Job was a man in right standing with God - Job 1:8 Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”
By answering God's question, satan managed to set the stage for Job to undergo painful trials, loss and suffering, to try and prove he did not deserve God's description of him. Job was all along oblivious to this intercourse between God and Satan. His wife, family and friends, and all on-lookers, altogether were not privy to the cause of his ordeal.
Job could not explain why he was going through what he was going through. All of his children had died on the same day. He had lost servants and his livelihood. He praised God in spite of his losses, but then his situation got even worse. This is because God spoke again about Job to Satan:
Job 2:3-8 Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”
Satan replied to the Lord, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”
“All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.
Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes.
His friends accorded varied erroneous meanings to his suffering. Society frowned on him. It was same with Jesus, as he was crucified, people mocked him, some were certain he was being punished by God. But behind the scenes, the will of God was in motion.
God's ways are higher than the ways of men. What man may consider as not of God, could be something allowed by God. God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom. We must endeavour to tap into God's mind by seeking His will and trusting Him. For there are many things that happen behind the scenes that we are not privy to, so ought to judge less.
WHAT IS NEXT?
31.1.14
30.1.14
Forsaken in trial
Job was respected by all and sundry before his ordeal commenced. He had many friends, his entire community respected him.
Job 29:7-11 “Those were the days when I went to the city gate, and took my place among the honoured leaders.
The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
“All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
Job 29:21-25 Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain. When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.
And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain. When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.
When trials come, people may forsake you. Your loved ones may desert you and find petty faults with you. Like Job, other people who are not privy to the reason why God has allowed your suffering, would interpret it in their own way, judge and withdraw from you. Some will condemn you, others will spread lies about you. There are also some who would attempt to glory in your suffering, and use your suffering to depict how blessed they are.
Too often, as Christians, we are quick to judge someone who loves the Lord and appears to be going through contrary things. We are quick to assign meaning to their experiences, often without praying for them. Job experienced this at his time of suffering. Everything that was going smoothly in his life, started to go downhill. His relations died, he lost his financial grounding and his social status.
Job 16:10 People jeer and laugh at me. They slap my cheek in contempt. A mob gathers against me.
Job 19:13-19 “My relatives stay far away, and my friends have turned against me. My family is gone, and my close friends have forgotten me. My servants and maids consider me a stranger.
I am like a foreigner to them. When I call my servant, he doesn’t come; I have to plead with him! My breath is repulsive to my wife. I am rejected by my own family.
Even young children despise me. When I stand to speak, they turn their backs on me.
My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.
Times of trial can make you forlorn and forgotten about. You become unappealing to your close companions. As Jesus stood condemned, Peter swore he did not know him. Jesus experienced being forsaken in times of great trial.
Cheer up if you feel forsaken, for like Job, you shall be comforted. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Job 42:10-11 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.
29.1.14
Tried and forsaken! Part 2
David was not regarded much by his family and yet God treasured him as a man after His own heart. Though his own father, Jesse, had not thought it necessary to include him when Samuel came to anoint one of his sons as King, God remembered him. God caused Samuel to instruct that they all stand until David was called from tending sheep to be anointed King.
1 Samuel 16:10-11 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
David received a standing ovation into greatness; into kingship! And yet this ushered him into suffering upon suffering at the hands of a jealous King Saul. David had to constantly protect himself from being killed by Saul. He foiled one death plot after another, moving with the dregs of society, and sleeping in caves. It was one long, and seemingly unending journey, far from the bliss of Kingship.
Nabal had no regard for David's ilk, for he was a nobody. Anointed King, and yet his state of affairs was a ridicule of a king. David was away from home and family, fighting an unprovoked battle as Saul sought to kill him. His brothers could not make sense of what has happening - they had seen him anointed as King. Was this the life of a King? God was training David to know and trust Him only. God was training his hands for war. Psalm 18:34-35 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. God was training David's heart to be stoic, and was giving him the stamina to face his enemies. This had to be so, for David as a King was to lead God's children into many wars. God was teaching him through his own trials to be a warrior and to learn the ropes of warfare.
At God's appointed time, he caused David to be celebrated. He became a humble King. Even though he was caught up in sin and fell short at times, his heart was made humble by the things he suffered. David remained a man after God's own heart. He was one of the greatest kings of his time. As King, those that had forsaken him in his low times wished to be associated with him. God packages great people in humble wrappings. Jesus was a manger born, but He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. Man looks at the outward and judges, but God looks at the heart. He bestows honour on the least expected, and raises them above those that scorn them.
God's training school is not always easy, but no training of His is ever wasted. Though it may not make sense while it is going on, it shall all come together to work for the good of those that love Him. Keep loving God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.1.14
Tried and forsaken! Part 1
The Bible is coloured by stories of God's generals who went through great trial, and appeared lonely and forsaken, but who had a very happy ending to their lives.
When God calls out a man, He may choose to let the one go through various things to shape and mould them into His ultimate purpose. Many servants of God go through things that others do not understand. Some even mock and ridicule them in their ignorance. Joseph was a happy child of Jacob. He was loved and shielded by his father. Joseph had only known love and protection, and yet God allowed him to be thrown into the deep end. God caused Joseph to be abandoned, and to walk a very lonely path. God permitted and allowed this suffering to weave together his plans and purposes for the life of Joseph, and Israel at large. Joseph was looked down as a mere slave; a common prisoner!
This was so unlike the life he had known whilst growing up in his wealthy father's home. But God chose this painful training school to create a great leader and saviour of Israel. Those that lorded it over Joseph and may have ridiculed and maltreated him, became his subjects when God turned around his captivity. Joseph's brothers who had appeared to be better off than him when he was captured as a slave, were no where near his match in his time of lifting. Joseph was a nobody at a point in time in Egypt, but when rest came from God, he became the man well sought after.
About Joseph, the Psalmist wrote : He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.
