When we depend on God, and give Him what we have, He takes what we have and multiplies it. He can magnify the smallest things we present to Him.
Elijah asked the poor widow to give her very last jar of flour and last jug of oil to him. When she did, God increased her flour and oil, and they never run out. 1 Kings 17:7-16
Whatever we offer to God never goes to waste. The four lepers trusted God, and God magnified their leprous steps, causing them to sound like a mighty army. Through this, God delivered Israel from famine. 2 Kings 7
When the disciples presented Jesus with five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus multiplied it to feed over five thousand people.
Give God all you have and are, and you won't be able to contain what He'll make of yourself and your possessions.
WHAT IS NEXT?
30.5.14
A victim of jealousy - Moses and Miriam ( Part 4)
Bitter jealousy is leprous and deforms our character and image. Moses suffered as a victim of Miriam's jealousy. But truth is, Miriam was equally a victim. She was enslaved by the jealousy in her heart. Once a protector of Moses, jealousy had reduced her to turn around to destroy Moses.
Moses rose above jealousy and the proving of points, and interceeded for his sister Miriam to be cured of leprosy. Likewise, Joseph also rose above jealousy and score settling, to forgive and help his brothers. This is the true demonstration of love.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Moses rose above jealousy and the proving of points, and interceeded for his sister Miriam to be cured of leprosy. Likewise, Joseph also rose above jealousy and score settling, to forgive and help his brothers. This is the true demonstration of love.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.
WHAT IS NEXT?
29.5.14
A victim of jealousy - Moses and Miriam ( Part 3)
Miriam was driven by jealousy!
Jealousy causes one to put down another's rise, in order to safe guard one's own self importance. King Herod put down babies in order to remain King. Joseph's brothers tried to destroy Joseph from being their head.
Jealous people cannot stand the rise of another, especially one whom they consider inferior. Jealous people cannot stand not being number one. It has to be them or they will castigate the one that becomes number one.
This is the spirit that led Lucifer to want to compete with God. He could not stand God having and taking all the glory. This is the more reason why we must guard against bitter jealousy.
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.5.14
A victim of jealousy - Moses and Miriam (Part 2 )
Numbers 12
Presumably, Miriam had started these accusations and probably instigated her brother Aaron to follow suit.
Numbers 12:3 categorically mentions the greatest character trait of Moses - (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.
As a humble man, Moses would be open to correction. He was not one that loved to Lord it over his subjects. Initially, he even tried to run away from the call of God as he was not confident because he stammered.
The words of Miriam were full of disdain and contempt. Miriam was hiding behind patriotism and loyalty to God's commands, and yet she was opposing God's ordained leader.
She even went a step further to through comparison prove that Moses was not better than Aaron or her. Truth is, Moses had never regarded himself better than them. When God gave Moses the chance to be solely exalted , he disapproved.
Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. 10 Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.” Exodus 32:9-10.
Rather, Moses interceeded for God to turn from His anger towards all Israel. So why would Miriam after knowing all these things about her brother still go ahead to say all these unpleasant things?
WHAT IS NEXT?
Presumably, Miriam had started these accusations and probably instigated her brother Aaron to follow suit.
Numbers 12:3 categorically mentions the greatest character trait of Moses - (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.
As a humble man, Moses would be open to correction. He was not one that loved to Lord it over his subjects. Initially, he even tried to run away from the call of God as he was not confident because he stammered.
The words of Miriam were full of disdain and contempt. Miriam was hiding behind patriotism and loyalty to God's commands, and yet she was opposing God's ordained leader.
She even went a step further to through comparison prove that Moses was not better than Aaron or her. Truth is, Moses had never regarded himself better than them. When God gave Moses the chance to be solely exalted , he disapproved.
Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. 10 Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.” Exodus 32:9-10.
Rather, Moses interceeded for God to turn from His anger towards all Israel. So why would Miriam after knowing all these things about her brother still go ahead to say all these unpleasant things?
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.5.14
A victim of jealousy - Moses and Miriam.(Part 1)
In Exodus 2, we read about the birth of Moses, and how his sister, assumably Miriam, had helped to preserve his life.
When God called Moses to lead Israel from Egypt, Miriam and Aaron, both siblings of Moses were supportive and instrumental to his success. They appeared to endorse the call of Moses.
Then in Exodus 12, we see a different picture where Miriam downplays the singular authority given to Moses by God. Miriam hides behind a patriotic heart and openly disapproves Moses' s marriage to a foreigner.
On one hand, Miriam was right about Moses erring by marrying a foreigner. But Moses was a God ordained leader who accorded Miriam the respect she deserved. It was right and proper for Miriam to have done same, rather than openly disgracing Moses.
Numbers 12:1-2 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. 2 They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them.
God was displeased with Aaron and Miriam. He rebuked both of them, but punished Miriam with leprosy.Why did God punish Miriam?
