Psalms 103:2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-
The heart of praise proceeds from a place of remembrance. Remembering the goodness and the kindness of the Lord. The psalmist does not however exhort his soul to remember but to not forget. We are more often than not likely to forget the benefits and the blessings of the Lord. Whether its out of abundance or lack, somehow we forget the source of our supply and become either ungrateful or complaining. May we forget not his benefits that our souls may praise His name.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Psalms 103:1 Of David. Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name....
The Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Before anything else; before the confession of sins, before the submission of our supplications, before the casting out of demons, the heart ought to pause in the view of the awesome majesty of the glory of God and offer praise. To be simply silent in His majesty and be awed. Let our praise be sincere. Let our affections be heart affections and not merely mind-affections. Let our mouths be silenced by the grandeur and splendor of God's glory. Praise the Lord indeed O my soul.
Monday, July 25, 2011
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalms 23:5
The table of the circumstances you find yourself in are not unknown to the Lord. The emphasis is YOU. The Lord has brought you this far and He is fully aware of the circumstances that you find yourself in. Your Father hears, your Father sees and your Father knows where exactly in the wilderness on the journey to Canaan you are.
Psalms 23:5
The table of the circumstances you find yourself in are not unknown to the Lord. The emphasis is YOU. The Lord has brought you this far and He is fully aware of the circumstances that you find yourself in. Your Father hears, your Father sees and your Father knows where exactly in the wilderness on the journey to Canaan you are.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Why does God allow suffering?
Sin
Sin’s consequences are separation from the goodness of God. This is usually exhibited by suffering. Hebrews 12:17 speaks of the ordeal of Esau after he exchanged his birthright for a morsel of bread. It says, “Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. These tears from Esau came after the realization that what he had taken for granted was beyond recovery. The misery that he endured for the sin of compromise was great.
The agony of being apart from God is great. Sin will cause great suffering until repented. It was not for naught the Judas had to hang himself after betraying his Master. David cries in Psalms 32:12 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Sin
Sin’s consequences are separation from the goodness of God. This is usually exhibited by suffering. Hebrews 12:17 speaks of the ordeal of Esau after he exchanged his birthright for a morsel of bread. It says, “Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. These tears from Esau came after the realization that what he had taken for granted was beyond recovery. The misery that he endured for the sin of compromise was great.
The agony of being apart from God is great. Sin will cause great suffering until repented. It was not for naught the Judas had to hang himself after betraying his Master. David cries in Psalms 32:12 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Why does God allow suffering?
Sovereign Purpose
God is the creator (Elohim) and we are the creatures. He is then at will to do anything He wants with us and through us. This means then that there are moments that we will not fully understand the reasons for His allowing sufferings to fall on believers apart from that He does what He knows is righteous. Deuteronomy 29:29 states The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
When Job went through great suffering, his friends assumed that they knew the mind of the Almighty by declaring that Job had sinned and that God was punishing him for his sins. Job on the other hand went on the defensive and justified himself to be guiltless to the point of declaring God unjust for punishing a righteous man. When confronted by God about his accusations, Job realized himself to be a fool and God’ wisdom too high for him. He observes in Job 42:3, Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
There are times suffering can not be explained away. It is in the infinite wisdom of God. And as the singer said when we get to heaven, we shall understand it by and by.
Sovereign Purpose
God is the creator (Elohim) and we are the creatures. He is then at will to do anything He wants with us and through us. This means then that there are moments that we will not fully understand the reasons for His allowing sufferings to fall on believers apart from that He does what He knows is righteous. Deuteronomy 29:29 states The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
When Job went through great suffering, his friends assumed that they knew the mind of the Almighty by declaring that Job had sinned and that God was punishing him for his sins. Job on the other hand went on the defensive and justified himself to be guiltless to the point of declaring God unjust for punishing a righteous man. When confronted by God about his accusations, Job realized himself to be a fool and God’ wisdom too high for him. He observes in Job 42:3, Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
There are times suffering can not be explained away. It is in the infinite wisdom of God. And as the singer said when we get to heaven, we shall understand it by and by.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Why does God allow suffering?
Obedience Lesson
In the military, the training requires tough exercises and grueling tasks. These demanding trials and punishing duties are not just meant to prepare the body for the battlefield. One general explained that they are supposed to drive the soldier to a point of breaking down mentally. The military will use these taxing and often monotonous rigors to ‘deconstruct the soldier before they reconstruct him. When the soldier is completely broken down and built back up, only then can the military be sure that the soldier will follow orders without question.
Hebrews 5:8-10 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Christ learnt obedience through suffering. To learn obedience the Spirit of God allows us to go through deconstruction in the wilderness of suffering that we may stand ready to follow orders when we get to the battlefield – many souls depend on our obedience.
Obedience Lesson
In the military, the training requires tough exercises and grueling tasks. These demanding trials and punishing duties are not just meant to prepare the body for the battlefield. One general explained that they are supposed to drive the soldier to a point of breaking down mentally. The military will use these taxing and often monotonous rigors to ‘deconstruct the soldier before they reconstruct him. When the soldier is completely broken down and built back up, only then can the military be sure that the soldier will follow orders without question.
Hebrews 5:8-10 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Christ learnt obedience through suffering. To learn obedience the Spirit of God allows us to go through deconstruction in the wilderness of suffering that we may stand ready to follow orders when we get to the battlefield – many souls depend on our obedience.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
UNDERSTANDING SUFFERING
Why does God allow suffering?