The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Psalm 105:17-22
Sometimes the lonely roads are all a part of God's preparation for greatness.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When God calls out a man, He may choose to let the one go through various things to shape and mould them into His ultimate purpose. Many servants of God go through things that others do not understand. Some even mock and ridicule them in their ignorance. Joseph was a happy child of Jacob. He was loved and shielded by his father. Joseph had only known love and protection, and yet God allowed him to be thrown into the deep end. God caused Joseph to be abandoned, and to walk a very lonely path. God permitted and allowed this suffering to weave together his plans and purposes for the life of Joseph, and Israel at large. Joseph was looked down as a mere slave; a common prisoner!
This was so unlike the life he had known whilst growing up in his wealthy father's home. But God chose this painful training school to create a great leader and saviour of Israel. Those that lorded it over Joseph and may have ridiculed and maltreated him, became his subjects when God turned around his captivity. Joseph's brothers who had appeared to be better off than him when he was captured as a slave, were no where near his match in his time of lifting. Joseph was a nobody at a point in time in Egypt, but when rest came from God, he became the man well sought after.
About Joseph, the Psalmist wrote : He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.
The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Psalm 105:17-22
Sometimes the lonely roads are all a part of God's preparation for greatness.
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.1.14
A clean heart
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.”
God accepts a man who accepts his faults and weaknesses, and abhors one who considers himself flawless and without fault. No man is perfect, and therefore God dislikes it when a man begins to consider his way perfect. God looks past what we regard as good, and looks into our very heart. He sees through false pretences, and hidden reasons for actions. Ananias and Saphira wanted to impress men, so they lied about the money they were offering to God. They claimed it was the total amount of money they got from the sale of a land. But it was untrue. It was only a percentage of the total amount they had received. Their lies and pretence annoyed God who slain them dead - Acts 5.
Jesus witnessed men giving their offerings. Some gave huge amounts, and one widow gave only two mites - And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:1-4. God looks past the showy things, right into the very hearts of men. Why is someone showing care, is it for the praises of men? God looks at what we give, whether it is our best, and out of a genuine heart. God looks past the things that influences men, He sees into our very heart!
Pray to God to clean your heart and grant you a right spirit at all times. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
WHAT IS NEXT?
“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.”
God accepts a man who accepts his faults and weaknesses, and abhors one who considers himself flawless and without fault. No man is perfect, and therefore God dislikes it when a man begins to consider his way perfect. God looks past what we regard as good, and looks into our very heart. He sees through false pretences, and hidden reasons for actions. Ananias and Saphira wanted to impress men, so they lied about the money they were offering to God. They claimed it was the total amount of money they got from the sale of a land. But it was untrue. It was only a percentage of the total amount they had received. Their lies and pretence annoyed God who slain them dead - Acts 5.
Jesus witnessed men giving their offerings. Some gave huge amounts, and one widow gave only two mites - And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:1-4. God looks past the showy things, right into the very hearts of men. Why is someone showing care, is it for the praises of men? God looks at what we give, whether it is our best, and out of a genuine heart. God looks past the things that influences men, He sees into our very heart!
Pray to God to clean your heart and grant you a right spirit at all times. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.1.14
The heart of David
David was a man after God's own heart. God loved him, and he loved God. Not all men loved David though. Saul could not stand his guts. Saul did not understand why a man like David could steal praises that would otherwise have been his. He was jealous of him.
1 Samuel 18:6-8 It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?"
David had a heart for God.....to David loving God was not about the praises he would get. Serving God and killing Goliath was in honour of God. David ascribed all praise to God. He acknowledged God in all that he did. His eyes were on God, not on man. He had not asked to be King, God placed him there. In the same way, Saul had not asked to be King , God placed him there.
Saul sinned against God, so did David. They were both mere sinful men that fell weak and prey to wanting to please men. But the difference between David and Saul was that when God's Spirit convicted them of their sin, David repented in the full glare of his servants, whereas Saul still sought to please his servants and look right in their sight.
We start to err from when we become people pleasers . Saul offended God in 1 Samuel 13, and again in 1 Samuel 15. He was told by Samuel how God had rejected him as king, all Saul could think about was how he looked before men - 1 Samuel 15:30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honour me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.”
David started to trod on this same path, he had committed adultery and for fear of man had committed murder in order to save his face . Yet as soon as God rebuked him, David totally repented and showed his penitence, even before his servants, not as a show off, but because he was actually broken with conviction of his sins. God loves a man that is real to himself and to the Godhead.
WHAT IS NEXT?
1 Samuel 18:6-8 It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?"
David had a heart for God.....to David loving God was not about the praises he would get. Serving God and killing Goliath was in honour of God. David ascribed all praise to God. He acknowledged God in all that he did. His eyes were on God, not on man. He had not asked to be King, God placed him there. In the same way, Saul had not asked to be King , God placed him there.
Saul sinned against God, so did David. They were both mere sinful men that fell weak and prey to wanting to please men. But the difference between David and Saul was that when God's Spirit convicted them of their sin, David repented in the full glare of his servants, whereas Saul still sought to please his servants and look right in their sight.
We start to err from when we become people pleasers . Saul offended God in 1 Samuel 13, and again in 1 Samuel 15. He was told by Samuel how God had rejected him as king, all Saul could think about was how he looked before men - 1 Samuel 15:30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honour me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.”
David started to trod on this same path, he had committed adultery and for fear of man had committed murder in order to save his face . Yet as soon as God rebuked him, David totally repented and showed his penitence, even before his servants, not as a show off, but because he was actually broken with conviction of his sins. God loves a man that is real to himself and to the Godhead.
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.1.14
What is in your hand?
When God called Moses to save His children from their oppression in Egypt, He asked Moses - Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A staff,” he replied.
The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous, it had become as white as snow.
“Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.
Exodus 4:2-7
Come to God just as you are and answer Him with whatever you are carrying. God can use whatever you are carrying. He used the rod in Moses' hands to work all sorts of miracles that eventually saw the Israelites out of Egyptian oppression.