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.5.14
Victims of Jealousy
You do not necessarily have to do anything bad to attract the anger of a person driven by jealousy.
King Herod was seething with jealousy at the birth of Jesus - a newborn king! Herod must have believed that Jesus was either going to overthrow him or unseat his descendant. He was so filled with jealousy that he ordered the death of babies. Babies depict innocence.
Jealousy can target innocent hearts, and portray them as trouble. Jealousy can lead people to tag innocent ones with bad and evil names. Jesus was found guilty by jealous men and crucified.
He was an innocent man, and yet he was called many evil names. The Pharisees could not stand him, because Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and this angered them. They could simply not stand Jesus being celebrated. So led the protest to end his life.
Stay tuned!
WHAT IS NEXT?
King Herod was seething with jealousy at the birth of Jesus - a newborn king! Herod must have believed that Jesus was either going to overthrow him or unseat his descendant. He was so filled with jealousy that he ordered the death of babies. Babies depict innocence.
Jealousy can target innocent hearts, and portray them as trouble. Jealousy can lead people to tag innocent ones with bad and evil names. Jesus was found guilty by jealous men and crucified.
He was an innocent man, and yet he was called many evil names. The Pharisees could not stand him, because Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and this angered them. They could simply not stand Jesus being celebrated. So led the protest to end his life.
Stay tuned!
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.5.14
Bitter Jealousy - Part 2
Bitter jealousy can kill to be seen as the utmost. King Saul suffered from this syndrome. He hated that young David had stolen his kingly glory. He could not stand David being praised and celebrated.
Bitter jealousy hogs the limelight and destroys anyone who blocks the limelight from falling their way.
Acts 7:9 "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.
Jealousy led the brothers of Jesus to connive to kill him, they eventually sold him as a slave. Joseph's crime was his potential greatness and his current favour.
1 Peter 2:1 urges us to rid ourselves of jealousy because jealousy is a canker.....it eats at one's heart and drives the one to destroy others, in the end destroying oneself as well.
Therefore, rid yourselves of every kind of evil and deception, hypocrisy, jealousy, and every kind of slander.
Acts 7:9 "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.
Jealousy led the brothers of Jesus to connive to kill him, they eventually sold him as a slave. Joseph's crime was his potential greatness and his current favour.
1 Peter 2:1 urges us to rid ourselves of jealousy because jealousy is a canker.....it eats at one's heart and drives the one to destroy others, in the end destroying oneself as well.
Therefore, rid yourselves of every kind of evil and deception, hypocrisy, jealousy, and every kind of slander.
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.5.14
Bitter Jealousy -Part 1
John 3:14-15 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I have heard Christians who indulge in bitter jealousy and openly admit it as though it was an acceptable character trait. Bitter jealousy is a competetive spirit that desires every good thing for one's self.
Jealousy hates to see another doing better than itself, and abhors it when the other person enjoys the good things we desire for ourselves but cannot have.
Bitter jealousy is not based on love. It is based on greed, selfishness and evil pride.
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.5.14
Door openers
Politeness can open doors for us. Rebekah through politeness got a husband. Genesis 24
Using the innate gift that one has, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit can open doors for a person. The gift of dream interpretation that Joseph had, opened a great door for him. Genesis 41
Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.
Right associations can also open doors for us. The door of ministry and the working of miracles opened up for Elisha after he associated with Elijah, and received his mantle.
Be sensitive to those you meet and use your giftings confidently.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Using the innate gift that one has, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit can open doors for a person. The gift of dream interpretation that Joseph had, opened a great door for him. Genesis 41
Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.
Right associations can also open doors for us. The door of ministry and the working of miracles opened up for Elisha after he associated with Elijah, and received his mantle.
Be sensitive to those you meet and use your giftings confidently.
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.5.14
God is depending on your act of faith
Moses had just assured the Israelites to be calm and that the Lord would fight for them. But he took no further action. Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
The Israelites were gripped with fear for the Egyptians were approaching them, and the red sea was before them.
Then God spoke - Exodus 14:15-16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
How often do we trust and believe that God will move and save us, and simply stand waiting for Him to do so. While the Lord looks at us and is amazed at us because in our hands lies the key to the answer we seek.
God needs us to make the first move so He can respond to our faith. Jesus had to make the move of going for the five loaves of bread and two fish, hold them up, before God could multiply them. Similarly, he had to order for jars to be filled with water, before he could turn the water into wine.
Organise yourself and make a step of faith! God told Moses -Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
God is waiting for you to move, then He can act on your faith and bring you a miraculous outcome. Exercise your God given authority through Christ Jesus. God is depending on your act of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
The Israelites were gripped with fear for the Egyptians were approaching them, and the red sea was before them.
Then God spoke - Exodus 14:15-16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
How often do we trust and believe that God will move and save us, and simply stand waiting for Him to do so. While the Lord looks at us and is amazed at us because in our hands lies the key to the answer we seek.