Character/maturity
In Romans 5:1-5, the bible records, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Ultimately God is more interested in making the messenger fit for the message. This is because to God, the messenger is very much part of the message. Through suffering then, He forges the character of His servant. Men who have not been through suffering are very much likely to give up in the face of trials. They have no hope. But to those whom has allowed to pass through the fire, the trials only serve to expose their perseverance and the waters of hope come bursting forth in the midst of the wilderness.
Why does God allow suffering?
Character/maturity
In Romans 5:1-5, the bible records, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Ultimately God is more interested in making the messenger fit for the message. This is because to God, the messenger is very much part of the message. Through suffering then, He forges the character of His servant. Men who have not been through suffering are very much likely to give up in the face of trials. They have no hope. But to those whom has allowed to pass through the fire, the trials only serve to expose their perseverance and the waters of hope come bursting forth in the midst of the wilderness.
Friday, April 8, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
How do we defend it? We must be eternally vigilant. The Bible warns us to watch and pray. It is by prayer that we discover the inheritance falling to us and it is by prayer we guard it. However, whatsoever we do not gain by our own strength we cannot sustain it by effort. To this end therefore it is not the amount or effort put into prayer it is the heart of said prayer. It is not the multitude of words, it is the simple trust in God and His power to keep that which we entrust to Him to the end. Oh! For the sweetness of surrender. Oh! For the prayer of the man who acknowledges that they can not on their own. Oh! For the grace to lean on Him. Today do not put your faith in your prayer; let your prayer be the expression of your faith in God. Do not worry about the content of prayer. Consider the power of your God. “…for I know whom I have believed, I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.(2nd Timothy1:12)
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
How do we defend it? We must be eternally vigilant. The Bible warns us to watch and pray. It is by prayer that we discover the inheritance falling to us and it is by prayer we guard it. However, whatsoever we do not gain by our own strength we cannot sustain it by effort. To this end therefore it is not the amount or effort put into prayer it is the heart of said prayer. It is not the multitude of words, it is the simple trust in God and His power to keep that which we entrust to Him to the end. Oh! For the sweetness of surrender. Oh! For the prayer of the man who acknowledges that they can not on their own. Oh! For the grace to lean on Him. Today do not put your faith in your prayer; let your prayer be the expression of your faith in God. Do not worry about the content of prayer. Consider the power of your God. “…for I know whom I have believed, I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.(2nd Timothy1:12)
Friday, April 1, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
How do we recognize our inheritance? Paul says, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, and the riches and the glory of your inheritance together with the saints. Thus the first thing we must do is pray that God may reveal what we own and who we are. That we may realize like Paul; the power of resurrection. Today ask God to open your eyes and be on the look out for a miracle. Tell Him you want to see that which belongs to you as an inheritance. The other way and probably the most critical is maturing in Christ. As long as the son is a child the inheritance remains in the custody of the servants. Our inheritance is therefore not being hidden from us, to the contrary it is hidden for us. Unless we mature spiritually, we cannot be allowed to the inheritance. Today feed on the word of God and seek the face of God that you mature. The more you read the word, you will realize it is like a scavenger hunt. You will find gems of wealth stored especially for you. It will help you grow and also in it you will find your inheritance.
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
How do we recognize our inheritance? Paul says, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, and the riches and the glory of your inheritance together with the saints. Thus the first thing we must do is pray that God may reveal what we own and who we are. That we may realize like Paul; the power of resurrection. Today ask God to open your eyes and be on the look out for a miracle. Tell Him you want to see that which belongs to you as an inheritance. The other way and probably the most critical is maturing in Christ. As long as the son is a child the inheritance remains in the custody of the servants. Our inheritance is therefore not being hidden from us, to the contrary it is hidden for us. Unless we mature spiritually, we cannot be allowed to the inheritance. Today feed on the word of God and seek the face of God that you mature. The more you read the word, you will realize it is like a scavenger hunt. You will find gems of wealth stored especially for you. It will help you grow and also in it you will find your inheritance.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
What’s at stake? If it was just a piece of land there would be no reason to say NO! But Naboth realized and I pray the Holy Spirit helps us realize too that what we have received can not be exchanged for gold or silver. It is invaluable. We live in a generation where grace is used as a cloak to cover filth. It must be of us the apostle said, “For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men who change the grace of our God as a license to immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:4) The church simply does not understand the gravity of sin. Any time we sin we immediately block God’s purpose over our lives. That’s why Joshua’s army was defeated by a smaller and way inferior nation of Ai because of the sin of Achan. Sin also releases open the latches to the doors that were keeping the Devil out of our lives. As soon as we fall into sin we once again hand the devil the opportunity to invade our lives. We willingly abandon our city of refuge. It also gives the enemy power to blaspheme God. He mocks God’s power not just to save from the penalty of sin but also from the its power. The Devil gains a license to blaspheme against heaven when we willingly dip ourselves in garbage. Therefore what’s at stake here is not just your shame and guilt; it has far more spiritual repercussions that we will only find out when we get to heaven. “ Little Children I am writing to you these things so that you may not sin…”(1st John 2:1)
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