Avail yourself just as you are.
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.1.14
Stop running!
Exodus 1-4
Moses had a great burden for the Israelites. It was this burden that caused him to kill a fellow Egyptian. Moses at that crucial time tried to follow his heart desires, but in an ungodly way. God has placed within each man a strong desire in accordance to His will for that individual. God instilled in each person skills and talents that are in line with His purpose and calling. Moses was burdened about the Israelites because God had an assignment for him regarding them.
However, if we fail to ask God for His way to fulfil the desires He has placed in us, we may, and would usually end up used up and running like Moses did. Moses run to Midian, he run from Egypt. He hid away because he was afraid of being killed by the avengers of the man he had murdered. Moses put his life's calling on hold because of his hasty actions.
Though Moses was born to free the Israelites from enslavement in Egypt, he was running - running from His God given role. As he kept hiding, God used a burning bush as a bait to catch his attention. Then He sent Moses back to Egypt - the very place he was hiding from. Sometimes the very place or thing we are running away from is the place of our God given assignment. It is what will bring us peace and fulfilment. Moses squirmed with excuses upon excuses, God begun to lose patience with him, and then Moses realised it was of no use to run anymore.....so he gave in.
He stopped running. He gravitated towards Egypt - the place of his God given call! What are you running from? Take a break and re-decide. You cannot run forever....you will only wear yourself out. God needs you at your point of assignment. Your obedience will make a lot of difference to many people; even nations. Don't be selfish, think about the many other lives your purpose in life is linked to, and make a choice to move towards your Godly assignment. Please stop running!
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.1.14
The pangs of childbirth.
Isaiah 66:7-8 "Before she travailed, she brought forth; Before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.
There are desires and beliefs in us that burden us to the extent to which it feels just as though we are in labour. David felt this way when he saw Goliath defiling the Lord's army. David's waters of patience broke, and out of him flowed the faith and courage that pushed him all the way to stand before Saul, and ask to fight Goliath. David was panting for righteousness to win. He could not sit still as God's name was defaced and marred. David walked in faith, and declared words of faith - 1 Samuel 17:45-47
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
And even before Goliath could prepare to attack David, he was killed with a stone. David won before an actual fight started. When we walk in faith and in the declaration of words of faith and prayer, we win even before we start. When we confront the things that are frustrating us by declaring God's will and purpose in the matter, the enemy will be defeated. There are many situations confronting the children of God that appear insuperable, but they are a make belief by the enemy. He makes False Evidence Appear Real, and spells out FEAR. The enemy tries to inject fear into us, because once we are afraid, he wins.
Shirk off fear, and embrace faith! Give birth to the dreams and desires God has placed in you. Travail in prayer and in the declaration of God's Word, and your dreams will soon become real. God is faithful!
WHAT IS NEXT?
There are desires and beliefs in us that burden us to the extent to which it feels just as though we are in labour. David felt this way when he saw Goliath defiling the Lord's army. David's waters of patience broke, and out of him flowed the faith and courage that pushed him all the way to stand before Saul, and ask to fight Goliath. David was panting for righteousness to win. He could not sit still as God's name was defaced and marred. David walked in faith, and declared words of faith - 1 Samuel 17:45-47
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
And even before Goliath could prepare to attack David, he was killed with a stone. David won before an actual fight started. When we walk in faith and in the declaration of words of faith and prayer, we win even before we start. When we confront the things that are frustrating us by declaring God's will and purpose in the matter, the enemy will be defeated. There are many situations confronting the children of God that appear insuperable, but they are a make belief by the enemy. He makes False Evidence Appear Real, and spells out FEAR. The enemy tries to inject fear into us, because once we are afraid, he wins.
Shirk off fear, and embrace faith! Give birth to the dreams and desires God has placed in you. Travail in prayer and in the declaration of God's Word, and your dreams will soon become real. God is faithful!
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.1.14
God is light!
God is light. The earth was in darkness until He chose to bring light to it.
Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty,darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
God is light, when we have Him in our lives, He brings His Light to light our dark paths. When we are lost, He lights our path, bringing a sense of direction and purpose to our lives.
He gives us understanding. When we are mentally dull, His light illuminates our thinking.
Samuel 22:29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Job 33:28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.'
Psalm 97:11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
God and where He resides, is lit with the light of His presence. It throws out splendour in majestic proportions.
Psalm 104:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent.
When we are in Christ and in God, we dwell in light, and God's light enables darkness to flee from us. Hence we overcome all forms and traits of sin and darkness.
John 1:3-5 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 3:18-20 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty,darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
God is light, when we have Him in our lives, He brings His Light to light our dark paths. When we are lost, He lights our path, bringing a sense of direction and purpose to our lives.
He gives us understanding. When we are mentally dull, His light illuminates our thinking.
Samuel 22:29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Job 33:28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.'
Psalm 97:11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light it gives understanding to the simple.
Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
God and where He resides, is lit with the light of His presence. It throws out splendour in majestic proportions.
Psalm 104:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent.
When we are in Christ and in God, we dwell in light, and God's light enables darkness to flee from us. Hence we overcome all forms and traits of sin and darkness.
Isaiah 60:19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
John 1:3-5 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 3:18-20 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Trust in God and in His light. In His light we obtain salvation. His Word (Jesus) is our light. When we embrace this light, we find peace.
Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
21.1.14
Faith illuminates!
Faith throws light on impossibilities to make them possibilities.
Without faith, it was impossible to walk on dry land in the middle of the Red Sea. But by faith, it became possible.
Without faith it was a mere disillusion to think the sun could stand still, but by faith, Joshua made it possible.
Without faith, being in a lion's den spelt death. But by faith, the mouths of lions were shut.
Without faith the daughter of Jarius was dead, by faith she rose up from sleep.
Without faith Peter was in prison awaiting execution. By faith, he walked out a free man.
