The Battle is not yours!

Jehoshaphat and all of Judah faced a frightening situation, and they humbled themselves and sought God.

2 Chronicles 20:1-4 NLT

After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)

 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the lord ’s help. 

In 2 Chronicles 20:12, Jehoshaphat prayed to God - "O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

The battles we face in life are not for us to fight on our own and by our strength. We may have fierce challenges in life and face overpowering enemies. But as Christians we are overcomers, and are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

As Jehoshaphat prayed to God, He answered and assured them all -

2 Chronicles 20:13-15 NLT

As all the men of Judah stood before the lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. 

He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

When we involve God in our circumstances,  He fights our battles in grand style - 2 Chronicles 20:22-24, and gives us sweet tremendous victory. So do not fear or fret. Simply trust that God is on your side and will fight for you if only you ask Him to.


WHAT IS NEXT?

The God sent helpers

In 1 Samuel 17, David single handedly killed Goliath. And yet as the years passed by and he fought more battles, he was faced with more giants.

God brought other men into David's life. They stood with him in his course, and helped him to fight these giants.

1 Chronicles 20:6-8 NLT

In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, they encountered a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in all, who was also a descendant of the giants. But when he defied and taunted Israel, he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David’s brother Shimea. These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but David and his warriors killed them.

With Goliath, David easily managed to kill him on his own. But when in battle at Gath, as seen in the scripture above, David needed more hands such as that of Jonathan, the son of David’s brother Shimea, in order to kill all these giants.

Find men who believe in you and will join you in pursuing your dreams. There are divine helpers who can help you to complete your success story. They are endowed with the ability to help you. Pray to God to bring such your way. You have more feats to accomplish. There are greater things to do, and higher heights to attain. You cannot be an island!


WHAT IS NEXT?

Don't relent - you can do it again!

1 Chronicles 20:6-8 NLT

In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, they encountered a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in all, who was also a descendant of the giants. But when he defied and taunted Israel, he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David’s brother Shimea. These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but David and his warriors killed them.

Have you ever looked back, and mused over yesterday's victories and successes, and wondered if you could ever chalk up such same feats again?

Maybe you seem to be retrogressing, or maybe you are tired. Maybe you are whimpering in fear, or feel overwhelmed with the enormity of your circumstances.

In 1 Samuel 17, David killed Goliath, a giant Philistine who troubled the army of Israel. This was a great achievement on David's part, which earned him honour and kingly treats.

Years down the line, after being involved in several other battles, David may have been tired, in need of rest. And yet he had to fight more giants. He rose to the challenge,  and repeated what God had enabled him do to Goliath.

The Bible described it as such - These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but David and his warriors killed them. 

So encourage yourself and reposition yourself, for you can do it. You can be successful! You can win again!









WHAT IS NEXT?

Suffering with Christ

The early church saw such wonderful miracles taking place - handkerchiefs being prayed over by the apostles and sent to the sick, who were healed.

Acts 19:11-12 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.

Acts 5:15-16 ... to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

And yet the early Christians equally witnessed such great persecution. James was murdered. Stephen was stoned to death. The Book of Hebrews chapter 11 tells us some were sawn into two. However the earlier church was steadfast in their faith, they knew who they had believed in, and knew that suffering with Christ was a part of their calling.

We are called to reign with Christ, but also to partake in His suffering. Let us embrace the entirety of our calling with joy.

1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.












WHAT IS NEXT?

Forever in His Presence

Psalm 23:6  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

The house of God is simply where His Presence dwells. As Christians, our bodies are the temple of God - 2 Corinthians 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

1 Corinthians 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

When we die, we leave our mortal bodies, but our souls continue to live on in the Presence of God. Those that die in Christ, live on in the presence of God. Heaven is God's dwelling place where His presence abides.

Psalm 11:4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
    the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
    examining every person on earth.

Palm 103:19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
    from there he rules over everything.










WHAT IS NEXT?