What’s at stake? If it was just a piece of land there would be no reason to say NO! But Naboth realized and I pray the Holy Spirit helps us realize too that what we have received can not be exchanged for gold or silver. It is invaluable. We live in a generation where grace is used as a cloak to cover filth. It must be of us the apostle said, “For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men who change the grace of our God as a license to immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:4) The church simply does not understand the gravity of sin. Any time we sin we immediately block God’s purpose over our lives. That’s why Joshua’s army was defeated by a smaller and way inferior nation of Ai because of the sin of Achan. Sin also releases open the latches to the doors that were keeping the Devil out of our lives. As soon as we fall into sin we once again hand the devil the opportunity to invade our lives. We willingly abandon our city of refuge. It also gives the enemy power to blaspheme God. He mocks God’s power not just to save from the penalty of sin but also from the its power. The Devil gains a license to blaspheme against heaven when we willingly dip ourselves in garbage. Therefore what’s at stake here is not just your shame and guilt; it has far more spiritual repercussions that we will only find out when we get to heaven. “ Little Children I am writing to you these things so that you may not sin…”(1st John 2:1)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Whose vineyard is it? The vineyard is a right for every Christian. It is not a privilege of the chosen few. It is not a luxury for the good mannered; it is for all those who believe. The Bible says “But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in Him.” Clearly that includes the brightest of Gods stars and the dimmest of lights. The greatest warriors like Elijah who breathe fire and the humblest of servants like Apostle John the beloved whose greatest sermon was :- Love one another for God is love. It is a tragedy that so many a Christian linger in prayer daily asking for the wrong thing. Many Christians seek more faith. Yet when Jesus was asked of this by the disciples He gently rebuked them and told them that it is not the size of the faith that matters it is the might of the Lord. Our faith no matter how big can accomplish nothing unless it is connected to the throne of God. Therefore Jesus said to them that even though your faith were as small as a mustard seed it could move mountains. Today, seek some mountains to move. Not only in your life, but also in other people’s lives. Yes, with power comes responsibility. Get moving!!!
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Whose vineyard is it? The vineyard is a right for every Christian. It is not a privilege of the chosen few. It is not a luxury for the good mannered; it is for all those who believe. The Bible says “But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in Him.” Clearly that includes the brightest of Gods stars and the dimmest of lights. The greatest warriors like Elijah who breathe fire and the humblest of servants like Apostle John the beloved whose greatest sermon was :- Love one another for God is love. It is a tragedy that so many a Christian linger in prayer daily asking for the wrong thing. Many Christians seek more faith. Yet when Jesus was asked of this by the disciples He gently rebuked them and told them that it is not the size of the faith that matters it is the might of the Lord. Our faith no matter how big can accomplish nothing unless it is connected to the throne of God. Therefore Jesus said to them that even though your faith were as small as a mustard seed it could move mountains. Today, seek some mountains to move. Not only in your life, but also in other people’s lives. Yes, with power comes responsibility. Get moving!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
What’s the vineyard? Salvation is also referred to as being born again. We willingly abandon our original family of the fallen man and join the family of God. The vineyard represents therefore our rightful inheritance in Jesus Christ that we gain as a result of our new birth. We do not achieve the vineyard, we do not work to gain the vineyard rather we receive it freely as a right from God. Religion does not help us gain inheritance, being good is not an enough price for this inheritance, it must be given and therefore all that is asked is that we receive. It is the promises of God to us, it is eternal life, it is healing of our bodies, it is the prosperity of our souls, it is divine providence, it is peace; the perfect peace for those whose hearts are stayed on the LORD.(Isaiah 26:3) Have you unwrapped your inheritance? Are you enjoying your rights?
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
What’s the vineyard? Salvation is also referred to as being born again. We willingly abandon our original family of the fallen man and join the family of God. The vineyard represents therefore our rightful inheritance in Jesus Christ that we gain as a result of our new birth. We do not achieve the vineyard, we do not work to gain the vineyard rather we receive it freely as a right from God. Religion does not help us gain inheritance, being good is not an enough price for this inheritance, it must be given and therefore all that is asked is that we receive. It is the promises of God to us, it is eternal life, it is healing of our bodies, it is the prosperity of our souls, it is divine providence, it is peace; the perfect peace for those whose hearts are stayed on the LORD.(Isaiah 26:3) Have you unwrapped your inheritance? Are you enjoying your rights?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Who’s Naboth?
Naboth represents a child of God who understands that salvation is a gift of God and not a wage for any good works. He represents men and women who walk around leading seemingly normal lives but in them they have received a heritage like no other which they would not exchange for anything in the world. When we get saved, God does not take us from the world. He allows us to live and even thrive in the world sometimes near the palaces of absolute evil. He uses the way we live as a weapon to bring conviction to an evil world. Is your life a letter that can be read. Does your quiet life embody a fierce determination to live right in a world full of evil. Are you God’s Naboth?
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Who’s Naboth?
Naboth represents a child of God who understands that salvation is a gift of God and not a wage for any good works. He represents men and women who walk around leading seemingly normal lives but in them they have received a heritage like no other which they would not exchange for anything in the world. When we get saved, God does not take us from the world. He allows us to live and even thrive in the world sometimes near the palaces of absolute evil. He uses the way we live as a weapon to bring conviction to an evil world. Is your life a letter that can be read. Does your quiet life embody a fierce determination to live right in a world full of evil. Are you God’s Naboth?