Without faith we are condemned sinners, but by faith, we are sinners saved by grace.
What situation or story are you willing to change by faith? Hebrews 11 is an incomplete chapter; it is work in progress. Feel free and write your bit by faith.
Oneday in Heaven, the song of the victories wrought by faith shall be sung. Write your verse!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Without faith, it was impossible to walk on dry land in the middle of the Red Sea. But by faith, it became possible.
Without faith it was a mere disillusion to think the sun could stand still, but by faith, Joshua made it possible.
Without faith, being in a lion's den spelt death. But by faith, the mouths of lions were shut.
Without faith the daughter of Jarius was dead, by faith she rose up from sleep.
Without faith Peter was in prison awaiting execution. By faith, he walked out a free man.
Without faith we are condemned sinners, but by faith, we are sinners saved by grace.
What situation or story are you willing to change by faith? Hebrews 11 is an incomplete chapter; it is work in progress. Feel free and write your bit by faith.
Oneday in Heaven, the song of the victories wrought by faith shall be sung. Write your verse!
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.1.14
Faith reigns on Earth.
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Though we live in the world, as children of God, we do not belong to the world. We are seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus, and must reign from that altitude.
We ought to see from a higher perspective than that of the world, in order to reign. This higher perspective is having and walking by faith through God's Word.
Jesus demonstrated this authority to us by working miracles on Earth as a man. He blessed five loaves of bread and two fish and fed over five thousand people with it. He walked on water. Moses operated from this altitude when he walked with God and by faith obeyed His voice.
The apostles worked great miracles of healing and raising people from the dead because they operated from this high altitude.
This high altitude is available to every man on Earth through the blood Jesus shed. Once we accept Jesus, we are moved to this level where we reign with Jesus by faith.
Just as being in a garage does not make you a car, being in the Heavenly places with Christ Jesus does not automatically mean you operate in this higher dimension.
You must understand your new identity and learn the new language spoken at this realm. You have to learn the rights of being a citizen in this Kingdom, and must abide by the laws of Heaven.
The language spoken in this new Kingdom is faith, and there are levels of fluency depending on revelation and power. To increase your faith, you must increase your understanding of God's word. To make strides in speaking the language of faith, your power base must be strong through prayer.
We are called to reign on Earth. To be in control, not controlled by circumstances not in line with God's Word. We can choose to reign rightfully or not. The choice is ours!
WHAT IS NEXT?
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Though we live in the world, as children of God, we do not belong to the world. We are seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus, and must reign from that altitude.
We ought to see from a higher perspective than that of the world, in order to reign. This higher perspective is having and walking by faith through God's Word.
Jesus demonstrated this authority to us by working miracles on Earth as a man. He blessed five loaves of bread and two fish and fed over five thousand people with it. He walked on water. Moses operated from this altitude when he walked with God and by faith obeyed His voice.
The apostles worked great miracles of healing and raising people from the dead because they operated from this high altitude.
This high altitude is available to every man on Earth through the blood Jesus shed. Once we accept Jesus, we are moved to this level where we reign with Jesus by faith.
Just as being in a garage does not make you a car, being in the Heavenly places with Christ Jesus does not automatically mean you operate in this higher dimension.
You must understand your new identity and learn the new language spoken at this realm. You have to learn the rights of being a citizen in this Kingdom, and must abide by the laws of Heaven.
The language spoken in this new Kingdom is faith, and there are levels of fluency depending on revelation and power. To increase your faith, you must increase your understanding of God's word. To make strides in speaking the language of faith, your power base must be strong through prayer.
We are called to reign on Earth. To be in control, not controlled by circumstances not in line with God's Word. We can choose to reign rightfully or not. The choice is ours!
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.1.14
Live the future now through God's Word.
Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Faith sees and creates what is not, by uttering the Word of God. In the beginning God saw darkness on Earth. 1 John 1:5 says This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Though there was darkness, yet God saw light and called it forth. How do you see light in darkness?
We can likewise create what is not , with the Word of God. Are you sick? Do not see sickness, see health and vitality, and create that by confessing the Word of God - " You are the Lord my healer that heals ,and have healed me by your stripes."
1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
We must speak the word of God despite contrary evidence. We must keep speaking until what is not becomes real. The breadth of God is in us. He made us gods. We have the ability to create with our minds and words. Humans have explored the first part but mostly ignored the second. A combination of the two will make us a creative living dynamite.
Explore your creative side! Start seeing and speaking what is not into being. Walk in it, let the end product consume your thoughts. See yourself as what you wish to become. Let the mental picture of your dreams become real to you. Like an artist, see with your mind's eye and then paint it into reality.
Let the Word of God guide you to see rightly!
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.1.14
Live the future now!
Faith speaks the 'Now' language. In the realm of faith, what is to be is described as what is.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to a weak, frightened and cowardly Gideon, he described him as ' a mighty man of valour. '
This is because in God's eyes he was already what he was going to become. To God who speaks the language of faith, what is to be is what actually is.
Faith calls those things which are not as though they are. Faith sees what is to be mentally, emotionally and verbally. When you walk in faith, your mind, actions and words must be in sync. They must go to confirm and portray what should be, in spite of what is.
Write down your vision or dream, make it clear, act it and live it. Though it may tarry, keep seeing it until you see it.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When the angel of the Lord appeared to a weak, frightened and cowardly Gideon, he described him as ' a mighty man of valour. '
This is because in God's eyes he was already what he was going to become. To God who speaks the language of faith, what is to be is what actually is.
Faith calls those things which are not as though they are. Faith sees what is to be mentally, emotionally and verbally. When you walk in faith, your mind, actions and words must be in sync. They must go to confirm and portray what should be, in spite of what is.
Write down your vision or dream, make it clear, act it and live it. Though it may tarry, keep seeing it until you see it.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.1.14
One day at a time.
Exodus 16:14-20 When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was.
And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.”