The Abiding Presence of God.

John 16:32-33 …"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Jesus faced lonely times, like the one He predicted in the above scripture. Even though men deserted and betrayed Him, He knew His Heavenly Father was with Him -  "... and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. " David went through great trouble at the hands of Saul - many nights he hid in caves, but he knew God was lingering close -  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23 :4

God is close, even when we go through painful events that make us feel so lonely. He lingers close in the darkest hour. Not even the tears we shed during such painful times will go waste. 

 Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows.

 You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
 You have recorded each one in your book.

WHAT IS NEXT?

We Live On!

John 11:25-26   Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 

There is life after death. Jesus used the story of lazarus and the rich man to warn us that there is judgement after death, and that we will reap what we sow on Earth.
Luke 16:19-31

The fruits of our lives live on.  Even until today, people study the lives of God's Generals such as Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Aaron, Joshua, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul , Smith Wigglesworth , et cetera.

In the story of Elisha, even when he was dead and buried, his legacy lived on. It has been recorded in the Bible how a corpse was dropped into his grave, and the dead person came back to life. 2 Kings 13:21. The power of God encapsulated in Elisha was still at work even though he had been physically declared dead. This is because when we die in the Lord, we simply sleep, and live on. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

God is the resurrection and life, so if you have God, you have life eternal. Let us encourage ourselves with this truth.














WHAT

WHAT IS NEXT?

Thinking out of the World.

John 17:14  I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

As ambassadors of Christ on Earth, though we live in this world, we do not belong to this world. We answer to the Kingdom where we belong to, and where God heads. We are simply representing Heaven on Earth.

Jesus reiterated this in John 18:36  Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

We are therefore urged to renew/transform our minds from the pattern of this world -  Romans 12:2. Psychologists teach us that our environments can inform our thinking and behaviour. This is the very reason why we ought to take control of our thoughts as Christians and ambassadors of Christ, representing Heaven on Earth. The world has a pattern of thought, and thinks along sinful lines, pointing to paths that lead to fear and death. The Earth thinks now and temporally. Contrarily, we must think along eternal lines. For our lives on Earth are temporal, just like a vapour - James 4:14.

When the earth answers to what it sees and hears with fear, we have to embrace faith, and see what is not as though it were, and call forth what we want until we see and live it. We cannot fully represent Christ and Heaven if we continue to think like the world thinks. The world's thinking is not in line with God's will and life in His Kingdom, Heaven.

Philippians 3:20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.





WHAT IS NEXT?

Communicating as Ambassadors

Ambassadors are formal envoys who are considered diplomats. Diplomats are expected to carry themselves with decorum and to speak daintily.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

As Christians and ambassadors of Jesus Christ on Earth - 2 Corinthians 5:20, we ought to guard our tongues and conversations aright. It is so easy to engage in godless chatter and profanities. 

2 Timothy 2:16  Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 

Such profane and idle babblings drain us of the attributes of God, and plunges us deeper into fleshly and carnal acts. We tend to become vain as we engage in frivolous talk. We grow unholy as we partake in useless and pointless discussions that point people away from God, rather than closer to Him. As Ambassadors of Christ, we have to eschew all manner of talk and speech that do not depict the nature of Christ. Gossip is juicy and can be entertaining to the human soul. However, as ambassadors of Christ, it is not befitting of us to gossip or swear, or talk profanities.

Let us make a deliberate effort to add grace to our conversations, and choose our words carefully, for we shall be judged for every empty word that proceeds out of our mouth.
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.











WHAT IS NEXT?

Working as Ambassadors of Heaven

An ambassador represents a country in a foreign land. We are ambassadors of Christ
on Earth, and are representing Heaven on Earth. Being ambassadors, goes to show that we are citizens of Heaven, and are away from home, representing our Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Ambassadors are generally very busy, working for their country of origin. They are official envoys, or high ranking diplomats that represent a state, and are usually accredited to another sovereign state, or an international organization. The host country typically allows the ambassador control of specific territory called and embassy whose territory, staff, and vehicles are generally afforded diplomatic immunity in the host country (Wikipedia).