God needs us to make the first move so He can respond to our faith. Jesus had to make the move of going for the five loaves of bread and two fish, hold them up, before God could multiply them. Similarly, he had to order for jars to be filled with water, before he could turn the water into wine.
Organise yourself and make a step of faith! God told Moses -Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
God is waiting for you to move, then He can act on your faith and bring you a miraculous outcome. Exercise your God given authority through Christ Jesus. God is depending on your act of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
21.5.14
Crossing Over
Just as God made a way through the red sea for the Israelites to cross over, so shall He turn any impossible situation you are in around.
When Elisha received the mantle (cloak) of Elijah, he was faced with an impediment - how to cross the Jordan river.
2 Kings 2:13-14.
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
Elijah's mantle or cloak was significant of God's anointing or power. Elisha exercised the power in his hands, and it worked for him. He knew the power was God's - “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”
Jesus bestowed on us His power - Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
You have power in your hands - God's power! You have to step out in faith like Elisha and use it.
Speak God's Word over your situation, and strike it with the prayer of faith, and something remarkable will occur, which earlier seemed impossible.
You have what it takes to remove barriers and impediments from your way through faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When Elisha received the mantle (cloak) of Elijah, he was faced with an impediment - how to cross the Jordan river.
2 Kings 2:13-14.
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
Elijah's mantle or cloak was significant of God's anointing or power. Elisha exercised the power in his hands, and it worked for him. He knew the power was God's - “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”
Jesus bestowed on us His power - Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
You have power in your hands - God's power! You have to step out in faith like Elisha and use it.
Speak God's Word over your situation, and strike it with the prayer of faith, and something remarkable will occur, which earlier seemed impossible.
You have what it takes to remove barriers and impediments from your way through faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.5.14
A gentle answer
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Sometimes all we need to assuage another's anger is to speak and act gently.
Abigail got wind of the news that her husband Nabal had angered David. So she arose to go and meet David , to appeal to him not to revenge. Abigail spoke gently and humbly to a very angry David, and this was David's reply:
1 Samuel 25: 32-34 David answered Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your wisdom. You have kept me from killing or punishing people today. 34 As surely as theLord, the God of Israel, lives, he has kept me from hurting you. If you hadn’t come quickly to meet me, not one of Nabal’s men would have lived until morning.”
To respond with gentleness and humility to anger and'wrath can soften the hardest heart.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Sometimes all we need to assuage another's anger is to speak and act gently.
Abigail got wind of the news that her husband Nabal had angered David. So she arose to go and meet David , to appeal to him not to revenge. Abigail spoke gently and humbly to a very angry David, and this was David's reply:
1 Samuel 25: 32-34 David answered Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your wisdom. You have kept me from killing or punishing people today. 34 As surely as theLord, the God of Israel, lives, he has kept me from hurting you. If you hadn’t come quickly to meet me, not one of Nabal’s men would have lived until morning.”
To respond with gentleness and humility to anger and'wrath can soften the hardest heart.
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.5.14
God's peace
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
I have faced turbulent seasons in my life when I have looked to God and felt the most soothing peace wash over me.
The man who wrote the song - " It is well with my soul" had just lost his wife and children cataclysmically. He found comfort and peace in God.
Are you in distress? Call to God and He shall comfort you! He can give you a peace beyond human understanding.
WHAT IS NEXT?
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
I have faced turbulent seasons in my life when I have looked to God and felt the most soothing peace wash over me.
The man who wrote the song - " It is well with my soul" had just lost his wife and children cataclysmically. He found comfort and peace in God.
Are you in distress? Call to God and He shall comfort you! He can give you a peace beyond human understanding.
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.5.14
Don't sell your birth right.
Esau was very hungry and for instant gratification, sold his birth right as a first born son. He disregarded who he was and was to become.
How often do we behave similarly as children of God. We have rights as God's children. We are called to be the head and not the tail. We are endowed with power from on high to overcome all powers and authorities in the heavenlies.
But then, for a moment's gratification, we give in to jealousy, selfishness, anger, greed, sexual promiscuity, profanity, and all sorts of evils that rob us of our rights as children of God.
When we give in to the enemy, we hand over our rights. Adam and Eve handed over their rights to Satan, and it took the death and resurrection of Jesus to redeem man from the snare of sin and death.
As born again Christians, we are restored to man's original status to have dominion over all the earth. We can only walk in this authority if we are cautious to obey God, and be alert in the spirit. If only we can be long suffering and endure pain and tribulation, instead of cutting corners.
Jesus said - But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13
Stand firm! Don't compromise.
WHAT IS NEXT?
How often do we behave similarly as children of God. We have rights as God's children. We are called to be the head and not the tail. We are endowed with power from on high to overcome all powers and authorities in the heavenlies.
But then, for a moment's gratification, we give in to jealousy, selfishness, anger, greed, sexual promiscuity, profanity, and all sorts of evils that rob us of our rights as children of God.