Monday, March 21, 2011
AND NABOTH SAID TO AHAB, “THE LORD FORBID IT ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS TO THEE”
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Who’s Ahab?
Ahab was an evil king who God had setup to restore righteousness in Israel but he ended up being the cause of ungodliness to the nation. The bible records that he was evil than all the kings before him both in Judah and in Israel. Ahab therefore is a representative of evil. He represents the three sources of evil in the way of a Christian. The greatest is flesh, then the world and finally the devil. The flesh traps us through our own desires, tempting us to rebel against God through lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life. The world tempts us mainly through keeping us busy with its schedules and forgetting that we are passersby and foreigners in this world. It pre-occupies our lives with the worries, the cares and the pleasures found in it. It lures us into operating by its mediocre rules and therefore abandoning our supernatural heritage. It makes us ashamed of being different and traps us into conforming to it. The devil's main battleground is the mind. He basically throws thoughts to us that are contrary to the nature of God and always rebellious to Him. WE ARE SORROUNDED BY AHAB!!!
1 KINGS 21:8
King AHAB was the ruler of Israel and He desired Naboth’s vineyard seeing that it was close to the palace. Naboth however refused to give it up even at the cost of his own life.
Who’s Ahab?
Ahab was an evil king who God had setup to restore righteousness in Israel but he ended up being the cause of ungodliness to the nation. The bible records that he was evil than all the kings before him both in Judah and in Israel. Ahab therefore is a representative of evil. He represents the three sources of evil in the way of a Christian. The greatest is flesh, then the world and finally the devil. The flesh traps us through our own desires, tempting us to rebel against God through lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life. The world tempts us mainly through keeping us busy with its schedules and forgetting that we are passersby and foreigners in this world. It pre-occupies our lives with the worries, the cares and the pleasures found in it. It lures us into operating by its mediocre rules and therefore abandoning our supernatural heritage. It makes us ashamed of being different and traps us into conforming to it. The devil's main battleground is the mind. He basically throws thoughts to us that are contrary to the nature of God and always rebellious to Him. WE ARE SORROUNDED BY AHAB!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
JONAH'S PRAYER
Jonah 2:4 - I said, “I have been banished from your sight yet I will look again toward your holy temple
This is the essence of prayer, any prayer- persistence. Jonah counts on the compassion of God that even though he has been banished from the presence of the Lord, he will yet look to Him. What persistence? What confidence in the unchanging mercies of God? There is hope in no other, there is help in no other except in the Lord’s temple.
A lot of times we have felt the need to give up, many a times we have been at the edge of despair, but the word of God tells us that those who persist receive. In fact persistence is a sign of strong faith. It is the belief that God will make good on His promises.
Jonah 2:4 - I said, “I have been banished from your sight yet I will look again toward your holy temple
This is the essence of prayer, any prayer- persistence. Jonah counts on the compassion of God that even though he has been banished from the presence of the Lord, he will yet look to Him. What persistence? What confidence in the unchanging mercies of God? There is hope in no other, there is help in no other except in the Lord’s temple.
A lot of times we have felt the need to give up, many a times we have been at the edge of despair, but the word of God tells us that those who persist receive. In fact persistence is a sign of strong faith. It is the belief that God will make good on His promises.
JONAH'S PRAYER
Jonah 2:3 - For you had cast me into the deep. Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All your breakers and billows passed over me.
Aha! Jonah’ s predicament was no accident, as a matter of fact nothing in this world ever is. He does not try to justify himself. He does not blame fate. Every thing that we face has been through the hands of the father and He does not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Jonah knows that his current situation has not happened but by the and of God.
Jonah 2:3 - For you had cast me into the deep. Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All your breakers and billows passed over me.
Aha! Jonah’ s predicament was no accident, as a matter of fact nothing in this world ever is. He does not try to justify himself. He does not blame fate. Every thing that we face has been through the hands of the father and He does not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Jonah knows that his current situation has not happened but by the and of God.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
JONAH'S PRAYER
This is a prayer made in desperation and in the belly of a fish. After refusing to go to his assignment, Jonah was thrown into the sea where God had prepared a whale that swallowed and in there ensues this cry to God.
Jonah 2:2 - I called out of distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depths of Sheol, You heard my voice.
Jonah acknowledges his present condition, but it only serves to highlight the strength of God. He is sure that even in the grave (Sheol), the Lord would hear his voice. Faith is not denying reality, it is accepting that all reality is subject to the word of God. It is the knowledge that there is the report of sight and the report of faith and allowing faith to conquer sight. Faith knows no boundaries, no height or distance. Faith hopes against hope. May your faith rise above waht your eyes can see and the reports of men.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Devotion
CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER UNLESS THEY ARE AGREED? (AMOS 3:3)
God speaking to the Israelites poses this question. The Israelites whom He loved had a contradiction with Him. They differed on their loyalty to God, their treatment of their neighbors and their obedience to His word.
Today, however, we focus on a more sublime message in the passage -that God wants to walk with men. He who is the creator of heavens and the Earth together with all that is in it desires to walk with you as one walks with a friend. The Lord is not interested in influencing the heart as He does the forces of nature; rather, He wishes for a covenant, an agreement with you. He condescends Himself and binds Himself whereby the only relationship that can work between Him and man is one of love.