As ambassadors of Christ, the Lord God has given us the Earth - we have the nations and people on Earth as our take over territory. That is our embassy. We have control here, and are immune to the weapons being wielded by the evil one around our territory. We answer to Heaven, and are representing Heaven on Earth. Our mandate is to preach Jesus Christ to the world and let them know that He is the visa they need to enter Heaven. We need to tell them the wonderful things about Heaven, just like a tourist will do. We have to tell them about the mansions being built for those that accept Jesus and live for Him. We need to tell them about the golden streets and about the fact that there is no weeping there. There is also eternal life with no fear and death.

We ought to show those who wish to enter Heaven how and where to get their visa. They will need to know that they have to believe in their heart that Jesus died for them, and confess it with their mouths. They need to confess their sins and God will forgive them in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Also as ambassadors, we need to clothe ourselves with righteousness, which is our traditional clothing in Heaven.

Let us set to work, and /or continue to work as ambassadors of Christ on Earth. For the Earth awaits the manifestation of the Sons of God - Romans 8:19. We are to express Heaven on Earth in every way possible.








WHAT IS NEXT?

Choose to Live Holy

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

As children of God,  we live in a world full of many things that can defile us in our walk with God. Sometimes we find ourselves cornered and under pressure to succumb to worldly pressures that will make us unclean before God.

As a young boy from Judah, Daniel adhered to the laws of God, and was one to shy away from everything that defiled him, including foods. However, he found himself in an awkward position. He was a captive in Babylon, under strict instructions from King Nebuchadnezzar, his captor! These instructions if followed through would defile Daniel.

Daniel stood up for purity. He chose to live holy. He forsook the pleasure of feasting on food defiled in God's eyes, even though it must have looked pleasing to the eye. God gave him favour with the officials that took care of him. When we stand for God, He preserves us and causes even our enemies to be at peace with us.

Daniel 1:9 NIV

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.

In the end, God honoured Daniel for standing for purity. He set him apart. He looked physically better, and was intellectually above his folks.

Daniel 1:19-20 NIV

The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

God is faithful! When we choose to live holy and separated unto Him, He honours us.

WHAT IS NEXT?

God Speaks through Creation

Psalm 19:1-4 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. 

God speaks through His Creation. The skies proclaim His works through lightnings and thunders. The stars, sun and moon show forth signs from Him.

When Jesus was born, God spoke to three wise men through a star - Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,  “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

God uses the Heavenly host as signs to us : The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Joel 2:31

God once opened a donkey's mouth to minister to Balaam. Numbers 22:28 Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?"

God can use anyone and any of His creation. We have to be open to hear from Him at all times. He is speaking all the time.  

Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

WHAT IS NEXT?

The Glory of God

Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

God's Glory is the beauty of His Being and power - the beauty of His Spirit. God's Glory is shown forth by His creation, human beings included.

2 Corinthians 4: 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

God shows forth His Glory through the abilities and talents He has endowed man with. He shows forth His glory through nature. He shows forth His Glory both in Heaven and on Earth. Heaven is the seat of His Glory, for He is seated there. 

Psalm 73:24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

Heaven beholds the perfection of God's Glory,  whilst the Earth witnesses its reflection. In all , God's Glory can be seen on Earth as it is in Heaven. And as Christians,  because God's Spirit resides in us, His glory is in us.

Being conscious of this will kill the pride that can so easily consume the heart of a man who is being greatly used by God. It is never our doing, and all glory and praise must be ascribed to God.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Reflecting God

When you spend a lot of time in the presence of God, He rubs off Himself on you, and you begin to reflect who He is.

Whoever spends time with God, worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth,  will promote God's image, because the more of God rubs off on us, the more of God we exhibit, and the more of God others see when they look at us. So much so that, others can begin to see God through and in us.

Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Help From Opposers

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Paul and Silas were working to enhance God's Kingdom, so even though they incurred the wrath of certain law makers and were thrown into prison, God caused even their enemies to make peace with them.

Acts 16:33-35 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.

The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole household.

When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men."

The jailer who was to ensure their imprisonment rather nursed their wounds. The magistrates who could keep them in prison ordered their release. Paul and Silas were steadfast in their faith even when in trouble. This pleased the Lord, who intervened and caused even their enemies (opposers) to be at peace with them.

Continue to walk with God. Continue to live in the Spirit. Even though you may be persecuted for doing so, the Lord will intervene when the time is due. Not all men will side with you, but know that the King's heart is like a water body in the Lord's hand,  and He turns it as He pleases. 

In God's own time , He will bring you deliverance and use your enemies to help create the way of escape for you. All things will work for your good in the end, even the bad! Stay put, and keep trusting in God. He never fails! 


WHAT IS NEXT?

Ministering in the Midnight

Acts 16:25-35

Paul and Silas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. They did not let this trial put them down, in the midst of  trouble and pain, they lifted prayer and praise to God. The other prisoners listened keenly, wondering perhaps what was making them sing songs to extol a God who had allowed them to see such trouble.

As Christians, our day of trouble could minister to more souls than we could ever minister to when all is going smoothly. This is only possible if we choose the right attitude in our day of trouble and trial. In our day of trouble, if we do not waver in faith, onlookers get surprised and keenly look on to see what will happen next.

As God never fails, and is ever present to help His own in their day of trouble, God stepped in and with style - He caused an earthquake that opened the prison doors. I suppose the other prisoners were awed by this. Even the jailer was taken aback by these events, trembling he enquired of Paul and Silas - " Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

God can use your trial and how you comport yourself when in trouble to minister to others. God used the pain and troubles Jesus faced to save other men. We must avail ourselves, no matter what comes our way, so that God can use our circumstances and experience to minister to others.


The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.
But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"





AWHAT IS NEXT?

The Midnight Song

Acts 16:25-35

When you are overcome with troubles and grief, and your heart is broken. When life seems unfair and you are an innocent victim being wrung by its cruelty, do find strength in the Lord!

Paul and Silas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel.  They chose not to wallow in despair and throw a pity party for themselves.  Rather they mustered inner strength to pray once more and sing once more to the Lord.  It was a midnight song! A song sung in the dark hour.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.

When you choose to honour the Lord even in the bleakest stage in life, He steps in and fights for you. As Paul and Silas worshipped and prayed, God caused an earthquake that shook the prison where they were held and opened the prison doors.

Your midnight prayer and praise will create your deliverance. If you stay put in the day of trial, testing and trouble, the Lord will come to your rescue. He is an ever present help in trouble. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous.

Do not allow the darkness of the night and the gloom of your prison cell to depress you. The Lord can deliver you from where you feel bound. Praise Him!  Talk to Him! He sees and He cares!






WHAT IS NEXT?

The Returns on Giving

By giving, you share what belongs to you with another, or with others. We bless others when we give , and through our rightful giving,  we receive blessings.

When we give in the right way, we obtain good things in return. On the contrary,  we can attract wrong things when we give grudgingly, or out of ill motives.

Dorcas was a generous giver. Her generosity sparked compassion in Peter's heart which caused him to pray her back from the dead -
Acts 9:36-42

A woman who was a follower lived in the city of Joppa. Her name was Tabitha, or Dorcas. She did many good things and many acts of kindness.  One day she became sick and died. After they had washed her body, they laid her in a room on the second floor.  The city of Lydda was near Joppa. 

The followers heard that Peter was at Lydda and sent two men to ask him to come at once. Peter went back with them. When he came, they took him to the room. All the women whose husbands had died were standing around crying. They were showing the clothes Dorcas had made while she was with them.