When we give in to the enemy, we hand over our rights. Adam and Eve handed over their rights to Satan, and it took the death and resurrection of Jesus to redeem man from the snare of sin and death.
As born again Christians, we are restored to man's original status to have dominion over all the earth. We can only walk in this authority if we are cautious to obey God, and be alert in the spirit. If only we can be long suffering and endure pain and tribulation, instead of cutting corners.
Jesus said - But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13
Stand firm! Don't compromise.
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.5.14
God first!
Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
Threats of human beings can place us at uncomfortable places where we are torn between pleasing man and pleasing God.
Sometimes obeying God can be costly. Daniel obeyed God and was thrown into a lion's den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose God over man and ended up in a hot furnace.
In Hebrews 11, we read that some were sawn into two due to their faith in God. We ought to develop our trust and faith in God to an extent where nothing else matters, but God.
Our answer to the following scripture should be : 'none of the above.'
Romans 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
We must be able to say alongside Paul in Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Threats of human beings can place us at uncomfortable places where we are torn between pleasing man and pleasing God.
Sometimes obeying God can be costly. Daniel obeyed God and was thrown into a lion's den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose God over man and ended up in a hot furnace.
In Hebrews 11, we read that some were sawn into two due to their faith in God. We ought to develop our trust and faith in God to an extent where nothing else matters, but God.
Our answer to the following scripture should be : 'none of the above.'
Romans 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
We must be able to say alongside Paul in Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.5.14
Angelic intervention
I once heard a testimony about a Moslem who converted to Christianity in a predominantly Moslem country, and was arrested because of his faith. He was placed in a huge freezer to freeze to death, but was rescued by an angel of God who led him away to the safety of his home.
God is real, and He still sends His angels to help and rescue His children. Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
God sent his angel to rescue Peter from Jail and death. Acts 12. Peter witnessed his rescue and thought it was a dream. Any prison like situation is going to cease because God is opening the prison gates for us to walk out into freedom.
When the apostles were arrested for doing God's work, -an angel of God was sent to rescue them. God is real, and so are angels.
Acts 5: 18-19 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
Stand tall and confidently in the Lord, for those for us are more than those against us.
WHAT IS NEXT
God is real, and He still sends His angels to help and rescue His children. Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
God sent his angel to rescue Peter from Jail and death. Acts 12. Peter witnessed his rescue and thought it was a dream. Any prison like situation is going to cease because God is opening the prison gates for us to walk out into freedom.
When the apostles were arrested for doing God's work, -an angel of God was sent to rescue them. God is real, and so are angels.
Acts 5: 18-19 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
Stand tall and confidently in the Lord, for those for us are more than those against us.
WHAT IS NEXT
15.5.14
The last laugh
God has the last laugh reserved for His children. Though weeping may last for the night, joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Abraham gave Lot the singular honour to choose a part of the land before them. His nephew Lot surveyed the area and chose the green and blossoming fields, leaving Abraham with the dry part.
There are times in life that as children of God we are given the short end of the stick. We are ridiculed and treated appallingly, and become objects of mockery. But as children of God, our pain compared to the glory ahead, is short lived, for joy, restoration and laughter follows after our suffering.
Abraham had the last laugh, as the land that Lot chose was destroyed by God because of the sinfulness of the inhabitants. On the other hand, Abraham increased and became very wealthy where he resided. He had the last laugh!
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.5.14
Seizing divine moments
There are certain encounters that can alter our lives forever. But if we are not discerning, we can miss these precious moments.
At Calvary, on Gûlgaltâ, there stood three crosses with three different men on each one of them. One was innocent of the charges against him, and two were guilty. One of the guilty ones looked at the innocent one and discerned he was indeed the Son of God. He thereby seized the opportunity and requested that the Son of God remembers him in paradise. To which Jesus replied - 'today you shall be with me in paradise. "
The sinful but wise man seized the moment to gain Salvation and enter into paradise, whilst his companion mocked him. Before the cross, they were both criminals sentenced to death. Although, an encounter on Calvary transformed the life of a thief because he seized the moment, his friend died in his sin because he did not discern that his saviour was near.
Be discerning and seize divine moments that changes lives.
WHAT IS NEXT?
At Calvary, on Gûlgaltâ, there stood three crosses with three different men on each one of them. One was innocent of the charges against him, and two were guilty. One of the guilty ones looked at the innocent one and discerned he was indeed the Son of God. He thereby seized the opportunity and requested that the Son of God remembers him in paradise. To which Jesus replied - 'today you shall be with me in paradise. "
The sinful but wise man seized the moment to gain Salvation and enter into paradise, whilst his companion mocked him. Before the cross, they were both criminals sentenced to death. Although, an encounter on Calvary transformed the life of a thief because he seized the moment, his friend died in his sin because he did not discern that his saviour was near.
Be discerning and seize divine moments that changes lives.
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.5.14
Sword of the Spirit
Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
John 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life.