So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out,everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.
Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them.
God sent food from Heaven to the Israelites to show them His love and provision. His instruction to them was to take just enough for the day, and trust Him the next day to provide for them.
God wants us to live daily looking up to Him . He wants us to rely on Him with the concerns of each day. We are not to worry about tomorrow, Jesus assured us that Our Heavenly Father will take care of us.
Just like the manna kept till the next day had maggots in it, so will worrying about tomorrow contaminate us. Worrying shows our lack of trust in God. What God has promised, He shall fulfill. Simply trust Him, a day at a time!
WHAT IS NEXT?
And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.”
So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out,everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.
Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them.
God sent food from Heaven to the Israelites to show them His love and provision. His instruction to them was to take just enough for the day, and trust Him the next day to provide for them.
God wants us to live daily looking up to Him . He wants us to rely on Him with the concerns of each day. We are not to worry about tomorrow, Jesus assured us that Our Heavenly Father will take care of us.
Just like the manna kept till the next day had maggots in it, so will worrying about tomorrow contaminate us. Worrying shows our lack of trust in God. What God has promised, He shall fulfill. Simply trust Him, a day at a time!
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.1.14
Trusting in the midst of trials. ( Part 2)
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.
In Job's times of great trial, he still prayed. He did not understand all that was happening to him, nevertheless, he was willing to come before God and argue his case. He somehow maintained his view of God as being just.
In this walk of faith, we must be trusting. No matter what we may have to endure. The Christian who was executed for his faith may have prayed for deliverance. At least I know we prayed at our local church to avert his execution. I was therefore saddened when he faced execution.
We would not always have the answers. That man boldly embraced death. Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, whether God delivered them or not, they still would not bow to the enemy.
We have to get to that point where nothing will separate us from the love of God. No tribulation or pain.
Romans 8:35-39
WHAT IS NEXT?
In Job's times of great trial, he still prayed. He did not understand all that was happening to him, nevertheless, he was willing to come before God and argue his case. He somehow maintained his view of God as being just.
In this walk of faith, we must be trusting. No matter what we may have to endure. The Christian who was executed for his faith may have prayed for deliverance. At least I know we prayed at our local church to avert his execution. I was therefore saddened when he faced execution.
We would not always have the answers. That man boldly embraced death. Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, whether God delivered them or not, they still would not bow to the enemy.
We have to get to that point where nothing will separate us from the love of God. No tribulation or pain.
Romans 8:35-39
WHAT IS NEXT?
15.1.14
Trusting in the midst of trials.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.
A heart that truly loves and trusts God will trust in Him 'in spite of,' and not only 'because of.'
I can still see the picture of a man who was executed for his faith in 2012 . Before his death, he stood tall, with his chest out. That picture has never left me.
It spoke of one who was sure of the one in whom he had believed in. He reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who walked bravely to what could have been their death, all for the love of God!
Job was in great distress, yet he still trusted and hoped in God. He wished to know no other God. He had no intention of forsaking God. Yes, he had lost all his worldly possessions and his relations, but Job was still trusting. His love and trust in God was not because of what he owned or the protection he enjoyed.
He simply trusted and loved God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.1.14
Responding promptly!
1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
God had specifically instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha to take his place. Elijah obliged and threw his cloak around Elisha, symbolic of choosing him to replace his role. Elisha promptly answered God's call to take over the mantle from Elijah. He left everything and ran after Elijah. It was a spontaneous act of docility. However, he remembered in time that he had not properly said good bye to his family, so he decided
to close that chapter of his life the right way.
To show his willingness to follow God via his servant, Elisha who used to work as a field man plowing, took his oxen and burned his plowing equipment to cook the meat. He then threw his own send off party, and then gladly set off to follow Elijah, God's servant.
Elisha gave up on his old life to embrace the new. He answered God pronto. When the Lord calls us to any task, do we waste time counting what we stand to lose? Or are we willing to give it all up and follow God? Do we weigh the what ifs and place our families before God's will?
We need to learn to be like Elisha. To have a child like faith that is ever ready to obey God and heed His call and instructions. Faith acts, and acts now! Doubt and fear causes us to procrastinate. Act now; obey God now!
WHAT IS NEXT?
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
God had specifically instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha to take his place. Elijah obliged and threw his cloak around Elisha, symbolic of choosing him to replace his role. Elisha promptly answered God's call to take over the mantle from Elijah. He left everything and ran after Elijah. It was a spontaneous act of docility. However, he remembered in time that he had not properly said good bye to his family, so he decided
to close that chapter of his life the right way.
To show his willingness to follow God via his servant, Elisha who used to work as a field man plowing, took his oxen and burned his plowing equipment to cook the meat. He then threw his own send off party, and then gladly set off to follow Elijah, God's servant.
Elisha gave up on his old life to embrace the new. He answered God pronto. When the Lord calls us to any task, do we waste time counting what we stand to lose? Or are we willing to give it all up and follow God? Do we weigh the what ifs and place our families before God's will?
We need to learn to be like Elisha. To have a child like faith that is ever ready to obey God and heed His call and instructions. Faith acts, and acts now! Doubt and fear causes us to procrastinate. Act now; obey God now!
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.1.14
All things are possible?
As Ezekiel stood on the valley of dry bones, he could virtually smell the dry and stale air of death, depicting the end! (Ezekiel 37)
There are times in our lives that we sadly accept we have come to the end - our wits' end; the end of our tether, the end of the end!
There was a time the Israelites felt so, Pharaoh and his men were approaching them, and the deep blue sea stared at them. Going either ways could be catastrophic. They mentally saw the gloomy face of death. (Exodus 14)
God is the God that has conquered death. Through Jesus we can say - “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!” “Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”
Therefore whenever you are faced with the impossible, and it feels like you have come to your end, call on God, call on Jesus. He is deft at handling death. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can bring to life dead situations, and give answers to the deadly things that confront you.