 Peter made them all leave the room. Then he got down on his knees and prayed. He turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes and looked at Peter and sat up. He took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then he called in the faithful followers and the women whose husbands had died. He gave her to them, a living person.

News of this went through all Joppa. Many people put their trust in the Lord.

The generosity shown by Dorcas paid off and caused her to live longer. However Ananias and Saphirra died prematurely because they gave deceptively. Acts 5:1-11

How we give will determine which returns we shall receive. The Lord rewards honest and cheerful givers. Just as Paul urged the Church of Corinth,  so do I urge each and everyone - I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Love is Sharing

The early church showed a togetherness by sharing their belongings with each other. 

Acts 2:44-45 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

It is a sad sight to see Christians looking on unconcerned as their fellow Christians that they worship with go hungry and needy.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion-how can God's love be in that person?

As Christians, God is beckoning us to a higher calling of walking in love. Love is sharing. Love distinguishes us as Christians. Let us embrace this humble call to love and give accordingly. 

2 Corinthians 8:13-14  Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 



WHAT IS NEXT?

The Blessed Act of Giving - Part 2

In 2 Corinthians 8 verses 10 to 13,  Paul continues to encourage the Corinthian church to give, and makes it crystal clear that their giving should be a free will offering according to their financial strength.  It is worth noting that to Paul, whatever is given freely and eagerly towards God's Word and Kingdom is acceptable.

Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.  Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

As Christians we have to embrace the blessed act of giving,  for it is a means through which God blesses his other children and replenishes us. 

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your lap. For with the same measure that you measure it shall be measured to you again.

WHAT IS NEXT?

The Blessed Act of Giving - Part 1

The Word of God teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive- Acts 20:35. It is therefore not surprising that Paul dedicated a whole chapter to talk about giving- 2 Corinthians 8.

Paul testified of the generosity of the Church of Macedonia,  and also encouraged the church of Corinth to give bountifully to the work of God.

Of the Church in Macedonia,  Paul wrote - For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. (Verses 3 and 4 )

Then Paul urged the Corinthians to give unreservedly to God's work and people -  So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.  

Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.       (Verses 6 -8)

WHAT IS NEXT?

Honouring the Servant of God

We learn from the account of Saul that in the Jewish culture, it was deemed proper when you visited a man of God, to present a gift to him.

1 Samuel 9:6-8 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.”

Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”

The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”

The Bible also gives an account of the Shunammite woman who freely took care of the needs of Elisha.
2 Kings 4:8-10. The Word of God clearly states that she prepared a place for Elisha because she acknowledged his calling as a man of God.

And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holyman of God who is continually passing our way. 

Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”

There is virtually nothing wrong with honouring a man of God, or a servant of God, or anyone who works for God. It should be something that is freely and willingly given.

On her own accord, the sinful woman poured an alabaster jar full of expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. She was not coerced to do so, she did it voluntarily.

There is nothing wrong with giving to a minister of the Gospel, or blessing those who serve in God's house. You must not be coaxed, coerced or cajoled to do so, rather, it must be a free will offering given on your own accord to show gratitude and to advance the work of God as well as to enhance the spread of the Gospel. 


WHAT IS NEXT?

The Free Gift of Healing

As Christians we must be aware of our inheritance in Christ. For example, through what Jesus did for us on the cross we can be healed (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5). 

We can freely receive God's divine healing/health, as this is part of our salvation package. We must not be deceived by people who try to take money from us, promising us healing and/or deliverance. The very things that Jesus has freely given to us through His death.

When the lame man begged Peter and John for alms, they had no money to offer him, but gave him what money could not buy.

Acts 3:6 -7 But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk. 

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.

Through the death of Jesus on the cross,  the lame man could freely receive his healing. You can also be healed for free in, and through the name of Jesus. Note that Peter did not ask the lame man for money before praying for him.

He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2 : 24


WHAT IS NEXT?