The weapons that we are fighting with are not things we can see, feel and touch. They are weapons of character and words. All the armour of our warfare deal with character and attitude. In other words, what the bible is saying is that if we choose to win this battle of the mind and our freedom, then we need to change our minds, character and attitudes to assume righteousness (breast plate), truthfulness(belt), do the work of evangelism(shoes of gospel of peace), constantly renewing the mind to fit the image of Christ (helmet of salvation) all backed by building our faith (shield), and now finally the bible tells us to speak the words that will change things and situations.
John 6:63, the words that we speak they are spirit and they are life. The words that come out of our mouths have power to bring change. Our enemy is not a physical enemy; he does not attack on the physical field. Nobody has seen Satan walking around in broad day light with a machine gun shooting at people. Instead we find our thoughts and hearts being bombarded everyday with negativity, hurts and pain.
God is telling us the only way to overcome this is to use words, words that will act like swords, to pierce the very heart of the enemy's accusation. For the words that we speak are spirit and life. Start speaking words that reflect what you expect. Speak the word of God, his promises into your life.
God has given us a great weapon, a weapon of words; let’s use it to gain victory in Christ Jesus’ name.
Written by Aba Dadson
WHAT IS NEXT?
12.5.14
The Shield of Faith
At all times carry the shield of faith, for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16
Faith is probably one of the most talked about topics in the church today; it is hard to listen to a preacher without hearing the word faith. What is faith then? It is simply put, believing truth over evidence.
Example, Sampson was blind, couldn’t see anything, he asked a boy to lead him to the pillars of the building where the philistines had him on display ridiculing him. The philistines laughed when Sampson stood between the pillars because the evidence was that no man on earth can single handedly pull down a building by its pillars, it was impossible; but the truth was that Sampson knew that his hair had grown back which meant, his covenant with God was active again. He knew he had a power greater than human strength. His truth was simple; he was relying on God's strength to bring down that building. That is what faith is. Looking beyond evidence to God's truth.
Sampson’s truth was the shield he used to stand against the ridicule of the philistines who made sure he was a blind man bound by chains, weak and ineffective.
A shield is a tool that helps you defend against the weapons of the enemy. Faith is the shield that helps you stand when everything else tells you to fall. It is the truth that helps you seek out the pillars holding the enemies lies so you can pull them all down. See, faith comes by hearing the word of God, as you hear more of the Word of God, God's truth increases in you and the more it increases, the more it shields you from the evidence that the enemy throws your way to pull you down.
Most of us believe that the enemy only tells us lies, yes it’s true he does but he uses the evidence of what happens around us to take our minds off the truth that God speaks to us. So if you think he will only show you things that have no evidence, then think again, he will show you things that are real, it’s up to you to grow in God’s word so that it can be your shield of faith that will lead you to God's truth and promise.
Written by Aba Dadson.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Faith is probably one of the most talked about topics in the church today; it is hard to listen to a preacher without hearing the word faith. What is faith then? It is simply put, believing truth over evidence.
Example, Sampson was blind, couldn’t see anything, he asked a boy to lead him to the pillars of the building where the philistines had him on display ridiculing him. The philistines laughed when Sampson stood between the pillars because the evidence was that no man on earth can single handedly pull down a building by its pillars, it was impossible; but the truth was that Sampson knew that his hair had grown back which meant, his covenant with God was active again. He knew he had a power greater than human strength. His truth was simple; he was relying on God's strength to bring down that building. That is what faith is. Looking beyond evidence to God's truth.
Sampson’s truth was the shield he used to stand against the ridicule of the philistines who made sure he was a blind man bound by chains, weak and ineffective.
A shield is a tool that helps you defend against the weapons of the enemy. Faith is the shield that helps you stand when everything else tells you to fall. It is the truth that helps you seek out the pillars holding the enemies lies so you can pull them all down. See, faith comes by hearing the word of God, as you hear more of the Word of God, God's truth increases in you and the more it increases, the more it shields you from the evidence that the enemy throws your way to pull you down.
Most of us believe that the enemy only tells us lies, yes it’s true he does but he uses the evidence of what happens around us to take our minds off the truth that God speaks to us. So if you think he will only show you things that have no evidence, then think again, he will show you things that are real, it’s up to you to grow in God’s word so that it can be your shield of faith that will lead you to God's truth and promise.
Written by Aba Dadson.
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11.5.14
The King calls!
Isaiah 60:10,16 Foreigners shall build up your walls,
and their kings shall minister to you;
for in my wrath I struck you,
but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
Powerful kings and mighty nations will satisfy your every need, as though you were a child nursing at the breast of a queen. You will know at last that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
When God restores, we receive restitution. We obtain what we have lost and even more. Joseph went through the mill. When the fullness of time came, a foreign King called for him. Joseph knew how to meet the King.