Jesus is our source of life!
WHAT IS NEXT?
There are times in our lives that we sadly accept we have come to the end - our wits' end; the end of our tether, the end of the end!
There was a time the Israelites felt so, Pharaoh and his men were approaching them, and the deep blue sea stared at them. Going either ways could be catastrophic. They mentally saw the gloomy face of death. (Exodus 14)
God is the God that has conquered death. Through Jesus we can say - “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!” “Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”
Therefore whenever you are faced with the impossible, and it feels like you have come to your end, call on God, call on Jesus. He is deft at handling death. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can bring to life dead situations, and give answers to the deadly things that confront you.
Jesus is our source of life!
WHAT IS NEXT?
12.1.14
Faith and the first step!
It takes faith to take the first step. It took Peter faith to walk on water at the beckoning of Jesus. It took faith for Moses to approach Pharaoh and ask him to release God's people. It took faith for David to ask to fight Goliath. It took faith for Paul to answer the call of Jesus.
This journey of life is a walk of faith. For us to step into what God has purposed for us, we must embrace faith and positivity.
On the outward, and humanly speaking, Peter knew it was impossible to walk on water, Moses knew Pharaoh would not so easily free the Israelites. David knew Goliath was a great warrior that could not be so easily defeated except God intervened. Paul took his experience on the road to Damascus seriously and answered the call of Jesus by faith.
In this new year, you will need faith to walk in all that God has for you. Take the first step towards your dreams and aspirations. Like David, approach Goliath, with your eyes on God.
Your success and victory is in God. It is a done deal but it takes faith to make it accessible to you. Faith will carry you through the hurdles ahead. Faith will refresh you when you are weary, and faith will draw into you God's wisdom to finish off beautifully.
Don't wallow in mediocrity. Don't be complacent, nor be pessimistic. Have faith and take minute steps towards your dream. Like the four lepers who went to Syria, God shall magnify your little steps and give you the victory.
Have faith and take the first step!
WHAT IS NEXT?
This journey of life is a walk of faith. For us to step into what God has purposed for us, we must embrace faith and positivity.
On the outward, and humanly speaking, Peter knew it was impossible to walk on water, Moses knew Pharaoh would not so easily free the Israelites. David knew Goliath was a great warrior that could not be so easily defeated except God intervened. Paul took his experience on the road to Damascus seriously and answered the call of Jesus by faith.
In this new year, you will need faith to walk in all that God has for you. Take the first step towards your dreams and aspirations. Like David, approach Goliath, with your eyes on God.
Your success and victory is in God. It is a done deal but it takes faith to make it accessible to you. Faith will carry you through the hurdles ahead. Faith will refresh you when you are weary, and faith will draw into you God's wisdom to finish off beautifully.
Don't wallow in mediocrity. Don't be complacent, nor be pessimistic. Have faith and take minute steps towards your dream. Like the four lepers who went to Syria, God shall magnify your little steps and give you the victory.
Have faith and take the first step!
WHAT IS NEXT?
11.1.14
Finding purpose in life.
Peter was a fisherman when Jesus called him.
Matthew 4:18-20 Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers. They were Simon (his other name was Peter) and Andrew, his brother. They were putting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them,“Follow Me. I will make you fish for men!” At once they left their nets and followed Him.
As a fisherman, all Peter knew to do was fish. He continued his profession as a fisherman after answering the call of Jesus. On one such occassion, in John 21:1-17, after fishing all night without catching any fish, Jesus intervened and showed him how to fish, at the instruction of Jesus, Peter and the other disciples caught many fish.
Then Jesus did something significant. He ushered Peter into the ministry of fishing for men. God's ultimate purpose for Peter was to make him a fisher of men. Peter had keenly followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, and had misereably denied Him three times at a point.
However, in spite of his weakness and flaws, God's calling and purpose for his life still stood. After Jesus rose from the dead,
He found it essential that Peter fully assume his role as a fisher of men, so Jesus tasked him to “Feed my lambs;” to “Take care of my sheep;” and to “Feed my sheep."
This was God's way of commissioning Peter into His will for his life. It was a re-inforcement of the path He had planned for him. God was telling Peter to step in line with His purpose . Peter paid heed, and on the day of Pentecost took off in full swing.
You might have been walking with the Lord all these years, but are you in sync with His actual purpose for your life? We can walk with the Lord and like Peter, be busy fishing.... but fishing for the wrong things. In his case he was fishing for fishes, whilst God had called him to fish for men.
Think on this, and pray that God will lead you each day into His perfect will and purpose for your life, Amen!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Matthew 4:18-20 Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers. They were Simon (his other name was Peter) and Andrew, his brother. They were putting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them,“Follow Me. I will make you fish for men!” At once they left their nets and followed Him.
As a fisherman, all Peter knew to do was fish. He continued his profession as a fisherman after answering the call of Jesus. On one such occassion, in John 21:1-17, after fishing all night without catching any fish, Jesus intervened and showed him how to fish, at the instruction of Jesus, Peter and the other disciples caught many fish.
Then Jesus did something significant. He ushered Peter into the ministry of fishing for men. God's ultimate purpose for Peter was to make him a fisher of men. Peter had keenly followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, and had misereably denied Him three times at a point.
However, in spite of his weakness and flaws, God's calling and purpose for his life still stood. After Jesus rose from the dead,
He found it essential that Peter fully assume his role as a fisher of men, so Jesus tasked him to “Feed my lambs;” to “Take care of my sheep;” and to “Feed my sheep."
This was God's way of commissioning Peter into His will for his life. It was a re-inforcement of the path He had planned for him. God was telling Peter to step in line with His purpose . Peter paid heed, and on the day of Pentecost took off in full swing.
You might have been walking with the Lord all these years, but are you in sync with His actual purpose for your life? We can walk with the Lord and like Peter, be busy fishing.... but fishing for the wrong things. In his case he was fishing for fishes, whilst God had called him to fish for men.
