you .









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The Presence of God

Daniel 3:24-25
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”


Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow to an image King Nebuchadnezzar had made for everyone to bow to. This infuriated the King who ordered that they be put in a hot furnace. The furnace was very hot and killed even those that carried them to it.


However, the presence of God made the difference when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went into the same burning furnace that had earlier killed their bearers.  When God entered the furnace, everything hot in there cooled down.


They were tied up and thrown into the hot furnace,  however the presence of God unbound them, and they were able to walk freely in the cool furnace.


God's presence does wonders. It breaks off our chains and makes any fire we go through bearable. God's presence can deliver us from what killed others. His presence is simply awesome!



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When God is with us.

God said to Moses in Exodus 33:3 - Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”



But Moses and the Israelites were distressed about this. For they knew the distinguishing power and worth of God's presence. Moses said to the Lord: Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16.




God's presence was what had preserved the Israelites from the plagues He sent against the Egyptians. It is what caused the sea waters to rise up into walls for them to walk through.  They knew that without the presence of God they would be ordinary.



It was the presence of God that caused their days of slavery in Egypt to be over. It was the presence of God that powerfully jammed the wheels of the chariots of Pharaoh and his army. The power of His presence caused the seas to come down, drowning Pharaoh and his army in the process.



God's presence is endued with power. It is our source of miracles. It changes ordinary things into superordinate things.





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Prayer can change events on Earth

Acts 12:5-17

The early Christians were being greatly persecuted.  Herod had arrested and killed James, and had subsequently seized Peter, intending to do same as he did to James.


Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.


The prayers of the Christians caused God's intervention, as He sent his angel to miraculously release Peter from Prison. The pending death sentence on Peter's life was cancelled by prayer.


Physically there may be things we are experiencing that can, and will change if we stand to pray. We have the power through Christ Jesus to trample upon serpents and scorpions (symbolic of evil), and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing shall by any means harm us.


Peter escaped death through the prayers of the church. Prayer changed the course of events as intended by Herod. In the same vein, our prayers can change the evil course of events as planned by the devil for us, and for the world we live in.


Let us arise in prayer and change the world!








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The weapon of prayer

Daniel set himself aside to fast and pray. The answer to his prayer was released by God the first day that he began to pray. However, the answer to his prayer was resisted by demonic forces in the spiritual realms.


There is an unforeseen battle that we as humans are engaged in, knowingly or unknowingly.  It is a battle for our souls. You may ask yourself this question - why was the territorial spiritual Prince of Persia interested in an answer to Daniel's prayer?


Daniel had understood by books that the Israelites ought to be freed from captivity, and was praying for forgiveness and their freedom. The Prince of Persia obviously could not stand to see God's children free.


There are mitigating forces against your soul and against mine; actually against the souls of all men. This is why we ought to pray at all times and not faint. We do not have to fear, for greater is He that is in us, that he that is in the world. Through Christ Jesus, we are more than conquerors.


Our eyes must stay on Jesus. He is the Word of God that became flesh. We must abide in Jesus, in God. We have to obey God's  Word, and stay away from harm's way. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith in God. Without Him, we cannot come to the Father.


Just like we saw in the Book of Daniel, there are many blessings released to us as children of God that the devil resists. However as we continue in prayer, we shall overcome and physically enjoy these blessing of healing, prosperity, peace, et cetera.


Prayer is one of our weapons as children of God. Let us use it efficiently.


















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