He shaved and changed his clothes. There is a way to walk into God's restoration. We cannot enter into it with our prison clothes and unshaven appearance. That is to say that we must rid ourselves of any smell of captivity. Any behaviour or attitude that imprisons us and causes us to appear unkempt, and unlike Christ must go.
Higher places are slippery. As we enter into restoration and promotion, our hearts must be right. Our character proven, tested and true. If not, no sooner are we restored that we would slip and fall.
The King shall soon call for you. Are you prepared?
WHAT IS NEXT!
and their kings shall minister to you;
for in my wrath I struck you,
but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
Powerful kings and mighty nations will satisfy your every need, as though you were a child nursing at the breast of a queen. You will know at last that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
When God restores, we receive restitution. We obtain what we have lost and even more. Joseph went through the mill. When the fullness of time came, a foreign King called for him. Joseph knew how to meet the King.
He shaved and changed his clothes. There is a way to walk into God's restoration. We cannot enter into it with our prison clothes and unshaven appearance. That is to say that we must rid ourselves of any smell of captivity. Any behaviour or attitude that imprisons us and causes us to appear unkempt, and unlike Christ must go.
Higher places are slippery. As we enter into restoration and promotion, our hearts must be right. Our character proven, tested and true. If not, no sooner are we restored that we would slip and fall.
The King shall soon call for you. Are you prepared?
WHAT IS NEXT!
10.5.14
Divine helpers run on God's timing.
God runs on a different 'time' scale. It is not time as we perceive it as human beings. His timing is eternal. It has no night nor day. A thousand years appears like a day to God. And a day could be a thousand years to Him.
God makes all things beautiful in His time, not at our time. Ecclesiastes 3:11. When Joseph was in prison, he asked the King's freed butler to remember him, and speak of him to the King to release him.
Joseph trusted God for the King's butler to keep his promise. Nights became days, then weeks, and months. Two years passed and he probably succumbed to fate's ill hand. His dream to be ever free was very dim.
God does not always move when we want Him to. We deal with our world's time, and He deals with eternity. Joseph only saw his freedom and liberty, but the God of eternity saw beyond that to a period of great famine coming that could wipe off His chosen Nation, Israel.
Therefore the King's butler forgot entirely about Joseph for two years. How do you forget one who predicted your release from prison, and prophesied about your reinstatement?
And yet the Lord who orchestrated all of Joseph's life happenings permitted the Butler's memory to fail him, until a time when He perceived Joseph's life-calling was due.
Psalm 105:19 reads - till the word of the LORD proved him true. There is an appointed time for some divine helpers to turn up in your life. Until that time, you are tried and tested, ignored and forgotten about.
But when the fullness of God's time comes, you shall be remembered, listened to and celebrated.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God makes all things beautiful in His time, not at our time. Ecclesiastes 3:11. When Joseph was in prison, he asked the King's freed butler to remember him, and speak of him to the King to release him.
Joseph trusted God for the King's butler to keep his promise. Nights became days, then weeks, and months. Two years passed and he probably succumbed to fate's ill hand. His dream to be ever free was very dim.
God does not always move when we want Him to. We deal with our world's time, and He deals with eternity. Joseph only saw his freedom and liberty, but the God of eternity saw beyond that to a period of great famine coming that could wipe off His chosen Nation, Israel.
Therefore the King's butler forgot entirely about Joseph for two years. How do you forget one who predicted your release from prison, and prophesied about your reinstatement?
And yet the Lord who orchestrated all of Joseph's life happenings permitted the Butler's memory to fail him, until a time when He perceived Joseph's life-calling was due.
Psalm 105:19 reads - till the word of the LORD proved him true. There is an appointed time for some divine helpers to turn up in your life. Until that time, you are tried and tested, ignored and forgotten about.
But when the fullness of God's time comes, you shall be remembered, listened to and celebrated.
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.5.14
Divine Helpers - Part 4
We learnt previously from Psalm 105:17-22 that God sent Joseph ahead of the nation Israel, to deliver them from famine. We learnt that God was privy to all that Joseph went through, and eventually led him to a place of increase. God allowed Joseph to go through both pain and glory for His purpose sake.
Like Joseph, during my teens, the Lord called me and confirmed through many channels, His great plans for me. I had always known security and comfort from my family and friends.
I was naive when it came to betrayals and hurt. I was not familiar with lack and struggles, but then in my mid twenties, God ushered me into a journey that led me from one story of pain, lack, betrayals, disappointments and hurt to another. I was unsure of what was happening, and often wondered if I was cursed.
God brought me short lived reliefs. I love the Lord with all my heart, and sometimes thought He had stopped loving me back. "Where are all His promises to me?" I would ponder.
At a point in my life, I was totally spent. Was faced with numerous battles. I had been falsely accused and had encountered betrayals and disappointments. I had dreams dashed, had thought life was meaningless and was about to give up. Then oneday in my anguish I walked to the altar of God, very doubtful He even existed.