Think on this, and pray that God will lead you each day into His perfect will and purpose for your life, Amen!
WHAT IS NEXT?
10.1.14
Use time wisely!
Ephesians 5:16 Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Have you ever been short of time when tackling a task or assignment with a deadline?
Every micro second counts at such times. You tend to stay focused and avoid all unnecessary disruptions, phone calls especially, in my case.
When we bask in the safety of having ample time, there is no sense of urgency, and often times no sense of purpose. Jesus accomplished his actual ministry in three years from age thirty.
Before Jesus turned thirty years, He had a great sense of purpose. At the age of twelve, He could tell His parents - “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49
He made statements such as "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:34
Our lives have deadlines and tasks to accomplish within those deadlines. We do not have all the time in the world as we often muse about.
We live in evil days where evil weapons to destruct us from our purpose in life are thrown our way, each and every day. These evil weapons are often disguised. They could come subtly in the form of spending hours playing computer games or being on social media.
They could come as being workaholics that have no time for Godly things. They could come as loving money and being pre-occupied with things related to it.
The devil comes in least expecting ways. We therefore have to be alert and assess daily how we use our time to determine our level of efficiency where God's will is concerned.
Time is life! Time is purpose! Your usage of time will constitute your reward. Use time wisely!
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.1.14
Life in the wilderness
Abraham, at the instruction of Sarah, sent Hagar and Ishmael away with bread and water.
God was a part of this decision - Genesis 21:11-12 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.
When God agrees that we should go into the wilderness, He stays with us through thick and thin. Hagar run out of water in the wilderness and wept for she thought she was going to die.
Contrary to Hagar's thoughts, God intervened - Genesis 21:19-20 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.
The pain and desertion felt in the desert and wilderness blinds us to God's presence and provision. Whatever we need, God has provided. But many times instead of looking up, we look around at our condition and circumstances.
The angel of the Lord cried out from Heaven to Hagar, and thereafter God opened her eyes to see a well of water, exactly what she needed to carry on in life.
The wilderness and the desert place may be a difficult place to be, but if it is a part of God's plan for your life, then He will take care of you in there. Be encouraged!
WHAT IS NEXT?
God was a part of this decision - Genesis 21:11-12 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.
When God agrees that we should go into the wilderness, He stays with us through thick and thin. Hagar run out of water in the wilderness and wept for she thought she was going to die.
Contrary to Hagar's thoughts, God intervened - Genesis 21:19-20 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.
The pain and desertion felt in the desert and wilderness blinds us to God's presence and provision. Whatever we need, God has provided. But many times instead of looking up, we look around at our condition and circumstances.
The angel of the Lord cried out from Heaven to Hagar, and thereafter God opened her eyes to see a well of water, exactly what she needed to carry on in life.
The wilderness and the desert place may be a difficult place to be, but if it is a part of God's plan for your life, then He will take care of you in there. Be encouraged!
WHAT IS NEXT?
8.1.14
God's school of training.
David was trained by God in a school the world won't regard as posh. God's training however is good training to help us withstand the evil day, and to prepare us for the plans He has for our lives.
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God knew the plans He had for David to be King. He trained him as a shepherd to familiarise himself with the role of overseeing.
Before David faced Goliath, he had faced fierce animals in the wilderness. This made him bold and filled him with the needed faith that with God on his side, he could win any battle.
David was moulded by God. His human heart led him astray a few times, however God's training had instilled in him a longing that always took him back to God. His was a simple trust in God, and an acknowledgement of the hand of God on his life.
As much as he tried, David could not forget how God's hand lifted him from the grass to glory - from being a nobody to being first in command. He had learnt humility by the things he suffered.
God's school is sometimes
military-like that instils in us the discipline we need in life. When we graduate from this school, we are promoted in life. Be patient when being taught my God. His lessons may be difficult but the benefits far outweigh the price to pay.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God knew the plans He had for David to be King. He trained him as a shepherd to familiarise himself with the role of overseeing.
Before David faced Goliath, he had faced fierce animals in the wilderness. This made him bold and filled him with the needed faith that with God on his side, he could win any battle.
David was moulded by God. His human heart led him astray a few times, however God's training had instilled in him a longing that always took him back to God. His was a simple trust in God, and an acknowledgement of the hand of God on his life.
As much as he tried, David could not forget how God's hand lifted him from the grass to glory - from being a nobody to being first in command. He had learnt humility by the things he suffered.
God's school is sometimes
military-like that instils in us the discipline we need in life. When we graduate from this school, we are promoted in life. Be patient when being taught my God. His lessons may be difficult but the benefits far outweigh the price to pay.
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.1.14
The time is now - part 2
Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
As a child of God, you must know the value of time. What you do each minute counts. Are you with each day fulfilling God's will for your life? Is each step you take in life, a step closer to God? We can waste a lot of time out of God's will and draw so far away from God and His purpose for us.
We become like the foolish virgins, waiting for the groom but not conscious and prepared for the waiting period. We need oil to wait. This is symbolic of the Spirit of God. He comes to us as a teacher, and can only teach us if we study God's Word. He talks to us and guides us, but we can only hear Him if we consciously listen.
God's Spirit empowers us if we pray. His oil (presence) will run out if we don't continually go for a re-fill. You cannot stay in God's will without the help of His Spirit, so do engage His Holy Spirit or you stand to be misled by contrary spirits at work in the world in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS NEXT?
As a child of God, you must know the value of time. What you do each minute counts. Are you with each day fulfilling God's will for your life? Is each step you take in life, a step closer to God? We can waste a lot of time out of God's will and draw so far away from God and His purpose for us.
We become like the foolish virgins, waiting for the groom but not conscious and prepared for the waiting period. We need oil to wait. This is symbolic of the Spirit of God. He comes to us as a teacher, and can only teach us if we study God's Word. He talks to us and guides us, but we can only hear Him if we consciously listen.