He awaits your response to His advances of love. Will you accept to walk with him as Abraham and Enoch did? Be in agreement with Him.
CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER UNLESS THEY ARE AGREED? (AMOS 3:3)
God speaking to the Israelites poses this question. The Israelites whom He loved had a contradiction with Him. They differed on their loyalty to God, their treatment of their neighbors and their obedience to His word.
Today, however, we focus on a more sublime message in the passage -that God wants to walk with men. He who is the creator of heavens and the Earth together with all that is in it desires to walk with you as one walks with a friend. The Lord is not interested in influencing the heart as He does the forces of nature; rather, He wishes for a covenant, an agreement with you. He condescends Himself and binds Himself whereby the only relationship that can work between Him and man is one of love.
He awaits your response to His advances of love. Will you accept to walk with him as Abraham and Enoch did? Be in agreement with Him.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
DAILY DEVOTION
But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. (John 2:24,25)
Jesus, the creator of all men, was not bothered by the opinion of men. He had no need of man's testimony. He was secure in only having the testimony of heaven. He knew that the heart of man is flawed in its judgment and its testimony is unreliable.
Man judges according to the flesh; either according to the emotions elicited, the experience of the past, human knowledge, or risk and rewards. This then makes the testimony of man as reliable as the direction of the wind.
Our lesson is that we should seek neither the approval nor the testimony of man. The only one who can judge righteously and truly is God. To Him should we be satisfied to commend our lives and indeed the final say over our lives. Our performance is for and audience of ONE.
But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. (John 2:24,25)
Jesus, the creator of all men, was not bothered by the opinion of men. He had no need of man's testimony. He was secure in only having the testimony of heaven. He knew that the heart of man is flawed in its judgment and its testimony is unreliable.
Man judges according to the flesh; either according to the emotions elicited, the experience of the past, human knowledge, or risk and rewards. This then makes the testimony of man as reliable as the direction of the wind.
Our lesson is that we should seek neither the approval nor the testimony of man. The only one who can judge righteously and truly is God. To Him should we be satisfied to commend our lives and indeed the final say over our lives. Our performance is for and audience of ONE.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
WHAT A VALENTINE?
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said,
I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed
the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I
was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and
shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She
was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage.
But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to
Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she
could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten
years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted
time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved
Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had
expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of
divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer
now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the
table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast
because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so
I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything
from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in
that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her
reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want
to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how
I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our
bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to
make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought
it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce,
she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was
explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both
appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms.
His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then
to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes
and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling
somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I
could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this
woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There
were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its
toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning.
This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing
again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month
slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but
could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown
bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why
I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart.
Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him,
seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his
life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I
turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last
minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the
sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally.
I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my
arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly
and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I
was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane
opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce
anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever?
She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My
marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of
our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that
since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her
until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the
door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The
salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you
out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up
stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even
notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the
whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the
divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is
not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an
environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So
find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other
that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to
success when they gave up and for those of us not married, we can learn the art of sticking together with your relationship partner despite the odds. You are both stronger than the odds only when you agree.
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined
together, let not man separate.
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said,
I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed
the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I
was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and
shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She
was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage.
But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to
Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she
could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten
years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted
time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved
Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had
expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of
divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer
now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the
table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast
because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so
I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything
from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in
that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her
reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want
to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how
I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our
bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to
make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought
it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce,
she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was
explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both
appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms.
His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then
to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes
and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling
somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I
could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this
woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There
were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its
toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning.
This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing
again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month
slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but
could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown
bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why
I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart.
Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him,
seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his
life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I
turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last
minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the
sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally.
I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my
arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly
and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I
was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane
opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce
anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever?
She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My
marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of
our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that
since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her
until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the
door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The
salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you
out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up
stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even
notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the
whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the
divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is
not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an
environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So
find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other
that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to
success when they gave up and for those of us not married, we can learn the art of sticking together with your relationship partner despite the odds. You are both stronger than the odds only when you agree.
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined
together, let not man separate.
This is a prayer made in desperation and in the belly of a fish. After refusing to go to his assignment, Jonah was thrown into the sea where God had prepared a whale that swallowed and in there, ensues this cry to God.
Jonah 2:2 - I called out of distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depths of Sheol, You heard my voice.
Jonah acknowledges his present condition, but it only serves to highlight the strength of God. He is sure that even in the grave (Sheol), the Lord would hear his voice. Faith is not denying reality, it is accepting that all reality is subject to the word of God. It is the knowledge that there is the report of sight and the report of faith and allowing faith to conquer sight. Faith knows no boundaries, no height or distance. Faith hopes against hope.
Jonah 2:2 - I called out of distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depths of Sheol, You heard my voice.
Jonah acknowledges his present condition, but it only serves to highlight the strength of God. He is sure that even in the grave (Sheol), the Lord would hear his voice. Faith is not denying reality, it is accepting that all reality is subject to the word of God. It is the knowledge that there is the report of sight and the report of faith and allowing faith to conquer sight. Faith knows no boundaries, no height or distance. Faith hopes against hope.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
DAILY DEVOTION
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.( Hebrews 11:6)
It is important for those who approach the throne of God to pause and acknowledge that God is. Most of the time we are in such a hurry to accomplish the religious duty of prayer that we never recognise who it is we are speaking to. Most of us have an imagination of a cloud, or the crucifix hanging on our wall or the image of a really old man high in the sky.