A lady joined me. I had never shared my life story with her. She embraced me lovingly and said - " God loves you and has never left you. Every now and then He brings people your way. He lets them place their arms around you. They help and comfort you, then they leave. But it is because the Lord allows them to hurt you and leave. They take their arms from around you, but God's arms are always around you."
The lady continued and said - " God has called you to minister to the hurt and broken hearted."
The truth is, I had heard this specific calling many times from God in times of prayer, and through prophesies given to me by other servants of God. Therefore to know I was called to heal the broken hearted was no new thing.
But this lady then said something profound. She said - " This ministry is the reason why you are experiencing broken heartedness, betrayals and false accusations. So you can minister best to those going through same. God allows people to hurt you. Soon it will be over."
Her words pierced through the darkness that had engulfed me. Suddenly I came to the realisation that God was still in charge. I resolved to let go all the bitter feelings and anger these experiences were forming in me. I felt a huge burden lifted and a peace envelope me.
Judas was used to bring to pass God's plans for Jesus, but woe to Judas, Jesus warned. Certain men allow themselves to become the Judases of our lives. They become the brothers of Joseph. They re-live the lies of Potiphar's wife, but all these experiences will work out for our good, and help bring God's purposes to come to pass in our lives.
Be in the Spirit to identify these men. Like Joseph you must be able to say - "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
Otherwise you will jeopardise God's plan and wallow in bitterness and anger.
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8.5.14
Divine Helpers - Part 3
Joseph was living securely in the loving shelter of his father's house. He was doted upon by his father who dearly loved him and even gave him a coat of many colours. Joseph was innocent and freely shared his heart and dreams with his siblings and parents.
Then afterwards his brotherly relations were shaken and turned sour. His world turned upside down as he wrestled with betrayal, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment and disappointments, until one man he had helped, remembered him, and mentioned him to the King.
One man changed the destiny of Joseph. He was Pharaoh's butler whom Joseph had helped at a point in time. He remembered Joseph's kindness just in time to recommend him, eventually to make him next in charge to Pharaoh. Our next step to greatness could be linked to a man. Genesis 37,39,40 and 41. God places men on our path to help us reach our divine destinations.
Although God used men, all throughout Joseph's experiences, God was in control.
Psalm 105:17-22 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave.They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character.
Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door.Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Then afterwards his brotherly relations were shaken and turned sour. His world turned upside down as he wrestled with betrayal, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment and disappointments, until one man he had helped, remembered him, and mentioned him to the King.
One man changed the destiny of Joseph. He was Pharaoh's butler whom Joseph had helped at a point in time. He remembered Joseph's kindness just in time to recommend him, eventually to make him next in charge to Pharaoh. Our next step to greatness could be linked to a man. Genesis 37,39,40 and 41. God places men on our path to help us reach our divine destinations.
Although God used men, all throughout Joseph's experiences, God was in control.
Psalm 105:17-22 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave.They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character.
Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door.Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.5.14
Divine Helpers - Part 2
The story of the good Samaritan shows us how certain people who are total strangers can go out of their way to help us immeasurably. Certain people simply take a liking to us in life, or have their hearts go out to us, thereby showing us love that we do not deserve. When you meet such kind, they are like God sent angels who assuage the stress on life's journey.
Then again, there are certain good works we do for others that come back to us in a double portion. Those we have been good to, remember and reciprocate. In 2 Kings 4:8-17, a Shunammite woman was very kind to Elisha the Prophet. This caused Elisha to bless her in the very area of her need. She bore a child as a result of this blessing. The Shunammite woman discerned aright whom to help. This brought her great blessing.
Rebekah was also blessed with a husband through a kind act of hers. Genesis 24. The Word of God urges us to be kind to strangers - Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
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6.5.14
Divine Helpers - Part 1
On life's journey, there are certain people who are key to our destinies being fulfilled.
God uses men to help us accomplish our dreams. Joseph was a man full of vivid dreams of becoming a great person. He believed in them and hence shared them with his nuclear family.
Through jealousy, Joseph was sold into slavery. His own brothers were the cause of his years of pain. Whilst in slavery and working for Potiphar, Potiphar's wife caused his imprisonment.
There are certain men that will cause us pain and hurt in this life, out of their own selfishness and jealousy. Some will hate us for no good reason.
Likewise, there are other people that will cross our path and immensely help us. Others will come from no where and help us. We must discern such ones and connect with them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God uses men to help us accomplish our dreams. Joseph was a man full of vivid dreams of becoming a great person. He believed in them and hence shared them with his nuclear family.
Through jealousy, Joseph was sold into slavery. His own brothers were the cause of his years of pain. Whilst in slavery and working for Potiphar, Potiphar's wife caused his imprisonment.
There are certain men that will cause us pain and hurt in this life, out of their own selfishness and jealousy. Some will hate us for no good reason.