God's Spirit empowers us if we pray. His oil (presence) will run out if we don't continually go for a re-fill. You cannot stay in God's will without the help of His Spirit, so do engage His Holy Spirit or you stand to be misled by contrary spirits at work in the world in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS NEXT?
6.1.14
The time is now!
Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Share brokers understand that time is of the essence. They gain or lose deals based on good or bad timing. Time is money as is often said. Time efficiently used can buy us success and fame. It can buy us good character traits. On the other hand, time wasted can render to us misery and lack.
In the spiritual sense, if we use our time on Earth to develop a close relationship with God through His Son Jesus, surrendering our will to His, we will ensure for our future and eternity, an already purchased blissful life.
Every minute counts because minutes become hours, and hours days. Days add up to years which become our lives on Earth. This is what we shall be judged on one day. Our lives lived will determine how we spend eternity. It will tell if we deserve to live where God is or not.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Share brokers understand that time is of the essence. They gain or lose deals based on good or bad timing. Time is money as is often said. Time efficiently used can buy us success and fame. It can buy us good character traits. On the other hand, time wasted can render to us misery and lack.
In the spiritual sense, if we use our time on Earth to develop a close relationship with God through His Son Jesus, surrendering our will to His, we will ensure for our future and eternity, an already purchased blissful life.
Every minute counts because minutes become hours, and hours days. Days add up to years which become our lives on Earth. This is what we shall be judged on one day. Our lives lived will determine how we spend eternity. It will tell if we deserve to live where God is or not.
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.1.14
The feeling of being forsaken.
Jesus cried out on the cross - Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice,“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
God never forsook Jesus. He could not bear to see the sins of the World, but He was with Jesus and raised him up from the dead.
There are times that as children of God, we might feel this way. We may feel left on our own to suffer. Job felt that way. There may be times that our Father may allow the most painful of things to happen to us, not because He no longer loves us, but for the greater good of His Kingdom.
As human beings prone to feelings, the feeling of aloneness is what we experience when faced with trials. God was silently with Jesus on the cross. God's silence is not abandonment. It's a quiet affirmation. Our trials equally break His heart, but He permits what will benefit us and others in the long haul.
The death of Jesus tore the curtain of hostility between God and man. Physically, this was evident in Matthew 27:51-53, At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open.
The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Are you going through trials, shirk off the feeling of being forsaken and bask by faith in the faithful nature of God. He is your ever present help.
Like the poet, Mary Stevenson said - "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
WHAT IS NEXT?
God never forsook Jesus. He could not bear to see the sins of the World, but He was with Jesus and raised him up from the dead.
There are times that as children of God, we might feel this way. We may feel left on our own to suffer. Job felt that way. There may be times that our Father may allow the most painful of things to happen to us, not because He no longer loves us, but for the greater good of His Kingdom.
As human beings prone to feelings, the feeling of aloneness is what we experience when faced with trials. God was silently with Jesus on the cross. God's silence is not abandonment. It's a quiet affirmation. Our trials equally break His heart, but He permits what will benefit us and others in the long haul.
The death of Jesus tore the curtain of hostility between God and man. Physically, this was evident in Matthew 27:51-53, At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open.
The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Are you going through trials, shirk off the feeling of being forsaken and bask by faith in the faithful nature of God. He is your ever present help.
Like the poet, Mary Stevenson said - "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
WHAT IS NEXT?
4.1.14
King Herod's pride - his downfall! (Part 2)
Acts 12: 21-24 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
King Herod did not perish because he believed the words of the people that he was a god. This is because in actual fact, in the eyes of God we are gods because He created us in His image. Psalm 82:6 confirms this - “I said, ‘You are “gods”;you are all sons of the Most High.’
The heart of Herod was not right. He was filled with pride and disregard for God. Prior to his death, Herod had ordered the execution of James merely because he was a Christian, and had planned same for Peter who fortunately was miraculously delivered from it.
This had angered Herod who had killed the guards put in charge of Peter's prison. In God's eyes, those guards were innocent so Herod was guilty of multiple murder. Herod was condemned in God's eyes. Yet he gloried in himself and swelled up with the praises of men.
The verse after Psalm 82:6 reads But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” Without God, we are powerless gods who die like mere men. Without God, we are in the dark as stated in Psalm 82:5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.They walk about in darkness ,all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
How dare us to disrespect God and still think we have a right to life - either on Earth or hereafter. Without God, we have no life. Jesus said " I am the way, the truth and the life."
Choose Jesus and choose life, even life eternal!
WHAT IS NEXT?
But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
The heart of Herod was not right. He was filled with pride and disregard for God. Prior to his death, Herod had ordered the execution of James merely because he was a Christian, and had planned same for Peter who fortunately was miraculously delivered from it.
This had angered Herod who had killed the guards put in charge of Peter's prison. In God's eyes, those guards were innocent so Herod was guilty of multiple murder. Herod was condemned in God's eyes. Yet he gloried in himself and swelled up with the praises of men.
The verse after Psalm 82:6 reads But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” Without God, we are powerless gods who die like mere men. Without God, we are in the dark as stated in Psalm 82:5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.They walk about in darkness ,all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
How dare us to disrespect God and still think we have a right to life - either on Earth or hereafter. Without God, we have no life. Jesus said " I am the way, the truth and the life."
Choose Jesus and choose life, even life eternal!
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.1.14
King Herod's pride - his downfall!
Acts 12: 21-24 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; he does not take back his words. He will rise up against that wicked nation,against those who help evildoers.3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.
But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
God despises anyone who is haughty, but lifts up the humble. When Herod was extolled as not being a man but a god, he received the praise in pride. Not acknowledging the place of God in His promotion. This is what God detests- when man relies and trusts in himself, or puts his entire trust in another man.
The Word of God says in Isaiah 31:1-3 that Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen,but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.
2
When the Lord stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together
WHAT IS NEXT?
WHAT IS NEXT?
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