To approach God as God, the soul must rest in the fact that God is not who we think He is. Even our most generous imaginations are still way short of His glory and splendour. Therefore we ought to worship Him not as we think Him to be but as He knows Himself to be. We must believe that GOD IS ! That God exists.
To pause before prayer and acknowledge the one before whom we stand, will even rearrange our prayers; from requests and needs to worship. We see our smallness and His greatness. Our faith grows and we receive peace.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.( Hebrews 11:6)
It is important for those who approach the throne of God to pause and acknowledge that God is. Most of the time we are in such a hurry to accomplish the religious duty of prayer that we never recognise who it is we are speaking to. Most of us have an imagination of a cloud, or the crucifix hanging on our wall or the image of a really old man high in the sky.
To approach God as God, the soul must rest in the fact that God is not who we think He is. Even our most generous imaginations are still way short of His glory and splendour. Therefore we ought to worship Him not as we think Him to be but as He knows Himself to be. We must believe that GOD IS ! That God exists.
To pause before prayer and acknowledge the one before whom we stand, will even rearrange our prayers; from requests and needs to worship. We see our smallness and His greatness. Our faith grows and we receive peace.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
John 1:4 In Him was life and that life was the light of men.
God preaches to men by making the man the message. He fill the messenger with life and that life becomes the light to others. For the carrying out of the perfect will of God, there can be no distinction between the man and the message; the man IS the message. Of John the baptist, the bible declares, " there came a man sent from God".
God is more interested in the vessels than the anointing. The world is not in need of better preaching, just better preachers. Witness that produces holiness is one that comes from holy vessels. The light of this world is the life of Christ in us. The cry of our hearts should be God make us consecrated vessels, the life is already there.
John 1:4 In Him was life and that life was the light of men.
God preaches to men by making the man the message. He fill the messenger with life and that life becomes the light to others. For the carrying out of the perfect will of God, there can be no distinction between the man and the message; the man IS the message. Of John the baptist, the bible declares, " there came a man sent from God".
God is more interested in the vessels than the anointing. The world is not in need of better preaching, just better preachers. Witness that produces holiness is one that comes from holy vessels. The light of this world is the life of Christ in us. The cry of our hearts should be God make us consecrated vessels, the life is already there.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
He was with God in the beginning.(John 1:2)
Jesus' identity was-He was with God. How blessed it would be if when people speak of us the first thing they acknowledge is our fellowship with God? The identity of a believer is in God. It is not what people say about us, it is not what the environment dictates, it is not what we think of ourselves, but we should identify ourselves as being found in Christ and in God.
The power of Jesus Christ was in the fellowship with the Father. He walked this earth without ever drawing from His divine capacity. He was effective because He was 'with God'. For us to be able representatives of the kingdom of heaven, we must pursue and guard diligently our personal fellowship with God.
He was with God in the beginning.(John 1:2)
Jesus' identity was-He was with God. How blessed it would be if when people speak of us the first thing they acknowledge is our fellowship with God? The identity of a believer is in God. It is not what people say about us, it is not what the environment dictates, it is not what we think of ourselves, but we should identify ourselves as being found in Christ and in God.
The power of Jesus Christ was in the fellowship with the Father. He walked this earth without ever drawing from His divine capacity. He was effective because He was 'with God'. For us to be able representatives of the kingdom of heaven, we must pursue and guard diligently our personal fellowship with God.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
DAILY DEVOTION
(John 1:1)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word is Jesus Christ. He existed and was with God from the beginning. In this we learn the progress of becoming like Him. Being, being with and finally becoming. First we are believers, then we are with God in constant fellowship and then ultimately it can be said that Christ is perfected in us.
Precious time spent in God's presence shapes our hearts to be like the heart of God. No man becomes like the master by wishing. It entails spending time in sweet fellowship where our hearts and His begin to beat as one. Jesus becoming God is presented as a progression born out of fellowship. while we can not fully understand the mystery of the holy trinity, we are allowed to see the unity and fellowship.
The reason for salvation is not to go to heaven, it is to become. To be like Christ.
(John 1:1)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word is Jesus Christ. He existed and was with God from the beginning. In this we learn the progress of becoming like Him. Being, being with and finally becoming. First we are believers, then we are with God in constant fellowship and then ultimately it can be said that Christ is perfected in us.
Precious time spent in God's presence shapes our hearts to be like the heart of God. No man becomes like the master by wishing. It entails spending time in sweet fellowship where our hearts and His begin to beat as one. Jesus becoming God is presented as a progression born out of fellowship. while we can not fully understand the mystery of the holy trinity, we are allowed to see the unity and fellowship.
The reason for salvation is not to go to heaven, it is to become. To be like Christ.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
PRAYER
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.(Romans8:26-27)
The need for the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, especially the prayer life cannot be overstated. As we approach the throne of God, we know not, how to approach, we know not the will of God, but the Holy Spirit does. It is therefore imperative that as we bow to pray to honor the Holy Spirit and ask for His help in prayer.