Likewise, there are other people that will cross our path and immensely help us. Others will come from no where and help us. We must discern such ones and connect with them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.5.14
Satan still speaks - Part 2
When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they lost eternal life. They also received words of doom from God that spelt the suffering of all men on earth. Genesis 3
Specifically, in Genesis 3:22-24, we read - And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
The devil's main aim for speaking to Adam and Eve was to get them to be exposed to evil. God created man in a way that he was very innocent at heart. Man could only do good. God hid the knowledge of good and bad from man.
We read in Revelations 12:1-9 about the heart of Satan being evil, and how he deceived a third of the angels in Heaven to sin against God, and as a result were thrown down to Earth.
Man before the fall was being preserved by God from evil. God initially created man to be innocent, not knowing evil, only good. And yet by eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, man exposed himself to evil which overpowered him.
God fearing that if the original man was not made mortal, he would live forever in his evil state, thereby made man mortal by pronouncing death on him and banishing him from the tree of life - 22And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
Satan speaks to us to sway our hearts from good to evil. He persuades us to lie, steal, fornicate, commit adultery, quarrel, be greedy, drunkards, etc. He knows very well that such cannot live in God's Kingdom .
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
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4.5.14
Satan still speaks
The devil spoke to Eve and through that deceived both Adam and Eve to disobey God and thereby sell their God- given inheritance in exchange for suffering and pain.
Just as was witnessed in the days of Jesus, human beings being possessed by demons and delivered by Jesus, so did the spirit of Satan possess a snake, and used it to minister to Eve.
These are beyond our understanding because in our day and time, animals speaking is simply a fantasy. However, we ought to understand that Adam and Eve lived in a different dispensation. They lived freely with all animals- tigers, lions, etc. Adam named them all and yet the animals never harmed him.
In that same dispensation, human beings lived for hundreds and hundreds of years. Although, their dispensation was different from ours, the devil's tactics to deceive man remains the same. He whispers and talks to us through his demons, through our thoughts, through others, through the media, etc, all with the intention to get us to disobey God, and forfeit our Godly inheritance and perpetual life with God in Heaven.
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3.5.14
Trust His Will
We must be like Jesus who was faced with death and imminent pain, and yet was able to say - "Lord not my will, but your will be done."
We have to accept willingly whatever road God leads us to, for we know in part, but He sees clearly ahead of us.
God knew the pain Jesus was about to face was to reconcile men to Him. God knew that Joseph being sold into slavery would enable him to feed and preserve Israel.
The road may not be easy, but in this walk of faith, we ought to trust the Shepherd to lead the sheep to a safe place. Trust Him on the mountain and trust Him in the valley.
WHAT IS NEXT?
We have to accept willingly whatever road God leads us to, for we know in part, but He sees clearly ahead of us.
God knew the pain Jesus was about to face was to reconcile men to Him. God knew that Joseph being sold into slavery would enable him to feed and preserve Israel.
The road may not be easy, but in this walk of faith, we ought to trust the Shepherd to lead the sheep to a safe place. Trust Him on the mountain and trust Him in the valley.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.5.14
The Three Hebrew Giants
I have always admired the three Hebrew giants - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three young men had an unwavering faith in God. They knew who God was,irrespective of their circumstances, and nothing could shake this stable faith and belief of theirs.
Priscilla Owens asks - Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
There are certain situations in life that can challenge our faith in God, especially when God appears not to have delivered. It could be that we are faced with danger and God does not seem near. It may be a misfortune that has beset us - why did God allow us to go through a catastrophic event?
We have to reach a point where we trust and serve God no matter what we go through. We must come to a place of knowing God as Sovereign, faithful, good and truthful. By doing so, we will trust and obey God irrespective of where He leads us. This will prevent us from showing reverence to any other god/idol such as materialism.
Kindly do a house cleaning and rid yourself of any doubt and uncertainty about God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Priscilla Owens asks - Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
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1.5.14
Be a giant of faith with or without the promise.
In this age where blessings and prosperity are preached more often, many Christians are shallow in faith.
They base how favoured one is before the Lord, or how one is loved of God on material blessings and personal circumstances.
This is an erroneous belief. God is God whether He chooses to bless us or not. And we must decide to serve Him as God because we love Him and believe in Him. Nothing else!
In Hebrews 11:32-35, we read about how some people believed in God and received the promise:
32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.
However, the following verses does accord some other people who believed and yet did not receive all of the promise, the same respect as being giants of faith:
WHAT IS NEXT?
They base how favoured one is before the Lord, or how one is loved of God on material blessings and personal circumstances.
This is an erroneous belief. God is God whether He chooses to bless us or not. And we must decide to serve Him as God because we love Him and believe in Him. Nothing else!
In Hebrews 11:32-35, we read about how some people believed in God and received the promise:
32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.
However, the following verses does accord some other people who believed and yet did not receive all of the promise, the same respect as being giants of faith:
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half,and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Faith is believing God whether He turns up or not. We cannot claim to have faith and then stop believing in God, simply because we believed and He did not show up.
Do you have faith?
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