He alone knows the mind and the will of God and His role is to take those things that be of Christ and make them known to us. In humility let's ask for revelation and guidance in our prayers.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.(Romans8:26-27)
The need for the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, especially the prayer life cannot be overstated. As we approach the throne of God, we know not, how to approach, we know not the will of God, but the Holy Spirit does. It is therefore imperative that as we bow to pray to honor the Holy Spirit and ask for His help in prayer.
He alone knows the mind and the will of God and His role is to take those things that be of Christ and make them known to us. In humility let's ask for revelation and guidance in our prayers.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
PRAYER
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.( James 5:17)
In time, God makes power available to obedience. One of the greatest and oft repeated commands of our Lord is, ‘that men ought to pray without fainting’. As Elijah prayed when he faced Ahab and Jezebel, may we pray without fainting. This fainting does not mean we will not feel tired; but rather that we shall not succumb to it. It means that we shall struggle through the night with Jacob the mighty prince of intercession that we shall stand with Daniel as he calls heaven for his people.
It is important that we approach prayer as work. In fact the greatest work entrusted to the church. Just as we clock in to our jobs whether we feel like it or not, so must we approach intercessory prayer. There must be a resolve that I will not leave the feet of the throne until I receive the blessing of the one who hears me.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.( James 5:17)
In time, God makes power available to obedience. One of the greatest and oft repeated commands of our Lord is, ‘that men ought to pray without fainting’. As Elijah prayed when he faced Ahab and Jezebel, may we pray without fainting. This fainting does not mean we will not feel tired; but rather that we shall not succumb to it. It means that we shall struggle through the night with Jacob the mighty prince of intercession that we shall stand with Daniel as he calls heaven for his people.
It is important that we approach prayer as work. In fact the greatest work entrusted to the church. Just as we clock in to our jobs whether we feel like it or not, so must we approach intercessory prayer. There must be a resolve that I will not leave the feet of the throne until I receive the blessing of the one who hears me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
SEEKING GOD
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jer. 33:3
This is a promise of a Father to His children. It is a loving declaration that those who seek the Lord do not do so in vain. The business of prayer is one which is carried out in absolute trust and commitment by heaven.
Brethren, let us not faint in calling the Lord. Let us approach His throne boldly and cash in the promissory note He has given us. He has said He will hear and answer us. This is the word of a gentleman, we can rest assured that He will not fail.
Let the bold souls not relent in their pursuit of God, let them not be discouraged in the noble task of calling heaven on Earth. Let them push forward until the Glory of the Almighty one be established on Earth.
Pray, pray, brethren let us commit ourselves to prayer; much prayer.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jer. 33:3
This is a promise of a Father to His children. It is a loving declaration that those who seek the Lord do not do so in vain. The business of prayer is one which is carried out in absolute trust and commitment by heaven.
Brethren, let us not faint in calling the Lord. Let us approach His throne boldly and cash in the promissory note He has given us. He has said He will hear and answer us. This is the word of a gentleman, we can rest assured that He will not fail.
Let the bold souls not relent in their pursuit of God, let them not be discouraged in the noble task of calling heaven on Earth. Let them push forward until the Glory of the Almighty one be established on Earth.
Pray, pray, brethren let us commit ourselves to prayer; much prayer.
Monday, January 10, 2011
PRAYER
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
Prayer is not a matter of feeling whether God is hearing you or not. It is not dependent on our mood, it stands on the promise of God by faith. He has promised that when we draw near to Him He will draw near to us. Instead of checking our feelings, may we thank Him when we approach Him in prayer because He has already promised to be there listening and to answer us. When we approach the throne of Grace by faith, emotions will follow suit.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
Prayer is not a matter of feeling whether God is hearing you or not. It is not dependent on our mood, it stands on the promise of God by faith. He has promised that when we draw near to Him He will draw near to us. Instead of checking our feelings, may we thank Him when we approach Him in prayer because He has already promised to be there listening and to answer us. When we approach the throne of Grace by faith, emotions will follow suit.
Friday, January 7, 2011
PRAYER & FASTING
As we repent of our sins, it is important to know that God does not condemn you. He does not see anything wrong with you. This is because He has dealt with sin and you are already dead to sin in Christ Jesus. God is not trying to fix you, He just wants you to realize your new nature and walk in it. The Holy Spirit's work is revelation. To those who receive revelation, they are empowered to claim their inheritance in God by faith. Once we realize that we are the righteousness of God, sin will not be a factor in our lives.(Romans 8:31)
As we repent of our sins, it is important to know that God does not condemn you. He does not see anything wrong with you. This is because He has dealt with sin and you are already dead to sin in Christ Jesus. God is not trying to fix you, He just wants you to realize your new nature and walk in it. The Holy Spirit's work is revelation. To those who receive revelation, they are empowered to claim their inheritance in God by faith. Once we realize that we are the righteousness of God, sin will not be a factor in our lives.(Romans 8:31)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
DYING TO THE FLESH
Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless.(Eccl.3:19)
Flesh is only able to live in the past or the future. It can neither understand nor appreciate the present. Because of this, the flesh can never carry out justice because it only works through experiences. The sense of yesterday's guilt and tomorrows apprehension leads to despair making the preacher say that there is no difference between man and animal. In the flesh the purpose of life is lost because eternity is hidden in the NOW.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end(Eccl3:10)
On the other hand, those who walk in the Spirit and are dead to the flesh are able to fully participate with God in the miracle of the present. This is because God is not worried about tomorrow and is not hindered or dictated by what happened yesterday. Dying to the flesh releases a soul to enjoy the adventure of walking with God!
Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless.(Eccl.3:19)
Flesh is only able to live in the past or the future. It can neither understand nor appreciate the present. Because of this, the flesh can never carry out justice because it only works through experiences. The sense of yesterday's guilt and tomorrows apprehension leads to despair making the preacher say that there is no difference between man and animal. In the flesh the purpose of life is lost because eternity is hidden in the NOW.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end(Eccl3:10)
On the other hand, those who walk in the Spirit and are dead to the flesh are able to fully participate with God in the miracle of the present. This is because God is not worried about tomorrow and is not hindered or dictated by what happened yesterday. Dying to the flesh releases a soul to enjoy the adventure of walking with God!
DYING TO THE FLESH
In Eccl. 2:18, The preacher examined determination in life and effort. He says,
I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me.
All the effort and self determination to be ahead and independent and self reliant, is vanity when it is not done in the view of eternity and as service to God.
In Eccl. 2:18, The preacher examined determination in life and effort. He says,
I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me.
All the effort and self determination to be ahead and independent and self reliant, is vanity when it is not done in the view of eternity and as service to God.
FASTING AND PRAYER
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (Psalms 66:18)
In our repentance, let there be no places forbidden to the eye of God's Spirit, let Him fully expose the dark corners of the heart so our prayers will be unhindered. If we have places and sins we would rather keep, our prayers will not be listened to. Let He who searches the mind of God and the hearts of men, examine us and cleanse us thoroughly.
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (Psalms 66:18)
In our repentance, let there be no places forbidden to the eye of God's Spirit, let Him fully expose the dark corners of the heart so our prayers will be unhindered. If we have places and sins we would rather keep, our prayers will not be listened to. Let He who searches the mind of God and the hearts of men, examine us and cleanse us thoroughly.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
FASTING AND PRAYER
consecration
As we begin the 21 day fast, let's begin by confessing and repenting our sins. Lets not be content with what we know about ourselves for the Bible says that our hearts are deceptive, let the Lord's Spirit Himself search us; and when sin is revealed, let us confess and repent it.
Psalms 24:3-5, Jeremiah 17:9, Lamentations 3:40, Psalms 26:2, Psalms 139:23, Psalms 51,Lamentations 2:19-22
consecration
As we begin the 21 day fast, let's begin by confessing and repenting our sins. Lets not be content with what we know about ourselves for the Bible says that our hearts are deceptive, let the Lord's Spirit Himself search us; and when sin is revealed, let us confess and repent it.
Psalms 24:3-5, Jeremiah 17:9, Lamentations 3:40, Psalms 26:2, Psalms 139:23, Psalms 51,Lamentations 2:19-22
DYING TO THE FLESH
In Chapter 2, Solomon indulges the emotions and fully explores the pleasures of the world. He says in vs.10 "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;I refused my heart no pleasure". But in the next vs. he declares, "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve,everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;nothing was gained under the sun."
After heaping onto himself pleasure, he found no real joy.In indulgence of the emotions and feelings there is nothingness. To explore pleasure and laughter, to amass to oneself the delights of the flesh is meaningless. There is no satisfaction found in them. True joy is only found by faith in the Son of God
In Chapter 2, Solomon indulges the emotions and fully explores the pleasures of the world. He says in vs.10 "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;I refused my heart no pleasure". But in the next vs. he declares, "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve,everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;nothing was gained under the sun."
After heaping onto himself pleasure, he found no real joy.In indulgence of the emotions and feelings there is nothingness. To explore pleasure and laughter, to amass to oneself the delights of the flesh is meaningless. There is no satisfaction found in them. True joy is only found by faith in the Son of God
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
DYING TO THE FLESH
The process of sanctification is really the death of the flesh and the crucifixion of self. Flesh is mainly the soulish part of man; mainly:- the will, the emotions and the mind. Nowhere in the bible is the flesh revealed in its glory as in the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon writes the book from the perspective of "under the sun". This makes man the center of the universe as opposed to God and this this is the hallmark character of the flesh -ME!
In Eccl.1, The teacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem tries to understand the purpose of life. He tries the mind and the experiences of life. He finds that there is nothing new under the sun. Its nothing but a dreary exercise in monotony. What is, already was! When he applied to know wisdom and gather understanding he became vexed and disillusioned.
The wisdom of man and the experiences of life in the flesh are vanity of vanities in trying to understand the purposes and the will of God.
The process of sanctification is really the death of the flesh and the crucifixion of self. Flesh is mainly the soulish part of man; mainly:- the will, the emotions and the mind. Nowhere in the bible is the flesh revealed in its glory as in the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon writes the book from the perspective of "under the sun". This makes man the center of the universe as opposed to God and this this is the hallmark character of the flesh -ME!
In Eccl.1, The teacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem tries to understand the purpose of life. He tries the mind and the experiences of life. He finds that there is nothing new under the sun. Its nothing but a dreary exercise in monotony. What is, already was! When he applied to know wisdom and gather understanding he became vexed and disillusioned.
The wisdom of man and the experiences of life in the flesh are vanity of vanities in trying to understand the purposes and the will of God.
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